Oak Tree Estates

Outdoor Warning System Expansion Continues

Message from District 1 County Commissioner Mark Sharpton

While county commissioners are elected to represent the residents of
their individual districts, they also serve the entire county. One way
in which District 1 Commissioner Mark Sharpton has worked collectively
for Logan County is by implementing a county-wide outdoor warning
system.

To initiate this system, Commissioner Sharpton asked the Board of
Commissioners to approve the purchase of a computer and software to be
used by Emergency Management to activate sirens in rural areas where
there was no existing coverage.

The board approved the request and in 2009, the county obtained the
programming equipment needed to set the plan in motion. The first four
sirens were purchased with grant funds obtained through the Rural
Economic Action Program (REAP). Two of these early warning devices
were placed within Cedar Valley Township and two within District 1,
near Broadway/Camp and Triplett/Kelly. These sirens have been
operational since last fall.

Cedar Valley, District 1 and District 2 again applied for REAP funding
and in January of this year, each entity received notice that their
requests for the purchase and installation of additional sirens had
been approved.

After REAP contracts are finalized this fall, commissioners can begin
the process of purchasing the new equipment.

New siren locations in District 1 will be at Seward/May and SH74/
Forrest Hills. District 2 sirens will be installed at Sooner and
Woodcrest Fire Departments. Proposed locations in Cedar Valley are at
Hogan/Hwy33 and May/Whitehouse.

Sharpton says efforts to expand the system throughout Logan County
will continue as funding and opportunity allows.