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One year ago today a powerful tornado tore through the town of Westmoreland. The storm leaving behind a path of destruction, and one person didn't survive. Nearly three dozen homes in total were either damaged or destroyed. 27 News was on the grounds in the aftermath of this tornado, our crews capturing the damages firsthand. The community having to pick up the pieces, changing lives forever. Source: KSNT 27 News

Shawnee County park officials are inviting people to give their opinions at some upcoming pop-up meetings aimed at expanding and improving local public trails. Sean Zears with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation (SCP+R) said in a press release on April 30 that locals are encouraged to take part in the Trails and Greenways Study. The SCP+R is looking to get input from locals on shaping this new master plan to prioritize trail development and pedestrian connectivity throughout the county and Topeka. Source: KSNT 27 News

On Tuesday, voters in central Coffey County will vote on whether USD 244 Burlington will replace its existing elementary school. Voters have before them a $45 million bond to build a new elementary school building. The district says the first-grade wing was fully renovated five years ago, but the rest of the current building hasn’t had major upgrades since the 1980s — making it challenging to “support modern education.” Board member Bob Plummer: A full building-wide renovation process was considered, but the district says a project of that magnitude could meddle with learning. It also says there is no more space [...]

Public nudity – and even some nudity on private property – would be restricted under a new ordinance to be considered Tuesday by Cowley County Commissioners. The ordinance has developed quickly in recent weeks in response to a resident, in the IXL area of Ark City, who has been taking nude walks in his neighborhood for some time. The issue has drawn considerable media and social media attention. Source: Local – Cowley Post

A 40-year-old man is recovering after being bitten in the face and leg by his two pit bulls Friday at his home in south Wichita, police spokesperson Kristopher Gupilan said. The man was critically injured in the attack, which happened around 3:38 p.m. outside of his home in the 2500 block of South Mosley, which is close to Pawnee and Washington. Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Graduate students at KU will present research on various city issues, including affordable housing and the land development code, at a drop-in event next week.  The students are inviting community members, elected officials and city staff to stop by the event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St. The graduate students are part of KU’s urban planning and law programs. Students interviewed community members, city staff members and a new local advocacy group called the Coalition for Collaborative Governance. Students also dug through public records, news articles and research papers.  Source: The Lawrence [...]

The City of Emporia is proud to announce the launch of a new online tool designed to keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed about street closures due to construction projects and community events. The Construction and Community Event Street Closure Map is now live and available to the public at: www.emporiaks.gov/livemap. This dynamic, interactive map provides real-time updates on closures, helping users plan travel routes and stay informed about ongoing infrastructure improvements and upcoming local festivities. Source: www.emporiagazette.com - RSS Results in news,government/*

The first of three new welcome signs into the City of Arkansas City was installed Wednesday at the south entry point along 61st Road South, near the Arkansas River. “This marks the start of a broader initiative to update and standardize signage at all major city entrances,” a press release states. “The aim is to enhance visibility, consistency, and the overall impression of the city for both visitors and residents.” The native Kansas limestone sign and was hand-engraved by Silverdale Quality Stone incorporating a key part of the city’s new logo — two rivers — reflecting Ark City’s historical and geographical [...]

Shawnee Mission School District officials are proposing a new building to expand and improve services for early childhood education, currently offered in the Broadmoor Center and in some elementary schools. The discussion is still in the very early stages but was mentioned at the school board meeting on Monday as part of an update on the district’s budget. If approved, the building would likely go at the site of the former Katherine Carpenter Elementary, 9700 W. 96th St., in Overland Park, which is being demolished. Source: Johnson County Post

With little fanfare, the Shawnee Mission school board wrapped up a year-long study on donations by giving its final approval to a policy regulating when and how private money can be accepted to fund school staff positions. The board voted unanimously Monday to approve the policy and accept a few minor edits of the first draft that was introduced two weeks ago. Board members asked some clarifying questions but did not discuss the policy at length. Source: Johnson County Post