Wellington local news summary

Council accepts resignation of Soetaert

Recycling center limits collection to cardboard only

‘Shop with a Hero’ event serves over 400 children

Road damaged by unauthorized boring for power plant

Council accepts resignation of Soetaert

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The Wellington City Council accepted the resignation of Council Member Michael “Mike” Soetaert on Tuesday, ending his term just two weeks after he was sworn into office. Mayor Joe Soria added the item to the agenda after receiving an email from Soetaert stating his intent to resign "under protest," a request the governing body approved with Soetaert providing the lone abstention.

Soetaert, who recently filed to run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, told the council he faced "pushback" and pressure from unnamed individuals regarding his service. Although Soria clarified during the meeting that the city was not forcing the resignation, Soetaert stated he would trust the governing body’s judgment, leading to the formal declaration of the seat's vacancy.

Recycling center limits collection to cardboard only

WELLINGTON, Kan. - The city has ceased accepting most recyclables at the local center, limiting collection exclusively to cardboard effective immediately. The city manager explained that the vendor is no longer providing return vessels and that cardboard is currently the only commodity generating enough revenue to justify the hauling costs. Residents were encouraged to use community-based organization trailers for recycling aluminum cans while the city seeks new partners to reduce costs.

‘Shop with a Hero’ event serves over 400 children

WELLINGTON, Kan. - Council member Mike Westmoreland reported that the annual "Shop with a Hero" event was highly successful, serving more than 400 children in Sumner County within a two-hour span. The event, supported by the Sheriff's Office, the School Resource Officer and various local business sponsors, has grown significantly over the last eight years.

Road damaged by unauthorized boring for power plant

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. — A county road has been closed after Evergy bored under the roadway without a permit, causing damage to the road surface. Road and Bridge Director Kendal Smith reported the damage to the Board of County Commissioners during their regular session Tuesday. The boring work was intended to provide water services for the Viola Energy Center project. Smith advised commissioners that no permit had been issued for the work. County Counselor Doug Pfalzgraf provided additional updates on the situation.

Evergy was not contacted for comment.

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