Conservation names Hilger as director

Union County Conservation Board Tuesday formally named staff member Mike Hilger as the department’s next director, replacing the retiring Doug Jones.

Hilger officially began Sunday. Jones’ last day was Friday.

“You called me and asked,” Hilger said how he got involved with Union County Conservation work. Hilger began as a seasonal worker in 2001. He was promoted to full-time employment in conservation in 2008.

“I’ve watched him long enough,” Hilger comically told the board and audience about what he has learned from Jones over the years running the department. Conservation has begun the process of finding someone to replace Hilger’s full-time position.

Jones had 27 years of service to Union County. Prior to that, he had seven years at Kossuth County. A reception for Jones will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. March 5 at the Three Mile Lake Lodge. Light refreshments will be served.

As part of Jones’ last board meeting, he gave updates on the progress of repairs at Three Mile Lake Lodge and the conservation office and shop, both which were damaged in the April 26, 2024, tornado. He said the lodge has been completed and has been rented twice. Repair work is continuing on the office and shop. The construction company told Jones it is hopeful the board will hold its March meeting at the office.

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Jones said work is also progressing on installing the two new cabins at Three Mile Lake. The buildings themselves were placed before the holidays. Work has shifted to interior needs.

Each cabin is planned to be three bedrooms, one bathroom, with a loft. The loft will be open space allowing additional sleeping area. The cabins will measure about 28 feet by 44 feet plus an 8-feet covered porch at the entrance. The cabins will be handicap accessible and have full kitchen and laundry services. Two of the three bedrooms will hold three people. Each cabin will have water and sewer.

Jones and the board reviewed estimates for concrete work and decks for the cabins. About $12,000 in concrete will be needed for sidewalks and parking spaces for the cabins. The deck installations for the cabins is more as bids ranged from $15,000 to $73,000. Jones said the work behind the $15,000 bid is legitimate. Those are expected to begin in March.