More than a decade ago, a study by a Kansas Forest Service fire prevention specialist identified several areas in Reno County as “high hazard” areas for wildfires because of the number of cedar trees and other accumulated deadwood. … There have been fire mitigation efforts in recent years, including controlled burns along road rights-of-way and efforts to educate the public about how to protect their homes. But the results have been limited, due to the continuing spread of invasive red cedars and widespread public apathy, officials said. “Reno County is losing a battle against woody plant encroachment, causing high fire danger,” Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar advised the Reno County Commission during a study session Tuesday on wildfire mitigation. “While there are many ways to mitigate the risk of wildfire, the most successful would be the prioritization of fuel reduction.”
Source: Hutch News

The Pittsburg Fire Department participated in an old tradition dating back to the days of horsedrawn fire engines on Friday. Known as a “push in ceremony,” it recreates the task of returning fire wagons to the station. According to Fire Chief Dennis Reilly, “horses cannot walk backwards under a load, so firefighters had to manually push the apparatus back into the station.” … the truck was backed into its bay under its own power as city firefighters ceremoniously “pushed” it into the fire station. Once in place, Chief Reilly made the traditional radio call to dispatch, “Rescue Seven is now in service.”
Source: Morning Sun

Obviously, police methods and investigative tools of a half century ago pale in comparison to today’s vast array of computers, forensic techniques, and even 911; fingerprints had to be manually examined and classified. PPD, like most PDs in the U.S, (the majority of which had fewer than 10 officers), did not have police- package patrol vehicles; some of you will remember the unmarked (red lights only) pastel-colored Plymouth Fury vehicles we drove (bought from/serviced by Dick Butler motors) that were operated virtually 24/7; we got a new fleet each year, but due to their wear and tear they were frequently taken out of service for repairs, and had to be taken out to the bypass often to “blow out the cobs (carbs).” Information concerning wanted people, stolen vehicles, and anything else that was identifiable was requested and received via our teletype machine (which was also out of service often for maintenance)…
Source: Morning Sun