911 dispatch to ditch paper cards for computerized triage system

Emergency management warns against illegal burning during red flag warnings

High school students to participate in major search and rescue drill

Out-of-pocket expense rejected, partial HVAC replacement approved for Sterl Hall

High costs force reduction in county road graveling

County selects consultant for Safe Streets for All federal grant

Employee wellness program launched to boost morale and retention

Anniversary grant deadline approaching

911 dispatch to ditch paper cards for computerized triage system

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Dickinson County 911 dispatchers may soon say goodbye to the clunky, 20-year-old physical card sets currently used to guide emergency medical calls. Dickinson County Emergency Communications Director Emily Nichols presented a proposal to upgrade to APCO IntelliComm, a computerized software system that integrates directly into the dispatchers' existing screens. The $25,962 upgrade will allow first responders to read real-time medical updates while en route to an emergency. The director noted the purchase will be entirely funded by the state 911 fee fund, requiring no money from Dickinson County's general operating budget.

Emergency management warns against illegal burning during red flag warnings

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Following a string of dangerous fires, Emergency Management Director Chancy Smith reminded residents that local burn bans and red flag warnings will be strictly enforced. Smith noted that several residents recently ignited fields despite active bans, resulting in fires that required multi-department responses. He also reported fielding angry calls from residents demanding permission to burn household trash, which is explicitly illegal under state and local laws.

High school students to participate in major search and rescue drill

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Local high school students enrolled in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program will put their skills to the test during a massive search and rescue exercise on March 31. Emergency Management Director Chancy Smith announced the drill will take place at the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office range and will feature inter-agency cooperation, including drone deployments from neighboring counties and a landing by a medical helicopter.

Out-of-pocket expense rejected, partial HVAC replacement approved for Sterl Hall

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - After substantial debate, it was unanimously decided to replace only four of the eight rooftop heating and cooling units at Sterl Hall. The county's insurance provider agreed to cover $48,643 for the four units heavily damaged by a recent hailstorm but denied coverage for the remaining four. Rather than spending approximately $44,000 out of county funds to replace the functional, older units while the crane was on-site, the county opted to save taxpayer money and replace only the units covered by the insurance claim, along with new thermostats.

High costs force reduction in county road graveling

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Skyrocketing material and freight costs are forcing the Dickinson County Public Works Department to significantly reduce the amount of rock laid on secondary county roads. During a work session discussion, public works officials noted that road rock has climbed to nearly $24 a ton. In response to the budget pressure, the county has reduced its gravel application from a historical average of 300 tons per mile to just 115 tons, prioritizing maintenance on the most heavily trafficked routes to stretch taxpayer dollars.

County selects consultant for Safe Streets for All federal grant

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The county is moving forward with its Safe Streets for All initiative, approving an engineering consultant for the project. The move authorizes County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf to begin contract negotiations with the firm. The federal grant program aims to help local municipalities identify hazardous roadways and develop comprehensive safety action plans to prevent traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Employee wellness program launched to boost morale and retention

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - In an effort to break down departmental silos and support staff, the Dickinson County Safety and Wellness Committee has launched "Thrive Together," a new employee engagement program. Approximately 25 percent of county staff have already opted into the initiative, which awards points for activities like a statewide walking/fitness challenge and financial wellness seminars. The committee is also actively working to help employees navigate a recent transition to a new health insurance provider and is updating emergency action plans for county buildings.

Anniversary grant deadline approaching

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf reminded the public that the application window for the county's anniversary grants will close on March 31. The county has already received eight applications with several more pending. The applications will be reviewed during upcoming meetings in April to determine which local projects and events will receive the allocated anniversary funding.

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