Steve Berg announces retirement; commissioners appoint interim superintendent

The Dubois County Commissioners appointed District #1 foreman Donnie Lueken as the county’s next highway superintendent as Superintendent Steve Berg announced he would be retiring this year.

Berg told the commissioners that after 23 years of service as the superintendent, he would be retiring effective December 31, 202

“Over the past 23 years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with and meeting some fantastic people,” Berg told the commissioners during the meeting.

During his time as highway superintendent, Berg stated he had built many great relationships with his associates and counterparts across the state, local and state legislators, engineering consultants, local leaders past and present, and many others who have worked on many projects over the years.

“I value the relationships that we have with all the departments within our county as we’ve been there for each other while we navigate through the world of local government,” Berg said. “I consider many of you who continue to serve and many who have already retired to be valued friends.”

He thanked all the highway department staff as well.

“I’ve been blessed to work with a fantastic and supporting staff and crew'” Berg said. “Over the years, we’ve grown our skills and made a real difference in what we do to keep our roads safe and performing well.”

Finally, he thanked his wife.

“She’s been my rock,” he said through a couple of tears, pointing to the late-night phone calls for emergencies or weather-related issues on the county’s roads that he had to answer. “Without her, I couldn’t be me.”

Commissioner Chad Blessinger told Berg that under his leadership, the county has had a road system and a department that its citizens should be proud of.

Commissioners Serice Stenftenagel and Nick Hostetter acknowledged Berg’s dedication as well.

“I’ve appreciated you all of these years. You made my job as a commissioner easier,” Hostetter said.

Stenftenagel told Berg she appreciated that he was always there to answer the phone when she had a question or request.

After Berg’s announcement, the commissioners discussed options for his replacement and a slight reconfiguration of the department leadership.

The commissioners have had time to interview current employees for the position since they knew Berg’s intentions.

Hostetter and Blessinger supported appointing Lueken to the interim position as Berg’s understudy until he officially retired. Stenftenagel said she would like to transition Jason DeKemper into the position.

The commissioners also briefly discussed appointing County Engineer Brett Wendholt as a department head. Blessinger said he felt adding duties to Wendholt’s already full plate may be too much for him to handle.

The commissioners agreed the change in the department needs to be discussed more before a final decision is made.

In the end, the commissioners voted 2 to 1 to appoint Lueken as the interim superintendent. The final vote for an appointment will be when Berg officially retires.