During the fall, winds can be strong enough to close the Barton County Landfill, Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock said.

If winds are sustained above 30 miles per hours, or gusting over 35 mph, the facility will shut down. “If it is a windy day, please call ahead to make sure the landfill is open,” he said.

In other news, the last scheduled household hazardous waste collection was Oct. 17. On that day, 135 pounds of such waste was collected from 63 participants at the Landfill collection site.

However, Hathcock said if anyone needs to dispose of household hazardous waste, they can make an appointment. For more information regarding recycling, HHW or regular household waste, call 620-793-1898.

The information about the landfill was part of County Administrator Richard Boeckman’s bi-weekly departmental update. Other highlights included:

Solid waste

In the past two weeks,the landfill took in:

• 988 tons of Municipal Solid Waste

• 476 tons of Construction/Demolition Waste

• 30.3 tons of Special Waste

• 689 loads of waste received for disposal

• $54,652.63 of revenue generated through disposal fees

County Appraiser Barb Esfeld

The Barton County Appraiser’s Office is conducting studies needed to establish 2016 values. Data is being collected for improvements that were added in 2015 and property inspection are being completed for properties sold. 

After this is completed, the department will value real estate for Jan. 1, 2016. Kansas statutes require the county appraiser to establish fair market value for both residential and commercial properties in the County.

While out reviewing properties, Barton County appraisal staff will be in marked vehicles and wearing name tags. Values will be mailed to all property owners by March 1, 2016. 

Road and Bridge Director Dale Phillips 

Road and Bridge

• Road and Bridge staff continues mowing of right of way. This past two weeks mowers were in the Beaver, Ellinwood, Odin and Great Bend areas.

• Asphalt work continued northeast of Hoisington and near Susank.

• College Road and Hirsh Street in Ellinwood had a contract asphalt overlay installed by Venture Corporation. 

• Staff patched potholes in the county-owned parking lots.

• Sign work continued; repaired damaged signs as needed.

• Drainage work was conducted west of Great Bend near Dundee and in the Hoisington area.

• The sand dredge was set up south of Ellinwood and operations have started. 

• Snow Training and equipment set-up was started in preparation for winter storms. 

Noxious Weed

• Noxious weed staff began the fall Musk Thistle spraying program in pastures.

Memorial Parks

• Work on the Golden Belt Veterans Memorial continued in preparation to set the stone with the names for dedication on Nov. 11.