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Wichita city officials have directed contractors to stop testing the water at the new $574 million Wichita Water Works treatment plant amid what they called “performance mechanical issues.” The water plant is more than six months behind schedule and tens of millions of dollars over budget. TOP VIDEOS The video player is currently playing an ad. You can skip the ad in 5 sec with a mouse or keyboard The latest issues were discovered in the plant’s clarifiers — large tanks where unfinished water is churned and allowed to settle to separate solids and contaminants from the water before it is [...]

The City of Lawrence is asking the community for feedback on plans to implement memberships and fees to use recreational facilities. The Parks, Recreation and Culture department is proposing the fees as a way to offset its $1.8 million portion of the city’s projected budget shortfall of more than $6 million. The department has considered similar plans in recent years but did not move forward after community pushback. This year, however, the Lawrence City Commission has voiced some support for rec center fees early in the budget process. Source: The Lawrence Times

The city of Wichita is looking at how to reduce a projected budget deficit, including eliminating animal control services, reducing firefighter positions and eliminating a municipal courtroom. The city is projecting it will see a $2 million deficit in 2026, and a $5.5 million deficit in 2027. Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Overbrook City Clerk Jim Koger has announced his retirement, and everyone is invited to help him celebrate his years of service to the city. Overbrook City Hall will host an open house for Jim, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025. Everyone is invited to stop in congratulate Jim and his family. Source: Osage County Online | Osage County News

Over the years, a special state incentive created to entice people to move to rural Kansas has been continually expanded. The incentive – a combination of income tax breaks and student loan repayments  – was created in 2011 by the Legislature at the behest of former Gov. Sam Brownback. At the time, it only applied to 50 counties with populations that had fallen by at least 10% over the previous decade. In 2013 and 2014, the Legislature designated 27 more counties as rural opportunity zones. Then, in 2021, the Legislature made any county with a population of less than 40,000 a [...]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of $267 million in Brownfields Grants across the United States, with nearly $4 million specifically designated for communities in Kansas. This funding aims to transform contaminated properties into productive spaces, fostering economic growth and improving public health. “The $267 million in Brownfield Grants will transform contaminated properties into valuable spaces for businesses and housing, creating new opportunities that strengthen local economies and directly benefit American families,” stated EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Source: The Sunflower State Radio Network

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports. “The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.” Source: Butler County Times-Gazette

‘Far from over’: Kansas schools still see COVID’s effects on learning and behavior. Susie Kelley, a fifth grade teacher at Harry Street Elementary School in Wichita, leads her class in a “Mindfulness Minute” breathing exercise. Educators say they are still seeing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, both academically and socially. Source: Dodge City Daily Globe

Thankfully, the rains sprang down during the recent bout of monsoon season, or things could have become dicey for the City of Newton. Newton was about to be in a water emergency, as the groundwater levels had fallen to nearly 10 feet below normal seasonal level. Director of Public Works Ed Bonham said the recent rains had pushed the levels up a foot, but they need to keep an eye out. Source: Harvey County Now

The Halstead City Council approved a new round of grant applications totaling $20,000 at the most recent city council meeting. The city provides grants to new and existing businesses in the downtown area who are looking to repair or update their businesses. There were two applicants for this round of applications: Making Memories China Rental and Metal Transformations. Source: Harvey County Now