ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners were told by Public Works Director Mitch Garner at Tuesday’s meeting the landfill compactor was picked up for repairs Monday, with all parts now in. He also provided an update on paving work around hangars at Allen County Airport, where asphalt has been removed from the north end of one hangar, with rock now being put in place ahead of planned concrete paving in that location. Garner also gave an update on drainage work between two hangars.
Planning and zoning administrator Terry Call said he’s had a couple of inquiries regarding two structures on 2nd Street that have been targeted for demolition. Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins said work on that is currently in process. Hopkins added work has been ongoing related to limb cleanup both in Mildred and other locations around the county during the mowing “off-season.”
Call also discussed with County Commissioners Tuesday a potential space lease on the Sheriff’s Office radio tower for placement of meteorological instruments connected with studies on a potential wind farm project. Permit applications are pending for two temporary tower sites to the southwest or Moran.
In his report, Hopkins told Commissioners they expect to receive a tractor, purchase of which was authorized last year, sometime next week. Hopkins also discussed sign post needs, saying the firm in Ottawa they usually use won’t have any in stock until April. For that reason and the fact they are needing posts now, he located a supplier in Illinois through which posts are being purchased. He reported they are currently making road chips, and are formulating chip seal plans for 2026.
Undersheriff Nate Jackson reported some 50 to 70 veterans, along with around 110 current National Guard members, attended a mental health program Saturday at the Iola Armory, which he said was a big success.
Jackson said the VA helped 5-6 veterans start the process of signing up for benefits, and mental health representatives also visited with a number of people. He added the guardsmen enjoyed visiting with those who have served their country in the past. The Sheriff’s Office provided a chili and cinnamon roll lunch for that event.
During the meeting, Commissioners held a number of executive sessions related to attorney-client matters and non-elected personnel, including a discussion involving an employee who is currently on medical restrictions and was discharged from employment. No action was taken out of any of the sessions.
