Council approves EMS partnership with Conway Springs

City seeks grant to replace deteriorating Hillside Bridge

Welcome sign project awaits KDOT classification

Travel and tourism grants approved

Cowley College reports enrollment growth and campus improvements

Commission appoints Bristor as new emergency management director

Emergency management director retires after 22 years

Planning and zoning director honored for three decades of service

Officials discuss two-year moratorium on battery storage

County addresses water main break in Oxford

Council approves EMS partnership with Conway Springs

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The city council voted unanimously to approve an ambulance service agreement between Wellington and Conway Springs. Fire Chief Tim Robben outlined a "dynamic deployment" model where ambulances will be positioned based on historical call data rather than static stations, a strategy intended to reduce response times and serve as a force multiplier for the county. The three-year contract includes subsidies starting at $120,000 in year one, increasing to approximately $147,000 by year three, with the goal of remaining revenue-neutral through billing and potential federal reimbursement programs. The city will lease two ambulances and the EMS facility from Conway Springs for nominal fees.

City seeks grant to replace deteriorating Hillside Bridge

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The council authorized City Manager Jeff Porter to apply for the Kansas Department of Transportation Local Bridge Improvement Program to fund the replacement of the Hillside Bridge over Hargis Creek. Recent inspections revealed significant deterioration in the structure's beams and decking, with engineering consultants recommending a full replacement rather than repairs. If awarded, the transportation department would cover approximately $667,000 of the project, leaving the city responsible for roughly $220,000 in construction and inspection costs.

Welcome sign project awaits KDOT classification

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Progress on the "Welcome to Wellington" sign, intended for the roundabout, is currently stalled pending clarification from the Kansas Department of Transportation. City Manager Jeff Porter explained that there is uncertainty regarding whether the sign falls under "advertising" or "gateway monumentation" regulations. The city has engaged Professional Engineering Consultants to help expedite a response from the department, as the district currently lacks an area engineer to process the request.

Travel and tourism grants approved

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The council voted to approve the 2024 Travel and Tourism grant recommendations presented by the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Jesse Giefer presented the list of seven recipients selected by a chamber committee. City Manager Jeff Porter noted that while the funds are budgeted by the city annually, the chamber administers the application review process before seeking final council approval.

Cowley College reports enrollment growth and campus improvements

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Cowley College Sumner Campus Director Zach Cooper reported a significant increase in enrollment, noting a rise from 42 full-time equivalent students last spring to 56 this year. Cooper also highlighted recent campus improvements, including drainage work and fencing for a pollinator program, as well as upcoming events such as the South Central FFA district ag mechanics contest and a spring robotics competition scheduled for April 23-24.

Commission appoints Bristor as new emergency management director

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The Sumner County Commission appointed Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor as the new director of emergency management. Bristor was selected to replace James Fair following the board's acceptance of Fair's retirement, with the transition to the new role effective Feb. 1.

Emergency management director retires after 22 years

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The board presented outgoing Director James Fair with a plaque honoring his 22 years of service as the emergency management director for Sumner County. Commissioners expressed gratitude for Fair's tenure upon his retirement, which was effective Jan. 30.

Planning and zoning director honored for three decades of service

WELLINGTON, Kan. — County officials presented a plaque to Planning and Zoning Director Jon Bristor, recognizing his 30 years of service to the department. The recognition occurred as Bristor prepared to transition to his new position as the emergency management director.

Officials discuss two-year moratorium on battery storage

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Directors James Fair and Jon Bristor led a discussion regarding Resolution No. 2026-03, which proposes a two-year moratorium on commercial battery energy storage systems within the county.

County addresses water main break in Oxford

WELLINGTON, Kan. — County officials discussed a water main break impacting Oxford alongside an amendment to a Community Development Block Grant with the Kansas Department of Commerce. The administrative session also included the review of a fee waiver request from Rural Water District No. 2.

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