Crawford County Commission
Week of March 25, 2026
Extreme fire danger prompts burn ban warnings
County commission weighs bids for rural dust control
Federal pause delays county storm siren funding
County completes 911 mapping for all K-12 schools
Anticipated zoning hearing to address wind and solar projects
County renews emergency alert system at reduced cost
ARPA funds utilized for comprehensive plan and EMS training
Extreme fire danger prompts burn ban warnings
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — With Crawford County facing extreme fire danger due to dry conditions and a lack of rain, Emergency Manager Quinton Parsons urged residents Tuesday to adhere strictly to burn bans. Parsons noted that local fire departments have been overwhelmed by fast-spreading fires and warned that unauthorized burning could result in criminal citations from the Crawford County Sheriff's Office. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the county emergency alert system or check the county's Facebook page daily by 8:30 a.m. for up-to-date burn ban statuses.
County commission weighs bids for rural dust control
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The Crawford County Commission is reviewing two bids for its annual rural road dust control program, aiming to select a vendor before a June 1 deadline. Scotwood Industries submitted a bid of $1.29 per foot for a company-run application, while local vendor Home City Grain bid $1.40. Citing past issues with schedule delays and product effectiveness, the commission agreed to hold a work session on March 31 to compare chemical samples from both vendors before awarding the contract.
Federal pause delays county storm siren funding
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — A Federal Emergency Management Agency "operational pause" has indefinitely delayed grant money intended for 15 new storm sirens in Crawford County. Emergency Communications Director Tim Mikrut reported that with severe weather season already underway, the county may need to purchase at least one $35,000 siren immediately using expiring American Rescue Plan Act matching funds to avoid losing the allocated federal money at the end of the year.
County completes 911 mapping for all K-12 schools
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — Emergency Communications has finished mapping all K-12 schools in Crawford County, including The Family Resource Center and Greenbush facilities. Funded by a Kansas 911 Board grant, the detailed mapping project pinpoints the locations of security cameras, fire systems and utilities to aid first responders during emergencies. Public safety officials and school districts will soon review the map proofs to ensure accuracy before the system goes live.
Anticipated zoning hearing to address wind and solar projects
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — Crawford County will host a planning and zoning public hearing on March 26 focusing on new regulations for wind, solar and renewable energy developments. The issue will carry over to the commission's March 27 meeting, where Shasta Power proprietor John Copyak is scheduled to formally discuss a proposed solar project with county leaders.
County renews emergency alert system at reduced cost
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The Crawford County Commission unanimously approved the annual renewal of the Genasys alert system for $7,500, a drop from last year's $10,995 price tag. The Genasys system is utilized by emergency management to push out automated severe weather warnings and daily burn ban notifications to subscribed residents via text, email or phone call. Officials noted the price drop makes the public safety tool a better value for taxpayers.
ARPA funds utilized for comprehensive plan and EMS training
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The Crawford County Commission approved two invoices utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds during Tuesday's meeting. The expenditures included payments to the Adams Jones Law Firm for ongoing work on the county's comprehensive plan and the purchase of an emergency medical services training dummy for first responders. The county currently has approximately $70,000 in federal ARPA funds remaining to allocate before the end of the year.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
