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It was ripping hot out, and there wasn’t much shade offering respite from the sun that was blazing down. But still, volunteers were out braving the summery conditions, tools in hand, helping to build one of the 14 single-family homes Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City is building in southern Olathe as part of its Pathway at Heritage Park affordable neighborhood in partnership with Pathway Community Christian Church. This project, located around 159th Street and Black Bob Road, is one of Habitat KC’s biggest efforts to date in Johnson County. Aside from some infill projects “here and there,” said Lindsay Hicks, [...]

On Tuesday, the City of Dodge City received a grant to help residents take steps toward achieving their “American Dream.” The city’s Cultural Relations Advisory Board received a grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas to provide financial assistance to Ford County residents working toward U.S. citizenship. Those who receive funds participate in a program called Engage Dodge, which teaches them about their local government. The city says the Naturalization Scholarships will help enhance the lives of those seeking citizenship and create unity within the community. Read more: KSN-TV

The Wichita City Council on Monday announced three finalists for the city manager position. Eighty-nine people applied for the position, according to the city, and the council worked with a search committee and a search firm to narrow the field. Read more: KSN-TV

Reno County Commissioners tabled discussion of increasing commissioner pay for a month Wednesday to gather more information and constituent input. Among Kansas counties with county administrators or managers, Reno County has the lowest commissioner pay at $11,340 per year, Human Resources Director Helen Foster said. She added that commissioner pay is low enough that it prompts questions from employees of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System about whether Reno County is reporting its full salary. Tabling it until December allows commissioners to track how many hours per week they spend on county business. Commissioner Ron Hirst said he has tracked the [...]

Over the past 15 years, the City of Hutchinson issued only about a dozen building permits per year for new single-family homes—and twice as many demolition permits. To meet current housing demand, however, and spur new economic and population growth, there needs to be 10 times that number—annually—for the next decade, according to findings of the Reno County Housing Needs Assessment completed in 2024. It’s no secret that the availability of affordable housing is a serious issue in Hutchinson and Reno County, which contributes to many other challenges, including a growing homeless population and difficulty in attracting new employers. Read more: [...]

Iola’s newest sports program is already getting attention from dozens of students, who may soon begin practicing to become the first members of the Iola High School fishing team. With at least 15 students expressing interest in the sport, Iola High School is starting up a fishing club this month. Read more: The Iola Register

Proponents argue a registry is needed to hold landlords accountable for unsafe living conditions, citing issues like infestations and mold. Opponents, primarily landlords, feel the measure unfairly punishes good property owners for the actions of a few. Read more: CJonline

The decision came after a petition ordinance to overturn the current ban of pit bull breeds in the city was certified by Saline County as having received enough signatures to move forward. Read more: Salina Journal

Owens has held the position for about six and a half years. Mayor Mike Dever said in the release that he appreciated Owens’ dedication and perseverance in navigating “the many challenges our town has faced during his tenure. “I look forward to the upcoming search for new leadership and the opportunity to find the right fit to meet our community’s current needs and goals,” Dever continued. Read more: The Lawrence Times

The City of Coffeyville’s Community Development Department is inviting local artists, students, and residents to help bring new life to the downtown district through the Downtown Utility Box Repaint Project — a creative initiative to refresh the painted utility boxes that add color and character to Coffeyville’s streets. Read more: Coffeyville, KS - News Flash