By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Two and a half years and two contractors after a heated fishing dock was destroyed in a July 4, 2019, storm at the county lake, commissioners proudly staged a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at a rebuilt dock.

Chairman David Mueller said the day had been a long time coming. People gathered around to see the ribbon being cut murmured agreement.

Harry Ensminger and Dave Moore cast lines from the outside deck as people gathered inside and outside.

After the official cutting of the ribbon, the 20 guests went inside to have refreshments of Chex mix, punch, and cupcakes decorated with blue frosting topped by fishing poles with gummy fish on lines.

Lincolnville resident Mike Beneke had on display a frame with photos and a timeline of the heated dock.

Beneke said he might donate it to the lake office.

So far, the new dock has cost the county $258,415.24, and that total may not be complete.

The county paid Ben’s Boat Docks in Kechi $101,950 to build the dock. The contractor started, but did not finish the job. Later the company owner was not responsive to the county’s attempts to reach him and have him finish the work.

Then the county paid $3,000 to have the unfinished pieces hauled back to Marion County.

The new contractor, Nelson Fowles Construction, has been paid $325,485.24.

The total contract was approved at $369,084.95.

A payment from the county’s insurance offset $172,020 of the costs.

“We still have a portion of this outstanding, but the overall grand total will likely be less than the approved amount,” county clerk Tina Spencer said.