Thompson elected mayor

Butters takes oath, named presiding officer

Schoon sworn in as commissioner

Hutto recognized for service

Scouts observe city government

Silverdale Township residents demand action on quarry traffic

Commissioners discuss opposition to proposed Buffalo Flats-to-Delaware power line

Commission balks at $250,000 transfer station repair estimate

State and railway to fund safety upgrades at rural crossing

Sheriff's fleet size questioned during inventory review

Tractor purchase delayed as commission requests new bids

Thompson elected mayor

WINFIELD, Kan. - The Winfield City Commission elected Commissioner Gregory N. Thompson as the city's new mayor during Monday's reorganization meeting. Commissioner Brenda K. Butters nominated Thompson to the position and Commissioner Scott Schoon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, followed by City Clerk Tania Richardson administering the oath of office.

Butters takes oath, named presiding officer

WINFIELD, Kan. - Councilmember Brenda K. Butters took the oath of office Monday, beginning a new term on the Winfield City Commission. City Clerk Tania Richardson administered the oath shortly after the meeting convened at 5:30 p.m., after which the governing body voted unanimously to name Butters as presiding officer, with Mayor Gregory N. Thompson making the nomination and Councilmember Scott Schoon seconding.

Schoon sworn in as commissioner

WINFIELD, Kan. - Scott Schoon took his seat on the board Monday, officially swearing in as a Winfield city commissioner. City Clerk Tania Richardson administered the oath of office at the start of the regular session, allowing Schoon to participate in voting to select the new mayor and presiding officer.

Hutto recognized for service

WINFIELD, Kan. - Outgoing Mayor Ronald E. Hutto received a service award Monday night recognizing his tenure as both mayor and commissioner for the city of Winfield. Mayor Gregory N. Thompson presented the award during the presentation portion of the meeting to honor Hutto's contributions to the community.

Scouts observe city government

WINFIELD, Kan. - Mayor Gregory N. Thompson welcomed a group of local Scouts to the commission chambers Monday evening where they observed the swearing-in ceremonies and reorganization of city leadership. City Manager Taggart Wall addressed the group, providing an educational overview of Winfield's form of government and explaining how the municipal administration operates.

Silverdale Township residents demand action on quarry traffic

Residents of Silverdale Township urged the Cowley County Commission to implement stricter traffic controls and signage on two township roads, alleging safety hazards and infrastructure damage associated with heavy commercial truck traffic from the nearby Mid-States Materials quarry. Speakers cited concerns regarding speeding, bridge stability, and environmental impacts on Grouse Creek, though the board noted that weight restrictions or speed limit changes should await the results of a pending traffic engineering study. County Administrator Lucas Goff recommended deferring action until the data is available to support enforceable regulations.

Commissioners discuss opposition to proposed Buffalo Flats-to-Delaware power line

The Board of County Commissioners discussed growing landowner opposition to Evergy's proposed 345-kV Buffalo Flats-to-Delaware transmission line, which is slated to traverse the southern portion of Cowley County. Commissioners noted that while the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), local property owners have expressed frustration regarding the lack of county-level control over the route. The board agreed to direct administration to investigate potential interventions or support measures the county could offer to residents affected by the state-regulated infrastructure project.

Commission balks at $250,000 transfer station repair estimate

Commissioners expressed sharp criticism regarding a $250,000 estimate for structural repairs at the Cowley County Transfer Station, with board members questioning the necessity and cost of the proposed engineering solution. County Administrator Lucas Goff presented plans to address damaged support beams required for insurance liability, but the commission argued that the proposal appeared excessive and suggested an external truss system could serve as a more cost-effective alternative. The board voted to table the expenditure and directed staff to seek bids for less expensive repair options.

State and railway to fund safety upgrades at rural crossing

The commission unanimously approved an agreement with BNSF Railway and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to install safety lights and crossing arms at a rural railroad crossing. County staff reported that the safety upgrades will be funded entirely by state and railway sources, with KDOT covering 90 percent of the cost and BNSF providing the remaining 10 percent. The project, which requires no local tax funding, awaits final signature execution by the county to proceed with installation.

Sheriff's fleet size questioned during inventory review

Commissioners scrutinized the 2025 Annual Asset and Fleet Inventory Report, specifically questioning the Cowley County Sheriff's Office regarding the maintenance of 41 vehicles for a roster of approximately 26 deputies. County Administrator Lucas Goff submitted the statutory 432-page report, highlighting that enhanced tracking methods have clarified the county's total insurable asset value. The board accepted the report for review but requested that the Sheriff's Office provide a detailed utilization breakdown for the fleet before the commission takes formal action at its February meeting.

Tractor purchase delayed as commission requests new bids

The commission rejected a lone bid of $76,500 from Schmidt & Sons for a new mowing tractor, voting instead to re-bid the project with the intent of attracting a proposal for a John Deere model. While public works staff presented the Massey Ferguson bid after other vendors failed to respond, board members discussed a preference for John Deere equipment, citing opinions regarding resale value and fleet reliability. Staff was directed to issue new bid specifications, which will continue to require safety features including a swivel seat and wider tire stance.

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