News

Emporia residents to decide on new recreation center

2024-11-26T09:40:43-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Emporia voters will be the ones deciding whether or not a new recreation center will be built. Wednesday, Nov. 20 the Emporia City Commission decided to let the public get the final say on the future of a new recreation center. The facility would cost taxpayers by increasing the sales tax by a half-cent. The project is expected to cost $59 million and includes renovations to the soccer fields. Source: KSNT 27 News

Iola council to consider solar purchase Monday

2024-11-26T09:39:31-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Iola City Council members will decide whether to enter a solar agreement to provide up to 3 megawatts of power via solar energy produced in Pratt County. The allocation would price the 3 megawatts at $50 per megawatt hour. City administration will present Iola City Council members with documents for the final approval of a 3-megawatt solar allocation at their 6 p.m. meeting Monday. At the Nov. 12 meeting, council members agreed to diversify the city’s energy profile by entering into a solar agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (KMEA). Source: The Iola Register

Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy

2024-11-26T09:38:09-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A new policy imposing a cell phone-free school day is on the table, and though some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers and students’ mental health, others said they’re worried about the safety implications. The Lawrence school board will consider approving a cell phone policy draft that says personal cell phones and devices must be “turned off and stored out of sight at all times during school hours” across the district. Ann Hossler is the parent of a Free State freshman who previously attended Raintree Montessori School, which enforced a strict cell phone ban. “There is hard evidence that [...]

City rezoning debate pits older neighborhoods against need for housing

2024-11-26T09:34:29-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A question about rezoning on Tuesday brought to the forefront a larger philosophical debate: should Manhattan prioritize preserving older residential neighborhoods or allowing mult-unit buildings to increase housing stock? Manhattan city commissioners on Tuesday approved rezoning two adjoining lots, each with three-unit dwellings that the owner wants rezoned so he can make improvements. Source: themercury.com

Commerce Announces New Housing Workforce Development Grant

2024-11-26T09:33:00-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Governor Kelly Announces More than $1.4 Million Investment for Safer Streets and Roads

2024-11-26T09:32:11-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that four Kansas communities have secured over $1.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Leveraging federal dollars to supplement state and local investments in vital infrastructure is essential to economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Safe Streets and Roads for All program provides our communities with the resources needed to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure. I appreciate the Legislature’s continued support of this initiative, as it represents a true bipartisan win for Kansas.” Combined [...]

Program offers help for utilities

2024-11-26T09:31:01-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The City of Iola is working with local churches and organizations to remind utility customers of a program that helps neighbors in times of financial hardship. When paying your utility bill, you have an option to round up to the nearest dollar or make an additional donation. With cooler temperatures rolling in, the City of Iola wants people to know they can help their neighbors keep their house warm this winter. “If you choose, you can round up your utility payment to the nearest $1, $5, or $10 and it can go towards someone who needs assistance with their bill,” explained [...]

Making a masterpiece: Thrive honors achievements in leadership

2024-11-26T09:29:51-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The theme of Thrive's 17th annual awards ceremony, "Creating a Masterpiece, Together," recognized individuals, businesses and organizations that create a healthy, vibrant community. After 17 years, Thrive Allen County’s vision is more clear than ever. In fact, some might call it a masterpiece. Thrive CEO Lisse Regehr said that’s exactly what her team hoped to create as they celebrated the organization’s anniversary with an annual awards banquet Friday evening at Allen Community College. The theme was “Creating a Masterpiece, Together.” Source: The Iola Register

Halstead approves official partnership with economic development council

2024-11-26T09:27:54-06:00November 26th, 2024|

After months of discussion between the parties involved, Harvey County Economic Development requested an official agreement from the City of Halstead. Beth Shelton, executive director of the economic development council, addressed the council. “Since the EDC was established, it’s always been an informal agreement that we’ll do what our mission is for each one of the communities,” Shelton said. “This just puts it into writing.” Source: Harvey County Now

Hesston dog park finally opening

2024-11-26T09:26:09-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Finally, after several delays, Hesston’s four-legged friends will have access to the Ridge Pointe Dog Run. The new dog park will officially open with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 12 p.m., and dogs and their humans are invited to attend. Source: Harvey County Now

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