Cherry County Commissioners Appoint Chair, Vice Chair for 2026

Story updated to include discussion regarding State Road Maintenance Yard.

The Cherry County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday January 13^th at the commissioners’ meeting room at the county courthouse. 

During the first meeting of 2026, commissioner McConoughey was elected board chair for 2026.  DeNaeyar was named vice chair.

The board discussed expired terms on the Planning and Zoning Board with Zoning Administrator Katie Ormesher.

Currently Duane Kime, Marla Shelbourn, and Bill Wachob’s terms have expired. Ms. Ormesher informed the board that she has talked to all three members, and they are willing to serve another term. The board voted to re-appoint Duane Kime, Marla Shelbourn, and Bill Wachob to an additional three-year term, to expire on January 11, 2029.

The board also discussed the letter received from the State of Nebraska regarding the offer to purchase the State Road Maintenance Yard. Foreman Osburn stated he looked into grants; however, the timeframe of applying and guarantee of grant money does not align with the January 31st timeline from the State of Nebraska for a letter of interest. The discussion of potentially housing other departments such as Emergency Management and Law Enforcement vehicles indicated that this would open more grant options. According to the discussion during the recent meeting, the current County Road District 1 buildings are reportedly in poor shape and need major repairs. It was a consensus of the board to reach out to the City of Valentine to discuss options of a potential interlocal agreement for the state yard, and the commissioners took no action during the meeting.