MCPHERSON, Kan. – The imposition of burn bans in McPherson County will continue to be handled on a district-by-district basis. McPherson County Emergency Management and Communications Director Julie McClure told several ranchers began burning pastures following the lifting of a burn ban late last week.
Anyone wanting to do a burn must first call dispatch first follow the county’s burn resolution. That resolution states that no burn permits will be issued any time wind speeds are expected to exceed 15 miles an hour or if the area is under a red flag warning.
The county fire chiefs through a task force have designated a staff duty officer for each month, who coordinates with the various departments and McClure’s office on whether burn restrictions should be imposed.
McClure also gave an update on work to activate new emergency communication tower sites. She said that the equipment for new sites near Canton and Windom should be here for testing on May 2nd or 3rd. A representative from TUSI, the county’s communication consultant, will be checking over the equipment to make sure it is compatible with what is already in place.
Sheriff’s Report
In his report, McPherson County Sheriff Jerry Montagne said that his deputies made 24 arrests over the past week, with 50 persons currently being held in the McPherson County Jail. Of those, all but six are being held for District Court.
