COUNTY HIGHWAY ENGINEER SEARCH STILL IS UNDER WAY

JACKSON - The search for a new Cape Girardeau County highway engineer and superintendent is still under way.

Several applicants have been interviewed by the County Commission, but Associate Commissioner Larry Bock said Monday no decisions have been made.

"We're not quite down to offering the job to anyone yet," said Bock. "We have interviewed some people and we may interview some more. We don't know for sure. We will take a closer look at who we've interviewed so far."

Bock said between 12 and 15 applications were received for the position.

The highway superintendent, Kenny Seibert, is stepping down as head of the department but will continue to work for the county.

Bock said he is not sure when someone will be hired.

The responsibilities of the position have been expanded to require the superintendent to be a certified engineer.

By having someone who is an engineer, Bock said it is possible that some smaller bridges can be designed by the new superintendent, rather than by using an outside engineering firm.