Crawford County Commission
Week of April 24, 2026
Commission tables vote on targeted zoning survey
Potential solar farms and data centers drive zoning concerns
Crawford County nears exhaustion of ARPA funds
Child care and public health receive further ARPA allocations
Lakeview Cafe approved for cereal malt beverage licenses
Commission approves sheriff's department lease purchase
Commission tables vote on targeted zoning survey
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The Crawford County Commission tabled a decision to send a targeted postcard survey regarding countywide zoning to property owners in unzoned areas. Planning consultant Joshua Albin proposed the single-question survey to gauge public sentiment and potential compliance before presenting final zoning regulations in June. Discussions revealed mixed feelings about excluding residents who already live in zoned areas, prompting the delay until Friday's meeting.
Potential solar farms and data centers drive zoning concerns
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — Debate over the county's unzoned areas intensified as reports circulated of multiple incoming solar farms and large data centers eyeing hundreds of acres of land in Crawford County. Concerns were raised during the meeting about the long-term impact on the county's water table and infrastructure, and how the county will regulate and tax massive utility projects without comprehensive zoning rules currently in place. Recent county materials also reference solar-project discussions involving developer Shasta Power.
Crawford County nears exhaustion of ARPA funds
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — County Counselor Jim Emerson reported that Crawford County has spent more than $7.1 million of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds as of the end of March, leaving only about $300,000 to allocate. The remaining funds are earmarked for minor department needs, small city projects and a highly anticipated $40,000 matching grant for new emergency storm sirens.
Child care and public health receive further ARPA allocations
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a drawdown of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover expenses for multiple community services, including a $10,147 allocation to Sugar Creek Packing Co. for child care building expenses. Additional approvals included $808 for a public health infant CPR training mannequin and legal fees to Adam Jones Law Firm for comprehensive plan work.
Lakeview Cafe approved for cereal malt beverage licenses
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved two cereal malt beverage licenses for Lisa Goff, operator of Lakeview Cafe in Farlington. The licenses, which permit both on-premises and off-premises sales, received no objections from the sheriff, county attorney or township clerk, paving the way for the establishment's opening.
Commission approves sheriff's department lease purchase
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — As part of a lengthy consent agenda, the commission approved a resolution authorizing a new lease-purchase agreement for the Crawford County Sheriff's Department. The unanimously approved agenda also included payments to Tyler Technologies and Southeast Kansas Recycling, as well as the formal vacating of a platted street in the Original Town of Ringo.
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