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Highland Community College names new president

info2024-02-22T11:20:48-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

Highland Community College has named Vincent Bowhay its 45th president. Highland’s traditional campus is located in the town of Highland, with regional centers in Wamego, Atchison and Baileyville. The HCC board of trustees on Monday unanimously approved Bowhay’s hiring following a national search, which garnered more than 50 applicants. He will begin the role of president July 1. Bowhay as been the president of Independence Community College since 2021. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience, compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities,” said Tom Smith, [...]

Haysville set for another sales tax vote

info2024-02-22T11:20:01-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

The city of Haysville recently settled on a date for a new, special sales tax election after renewal of its current one-cent sales tax failed in the November 2023 general election. Haysville is now set to take the issue back up this spring. According to The Times-Sentinel, the Haysville City Council recently set a special election for May 7. The sales tax as presented now is set to help fund streets (50%), parks and recreation (40%) and property tax reductions (10%) – the last item being a new addition. The current sales tax will sunset on June 30. Source: Derby Informer [...]

Housing master plan in sight

info2024-02-22T11:18:45-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

Arkansas City commissioners will consider a resolution Tuesday authorizing an agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC), to provide a housing master plan for a 101-acre city owned property on West Skyline Road. The proposed agreement is for an amount not to exceed $28,550. The city recently purchased the tract to reserve it for future housing development. Commissioners decided during a previous work session that a master plan was needed to determine the best types of housing for the site and the infrastructure needs. During the Friday work session, City Manager Randy Frazer said that PEC would provide the city with an [...]

Ark City court joins others to offer online payments

info2024-02-22T11:16:59-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

The Arkansas City residents or anyone who owes a fine or fee to the Arkansas City Municipal Court can now pay online. The court recently launched a secure online payment platform designed to improve accessibility and simplify the payment process, according to a press release from the city. Those who owe the court can submit payments electronically, eliminating the need for in-person transactions. To access the online payment portal, visit municipalonlinepayments.com/arkansascityks, enter the citation number and date of birth. People can also search by name or date of birth to access their information. Those who prefer to pay by phone can [...]

Newton Public Library turning the page on old building

info2024-02-22T11:11:59-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

There’s subtle Kansas-themed imagery going on at the new Newton Public Library building. That’s according to Library Director Cari Cusick, who said the carpet designs are a nod to wheat and train tracks, and the signage on the bookshelf end caps reflect train wheel shapes. The current library building will close Saturday, March 2, and the new one will open Monday, April 1, Cusick said, adding they need to move things from one building to the other, and they need to set up during that month, like installing technology. Some projects need to be done after they move. Professional movers are [...]

USDA funding $22.4M in Kansas infrastructure improvements

info2024-02-22T10:59:56-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

The United States Department of Agriculture has announced $22.4 million in grants for various projects in rural communities in Kansas. The grants will fund projects for high-speed internet access, water, and sewer improvements. “High-speed internet and reliable infrastructure make it possible for rural Kansans to live and work in the communities they love,” says Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis. The grant details are: (1) A $997,000 grant to help promote the expansion of high-speed internet in Rawlins, Kiowa, Gove, Kearny, Wilson, and Linn counties. (...) (2) A $1,725,000 loan will help complete improvements to the sewer collection system for the [...]

Starbucks to take the spot of closed Arkansas City bowling alley

info2024-02-22T10:40:10-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

Less than two months after a beloved bowling alley closed in Arkansas City, the city says a Starbucks will take its place. Hillcrest Lanes closed on December 30. Melissa Zimmerman and her family announced two weeks prior that the doors would be shut for good after six decades. Richard and Patricia Doffing owned the bowling alley for 30 years. The Cowley Post reports the city recently approved building permits for construction of a Starbucks. A spokesperson for the city said the developer is Brandon Haverty of ReCor Properties out of Mission, Kansas. Construction equipment arrived at the site last week. It's unclear when the [...]

Restaurant files lawsuit against Salina over burger-esque mural

info2024-02-22T10:33:25-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

The Cozy Inn restaurant filed a lawsuit on Monday against the City of Salina over a mural on the side of its restaurant. The business is located at 108 N. 7th St. in Salina. Last year, the city told the restaurant that a mural on the side of the building violates the sign code policy. The mural features "burger-esque flying saucers piloted by aliens with blasts of ketchup and mustard." It forced the business to put the project on pause. The mural remains unfinished. In the filing, the restaurant's owner, Steve Howard, claims the code violates free speech under the First Amendment [...]

Kansas bill would prohibit use of eminent domain to build solar farms

info2024-02-22T10:30:12-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

Utilities would be prohibited from taking private land using eminent domain to build solar farms under legislation Kansas lawmakers weighed Monday. Eminent domain authority allows governments or utility companies to take private property for public use, including to build roads, bridges and power lines. Property owners are still compensated at market value but can have their land taken if they don’t agree to sell. The practice has come under scrutiny, especially in Missouri, as developers prepare to build a high-voltage transmission line from Kansas to the Indiana border. But a bill the Kansas Senate Utilities Committee heard Monday would prohibit the use of eminent [...]

Sedgwick County Commissioners hear cell tower proposals

info2024-02-22T10:12:45-06:00February 22nd, 2024|

Discussions on proposed new cell towers dominated the Sedgwick County Commission meeting Wednesday morning, and one tower was denied while another was approved. Commissioners voted unanimously to deny a project for a cell tower to be installed near Colwich. The tower was proposed for a site near 53rd Street North and 167th Street West. Several nearby residents told commissioners the 120-foot tower would have a negative visual impact on the area and it would affect property values. Commissioner Jim Howell said the tower was out of character for the neighborhood. The Colwich Planning Commission had recommended denial, while the Metropolitan Area Planning [...]

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