Wellington local news summary

Library Renovation Project Moves Into Design Phase

Fire Department Joins Elite State Rescue Task Force

Final Approval Paves Way For New Brewery

City Approves $69,500 Study For Aging Woods Park Dam

Splash Pad Eyes Labor Day Opening

1. Library Renovation Project Moves Into Design Phase

WELLINGTON - The Wellington Public Library improvement project is advancing, with the City Council authorizing an agreement with architecture firm Agora Architecture (Winfield, Kansas) to design and administer the construction. The renovations are funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the city several months ago on the library’s behalf. The library had previously worked with Agora on the preliminary planning for the project and expressed confidence in continuing the relationship. City staff confirmed the firm’s fees were in line with industry standards for such a project.

2. Fire Department Joins Elite State Rescue Task Force

WELLINGTON - The Wellington Fire Department is set to receive specialized training and equipment at no cost to the city after the council authorized Fire Chief James Winham to join the Kansas Search & Rescue (KSAR) Response System. This memorandum of understanding with the Office of the State Fire Marshal allows Wellington firefighters to participate in an elite rescue group, receiving training in structural collapse, high-rise rescue, advanced extrication, and hazmat incidents. The state covers all costs for equipment and training, and will also reimburse the city for labor and damaged gear if the team is deployed. The chief assured the council that only off-duty, on-call members would be used for deployments to avoid impacting local resources.

3. Final Approval Paves Way For New Brewery

WELLINGTON - A new microbrewery, Fly Over State Brewery, received its final green light from the City Council to operate at 1403 West 8th Street. The council voted to amend a 1988 Planned Unit Development ordinance that specifically prohibited businesses serving alcohol in that area. The zoning change was previously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission following a public hearing in July. Owner Jason Bice told the council the zoning approval was the necessary step to obtain state and federal licenses. He plans to initially open with beer and pre-packaged snacks before expanding to a full kitchen within a year.

4. City Approves $69,500 Study For Aging Woods Park Dam

WELLINGTON - Wellington is moving forward with plans to address the deteriorating Woods Park Dam, which is estimated to be at least 125 years old. The City Council unanimously approved a $69,500 agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants for a “Phase Two” evaluation of the structure. According to city staff, this phase will not be a full redesign but will involve preliminary structural analysis, permitting assessments, and the development of cost estimates for a future project. The proposed plan involves constructing a new structural dam just upstream of the current one, with the goal of leaving the historic dam in place.

5. Splash Pad Eyes Labor Day Opening

WELLINGTON - Wellington residents can look forward to cooling off at the new splash pad soon, as the city is targeting an opening by Labor Day weekend. In response to a question from the Mayor, a city official reported that the project is in its final stages. The installation of new filters is one of the last major steps, and crews were on site preparing for their arrival. The remaining work was described as “odds and end stuff,” signaling the high-interest community project is nearing completion.

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