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GIRARD —
Ed Fields, Crawford County noxious weeds director, gave Crawford County Commissioners an encouraging update Tuesday on the never-ending battle against weeds.
“Are we making headway on noxious weeds?” asked commissioner Linda Grilz.
“Leaps and bounds,” Fields replied. “We’re gaining ground. We bring ground back onto the tax roll.”
He explained that by applying appropriate chemicals to land that is fallow or weed-infested, the land is improved and made useful.
“Let’s say your pasture is in johnsongrass, which is poisonous to cattle,” Fields said. “I get rid of for you, and you’re not losing money.”
He reported that he has sold some weed-fighting chemicals to cities in the county. By law, he is required to sell these for cost, but is allowed to add a small amount for storage. Fields also reported getting $900 for sprayer rentals and $640 for custom spraying.
“I have a $6,000 carry-over this year,” Fields said. “I see Bob (commissioner Bob Kmiec) looking up. He knows that’s remarkable. That money doesn’t go to my department, it goes to the Road and Bridge Department.”
He has done surveys and inspections to find problem areas, and said that there are two square miles in Pittsburg that he feels are in need of inspection.
Fields said that he had spoken with the Kansas Works program, which would allow him two personnel. Fields requested a young man who has already been trained in noxious weeds, but was told that he could not have him.
“I’ve got a plan worked out, and want to hire him as part-time help,” Fields said.
He would also take the personnel offered by Kansas Works, and said this would benefit them as well as give him extra help.
“This helps youth know what it’s like to have a job,” Fields said.
He said that he has tried to implement things in his department to help out the taxpayers of the county.
“I try to keep everything as close as I can,” Fields said. “I try to run it like I would if it were my own business.”
In other business, the commissioners looked at bids for auditing services submitted by Diel Banwart Bolton Certified Public Accountants, Fort Scott, and Monica R. Kellogg , CPA, LLC, Pittsburg.
The commission followed Grilz’ request to table the matter to allow time to thoroughly study both bids before making a decision.
Ed Fields, Crawford County noxious weeds director, gave Crawford County Commissioners an encouraging update Tuesday on the never-ending battle against weeds.
“Are we making headway on noxious weeds?” asked commissioner Linda Grilz.
“Leaps and bounds,” Fields replied. “We’re gaining ground. We bring ground back onto the tax roll.”
He explained that by applying appropriate chemicals to land that is fallow or weed-infested, the land is improved and made useful.
“Let’s say your pasture is in johnsongrass, which is poisonous to cattle,” Fields said. “I get rid of for you, and you’re not losing money.”
He reported that he has sold some weed-fighting chemicals to cities in the county. By law, he is required to sell these for cost, but is allowed to add a small amount for storage. Fields also reported getting $900 for sprayer rentals and $640 for custom spraying.
“I have a $6,000 carry-over this year,” Fields said. “I see Bob (commissioner Bob Kmiec) looking up. He knows that’s remarkable. That money doesn’t go to my department, it goes to the Road and Bridge Department.”
He has done surveys and inspections to find problem areas, and said that there are two square miles in Pittsburg that he feels are in need of inspection.
Fields said that he had spoken with the Kansas Works program, which would allow him two personnel. Fields requested a young man who has already been trained in noxious weeds, but was told that he could not have him.
“I’ve got a plan worked out, and want to hire him as part-time help,” Fields said.
He would also take the personnel offered by Kansas Works, and said this would benefit them as well as give him extra help.
“This helps youth know what it’s like to have a job,” Fields said.
He said that he has tried to implement things in his department to help out the taxpayers of the county.
“I try to keep everything as close as I can,” Fields said. “I try to run it like I would if it were my own business.”
In other business, the commissioners looked at bids for auditing services submitted by Diel Banwart Bolton Certified Public Accountants, Fort Scott, and Monica R. Kellogg , CPA, LLC, Pittsburg.
The commission followed Grilz’ request to table the matter to allow time to thoroughly study both bids before making a decision.
