A recent request of the Cowley County Commission by a landowner has brought to light the ongoing issue of nuisance properties and what the county can and can’t do about them. Brett and Lisa Gottlob, of Georgetown, Texas, formerly of Arkansas City, purchased 10 acres in the county next to a two-and-a-half acre lot owned by Mitchell and Kristen Barton. Gottlob approached the Cowley County Board of Health and complained about the adjoining property as a nuisance with all kinds of unsightly messes on it. He included photos of his findings, which showed a discarded blue school bus, metal pieces strewn about, fencing material and plastic barrels. Health department director Tom Langer had his staff study of the property. That study showed that the Bartons had moved some of the offending materials. The health department officers found no dangerous, unhealthy or illegal problems with the property.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

The City of Arkansas City is renewing an effort this autumn to raise citizen awareness of the dangers of stormwater pollution and help to prevent it entirely. As part of this campaign, citizens are reminded that loose leaves, brush, and tree trimmings are best disposed of at the F Street Limb Disposal and Compost Site. They should never be placed in the trash. … Alternatively, residents can hire one of several local contractors to perform this disposal service for them. This stormwater pollution prevention campaign is being directed by the Public Services Department.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

The City of Winfield is establishing a land bank to help manage distressed properties and provide opportunities for land development. The land bank would allow the city to clear up title issues, set aside land for future development, sell properties, freeze special assessments, remove back taxes and make properties tax exempt until they are sold, according to a copy of the ordinance establishing the land bank. The land bank would be governed by an appointed board of trustees, consisting of the entire city commission as voting members, and one city employee appointed by the commission as a non-voting member.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler