Lee On Cross Easements

A possible solution may have been found to a dilemma involving the county closing or vacating a section of road from 4000 to 4100 block Labette Terrace. Several Franklin County Commissioners have expressed concern over closing the road because at least one landowner would not have ready access to the road and it could become a problem if there was a dispute among the landowners. Public Works Director, David Lee, says he knows of one tool:

Lee says the Cross-Access Easements travel with changes of ownership in perpetuity. The County Commission tabled the matter for at least a week to give time to work out a solution for all the landowners affected by the vacating of the road. County officials have emphasized that currently there is no sign of problems between the neighbors.

Blue GreenAlgae

Another awesome weekend to be at the lake, soaking up the rays, cooling off in the water, maybe some skiing, fishing, boating. Fun times. But, if you are heading to the lake, once again, you need to know that glue green algae alerts are still in effect for some area lakes affected b the potentially dangerous algae blooms. There is a warning issued for Crystal Lake in Anderson County, Carbondale Lake in Osage County, Louisburg City Lake in Miami County and the Melvern Outlet Pond. Overbrook Lake in Osage County has been downgraded to watch status.

It’s very important to avoid water that is bright green or has scum, a paint-like surface or floating blue green clumps. Pets or livestock that swim in, drink the water or eat dried algae may become seriously ill or die. Officials are asking if you are in contact with the water, wash off as soon as possible and keep your eye on pets, keeping them away from the water.

Airport Fun Day

The Ottawa Airport… wait… Ottawa has an airport? Yes it does. Some people don’t realize we have an airport. The Ottawa Municipal Airport has been around since 1946. It stations several planes full time and 300 to 400 planes land or take off every month on the 4,500 concrete runway. Airport Operator, Jim Reeder, gives us a little hangar history:

You chance to see the airport is today, at the Annual Airport Fun Day. Lots of planes on display and flying by, an airplane-pull contest, food, drinks, famous pilots and free plane rides for the kids. That’s right–free. Head on out to the Ottawa Airport from 8:00 to 1:00 today for all the fun.

KOFO will be broadcasting live from the event this morning.

Cobbs Com Per 2

The Franklin County Development Council and the Ottawa School District are getting the news out to students around the area that you don’t have to leave our area to find a good career. Some offer amazing incentives. USD 290 Superintendent, Dr. Ryan Cobbs, cites Walmart Distribution Center, who starts pay at $27.00 an hour, with other benefits:

On this week’s Community Perspective, Part 2 of our back-to-school series with Dr. Cobbs, he talks about building a work force, the opportunities available for young people and discusses the increased need for individualized instruction for kids.

Tune in tomorrow morning at 8:04 to hear the entire conversation.

Root Festival

After a two year hiatus, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Roots Festival is set to return to Paola this Weekend. Today is the final day of the festival that fills the Paola Square with activities for all ages, all day long and some of the best barbeque in the Region at the Central Kansas State Barbeque Championship. Sixty five barbeque teams are competing at the festival in its 23rd year. Along with all the activities, games and food, some incredible music.

Today will start with the Blue Moon All Stars at noon, followed by Neon Harvest, June Bug and the Porchlights, Hadden Sayers, Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations, Robert Jon and the Wreck, Them Dirty Roses and cap off the evening with… Bernard Wilson:

The gates open at 10:00 this morning

Saturation Saturday

The Kansas Highway Patrol is partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving Kansas and local law enforcement agencies for a statewide DUI enforcement today. The focus of the enforcement is to remove impaired drivers from Kansas roadways. It’s the 4th Annual “Saturation Saturday” Campaign. Law enforcement will implement DUI Check Lanes and saturation patrols to combat impaired driving across the state. This years’ “Saturation Saturday” campaign happens to coincide with the Annual, “.You Drink. You Drive. You lose.” Campaign. Thanks to funding provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation, the patrol will have additional coverage available during this period to help ensure motorists reach their destinations safely.

“Saturation Saturday” aims at lowering the number of drunk driving crashes and fatalities during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. With Labor Day Weekend quickly approaching, the patrol encourages you to celebrate safely by planning to have a designated driver, or using a ride share service if you will be drinking.

Wellsville Bus Accident

A Wellsville school bus was involved in an accident yesterday, Thursday, August 25, resulting in injuries to at least two students. At 7:30 yesterday morning, Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies, Wellsville Fire, USD 289 Superintendent and Franklin County EMS responded to the scene of a crash involving the bus and pickup truck at the intersection of Riley and Wyoming Roads. The bus was carrying 30 students at the time. Although no one was seriously injured, two students were transported by ambulance to Advent Health Ottawa with minor injuries.

According to Wellsville Superintendent, Ryan Bradbury, shortly after the accident occurred, USD 289 personnel began notifying the parents of all students involved. Some students were released to their parents at the scene. The remaining students were transported to school by school bus. School staff and sheriff personnel assisted Franklin County EMS in contacting the families of all students to ensure all medical needs were properly addressed.

No further details of the accident have been released.

Garnett Activities

The Garnett Community and Anderson County have a lot going on in the month of September. Director of the Anderson County Economic Development Agency, Julie Turnipseed, talks about a few events:

The Cornstock Concert on the Hill will be held September 24th at Lake Garnett, featuring Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, with Tyler Farr, Reckless Kelly and Blane Howard. For more information and to buy tickets, go to the web site: “acornfest.com”

Willow Anniversary

A new exhibit opening today at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence, showcases a side of our lives that a lot of people don’t want to think about; but, many are forced to think about… domestic violence. The Willow Domestic Violence Center has been focused on the issue for 45 years. Director of Communications at Willow, Will Averill, on Willow’s Mission:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and even though that is a month away, you don’t need to wait if you or someone you know needs help. The theme this year is “Breaking the Silence”. Speak up. Give Willow a call at 785-843-3333.

Airport Fun Day

An annual event for the entire community is happening tomorrow. The Ottawa Airport Fun Day will feature activities for the whole family. It all starts at 8:00 in the morning with a pancake breakfast. A very popular feature is back this year…. Airport Advisory Chairman, Jack Miller:

That’s right… free! Airplane rides for the kids. there will also be a plane-pull contest, airplane flybys, airplanes on display police and fire vehicles, door prizes and some special guests talking about their experiences as pilots, including one who flew the Pope, another who landed on aircraft carriers and the only female B-2 Stealth Bomber pilot in the Country! So many cool things to do at the Ottawa Airport Fun Day, tomorrow from 8:00 to 1:00. Check it out!