News

Central Kansas Mental Health Center and the Ottawa County Health Department invite the public to Roots of Resilience: A Rural Mental Health Gathering on Saturday, June 7 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Minneapolis Public Library Meeting Room, 519 Delia Ave. This free community event is designed to spark open conversation, reduce stigma, and connect individuals in rural and farming communities with tools and resources for mental health and suicide prevention. Whether you’re a farmer, rancher, business owner, parent, or neighbor, all are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion. Source: KCLY Radio

On Wednesday, April 30, Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency to temporarily waive hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers in Kansas. The move comes in response to a fuel shortage affecting parts of Kansas and neighboring states, which has led to long wait times at fuel terminals and disrupted supply deliveries. The waiver aims to give fuel transport drivers more flexibility to meet demand and ease distribution delays. Diesel has been impacted first, but gasoline supplies may also be affected if the shortage continues. Source: KCLY Radio

Service providers and housing officials in Kansas launched their “Functional Zero” campaign to combat homelessness, with a focus on ensuring more people remain housed than become homeless. At a summit in Topeka, Kansas was declared a “Built for Zero” state, meaning regions will aim to reach “functional zero”—a measure of how effectively a community addresses homelessness. This goal, developed by Community Solutions, helps communities track progress in solving homelessness for specific populations like veterans or the chronically homeless. Source: KCLY Radio

The changing political landscape around clean energy makes for an uncertain future for Kansas students training for jobs at the multi-billion-dollar Panasonic Energy plant in De Soto, Kansas. In order to help build the workforce of the new electric battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, Panasonic Energy partnered with community colleges, including in Kansas, to create a pathway into a career at the manufacturing hub expected to employ 4,000 workers. Source: Up To Date

Runners from across the country participated in the Prairie Fire Spring Races on Sunday. Since 2010, the Prairie Fire Marathon has grown into a premier running event, attracting more than 48,000 participants. Many have traveled to Wichita from all 50 states and 15 foreign countries. The Prairie Fire race series is split into two parts: spring and fall. The spring races are held on the first Sunday in May, while the fall races take place on the second Sunday in October. This year's spring events included a half marathon, a 5K, and the “Mayor’s Friendly 5K Run.” Source: KSN-TV

More than just a building, Park City’s new senior center is set to become a hub for connection, activity, and community for residents 55 and older. City leaders broke ground Saturday on the long-awaited 13,000-square-foot facility that promises to expand wellness, socialization, and engagement opportunities in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas. The new facility, located at 1811 Stuart Drive near Hydraulic and 61st, replaces a 4,000-square-foot building constructed in 1997. City leaders say the current center no longer meets the needs of participants or the range of activities offered. Source: KSN-TV

Hamilton County officials are responding to a cyber incident affecting the county’s computer network, prompting an ongoing investigation and temporary service disruptions. According to a social post from the county, the issue was identified by the county’s IT vendor, who is working alongside nationally recognized cybersecurity and data forensics consultants to assess the scope of the breach and restore operations. Source: KSN-TV

To preserve approximately $45 million in federal funding, the City of Topeka's governing body may vote to change city code by cutting its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office and amending its policy statement. According to the preliminary meeting agenda, the city risks losing federal funding that helps provide services for homelessness, affordable housing, domestic violence and infrastructure. Source: KSNT 27 News

One year ago today a powerful tornado tore through the town of Westmoreland. The storm leaving behind a path of destruction, and one person didn't survive. Nearly three dozen homes in total were either damaged or destroyed. 27 News was on the grounds in the aftermath of this tornado, our crews capturing the damages firsthand. The community having to pick up the pieces, changing lives forever. Source: KSNT 27 News

Shawnee County park officials are inviting people to give their opinions at some upcoming pop-up meetings aimed at expanding and improving local public trails. Sean Zears with Shawnee County Parks & Recreation (SCP+R) said in a press release on April 30 that locals are encouraged to take part in the Trails and Greenways Study. The SCP+R is looking to get input from locals on shaping this new master plan to prioritize trail development and pedestrian connectivity throughout the county and Topeka. Source: KSNT 27 News