Neosho wind farm project debated
ERIE A 6½-hour meeting of the Neosho County commission featured discussion about an electric generation proposal from the Galesburg mayor regarding the Neosho Ridge Wind project, according to The Chanute Tribune. The Galesburg council supports Neosho Ridge, which proposes generating 300 megawatts of electricity from 139 windmills spread over 44,000 leased acres. Neosho County would receive $600,000 per year for 10 years in payments in lieu of taxes, with $100,000 of that money going to Galesburg. County commissioners said they want everyone to benefit from the money, not just those who lease land to the wind energy project. Opponents urged commissioners to stop the project.
City updates codes, delays enforcement
GARNETT A new set of city building codes wont be strictly enforced until local contractors are briefed about the changes, Garnetts codes inspector told The Anderson County Review. The city recently made its first major revision of the codes since 2006. The updated rules may make renovations more expensive for homeowners but could reduce insurance rates because of improved fire ratings, the codes inspector said.
Treasurer sues Coffey County
BURLINGTON Coffey County Treasurer Karen Maley has filed a civil suit in Coffey County District Court naming the Board of County Commissioners of Coffey County as defendants, according to The Coffey County Republican. Maley claims county commissioners unlawfully reduced her salary. She is seeking a judgment that would not only restore her wages and pay lost wages, but also include an amount in excess of $75,000 for retaliation.
Boat company plans expansion
NEODESHA A boat manufacturer plans a multi-year, $7 million expansion in Neodesha, The Chanute Tribune reported. Cobalt Boats said the project will add jobs and increase the size of operations. The company currently has 700 employees.
City considers Sunday liquor sales
PARSONS City leaders in Parsons plan to approve Sunday liquor sales in the near future, The Parsons Sun reported. City commissioners instructed their attorney to prepare an ordinance to allow the sale of package liquor on Sundays, which has been legal in Kansas since 2005 but left up to local cities and counties. The matter could be decided by commissioners or sent to voters in a special election. Parsons commissioners rejected a request for Sunday sales in 2014, saying residents expressed strong opposition.
Chanute district plans improvements
CHANUTE A list of proposed improvements to the Chanute school district topped $2.19 million through 2023 and beyond, according to The Chanute Tribune. The plan also called for $3 million in bus, vehicle and technology replacements, and ongoing building allotments and repairs over five years. The plans include a lease and improvements to the Santa Fe ballpark, updated school building marquees, HVAC replacements, middle school gym improvements and a possible agriculture science and career technical building.
