info

With encouragement from city government, the Chamber is trying to attract the Bill Gates-owned company TerraPower. TerraPower announced on Sept. 23 that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce to build a facility within Evergy’s service area in the state. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

There was a good reason why Renwick Superintendent Tim Hayden had a big smile on his face when being interviewed about this year’s enrollment: its up. And not just a few students, but 71. Last school year, the district had 1,990 students; this year, it has 2,061. “We’re at a fortunate pace,” Hayden said to the USD 267 Board of Education Monday evening. “We’re growing, and ’that’s helpful for your district.” Full-time equivalent, which is a key factor in state funding, also grew. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Black Squirrel Fall Fest returns to Broadway Saturday — the city’s annual salute to its mascot. Designated Black Squirrel City in 1972, Marysville will mark the day from 3 to 11 p.m. with afternoon attractions that build into an after-dark lineup. All of the activities will take place on Broadway, between Sixth Street and 10th streets. The day starts from 3 to 5 p.m. with old-fashioned games and Big Wheels on Broadway. Some games like bingo, balloon pop, ring toss, lollipop pull and beanbag ladder toss will come with prizes. Read more: www.marysvilleonline.net

Topeka and Shawnee County have paid out over $1.4 million in the past two years to settle various claims and lawsuits. A Washburn University faculty member who is a former city official suggests the rise in lawsuits could stem from issues like insufficient training or a permissive management culture. Read more: CJonline

City workers in Arkansas City removed several trees on Summit Street last week and plan to cut down the remaining trees in the downtown area. City spokesperson Shana Adkisson said Monday that tree roots have damaged curbs and sidewalks, blocked drainage and have interfered with underground water and electrical lines. The city is removing the trees to prevent further damage after struggling with maintenance issues and receiving complaints from several business owners. Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said Friday that he continues to support lowering interest rates but said the central bank needs to be careful amid conflicting economic signals. “I’m still in the belief we need to cut rates, but we need to kind of be cautious about it,” Waller said during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” On one hand, he said, the U.S. labor market appears to be losing jobs, potentially signaling a broader economic slowdown. On the other, gross domestic product growth remains strong and there remain concerns over inflation, which is still running considerably higher than the Fed’s [...]

McPherson County voters will see a proposal on the November 4 ballot for a ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax dedicated to funding Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If approved, the tax would begin April 1, 2026. The measure seeks to shift EMS funding from property taxes to a dedicated sales tax, creating the opportunity for county and city officials to reduce property taxes beginning in 2027. Currently, EMS is funded primarily through property tax revenues, which places heavy reliance on local property owners. Under the proposed change, anyone making taxable purchases in McPherson County—including visitors and non-residents—would share the cost, broadening [...]

A new tourism project is moving forward in the Kansas City area. A development agreement was approved on Monday by the Bonner Springs City Council for the Destination KCK Resort at 118th Street and State Avenue. \The city and the developers, EMAP-KC, have been working for months to finalize a development agreement which moves the long-awaited project forward. The project includes Mattel Adventure Park, which will feature Hot Wheel roller coasters, a Barbie rooftop restaurant bar, Thomas & Friends attraction and more. Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City

Bel Aire and other cities routinely allow developers to choose the engineer they want to work with on their projects. However, MKEC is one of the contractors Bel Aire is suing over the failed Woodlawn road reconstruction project. Read more: Ark Valley News

Friends of First Responders Day kicked off in Overland Park on Saturday afternoon. The event gives children with disabilities and their families the opportunity to connect with fire and police personnel in a friendly environment. “It gives us a chance to meet them in a situation where adrenaline isn't pumping and they're not in dire need of our services,” said Lieutenant Pat Saysoff. “And they get to experience being a firefighter or police officer for the day.” Kids got to ride in the ladder bucket, operate fire hoses and ride in fire trucks too. They were able to see how police [...]