HUMBOLDT — Another reminder of the pandemic raised its head Monday night when Humboldt council met in a hybrid fashion with several members opting to attend remotely from their homes.
Missing entirely from the action was Cole Herder, city administrator, who is in quarantine from being exposed to the virus.
“I’m fine,” he messaged Monday, adding that he didn’t have reliable internet at his home.
With Herder away, the meeting was brief.
Council members approved Humboldt Police Department’s participation in a Special Olympics polar plunge on Feb. 12 in Pittsburg.
Every dollar raised helps support more than 4,000 Kansas athletes with intellectual disabilities on the playing field throughout the year, said Shannon Moore, police chief. Moore said it’s a long-standing tradition of law enforcement forces to support these special athletes. A torch run benefiting the Special Olympics began in 1981.
Mayor Nobby Davis said that as long as officers did not ask for funds while in uniform, he was OK with the fundraiser. Entrance fee for the plunge is $75 apiece. Moore said those that have volunteered for the icy plunge include herself and officers Daniel McMurray and Drake Tilman.
For more information go to plungeks.org or contact Moore at 620-473-3232.
Jeff Barnett was given permission to hold the Owl Creek Jamboree in Camp Hunter April 22-25. The Jamboree will feature acoustic musicians and songwriters and include amplified music on a central stage. Camping will also be allowed. The event will resemble Winfield’s annual Walnut Valley Festival.
An emergency management exercise was approved for March 30-31 at Camp Hunter.
Dale Lowry, captain of the Chanute Fire Department, explained the mission of Search and Rescue Task Force 4 responders, who rely on area forces in times of emergencies. It is expected that area fire, police and EMS personnel will participate in the readiness training, Lowry said. Training will include how to search for victims, how to use ropes in rescue situations, how to rescue victims in confined spaces and how to have the right equipment in such situations.
New and re-elected council members were sworn in, including Sarah Hart, Kent Goodner, Cindy Holinsworth, Drue Barton and Mayor Davis. Barton replaced outgoing Don Becannon.
