News

For about five years, the local government has offered incentives for developers – local and large alike – to build on and revitalize its vacant properties at a discounted rate. In that time, developers have built about 150 homes on those lots, according to government staff. Read more: KC Star

The proposed ordinances outline a number of changes, including adopting a property maintenance code that requires sanitary conditions in rental units, prohibiting landlords from refusing applicants with Section 8 vouchers and requiring landlords with repeat offenses to register with the city. Read more: Wichita Eagle

All seven candidates on the November ballot in Wichita City Council races have failed to follow the city’s campaign finance ordinance that was supposed to add transparency to elections, specifically about donations from business owners who “stack” contributions by giving the maximum amount to candidates multiple times using different limited liability companies, or LLCs. Read more: Wichita Eagle

“Humboldt, you bring the fun to Allen County,” Camille Lavon told Humboldt Council members Monday night. At least that’s the impression Lavon has gained since her three months as Thrive Allen County’s new economic development director. Lavon described herself as a “boomerang” Kansan, who has returned to her native state after most recently living in Colorado as well as other states and countries. Read more: The Iola Register

The commission authorized up to $125,000 via a reimbursement program, meaning Hoisington must do the work before receiving the money. This project is expected to bring 12 new homes to northern Barton County. Read more: GB Tribune

Jerome H. Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, still sees labor market risks outweighing those posed by higher inflation tied to President Trump’s tariffs. Read more: NYT > Business

Nearly two decades ago, a devastating tornado all but wiped out a town in eastern Kansas. But now, Greensburg has new life. Read more: CBSNews.com

The Regional Development Association (RDA) has endorsed a Letter of Support to officially offer Lyon County as a potential site for a Natrium Reactor. Rep. Mark Schreiber said that he was motivated to list Lyon County among potential sites due to its possible economic benefit for the community. Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are used by ordinary people to perform an extraordinary task: bringing life-saving equipment to the side of a person whose heart has stopped beating. Beginning September 24, 2025, Reno County EMS staff are out in the community, ensuring local business, schools, churches, and the like, are prepared with public access AEDs. “As of July first,” says Connor Bounds, Education Coordinator for Reno County EMS, “state law requires registration of AEDs through the PulsePoint app. This allows EMS to ensure there are correct locations for community-based AEDs, all batteries and other critical equipment are not-expired and opens [...]

Some neighborhoods will be seeing a bit more train traffic in the coming years. At its Tuesday meeting, the City of Newton approved a $3.7 million rail spur project. The project connects a stretch of the K&O railroad that ends at the Standridge Color Plant to the under-construction GAF Materials Facility. While the spur would be built southeast of Newton at the Kansas Logistics Park, the resulting train traffic would put into regular use a section of rail where trains are a rarity. Harvey County Now inquired with city staff, as well as Commissioner Rod Kreie on how many more trains [...]