By Diane M. Moore
Recognition of a former commissioner and the swearing in of a new commissioner were at the top of the agenda for the Washington County Board of County Commissioners when they met in regular session Thursday morning.
The board presented a commemorative award of recognition to the wife and daughter of the late commissioner, Steve Joyner, who passed away July 31. Chairman Tray Hawkins spoke of JoynerÂ’s work ethic, honesty and love for his county.
“Steve worked tirelessly for the citizens of Washington County,” Hawkins said. “He led by example in everything he did. He left big shoes to fill and is missed greatly.”
In August, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed David Corbin to fill the seat left vacant with JoynerÂ’s passing. Corbin took the oath of office administered by Judge Colby Peel and filled the spot of County Commissioner for District 5. A short reception was held in CorbinÂ’s honor.
A long awaited update on broadband was given to commissioners by County Administrator Jeff Massey during the meeting. Massey advised that issues beyond the countyÂ’s and WildStar NetworksÂ’ control have delayed the service from starting throughout the county.
“We would like to have been up and running for a while now,” Massey said. “But supply chain issues have caused us to be behind schedule. We are now getting the needed parts and pieces and are seeing towers go live much quicker.”
There are now three towers that are live and online at Daniels Lake, Wausau and Mud Hill. The Crown Castle site is awaiting power from Florida Power and Light before it will be live.
WildStar Networks are co-locating on towers in Crystal Lake, Caryville and Douglas Ferry and will soon be operational. Massey said that the Wausau Fire Department and Wausau Town Hall will be live on broadband on Oct. 6. Massey advised anyone with questions about broadband availability to visit www.wildstarnetworks.com.
In other business, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinator Kevan Parker advised the county has submitted $47 million in work with $44 million having been received back and $2 million in validation for the 12 roads that have been completed and the prep work on roads waiting to go to bid.
County Engineer Cliff Knauer informed commissioners that after 26 years of being the countyÂ’s engineer, he would be retiring from
Dewberry Engineering. Knauer will be seeing through major projects with the county but will no longer be the point man for Dewberry.
The final budget and millage are expected to be approved Thursday afternoon in a special session.
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners will meet again in regular session Thursday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m.
Staff Report 
Hannah Collins