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When the Colby City Council meets to discuss a new STAR bond project on Oct. 8, 2025, they will have to vote on the proposal without seeing the full feasibility study done by the Kansas Department of Commerce. This is because Commerce requires governing bodies to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to receive the entire study. If they decline, they’re given a summary. Colby City Manager Ron Alexander told The Sentinel in a phone interview that he declined to do so because he was uncomfortable with the requirement. Read more: The Sentinel

A new collaboration will give students in Dodge City and southwest Kansas expanded access to the transformative power of a bachelor’s degree — all from the comfort and support of their hometown region. Combining the breadth and depth of a traditional four-year university with the homegrown reach and accessibility of a two-year community college, Dodge City Community College and Kansas State University are teaming up to expand access to bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture and education. Read more: themercury.com

News of layoffs at Iola’s Gates Corporation plant hit hard last week. After learning that 80 employees will soon lose their jobs, local leaders immediately went to work attempting to turn crisis into opportunity. Within hours, Thrive Allen County’s Camille Lavon was on the phone with company officials and state partners, mapping out a plan to keep the 80 soon-to-be-displaced employees working close to home.  Read more: The Iola Register

While the incumbents gave various reasons for stepping down, the increasing polarization and hostility around issues in the city, in some ways mirroring national trends, are discouraging them from staying any longer. Read more: KC Star

Derek Raines asked for a moratorium and a noise resolution regarding the bitcoin mining natural gas generators near his property... Raines said that the stress of having the constant noise is taking a toll on him and his family. Neighbor Kimberly Sparks lives 3/4 of a mile away and can hear the humming and feel the vibration constantly. “It’s very upsetting,” she said. Commissioner Milburn said she had contacted the administration of Jefferson County to get their information on how they handled this issue. Read more: Fort Scott Biz

Kansas state law allows candidates for local office in large cities such as Wichita to accept $2,000 political contributions while the city of Wichita’s ordinance caps that amount at $500. Confusion over changes to Kansas campaign finance law has led to accusations of wrongdoing and a return of campaign donations in a Wichita City Council primary. Read more: Wichita Eagle

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System is undergoing a five-year, $74 million modernization project. The new system aims to be easier to use for members, employers and staff. The project, which is on schedule and on budget, is expected to be completed by November 2029. Read more: CJonline

Carissa McMullen and Nathan Harrell of Landworks Studio presented the Parks Master Plan at the Sedgwick City Council Meeting on Wednesday evening. McMullen said that the purpose of the plan is to present the vision for the future. Since April, Landworks has attended local events, visited with residents about what they want to see happen with their parks, and conducted online surveys. They then used the feedback to develop the plan, according to McMullen. Read more: Harvey County Now

Accessing long-term stable housing is a challenge for many, and one Kansas nonprofit is providing those homes to people working to get back on their feet. In February, the McPherson Housing Coalition opened up the first home in its Sutherland Estates project. Now there are seven houses there. The project offers long-term supportive housing. "They are based on income, and it really gives people or a person an opportunity to start over or for somebody who just got their first job and they can't afford to live in our community," explained Chris Goodson, Executive Director of the McPherson Housing Coalition. The [...]