By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors heard an update on possible removal of rumble strips at an intersection at their meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the service center in Vinton.

Supervisor Bruce Volz asked about the status rumble strips at the Van Horne/Highway 30 intersection. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said it was set up that once the lights are put up at the intersection, and a new stop sign with a flashing red light, then something is going to happen to the rumble strips. 

Engineer Myron Parizek said later in the meeting that rumble strips are a recommended safety measure for high-density accident intersections. The accident history from 2014-2023, there were 38 accidents and five were fatalities or with serious injuries. The recommendation then was to put rumble strips there.

Prior to that, there was the fatality that occurred from the south. Family members came to the supervisors at that time, who decided the intersection needed rumble strips and other intersections if needed. What was talked about late last year was if the county wanted to take those rumble strips out, or do something to minimize the noise, the county would do other measures recommended for that intersection. The measures include a flashing beacon on the stop sign. This would be a county purchase and installation. Destination lighting was recommended on the south side and are in the works for the north side. Officials also called for flashing “stop ahead” signs and updating pavement markings. 

Parizek explained South Dakota has a standard on “mumble” strips with grooves instead of strips. It is a possible option. 

Parizek pointed out they have a different intersection now than when the accident study was made. This was before it became four-lane. Supervisor Ron Tippett added that destination lighting will help.

Other business

Mona Onken of social services met with the supervisors to discuss retention pay for Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region. The board approved the plan.

Sheriff David Upah discussed employee status changes in the sheriff’s office. Scott Bahmann and Tyler Brandt were promoted to sergeants in the sheriff’s office. 

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between Benton County’s Sheriff’s Department and Chauffers, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union No. 238, regarding prescription drug coverage. 

Parizek presented purchase agreement(s) for permanent and temporary easements for bridge project on 54th St. in Cedar Township.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding with Foundation 2 utilizing the opioid funds. 

The board discussed leveling the sidewalks at the courthouse. This item will be placed on a later agenda. 

The meeting closed with a discussion on turbines, eminent domain and rural representation in the legislation.

Meeting video