Ellsworth Independent-Reporter

Ellsworth boys rescued from train car
Two five-year-old Ellsworth boys were rescued from the inside of a coal car July 28 on the rairoad tracks in Ellsworth. No injuries were reported.

Friday July 30

After Harvest Czech Festival

Wilson
Wilson celebrates its 50th annual festival this year. The festival continues Saturday, July 30, and include a large parade and many other activities.

Fillion accepts job in Colorado
By Alan Rusch
Last Updated: November 11, 2009

Rob Fillion told Ellsworth County Commissioners Monday that he plans to resign as director of the Smoky Hill Development Corporation and return to his home state of Colorado.

Fillion, who has accepted another job,  said he plans on working in Ellsworth through Dec. 4.
“Sometimes when opportunity knocks, you have to answer," he said.

“I think you have done a good job," Commissioner Kermit Rush said. “You have done some positive things."
“I hope you will be a success in what you are going to do," Commissioner Terry Kueser added.

In other business:

• Shelly Maze, EMS director, was directed to develop a policy for commissioners to review on 18-year-old technicians driving the ambulance.

Maze said the Kansas State Board of EMT has certified 17-year-olds as technicians.

Ellsworth County's Brandon Doubrava meets that standard.

“I don't want a 17-year-old driving an ambulance," Rush said, concerned about liability.

“He would have to run as a third [crew member]," Maze said. “He becomes 18 in April."

“We don't want to discourage them, but at the same time, we want to be prudent," Kueser said.

• Maze was instructed to ask Ellsworth County Attorney Joe Shepack about potential issues surrounding the hiring of technicians living in Topeka or Halstead to work for the EMS Department.

Maze said she has had inquiries from technicians in both cities.

“I'd feel better if they were a little closer," Kueser said.

• Maze was given permission to spend the $2,500 grant funds received from Home Depot on cabinets and other renovations of the upstairs training room at the EMS Department.

• Commissioners plan to discuss at a future meeting the possible update of a policy on flag markers on the graves of veterans who were not members of American Legion or VFW.

The cost of a marker is now split  evenly between the county and the family. It is not retroactive, and the family must request it.

•  Commissioners advised Rick Nondorf, superintendent of the Ellsworth County Road and Bridge Department, to wait for a call before demolishing the remaining walls of the Wilson Opera House.
“We always like to see if we could help the cities as much as we can," Nondorf said.

• Joseph Beem of Ellsworth inquired about any surplus material to shore up his new home (the old Ellsworth County Jail). He was instructed to look at some surplus slate and make a negotiated bid to the county clerk.

Because they plan to attend the Kansas Association of Counties annual meeting Nov. 16 in Wichita, the next meeting of the Ellsworth County Commission will be Monday, Nov. 23, at the county courthouse.

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