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Backhoe operators from all over Kansas compete in Wichita

info2024-09-04T09:31:10-05:00September 4th, 2024|

On Wednesday, 700 backhoe operators were in Wichita, showing off the skills necessary to do the job. The Backhoe Rodeo tests the skills of equipment operators, and it’s timed and judged on performance. “It just gives the operators a chance to come out and demonstrate their skill or get on a new piece of equipment that might be different from what they’re used to operating at home,” said Dan Defore, the water superintendent for the City of Winfield. This battle is part of a conference for people working in water and wastewater management. “There is education on drought preparedness, and there’s [...]

Little Balkans Days Festival concludes with polka dancing, chicken feed, and more

info2024-09-04T09:29:37-05:00September 4th, 2024|

Little Balkans Days wrapped up today with a bevy of events for people to enjoy. Meadowbrook Mall in Pittsburg was the home for a polka dance and chicken feed. Guests had an opportunity to enjoy a chicken lunch, a choice of three sides of spaghetti, German slaw, German potato salad, and onion rings. A number of Southeast Kansas local restaurants provided the food. Live music was also provided by the Johnny Zibert Polka Band – giving everyone a chance to do some polka dancing. All proceeds from today go back to next year’s Little Balkans Days Festival. “Oh yeah, we look [...]

Peabody interim city clerk confirmed dead after Harvey County wreck; investigation continues into public fund management

info2024-09-04T09:27:39-05:00September 4th, 2024|

A joint investigation has confirmed the man killed in a Harvey County crash this past weekend was former Peabody interim city clerk Jonathan Clayton. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation had joined the multi-agency investigation into Clayton’s disappearance and the management of public funds in Peabody shortly before Clayton’s truck was found in a Harvey County field with a body inside Sunday afternoon. The KBI issued a statement Thursday night saying Clayton was the man found dead inside the pickup. There is no evidence of foul play, but the investigation continues. The wreck investigation, which also involved the Kansas Highway Patrol and [...]

Dodge City named one of the most vibrant towns in Kansas

info2024-09-04T09:25:04-05:00September 4th, 2024|

Dodge City, the legendary frontier town of the Old West, has earned recognition as one of the most vibrant towns in Kansas by World Atlas, a leading global publisher of travel and tourism content serving more than 165 million annual readers. While once notorious for its saloons, gambling halls, and gunfights, Dodge City has evolved into a peaceful, hospitable community that now captivates visitors with its rich history and vibrant spirit. Nestled atop the high plains in southwestern Kansas, Dodge City invites travelers to immerse themselves in the legacy of the Old West. Essential stops for any visitor include the Boot [...]

Planners make no change in zoning regulations for living in RVs in Parsons

info2024-09-04T09:23:33-05:00September 4th, 2024|

After discussion last week, the Parsons Planning Commission voted to recommend keeping zoning regulations the same relating to people living in recreational vehicles on property in Parsons. City commissioners had discussions on both sides of the issue. A couple commissioners wanted to see a special use permit option for these situations; others also wanted a safety checklist in place to alleviate fire and carbon monoxide issues. Another option was to have the trailer moved to a park set up for trailers, either a temporary RV park or a more permanent mobile home park. Parsons Fire Chief Brad Boss said before and [...]

Prairie Village considers taxing AirBnbs instead of banning them

info2024-09-04T09:19:28-05:00September 4th, 2024|

The city of Prairie Village’s ongoing discussion about how to address short-term rentals, like AirBnbs and Vrbos, veered into new territory Tuesday, with the majority of the city council expressing interest in exploring the idea of imposing a transient guest tax on such properties. Previously, the city council had discussed new rules that would effectively ban short-term rentals in the city. But on Tuesday, the Prairie Village City Council directed city staff to research how much tax revenue existing short-term rental properties could generate for the city. Transient guest taxes are imposed by some Kansas municipalities on room rentals or lodging, [...]

Wamego looking for county help with ‘burn pile’

info2024-09-04T09:17:59-05:00September 4th, 2024|

The City of Wamego’s burn pile sees a lot of traffic from not only city residents but also those living outside the city, and maintaining the site has become an issue. Wamego City Manager Stacie Eichem addressed the county commission Monday about the possibility of the county working with the city to keep the site open to everyone. “We redid (the site) about five years ago. That was the attempt to be able to maintain it easier, and now it is definitely going to require some changes of some sort,” explained Eichem. Eichem said they may need to consider hiring someone [...]

How a Wichita peer city has managed downtown parking over the last decade

info2024-09-04T09:15:47-05:00September 4th, 2024|

As Wichita's downtown paid parking plan has faced added heat in recent weeks, backers of the plan continue to say that the city is well behind its Midwest peers in the area of a coherent parking approach supported by modern technology. Omaha, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City and Des Moines are among those highlighted by city officials as being ahead of Wichita. "The parking management systems that are in place are not hindering development," said Anderson, who served as Omaha's deputy chief of staff for economic development prior to moving to Wichita in 2022. "In fact, there's a cultural norm, a [...]

Wichita’s downtown parking plan faces roadblocks amid backlash

info2024-09-04T09:11:37-05:00September 4th, 2024|

Following public backlash in August to the city's previously approved plan to implement more paid public parking throughout Wichita's core, from Old Town to the Delano District, the City Council moved to delay the purchase of equipment tied to that plan. A Sept. 10 Council meeting is set to include a city staff update on the plan, including the latest on public feedback and alternative options to pay for downtown parking infrastructure needs. Caught in the uncertainty are business owners and operators. Some say increasing the prevalence of paid parking could deter customers from visiting downtown. "In this economy that we're [...]

Ordinance approved to address nuisances at short-term rental properties

info2024-09-04T09:08:02-05:00September 4th, 2024|

Wichita City Council members have approved an ordinance to deal with nuisance parties at short-term rental properties in the city. Action had been delayed to rewrite the ordinance to clarify when a property owner could be held responsible for violations. The ordinance defines activities that would be considered as nuisances, including noise, unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages, property damage, illegal gambling, and other conduct. The property owner and the person renting the property could be cited under the ordinance, but they can only be charged if they are present at the time of the party, if they have been notified by [...]

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