Ellsworth County commissioners once again took no action Monday after reviewing the face mask mandate resolution they approved several weeks ago.

“We want to keep the mandate on, I assume, don’t we?” Commissioner Kermit Rush asked his colleagues.

“Yes, I would think so,” responded Commissioner Steve Dlabal.

“As long as the governor has got hers: Commissioner Dennis Rolfs said. “We would only revert back to that anyway or we could opt out.”

The commissioners will continue to review the mandate weekly.

In other business:

+ Ron Larson, Brandon Hulse and Dorine Cunningham of the Marquette Recreation District gave an update on the district’s activities.

“COVID has really been slowing us down: Larson said.

Larson said a new recreation director has been hired. The person also works for the Marquette Police Department. Larson noted the rec department helps with the swimming pool in Marquette and is also keeping the school building in town open for activities. These include an art room and daycare and community centers.

The recreation commission has also refurbished a pitching machine for use in the local baseball program.

“We’re mainly trying to keep the swimming pool open: Larson noted.

“Anything you can do to keep Marquette alive is great: Rolfs said.

+ Stacie Schmidt of Ellsworth County Economic Development received signatures on paperwork she presented regarding the closeout of the $132,000 Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant the county received for COVID-19 relief. The cities of Ellsworth and Wilson also received funding under the grant. Ellsworth received $132,000 and Wilson received $77,000. They were among 66 communities and counties across Kansas to receive funding.

Schmidt plans to conduct a closeout hearing at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at the county courthouse. Commissioners are not required to attend.

+ Jeremiah Brown, supervisor of the Ellsworth County EMS, said he has placed an ambulance back in service after a problem with a strut was discovered and repaired.

“The truck is level and runs great: Brown said.

Brown said EMS received the cardiac monitors he had ordered. He also received the first of several ionizer machines for the department.

MORE INFORMATION

• Commissioners also approved $2,300 for annual membership in the Kansas Association of Counties

• The next meeting of the Ellsworth County commissioners will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, at the county courthouse.