County noxious‑weed list updated; Atchison County director briefs commissioners

Ben Taylor, Atchison County’s noxious weed director, told the Board of County Commissioners on May 19 that the state updated its noxious‑weed list effective May 15. The additions include mirror honeysuckle and two knapweed species (listed in the state update as spotted knapweed and diffuse knapweed); pignut was removed from the list after roughly 15–20 years.

Taylor said the county posted the new list on its website and distributed copies to interested parties. He noted the process to change the statewide list is lengthy, and he did not expect frequent revisions on the same timescale. Taylor also said he was recently nominated to serve as a public relations representative for the Northeast District, a role that will involve representing Atchison County at trade shows and related events.

Commissioners acknowledged the update and thanked Taylor for the briefing. No formal action or county policy change was recorded at the meeting; Taylor’s remarks served as an informational update for the board and the public.

What’s next: The county will rely on the state list for enforcement and outreach; residents with questions were directed to the county’s posted materials and to contact the weed office for specifics.