Barton County enacts temporary burn ban

Commission approves $638,000 landfill compactor rebuild

Commissioners reject janitorial bids to pursue local contract

Commission approves annual cloud storage renewal

County contributes economic development funds for Claflin childcare access

Airport-area salvage yard clears testing, secures permit renewal

Three reappointed to Barton County Planning Commission

County offices announce early closures for Easter weekend

Barton County enacts temporary burn ban

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — Citing persistent dry weather and extreme fire risks, the Barton County Commission unanimously approved a temporary burn ban at its Tuesday meeting. Emergency management director Sean Kelly noted that local crews have recently battled wildfires not only within Barton County but also in neighboring Russell, Stafford and Rice counties. The ban, which is strongly supported by local fire chiefs, will remain in effect until officials determine that sufficient moisture has mitigated the drought conditions.

Commission approves $638,000 landfill compactor rebuild

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission approved a $638,605 certified rebuild of the county landfill's 2015 Caterpillar 826K compactor. Solid waste director Jennifer Hamby explained that the machine has logged nearly 11,000 hours and requires major engine, transmission and hydraulic repairs, as well as new wheel tips. The rebuild through Foley Industries will save taxpayers significantly compared to the estimated $1.3 million cost of purchasing a brand-new machine, and it includes a five-year, 6,000-hour warranty.

Commissioners reject janitorial bids to pursue local contract

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — In an effort to keep county funds within the community, the commission unanimously rejected all five bids for contract cleaning and custodial duties at the Barton County Health Department. Facilities director Darren Williams reported that the lowest bid, totaling $21,732 annually, came from a Lenexa-based company that planned to hire independent local subcontractors. Commissioners directed Williams to work with County Administrator Matt Patzner to find and hire a local firm directly instead.

Commission approves annual cloud storage renewal

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — The county will continue to back up its digital files offsite following the approval of an $8,226 cloud storage contract. Information Technology Director Dereck Hollingshead recommended renewing the Wasabi cloud storage agreement through SHI, a software reseller, noting the vendor has provided reliable service for the past eight years. Although the county typically seeks local bids, no local vendors were available for this specific technical service.

County contributes economic development funds for Claflin childcare access

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — Highlighting a critical need for local childcare, the commission approved a $9,880 reimbursement to Advancing Barton County Childcare Inc. for the construction of an access road to a new childcare facility in Claflin. Rather than having the county's road and bridge department construct the road, the project was contracted out to ensure proper engineering and grading. The cost will be paid from the general fund's economic development account, signaling the commission's view of childcare access as a vital economic driver.

Airport-area salvage yard clears testing, secures permit renewal

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously renewed the annual conditional land use permit for Marshall Towing's salvage storage facility near the airport. Environmental manager Judy Goreham noted that the facility passed its mandatory three-year soil and water testing with no alarming changes in volatile organic compounds, addressing public inquiries regarding groundwater impact. The property remains in good condition with no current violations or complaints.

Three reappointed to Barton County Planning Commission

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved the reappointment of three planning commission members to the Barton County Planning Commission. Junior Welsch, Chad Ehrlich and Jeffrey "J.C." Bosch will serve uncompensated three-year terms ending March 31, 2029. Environmental manager Judy Goreham praised the long-standing volunteers — some of whom have served for over 25 years — for their historical knowledge and dedication to creating fair, countywide zoning regulations.

County offices announce early closures for Easter weekend

BARTON COUNTY, Kan. — Barton County business offices and the county landfill will close at noon on Friday, April 3, in observance of the Easter holiday. The landfill will resume regular operating hours on Saturday, April 4. Emergency services will remain fully operational throughout the holiday weekend.

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