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Photo by Elliot J. Sutherland/The Ottawa Herald
The Wellsville Fire and Rescue Department recently completed construction on a new facility at 730 Main St. The new facility includes living quarters and will be used by both Wellsville fire and ambulance crews.
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Wellsville poised for growth
By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer
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Situated on the northeastern portion of Franklin County on I-35, Wellsville is well-positioned for substantial growth in the next five years and must work to prepare for that growth, one city leader said.
Ron Samsel, city council member, said the city has seen some recent improvements in the area of public safety, including an updated storm warning system and the addition of an ambulance station.
The storm system can be activated either in Wellsville or in Ottawa, Samsel said.
Last year, Franklin County commissioners decided to station an ambulance in Wellsville, one of the fastest-growing areas of the county.
The city of Wellsville converted and donated space at the city’s fire department for a satellite ambulance station.
The ambulance responds to calls throughout northeastern Franklin County and could be available for calls in Miami and Douglas counties, Nick Robbins, Franklin County EMS director, has said.
“We’re really glad that’s here,” Samsel said.
He said Wellsville also has made strides in the areas of business and housing.
Recent new businesses in the Wellsville area include R & B Auto, which relocated from Baldwin City, and Discount Travel and Tickets in rural Wellsville.
And though he couldn’t go into details, Samsel said some prospective businesses are considering Wellsville.
“There’s some people looking at us,” he said.
Samsel said though Wellsville, like everyone, has seen a slower housing market, about 16 new homes were built in one subdivision last year, and others are building new homes now.
“We’re not moving real fast, but I think we’re going to see a quicker pace before too long,” he said.
Samsel said a proposed intermodal center at Gardner will have some impact on growth in the Wellsville area in the next five or so years.
To prepare for that growth, the city must work on its water issues, including getting another source of water, he said.
The city buys water from Baldwin City, and that contract expires in a few years.
Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.
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