Wellington local news summary
Week of October 22 2025
Council advances controversial rail overpass design in 5-1 vote
Residents to receive notices on potential lead water lines
Airport board position to open; council encourages applicants
Cowley College Sumner Campus reports enrollment growth
Humane Society in need of volunteers and donations
Council advances controversial rail overpass design in 5-1 vote
WELLINGTON, Kan. — The Wellington City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to authorize an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration, a key step allowing the design phase for a downtown railroad overpass to begin. The project, discussed for over seven years, aims to eliminate at-grade crossings and create a “quiet zone” to silence train horns. The resolution’s passage came after renewed concerns about the project’s impact. Council member Cindy Antonich, the lone dissenting vote, objected to the plan, which would permanently close C, Washington, G and H streets. “I don’t like that at all,” Antonich said. “That we’re all going to be forced to just one route … it’s not logical at all.” City officials and other council members stressed that the vote only commits the city to a federally supported design process, not to final construction. The design will provide a clearer picture of scope and cost, allowing for public meetings and a more informed final decision.
Residents to receive notices on potential lead water lines
WELLINGTON, Kan. — Wellington residents will soon receive state-mandated notices regarding the potential presence of lead in the city’s water service lines. City Manager Jeff Porter announced that the annual mailing is part of federal requirements adopted nationwide after the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. The city is creating an inventory of all service lines and continues to solicit resident responses through its online Water Line Material Survey. Porter said compliance could be “a really expensive thing to comply with,” urging residents to use the link on the city website to help complete the inventory.
Airport board position to open; council encourages applicants
WELLINGTON, Kan. — A seat will soon be open on the Wellington Municipal Airport Advisory Board. Council member Rick Roitman, who serves as the council appointee on the board, encouraged any resident with an interest in aviation to consider serving and to contact City Hall for more information. He praised the work of the airport manager and noted the board organizes several community events each year.
Cowley College Sumner Campus reports enrollment growth
WELLINGTON, Kan. — The Cowley College Sumner Campus in Wellington is seeing a rise in student enrollment, Campus Director Zach Cooper reported to the council Tuesday. Full-time equivalent enrollment for the fall semester is up to 66 students, an increase from 59 at the same time last year, he said, noting several technical programs are currently full. Cowley College has reported broader two-year enrollment momentum at the college level this fall.
Humane Society in need of volunteers and donations
WELLINGTON, Kan. — Council member Cindy Antonich issued a public appeal on behalf of the Wellington Humane Society, which is seeking volunteers and donations. She encouraged residents to help socialize animals, donate supplies and consider fostering if unable to adopt.
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