Work continues to prep the site for Knox County’s new Emergency Operations Center at the former Poor Farm location.

Knox County Commissioner President T.J. Brink provided an update at Tuesday’s meeting.   He says that Patriot Drilling, who was hired earlier this year, has finished their core sampling and architects at RQAW continue to work on drawings which should be ready by mid May.  He added that the project should be put out for bid at the end of May.

Brink also noted that KCARC, which owns property behind the site, will be relocating some electrical infrastructure soon.

In other business, Knox County Commissioner Brink has requested that department heads provide regular updates during commissioners’ meetings.

Tuesday, the Knox County Veterans Services Officer, Marty Qualkenbush, presented a report saying that so far this year his office has received over two dozen new claims. That’s in addition to 40 pending claims  at the end of 2024.   He says after filing a claim, the process can be long and some claims have been open for almost a year.

Qualkenbush said the highest payout from a claim in his office has been $111,000, followed by another at $99,000. He emphasized that his office serves both veterans and their families.

For those who need assistance his  office can be reached at 812-885-2539.