Lyon County Commissioners were updated on emergency operations during the blizzard which blew through the area Sunday during their action session Thursday morning.
Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell was pleased with how crews handled the heavy workload, despite resources being stretched extremely thin. A large operation that took place during the blizzard was the closing of Interstate 35 from Emporia to Beto Junction.
Fell says a serious issue which compounded the need to close I-35 was the number of car accidents occurring at any given time.
Fell adds the closing of I-35 was handled solely by local crews as there was a shortage of resources available at the state level. He says plans are currently in motion for local and state representatives to meet in the coming weeks and discuss response plans for future situations.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope was also on hand during the meeting. He expressed his pride for how local crews, “rose to the task,” calling Sunday a team effort.
Earlier this month the Lyon County Commission approved the allocation of emergency funds at the request of Lyon County Engineer Chip Woods. The funds were provided in the event that extra materials or equipment, not covered within the normal budget, would be required in a crisis situation such as the recent blizzard.
Commission chairman Rollie Martin says the allocation is a strong example of how the County and the many department heads are trying to be more proactive in planning ahead for future emergency situations.
In other business commissioners also approved a minor plat from City Planning and Zoning Specialist Joe Foster for a four-lot subdivision in the metropolitan planning area at 1863 Road G.
