ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — There is movement on recycling issues in Allen County, although it may not be visible to the public for a while yet.
Allen County Commissioner David Lee provided an update during Tuesday’s Commission meeting, where he said Public Works Director Mitch Garner is overseeing the development of it. “We’re not ready to announce it at this time,” Lee said, adding, “We’re still working through details, but something is forthcoming.”
An announcement is anticipated to be made within the next 20 to 45 days.
During the meeting, a citizen suggested this discussion should also involve the other 13 counties that bring trash to Allen County. The largest single user of the Allen County Landfill is Bourbon County, which brings in slightly more trash to the facility than does Allen County. Anderson County is also a major user of the landfill. Garner shared with the Commission information on the amount of trash that comes into the landfill from all entities using it.
Commissioners voiced reluctance to send a third 911 dispatch employee to a conference in April in Las Vegas. Allen County 911 Director Chelsie Decker and Emergency Management Director Jason Trego are teaching classes during the 2026 Navigator Conference in Las Vegas, and their registration, airfare and part of their lodging expense is covered by event organizers. The County is responsible for remaining lodging and meal costs, which amounts to around $3,000 which is budgeted for.
Sending the 3rd person, which would be an additional cost of around $2,500, was a major issue with Commissioner John Brocker saying his big problem relates to having to make a rush decision on an issue such as this.
“I’m seeing it happen too many times, and that’s not the way I envision things working,” Brocker said. He has told the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission, which he serves on, he doesn’t put up with this because he doesn’t like being forced into having to take immediate action.
Commissioner David Lee said he was totally opposed to sending that 3rd person to the conference, feeling training should be done in-state or online.
Allen County Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins provided an update on issues related to usage of West Virginia and Wisconsin Roads during a K-3 bridge replacement in Bourbon County to Allen County Commissioners Tuesday. Hopkins said he will be putting up no through trucks on the roads involved, and see what happens. Hopkins has also spoken with a KDOT representative who said if they encounter any problems to contact them.
Hopkins said crews are about to start work on a drainage pipe replacement on Oregon Road, which will require a mile segment of it to be closed for about two days.
Commissioners also approved purchase of various tires for Road and Bridge from JD Autos at a cost of just over $75,000. Hopkins said these tires will be obtained as needed and installed in their shop. Two other local firms were solicited for bids but did not respond.
Commissioners also signed annual reports and 2026 plans for the Noxious Weed Department.
Commissioners agreed to sign a letter of support on behalf of Thrive Allen County in support of a Rural Opportunity Grant it’s seeking from the Kansas Department of Commerce for an economic development person who would focus on existing local businesses. The Iola City Council last week took a similar action.
Thrive’s Marcia David presented a report on last week’s Community Conversation in Carlyle, which about 15 residents attended. The attendees were generally happy about the close-knit community. Positive comments included recent road work in the community, along with upkeep of residences, solar lighting now in place, and the fact Carlyle is home to what may be the oldest active Presbyterian Church in the United States.
Things they would like to see addressed include drainage issues, flashing lights for the stop sign on Texas Road, where residents say they would like to see more law enforcement presence due to ongoing speeding issues.
