The Atchison County Commission met Thursday, August 18, 2022. Present were: Presiding Commissioner Curtis Livengood, North District Commissioner Jim Quimby, South District Commissioner Richard Burke, and Susette Taylor, Clerk of the Commission.

Presiding Commissioner Livengood called the meeting to order.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

Bills were reviewed and approved for payment.

The commission met with Mandy Whipple, Connections Counseling and Wellness, and Julie Livengood, Director of the Atchison County Health Department. They were excited to report that Celebrate Recovery is doing well and serving approximately 10-20 individuals a week. Participants are enjoying the material and growing in their recovery. Connection Counseling and Wellness is still exploring options of expanding into Rock Port for services in the future.

Grief support and anxiety/depression groups are meeting the second and fourth Thursday of the month. They reported that they just received brochures that will be placed throughout the community. They now have three part-time peer specialists that will be extremely valuable to the support groups.

They are looking forward to new groups starting which will include anger management for both children and adults, and parenting classes.

They are looking forward to connecting with school counselors this fall and pursuing additional grant opportunities.

Clerk Taylor presented a special offer from the National Association of Counties to enroll five Atchison County employees or elected officials in the NACO Leadership Academy. This commission agreed it would be a great investment in their workforce and approved the enrollment fee.

The commissioners, Clerk Taylor, and Deputy Deanna Beck participated in a Zoom call with Drew Fredrick, benefit specialist, who highlighted additional benefits that can be added to the county’s group Nationwide investment policy. Following the presentation, Drew agreed to forward the necessary documents to enroll in the new benefit options for the county.

Clerk Taylor presented a request from the Atchison County Library Board to appoint Jayne Martin to fill the unexpired term of Sharon Gaines. The commissioners voted to appoint Jayne Martin.

The commission then reviewed a newly drafted Atchison County Road Policy Manual in preparation of adopting.

There being no further business, the commission adjourned.