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The public will have its official say about a battery energy storage system (BESS) in town in November. Halstead’s city council voted 4-1 Monday evening to place a petition on the ballot submitted by Halstead resident Kevin Henderson with 331 signatures of registered voters. The council had a choice of either putting the petition to a vote by the people or passing it themselves. Read more: Harvey County Now

Lawrence’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted 4-3 to make a stronger statement to the city commission against a proposal to implement fees for residents to use Lawrence’s recreation centers. The city’s rec centers are currently admission-free. Parks and Rec staff members presented a new proposal Monday for lower fees than what they’d previously proposed, which would’ve charged adult residents $25 per month to use Sports Pavilion Lawrence and the East Lawrence and Holcom Park recreation centers. The new proposal would instead charge adults $12 per month to have access to use all three of the rec centers. There would be [...]

A melange of shadow boxes with seed heads, pressed flowers, prints and faerie doors is on display at the Lawrence Public Library to foster wonder and enthusiasm for native plants and ecosystem diversity. The installation, created by regional artist Lisa Nelick, can be viewed along the self-check wall at the library as part of their public art display program. Read more: The Lawrence Times

As Lawrence city commissioners prepare to vote on a massive tax incentive package for KU’s Gateway Project, residents near the site said a required community input process was not completed, and an expert said STAR bonds can be a gamble for municipalities. Still, KU is continuing work on the project and is seeking $86 million in public funding. The city commission at its meeting Tuesday will discuss and vote on the incentives package. Approval of the plan will require at least a 4-1 supermajority vote.  Read more: The Lawrence Times

The feline and canine shopkeeps of Mass Street businesses have long attracted customers like flies to honey, but it would appear that downtown now shares an unofficial, more odorous mammalian mascot: a skunk. The creatures appear to be striped skunks, or Mephitis mephitis. The adults — sometimes with kits toddling in tow — have been reported nosing around, and caught red-handed on security cameras, scampering past Jody’s Market.  Read more: The Lawrence Times

Tuesday, Topeka city leaders will vote to adopt the 30th and Topeka TIF district project plan. Approval will lead the way for a potential restaurant and up to two commercial buildings. Last month, city leaders at a public hearing discussed a new tax increment financing district for 30th and Topeka Boulevard. This TIF-zone is currently home to the nearly 70-year-old Meadow Acres Inn. With hopes to spruce up the area, adopting the plan is expected to set up the building's demolition, as well as construction for a quick service restaurant and up to two commercial buildings. Read more: KSNT 27 News

The Topeka Fire Department (TFD) is reopening a local fire station after significant renovations. The TFD is reopening a newly renovated fire station on Friday, Aug. 8 at 2447 Southeast 29th Street. The city made key improvements to the fire station, including raising the roof height to accommodate larger apparatus, upgrading sleeping quarters and modernizing facilities. Read more: KSNT 27 News

The Emergency Historic Asset Lifeline (E-HEAL) funds will support five downtown revitalization projects for buildings facing likely demolition or collapse. The E-HEAL projects include: Burlington: $37,000 – Restoration of the Flint Hills Plaza Theatre, once a popular local movie theater. The revitalized venue is envisioned to host films, live performances, events, and community meetings. Howard: $100,000 – Stabilization of the historic Howard National Bank building, constructed in 1888. This project preserves a key piece of the community’s architectural and economic heritage. LeRoy: $25,000 – Stabilization of the historic 1908 Brownfield Building will ensure its structural integrity and safety. The restored space [...]

The slow-moving vehicles are becoming street legal in one community after another, but the boom has come with a backlash. Read more: Wall Street Journal

Efforts by the Police and Community Together initiative, which consisted of 10 officers from across all bureaus and specialties of the police department, contributed to a 10% reduction in violent crime from the same time period the previous year. PACT focused on high-crime areas and violent offenders across the city, using a data-driven approach strengthened by daily engagement with residents and real-time responsiveness to community concerns. Source: CJonline