In deference to this weeks rain and swollen streams, Allen County Commission Chairman Jerry Daniels encouraged Sheriff Bryan Murphy to research naval assets for his department.
The recommendation came during a short commission session Tuesday morning.
Murphy said his department has access to a jet ski, but not a swift-water boat that would come in handy for a water rescue, particularly if a life were hanging in the balance.
I know its too late (for current flooding), but I think its something you could research, Daniels told Murphy. Maybe a Zodiac, an inflatable craft made of hard material that is popular in such venues. Zodiacs come in many sizes and configurations, as well as prices.
We have a major waterway, the Neosho River, he added, as well as numerous small streams that are crossed on low-water bridges.
A vehicle was stranded in water flowing across a road near Colony Monday. Commissioner Bill King said a similar incident occurred along U.S. 169 north of Iola near its intersection with Deer Creek.
If Allen County ramped up its water-rescue capabilities, we could help out with fire departments and others dealing with water rescues, Daniels said.
Over the years local officers have had such requirements, including extracting a person injured in a fishing accident in an isolated area of the Neosho north of Humboldt. Several times young rafters have been caught up in ticklish situations when taking advantage of high water on small streams.
COMMISSIONERS massaged annexation of a 30-acre industrial tract by Humboldt, less than a mile north of that city. Humboldt commissioners signed off on the annexation Monday night.
County Counselor Alan Weber said the document is pretty straight forward and meets all requirements. The vote was 2-0. Commissioner John Brocker was absent.
They approved appointment of Ben Alexander, Jacque Gabbert and Lucina Lucas to the Allen County Food Council, on recommendation of Debbie Bearden, a proponent of healthy eating and connecting locally grown produce with residents.
Among council activities, she said, is encouraging restaurants to identify menu items that fit within healthy eating principles. The council also urges public venues, such as Allen County Regional Hospital, to stock their vending machines with healthy food and drinks.
LARRY WALDEN asked commissioners to require repayment of money they contribute for public service or entertainment if the group misrepresents itself by being politically biased or brings any question of ill repute or intention upon itself and thereby impugning the reputation and good intent of commissioners.
Walden earlier took to task the Farm-City Days Committee for denying Don Erbert to drive a military jeep in Saturday parade adorned with a counterfeit machine gun, while carrying Kris Kobach, Republican candidate for Kansas governor.
Commissioners supported the 2018 event to the tune of $1,500.
They agreed with Ron Holman, maintenance supervisor, that the FCD car show be removed from the courthouse lawn because of its soggy condition, which is likely to persist through the weekend. The car show previously has been on West Street.
