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McPherson County voters will see a proposal on the November 4 ballot for a ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax dedicated to funding Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If approved, the tax would begin April 1, 2026. The measure seeks to shift EMS funding from property taxes to a dedicated sales tax, creating the opportunity for county and city officials to reduce property taxes beginning in 2027.​ Read more: Butler County Times-Gazette

The Crawford County Commission met with a full house on Friday in response to Mulberry’s vote to annex land slated for solar development. A couple of the frequent attendees were present — Becky Williard and Judy Prince — raising familiar concerns over toxic fumes from battery fires and leaching poisons into the ground and water table. Landowners who live next to the proposed development offered some new concerns for the commission to consider. Read more: - Morning Sun

Prairie Cottage Homes, operated by Devin Holloway, is on the verge of listing their first three homes in Americus next week. With the help of Paul Pinick, the new venture aims to bring affordable homes to local smaller towns, and eventually Emporia. The three homes began construction in April and will be listed next week. One is three bedrooms, 1,311 square feet, while the two measure in at 1,611 square feet and fit in four bedrooms. The buildings are designed to last and stand the test of time. Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Bourbon County Commissioners on Monday discussed concerns such as setting precedence and the potential for litigation regarding a moratorium on the mining of cryptocurrency. The commission later approved the 12-month moratorium, which takes effect after its publication in the Tribune and only applies to new mining activity in the county. County Counselor Bob Johnson said the moratorium would stop future expansion of mining operations until the commission can adopt regulations. Read more: Fort Scott Tribune Headlines

Sedgwick City Council asked Jimmy Sharbutt of Sharbutt Homes to pay a $5,000 obligation for not building five homes within sixty months of the city selling Sharbutt property just north of the industrial park. The obligation was stipulated in the original contract. Read more: Harvey County Now

A squirrel is responsible for the power issues happening in town Friday morning. City Manager Zack Daniel said crews walked power lines and discovered a fried squirrel in the Ninth and Acorn area that is believed to be responsible for the blip. Read more: The Eudora Times

Iola City Council members discussed this week a recent edict that the city must test more often for signs of lead in its water system. Toby Ross, Iola’s water plant superintendent, updated Iola Council members Tuesday evening on water sampling efforts to detect lead levels. A recent KDHE notification directed the city to ramp up its testing after three homes tested above the EPA threshold of lead in their drinking water. Read more: The Iola Register

The $539 million project on 180 acres, to be developed by Epic Resort Destinations, is expected to begin construction by October 2027 and open by May 2031. Read more: KC Star

For about five years, the local government has offered incentives for developers – local and large alike – to build on and revitalize its vacant properties at a discounted rate. In that time, developers have built about 150 homes on those lots, according to government staff. Read more: KC Star

The proposed ordinances outline a number of changes, including adopting a property maintenance code that requires sanitary conditions in rental units, prohibiting landlords from refusing applicants with Section 8 vouchers and requiring landlords with repeat offenses to register with the city. Read more: Wichita Eagle