By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson County Jail isn’t as packed as it was earlier this summer according to McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne. At the Aug. 7 McPherson County Commission Meeting this morning, Sherriff Montagne told County Commissioners the jail was housing 48 inmates, eight of which are female. Seven of them are being held for reasons other than for McPherson County District Court. Deputies made 20 arrests last week. Montagne also gave a report on civil process activities for July, which included serving of three citations, ten court orders, two writs, 19 garnishments, and four miscellaneous matters. 56 protection from abuse orders were served by deputies in July, which is about half of what they had in June, along with 155 subpoenas, 70 summonses and 30 tax warrants.
McPherson County Commissioners approved the vacation of utility easements along the west and north sides of Industrial Road on the south edge of Galva which the Planning Commission recommended approval of last month. The vacation request had been filed some time back, and while the property in question has been sold the new owner supported the vacation as did surrounding property owners. Planning and Zoning Administrator Jon Kinsey also reported six building permits were issued for the month with a total construction value of just over 1.9 million dollars, 1.1 million of which was for a chicken barn which will have an agricultural exemption. Kinsey also said he is developing a form that can be posted at properties where building permits have been issued, and is looking at having signage posted for properties on which zoning changes are requested.
McPherson County Commissioners have approved purchase and installation of two ADA automatic door openers and closers at the County Building at 122 West Marlin at a cost of $3,925, which could be a bit lower due to two doors being installed.This building is where County Commissioners meet and where courts are being held during a project in the courtrooms, along with housing the County Attorney and Community Corrections offices. The Commission also approved a quit claim deed for a lot in Crestwood Memorial Cemetery north of McPherson.
At their meeting on Tuesday, County Commissioners approved purchase of reinforcing steel and other material used on concrete projects at a cost of $5,244 plus shipping. Three firms submitted bids on rebar but only one bid on other materials. Public Works director Tom Kramer told Commissioners chip sealing work began Monday, and he expects that work to take around 10-15 days, after which they will resume work on the Arapaho Road overlay project which is about halfway complete. Approval was also given for engine repairs to a 2018 public works pickup at Midway Motors that will cost $2,448 and change.
A number of hires, a reassignment in the Sheriff’s Office and at the Correctional Facility were approved by the Commission. The Commission approved the hiring of Darren Webb as a new road deputy. Webb, who comes from Greensburg where he served as chief of police, has extensive law enforcement experience. This hiring will bring road patrol to full staffing. Sergeant Jeffrey Schmidt will be transferring to a detective position. For the Correctional Facility, two new officers were hired, both to start August 21st, and this will leave just one vacancy on the night shift where both new hires will be assigned. An end of introductory period personnel change notice and salary adjustment for an employee in the Treasurer’s Office was also approved.
