On May 1st, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad declared a state of emergency, due to a rapidly expanding avian flu outbreak, saying the entire state was at risk from the spread of the disease. The announcement mean authorities have the power to enforce preventative measures against the spread of the outbreak, at least through the end of May. On Wednesday, the Cass County Board of Supervisors will discuss the declaration, and possibly act on passing a resolution, as a proactive/preventive approach to the potential civil emergency in Cass County.

In other business, the Board is expected to act on: Approving a Veterans Affairs Commissioner appointment for a three-year term, running from July 1st, 2015 through June 30th, 2018; and, on a Cass Township Trustee appointment to fill a vacancy term through 2016. They’ll also act on approving the contract and bond with A.M. Cohron for a bridge replacement project over Baughman Creek, northeast of Griswold.

During last week’s meeting, Amy Hook, co-owner of the Griswold Golf and Country Club, requested the start of the project be delayed until September, so as to not affect their business during the busiest part of the golf season. The Board discussed with Engineer Charles Marker the feasibility of delaying the bridge replacement project until September, but Marker said was too early to say if that is an option, because of the process it takes to get the contract signed. Amending the contract to provide for a later start date, would make the process more involved, he said, and require additional discussion with the contractor, not to mention the possible, additional cost to the County.

The Cass County Board of Supervisor’s meeting begins at 8:30-a.m. Wednesday in the Board Room at the courthouse, in Atlantic.