News

An issue that began in September 2023 and has been the most divisive in Halstead in recent years will be decided, at least in part, at the ballot box on Nov. 4. The City of Halstead entered a lease agreement with Concurrent out of Texas for land in its industrial park on Sept 28, 2023, so both sides could explore the potential of the land housing a battery energy storage system (BESS). Since then, the Halstead Planning Commission held 16 meetings or work sessions (all open to the public) that also included three official public hearings. At over half of these [...]

Shawnee has passed new rules for children and younger teens who ride motorized devices like scooters and unicycles. On Tuesday, the Shawnee City Council unanimously approved amendments to the municipal code by adding rules for motorized scooters and unicycles to its already-existing regulations for motorized skateboards. The rules cover people operating the devices who are younger than 18, requiring them to wear a helmet, as well as ride only on sidewalks and determining where they can cross the road. Read more: Johnson County Post

Olathe will soon begin a long-awaited study of nine railroad crossings on the city’s west side. The study will be the first step in improving traffic delays and safety concerns. In August, the Olathe City Council approved the study as well as grant funding for the project. Originally set to begin last year, the study was delayed in order to seek a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, which it received. Olathe will contribute $500,000 to the study — which was laid out in its capital improvement plan — while the FRA grant will cover $1,750,000 of it. The remaining $100,000 [...]

On Tuesday, November 4th, Concordia voters will decide whether to approve a 1% special purpose retailers’ sales tax to help fund a $13.8 million, 35,000-square-foot community activity center at Rasure Field. The tax would generate $10 million over up to 10 years, with the remainder covered by grants and donations. No property taxes would be used. The proposed facility includes indoor courts, a walking track, a “tot lot,” multipurpose spaces, offices, restrooms, and parking. Operating costs are estimated at $178,000 annually. A KSHSAA-compliant upgrade could add $3.9 million. Read more: KCLY Radio

If you aspire to become an officer for the Wichita Police Department, you might want to give some advance thought to where you put any tattoos you get. Not to mention what you decide to include in the design. But a little bit of ink won’t necessarily stop you from being able to don a uniform. Concerned residents raised attention on Wichita Police’s tattoo policy to the Citizens Review Board during their September meeting, saying that the current language was preventing some people from applying to the police academy. The board works with police on community outreach and advises the department. [...]

The Mulberry City Council recently voted in favor of a land annexation to set up a half billion dollar solar project, a move seen as a major step for the community's economic development. Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com

A social media trend of kicking down the doors of people's homes is as destructive as it sounds. The sheriff of one western Kansas county warns that it could also be deadly. In a social post on Tuesday, the Meade County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating a series of incidents related to the "door kick challenge," a viral social media trend, that occurred over the weekend. Meade County deputies "took multiple reports of trespassing, criminal damage and disorderly conduct at residences where individuals were kicking doors of residences while filming themselves," the sheriff's office said in a news release. "Many [...]

Garden City has announced a new partnership with Western State Bank to expand opportunities for affordable housing. Garden City has been experiencing a housing crunch for several years. The city said rapid economic growth and a steady population increase have created a demand for more affordable housing in the area. While the city has been working to address the shortage, more affordable housing is needed to meet the goal of 4,000 new housing units by 2030. To help reach that goal, Garden City has partnered with Western State Bank to create the new Local Roots Loan Program. Read more: KSN-TV

Community and law-enforcement are coming together to make a safer southeast Kansas. Over the past several weeks, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office has made several appearances at local community watch group meetings. Officers speak to residents, answer their questions, and give safety tips on what to do before police arrive at a scene or during 911 calls, to mitigate dangers. Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

The city and Kaw Valley State Bank — now Farmers State Bank — confidentially settled a lawsuit filed this past summer over several counterfeit checks drawn from a city account. The settlement, filed with the court days after the Eudora Times reported on the lawsuit, contains no information on the terms of the settlement. City Manager Zack Daniel confirmed the settlement but said the city was unable to comment. Farmers State Bank CEO Matt Engel did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Read more: The Eudora Times