Marion County Lake hall designated as disaster shelter
Contracts were signed Monday by Marion County Commission to make the Marion County Lake hall a disaster center.
American Red Cross volunteers Ralph and Phyllis Kreutziger of Marion presented the agreement between Sunflower Red Cross Chapter of McPherson and the county.
Ralph Kreutziger said other locations within the county that have been approved as emergency shelters are Marion City Building, Marion High School and Marion Elementary School gymnasiums, Eastmoor United Methodist Church, Peabody-Burns High School and Peabody Elementary School gymnasiums, Burns Community Center, and Lincolnville Community Center.
In case of a disaster, Marion County Emergency Preparedness Director Michele Abbott-Becker would contact the couple and ask for assistance. Federal Emergency Management Agency would provide reimbursement to those entities with designated Red Cross shelters. Reimbursements could include utilities, supplies, and other necessities used during the crisis.
The agreement will become effective after the Sunflower chapter reviews and approves the agreement.
In other business:
— County clerk Carol Maggard provided information to the commission regarding resolutions pertaining to county fireworks displays and sales.
Commissioner Randy Dallke, who requested the commission consider changing resolutions to allow retail sales of fireworks and displays on private property, said he wanted fees established for fireworks stands. Other requirements could be proof of insurance, and sufficient space between other structures.
Maggard suggested burn ban information be included in the resolution.
Dallke said he would talk with county attorney Susan Robson and report at the next meeting.
— Maggard reported the county was not approved for a Heritage Trust Grant. Only one courthouse in the state received funding, she said, and was encouraged to apply next year. The county had applied for funds to reconstruct window frames in the courthouse.
— The commission conducted department head evaluations in executive sessions for one hour and 45 minutes prior to addressing regular agenda items.
— Maggard reported a celebration was being planned to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the construction of the current courthouse.
— Maggard requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions but an announcement that a request was denied to advance vacation time to a county employee.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. May 31.
PEO meets May 15
PEO Chapter DB met May 15 at Marion Christian Church. Hostesses were Lenore Dieter, Joyce Smith, and Ruth Viets.
Following the business meeting, an inspirational memorial service was given by chaplain Debbi Darrow.
The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. June 12 at the home of Judy Mills.
