Welcome to Ottawa County, Kansas

Open burning is regulated in an effort to prevent the release of contaminants in the air.  Burning typically relases very fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and potentially hazardous air pollutants.  The pollutants can promote an increase risk of cancer and lung disease especially in children and the elderly.  Open burning operations also contribute to haze and visibility problems.

On May 6, 2024 Ottawa County Commissioners repealed Resolution 16-24 adopted on October 24, 2016 and adopted Resolution 24-08 pertaining to open burning within the boundaries of Ottawa County.

Resolution 24-08 requires individuals to register with Ottawa County Emergency Management and obtain a registration number which must be renewed every 5 years.  You must Register or Re-Register starting July 1, 2024 as your old Registration number will no longer be valid.  Burn registration numbers are non-transferable, however the holder of the burn registration number may designate in writing a person who is 18 years or older to oversee and conduct the burn.  

Ottawa County Emergency Management would like to take this time to remind everyone that Ottawa County has a two-step approach for controlled burning.  The first step is that you register with Ottawa County Emergency Management and the second is that you call the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office at 785-392-2157 prior to starting any controlled burn. 

Other criteria that Ottawa County requires:

  • The holder of the Burn Registration or their designee shall remain in continuous attendance of the burning operation and maintain the ability to contral the fire and report its status, if necessary.
  • Non-Agricultural Open Burning shall be prohibited if wind speeds are 15 mph or above and NO Argicultural Open burning if wind spees are 20 mph or over.
  • Absolutely NO burning shall be initiated 1 hour before sunset until 1 hour after sunrise unless special permission has been obtained from the Fire Chief having jurisdiction. 
  • The Fire Chief of the jurisdiction for where the fire will be located shall have and retain the authority to instruct Ottawa County Dispatch not to allow any burning or place his jurisdiction under a burn ban.
  • Absolutely NO burning shall take place within 150 feet of any structure, oil tank or vehicle(s) not owned or operated by the Registrant.
  • A person shall not conduct a burn that creates traffic or other safety hazards.

Ottawa County Emergency Management would also like to pass along some additional safety tips and conditions for open burning.   An adult should always be present during open burning.  Children and pets should be kept a safe distance away.  Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces.  Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.  Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it.  This helps to keep the fire from getting out of control.  Select a burn location away from any utility lines.  An adult must attend the fire until it is completely extinguished. 

Have fire extinguishing materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes.  The water supply can be a pressurized water fire extinguisher, a pump can or garden hose.  Test the water source before igniting the fire.  You do not want to find the water is off or that the hose is cracked when you need it. 

Remember that alternate methods of disposal of natural materials are available such as using them again in different forms.  Tree limbs, brush and other forestry debris can be chipped or composted into landscaping materials. 

Remember to be safe, take precautions and use common sense.  Be prepared to extinguish the fire if winds pick up or the weather changes.  If a fire gets out of control, call 911 for the fire department immediately.  Use the utmost caution to prevent injury to yourself and others or any fire damage to your home or property.

Call Ottawa County Sheriff's Office prior to starting and after completing any controlled burns with your burn registration number!  

CASE TYPE DOCKET FEE
Municipal Appeal  $94.50
Traffic (Moving Violations)   $108.00
Other Traffic, Fish & Game, Watercraft, Cigarette or Tobacco   $108.00
Juvenile   $56.00
Appellate  $155.00
State Tax Warrant   $46.00
Personal Property Tax   $36.00 
Hospital Lien   $36.00
Pending Action Lien (Lis Pendens)   $36.00
Marriage License   $85.50
Driver's License Reinstatement   $81.00
Civil & Domestic   $195.00
Post Divorce Motion   $64.00
   
Limited Action $500.00 or less   $54.00
Limited Action $500.01 to $5000.00   $74.00
Limited Action $5000.01 to $25,000.00   $120.00
Foreign Judgement (out of state)  $195.00
Small Claims (Under $500.00)   $47.50
Small Claims (Over $500.01)   $67.50
Probate Estates   $131.50
Probate, Property - Det. of Desc.   $71.50
Probate, Trust, etc.   $91.50
Murder or Manslaughter   $202.50
Felony   $193.00
Misdemeanor   $158.00
Felony Probation Fee   $120.00
Misdemeanor Probation Fee   $60.00

The Ottawa County Solid Waste Department is responsible for the operation and management of the Ottawa County Landfill, providing residents with a safe and convenient location for waste disposal.

Landfill Location

The landfill is located in Section 12 of Henry Township.

Directions from Minneapolis

  • Travel 1 mile north on 120th Road.
  • Turn west onto Mulberry Road and continue to 50th Road (approximately 7 miles).
  • Turn south on 50th Road for 2 miles.
  • Turn east onto Kiowa Road and continue ½ mile to the landfill.

Directions from K-18 Highway

  • Turn onto 40th Road.
  • Travel north to Kiowa Road (approximately 7 miles).
  • Turn east on Kiowa Road and continue ½ mile.

Preparing Your Load

To help speed up unloading and improve safety, please sort materials before arriving.

  • Household trash should be securely bagged and placed in the designated trash bins located inside the entrance.
  • Separate metal and wood into their designated disposal areas.
  • Loads that are not bagged must be covered or securely tied down during transport to prevent debris from blowing onto roadways.

Materials Not Accepted

The Ottawa County Landfill does not accept hazardous waste.

Household hazardous waste should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Salina.

Disposal Rates

MaterialFee
Construction & Demolition Debris $60.00 per ton
Minimum Charge $10.00
Minimum Charge (Mailed Statement) $20.00
Tires (Up to 15") $3.00 each
Tires (16"–20") $6.00 each
Tires (21"–38") $15.00 each
Tires (39" and Larger) $40.00 each

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Resources

The following documents are available for your reference:

  • Solid Waste Plan

 

Household Hazardous Waste (Salina, KS)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) includes products commonly found in homes that may be flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Because these materials require special handling, they cannot be disposed of at the Ottawa County Landfill.

Accepted Household Hazardous Waste

The Salina Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts items such as:

  • Household cleaners
  • Pesticides
  • Paint and paint-related products
  • Antifreeze
  • Motor oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Brake fluid

Disposal Limits

Each residential household may dispose of up to:

  • 5 gallons of liquid, or
  • 50 pounds of household hazardous waste

per weekly visit.

The facility serves residents of: Ottawa County, Saline County, Ellsworth County, & Lincoln County.

Business or commercial hazardous waste is not accepted.

Before You Visit

Please follow these guidelines before transporting hazardous materials:

  • Dispose of empty or completely dried-out containers with your regular trash.
  • Ensure all lids are tightly secured.
  • Leave products in their original, labeled containers whenever possible.
  • Place containers in a sturdy box or plastic tote lined with newspaper or other absorbent material.
  • Wrap leaking containers in a plastic bag and surround them with absorbent material such as kitty litter.
  • Transport materials in your vehicle's trunk, truck bed, or rear cargo area.

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility is operated by the Salina Municipal Solid Waste Facility.

 

Ottawa County Emergency Management Department is here to help the County, Local Government, Emergency Services Private Sector, Volunteer Agencies and the Citizens of Ottawa County mitigate against prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of natural and man-made emergencies and disasters.

Our responsibilities in part include but are not limited to: Providing the Emergency Management Prgram of Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery thoughout Ottawa County, Maintaining the Ottawa County Emergency Operations Plan, coordinating responses of public and private assistance during disasters and resource coordination following disasters.  Ottawa County Emergency Management also issues addressss for unincorpirated areas of Ottawa County.

We are available to speak to any civic group, public or private business, school, etc. on emergency preparedness issues.

2025 Region F Mitigation Plan

 

Ottawa County Department of Emergency Management

Ottawa County Emergency Management provides the following items for sale to the public:

  • Weather Radios - $25.00 with free programing
  • Address Markers - Prices vary due to sign type
  • County Directories - Plat Maps - $25.00

We are available to speak to any civic group, public or private business, school, etc. on emergency preparedness issues free of charge during the day or evening including weekends.

Siren Warnings for Ottawa County

Sirens are designed to be heard outdoors. If your residence is near a siren site, you may be able to hear the siren inside, but because of insulated walls, closed windows, air conditioners running or television and radio noise, this is not always the case. If weather is threatening, you should have a radio, television or weather radio on to monitor the situation and not relay solely on hearing the siren. If the tornado siren is activated, you should take cover immediately in a basement or storm shelter. Know where your local storm shelters are located if you do not have one in or near your home. If these are not available, seek cover in a room or closet towards the center of the house or building, preferably one with no windows. Take along a battery operated radio for weather updates and for information on when danger is passed. 

When storm clouds begin to gather, the sky becomes threatening and the National Weather Service issues advisories concerning turbulent weather conditions, area volunteer storm spotters, as well as city and county law enforcement personnel are out surveying the sky for possible tornadoes.

If a tornado is spotted or if the National Weather Service issues a warning for Ottawa County, the outdoor sirens in the affected area are activated. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s office dispatcher can activate all of the sirens in Minneapolis and surrounding towns.  The tornado warning siren is a SOLID THREE MINUTE BLAST. Please remember that NO ALL CLEAR siren will be sounded. If a second three minute siren is heard, that would indicate that another tornado has been spotted and you should remain in your shelter area.

Sirens used for fire alerts are usually several shorter blasts which may vary somewhat in different towns. Most towns sound the sirens at noon each day. This is a good way to test the equipment on a regular basis. A National Security alert siren is three wailing blasts then a solid three minute blast.

Weather Radios are valuable tools and can awaken you with a loud alarm when severe weather is in the area. Every household, school or business should have a Weather Radio set in the alert mode at all times. They are relatively inexpensive and could save your life. The weather radios also have battery backup, in case of power failure, and the battery should be changed out periodically to maintain reliability.

Miscellaneous Information

Be Ready to Respond to Emergencies. Preparedness is the best prevention. Here are some things that you can do in order to be “Ready to Respond” to any emergency.

  1. Practice Your Emergency Plan at home and at work. What is your plan for tornadoes? For Floods? For chemical spills?
  2. Put together a disaster kit containing:
    1. Plastic containers of water
    2. Canned food and other non-perishable food
    3. A complete change of clothing and shoes for each person in your household
    4. Battery operated radio with extra batteries
    5. Flashlight and batteries
    6. Non-electric can opener
    7. Utility knife
    8. Matches in waterproof container or butane lighter
    9. Tools to shut off utilities
    10. Tape, paper, and pencil
    11. Plastic sheeting
    12. Soap and liquid detergent
    13. Toilet paper
    14. Personal hygiene items
    15. First Aid kit
    16. Whistle
  3. Inspect your utilities. Have the proper tools nearby in case you need to shut them off, and reacquaint yourself with the procedures on how to turn them off.
  4. Check your fire extinguishers. Are they stored in the right places? Test your smoke detectors monthly.
  5. Keep your contact information up-to-date and keep copies in your Disaster Kit, car, purse/wallet and with a neighbor or relative.
  6. Where are your important papers? Birth certificates, marriage certificates, legal documents, financial information, passports and other irreplaceable documents should be kept in a waterproof, fireproof container.

Your local Emergency Management office has free brochures about disaster preparations, assembling a disaster kit etc.

Judges

Honorable Rene S. Young      

Chief Judge
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-5838

 

Honorable Jared Johnson

District Court Judge
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-5837

Honorable Patrick Thompson

District Court Judge
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-5840

 

Honorable Jason Parks

District Magistrate Judge
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-2917

Honorable Paul Hickman

District Court Judge
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-5839

Administration

Court Administrator                 

Todd Heitschmidt
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-5842

Director of Court Services

Kevin Emerson
City County Building
P.O. Box 1760
Salina, KS 67401
785-309-5842

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