Dodge City local news summary
Week of January 11, 2026
Commission selects new mayor
Commissioner elected vice mayor for 2026
City approves over $827,000 for lagoon repairs
Officials discuss legal action to recoup repair costs
Thermal oxidizer installation moves forward
Electric cooperative returns $56,000 to city
Commissioners approve contract for 20-year comprehensive development plan
Stellar Forge data center granted conditional use permit
Pioneer Creek Wind Farm permit extended
Salvage yard receives conditional use permit
Veteran firefighter honored for 50 years of service
Commission selects new mayor
DODGE CITY, Kan. - The Dodge City commission elected Commissioner Chuck Taylor to serve as mayor for the 2026 calendar year during Monday's reorganization meeting. Taylor was nominated and approved by a unanimous 5-0 vote. He replaces outgoing Mayor Jeff Reinert, who remains on the commission.
Commissioner elected vice mayor for 2026
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Following the selection of the new mayor, the commission voted unanimously to elect Commissioner Jeff Reinert as vice mayor. The nomination was the only one put forward, and Reinert will serve in the leadership role alongside Mayor Taylor for the upcoming year.
City approves over $827,000 for lagoon repairs
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Commissioners authorized an expenditure of $827,946.20 to a contractor to provide ground support for repairs at the wastewater treatment plant. The funds will cover equipment rental, specifically a D8 CAT dozer with a winch, and labor to support another contractor filling a significant void under the anaerobic and aerobic lagoon No. 4. Director of Engineering Ray Slattery noted that this is a budgetary number based on actual work performed, so the final cost could be lower.
Officials discuss legal action to recoup repair costs
DODGE CITY, Kan. - During discussion regarding the expensive repairs at the wastewater plant, commissioners expressed frustration over the mounting costs for defects the city did not cause. In response to questions about recovering these funds, staff confirmed that the city is currently in negotiations with its attorney regarding litigation against the firm or firms allegedly responsible. Outside counsel is expected to provide a recommendation on how to move forward within the next few weeks.
Thermal oxidizer installation moves forward
DODGE CITY, Kan. - The commission approved a quote of $184,509 from a contractor for electrical and supervisory control and data acquisition system improvements necessary to install a new thermal oxidizer at the wastewater plant. City engineer Ray Slattery reported that the previous unit failed and the current setup is operating on borrowed time. The project faces long lead times for electrical components, prompting the city to expedite the approval to ensure the system remains operational.
Electric cooperative returns $56,000 to city
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Representatives from Victory Electric Cooperative attended Monday's meeting to present the city with a capital credits retirement check totaling just over $56,000. The cooperative's Chief Financial Officer Angela Unruh presented the funds to the commission, noting that the cooperative's board of trustees approved over $1.1 million in total retirements for 2025.
Commissioners approve contract for 20-year comprehensive development plan
FORD COUNTY, Kan. - The Ford County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to move forward with a long-term vision for the county's growth. Following a presentation by Planning and Zoning Director Melissa Drake, the board authorized a contract with Foster Design Associates to develop a 20-year comprehensive development plan for Ford County. The plan is intended to guide future land use, infrastructure and zoning decisions for the next two decades.
Stellar Forge data center granted conditional use permit
FORD COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-27, granting a conditional use permit to Stellar Forge Properties for a new data center. Director Melissa Drake presented the resolution, which the board approved with a specific stipulation attached by Chairman Shawn Tasset. The motion, which passed 3-0, requires the execution of a road use maintenance agreement before the project proceeds, ensuring county infrastructure is protected during construction and operation.
Pioneer Creek Wind Farm permit extended
FORD COUNTY, Kan. - The commission approved an extension for the Pioneer Creek Wind Farm's conditional use permit during its Dec. 15 meeting. County Administrator JD Gilbert presented Resolution 2025-29 to the board, noting the need to extend the permit for the renewable energy project. The commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the resolution as presented.
Salvage yard receives conditional use permit
FORD COUNTY, Kan. - The board approved Resolution 2025-28, granting a conditional use permit for a salvage yard operation formerly known as Midwest Salvage. Planning and Zoning Director Melissa Drake presented the item to the commissioners. The regulatory approval allows the business to continue operations under the county's zoning guidelines and passed unanimously.
Veteran firefighter honored for 50 years of service
FORD COUNTY, Kan. - The commission paused regular business to recognize Jim Smiley for a half-century of service to the Ford County Fire Department. Chairman Shawn Tasset presented Smiley with a watch and expressed gratitude on behalf of the county for the 50-year tenure. The recognition highlighted the long-standing commitment of local emergency service personnel.
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