Wellington local news summary

Council grants 30-day extension for downtown building after split vote

Public works crews continue to battle water main breaks

Cleanup progresses at 9th Street Bridge

Cowley Community College campus named among top 200 in nation

Commission certifies city/school election results

Voter turnout reported at 25.63 percent

Board accepts 47 of 60 provisional ballots

Courthouse to get new carpet, cleaning

Council grants 30-day extension for downtown building after split vote

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The City Council granted a 30-day extension for repairs to the structure at 210 S. Washington Ave. in a contentious 3-2 vote during its Tuesday meeting. The decision extends the compliance deadline for the owner to submit engineered plans and begin work on the building, which the city previously flagged as potentially unsafe. The vote came after a motion to table the resolution for a longer period failed, also on a 3-2 vote. Council Member Rick Roitman, who voted against the 30-day extension, argued for tabling the matter to allow the owner more time, stating the city has not had its own structural engineer evaluate the building. The contractor for the project told the council they are waiting on an engineer's stamped drawings to proceed but assured them the building is safe. Council Members Jan Grace, Mike Westmoreland and Cindy Antonich voted in favor of the 30-day extension, while Roitman and Council Member Kevin Dodds voted against it.

Public works crews continue to battle water main breaks

WELLINGTON, Kan. — City crews are continuing to address a persistent water main break on North Washington Avenue, Mayor Joe Soria noted during Tuesday’s meeting. Public Works officials confirmed that crews have made multiple repairs at the location, but the issue has recurred. The mayor thanked the city’s utility crews for their ongoing work to maintain the city's water infrastructure.

Cleanup progresses at 9th Street Bridge

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Significant progress has been made in clearing trees and debris from the creek bed at the 9th Street Bridge, according to a report Tuesday. Public Works Director Jeremy Jones stated that crews have successfully opened up the waterway to improve flow. The city is currently evaluating methods for removing a remaining pile of dirt from the creek bed, which may include using a skid loader if the ground is stable enough. Council Member Rick Roitman praised the work, noting it was the first major cleanup at the site in decades.

Cowley Community College campus named among top 200 in nation

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Cowley College has been selected as one of the top 200 community colleges in the nation and is now eligible to apply for the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Sumner Campus Director Zach Cooper announced Tuesday. The Aspen Prize recognizes institutions with high and improving student success outcomes. In the report to the council, Cooper highlighted the achievement as a significant recognition for the local campus. It was also announced that a graduation ceremony for the college’s paramedic program will be held Dec. 16 and that the Tiger Eatery on campus now offers a 25 percent discount to students on Mondays and first responders on Thursdays.

Commission certifies city/school election results

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. – The Sumner County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Board of County Canvassers, officially certified the results of the recent city/school election during its meeting Monday. The certification formalizes the vote counts and makes the election outcomes official. The board signed the Certificate of Canvass after a thorough review of all ballots cast.

Voter turnout reported at 25.63 percent

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. – Election Official Debra A. Norris reported a 25.63 percent voter turnout for the Nov. 4 city/school election. A total of 3,988 ballots were cast out of 15,558 registered voters in the county. The report was presented Monday as part of the official election canvass.

Board accepts 47 of 60 provisional ballots

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. – Of the 60 provisional ballots presented for review following the recent election, the Board of County Canvassers determined that 47 would be counted in full or in part. The decision was based on standards provided by the Kansas Secretary of State's office. The remaining 13 ballots were not counted.

Courthouse to get new carpet, cleaning

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. – The commission has authorized facility upgrades at the Sumner County Courthouse. County maintenance official Jimmy Thornton was directed to seek bids for replacing carpet in the eastern and connecting corridors, as well as in the judge's chambers. Carpets inside the courtrooms are scheduled to be professionally cleaned.

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