Commissioner
returns for wind farm debate
ERIE A Neosho County commissioner decided not to resign as the county continues to debate a contentious wind farm project, The Chanute Tribune reported. With the full three-member commission present, a six-month moratorium, or temporary ban, on the wind farm failed after no one seconded the motion. Commissioners heard presentations for and against the project. Issues included how far the wind farms would be set back from participating and non-participating homes, and whether property values might decrease if a wind farm was developed.
Wind farm could
affect Parsons
recreation
PARSONS City officials in Parsons are keeping an eye on a planned wind farm in Neosho County, with concerns it could have a negative effect on Lake Parsons, Labette County roads and property values in the area, The Parsons Sun reported. A city commissioner pointed to a map that shows locations of possible turbines as close as 4 to 5 miles from Parsons and 607 feet tall, with some turbines within a half-mile to a quarter-mile from Lake Parsons, which is in Neosho County but owned and maintained by the city as its water source.
Judge Wine briefs
students on courts
BURLINGTON Coffey County District Judge Taylor Wine gave Burlington High School students a crash course on the court system recently, The Coffey County Republican reported. Wine talked about the structure of the federal and state court systems, described his typical day and gave students an opportunity to serve as a judge in hypothetical civil and criminal cases. Wine is the chief judge in the Fourth Judicial District, which includes Coffey, Anderson, Franklin and Osage counties.
Veterans memorial effort renewed
GARNETT Anderson County officials want to revise and rejuvenate plans for a veterans memorial on the courthouse lawn, according to The Anderson County Review. The project was first proposed in 2012, with plans developed in 2015 for marble panels etched with the names of service members. Commissioners now want to revise the etched panels, using electronic kiosks to provide more information about the veterans. They want to see the project completed by the end of this year. A fund for the project sets at about $483,000.
Elk harvested in Labette County
MOUND VALLEY A Labette County hunter had a rare opportunity to harvest an elk, after spotting the animal on a trail camera on land he farms near Mound Valley. The hunter, Nate Carnahan, said he was surprised to learn that elk could be hunted like deer, and shot the animal near the beginning of rifle season. Elk are not native to southeast Kansas but, like black bears, occasionally wander into the area. The state issues about 20 elk permits a year. About 900 people apply for permits, almost all of them for Fort Riley, which has a large, free-ranging elk herd.
Hospital wants to rezone, acquire properties
GARNETT Anderson County Hospital plans to purchase two properties near the hospital campus and rezone them for office institutional use, The Anderson County Review reported. The space will be used as storage, additional parking and temporary quarters for hospital staff in cases of inclement weather. A Feb. 5 rezoning hearing on the matter came with some controversy, as an address was incorrect on a notice to neighbors. Hospital officials said the two parcels might not be the only area properties in which the hospital might be interested.
NCCC unveils
indoor facility
CHANUTE A former industrial building will be on display Thursday as Neosho County Community College unveils an indoor practice facility for athletics, The Chanute Tribune reported. The 64,000-square foot building, formerly the home of Midwest Cabinetry at 4101 Ross Lane in the Chanute Industrial Park, eventually will feature space for the practice facility, offices, new programs and storage. The practice facility is the first of three phases of improvements.
County conducts health survey
FREDONIA Wilson County citizens are taking part in a Health Needs survey, The Wilson County Citizen reported. The goal is for 65 percent of Wilson County households to complete the survey. Those who do will receive $10 in Fredonias Chamber bucks or Neodeshas Downtown Dollars. The data will be used to apply for grants to improve health and wellness, and resources throughout the county. Wilson County ranks 98th out of 105 Kansas counties with regard to health outcomes.
