ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. – Representatives of Allen County’s two newspapers met with Allen County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss legal publications. Since 2016 the County has utilized both the Humboldt Union and the Iola Register for legal publications, with one or the other designated as the official newspaper as required by state law. The Union has the “official” designation for 2025.
At their last meeting, Commissioners questioned the cost of using both publications, which for 2024 came to a combined just under 32,500 dollars. Register managing editor Tim Stauffer the Register also publishes legal notices on the webpage which can be accessed without a subscription to the paper.
He also pointed out the importance of both newspapers in keeping the community informed. “In our opinion the current situation serves the public well,” Stauffer said, adding the Commission has made a wise decision to publish in both the Register and Union, a move that increases public transparency and it was made in the spirit of cooperation.”
Union publisher Cliff Ralstin was in agreement with Stauffer’s remarks, noting the two newspapers serve completely different audiences
Commissioner Jerry Daniels said this discussion was mainly about stewardship of county funds, saying “Do we advertise in both and spend an extra $20,000 of taxpayer money, in efforts to save dollars for increasing costs across the board.”
It came a lot quicker than anyone expected, but the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has given its approval to use the new cell at the Allen County Landfill. Public Works Director Mitch Garner told County Commissioners Tuesday they had submitted the required paperwork to KDHE last Wednesday, and approval came two days later, at least two weeks sooner than anticipated.
Garner said there’s still a little bit of work to be done before regular use of the cell can begin, “about five feet of trash on it before we get anybody on it, and we got to build another little road over there to it so they can get to it a little easier,” he explained
Road and Bridge Supervisor Jeremy Hopkins informed Commissioners he will be ordering two loads of culvert pipe, which he has one bid in on and will be getting a bid from the other primary supplier of that pipe.
Commissioners gave the Allen County Fair Board the green light to purchase new pens and gates for the sheep and goat exhibit area at the Fairgrounds. This was brought to the Commission last week, and at that time it asked that another bid be obtained, which was done. The other bid came in higher than the original quote presented last week from Northeast Gate Company of $25,000.
The Commission also by consensus agreed to proceed with a remodeling project on the CASA office in the Courthouse. Part of this project would involve removal of a door between the CASA office and that of Building and Grounds supervisor Ron Holman, who said the project will probably be done in March or April.
