Allen County commissioners were asked Tuesday morning to consider a place for county employees to excuse themselves for smoke breaks.
Starting Thursday more stringent rules regulating smoking in Kansas take effect. Among them is one that requires smokers to be at last 10 feet from entrances or windows of public buildings, such as the county courthouse. That means those exiting the courthouse for a few drags will have to be out from under overhangs at entrances and away from protection from the elements next to walls.
Sheriff Tom Williams suggested a small shelter, such as those sold to harbor vehicles kept outdoors outside of garages.
“Let me come up with something and you see how you like it,” said Williams, not a smoker himself but interested in helping employees who do. He proposed funding the shelter from his budget with money from such things as vehicle inspections, not that raised by taxes.
Commissioner Dick Works said he’d want a structure that was architecturally compatible with the courthouse, not one that stood out.
Whatever is erected also might be used for lunch breaks during fair weather.
COMMISSIONER Gary McIntosh is resolute in helping those who like to fish to have a handy spot to angle.
He encouraged proponents to volunteer to help solve the problem. “Give us a call and sign on,” McIntosh said.
Repeatedly, McIntosh has said the county closing a road leading to the old Lehigh Cement Co. dam on Elm Creek — it runs through an area where the county has equipment and fuel tanks — and proposing to close access over county right of way to the old State Street low-water bridge have generated a public outcry that can’t be ignored.
“We need to find a way to help,” he said.
Construction or brush-clearing to open the creek to fishing hasn’t started, but may soon. Iola commissioners also have recognized the need and several groups have expressed an interest.
ISABELL PLILER and Tonie Vest, Services to the Elderly van drivers, were recognized by commissioners for having completed defensive driving courses. Each was given a certificate.
