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Author: Tracy Roberts

Residential Clean Up to Follow City Wide Yard Sales May 4th – 9th

Galena City Wide Yard Sales will be May 2, 2026. Permits can be purchased at the Galena City Clerks office for $5.00. All proceeds will benefit Galena Economic Development.

Residential Clean up will be the week following. May 4th through May 9th. More details to come at a later date.

UTILITY ONLINE SERVICES PUBLIC NOTICE

City Clerk’s Office

The City Clerk’s Office would like to inform residents that the City is currently working with a new software provider that will enhance our online billing, payment, and records system.

This transition is part of our ongoing effort to improve services and provide a more user-friendly experience for our community. The new system is anticipated to be available in mid-August.

During the transition period, residents may experience temporary disruptions or changes to online payment methods. We encourage patience and understanding as we work to implement these improvements.

We will continue to provide updates as the transition progresses and will notify the public of any important changes or instructions as we get closer to the launch date.

If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 620-783-5265 ext.1.

Thank you for your cooperation.

City Clerk’s Office

Stolen Property!

We are seeking the public’s assistance regarding the recent theft of a Drager 8000 air monitor, that was recently rented by the City of Galena. The item was taken between 7pm on Wednesday, March 18th and 1pm on Thursday, March 19th around the area of 3rd and Main, and its return is of significant importance so we can continue quality air monitoring. 

We kindly ask anyone who may have information about this incident—or who may have seen or come into possession of the item—to please come forward. Our primary goal is to recover the property safely. 

If you have any information, please contact Galena Police Department at 620-783-1900 Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or after hours at 620-783-5065. Your cooperation and support are greatly appreciated.

Now Hiring-Part time Clerical Assistant

Location: Galena City Clerks Office
Position Type: Part-Time
Hours: Monday-Friday (hours may vary)
Pay Range: Skill-Based Pay

Position Summary:
We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Part-Time Clerical Assistant to support daily office operations. This position requires strong computer skills, excellent customer service, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide general clerical support including filing, data entry, and document management
  • Answer phones, respond to emails, and assist visitors in a professional manner
  • Maintain accurate records and assist with reporting as needed
  • Utilize computer software to create, edit, and manage documents and spreadsheets
  • Assist with scheduling, correspondence, and other administrative duties
  • Support office staff with special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Experience using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.)
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to provide friendly and professional customer service
  • High attention to detail and accuracy

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with website updates or basic web management
  • Prior clerical or administrative experience

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to t.roberts@galenaks.gov or in person at 211 W 7th St. Galena, Kansas 66739.
Application can also be found below.

City of Galena Employee Application

Name
Address
How did you find out about this position?
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Employment Desired

Have you ever been an employee of the City of Galena?
Are you legally eligible for employment in the United States?

Employment Experience

Address
Address
Address

Educational Background

Address
Address
Did you graduate?
Address
Did you graduate?
Address
Did you graduate?

References

Include supervisors and person we may contact to verify your performance and qualifications. Do not give names of persons related to you.
Name
Your Supervisor?
Address
Name
Your Supervisor?
Address
Name
Address
I certify by signing this electronically, that all the information submitted by me on this application is true and complete, and I understand that if any false or misleading information, omissions, or misrepresentations are discovered, my application may be rejected, and if I am employed, my employment may be terminated at any time. In consideration of my employment, I agree to conform to the office’s rules and regulations, and I understand that these rules and or the employee handbook do not form a contract of employment either expressed or implied, and I agree that my employment and compensation can be terminated, with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at either my or the department’s option. I also understand and agree that the terms and conditions of my employment may be changed, with or without cause and with or without notice, at any time by the office. I understand that no city representative, other than the Mayor, and then only when in writing and signed by the Mayor, has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specific period of time, or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing.

Update on Handheld H2S Monitoring Device 3/16/2026

The handheld air monitoring device that the City uses to conduct our every other day air monitoring is currently back at the manufacturer for repairs and maintenance. Per the manufacturer, we should have the device back within 4 weeks.

In the meantime, we have a 24/7 monitor stationed at the landfill site to conduct continuous monitoring. Data will be pulled every few days and posted on the City website unless readings reach the threshold level, at which time it will be reported sooner.

As a reminder, there are multiple air monitoring units that citizens can check out at City Hall.

Ambient Air Monitoring Active Report

To convert from ppb (parts per billion) to ppm (parts per million), you divide the ppb value by 1,000, because 1 ppm is equivalent to 1,000 ppb. For example, 500 ppb is 0.5 ppm (500 / 1000 = 0.5), and 100 ppb is 0.1 ppm (100 / 1000 = 0.1). 

Examples

2,500 ppb: 2,500 / 1,000 = 2.5 ppm 

100 ppb: 100 / 1,000 = 0.1 ppm

500 ppb: 500 / 1,000 = 0.5 ppm

You can also use any free online converter. https://www.inchcalculator.com/ppb-to-ppm-converter/

Risk Based on Level of Exposure of H2S

0.0002-0.3ppm Odor Detection threshold, 0.0014ppm Daily exposure likely to be without risk, 0.02ppm 15-364 days of exposure with minimal risk, 0.07ppm 14 days or less of exposure with minimal risk, 10ppm 10-minute exposure limit, 20ppm Ceiling Limit, 50ppm Peak 10-min exposure limit, 100ppm Immediately dangerous to life or health, 40,000-440,000ppm Explosive (lower and upper limits)

What does H2S gas smell like at low concentrations?

At low concentrations, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) smells distinctly like rotten eggs, a warning sign of its presence, detectable in air from parts per billion (ppb) to low parts per million (ppm). This familiar odor comes from decaying organic matter in places like sewers, swamps, and landfills, but at higher levels, it can quickly overwhelm your sense of smell, causing olfactory fatigue, making it undetectable even as it becomes more dangerous. 

24 Hour Drager Monitor Results

The 24-hour continuous monitoring system was installed on March 12, 2026, at the landfill site. The system is configured with a low alarm threshold of 10 ppm (A1) and a high alarm threshold of 15 ppm (A2), as detailed in the accompanying data sheets.

Each screenshot diagram displays the actual readings for the specified time period with a blue line. The overview on the screenshot indicates the alarm thresholds and any readings within the time frame. The Excel spreadsheets provide the alarm thresholds and detail the H2S readings, along with any other alarms or warnings.

Notes for March 15 readings: 1. The Logged Value data displays every time the monitor detected a concentration change, regardless of how quickly or often, and the 15-minute time waited average (TWA) in the adjacent column. 2. The 1-Min Avg data displays the average reading over each 60-second period, the same 15-minute TWA column, and a column for both the minimum reading and peak reading during that 60-second period.

Updated information from Senator Tim Shallenburger 3/13/2026

Please see the following update received yesterday from KDHE regarding EPA testing at the GALENA LANDFILL:

“EPA arrived on site yesterday and sampled in three fixed locations and eight “roving” locations (observed by mobile sampling equipment) south and east of the landfill in residential and commercial areas. There were no detections at these locations of any contaminants of concerns, which included volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and LEL (combustible gases). There were slightly detectable particulates, but this could be reasonably attributed to traffic or atmospheric conditions.

EPA continued monitoring overnight at two locations and then did some sampling near the smoldering area.

Today, right in the hotspot, there were low detections of VOCs and carbon monoxide, as would be expected near smoke emissions. There continued to be no detections away from the hotspot. Based on this, and the City’s own monitoring capability, EPA will likely demobilize either later today or tomorrow. We will continue to work with the Cherokee County Health Department, City, and Jordan Disposal and monitor this situation.”

KDHE also produced some FAQ regarding the landfill and can be found here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2391/Galena-Construction-Demolition-Landfill-

Sharing information from Senator Tim Shallenburger

My office has been working alongside Representative Helwig and KDHE to get some answers on the Jordan Landfill. This afternoon, we received the following update from HDHE: 

“On Friday, KDHE was contacted about a subsurface smoldering event in the Construction and Demolition portion of the landfill. The smoldering was actually discovered during work to begin installation of a filter/venting system intended to mitigate odors. Smoldering events produce smoke and can cause increased odors and distress to neighbors. The following response actions have been taken:

Jordon Disposal began immediately to excavate and extinguish the smoldering.

Jordan Disposal notified KDHE that hydrogen sulfide levels in the excavation pit were 10 parts per million. A one-time reading at this level exceeds our standard but is not a health risk over a short, limited period.

On Tuesday (yesterday), KDHE staff were on site and recommended additional air sampling be performed.

Meteorological reports showed the wind would change, to blow from the north toward more residents, and this has now happened.

KDHE therefore submitted a Request for Assistance to EPA to perform on-site air monitoring. This air monitoring will allow KDHE to keep residents informed and take precautionary measures if there is any risk to human health.”

KDHE also produced some FAQ regarding the landfill and can be found here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2391/Galena-Construction-Demolition-Landfill-