From left, Tama County Secondary Roads Assistant Foreman Nick Kofron sits next to new Tama County Foremen Taylor House and Terry Purvis on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the Administration Building in Toledo. PHOTO BY MICHAEL D. DAVIS

TOLEDO – With the start of the new year comes a new change.

During the Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, meeting of the Tama County Board of Supervisors, the county’s two new Secondary Roads foremen were introduced – Taylor House and Terry Purvis. Going forward, Tama County will be split down the middle along M Ave. with one foreman in charge of the east (Purvis) and the other in charge of the west (House). The conversation was equal parts pep talk and organizational, as multiple subjects were discussed between the supervisors, the new foremen, Office Manager Chris Wilson, Assistant Foreman Nick Kofron, and Shop Foreman Pat Ryan.

In her most recent monthly column, Supervisor Heather Knebel indicated that prior to joining Tama County, House was employed as a motor grader operator for Linn County. Purvis was also a motor grader operator but for Tama County.

Other business

Tama County Engineer Ben Daleske gave his report saying that a hole on T47 was filled, and will be monitored as they will be doing some work on it in the spring. Snow was taken care of, and brush cutting was done last week.

The budget work session schedule and the Sheriff’s Quarterly report were approved.

A moment of silence was held for former Tama County Supervisor Mike Wentzien of Gladbrook who passed away on Friday, Jan. 2.

Claims totaling $41,934.51 were approved.