Sen. Jerry Moran recently joined other lawmakers in introducing legislation to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration program for another five years. The proposed Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Reauthorization Act would continue support for rural hospitals by allowing them to test alternative Medicare payment models designed to improve financial stability and maintain healthcare access in rural communities. Two Kansas hospitals currently participate in the program: Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills Campus in Junction City and McPherson Hospital in McPherson. Sen. Moran has supported the program since it began in 2004 and has repeatedly backed efforts to renew it during his time [...]

More than 150 years after its founding, Neodesha has transformed from an oil-dependent town into a thriving community that offers new opportunities for families through economic diversification and educational support. Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com

Fort Scott Area Home Developers met on Thursday to discuss the city's needs and plans. The city says a 2025 study proved Fort Scott faces a housing shortage. The city expects several hundred more jobs to come to Fort Scott over the next year, making the need for housing even more acute. Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com

Voters may get to decide whether to redirect a city sales tax toward public safety after the City Commission discusses the topic at its meeting Monday. The city for 20 years has charged a 0.5% sales tax to pay off debt from building the Community Center and pool. That debt will be paid off this year, but the city is considering asking voters to continue the tax to support public safety equipment and infrastructure. The required citywide vote for the sales tax would be in November.  Read more: The Eudora Times

The Reno County Commission will hold a public hearing and consider establishing a sales tax and revenue (STAR) bond district for the Salt Lick Golf & Hunting Resort under development east of Hutchinson during its regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13. Developers of the resort are seeking STAR bonds to finance about $26 million of the project, approximately one-third of the total planned cost, commissioners heard in a special meeting on Thursday, May 7. The bonds would be repaid using sales tax revenue from the district, which would exclusively consist of the resort. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

The City of Kingman, in partnership with MakeMyMove.com and through a state grant program announced in October, is now offering financial incentives to bring in new residents, remote workers and skilled professionals. Read more: KSN-TV

Staff recommended data center and crypto currency mining facilities be allowed in industrial-zoned areas and battery storage in districts where other utility-scale uses are allowed, if they also receive a conditional use permit from the County Commission. However, commissioners raised concerns about the demands on local infrastructure and whether it was enough to even sustain a data center or crypto mine. Read more: LJWorld

Craig Owens has spent his whole career looking for challenges – from blue-collar factory communities to suburbs to a densely packed city in Missouri with nearly 50 high-rises. Read more: LJWorld

With a mill levy of 121.799, Hays has a significantly lower property tax compared to four peer communities (Dodge City, Garden City, Emporia and Pittsburg.) That’s no coincidence says Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams because the City’s “pull factor” is consistently one of the best in the state. “More people spending money within the city limits from outside of Hays benefits everyone because of the City of Hays use of sales tax funding for operations and their general fund. Read more: Hays Daily News

Arkansas City Senior Genevieve Herrera is receiving first-hand experience on how the court system works. For the past six months, she has served as an intern with District Judge Christopher Smith at the court facilities in Arkansas City and Winfield. The ACHS intern program allows students to work with local employers to experience careers that match their studies or interests. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths. Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com