The City of Emporia has once again been recognized for its drinking water, earning the “Best Tasting Water in Kansas” award from the Kansas Rural Water Association during Wednesday’s City Commission meeting. Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

According to the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado reaching speeds of 125 mph hit Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday night. Tornado damage is extensive throughout Ottawa. Not even 24 hours after the storm, people who call Ottawa home started showing up to help each other. One group spent the afternoon going door-to-door, delivering food and water to some of the neighborhoods hit hardest by Monday’s tornado. Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

The tornado left its mark, that much is certain. But amid the devastation, there is relief: early reports indicate only one person suffered minor injuries, and no lives were lost. Hillsdale was hit by an EF-2 tornado, with winds reaching up to 115 miles per hour. While the storm tore through buildings and livelihoods, it did not break the spirit of this small town. Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

With all of the single-person electronic vehicles, like e-bikes and e-scooters, becoming popular, the North Newton City Council discussed regulations regarding their use. This was during its regular Monday night meeting at city hall. The council talked about possible regulations related to e-bikes and bicycles to improve pedestrian and rider safety. Read more: Harvey County Now

During Thursday’s Work Session meeting, Hays City Commissioners will discuss two low-income housing economic incentives. The Commission will consider a resolution Evidencing an Intent to Issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Pioneer Project. Overland Property Group, LLC seeks to develop the property located on the north side of I-70 and west of the termination of W. 45th Street, adjacent to 221 W. 43rd Street, into a new affordable multi-family residential complex, together with related parking and internal improvements. The developer estimated the total cost of the project to be approximately $9M consisting of half a million dollars for acquisition of [...]

After years of discussions, a lawsuit and a contentious city council election, Prairie Village’s $30 million new municipal complex project is on the brink of starting construction. The Prairie Village City Council voted 11-1 on April 6 to approve a $20.5 million construction contract with McCown Gordon to complete the project. Councilmember Nick Reddell cast the lone dissenting vote. As for the construction schedule, the city has previously stated that asbestos remediation will start as soon as this month, followed by the demolition of a former church building at 7820 Mission Road to make way for the new city hall. While [...]

Johnson County Park and Recreation District is one step closer to gaining 210 acres of new parkland in De Soto — eventually connecting to 100 miles of walkable and bikeable trails. Officials plan to retain as much of the natural character of the new parkland as possible, and maybe even add a disc golf course. First, JCPRD must exchange the 58-acre footprint of Sunflower Nature Park Read more: Johnson County Post

Fully realizing Overland Park’s ambitious, long-range parks and recreation master plan is going to require more revenue streams. City leaders are already floating the possibility of a new parks-focused sales tax. That’s because the draft plan, dubbed Playbook OP, envisions dozens of new parks, recreation and aquatic projects as well as park revitalization efforts around the city over the next decade, that would cost an estimated $385 million, possibly more. It’s with that price tag in mind that the most recent draft of Playbook OP suggests either taking a 1/8-cent parks-specific sales tax measure to a public vote, as other Johnson [...]

A tornado tore through southern Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday night, toppling power lines, damaging buildings and leaving much of the city without electricity. Despite significant structural damage across several blocks, city officials said no deaths or major injuries were reported. Read more: Kansas City Star

Olathe is requesting a handful of projects to be included in a Johnson County program that provides funding assistance for road work over the next five years. The County Assistance Road System (CARS) works by providing funds to Johnson County cities to maintain major roads. Each year, cities submit a five-year road improvement plan to the county. Then, using a scoring system the county selects projects and allocates funds. Johnson County pays 50% of the project’s construction and inspection costs, while the city is responsible for design, right-of-way and utility relocation costs, according to the county website. Read more: Kansas City [...]