As demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing drives rapid data center development across the country, local governments are confronting complex decisions about water and energy use, infrastructure, economic development and community impact. Read more: National League of Cities

Cowley County commissioners — to the applause of property owners — on Tuesday approved the hiring of a law firm to represent the county in the ongoing fight over the Buffalo Flats transmission line project in south-central Kansas. The contract authorizes the county administrator and county counselor to seek legal representation from Foulston Law Office of Wichita regarding the Buffalo Flats project, at a cost not to exceed $15,000. Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com

Sedgwick County has continued to put data center development on hold through the year, enacting an interim control period on data center applications back in January. On Sept. 2, the Sedgwick County Commission extended that control period once again, now in effect through Dec. 24. As the development of data centers has become a national talking point over the past year, the lack of regulations for such development was identified as something to address in Sedgwick County – hence the control period. While the control period is in place, county staff is working on a set of regulations to help define [...]

The Rose Hill City Council is currently considering a petition to ban data centers in the community, which was addressed at a council meeting on Sept. 21. Read more: www.derbyinformer.com

A crash involving young Emporia riders — one of whom suffered a broken leg while another was flown to a hospital for medical evaluation — is intensifying concerns about the growing use of electric bicycles, scooters and motorized minibikes by children. During a recent Emporia City Commission study session, city and police officials discussed potential age limits, helmet requirements and sidewalk restrictions. No ordinance has been drafted or approved, but commissioners directed staff and police to research options and seek public input. Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Garden City Community College is giving students and community members a new opportunity to develop practical drone technology skills through two eight-week courses offered in evening and weekend formats this fall. The courses, Introduction to UAS (UAST-100) and UAS Applications (UAST-103), will run from Oct. 12 through Dec. 10. Both will be taught by Adam Oyler in the GCCC STEM Success Center, located in the Warren Fouse Science/Math Building. Read more: Garden City Telegram

Soon, the Harvey County Register of Deeds (ROD) will digitize historical records, including the ones in those large, bulky books. It’s something that Register of Deeds Raquel Langley says will eventually pay for itself. Langley told county commissioners Tuesday morning that the current recording system, CIC, couldn’t backload (historical) documents, so the ROD only has records digitized from 2017 onward. Read more: Harvey County Now

A rear yard or side yard; what’s the difference? 18 feet when it comes to setbacks. The Newton Planning and Zoning Commission plunged into the semantic question of yard definitions Monday in order to settle a request by Newton Bible Church, 900 Old Main Street. The church hoped to build an eastward expansion that sat within 15 feet of its property line. This would be out of compliance with city setback requirements. Read more: Harvey County Now

Images of buildings from Walton’s yesteryear will grace the outdoor mural on the Stone Building in town. The building recently was renovated into a community gathering place and fire department training location. An outdoor pavilion, complete with a stage, was added to one side of the building, as well, and the whole location was utilized on Friday night during Walton’s Sunset Festival, where the mural rendering was unveiled. Read more: Harvey County Now

Stingers, Spikes, Steam engines, Twisters, and Gators: all mascots could soon be on the chopping block. The Newton School District will consider transitioning all schools to a single mascot, The Railer. Board Member Melissa Schreiber requested Monday night that the discussion be added to the district’s Oct. 12 agenda. Read more: Harvey County Now