Pottawatomie County officials discuss nuisance property, roads, search for EMS Director

A property in the 2800 block of Blackjack Road is causing some concerns among Pottawatomie County officials, due to a potential health hazard that’s redeveloped. County Sanitarian Scott Schwinn provided an update at Monday’s meeting.

The property has developed a lot of clutter, mostly in the form of metal, but it isn’t something the county can necessarily force the property owner to clean up.

Last month the property was the scene of a shooting that left one individual injured and placed another man behind bars.

In other business Monday, updates on roads were provided. Among them the Havensville Bridge was set to reopen Monday after a lengthy construction project.

Commissioner Dee McKee also noted she has received several calls regarding the Kansas Department of Transportation’s recent proposal for a median U-turn at the intersection of Highway 24 and Flush Road. County Engineer Nathan Bergman responded.

The intersection is among the most dangerous in the area, with over a dozen crashes between between 2017 and February of this year.

Pottawatomie County is also looking to fill some key positions, including a new EMS Director.

Former director Hal Bumgarner departed the county Oct. 6 after six years. He was named fire chief in Coffeyville last month. Pottawatomie County Administrator Chad Kinsley told commissioners Monday they have a number of interviews scheduled this week.

The county continues to struggle with staffing shortages, particularly in EMS. Last week, county officials noted there were three resignations or terminations recently for paramedics and two for dispatchers.