News

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. [...]

Jay had a choice to make last week: Extend his hospital stay so he could get medical treatment, or go to court for unpaid fines after he was caught sleeping in a public park bathroom. All he had needed was a place to rest. Jay, a homeless man who asked to go only by his first name to maintain his privacy, skipped medical treatment and went to court. In much of Johnson County, it’s increasingly hard for people like Jay to find a place to rest. Case in point: In Gardner, sleeping outside can now get you a ticket. Last month, [...]

The affordable housing issue in Sedgwick County extends beyond Wichita into its suburbs, such as Derby.  To address affordable housing in Derby, zoning changes have been requested to allow duplex construction in the city.  However, some citizens of Derby have not been happy, prompting Derby’s council to ultimately reject a large duplex project last fall. The plans haven’t been brought back up again since. According to notes from Documenter Sharon Ailsilenger, two citizens took the lead in speaking out against the construction of the duplexes during a meeting of the Derby City Council last fall.  Before the meeting, a 63-page agenda [...]

As plans for a new Chiefs domed stadium, headquarters, and practice facility move forward, some key local voices may be involved in running those facilities. Tuesday night, the Kansas House of Representatives approved a bill to create the Kansas Sports Authority to operate those facilities. The Chiefs plan to build their stadium and entertainment complex in Kansas City, Kansas and their headquarters and practice facility in Olathe. An amendment approved as part of the bill would include the mayors of both KCK and Olathe as voting members on the 11-member sports authority board. "We are glad the legislature is being considerate [...]

A Kansas County has temporarily halted commercial projects that have become a hot-button issue for many communities. On Tuesday, the Saline County Commission voted 4-0 to place a moratorium on the construction of data center, nuclear power and hydrogen-based energy facilities in unincorporated areas of the county. The moratorium is set to last for three years, but commissioners have the option to shorten or lengthen it. The goal is to give county planning staff time to come up with regulations for the facilities in question. Some commissioners said they also wanted to delay action on any facilities until after the next [...]