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Great Bend city administrator Kendal Francis accepts city manager position in Hutchinson

info2022-12-05T08:10:08-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said Friday morning he has accepted the city manager position in Hutchinson. However, it won’t be official until he signs the contract after the Hutchinson City Council approves it Tuesday night. His resignation would be effective Friday, Jan. 6. “It has been my distinct pleasure to represent you, our team, and this community for the past four years,” Francis said in his resignation letter to the Great Bend City Council. ... In Hutchinson, Francis will take over for Gary Meagher, who is the interim city manager. ... Francis took the Great Bend job in July [...]

As Lawrence’s Winter Emergency Shelter opens, some people check in, others stay at campsite

info2022-12-05T01:06:26-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Just before 8 p.m. Thursday, about a dozen people stood outside the Winter Emergency Shelter, waiting for it to open. It was chilly, but not so cold you could see your breath. People were bundled in coats, scarves, gloves, and winter hats. Some huddled together outside the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St. Others stood alone. Among those waiting was Samuel Herrington, who said he has been homeless since 2016. “It’s the best, safest place for homeless people,” Herrington said of the WES. “It’s monitored. There’s somebody watching over you.” Source: The Lawrence Times

Strong winds carry dust across northwest Kansas

info2022-12-05T01:03:47-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Strong winds created blowing dust and low visibility conditions across northwest Kansas Friday afternoon. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported zero visibility in some areas, and they were working several traffic accidents on Interstate 70 and other roadways. High Wind Warnings were issued by the National Weather Service into the evening hours. Northwest winds were at 30 to 40 mph with some gusts up to 60 mph expected. Drivers of high-profile vehicles, such as semi trucks and large vans, were urged to stay off the roads until wind conditions died down. Source: 101.3 KFDI

Economic instability pushing KPERS investment returns into negatives

info2022-12-05T07:28:57-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Volatility in the stock market will push annual return on investment to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System into negative territory at close of year, the pension system’s executive director said Nov. 29. The assumed investment return for KPERS was adjusted downward in May from 7.75% to 7%. To strengthen the bottom line, the Kansas Legislature agreed to pump an extra $1.1 billion into the system. The snapshot on investment return will be calculated based on financial position of the portfolio Dec. 31, said Alan Conroy, executive director of KPERS. Source: Derby Informer | News

Bourbon County REDI Completes Workforce Assessment

info2022-12-05T07:29:43-06:00December 5th, 2022|

An in-depth assessment of the workforce in Bourbon County has been completed and it offers a series of recommendations for BCREDI to work on immediately and for the long term. That’s according to Executive Director Robert Harrington. The workforce assessment was one of three studies BCREDI has undertaken since early spring, with the other two focused on retail opportunities and housing needs. Along workforce study included one-on-one interviews with key employers as well as a survey that provided input from more than sixty-four employers in the county. Residents also had their input, with more than 440 people providing input.. Source: Fort Scott Biz

Wichita looking at $5.5 million facility to build homeless shelter, housing and social services hub

info2022-12-05T07:30:11-06:00December 5th, 2022|

The city of Wichita's housing department has put together a $5.5 million dollar plan to improve housing options and services for the city's homeless. Housing director Sally Stang says her department consulted with over 20 organizations in Wichita and Sedgwick counties that work with the homeless to put it together. “We looked at this as an opportunity to really address and take a deep dive into the resources and the gaps in our community and providing those resources for those in need.” The project includes three parts, creating a non-congregant shelter, which would be single rooms for people to stay in [...]

Sedgwick County Government hosting EMS and Fire career fair

info2022-12-05T00:45:32-06:00December 5th, 2022|

The Sedgwick County Government is hosting an EMS and Fire career fair. The career fair will be taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Wichita Fire Regional Training Center, 4746 E. 31st Street in Wichita. "The fair will feature several public safety agencies looking to fill positions available immediately," the Sedgwick County Government said. Source: KSN-TV

“Home for the Holidays” festival in Galena

info2022-12-05T00:43:14-06:00December 5th, 2022|

A Southeast community hopes the holiday spirit will pay off big come summertime. The Galena Parks and Rec department hosted its second annual "Home for the Holidays" festival. Proceeds from this year's event will go towards a splash pad for the community. Today's festivities included a little something for everyone with local vendors, food trucks, photo booths, and a live auction. "There's a lot of people who need somewhere to go and something to do for the kids, I think it also shows them that our community no matter how little, that we can come together and enjoy the holidays together," [...]

Officials address lack of attorneys in rural Kansas with formation of committee

info2022-12-05T00:41:29-06:00December 5th, 2022|

An order signed on Thursday by Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert is set to help fulfill the legal needs of rural Kansans. Lisa Taylor, the public information director for the Kansas Judicial Branch, says the order will create the Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee. This committee will examine the unmet legal needs in rural Kansas related to a decreasing number of attorneys living and working in rural areas. Luckert said the trend toward fewer attorneys in rural areas is not something that is unique to Kansas. She also said attorneys in rural areas tend to be older, with some [...]

Olpe Fire responds to grass fire near Madison

info2022-12-05T00:40:05-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Gusty winds and a change in wind direction kept some area firefighters busy Friday night into early Saturday. Greenwood County reported several grass fires after sunset, including one that developed near 380th Street between T and U — about four miles northwest of Madison. Olpe Fire was called in as mutual aid shortly after 9:30 pm and was finally released a bit before 11 pm. The cause of that fire has not been released and details on the other Greenwood County fires have not been divulged. Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

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