Can a Wichita property owner demolish a building even if it is on the national historic registry? Yes. The city’s official website confirms that a property owner can demolish a building, even if it is listed on the local, state, and national historic registries. They do, however, have to go through a significant review process to obtain a permit first. Read more: KLC Journal

LaHarpe city employees are getting an earlier start to their workdays this month. City Council members, cognizant of the ongoing spell of hot, dry weather, are directing employees to report to work at 6 a.m. each day, instead of the normal 8 o’clock, so they can end their workday by 3 p.m., when temps are at their hottest. Because of the way the city schedules its work crews, only one employee at a time will be subject to the early schedule. Councilman Scott Kroenke noted workers in extreme heat are at their most vulnerable at the end of the workday, due [...]

The Lindsborg City Council has voted to keep the city’s license-plate reader cameras, despite objections from a few residents who raised concerns about government surveillance and privacy. The cameras provide police with photographs of vehicles entering and leaving the city, but police say they do not have facial recognition or mass surveillance capabilities. Read more: Ad Astra Radio

Officials in the City of Inman are alerting the public to a potential mountain lion sighting near the Motocross and Country Park. While the report remains unconfirmed, local authorities recommend that residents exercise caution when visiting the area. In the event of an encounter with a mountain lion, individuals are advised to remain calm and avoid approaching the animal or attempting to run. Instead, maintain a safe distance and slowly retreat while facing the lion. Please contact local law enforcement to report any sightings once you have reached safety. Read more: Ad Astra Radio

Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) announced today that $24.1 million will be awarded to 32 projects to improve intersections and roads across the state through KDOT’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP). “Improving regional connectivity is a vital step in expanding accessibility across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to programs such as the CCLIP, we’re building a strong transportation foundation that will continue to deliver long-lasting benefits in Kansas.” The CCLIP provides funding for cities to make improvements on city connecting links that are on state highways. Selected projects are funded for the state fiscal years 2028 and 2029 selection cycle.  Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Everything Local

City employees working above ground demonstrated how they use a PS4 video game controller to navigate a rover as it goes through sewers while providing closed-circuit TV images of whatever it encounters. Read more: CJonline

For developers wanting to stay within Goddard, the primary benefit of planning duplexes and twin homes in this designated growth area is that these projects won’t be subject to a key component of Goddard’s new duplex regulations, the ones that prohibit more than 40% of any future development needing rezoning to be duplexes. Read more: Wichita Eagle

The utility will seek approval for a new natural gas plant, a solar farm, and a battery storage facility. CEO David Campbell stated that Kansas is a "premier destination" for data centers, driving significant load growth. Read more: CJonline

Mayor Spencer Duncan said the city’s current flood plan is far more advanced than in 1903 and 1951 because of those learning experiences and a comprehensive approach that integrates levees, creek maintenance, pump stations, neighborhood drainage, wastewater systems and long-term capital planning. Read more: CJonline

Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, SEED grants are available to communities in 78 eligible counties, with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded in the following categories: Childcare and Senior Programming– Projects that support or enhance services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment Community Vibrancy– Projects that re-energize and beautify rural communities through public art, signage and placemaking initiatives Food Retail– Projects that increase access to food through new, expanded or renovated retail spaces Libraries– Projects that expand access to information and community resources through reading materials, technology upgrades, furnishings [...]