Following a public hearing Tuesday morning, Chase County commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a special use permit for a dairy feedlot southwest of Champion.
    The commissioners’ action follows a unanimous recommendation by the county planning commission to approve the special use permit request.
    The request was made by Marshland West, LLC. The feedlot will be operated by Bart Stromberger and Stromberger Farms.
    Dean Settje of Settje Agri-Services & Engineering in Raymond, Nebraska explained the project in detail to the commissioners.
    Both he and Stromberger also fielded questions submitted to the commissioners by county residents attending hearing.

No abstention
    Commissioner Dave Hogsett was quizzed as to whether he would abstain from voting on the permit.
    While Hogsett said he owns a feedlot and does business with the Strombergers, he said he has no financial or other interests in the proposed project.
    County Attorney Arlan Wine told the crowd of about 15 people that he saw no conflict of interest that would prevent Hogsett from voting.
    Since Hogsett indicated he has no involvement in the project and would not gain personally or financially, Wine said no conflict of interest exists on this matter.
    Another response said Stromberger should be required to retire three irrigation wells to provide water for the project.
    Hogsett indicated the natural resources district determines that issue and the commissioners have no authority over groundwater.
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