Planning and Zoning Administrator Terry Call provided commissioners Tuesday morning with an update on a proposed meteorological study that could support a future wind farm project in Allen County.
Call said the company, River Cat Wind, is seeking to lease space on the county’s communications tower south of the landfill in order to collect wind data in the area. The study would evaluate wind patterns as part of an assessment for possible wind farm development. Call explained the study would take place over an extended period, estimated at somewhere between two to three years.
As part of the project, the company plans to rent space on the tower and install two additional temporary towers in the surrounding area. Call told commissioners he has been in regular contact with the company’s representative. “I spoke to that gentleman several times and he’s been very helpful,” Call said, noting that the representative has provided technical specifications for review.
Commissioners discussed the logistics of a lease agreement for the tower. Commission Chair David Lee added that when the tower was designed, it was intended to accommodate multiple tenants. Commissioner Jerry Daniels suggested that the company may already have sample lease agreements that could be used as a starting point.
Call said the project appears to be moving closer to implementation. “They said they were definitely getting closer,” he told commissioners. He added that he has already sent building permits for the two temporary towers. While exact locations have not yet been finalized, Call said they would be in the general area west of 59 Highway and south of 54 Highway.
UNDERSHERIFF Nate Jackson also provided an update to commissioners on a recent veterans outreach event held at the Kansas National Guard Armory. The event — a free chili feed — was developed through monthly coordination meetings involving Thrive Allen County, the Veterans Administration and Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. Through those conversations, grant funding was identified that is aimed at supporting veterans’ mental health needs and strengthening connections to available services.
The goal for the funding was to bring veterans, active-duty guardsmen and service providers together in one setting. “We ended up with somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 70 veterans and their families, on top of the 110 active guardsmen that attended,” Jackson said.
According to Jackson, the VA was able to assist several attendees during the event. “I think they helped five or six people get their VA benefits set up,” he said. He also noted that mental health providers were able to speak with veterans and family members. “Mental health had some nice conversations with folks. So, a big win for that day.”
Jackson added that feedback from participants was positive, particularly regarding interaction between younger active-duty service members and older veterans. “The guardsmen got to hang out and talk with some of our older veterans,” he said, adding that the VFW and American Legion may see increased membership as a result.
IN OTHER NEWS, Public Works Director Mitch Garner notified commissioners that the county’s compactor was recently hauled off for repairs. Garner also noted progress at the Allen County Airport near the north-end hangars. “They got all the asphalt already torn out and hauled off,” he said. Dirt work is underway, with rock and concrete to follow. Plans also include installing drainage between hangars to reduce standing water.
Garner told commissioners he will be seeking bids for landfill topcoat material, noting that fewer companies are currently bidding.
Road and Bridge Director Jeremy Hopkins said his department expects to pick up a new tractor this week and is preparing for spring road work. He also noted that staff are currently developing the chip-and-seal project list.
