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Under the leadership of Fire Chief Chad Longstaff, the Topeka Fire Department is strengthening its connection with the community. On Jan. 6, Topeka Fire Station 4 opened its doors to neighbors, inviting residents inside for an open house. Community members received a firsthand look at where firefighters eat, work, and sleep during their 24-hour shifts, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into daily life at the station. Station 4 Chief Josh Domann said the event was about more than just a tour; it was about building relationships. Read more: KSNT 27 News

As Marion looks into privatizing trash service, questions remain. Nisly Brothers Inc. of Hutchinson, the trash contractor for Peabody and several other communities in Harvey County and others, approached Marion officials about privatizing a few weeks ago. Hillsboro and Marion hand trash pickups themselves. Read more: Marion County RECORD

City Attorney Blaine Finch was appointed interim city manager by the Ottawa commission, following Brian Silcott’s notice leaving the position. Finch has been a former city commissioner, worked as an attorney at the city and in many roles of the Kansas Legislature. He has worked at the Kansas Legislature and the city for over a decade. The vote was unanimous for Finch, with Commissioner Allen absent from the meeting. Read more: The Ottawa Herald

Data centers are anticipated to expand in the region since the state approved sales-tax exemptions and other incentives to attract large-scale data centers to Kansas last year. Sedgwick County commissioners approved a moratorium to halt new data center applications for zoning or construction permits in unincorporated parts of the county through April 17. The Harvey County Commission this week also approved a pause on data center development, but its moratorium is scheduled through the end of 2028 for unincorporated parts of the county. Read more: Wichita Business Journal

Here’s how affordable housing grants currently work in Lawrence, in a nutshell: In the fall, developers say what projects they want to build. The city picks some it wants to fund. And it gives them sales tax money in the form of a grant. It’s a familiar process for the city and its Affordable Housing Advisory Board. But, as AHAB member Monte Soukup admits, “if we want to try to incentivize or get specific projects, then this process doesn’t really do a great job.” But what if AHAB could say what kind of housing it wanted and tell developers, “Bring me [...]

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new round of Supporting Innovative Growth through New Signage (SIGNS) grant opportunities, building on the program’s inaugural year in 2025 with several updates designed to further increase foot traffic, strengthen business visibility, and drive sales in downtown commercial districts. “Prominent and visually pleasing signage can have dramatic impact — helping people notice a business and get new customers through the door to make a purchase,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By re-establishing the SIGNS program, we’re doubling down on design quality, supporting local artists and driving [...]

As Kansas City prepares for the massive influx of visitors expected during the upcoming World Cup, leaders in Wyandotte County are considering temporary changes that could significantly impact short term rentals. On Monday, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County unveiled a proposal that would allow homeowners in Kansas City, Kansas, to rent rooms or entire homes for a limited time surrounding World Cup events. The plan is designed to give residents more flexibility while addressing the surge in demand for lodging tied to the international tournament. Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

Lawrence city commissioners discussed City Hall security measures for about 15 minutes during a closed-door executive session Tuesday evening. While we don’t know the exact details of the conversation, safety and security are top priorities as City Hall prepares to reopen. The Mayor of Lawrence, Brad Finkeldei, opened the public portion of Tuesday’s meeting by addressing the incident Monday morning at City Hall that resulted in the deadly shooting of an intruder. “We are committed to supporting Team Lawrence as they take the time they need as operations return thoughtfully and safely,” Mayor Finkeldei said. “I also want to reassure the [...]

For many years, Jackson County road and bridge crews have maintained an estimated 50 miles of roads on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation reservation on behalf of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and county commissioners are now seeking reimbursement for that work. Since 2008, the county has spent an estimated $3,657,626.52 on labor, materials and equipment to maintain those roads, according to Scott Kieffaber, county public works director. Kieffaber recently presented county commissioners with a list of road work and repairs completed on those roads since 2008, along with their associated costs. While working with BIA officials to identify which [...]

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced on Dec. 22 that the Kansas City Chiefs are hopping the state line to build a new stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, and that Olathe will be the home of the NFL team’s new headquarters and training facility. Despite the big announcement, the deal for the $3 billion project isn’t finalized, and specifics of the deal remain largely under wraps. At least $1.8 billion in sales tax revenue raised by state-backed STAR bonds — a financing tool that uses sales tax revenues generated by a project to pay for developments — will help pay for the [...]