Harvey County News
Adding our congratulations to Russ as he wraps up a tremendous career. Thank you for everything you've done for Hesston and our entire county. Enjoy retirement, chief!After more than 45 years of service to the citizens of Harvey County and Hesston, Chief Russ Buller is retiring. His last day will be May 10th.
Russ was hired in 1979, on his 18th birthday by EMS Chief Dick Toews. He then joined the Fire Department in November of 1979 hired by Fire Chief Bud Bachman. He completed his EMT training in 1980. Russ hired on with Newton Ambulance department in 1981. Then in 1987 completed his Paramedic. In 1988 Russ gained his Fire Fighter 1 and 2. Newton Ambulance and Newton Fire department merged in 1997 to form Newton Fire/EMS. Russ furthered his fire education and gained his Fire Instructor 1 and EMS instructor in 2000. Russ was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2000. Russ worked closely with Captain Leroy Dyck taking an interest in electrical, radio and computer projects. Russ left Newton Fire/EMS in November of 2002.
While working for Newton Fire/EMS, Russ continued his work with Hesston Ambulance Department. A few years after his start he became the Administrative Assistant to both the EMS and Fire Chief. He assisted with EMS billing, inventory, vehicle and station maintenance. Russ says that over the next 17 years those duties prepared him for the EMS Chief’s position, when Dick Toews retired in November 1996. In 2005 Hesston Ambulance Department and Hesston Fire Department came together under one administration to create Hesston Emergency Services. During this transition Russ was named Director of Emergency Services. In 2016 the Ambulance and Fire departments merged to create Hesston Fire/EMS and Russ became Chief of Hesston Fire/EMS.
During his tenure with Hesston Fire/EMS he has been a part of 3 major additions to the station, including multiple remodeling projects. He has spec’d out and purchased 6 new ambulances and 8 new fire apparatus. Russ was the force behind the rebranding to Hesston Fire/EMS and making the switch to a yellow apparatus fleet. Russ has been part of tens of thousands of emergency responses, a few of the most notable would include the 1990 tornado, the 2005 ice storm and Kropf and Excel fires, the 2016 Excel shooting and Covid.
When looking back at his career Russ had this to say, “I have had the best job ever for the past 45 years!”
Thank you, Russ, for your many years of service.
Cards of congratulations may be mail to:
Hesston Fire/EMS
Russ Buller
115 E. Smith
Hesston, Ks 67062
Health Department will be closed 12:00-1:00PM, today, May 10.
We reopen at 1:00PM to assist you.
A fun fact for those that travel Main Street in Newton: Twenty years ago today, this Caddo sugar maple made its debut near the sidewalk of the Harvey County Courthouse. The tree was ceremoniously planted as part of the Kansas Territorial Sesquicentennial Tree Planting Project.
Checking in with our friends at Harvey County K-State Research and Extension, the Caddo sugar maple comes from Caddo County, Okla. They make for ideal trees because their leaves are thicker and stronger than other maples, which helps keep the leaves from splitting and tearing in the Kansas winds.
Passersby may have enjoyed a brief reprieve of shade or glanced over at its picturesque fall colors. It's one of several trees planted across the state for the sesquicentennial project. You can find other locations and info about the project through the Kansas Historical Society: www.kshs.org/p/kansas-territorial-sesquicentennial-commission/14727A fun fact for those that travel Main Street in Newton: Twenty years ago today, this Caddo sugar maple made its debut near the sidewalk of the Harvey County Courthouse. The tree was ceremoniously planted as part of the Kansas Territorial Sesquicentennial Tree Planting Project.
Checking in with our friends at Harvey County K-State Research and Extension, the Caddo sugar maple comes from Caddo County, Okla. They make for ideal trees because their leaves are thicker and stronger than other maples, which helps keep the leaves from splitting and tearing in the Kansas winds.
Passersby may have enjoyed a brief reprieve of shade or glanced over at its picturesque fall colors. It's one of several trees planted across the state for the sesquicentennial project. You can find other locations and info about the project through the Kansas Historical Society: www.kshs.org/p/kansas-territorial-sesquicentennial-commission/14727
Photos from Harvey County Government's postPhotos from Harvey County Government's post
Sharing many congratulations for our two newest Harvey County Drug Court graduates, Sirinity and John!
Drug Court is a collaboration between our judicial system, healthcare, law enforcement and treatment providers to create an avenue to rehabilitation for participants. The five-phase program requires meeting stringent criteria and expectations along with routine treatment meetings and appearances before the Drug Court. There aren't shortcuts - the program entails several months of effort and improvement of each participant.
Sirinity graduated today. She is our youngest graduate to date. As she powerfully wrote in her essay prior to graduation, "I can't change my past, but I can dictate my future."
John graduated at the end of April. He was one of the original participants when the program launched in October 2021. "You will forever kind of be a cornerstone in this program," said Ninth Judicial District Chief Judge Marilyn Wilder upon John's graduation.
Drug Court strives to reduce recidivism and provide a foundation of support and encouragement as participants pursue a brighter future. We've now had five graduates of the program, and more than 20 others are enrolled today. We're proud to welcome Sirinity and John to the graduating class.Photos from Harvey County Government's post
"Thanks to an unprecedented Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruling this March, the town of Brookline is allowed to ban tobacco sales to anyone born after 2000—a decision with national and global ramifications. (...) The fact that tobacco is so highly addictive means that it is simply not a normal consumer product that involves free choice."
The Tobacco Endgame Begins | Health Affairs Forefront
The Tobacco Endgame Begins | Health Affairs Forefront
By implementing and enforcing this policy, community leaders can steadily increase the proportion of the population that is tobacco-free.Watch for Farmers Markets to be busy as the season progresses.
Halstead Farmer's Market - Open 1st & 3rd Fridays in May - October www.facebook.com/groups/921279882496350
Newton Farm & Art Market - Open NOW on Saturdays, 8AM- noon www.facebook.com/NewtonFarmArtMarket
City of Burrton Farmers Market- May 14, 5-8PM www.facebook.com/events/409527798565804
Harvey County Farmers Market - opens May 18, 8am -noon www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063488802986Watch for Farmers Markets to be busy as the season progresses.
Halstead Farmer's Market - Open 1st & 3rd Fridays in May - October www.facebook.com/groups/921279882496350
Newton Farm & Art Market - Open NOW on Saturdays, 8AM- noon www.facebook.com/NewtonFarmArtMarket
City of Burrton Farmers Market- May 14, 5-8PM www.facebook.com/events/409527798565804
Harvey County Farmers Market - opens May 18, 8am -noon www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063488802986
Primary Election 2024 Candidate Filing:
Amy Perkins, Halstead, Republican, filed a candidate declaration for the office of Harvey County Treasurer.
We want to take a moment to recognize our detention deputies during National Correctional Officers Week.
Safety and oversight are two priorities for our Detention Center staff, but detention deputies take care of many tasks. They provide meals, coordinate medical care, transport inmates for court appearances and facilitate rehabilitation opportunities. They are caretakers while inmates are assigned to the facility, providing supervision every day and every night of the year. Your work is integral to our office and the communities we serve. Thank you for what you do.
We are also hiring for detention deputies. If you're interested in joining our team, apply here: www.ksgovjobs.com/Vacancies/VacancyDetail/1229We want to take a moment to recognize our detention deputies during National Correctional Officers Week.
Safety and oversight are two priorities for our Detention Center staff, but detention deputies take care of many tasks. They provide meals, coordinate medical care, transport inmates for court appearances and facilitate rehabilitation opportunities. They are caretakers while inmates are assigned to the facility, providing supervision every day and every night of the year. Your work is integral to our office and the communities we serve. Thank you for what you do.
We are also hiring for detention deputies. If you're interested in joining our team, apply here: www.ksgovjobs.com/Vacancies/VacancyDetail/1229
Through Tuesday, we've had 26 early in-person voters for the Halstead USD 440 special bond election. Here's the remaining opportunities to vote early at the Harvey County Courthouse:
🗳 Wednesday, May 8: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🗳 Thursday, May 9: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🗳 Friday, May 10: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🗳 Monday, May 13: 8 a.m. - noon.
The Halstead High School gymnasium will be the poll site on Election Day, May 14. The site will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All Harvey County and Sedgwick County voters in the district will use this poll site.
For more info on this bond election, including a sample ballot to view, visit our website at www.hvcoksvote.gov/usd-440-bond-election-5-14-24Through Tuesday, we've had 26 early in-person voters for the Halstead USD 440 special bond election. Here's the remaining opportunities to vote early at the Harvey County Courthouse:
🗳 Wednesday, May 8: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🗳 Thursday, May 9: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🗳 Friday, May 10: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🗳 Monday, May 13: 8 a.m. - noon.
The Halstead High School gymnasium will be the poll site on Election Day, May 14. The site will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All Harvey County and Sedgwick County voters in the district will use this poll site.
For more info on this bond election, including a sample ballot to view, visit our website at www.hvcoksvote.gov/usd-440-bond-election-5-14-24
Mostly missed the storms last night, but found a pretty good sunset at Camp Hawk instead. Great place for a relaxing evening (when the weather cooperates)!
This week is Public Service Recognition Week in Harvey County, offering appreciation for public servants across the county. These individuals perform a wide range of work, from education to first responders to healthcare to public works.
We're thankful for our tremendous team here at Harvey County - our dispatchers, maintenance staff, noxious weed technicians, GIS mapper, road and bridge crews and many, many other roles - for your service to your community. We appreciate all that you do.This week is Public Service Recognition Week in Harvey County, offering appreciation for public servants across the county. These individuals perform a wide range of work, from education to first responders to healthcare to public works.
We're thankful for our tremendous team here at Harvey County - our dispatchers, maintenance staff, noxious weed technicians, GIS mapper, road and bridge crews and many, many other roles - for your service to your community. We appreciate all that you do.
🌟 Join Latino Vision Association at the Newton Public Library TODAY at 6 PM for an inspiring event with Connie Palacioz, a real-life "Rosie the Riveter" 💪, and Anita Mendoza, who will share her documentary on Newton's Mexican American Fastpitch Softball Tournament 🥎. Livestreaming chat and Q&A on Facebook 🎥✨
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.The US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas has just released an updated storm coverage map. The storms anticipated in Harvey County look to arrive between now 4:30pm till 7:00pm. This storm is expected to bring at least 70mph winds if not higher and hail. Please stay with us as we continue to monitor this weather and update you on anything that may change.
Photos from Harvey County Emergency Management's postPhotos from Harvey County Emergency Management's post
Photos from Harvey County Emergency Management's postPhotos from Harvey County Emergency Management's post
DUE TO WEATHER, THIS MEETING IS CANCELED.
The next Food & Farm Council meeting is CANCELED today, Monday, May 6, 4:00PM in the Community Room (2nd floor) of 215 S. Pine Street, Newton.
#KansasFoodActionNetworkDUE TO WEATHER, THIS MEETING IS CANCELED.
The next Food & Farm Council meeting is CANCELED today, Monday, May 6, 4:00PM in the Community Room (2nd floor) of 215 S. Pine Street, Newton.
#KansasFoodActionNetwork
Harvey County has been placed under a "Tornado Watch" until 11:00 PM this evening.Photos from Harvey County Emergency Management's post
A tornado watch has been issued for Harvey County and all of our surrounding counties through 11 p.m.Photos from US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas's post
County fiscal picture remains stable into 2024
2024/03/4
The Harvey County government held steady with its financial outlook...
Appraiser's Office mails property valuation notices
2024/03/1
Property valuation notices were mailed out by the Harvey County...
Voting information for 2024 presidential preference primary
2024/02/8
The Harvey County Clerk's Office will supervise a presidential preference...
Emergency Management seeks feedback for mitigation plan
2024/01/29
Harvey County Emergency Management is seeking feedback and suggestions as...
What We Did in 2023
2024/01/2
Annually, the Harvey County Administration Department compiles a document to...
Commission schedules public holidays for 2024
2023/12/4
The Harvey County Commission established the 2024 public holiday schedule...
Election board completes 2023 vote canvass
2023/11/15
The results of the 2023 general election in Harvey County...
Commission bans commercial wind, utility solar projects
2023/11/14
The Harvey County Commission approved regulation updates at its Nov...
Tax foreclosure sale set for Nov. 29
2023/10/9
A tax foreclosure sale has been scheduled for Nov. 29...
Welcome to Harvey County
Nearly 35,000 residents call Harvey County home. The county landscape pairs picturesque country living with vibrant downtown shopping centers. Harvey County serves the cities of Burrton, Halstead, Hesston, Newton, North Newton, Sedgwick, and Walton, as well as 15 townships.
Harvey County is home to a bustling airport and train service, innovative economic leaders, sprawling parks, and welcoming school districts. Food and entertainment opportunities abound, with even more amenities within a short driving distance to our friendly neighboring counties.
Events Schedule
May 10 Second-half taxes due @ 5:00 PM |
May 13 Parks Advisory Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM |
May 14 |
May 14 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
May 21 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
May 27 Memorial Day (county facilities closed) @ 12:00 AM |
May 28 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
May 28 Department Budget Hearings @ 11:00 AM |
May 29 Department Budget Hearings @ 9:00 AM |
May 30 Department Budget Hearings @ 9:00 AM |
Jun 3 Election Candidate Filing Deadline @ 12:00 PM |
Jun 3 |
Jun 4 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Jun 4 Planning and Zoning Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM |
Jun 5 Healthy Harvey Coalition Meeting @ 12:00 PM |
Jun 11 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Jun 18 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Jun 25 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Jul 2 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Jul 2 Planning and Zoning Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM |
Events Calendar
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