Gage County Hires New Emergency Management Coordinator

BEATRICE -  The Tourism Director for Gage County has been hired as the new Gage County Emergency Management Coordinator. Lisa Wiegand will fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Tim Stutzman.  The Gage County Board voted 6-1 today, to hire Wiegand at an annual salary of $42,000, plus benefits. Board members say the county had two high-caliber finalists for the position…Wiegand and Josh Niles, of Clatonia.  Board member Dennis Byars spoke in support of Wiegand. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/09/Wiegand-EM1.mp3"][/audio] :13                  “very strongly” Wiegand would attend certification training in October, for the position. County officials briefly discussed whether the position may take on zoning duties as well, although the board was specifically voting today, to fill the emergency management position.  Supervisor Erich Tiemann pointed out Wiegand was involved in planning and zoning, as a member and former chairperson of the county planning commission. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/09/Wiegand-EM2.mp3"][/audio] :27                  “needs help” Board member Matt Bauman supported Josh Niles as the candidate for the job, but acknowledged both were very qualified for the post. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/09/Wiegand-EM3.mp3"][/audio] :24                  “management position” Bauman says the difficult part of the choice between two good candidates is erasing the personalities and “dealing with what you see on paper”. Eight candidates were considered for the position, which may include zoning duties and possible weed control duties in the future.  Board member John Hill spoke highly of Wiegand. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/09/Wiegand-EM4.mp3"][/audio] :14                  “two good candidates” In addition to being  tourism director and a former county planning and zoning commission member, Wiegand has been a long-time officer with the Gage County Agricultural Society. Her exact start date as county emergency management coordinator, has not yet been determined.