Data centers are popping up all over Kansas, but not in Cowley County. Amid growing anti-data center sentiment, the CT spoke with managers of area cities and other government jurisdictions to learn whether any data center plans were brewing locally. None are, at least not at the moment. None appear to be putting in restrictions for potential projects, either. Critics worry about how much power and water data centers consume, the noise they generate and the general advancement of artificial intelligence that data centers support. Others equate the opposition to something of a moral panic, and cite the potential economic benefits [...]

Maura Dwyer of Baltimore, Md., was one of the passengers who ended up stranded in southwest Kansas on Sept. 11, 2001 as the air space over the United States was shut down due to the terrorists attacks. She was one of the passengers transported to Dodge City after landing at Garden City Regional Airport. Here’s a look at her recounting the event and now wanting to go back to Dodge City in a Baltimore Banner story. Read more: Dodge City Daily Globe

The City of Dodge City has released a comprehensive update on the proposed data‑center developments in Ford County, outlining what is known, what remains uncertain, and what must be addressed before any large‑scale projects move forward. According to the City, its involvement is limited to evaluating potential water and wastewater service, while land‑use approvals, development agreements, taxation, and electric‑service decisions fall under Ford County and other responsible entities. As the document notes, “Information below reflects current discussions and is subject to change as projects develop.” Read more: Dodge City Daily Globe

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

B. J. Collins points out the ring of white tape on a utility pole across from her home on Wenonga Lane in Leawood. The tape, more than waist-high, is the high water mark from a particularly bad year of heavy rain a few years back. “Lake Wenonga,” her neighborhood is sometimes called — a reference to the muddy runoff that has at times pooled up in the basin created by her street’s topography. On the same day, in another flood-prone area, Jane and Bill Leverich were bracing for a different kind of water problem. Their house in Leawood Estates, just north [...]

Five independent Kansas hospitals are joining forces to improve care in rural communities, the collaboration announced on Tuesday. The group is called Astra Health. It is the result of a partnership between Amberwell Health, LMH Health, Salina Regional Health Center, Newman Regional Health and The University of Kansas Health System. Together, the hospitals serve more than 500,000 patients every year and cover nearly every county in Kansas. Read more: KSN-TV

Fort Scott City Commissioner Matthew Wells spoke with us Sunday looking to clarify some decisions made by commissioners to preserve the historic nature of downtown. He says he and fellow commissioners have gotten concerns from the community regarding a year old ordinance made to protect historic buildings downtown. The ordinance gives the city’s code department the ability to fine people for what’s called “demolition by neglect” where an old building is not properly taken care of and eventually falls into disrepair. Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Downtown building owners told the Fort Scott City Commission during their Sept. 1 meeting that the penalties in the city's historic preservation ordinance could push businesses out of the district. Commissioner Julie Buchta opened the discussion, saying she had spent two weeks visiting downtown businesses after the codes department told her it had been directed to enforce Ordinance 3782 "to the full degree." The 2025 ordinance created the Fort Scott Historic Preservation and Resource Commission under the state's Certified Local Government program, or CLG. Buchta read from the enforcement section of the version then posted on the city's website, which made [...]

Riley County commissioners considered significantly higher penalties for short-term rentals operating without a valid license as part of proposed changes to the planning and development fee schedule during a work session on Thursday. Short-term rentals (also called vacation rentals) are commonly rented on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. The proposal is intended to encourage compliance rather than generate revenue, Riley County planning and special projects director Amanda Webb said. Under the proposal, an unlicensed short-term rental would face a $500 penalty. If the owner does not pay the assessment or resolve the violation within 30 days, the penalty could increase to [...]

A member of Topeka's administration will be leaving at the end of the year. Deputy city manager Braxton Copley announced his retirement Sept. 2. “I have been honored by the opportunity to serve Topeka for more than 20 years in various roles for the municipal government,” Copley said. “I am grateful for the many people I have had the opportunity to work with and for the experiences I have gained throughout my career. It has been a privilege to serve the City of Topeka and its residents." His official last day will be Jan. 4. Read more: Topeka Capital-Journal