National horseshoe tournament coming to Hutch
The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA) will have its 2026 U.S. Nationals Horseshoe Pitching Tournament at Rice Park in Hutchinson from May 29 to 31.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune
Halstead invests in downtown businesses
The DRAGON (Downtown Revitalization and Growth of New Business) Grant program began in 2017, and prior to Wednesday evening had awarded $283,705.88 to 24 businesses and organizations, according to City Manager Ethan Reimer.
Read more: Harvey County Now
Plan for Chiefs’ Olathe HQ has these locals ‘ecstatic’ for future of growing area
For years, a large field at College Boulevard and Ridgeview Road in western Olathe, and much of the surrounding area, has remained largely undeveloped. In five years, however, the 165-acre site will be home to the Kansas City Chiefs’ headquarters and training facility, as part of the team’s broader move to Kansas.
Read more: Johnson County Post
Kansas bans students from using cellphones during the school day, starting this fall
Starting this fall, Kansas will join at least 20 other states that ban student cellphones in K-12 classrooms statewide. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed into law a bipartisan bill that requires students to store their cellphones in a secure, inaccessible location until dismissal.
Read more: Johnson County Post
LaHarpe mayor’s seat changes hands (again)
Harry Lee Jr. was sworn in as LaHarpe Wednesday, the city’s third mayor in a two-week stretch. He fills the
Read more: The Iola Register
Appraisal primer
County Appraiser Zack Edwards met with county commissioners during Tuesday morning’s regular meeting to discuss the appraisal process and current data on property values in the county. According to Edwards, as of January 1, current 2026 property values countywide are up by an average of 5 percent. Residential properties, according to the 2026 market study posted on the county website, states, “the overall 2025 residential real estate market was upward trending, several residential values may reflect an increase of approximately four to seven percent from the previous year” while commercial properties “may reflect an increase of approximately two to seven percent.” Vacant lots and agricultural land values stayed relatively steady, with a slight one percent increase in grasslands. The study also stated that, “Values on specific properties may change more due to alterations in the property itself, correction of descriptive information, recent sale of the property, or adjustment based on sales of similar properties.”
Read more: – Morning Sun
Arma Council tackles illegal dumping
Illegal dumping is beginning to plague the Arma area with reports of fly-tipping occurring at the Arma City Pool and other areas around town. “Two weeks ago, I know that Richard (Kerley, council member) reported to me, and I don’t know about anybody else, saw a truck pull up during your council meeting dumping trash into our container,” said Arma City Clerk Bette Lessen. “I can also report that Piper Richardson, your pool manager, a couple of weeks ago, let me know that there were two containers down by the swimming pool. “Both of them were plumb full. They shouldn’t have been. Again, I had a conversation with GFL, and they were supposed to be locked up for the season. But that’s not what happened. They were not locked. So your town residents were using that as a free place to throw trash.” Councilman Gary Pommier and Lessen then talked about the use of cameras at the various locations of illegal dumping.
Read more: – Morning Sun
Allen County Commissioners Consider Resubmitting Half Percent Sales Tax for County Ambulance Services
Allen County Commissioners are looking at the potential of again submitting a half percent sales tax to support ambulance service in the county. A while back, voters turned down a sales tax proposal, and Commissioners felt that they didn’t do a good enough job in educating voters on what was proposed. Commissioner Jerry Daniels suggested looking at hiring an outside firm to assist in educating voters on what that tax would do, given successes other counties have had in passing similar sales taxes. Daniels cited Neosho and Wilson counties as possible resources on how to get a sales tax passed. Commissioner David Lee said such a tax could generate around $1.2 million a year, and with the opening of Lehigh Portland State Park, this will bring additional out-of-county shoppers to Allen County. Economic Development Director Camille Lavon was asked to look into possibilities for this. The Commission is looking at possibly having this question on the November general election ballot.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio
WSU launches Kansas Data Trust for healthier communities
Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) recently announced the launch of the Kansas Data Trust, a new statewide, university-based initiative designed to bring data together from multiple sources to better understand issues, understand impact and strengthen evidence…
Read more: www.derbyinformer.com
City of Great Bend Public Utilities Department issues precautionary nitrate drinking water warning
The City of Great Bend Public Utilities Department has issued a precautionary nitrate drinking water warning following a recent sample result. This immediate public notice is required by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The sample was collected from a well that was not in active service at the time of sampling. This well has not been used for public consumption since early June 2025 and is only operated periodically for required regulatory sampling and monthly chlorine monitoring. At this time, the city’s drinking water system continues to operate normally using other active wells with no disruption to water service. Additional sampling will be conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements. The city will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public as soon as new results are available.
Read more: Great Bend Tribune
