No county burn ban needed, rain relieves drought
Staff reporter
A burn ban will not implemented for Marion County.
Marion County Emergency Management and Communications Director Michele Abbott-Becker told Marion County Commission on Monday that she had not been contacted by any fire department regarding a ban.
Rains on Tuesday reduced the risk of wild fires because of dry conditions.
In other department business:
— Abbott-Becker reported she was working with USD 408 to obtain federal funds for a storm shelter in the new gymnasium. The total cost for the shelter is $330,000 and federal assistance could be $276,000.
She also is working with Goessel schools to determine the proper location and structure for a shelter.
— The commission reviewed the monthly report for 911 calls. During February there were 709 911 calls made to the county dispatcher with 459 being from cell phones.
Abbott-Becker explained that even though her department had the means to track the origin of telephone calls, it still takes a few minutes to locate cell phones.
— Abbott-Becker has completed re-certification for radiological activities which is required to receive some grant funds.
— A Tabor College intern is assisting in the emergency management office and sheriff's department.
— A storm spotters meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. April 5 in Marion Auditorium.
