News

CLAFLIN — The approval of a onetime $1,000 retention incentive for certified staff members was a major topic at the Central Plains USD 112 Board of Education’s meeting June 25.Superintendent Bobby Murphy proposed the incentive to the board as a way to increase staff retention.

Ellsworth County Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Jim Kirkbride gave a brief update on planned construction projects during the June 18 hospital board meeting.“We’ve selected the general contractor for the rehab project,” he said, adding that contractor is Murray Construction.

The resignation of Ellsworth Police Chief Jerry Penny was accepted by the Ellsworth City Council Monday.Penny sent a letter of resignation to Interim City Manager Allen J. Dinkel June 18. It becomes effective two weeks from that date.

KANOPOLIS — Slowly, the new water tower project is moving forward.“We have an actual agreement in front of us,” said Thaniel Monaco, BG Consultants, during the June 12 meeting. “Based on motion in April, we’re moving forward with the project.

WILSON — With the July 4 holiday fast approaching, the Wilson City Council approved when residents can shoot off fireworks to celebrate Independence Day during Monday night’s meeting.

In each city in Ellsworth County, the race for mayor will be contested.Ellsworth, Wilson and Kanopolis all have two candidates vying for the mayor’s seat. The deadline to file for office was noon June 2.

Once again at Monday night’s meeting of the Ellsworth City Council, the procedures for city appointments were briefly discussed.The council approved the recommendation of Interim City Administrator Allen J. Dinkel by tabling further discussion of draft Charter Ordinance No.

After several weeks of discussion, the Ellsworth City Council finally settled the question May 27 of allowing chickens within the city limits of Ellsworth — at least for now.

WILSON — Before gearing up for the summer food program, Feeding the Children of Central Kansas, director Lynn Kasper spoke at the Child Nutrition Conference.The conference, which was held April 14-16 in Dallas, was an opportunity for Kasper to share, but also gain ideas.

KANOPOLIS — The Kanopolis Fire Department will host its fourth annual Poker Run and Community Celebration June 7, featuring a family- friendly environment, live music, food and prizes.