info

This historic Kansas prison town will allow CoreCivic to hold federal immigration detainees after a year of legal wrangling and public outcry from opponents. Four out of five city commissioners voted to grant CoreCivic’s application for a special use permit. The decision allows the company to operate its dormant 1,000-bed facility as a detention center on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The compound has sat at the center of a drawn-out legal battle — and furious criticism from opponents of Leavenworth becoming a regional hub for President Trump’s immigration agenda. Commissioners said they had amended the permit to [...]

One of Mike Dever’s regrets from his earlier terms on the City Commission is that “I went eight years without spending money on art.” Soon, he and the rest of the City Commission could take extra steps to guarantee more funding for public art and make it more visible around town. Read more: LJWorld

Department heads met with Riley County commissioners Thursday for the first time since officials last week announced plans to develop a county administrator position. During a 45-minute work session, the three commissioners heard concerns and suggestions from department leaders as the county considers recommendations from its outside consultant. Emergency services director David Adams spoke on behalf of a collective of department heads. He noted the group is generally behind the concept but also sought further clarity on how the position will be structured. Read more: News Radio KMAN

The Newton Recreation Center is celebrating its 80th anniversary. That’s 80 years of adults and children playing games, attending special events and using the wellness center and swimming pools to lose weight, get in shape and have fun. At least thousands of people have benefitted from the rec center with the sports teams in which they can play things like baseball, softball and soccer, and various classes from arts and crafts, dance, cheer, baking and exercise. Read more: Harvey County Now

Usually, Harvey County Big Brothers, Big Sisters is begging for mentors. This year, things are a little different. “Our waiting list is almost gone,” Rachel Bachman, who recruits volunteers to the local program, said. “It’s the best problem to have.” The organization puts local youth who might need a little extra help or another adult in their life together with a mentor or Big Brother/Sister. Volunteers participate in different levels, from meeting kids at lunch at school to taking them on outings or participating in group activities. The program’s operated in the county for 36 years. Right now, the organization has [...]

Harvey County Planning and Zoning Director Karen Rothe told commissioners on March 3 that she extended the deadline for a survey about nuisance properties in Harvey County until March 31. She said nuisance properties were those with excessive trash and debris and/or unsafe structures. “And by unsafe structure, we’re talking residential structures for the most part that might have a tree growing out of the top of the roof or are falling down,” Rothe said. She said the properties the planning commission is most concerned about are those near cities, because she has had several cities ask her to address them. [...]

The Kansas City Chiefs’ move to Olathe isn’t just about relocating its headquarters and training facility — it’s one part of the franchise’s goal of becoming the “world’s team,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said last week. That goal involves a multifaceted approach, including expanding the brand internationally but also creating partnerships on a hyper-local level. At the Olathe Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on Friday, Donovan shared some of the team’s insights into the decision to move the team’s headquarters and training facility to Olathe and the hopes for a future partnership with Olathe Public Schools and the city of Olathe. [...]

With only a little over three months to go before the first World Cup match kicks off, one thing is becoming clear: Hosting a once-in-a-generation sports event comes with a once-in-a-generation workload. County staff provided a glimpse of that on Thursday when they presented a mega update on all the things that have been coming together as the international soccer tournament draws ever nearer. The “high level” overview, described by World Cup special project manager Bo McCall as “just the tip of the iceberg,” was an hour and a half with nine county staffers talking at breakneck speed about special events, [...]

An energy company is scouting out potential sites in Kansas to house a new nuclear reactor, and many county officials are eager to give it a home. Energy company TerraPower is working to identify a location in the Sunflower State for a new natrium-style nuclear reactor. Many counties have thrown their hats in the race to attract this potential nuclear project which brings with it the promise of significant economic advantages. We checked in with TerraPower to find out where the company is at in the process in 2026. A TerraPower spokesperson said the company is beginning site evaluations. Read more: [...]

The USD 470 Board of Education has selected Will Pfannenstiel as the next superintendent of Arkansas City Public Schools. Pfannenstiel, currently the district's assistant superintendent for business and operations, has accepted the position. Formal approval of his contract is expected during Monday evening's board meeting. Pfannenstiel joined USD 470 in 2006 as assistant principal at Arkansas City High School and later served as principal at Arkansas City Middle School. He has more than 20 years of experience in education, including earlier work as a teacher and coach. Board President Jon Oak said Pfannenstiel's character and leadership stood out during the search [...]