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The leading proposals this year are similar to the bills and resolutions that failed just a year ago. But lawmakers are more optimistic that relief will come this time around. Here are the two leading proposals: Constitutional amendment to cap valuation increases, and Spending caps on local governments. Read more: Johnson County Post

Hillsboro City Council approved an agreement Thursday with Michael Webb to serve as interim city administrator after Matt Stiles steps down until the city recruits a permanent replacement. Read more: Marion County RECORD

The updated definition states that owner-occupied means the owner lives on the property at least 180 days during the calendar year. New language states that a rental unit must be located within the primary residential dwelling on the property and may not be located in an accessory building unless the main dwelling is owner-occupied. Read more: Marion County RECORD

Since launching in 2023 as a grant‑funded initiative, the program has brought more than 80 new landlords into local housing programs and helped remove barriers that often prevent property owners from participating in federal rental assistance. The incentive program offers landlords a sign-on bonus and access to a damage reimbursement fund. Read more: Johnson County Kansas

Beth M. Hammack, head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, says it is too early to gauge the economic impact of the Iran war and backs holding interest rates steady for “quite some time.” Read more: NYT > Business

Voters in Newton USD 373 gave overwhelming approval to a $50M bond issue Tuesday. Unofficial results from the Harvey County Clerk’s Office indicated 2.316 votes were cast in favor to 2,116 votes against. Most of this bond will go towards projects at Newton High School including upgrades to science labs and culinary arts kitchens original to when the school was built in the 1970’s along with other remodeling and pool upgrades. Other projects include updates at Chisholm Middle School, addition of a classroom that will double as a storm shelter at Cooper Early Education Center, and HVAC, roof and elementary playground [...]

The fourth time proved to be the charm for McPherson USD 418, as voters Tuesday approved both bond questions submitted to them in a special election. Unofficial results from the McPherson County Clerk’s Office indicated Question 1, a $62.6 million project which includes a new academic wing at McPherson High School and demolition of the hex area, passed with 2,290 votes in favor and 1,313 against. Question 2, a $27 million dollar proposal which includes converting Eisenhower Elementary School into a middle school, was approved by a 2,172-1,435 vote. After the last votes were counted, USD 418 Superintendent Shiloh Vincent told [...]

Mulvane is filled with unique spots that draw both locals and out-of-town visitors. From the highway, passersby might notice the bright lights of the Kansas Star Casino, but that is not where the road ends. Mulvane Chamber of Commerce Director Brittany Kruger recently traveled to Topeka to attend Destination Statehouse, an event hosted by the Travel Industry Association of Kansas, also known as TIAC. She represented south central Kansas and joined tourism leaders from across the state for legislative updates and strategy discussions focused on growing Kansas tourism. “It’s really about making sure our legislators know we’re here and that tourism [...]

An ordinance allowing licensed drivers over 18 years old to operate golf carts on some city streets during daylight hours was approved Monday by the Great Bend City Council. The ordinance was approved with seven councilmembers voting in favor and councilmember Davis Jimenez voting against it. Some details were decided Monday before the ordinance came to a vote. The council considered allowing the carts to operate from sunrise to 10 p.m., but opted for sunrise to sunset. The council also chose to up the minimum age to 18, after initially considering 16. Councilman Gary Parr also suggested a higher registration fee, [...]