Conditional-use permits approved
Conditional-use permits for the operation of a private tutoring service by Christopher Hernandez at 1503 Stapler, and a preschool by Shelly Grandy at 212 S. Front, were approved Tuesday by the Salina Planning Commission.
Also Tuesday, commissioners continued their discussion about regulating LED display signs. Some cities have begun regulating light-emitting diode (LED) lighted signs because of their brightness, which is annoying and sometimes dangerous for drivers.
Commissioners have shown little objection to allowing billboards on the Interstates to convert to LED lighting, but billboards in other areas of the city are receiving more scrutiny.
Dean Andrew, director of planning and community development for the city, said the city could go the route of some Nebraska communities where advertising companies have the option of abandoning two old-style billboards in exchange for erecting a new LED-style display.
Abilene hires new city manager
ABILENE -- The Abilene City Commission on Monday voted to hire Allen Dinkel as city manager, succeeding Mark Arbuthnot, who resigned earlier this year to become city manager in Butler, Mo.
Mayor Lynn Peterson said Tuesday that the commission selected Dinkel, currently city manager of Hoisington, from among "four really solid candidates."
What made Dinkel stand out, Peterson said, was his experience, especially as former president of the League of Kansas Municipalities; that also meant several commissioners had met him before.
Additionally, Peterson said, Dinkel was city manager in Hoisington when that city was hit by a devastating tornado in 2001.
"He really stepped up to work then, working with FEMA and everyone," Peterson said. "There was no playbook to follow then -- that was probably a time when he stood out, leadership-wise."
Dinkel will start his new job Aug. 1.
Chapman School Board meets today
CHAPMAN -- A special meeting of the Chapman School Board will be at 1 p.m. today at Astra Bank in downtown Chapman.
Superintendent Tony Frieze said school officials will provide an update to the board in the wake of the June 11 tornado that heavily damaged schools and numerous houses and other buildings in Chapman.
"We're going to say what's happened and how we're progressing to date," he said.
A school relief fund has been established, Frieze said.
Donations may be sent to the Chapman School Fund through Astra Bank, Box 189, Chapman, KS, 67431. Money will be used for supplies, equipment and facilities, Frieze said.
Smoky Hill stream advisory lifted
CHAPMAN -- Residents no longer need to steer clear of the Smoky Hill River.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has lifted the stream advisory issued last week for the Smoky Hill River in Dickinson and Geary counties.
According to the department, power to the Chapman wastewater treatment plant was restored Saturday. As a result, the plant has resumed normal operation and is no longer discharging raw sewage into the river.
Chapman lost power late June 11 when the town was hit by a tornado, which damaged or destroyed numerous buildings and knocked out power.
United Way to head disaster fund
United Ways of Kansas has accepted Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' request to administer a tornado disaster fund.
The United Way Tornado Relief Fund will serve as a central collection point for those who wish to donate money to help victims of the June 11 tornados in Chapman, Manhattan and surrounding areas.
The fund will be administered, at no charge, by United Way of the Plains; 100 percent of each gift will go toward disaster recovery assistance.
Donors should make checks payable to United Way Tornado Relief and mail them to United Way of the Plains, 245 N. Water, Wichita 67202.
Birth, marriage certificates available
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics is making replacement birth and marriage certificates available to people who lost the records in the June 11 tornadoes.
Requests from those affected by the tornadoes will be given priority for processing, free of charge. Requests will be processed within three business days of their receipt, according to a news release from KDHE.
Call the Office of Vital Statistics 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at (785) 296-1414 for birth or marriage certificates. You also may fax your request to (785) 296-8869. Visit www.kdheks.gov/vital for a form to fax your request.
Requests also may be made by mail to the Office of Vital Statistics, Charles Curtis State Office Building, 1000 S.W. Jackson, Suite 120, Topeka, KS 66612. The office is open for walk-in requests 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.
Fire damages tools, antique cars
A garage fire at a rural Saline County residence caused more than $25,000 in damage to antique cars and tools stored inside.
Firefighters from Rural Fire District No. 3 and Saline County sheriff's deputies were called to 743 N. Hohneck at 4 p.m. Monday. Sheriff Glen Kochanowski said when firefighters arrived, the garage was in flames.
Florence Schwerdtfager, 86, called 9-1-1 when she saw smoke coming out of her garage. Her son, Dr. Alvin Schwerdtfager, owned vehicles that were destroyed in the blaze. He reported that a 1966 Ford Mustang GT valued at $15,000; a 1953 Dodge truck valued at $700; and a 1947 Studebaker valued at $500 were destroyed in the fire, along with miscellaneous tools and equipment.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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