Small Town News

Location of storm shelter under discussion in Valley Falls

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City, school, and fire officials met in Valley Falls June 2 to establish an official public shelter in time of threatening weather.

Mayor Charles Stutesman said there was no place designated to send people if the siren sounded.

The meeting was held at the school, which has a storm shelter. However, as Superintendent Loren Feldkamp pointed out, if the emergency is during school hours, the children will fill the shelter area leaving no room for the general public.

Arrangements are to be made to give Police Chief Tammy Gross a key to the school so it can be used after school hours and during the summer recess.

The Delaware Township Hall would be a more suitable place, but Fire Chief John Gordon said the basement is not safe because of the glass windows on the west side.

He said the windows could be covered with steel blinds, but thought the cost would be prohibitive.

Various church basements were discussed but there have not been any inspections or surveys of these locations.

The mayor is concerned, because he wants to know where to direct people in case of a pending storm. He noted that there could be lots of people outside and away from their homes, such as the ball parks, city parks, the library, and swimming pool.

Those attending the meeting along with the mayor, superintendent, and police chief were school principals Susan Grey and Jack Molleker, city administrator Terry Urban, and councilman Paul Burns.

The school house will remain the site, unlocked if the siren sounds, but attention will continue to be focused on the township hall.

It was noted that the township lacks funding to make any improvements, so there might have to be a public fund drive to finance the window blinds or come up with another solution to make the building safe.



Copyright 2010 The Valley Falls Vindicator, Valley Falls, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The Valley Falls Vindicator Valley Falls, Kansas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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