Dodge City local news summary
Week of February 6, 2026
Commission approves 'continuous flow' design for 14th and US 50
Commission discusses property access concerns at highway intersection
Dodge City Raceway Park to receive $98,000 in upgrades
Wastewater plant irrigation system slated for $82,000 repair
Sanitation department authorizes purchase of over 1,200 trash carts
Fire department secures air compressor well under budget
City manager highlights dairy industry relations
Commission approves 'continuous flow' design for 14th and US 50
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The Dodge City Commission voted unanimously to proceed with the design of a continuous flow intersection at 14th Avenue and U.S. 50 following reports that traditional widening would be insufficient for projected traffic. City Engineer Tanner Rutschman advised that while the continuous flow model is rare in the state, the Kansas Department of Transportation reviewed the concept without objection. Rutschman indicated that the design is necessary to handle future volumes effectively, moving the project to the next phase of development.
Commission discusses property access concerns at highway intersection
DODGE CITY, Kan. — During discussions on the 14th Avenue and U.S. 50 project, commissioners expressed concerns regarding the design's impact on local business access, particularly for semi-trucks. City Engineer Tanner Rutschman confirmed that access points would shift south and that specific driveways would likely face restrictions on left turns onto the highway. Rutschman stated he is currently meeting with property owners in the southwest quadrant to manage access solutions and ensure large trucks can safely navigate the reconfigured area.
Dodge City Raceway Park to receive $98,000 in upgrades
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Commissioners approved $98,230 in repairs and upgrades for Dodge City Raceway Park, a project designed to address water line issues and electrical capacity. Director of Parks and Facilities Daniel Cecil explained the scope of work includes replacing water mains, upgrading electrical pedestals for modern recreational vehicles and installing spare PVC conduit to future-proof the facility for technological needs. The project also includes the installation of an overhead fill station to prevent system damage and the replacement of concrete in the pit area.
Wastewater plant irrigation system slated for $82,000 repair
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission authorized $82,590 for repairs to the irrigation system at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant following the discovery of leaks during the last irrigation season. Director of Engineering Ray Slattery noted that the system, installed in the mid-1990s, requires new valve banks and risers to maintain functionality. The maintenance will be performed by High Plains Farm Equipment, the vendor currently responsible for the system's annual upkeep.
Sanitation department authorizes purchase of over 1,200 trash carts
DODGE CITY, Kan. — The commission approved an expenditure of $70,544 for the purchase of 1,248 new sanitation carts from manufacturer Toter to replenish the city's inventory. Public Works Superintendent Corey Keller described the order as a "double batch" of trash and grass carts, noting that the unit price remains comparable to the previous year. Keller added that the selected cart models have a proven history of withstanding local weather conditions.
Fire department secures air compressor well under budget
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Fire Chief Bradley Hines received approval to purchase a new self-contained breathing apparatus compressor from Weiss Fire and Safety for $56,268, a price significantly lower than the $120,000 originally allocated for the project. Hines explained that the high initial budget was based on estimates from 2020 that were inflated by supply chain issues. The new unit will replace an aging compressor at Station 1 that has become increasingly difficult to service.
City manager highlights dairy industry relations
DODGE CITY, Kan. — City Manager Nick Hernandez reported on his attendance at the International Dairy Foods Association conference, emphasizing the city's strengthening role in the dairy sector. Hernandez noted productive meetings with representatives from Hilmar Cheese Co. and Kansas dairy farmers, as well as the city's sponsorship of a session on regulatory environments. Hernandez described these efforts as essential for maintaining a strong presence in an industry that serves as a key driver for regional economic development.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
