Lawrence’s “most infamous” commenter has failed to demonstrate that the City Commission’s rules about comments at public meetings are unconstitutionally vague or that the city engaged in unlawful viewpoint and content discrimination against him. Federal Judge Julie Robinson in an order this week, using Justin Spiehs’ self-identification as “the most infamous and outspoken public speaker,” dismissed those claims from Spiehs’ lawsuit against the city and two of its former mayors, but she has allowed other claims to move forward, including Spiehs’ contention that the city retaliated against him and denied him equal protection. Source: LJWorld

The Kansas Department of Commerce is joining other organizations and communities across the state in commemorating National Community Development Week. The annual event, which this year is April 1-5, shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of community development initiatives and collaborative efforts that drive positive local change. National Community Development Week serves as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of local leaders, organizations and residents who work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for all members of their communities. From affordable housing projects to infrastructure improvements, these endeavors represent the collective commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive [...]

At issue is a regulatory requirement that ambulances operate with two medically credentialed attendants, which poses challenges for rural services. “This is a bill that allows ambulances, particularly in rural areas, to move with only one EMT and one certified driver,” Rep. Fred Gardner, R-Garnett, said of Senate Bill 384. “Current regulation requires two EMTs...." ... Industry officials said that language appeared to eliminate the two-person requirement entirely, which could leave patients unattended in the back of an ambulance. Source: Hutch News

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library enjoys a reputation for excellence, including having been named “2016 Library of the Year” by a respected library journal. But library leaders hope to serve customers even better, and that’s reflected in their recently released five-year strategic plan. That plan calls for the library to offer more chances to learn, explore and connect, said Marie Pyko, the library’s CEO. Source: CJonline

At the Feb. 19, 2024 City of Victoria Council regular session meeting, [members] discussed allowing residents to water two days a week versus just one. The days would include one day on the weekend and one day during the week for north and south of 10th Street. City Attorney Don Hoffman will draft the resident watering days allowance resolution for the Council to formally adopt. Source: Hays Daily News

Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams focused on Hays’ housing needs as he addressed the local business owners, bankers, lawyers, educators, City Commissioners and City staff gathered on Mar. 5, 2024 at BriefSpace for the nonprofit organization’s quarterly luncheon. Executive Director Williams opened his remarks with a reminder of the crucial role housing plays in rural communities’ attempts to recruit and retain a workforce. “Without housing, we can’t do that [hire and keep workers], so housing is very important to us, And so we wanted to give you all a little bit of an update on what happened in 2023, where [...]

Regional Planning Workshops – Join KOBD for engagement and training on using your voice to engage with providers across the state. Resources and toolkits on the website. View maps of eligible locations and dates/registrations for Workshops. Permitting Workshop in Salina on April 25 (full day) Who: ISPs, local governments, state and federal agencies, ROW owners, co-ops, permitting contractors, and other stakeholders interested in broadband deployment Informational Webinar for the open-access non-discriminatory Freestate Middle Mile Network on April 19 at 2 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more!