Whitelaw utility committee approves vouchers after lightning strike damages equipment

The Village of Whitelaw Utility Committee on July 6 approved payment of vouchers totaling $5,721.35 after discussing equipment damage from a June 10 lightning strike and the limits of the insurance claim.

Clerk/Treasurer Sheena Kocourek told the committee that “the insurance carrier will only cover the cost of the new pump, not service calls or repairs.” She reported that service calls and repairs currently total $3,858 and that Jerry Linsmeier, the village’s public works director, is tracking all lightning-related expenses.

Linsmeier said he had switched pumps to maintain operations and that one motor suffered over-temperature damage but remains usable as a backup. The committee noted that a raw sewage pump from Crane will be submitted under the claim once its invoice is received and that pricing for a new pump and motor is pending.

Trustee Barney McCulley moved to approve the vouchers; Trustee Beverly Linzmeier seconded the motion and it carried. The minutes reflect the committee’s decision to pay the vouchers and continue tracking costs associated with the storm damage.

The meeting record notes these minutes are draft and subject to approval at the August 3, 2026 Utility Committee meeting.