Sports complex planned for Parsons
PARSONS A sports complex in Parsons probably wont be ready for games until 2020, The Parsons Sun reported. Former NFL quarterback Shaun Hill, a Parsons High School alumnus, has pledged $250,000 through his charitable foundation for the complex that will include two multi-use fields. The City of Parsons will match Hills $250,000 contribution in property and in-kind work.
Porter sworn in as Woodson Co. clerk
YATES CENTER Tammy Porter was sworn in as the new Woodson County clerk, the Yates Center News reported. She graduated high school from Burlington and attended Allen Community College and Emporia State University, earning a degree in business. She has lived in Yates Center for 41 years. She previously worked at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, among other places.
Wind opponents challenge company
ERIE About two dozen people met to discuss plans for a wind farm in northeast Neosho County, according to The Chanute Tribune. Some opponents said Apex Clean Energy, the company developing the project, was not forthcoming with information or was misleading. The companys representatives said they have not determined how many wind turbines would be installed or where the sites would be, but a resident near Stark said a Federal Aviation Administration application showed planned sites for 121 turbines.
Garnett joins 169 Corridor Coalition
GARNETT A regional lobbying effort to win funds to upgrade U.S. 169 from Osawatomie to the Oklahoma border garnered support from the Garnett City Commission, according to the Anderson County Review. The city joined the effort earlier this month. It does not require any type of initial financial commitment but the city could be asked to contribute later with matching funds if state or federal funding is offered. The effort could take years or even decades, city officials warned.
Task force discusses highway needs
PARSONS A task force traveling the state to learn about future transportation needs stopped at Parsons Sept. 20, according to The Chanute Tribune. Two coalitions gave recommendations on U.S. 169 and U.S. 69. The task force also talked about U.S. 400 and U.S. 160. The U.S. 169 coalition wants to see the highway expanded to four lanes between Kansas City to the Oklahoma border. It also wants safety improvements to a 9.4 mile stretch from Welda to Garnett, which has no shoulders, has ponds on either side of the road and is in bad condition.
County attorney to serve as diplomat
BURLINGTON Coffey County Attorney Christopher Phelan resigned his post effective Oct. 22, the Coffey County Republican reported. He said he will soon be appointed as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State. He said he felt called to serve his country as a diplomat. Hell join more than 13,000 employees in more than 290 embassies and consulates worldwide.
Phelan also served as assistant county attorney for Allen County, 2011-2017.
Parsons hires new police chief
PARSONS A retired Louisiana law officer will be Parsons new chief of police, according to The Parsons Sun. Robert L. Spinks was chosen from a pool of four finalists. His policing career spans four decades and he most recently served as chief of police for a university with 8,000 students. His start date has not yet been announced.
