News

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.” [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

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

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. [...]

The city is “doggone excited” for a new space for pet owners. In a letter on behalf of the city, City Clerk Lisa Frederick described a vision for “the ultimate playground for pups—a place where tails wag, humans mingle, and the only thing more contagious than joy is the occasional slobbery lick.” She told the city council in its regular meeting on Thursday, March 12, that local businesses have responded to the city’s request for donations with $1,600 already, including $1,000 from Halstead Bank. Large corporate pet suppliers also received the letter, she said, and donations are expected to be forthcoming [...]

Halstead Fire/EMS dedicated its new fire truck Saturday (March 14) morning with an open house, including snacks, a speech by Fire/EMS Chief Director Anderson Lowe, and a visit from local dignitaries, including Halstead Mayor Gary Faelber, Sedgwick City Administrator Kyle Nordick, and Kansas State Senator Stephen Owens. Also, the new fire truck, number 21, was on display, as were an ambulance and the rescue truck. Lowe said the new truck had a 1,000-gallon water tank and a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump. Lowe thanked the city leaders for making it possible to get the new truck, the men and women who serve the fire [...]

There’s a board at the Walton Cemetery identifying everyone who’s taken up eternal residence there That’s about 775. Some are grouped in families, and some are still alive but have purchased plots. The Walton Lions Club has made the cemetery its project for the last 20 to 25 years, Walton Lions Club President Dean Davis said. When they first went out there, they worked on headstones and setting them level. They’re still doing that. Read more: Harvey County Now

There was a new lawman in town at Johnson County’s Monticello Township, following an election on March 22, 1858. He was James Butler Hickok, who was elected one of four constables in the township. It was the first of several law enforcement jobs he was to hold during his lifetime. He also was a scout, a sharpshooter, a professional gambler and eventually known as “Wild Bill” Hickok, legendary lawman of the Old West. At age 20, Hickok upheld law and order in Monticello, a small town with a stagecoach stop, a few stores and saloons, and the countryside of Monticello Township. [...]