Commissioners briefed on new educational programs

Written by by Brian Huxman Tuesday, 25 January 2000 18:00

Steve Tonn and Nancy Pihl of the Marion County Extension Office gave their annual report to the Marion Steve Tonn and Nancy Pihl of the Marion County Extension Office gave their annual report to the Marion County Commission Monday, highlighted by information about new programs which have been or will be launched. Pihl announced her office has received a grant from the Kansas State University extension for family nutrition. The grant not only will help with nutrition education, but will also provide funding for residents eligible for food stamps. The program is intended to help educate youth from grades kindergarten through fifth. Tonn reported the agriculture department has formed several risk-management clubs. The clubs include educational meetings which are designed to inform people on about livestock and crops. The agriculture department is continuing to work on environmental control, Tonn said. He said the county currently has three wheat plots. In other action: -- The county has received a better long distance offer from CGI long distance service. Before deciding to change their service, county clerk Carol Maggard said she will get feedback from those already on the plan. -- David Brazil, planning/zoning director and sanitarian, said only six people showed up for the training meeting for contractors. Brazil expressed concern about a trash site in a ditch in the western part of the county. He will coordinate recovery of the trash with the road and bridge department. -- Commission chair Linda Peterson suggested the idea of having a fireworks display at the next Fourth of July celebration in the county. “I think it’s something we should think about,” Peterson said. “A lot of people leave the county for the Fourth, so this might keep people in the county.” Commissioners will discuss the item more at a later date. -- Talked about updating the current Comprehensive Land-use Plan. Commissioners will speak with Brazil regarding the issue. -- Bruce Wells of Flint Hills Resource Conservation and Development gave a report about the work of his organization. He spoke about a water conservation program for Marion Reservoir and an outreach program to let people know about the Flint Hills RC&D. Wells said the organization will hold a public meeting March 10, but the site and time are pending. -- Scott Zogelman, speaking on behalf of the Florence Ambulance Department, requested funding for new radios for his department. Zogelman said the community’s department is entirely volunteer, and with poor radios, it is difficult to communicate at times. Total cost of the project is just over $3,000. “I would really like to see us do this, and we will get you a decision on the funding and where it will come from by next Monday,” commissioner Jack Bruner said. -- Rollin Schmidt, noxious weed director told commissioners that past-due accounts totaling more than $40,000 have been almost fully collected. -- The road and bridge department will be in conjunction with the commissioners when two new projects get under way. One of the projects is to put concrete in the Pizza Hut driveway off Highway 56 in Marion. Cost of that project will be about $38,000, but commissioners asked department director Gerald Kelsey to check into making the concrete cover 10 inches thick instead of the eight the bid projected. The other project is for new gates at the Marion airport. Cost of that project will be $860, half of which will be paid by the county. Final payment on the county road project will be made this month to Schilling Construction, it was reported. Neighbors complain about neighbor’s negligence at last Tuesday’s meeting Jake Richert and about 40 of his closest neighbors showed up at the Jan. 18 meeting of the Marion County Commission to make a citizen complaint about loose cattle in their neighborhood. Richert and his crew said the problem, involving one Marion County resident whose identity was not released, is causing havoc for more than just the individuals who showed up at the meeting. “(This resident) doesn’t feed his herd of cattle, he just lets them out and they come out and eat off everyone else’s crops,” one concerned citizen said. The problem has been building for the past 15 years, said members of the group. Richert said the biggest problem is that the owner will not claim cattle after they get out, which occurs almost every day. “If I would have known I could have brought this problem to you (commissioners), I would have been here 15 years ago,” Richert said. “This has been a problem for a long time, and (the owner) does not make this any easier.” Residents later met with County Attorney Dan Baldwin, who said he would be happy to review laws about repetitive offenses or ordinances having to do with animals. Baldwin said current law does state that the county sheriff may— not shall—pen up and remove any animals who are unclaimed by an owner after a 48-hour waiting period. Commissioners are planning to go to the residence to view the fence, which the complainants reported to be on the ground more often than not. After viewing the fence, commissioners said they will act on the issue. They have discussed hiring help to round-up and confine any cattle which could be a hindrance. “I think this is the best plan we have right now,” Commissioner Jack Bruner said. “I think we need to have some of these people (making the complaint) meet with the county attorney and the sheriff to try to find some sort of conclusion.” Several of the complainants also mentioned trespassing and destruction of property by the same individual. Those present said the man has cut fences and sabotaged vehicles in retaliation for complaints made against him regarding his cattle and fencing problems. James Dunn, pastor at the church the man in question attends, said he hopes to see a positive conclusion to the situation. “I would like to see this turn into a win-win situation somehow,” Dunn said. “We could volunteer to put up a fence at his property. We need to make him see that we care.” The request was met with silence, followed by more complaints. “I have to drive that road on the way to work,” one citizen said. “I’m going to really wipe out trying to avoid a cow or really hit one sometime. That is a scary thought.” Commissioners will address the issue again at a later date. In other agenda: -- Lloyd Davies, computer consultant for the county, reported he will not be moving his business to Kansas City, therefore making his services available to the county indefinitely if they are needed. -- Commissioners announced DeLora Robinson will become the newest member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. -- Commissioners agreed honor a request from the board of the Flint Hills RC&D for a $300 donation. They also announced Bruner will continue as the commission’s representative to the program. Bruce Wells, representing the organization, said in a letter he would like to report to the commission the highlights and accomplishments from the past year. -- Commissioners reviewed year-end budget reports.