Allen County commissioners are uncertain what stance they will take on gun-toting folks coming to the courthouse. State law passed this session permits concealed carry in virtually all buildings except the Statehouse in Topeka. The law takes effect July 1. COMMISSIONERS met for 10 minutes in executive session with County Counselor Alan Weber to discuss merger of Iola and Allen County ambulance services, conversations afterward indicated.
Sheriff Bryan Murphy said commissioners could allow concealed carry of firearms in the courthouse beginning then or seek a waiver to put off the decision for four years. During that time, commissioners would be expected to consider installing metal detectors and security personnel to identify those armed. If they decide on that course, a person’s weapon would be held at the entrance and returned to them when they exit.
“It’s up to you, whatever you want to pursue,” Murphy told commissioners at their meeting Tuesday morning.
“I’m not real worried about those” who make the effort to take a concealed carry course and get certified, said Commissioner Tom Williams. “It’s the guys who violate the law that worry me.”
Under the law, those who carry concealed weapons must be certified to do so.
Murphy said with five entrances to the courthouse and associated law enforcement center, cost of checking each person coming in would be substantial.
The only exemptions are the county clerk’s office and District Court rooms, at the chief judge’s option.
County Clerk Sherrie Riebel, who has “no-gun” signs posted on her door thinks they will continue to be valid because of federal funding the county receives, and she administers, for the elderly services van. Federal law excludes concealed carry.
During conversations it was the assumption that most people who earn concealed carry certification won’t carry weapons often. An advantage is those so certified may purchase weapons from a dealer without a waiting period.
Carl Slaugh, Iola administrator, noted commissioners and Iola council members would gather at 6 p.m. Monday in the Creitz Recital Hall, Bowlus Fine Arts Center, to consider proposals for a merger. The meeting will be open to the public.
Slaugh also told commissioners he had fielded calls from residents who wondered about having a list of private storm shelters available to emergency responders so they could be found quickly if trapped by debris after severe weather.
Commissioners applauded the suggestion and said they would pass it along to Pam Beasley, emergency management director.
Also, Beasley will be asked to do occasional checks of local fertilizer vendors, in light of the devastating explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas, last month. Many fertilizers have volatile components.
County commissioners mull gun law
