City of Topeka dropping mask requirement on May 17

2021-05-13T07:13:21-05:00May 13th, 2021|

The City of Topeka is dropping its mask requirement in city buildings, a spokeswoman said Monday. The new rule allowing people to go into city buildings without a mask takes effect May 17. The new rule excludes the municipal court, which will still require masks, according to the City of Topeka. The new rule takes effect the same day that Kansas State University is also loosening its mask rules. K-State will require masks inside campus buildings, but anyone who is fully vaccinated can drop their mask while outside. Source: KSNT News

Kansas School Districts Find Ditching Offensive Mascots Costs Money

2021-05-13T07:13:33-05:00May 13th, 2021|

What does it cost a school district to change an offensive mascot? Some Kansas schools are starting to find out. Wichita school board members voted in February to get rid of the controversial Redskins mascot at North High School. They learned recently that replacing athletic uniforms, painting over a gym floor and retrofitting the marching band could cost upward of $400,000. Source: KCUR News

The pros and cons of county-wide zoning

2021-05-13T07:17:59-05:00May 13th, 2021|

County officials continue to debate the pros and cons of county-wide zoning. On May 4, Bourbon County Commissioners and County Counselor Justin Meeks discussed flood plains, free will, and the differences between zoning and codes enforcement. ... Citizen Michael Hoyt said there are remedies for building in a flood plain. "I 'm very opinionated when it comes to codes in rural America," Meeks said. "There is a very fine line between growth and wanting growth to happen and limiting it ... We don't want anyone to die in a fire or have a structural problem with a new build. Sometimes sprinkler [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for May 11, 2021

2021-05-12T06:39:07-05:00May 12th, 2021|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Teen COVID rate doubles rest of Kansas as FDA approves Pfizer vaccine for ages 12-15

2021-05-12T06:28:17-05:00May 11th, 2021|

Kansas teenagers, who have the highest COVID-19 case and test positivity rates in the state, may now get vaccinated. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to allow children ages 12 to 15 years old to get vaccinated. The two-shot mRNA vaccine already had emergency approval for people 16 and older. “Today’s action allows for a younger population to be protected from COVID-19, bringing us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy and to ending the pandemic,” Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. “Parents and guardians can rest [...]

State Announces Rural Highway Funding

2021-05-12T06:28:39-05:00May 11th, 2021|

The state has announced 16 counties have received approximately $8.5 million through the Kansas High Risk Rural Roads, or HRRR Program. The HRRR program is a state/local partnership designed to improve safety on off-system rural roads. This year’s HRRR selections include 16 counties with total projects costs of $11 million. When Coronavirus Relief Funds and Highway Infrastructure Program funds became available earlier this year, the Kansas Department of Transportation was able to distribute twice the funds typically available for HRRR annually. Kansas HRRR funds cover 90-100 percent of total project cost, with the counties making up the difference if required. Source: [...]

Wind Surge to begin play at Wichita’s new stadium

2021-05-12T06:29:31-05:00May 11th, 2021|

After a delay of just over a year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wichita Wind Surge baseball team will finally play its first game in the new Riverfront Stadium. The Wind Surge will begin a series with Amarillo at 7:05 p.m.  There will be some special activities for the home opener, including a tribute to the team’s late owner, Lou Schwechheimer.   A portrait of Schwechheimer was unveiled at the stadium on Monday, and it was commissioned by Emprise Bank and painted by local artist John Oehm. The team’s senior vice president and general manager, Jared Forma, told KFDI News that [...]

Kansas has administered more than 2 million COVID-19 shots

2021-05-12T06:29:41-05:00May 11th, 2021|

Kansas reports that more than 2 million coronavirus vaccine shots have been administered in the state, as the federal government detailed plans to distribute nearly $1 billion in aid to Kansas cities and counties. The state health department said Monday that nearly 1.15 million people or 39.5% of the state’s population had received at least one vaccine shot. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department spelled out for the first time how it would distribute a majority of aid Kansas expects to receive from a federal coronavirus relief measure that became law in March. The aid includes $566 million to counties and $427 [...]

Kansas lawmakers approve bill to allow to-go sales of beer and cocktails

2021-05-12T06:29:45-05:00May 11th, 2021|

The state that made saloon smasher Carrie Nation famous is moving to allow people to get beer and cocktails to go after the coronavirus pandemic. Kansas lawmakers last week approved a bill to allow to-go beer and alcoholic drinks from clubs, bars and restaurants until 11 p.m., as long as the drinks are in sealed containers and clear bags that discourage tampering. The measure is headed to Gov. Laura Kelly after both chambers approved it Friday. It continues a policy Kelly set by executive order in April 2020 when Kansas was under a statewide stay-at-home order and that remained in effect [...]

Rose Hill hosting night bike ride

2021-05-12T06:30:10-05:00May 11th, 2021|

The Rose Hill Recreation Commission will be hosting the Light the Night Bike Ride on May 21 at School Street Pond (directly east of the elementary buildings). RHRC will illuminate the path around the pond and provide light-up materials to riders, though participants are also welcome to bring their own accessories as prizes will be awarded as part of the event. Helmets and safety equipment are recommended. Music and refreshments will be provided at the family-friendly night bike ride celebrating the start of summer. Source: Derby Informer | Area

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