Kansas is seeking feedback on an initiative that will focus on getting underserved locations across the state better access to high-speed internet. The state announced early this month that the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (referred to as BEAD) initial proposal is available for public viewing and feedback as the state develops a five-year action plan. The initial proposal makes up "Volume 1" of the plan, with Volume 2 and the five-year plan working to identify served, unserved and underserved areas throughout the state. ... The deadline to provide feedback is Aug. 30. The form can be accessed here. Source: Salina Journal

Set for Saturday, Aug. 26, in Yoder, Kansas, Yoder Heritage Day began in 1989 as a celebration of the town’s centennial. A few years later in 1992, a committee was formed to continue organizing a similar event to bring people in and celebrate Yoder, and it is now established as a tradition for both locals and travelers. “The goal of our event is to showcase the Yoder community and the Amish and Mennonite heritage of the Yoder community,” said Mervin Fisher, advertising manager. “It is a homecoming reunion for former Kansans where we provide a great family-friendly atmosphere with no alcohol [...]

Members of Kansas' congressional delegation say they remain optimistic about the fate of the once-every-five-year Farm Bill — though there is an acknowledgement that lawmakers could blow their Sept. 30 deadline in advancing the key agricultural package. Extensive negotiations over the bill, which must be passed once every five years, are commonplace, as are delays requiring a short-term extension of the many programs that must be authorized. Kansas officials have made clear their desire to see a deal reached sooner rather than later. "I know the rest of the delegation is working every single day to make certain that that happens," [...]

Domestic violence survivors have become increasingly engaged with Topeka's criminal justice system since the city attorney's office last January started a new program focusing on domestic violence, says a professional who works in that field. ... Kelly Trussell, chief prosecutor for the city attorney's office, said the program implements a more specialized and personalized approach to handling cases of misdemeanor domestic battery. The program's presence reflects that Topeka's city government is "absolutely invested" in giving whatever help it can to alleged victims of that crime and their families, she said. Source: CJonline

Congratulations to Deputy City Clerk Martha Pennington on receiving her Certified Municipal Clerk designation. To earn this certification, Martha committed to a multi-year course of study sponsored by the City Clerk and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Kansas and Wichita State University. This designation is a significant accomplishment for Martha and demonstrates her commitment to her profession and the community. Source: City of Wellington

Every spring and fall, about 15 people get together to build fences out of native limestone in Wabaunsee County. They also build friendships. The group has become like a band of brothers and sisters, Chuck Kidd told The Capital-Journal. Kidd is among participants in biannual workshops the Native Stone Scenic Byway Committee has held since 2007 to teach people how to preserve the heritage of the area's historic stone fences. For three days each spring and fall, Rocky Slaymaker trains participants on how to build and preserve those fences. They also work at each session on a specific project to create [...]

Shawnee County commissioners moved Thursday toward potentially banning unauthorized camping on county property and requiring leashes for dogs in the county's parks and on its trails. Commissioners Aaron Mays, Kevin Cook and Bill Riphahn heard county counselor Jim Crowl present the first reading of a proposed home rule resolution sponsored by Riphahn regarding unauthorized camping. They then heard Tim Laurent, the county's parks and recreation director, present the first reading of a proposal sponsored by Commissioner Aaron Mays that would require dogs on park properties to be controlled by leash. Source: CJonline

McLouth City Clerk Kim Everley recently earned the prestigious Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation from IIMC, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, Inc. The MMC program is the second and more advanced of the two professional designations granted by IIMC. The MMC program is an advanced continuing education program that prepares participants to perform complex municipal duties. The program has an extensive and rigorous educational component and a professional contribution component. The MMC applicant must demonstrate that they have actively pursued education and professional activities. The designation is granted only to municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements and have a [...]