Kansas State to study cost-effective ways cities can reduce exposure to lead in soil

2022-03-11T08:35:53-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A new study being conducted by Kansas State University researchers is looking at ways to reduce the risk of exposure to lead in soil in the hopes of finding affordable methods that could be replicated around the country. Ganga Hettiarachchi is a professor of soil and environmental chemistry and is leading the research with her team through a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Hettiarachchi said conversations with officials with the health department and Brownfields program in Kansas City, Missouri, made her realize the scope of the issue. “I came to know that the elevated blood [...]

Lawrence listed as fast-growing tech hub in recent study; that could snowball, industry leader says

2022-03-10T21:44:05-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Lawrence is making an impact on America’s technology landscape. Data from the Brookings Institute revealed the latest trends in technology across the country and how the pandemic has disrupted the geography of tech jobs. It listed Kansas City as a “rising star” metro, and also showed how Lawrence has grown substantially in recent years. Lawrence lost 1,570 tech workers from 2015-2019; however, in 2019-2020, Lawrence saw growth of 151 workers, according to the data.  A closer look at the report from Axios shows that, at 19.3%, Lawrence is the No. 1 city for growth in tech workers per capita for 2019-2020. [...]

Lawrence’s police review board looks for path forward as city moves to establish a new task force

2022-03-10T21:42:19-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Lawrence’s Community Police Review Board is set to review a draft proposal that could reconfigure the board, leading one member to resign over what she sees as an effort to turn the board into little more than “window dressing.” At its meeting Thursday, the CPRB will review a project charter for a new Community-Police Oversight Task Force that would review ordinance revisions proposed by the CPRB and assess the existing complaint policies, procedures, and systems. CPRB members had sought direction from the city commission last fall after working for months on a revised ordinance that would have expanded its duties. The [...]

Black Squirrel City funds approved in Marysville

2022-03-11T08:30:51-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A $10,000 allocation for marketing, merchandise and logistics for the celebration of the 50th anniversary designation of Marysville as the Black Squirrel City was approved recently by the Marysville City Council.... Toby Carrig, Marysville tourism director, made the presentation on behalf of the Black Squirrel Committee, which has planned events all year through Black Squirrel Day in October. Events so far have included naming of the Honorary Black Squirrel Citizens of Marysville and a panel discussion about the science and lore surrounding black squirrels. Source: The Marysville Advocate

Governor announces $160 million to support child care providers

2022-03-10T21:39:05-06:00March 10th, 2022|

On Thursday, March 3, Governor Laura Kelly announced $160 million in grants available for child care providers in Kansas. The third round of Child Care Sustainability Grants will aid child care providers in meeting the costs of operating their businesses through the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we grow the economy, these grants will provide the continued support our child care facilities need to stay open and ensure that Kansas families have access to safe, quality child care,” Governor Kelly said. “This support will help our child care facilities, it will help Kansas parents, and it will help our [...]

Manhattan searches for ways to combat housing problems identified by study

2022-03-11T08:31:46-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Consultants who conducted a housing needs analysis said Tuesday that the city government should consider a program to help people convert rental properties into single-family homes. Commissioners on Tuesday discussed the analysis. In April 2021, the city government hired a consulting firm, Development Strategies, to conduct a study for $94,000. In addition to assessment of the housing situation, the firm provided suggestions for the city government to consider. Andy Pfister of Development Strategies suggested the city government create a reconversion loan fund to provide some financial support for people who want to convert rental properties into single-family homes. He also talked [...]

Tobacco-free park ordinance presented in Clearwater

2022-03-11T08:31:59-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Shelley Rich with Tobacco Free Wichita gave a presentation to the Clearwater City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 22 proposing the city take action to make city parks tobacco free. “This will create a healthier space for children and families, “said Rich. “It creates a healthier image for visitors. More people will use the parks and attend more city events. Source: Times-Sentinel Newspapers

Hot housing market spurs increase in appraised value

2022-03-10T21:11:09-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A hot housing market is fueling an increase in appraised property values in Marshall County this year. Sale prices on new and existing homes have experienced large increases nationally and Marshall County is no exception, county appraiser Francine Crome said Tuesday. The county’s total appraised values in 2022 were $880,728,700, an increase of more than $42 million over 2021’s total of $838,522,620. The total includes commercial, residential, agricultural and exempt properties. Crome plans to meet with county commissioners Monday to discuss the latest figures in more detail. Her office sent out 9,922 annual appraisal notices to county property owners March 1. [...]

Unique elements of North Lawrence make up new welcome sign

2022-03-11T08:36:21-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A new sign celebrating a few of North Lawrence’s distinct features now greets residents and visitors just past the intersection of North Second and Locust streets. Designed by North Lawrence resident and graphic designer Wade Kelly, the sign prominently features a bald eagle in flight above the slogan “Colorful Past. Bright Future.” The North Lawrence Co-op Elevator’s massive grain bins, Kansas River waves and a tiny sandrat – all features of North Lawrence – round out the sign’s distinctive facets. Don and Sarah Benda donated the sign, and the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department installed it recently just south [...]

Inflation rose 7.9% in February, as food and energy costs push prices to highest in more than 40 years

2022-03-10T07:55:58-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Inflation grew worse in February amid the escalating crisis in Ukraine and price pressures that became more entrenched. The consumer price index, which measures a wide-ranging basket of goods and services, increased 7.9% over the past 12 months, a fresh 40-year high for the closely followed gauge. The February acceleration was the fastest pace since January1982, back when the U.S. economy confronted the twin threat of higher inflation and reduced economic growth. Source: CNBC - Bonds

Go to Top