Despite the age-old noise restraints for the Hesston Public Library, an increase in activity led to the refurbishment of a room. The community is invited to the ribbon-cutting for the new computer lab at HPL on Monday, Aug. 17, with a 4:30 p.m. cut time. Staff moved four computers into the area, as there are seven total machines available for public use. “I’d say the biggest reason we started brainstorming the idea of a computer lab was the increase in library use, especially during the summer and after school,” Abigail Skiles, library director, said. “This led to an increase in noise [...]

The North Newton City Council decided against renewing an ordinance regarding a traffic infraction substitute for certain marijuana offenses. This was during its regular monthly Monday night meeting at the North Newton City Building. Instead, they decided to allow the expired ordinance to remain expired and directed staff to talk about the matter more. “I’ll follow up with whatever we find,” City Administrator Brad Harris said. He said that, in 2024, the city adopted an ordinance that amended that version of the public offense code to create a traffic infraction process for some marijuana offenses relating to small possession. Read more: [...]

A 17-unit affordable housing project in downtown Overland Park aimed at people who have intellectual and mental health challenges got a boost Thursday in the form of gap funding approved by the Johnson County Commission. The commission agreed to extend a zero-percent interest line of credit to the Friends of (Johnson County Developmental Supports) so that construction costs can be met while the non-profit continues to raise money and waits on grant money to be released. The $2.5 million loan was requested because of the impacts of inflation on the construction costs and the sometimes slow release of grant money after [...]

For Sara Swanson, the lead behavioral specialist at Lenexa-based dog training company Sit Now Stay, leashing dogs is a must. When she was a child, a dog overpowered its owner and attacked her dog. So her advice for clients regarding off-leash dog walking is simple: Don’t. “It’s one of those things where, even if we put a lot of effort in, just for the safety of our own dogs, ourselves and those around us, it’s best to keep them leashed in a public area,” Swanson said. In Johnson County, by and large, cities require pet owners to keep dogs leashed in [...]

The Clay Center Zoo is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Willie, its Asian water monitor, with a “gotcha day” celebration event Sunday, August 16 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. The zoo will host a Sundae Social Meet and Greet and visitors will have the opportunity to meet Willie, take photos and talk with zoo staff about the animals and the facility. Free ice cream donated by Simply Scoops will be available while supplies last. The zoo expressed appreciation for the community’s continued support and encouraged residents to bring family and friends to the celebration. Read more: KCLY Radio

A broken soda machine in a small Kansas town sparked an idea that would transform the frozen beverage industry and become a staple at movie theaters and convenience stores worldwide. An ICEE is a frozen carbonated beverage with a distinctive slushy consistency — part drink, part frozen treat. Today, it's a global phenomenon, but it all started with an accident in 1958. In 1958, Omar Knedlik owned a Dairy Queen in Coffeyville when his soda machine malfunctioned. Rather than wait for repairs, Knedlik began freezing glass bottles to keep drinks cold. When customers opened the bottles, something unexpected occurred. "When he [...]

A small Kansas town has agreed to pay $850,000 to a former reporter at its weekly newspaper to end her federal lawsuit over a police raid of the paper's offices in 2023 that ignited a national furor over press freedom. Read more: KSN-TV

The U.S. Department of Justice is pouring nearly $290 million into communities across the country to boost public safety, and nine places in Kansas are getting a piece of the pie. The major funding boost comes from the federal government’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program. Since 2005, the program has helped state and local police departments buy gear, upgrade technology, and train officers. “This funding strengthens our state, local, and tribal partners’ ability to address violent crime,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr. said in a news release. Read more: KSN-TV

A western Kansas community is being urged to be vigilant after a mountain lion was spotted near a popular park. The City of Liberal said Monday that a mountain lion was seen near Arkalon Park, about 10 miles northeast of the city. The city said that wildlife officials have been notified. It encouraged visitors to stay aware of their surroundings and to keep children and pets close by. Read more: KSN-TV

The Vote Yes Yes for Wichita Kids committee hosted a USD 259 bond campaign kickoff rally Saturday at Wave Wichita in downtown. It is in support of a two-question $615 million bond issue that will be on the Nov. 3 general election. The bonds will fund projects like new heating and air conditioning systems, preservation improvements and rebuilding several schools. Read more: KSN-TV