by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — Shelley Hansel, Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce Director; Vince Wetta, Wellington City Council member; and Larry Steckline, owner of KWLS 107.9 radio and the popular program “The Steckline Report” approached the USD 353 School Board last week asking that the Kansas Wheat Festival Ag Day festivities be moved from downtown to the WHS campus.

The two-day statewide agriculture event coincides with the Kansas Wheat Festival. The event, to be held Friday and Saturday, has occurred for the past two consecutive years at Memorial Auditorium. A large implement exhibition was also featured out front on Washington Avenue.

However, because of the soaring temperatures during that time of year and Memorial not having air conditioning, Ag Day representatives are hoping of moving the festivities out to the high school. This will also open up Washington thus allowing the parade to return to its traditional route and including other festivities downtown. 

Steckline, who was not in attendance but visiting by conference phone from south Florida, said the air conditioned high school building is appealing in that he could feature a gamut of entertainment and events without worrying about the heat. There is also plenty of room to park farm equipment and other ag displays.

After discussing the matter, the board approved the move, but had some stipulations. The Ag Day people need to provide a detailed schedule of events and what facilities will be used and where the exhibits were to be parked. The members also wanted to make sure certain guidelines were met especially the prohibition of alcohol and tobacco products on the facility.

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In other business:

•The board accepted the resignation of Jason Cline, the principal of Kennedy Elementary, which will become effective on June 10, 2015;

•The use of the schools for Sumner County 4-H Day was approved that will include four classrooms and two music rooms on Feb. 28.

•The board approved concrete work at the Sellers Park facility by Russell’s Excavation for $35,400.

•Executive session for non-elected personnel was called for 20 minutes. No action was taken thereafter.

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