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stafford county commission

July 21, 2022 by in GovernmentStafford County

Stafford Co. Commission discusses new landfill

Minutes from the latest Stafford County Commission meeting

The Stafford County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, July 13th, 2022, in the Commission Room in the Annex. Chairman Wycoff called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Todd Wycoff, Bryce Garner, and Clayton Grimmett.


Mark Soria, Stafford City Council, gave the commissioners an update on the housing project in Stafford City and inquired as to the commissioner’s interest in contributing. It was stated that the grant application on behalf of the Stafford County Fair Board for a new fair building had been written. The commissioners indicated that they are waiting to see what happens with that grant which will determine how they make their final decisions regarding how ARPA funds will be allocated.


Commissioner Grimmett moved, and Commissioner Garner seconded, to approve the minutes from the July 6th session. Motion carried 3-0.


Chairman Wycoff recessed the meeting at 8:49 a.m. Meeting was reconvened at 8:54 a.m.


Darren Reed, Solid Waste, joined the meeting to discuss proposed fees associated with closing and maintaining a landfill site. Darren has consulted with Terracon and has been advised that a permit modification can be done which would allow him to go above grade which would allow another possible 3-5 years for the current site. This would allow additional time to locate another site for a new landfill as well as time to budget the expense as well as the associated costs of closing the current site. Darren will contact KDHE and get the necessary information for beginning the permit process.


Commissioner Wycoff moved, and Commissioner Garner seconded, to recess to executive session for 5 minutes pursuant to the attorney client privilege exception to discuss property acquisition. Motion carried 3-0. In at 9:18 a.m. Out at 9:23 a.m. Those present: Commissioners, County Clerk, Darren Reed, Mike Robinson.


Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Grimmett seconded, to recess to executive session for another 15 minutes pursuant to the attorney client privilege exception to continue to discuss property acquisition. Motion carried 3-0. In at 9:23 a.m. Out at 9:38 a.m. Those present: Commissioners, County Clerk, Darren Reed, Mike Robinson.


Phillip Nusser, Road & Bridge, joined the meeting to present a 5-year schedule of equipment replacement needs. Discussion was held regarding the equipment needs and future budgeting to replace that equipment.


Commissioner Grimmett moved, and Commissioner Garner seconded, to accept the presented tax roll corrections. Motion Carried 3-0.


An employee evaluation for Mandy Sanders was presented for the commissioners to review and sign. Resolution 2022-16, authorizing the commencement of a judicial tax foreclosure sale was also presented to the commissioners. Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Grimmett seconded, to approve the tax sale resolution. Motion carried 3-0.


A fee waiver form was presented from Grant Frink to allow him to haul debris from a property demolition into the landfill with no fees.


Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Grimmett seconded, to approve the fee waiver. Motion carried 3-0.


Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Grimmett seconded, to recess to executive session for 10 minutes pursuant to the nonelected personnel exemption to discuss non-elected personnel with no action to be taken and adjournment to follow. Motion carried 3-0.


Those present: Commissioners, County Clerk, Phillip Nusser. In at 10:15 a.m. Out at 10:25 a.m.


July accounts payable vouchers and checks were approved and signed from the following funds:
General 17,699.87
Road & Bridge 70,004.02
Health 7,502.07
Rural Fire 4,476.40
Nox Weed 937.52
Appraiser 205.54
Solid Waste 5,847.21
EMS 1,505.14
Motor Vehicle 564.60
E911 7,625.00
Equip Reserve 9,125.00
TOTAL $ 125,492.37


The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m

macksville hunting

July 18, 2022 by in CommunityTourism

Application Period Open for Fall, Winter Special Hunting Opportunities

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is currently accepting applications for 2022-2023 “Special Hunts” – hunts conducted on lands not normally open to unrestricted hunting, which include select KDWP-managed properties, refuges, Walk-in Hunting Access areas (WIHA), city and county properties, and other locations. KDWP’s Special Hunts also limit the number of participants to ensure a quality experience or to achieve specific management goals, such as herd reduction.

This fall and winter, more than 370 special hunting opportunities will be held on the following properties:

  • 21 – KDWP Wildlife Areas
  • 6 – Kansas State Parks
  • 3 – State Fishing Lakes
  • 3 – County-owned Properties
  • 2 – Private Lands
  • 2 – National Wildlife Refuges
  • 1 – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake

Hunters have the option to apply in four categories, including youth, mentor, disabled, and open hunts. Youth hunts require parties to include at least one youth who must be accompanied by an adult mentor, and the adult(s) may not hunt. Mentor hunts are open to both youth and/or inexperienced (novice) hunters who are each supervised by a licensed adult mentor, during which time both the novice and mentor may hunt. Disabled hunts are designed for individuals with disabilities. And lastly, open hunts are available to all persons, with no age or experience restrictions.

Hunters should note, prior to applying, that KDWP’s Special Hunts program only provides access to properties; Licenses, permits, tags, stamps, and Hunter Education are still required, unless exempt. 

KDWP’s Licensing staff will draw applications for fall and winter special hunts on August 8 (for hunts taking place in September/October 2022), September 26 (for hunts taking place in November/December 2022) and again on December 12 (for hunts taking place in January/February 2023).

For a complete list of available Special Hunts, eligibility requirements and instructions for applying, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information.

July 14, 2022 by in GovernmentStafford County

Stafford County Commission discusses township operations

Minutes from the latest Stafford County Commission meeting

The Stafford County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022, in the Commission Room in the Annex. Chairman Wycoff called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. Present: Todd Wycoff, Bryce Garner, and Clayton Grimmett.

At the request of Vanessa Cornwell and Lisa Milton, Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Grimmett seconded, to recess to executive session for 15 minutes pursuant to the attorney/client privilege exception to discuss a sensitive matter. Motion carried 3-0.

Those present: Commissioners, County Clerk, Vanessa Cornwell, Lisa Milton, and Mike Robinson.

In at 8:32 a.m. Out 8:47 a.m.

Phillip Nusser, Road & Bridge, joined the meeting to discuss operations in St. John and Rose Valley townships. Mike Christie, and Rick Hunley with Rose Valley were also present.

Discussion was held regarding the cost / benefit of the county maintaining the two townships. At this point the county is stretched for time, especially during the summer months, to get to the townships timely and is losing money at this point trying to maintain these two townships suitably. Concern for the service provided to the taxpayers was expressed. Discussion continued regarding how the townships could alleviate the issues, particularly in the summer. It was suggested that they try to find a way to cover their roads during those times possibly by reaching out to neighboring townships. Rose Valley agreed to try this as a solution for this year and look at the situation next year and see if they need to plan to go back to having their own maintainer and grader and take the township maintenance back.

Commissioner Grimmett moved, and Commissioner Garner seconded, to approve the minutes from the June 29th session. Motion carried 3-0.

Commissioner Garner moved, and Commissioner Grimmett seconded, to recess to executive session for 5 minutes pursuant to the nonelected personnel exception to discuss non-elected personnel and then adjourn with no action taken. Motion carried 3-0.

In at 10:20 a.m. Out at 10:25 a.m.

Those present: Commissioners, County Clerk, Phillip Nusser.

Following adjournment, the commissioners held a budget workshop to go over the preliminary budget for 2023.

July accounts payable vouchers and checks were approved and signed from the following funds:

General $ 31,195.00

TOTAL $ 31,195.00

The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

macksville lake

July 13, 2022 by in Environment

Outdoor Enthusiasts, Pet Owners Encouraged to Avoid Harmful Algal Blooms

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Blue-green algae look much like other, more common algae but they’re really a type of bacteria called “cyanobacteria.” And this cyanobacteria, when in high concentrations, can cause illness in both people and pets. That’s why each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) work jointly to alert the public about potentially harmful algae blooms.

The process begins when KDHE is alerted to a potential algae bloom. Staff will deploy to the waterbody in question, conduct the necessary tests and determine next steps. Depending on either the presence of certain toxins, the number of cyanobacteria cells in the water or a combination of the two, KDHE may then issue a Public Health “Watch” or Public Health “Warning.”

But outdoor enthusiasts can protect themselves, and their loved ones – including pets – by remaining vigilant for the signs of a Harmful Algal Bloom before a watch or warning is ever issued.

Here’s what you should know:

  • Algal blooms are often highly visible, appearing like a bright green slime on the water’s surface, though blooms come in other colors and textures.
  • KDHE monitors blue-green algae across the state April 1-Oct. 31, when blooms are most likely to be present. However, heavy blooms have been documented well into November.
  • Dogs can get sick or die from exposure to harmful blue-green algae. It’s recommended that pet owners offer fresh drinking water often to their dogs while out-of-doors to decrease the pet’s interest in drinking from potentially-tainted ponds or lakes. Also, dogs that have swam through possible blooms should be toweled off immediately and taken to a place where they can be sprayed thoroughly with clean water. If a dog exhibits any symptoms such as throwing up, lethargy, or seizures following exposure to a natural waterbody, seek immediate veterinary attention.
  • Suspected exposures to blue-green algae can be reported to the KDHE by calling the EpiHotline (877-427-7317) or by using this online form found at: https://kdheks.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3m9Zfcls27nckMB.

For more information on blue-green algal blooms in Kansas, visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness.

For an interactive map of current Harmful Algal Bloom Watches and Warnings in Kansas, visit the KDHE website, https://maps.kdhe.state.ks.us/habkscounty/.

stafford county sheriff

July 12, 2022 by in Stafford County

Sheriff’s Department seeks deputy

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is taking applications for a full time Dispatch position until filled.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

The shift will be 4:00pm to midnight, Saturday through Wednesday.

There will be occasional 12-hour shifts and /or requirements to work other shifts when short-staffed.

Requirements; High school Diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, no criminal convictions, excellent typing and computer skills, telephone and public relations skis and ability to multitask is a must.

Please call (620)549-3247 or stop by Sheriff’s Office at 209 N. Broadway, St. John for applications.

Stafford County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

July 6, 2022 by in Uncategorized

Stafford County Sheriff’s report May 26-June 14

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

06/01/2022 Dustin Clark bonded with court set for later date.

06/03/2022 Chantel Poppelreiter was arrested for expired tags and no insurance. Subject was transported to Rice County jail. Subject bonded with court set for later date.

06/06/2022 Martez Tyus Jr. was arrested on Barton County warrant. Subject was transported to Barton County and released to their officers

06/08/2022 Heidi-Lyn Johnson hit a deer 4.5 miles south of Stafford on SE 80th Ave. No one was injured and vehicle was driven from scene.

06/13/2022 Adam Suppes was transported from Rice County jail to court. Subject was returned after court.

06/13/2022 Duane Millet was transported from Rice County jail to court. Subject was returned after court.