Kingfisher County commissioners proclaimed National 4-H Week Oct. 3-7 at their weekly meeting Monday.

They also approved a two-week burn ban beginning Monday at the request of county fire departments as a prolonged drought has increased dry vegetation conditions countywide.

Local fire departments have reported increases in the number of wildfires.

The burn ban resolution prohibits anyone from setting fire to any forest, grassland, range, crop or other wildlands including bonfires, campfires or trash fires.

Exceptions include welding, cutting torch or grinding activities when conducted over a non-flammable surface, at least 20 by 20 feet while wind speeds are below 15 miles per hour and while a fire watchman, other than the welder, is posted at the site with pressurized water or fire extinguisher; outdoor grilling when using LPG, charcoal-fired cooking and natural gas grilling as long as conducted in a grilling receptacle and is done over a non-flammable surface away from flammable vegetation.

NRCS-approved controlled burns are permissible with fire chief and law enforcement approval.

Enforcement of the resolution may be carried out by any law enforcement officer.

Persons found guilty of violating the ban are subject to a misdemeanor charge, the fine for which may be up to $500 and imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

Commissioners approved an annual contract with Claudia’s Cleaning Service at a rate of $350 per week and cancelled a notice to bid for renovating an existing metal building for Chisholm Trail Museum into an exhibit space and workshop.

Commission Chairman Heath Dobrovolny said the state had provided funds for the project, negating the need for the county bid process.

Several county road right-of-way permits were approved for pipeline crossings and a public access drive.

They included:

• Estack, LLC – two 10inch lay flat lines located nine miles east and four miles south of Kingfisher, District 1.

• K&J Construction, LLC – four permits, including one in District one for 12-inch and three-inch lay flat water lines located one mile east and four miles north of Kingfisher, and three in District 2 located as follow: six miles east of Dover, seven miles east of Dover and one mile south and eight miles east of Dover.

• Mustang Gas Products – six-inch poly gas line located nine miles east and two miles south of Kingfisher, District 1.

• Lissette Sosa – Public service access drive with 24-inch culvert located at 1293 Mitchell Road (six miles west of Hennessey), District 2.

Also present for the meeting were District 1 Commissioner Jeff Moss and District 2 Commissioner Ray Alan Shimanek as well as County Clerk Jeannie Boevers as minute clerk and Extension 4-H Agent Heather Jones, who requested the 4-H proclamation approval.

Dobrovolny reported he would be attending state-required county commissioner training later in the week at Shawnee.