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‘Far from over’: Kansas schools still see COVID’s effects on learning and behavior. Susie Kelley, a fifth grade teacher at Harry Street Elementary School in Wichita, leads her class in a “Mindfulness Minute” breathing exercise. Educators say they are still seeing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, both academically and socially. Source: Dodge City Daily Globe

Thankfully, the rains sprang down during the recent bout of monsoon season, or things could have become dicey for the City of Newton. Newton was about to be in a water emergency, as the groundwater levels had fallen to nearly 10 feet below normal seasonal level. Director of Public Works Ed Bonham said the recent rains had pushed the levels up a foot, but they need to keep an eye out. Source: Harvey County Now

The Halstead City Council approved a new round of grant applications totaling $20,000 at the most recent city council meeting. The city provides grants to new and existing businesses in the downtown area who are looking to repair or update their businesses. There were two applicants for this round of applications: Making Memories China Rental and Metal Transformations. Source: Harvey County Now

Job-seekers interested in public service careers can connect directly with City of Wichita departments during an upcoming career fair on Tuesday, June 3. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various departments, including CityArts, Fire, IT, Law, Police, and others. Source: KSN-TV

Facing a need for more school bus drivers, Haysville Public Schools is hosting a two-day recruitment event this week to help fill key transportation roles for the upcoming school year. The event, titled "Be the Next Driver" will be held in the east parking lot of Campus High School, 2100 W. 55th Street S., on Wednesday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to noon and Thursday, May 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Source: KSN-TV

Arkansas City is rolling out new welcome signs. A ribbon cutting on June 5 will celebrate the completion of four new “Welcome to Arkansas City” signs—each featuring the city’s new logo, a design rooted in local history, water, and community pride. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the south entrance off U.S. Highway 77 on 61st Road, where the first sign was installed. Additional signs have been placed at the city’s north and east approaches, with the new branding also featured on the West Madison Bridge. Source: KSN-TV

The recent rain in Kansas has helped Cheney Lake rise and gain half a foot of water. According to the latest data from the National Water Prediction Service, that lake is at 1,414.25 feet as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. At the beginning of the month, the lake was at 1413.7 feet. The lake is still measuring at 7.35 feet below normal. Jansen Roberson, a Cheney State Park ranger, said attendance was down this Memorial Day weekend due to weather and lake levels. Source: KSN-TV

While some Kansas cities like Grinnell and Plevna are recovering from recent devastating tornadoes, others are reflecting. The Udall Historical Museum held a remembrance event for the 70th anniversary of the tornado that nearly leveled the town. On May 25, 1955, Udall was blindsided by a tornado, taking over 80 lives. The newest addition to the museum is a room dedicated to reconstructing the destruction. Source: KSN-TV

Wichita teachers, support staff, and school security workers will see pay raises next school year under new agreements reached with the Wichita Board of Education. The deals, which cover the 2025-2026 school year, include a 3% pay increase for teachers, classified staff (such as custodians, food service workers, and paraprofessionals), and safety personnel. Security workers will also receive an extra 1% "catch-up" raise. Health insurance coverage and premiums will remain unchanged across all employee groups. Source: KSN-TV

Wichita's skyline is about to get an addition with the lighting of the Century II spire. It has been nearly 10 years since the last time the community saw it with lights. The lighting will happen on Sunday, June 1, during the Riverfest's "I Choose Wichita" evening events. “Lighting the Century II spire after nearly a decade is a powerful symbol of unity and celebration,"; BreAnna Monk, Wichita Festivals president and CEO, said in a news release. "It’s an honor to mark the moment at Family Movie Night — a bright reminder of Wichita’s spirit." Source: KSN-TV