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The Kansas Water Office today announced more than $19 million will be awarded to 44 water-related communities and special districts across Kansas as part of the third round of grant funding created by the Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302 Grant Programs. These programs provide funding for water projects, technical assistance, and loan assistance to small communities across the state. See the full list of funded projects here.

The grants help communities across Kansas create a Safe Route to School (SRTS) plan and begin programs that help support kids walking to and from school. Applications for the grants, which are administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation, are available from April 1 until May 1 at 5 p.m. Read more: KSDOT

Business leaders and community members got a glimpse inside the Girard Power Plant, Friday, at a chamber coffee hosted by the Girard Area Chamber of Commerce. Known as one of the one of the few cities west of the Mississippi River to generate its own electricity, the city’s venture into municipal electricity began in 1904. The original building was erected in March of 1887 by the Sperry Electric, Motor, and Car Brake Company. In 1904, the Girard City Council purchased a small steam-driven electric light plant from Captain J.A. Marshall for $3,500 (roughly $99,000 today). Over the years, the facility has [...]

Families searching for child care in Lyon County may be finding a slightly more stable landscape than in recent years, but local providers are still facing major challenges — especially when it comes to staffing. Jamie Roberts, a child care licensing specialist covering Lyon County and seven surrounding counties, said the local child care system appears to be in a better place than it was in the years immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic. “For 2023 into 2024, we were seeing a lot of vacancies,” Roberts said. “We had a good handful that closed because they didn’t have kids. They couldn’t make [...]

The Wyandotte County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday night to lift the residency requirement for employees within the Unified Government. The board voted 5-5 with Mayor Christal Watson voting yes to break the tie. According to the motion, the residency requirement would be lifted except as it applies to executive level positions and above, which is range 19 and above on the non-union pay scale. It also includes public safety being fire and police from the chief and deputies. The county’s previous policy required UG employees to live in Wyandotte County or move there within 12 months of being hired. Read [...]

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has given an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting to Johnson County for its Popular Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31, 2024. The Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government popular reports. In order to receive an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish a Popular Annual Financial Report, whose contents conform to program standards of creativity, [...]

Christal Watson, the mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, joined Up To Date to discuss the Chiefs moving to her county, concerns from her constituents about property taxes and much more. The Kansas sports authority that will own and control the new Chiefs stadium in western Wyandotte County, plus the team's practice facility in Olathe, could soon count the mayors of those two governments as voting board members. The Kansas House recently passed an amendment to the sports authority include the two local leaders in its decision making process. Watson told KCUR's Up [...]

Authorities in northwest Kansas urged people to be ready to escape what could have been a “devastating” wildfire Friday, but disaster was averted. About 3 p.m., Trego County Emergency Management said on social media that a wildfire north of WaKeeney was spreading toward the town. The agency asked people who live on the north side of WaKeeney to turn on their sprinklers and get their garden hoses ready. They were also told to prepare for possible evacuations. The Trego County Sheriff’s Office said those in the path of the fire should gather their essentials — like clothing, medications and important documents [...]

A western Kansas town is on the brink of losing its only grocery store. The owner of Ellis Hometown Foods told KSN that he is planning to close the store by the end of April, unless he finds a buyer. Jeff Geschwentner said he is getting ready to retire, but so far, no one has stepped forward to keep the store running. Geschwentner will keep stocking perishables, meat, dairy, fresh produce and frozen items until the first part of April. Other items will not be restocked. The store will close once everything is sold. Read more: KSN-TV

A Route 66 mom-and-pop shop celebrates more than a century of service to its community. “Their sandwiches,” said 8-year-old Haylan McCorkle. Nelson’s Old Riverton Store returnees tell us it’s those sandwiches and other key elements that’s helped shape its history, including history made on Route 66. “The drinks, sandwiches and the snacks,” said 7-year-old Rayner McCorkle. The store first opened its doors March 20, 1925, a year before Route 66 was created. Since then, it’s served countless people—including regular Micah McCorkle. Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com