As school approaches, there is still a need floating around for area districts. There is a shortage of bus drivers across the state, and Harvey County is no stranger to these effects. Currently, Halstead is in the most dire straits, as USD-440 is short three open positions. The state requirements are a driver must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Kansas drivers license, while being able to obtain the proper CDL and pass the appropriate tests, including a DOT medical test. The individual must also meet driving record standards while successfully completing the hiring requirements of the [...]

The first piece of Olathe’s $320 million Halo Ridge development is on track to open in less than six months, while the larger, “ultra-accessible” entertainment district could welcome visitors as early as spring of 2028. Developers are targeting a Jan. 1, 2027, opening for the Halo Care Collective, a one-stop medical campus for people with disabilities and their families. Meanwhile, site clearing is underway for the rest of the 64-acre project, located at 119th Street and Renner Boulevard, which will include an arena, amusement park, hotel and restaurants — all designed with accessibility in mind. Read more: Johnson County Post

City Manager Amy Lange has accepted a new professional opportunity and has submitted her resignation, the city of Concordia said in a statement. Lange has served as Concordia’s City Manager from January 2018 and will continue her career in local government with the City of Manhattan later this year. The City said Lange worked alongside the City Commission, City staff, residents, and community partners to advance the Commission’s strategic priorities and strengthen Concordia’s future. Under her leadership, the City made investments in infrastructure, financial stability, housing, economic development, the airport, parks, and quality-of-life initiatives, while securing millions of dollars in grant [...]

More than 150 years after its founding, Chanute remains a testament to the vision of one man and the resilience of a community committed to preserving its legacy. The city was established in 1873 when railroad engineer Octave Chanute arrived and negotiated a compromise between four townships—Alliance, Chicago Junction, New Chicago, and Tioga—to create a unified city. That diplomatic effort resulted in the founding of Chanute, a city that would bear his name and become a hub of innovation and progress. Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com

The paperwork was signed on Wednesday to make Chihuahua, Mexico, Wichita's newest sister city. Leaders from Wichita and Sedgwick County came together at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom to make the five-year agreement official. Read more: KSN-TV

The wheat Liberty Bell is a fond memory for those who were involved with its creation. They also hope it's a point of pride for the community for years to come. Half a century ago, Goessel had the chance to celebrate America’s 200th birthday in a uniquely Kansas way. The small town 35 miles north of Wichita put together a replica of the Liberty Bell made out of wheat. Donna Duerksen was the team lead for the group of volunteers. “We were especially grateful when we had about 200 different volunteers come throughout the community and surrounding areas to help us [...]

The city said that it has received two petitions: One proposes an ordinance to prohibit data centers, and the other proposes an ordinance to ban battery energy storage systems. Read more: KSN-TV

City leaders discussed a rental registry and inspection program during the Topeka City Council meeting Tuesday. Property Maintenance Director for the City of Topeka John Schardine presented the topic to the council, calling it the Rental Registry Pilot Program. Schardine emphasized supporting responsible landlords and property owners while also improving housing conditions and accountability. Schardine said the program would collect data from landlords and rental properties, then maintain it in a city-administered database updated annually. The database would be open to the public and display a 24-month rolling property tier, inspection history and violation history. Read more: KSNT 27 News

The City of Manhattan is excited to announce Amy Lange has accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Lange is expected to begin work in early September. Read more: Manhattan - News Flash

South Hutchinson has enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems. City officials will research zoning regulations and best practices from other municipalities during the moratorium. Read more: Hutch News