[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6456198,"mediaKeyId","5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3","parentId",5692119,"title","Votes at a glance: commissioners approve consent agenda payroll and waive landfill tipping fees for local events","audioSeconds",83,"startMs",1031000,"endMs",1114000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3&start=1031&end=1114","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3/thumbnail_1031000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6456198/Franklin-County/Kansas/Votes-at-a-glance-commissioners-approve-consent-agenda-payroll-and-waive-landfill-tipping-fees-for-local-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456198-bbcb029b5d9897b6ee58f9f65231bdb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1772845824&Signature=mmgOfyNij8pLUPs70S5eW9zZjfhmeGfAqWOlZLHlfifan6cHxRCRG4y96o4Z9mbrw8MtAhKxZ7DhtYmaz68cIhH6ithSxYqZb4vsPCfBkJMPTWivLgFD2lCUFDdNKQG1uoIh5QVyye2n9T3heq4THMjOinMornFNsNtyrxyQTaPxuKBkVueOjxbUQw8X0hvWQ3Y8Cfjvx6sGsp1Esf-H7YlLgeH8skizDntQ-dFgC5Dboqr6Yl3BK-wz3zjtoKb939WGQZsAIpTyzn-6~JN3zLRbJdKRAOgbpi9djfUNs4df~XPGeFEBTecdBubcIsaaFn6Sgq3Pa-t1tqRwtPO-oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Franklin County, KS","date","2025-08-27T15:58:47Z","article","At its Aug. 27 meeting the Franklin County Commission took several recorded actions.

Consent agenda: The commission approved the consent agenda including payroll for July 21–Aug. 20 in the amount of $1,538,785.12 and routine maintenance for Aug. 20. The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved and passed on a roll-call vote. Commissioners recorded votes as follows: Commissioner Weymayer (yes), Commissioner Meador (yes), Commissioner Dickinson (yes), Commissioner Stoudemire (yes), Chair Harris (yes).

Landfill tipping fees waived for community events: The commission approved a motion to waive tipping (transfer-station) fees for waste generated by the Over the Road Gang car show and the Power of the Past Tractor Club’s event, and granted permission to use the courthouse lawn and visitor center as requested. A motion to waive fees was made from the floor and seconded; a roll call recorded the motion as approved with the same affirmative votes: Stoudemire (yes), Wehmeyer (yes), Meador (yes), Dickinson (yes), Chair Harris (yes).

Bridge grant authorization (consensus): Commissioners verbally agreed to allow staff to proceed with planning-grant applications for two bridges (John Brown Road and Old Highway 50) with an estimated local match of roughly 5 percent; staff said the grant deadline is next Tuesday. The consensus was recorded during discussion but no formal roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript for that item.

No ordinances or contract awards requiring separate resolutions were adopted at the meeting. Several other items were discussion-only or staff reports.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","08 27 2025 Franklin County Board of County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Franklin County Commission approved the consent agenda (including payroll) and voted to waive landfill tipping fees for two local events; commissioners also gave staff consensus to pursue bridge planning grants.","taxTitle","Franklin County, Kansas","taxId",70736,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6456203,"Commission hears updates on bridges, transfer station review, parking-lot repairs and road maintenance work",348,2431000,2779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3&start=2431&end=2779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3/thumbnail_2431000.jpg","/articles/6456203/Franklin-County/Kansas/Commission-hears-updates-on-bridges-transfer-station-review-parking-lot-repairs-and-road-maintenance-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456203-7422960389f8adab3642511be687e738/orig.mp4?Expires=1772845824&Signature=A5vNnjU0uTHVX2h0QLcXMF76Qq-HEW5F8nVnc~rnW6T3NctTJlMddYPJC2IaBkE3sB7dmdf3ywBSQPVa1SAHPP6CbhGDQsDAlnxUxgwrFrXPw72SDfzIp2~0XNSviSTmQ0ru0I3OzJEdTMQAsgk18TzPWqjjmk3QuhUNpqIIwx-46D9fEvpBqZaqsomDLSsYQLY2XhDLxctFi9d2lObggOQwG0MFI~~j1FCgYSn~CLohgnyvRv~Piv-DVs12HqjObxvm8QVoQonUK~Zh4ncaDPR4rQ-0WXkFbthvYfQ4cMcAhbz1guvTzByjjT74GqrgqLrYY0a6PuenQqsbDBN0kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County public works staff and other administrators updated the Franklin County Commission Aug. 27 on multiple infrastructure projects, including two bridge planning grants, a transfer-station SCS submittal to Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), parking-lot drainage concerns, and pavement-preservation work.

Bridge grants and local match: Staff said they are preparing planning-grant applications for two bridge projects—one on John Brown Road and another on Old Highway 50—with a submission deadline next Tuesday. Staff said the county would be responsible for roughly 5 percent of the project cost if awarded, though a final number was not available at the meeting. Commissioners gave consensus approval to proceed with the grant applications; staff noted that if a grant were later awarded the county could decline it, but staff asked for permission to submit the applications to meet the deadline.

Transfer station and KDHE: County staff distributed and described engineering drawings submitted to KDHE for the SCS (site-control/stormwater) work at the transfer station. Staff said KDHE had provided mostly minor comments focused on drainage and containment and that the project remains on track through state review.

Pavement preservation and parking lot: Commissioners discussed recurring drainage and cracking in the courthouse parking lot and agreed to obtain quotes for crack sealing, slurry sealing and line repainting. Staff said a contractor (previously contracted for five miles of crack seal countywide at about $34,000) expects to begin local crack-seal work next Wednesday and that county crews will assist with traffic control. Staff recommended getting quotes for both limited crack filling and larger overlay or slurry operations so the commission can weigh costs.

Equipment and maintenance planning: County staff said they are meeting with vendors about purchasing two replacement blades and cleaners and are trying to pay cash where budget allows. They also discussed elevator repairs and whether a portion of transient-guest-tax (TGT) funds would be appropriate to use for that work.

Dust control and other routine maintenance: Staff reported extended dust-control applications through October on higher-traffic stretches and said crews were hauling water to improve surface conditions where cooler temperatures allowed.

No formal ordinances or bond measures were proposed; staff were directed to obtain cost estimates and proceed with grant applications and routine contracting estimates for pavement work.","County staff briefed commissioners on two bridge planning grants (deadline next Tuesday), transfer-station SCS drawings submitted to KDHE, crack-seal scheduling, parking-lot drainage and equipment-purchase planning for blades and elevators; commissioners authorized staff to pursue a bridge planning grant.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6456208,"Zip Trip, street dance and fall events draw visitors to Ottawa, tourism director says",123,737000,860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3&start=737&end=860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3/thumbnail_737000.jpg","/articles/6456208/Franklin-County/Kansas/Zip-Trip-street-dance-and-fall-events-draw-visitors-to-Ottawa-tourism-director-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456208-ca397094a3577a13c5c00a8865bfc7e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1772845824&Signature=fCLX2KWYnzHL40i9FxOCUFxhWvIGOxCpFwTur6B3~NwDkOaxqEZa4usleE7kB9tboHJxA0cLO9vjrIG9UiO7DQT3RRguNHY-m2ouHdOl96ThxCTJ~oDozmR2dY5alKexNmZFcfUuQSdAvDmzUJ7fiI5-cPPup1mWQW9izFadZjpkRHbPR-XLy5eXJufTvuUGJBzLuDJwyJND-ngE7EGll6~HMpBCnXYptvPoNAhIp7p1CN6f7Mg2-VVVnIs3C93pfS02TYOHAPeFMMS9iBjm7jbUhsnkdpWz4eWSjcatKGjxcjUjN5Uvj3EFTQO~xTNzfzVqVu7SO83zpqSsCl7Xuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sarah, a county tourism official, told the Franklin County Commission Aug. 27 that the Zip Trip promotion produced measurable visits and additional downtown business activity despite rainy weather during the event. She said many visitors came from Missouri and neighboring communities and that businesses report weekly increases in visitors linked to the promotion.

Sarah said August third-Thursday attracted about 350 families for a free hot-dog meal and a Makers Market, and that the downtown area is continuing third-Thursday events through October. She announced that the county will host a street dance featuring local artist Aidan, Mike Finch and the Justin White Band and said the county will promote the event publicly.

The tourism director credited partnerships — including use of the new library location when weather forced an indoor shift — and said vendors and car clubs remained active despite the rain. She also said the county worked with local groups to highlight athletes and student achievements during a recent parade and Fusion event, which drew high school and Ottawa University participants.

Why it matters: Commissioners noted the economic spillover from these events, pointing to increased hotel occupancy, restaurant traffic and retail visits. Sarah and other staff encouraged continued support for the events and said visitor tracking indicates out-of-area interest as far as Great Bend and Emporia.

No formal county votes were taken on tourism items during the presentation, but officials asked whether there were questions and said volunteers are welcome for upcoming events.","Franklin County tourism staff reported strong visitor interest tied to the Zip Trip promotion, third-Thursday events, a new street dance and an expanded Wellsville clinic ribbon cutting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6456213,"AdventHealth Ottawa to reopen labor-and-delivery unit Sept. 22; hospital cites sales-tax funding for services",225,135000,360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3&start=135&end=360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692119-db5bbe1592a776a45b216ceec47da6e3/thumbnail_135000.jpg","/articles/6456213/Franklin-County/Kansas/AdventHealth-Ottawa-to-reopen-labor-and-delivery-unit-Sept-22-hospital-cites-sales-tax-funding-for-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456213-57c82a417d51ee88c8e1544a07d77b51/orig.mp4?Expires=1772845824&Signature=LCjNerqOMzRdAgIEzWH54LgrkToC~HmcJmLoc17VbZJsFNTmyHS~i~C4x48Wqet7stGfN-TwxR0fQdwYjBXsqYuuRL0esL2EqeQ16by8OraNMu4BzLZXmMn2KtnQUn3CefnP8K-92GFcbM7LIjoP~wfmQr81aJp13gf8Ub2phRJXUjQhNOzx18WR3IZz8TAIRZbKCFhDw3fqis12-3bzaU0ODtGwblYfTxMzphbQjOoAd2VmZRInwHi4Ucr0qndnMQ9tnk4EskWpDF9yAF1jffCI~HPwr9AF9pmQQhRvOxvyp2yVQno~dU6wayd4M12fll9IP2VHi8cEX8UM3EYApQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","AdventHealth Ottawa announced Aug. 27 that it will reopen its labor-and-delivery program Sept. 22 and plans a community ribbon-cutting on Sept. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Hospital representatives told the Franklin County Commission the unit’s reopening responds to area need after recent rural closures.

The hospital said its patient-experience scores have improved “above the ninetieth percentile” in recent months, and that quality metrics including the CMS star rating and Leapfrog scores are being tracked. “Right now we’re Leapfrog B…we think we’ve got strong enough quality metrics to move back to a Leapfrog A,” said Erin, an AdventHealth representative to the commission.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff discussed the reopening while hospital leaders described how local sales-tax dollars are being used to support charity care, capital improvements and operations at Ransom Memorial Hospital and affiliated clinics. Sean, who presented the hospital’s sales-tax update, said the hospital projects about $1,800,000 in charity-care spending for 2025 (annualized through June) and that sales-tax receipts through June were just under $1.5 million, roughly $57,000 above projection to date.

Hospital officials named the four clinicians who will staff the revived maternity service: Dr. Abney (an OB-GYN who joined in December), Dr. Raven Weiss (joining in September), Dr. Haley Lowell (family-medicine obstetrics background), and Dr. Chase Brown (expected in 2026). AdventHealth said it has hired staff beginning in July and that sales-tax dollars were budgeted to support labor-and-delivery staffing and associated capital needs.

Hospital leaders also described recent and planned capital work paid in part from sales-tax allocations: a new customer-relationship management system for surgical services, new emergency department beds, drainage and resurfacing work on a hospital lot, and an expansion in Wellsville that increased clinic rooms and added behavioral-health space. “Sales tax revenue continues to play a critical role in allowing us to provide services and operate within our community,” Sean said.

Commissioners asked whether the labor-and-delivery unit would pay for itself; hospital staff said the operation is “pretty close to about the breakeven” but that they would need to run the numbers again. No formal county action was required or taken on the hospital update during the meeting.

The hospital invited commissioners to the ribbon cutting and said it will provide invitations to the commission and community.","AdventHealth Ottawa announced it will reopen its labor-and-delivery program Sept. 22, with a community ribbon cutting Sept. 18, and hospital officials said local sales-tax revenue helps fund charity care, capital purchases and operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: commissioners approve consent agenda payroll and waive landfill tipping fees for local events

Commission hears updates on bridges, transfer station review, parking-lot repairs and road maintenance work

Zip Trip, street dance and fall events draw visitors to Ottawa, tourism director says

AdventHealth Ottawa to reopen labor-and-delivery unit Sept. 22; hospital cites sales-tax funding for services