News

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

On Tuesday, voters in central Coffey County will vote on whether USD 244 Burlington will replace its existing elementary school. Voters have before them a $45 million bond to build a new elementary school building. The district says the first-grade wing was fully renovated five years ago, but the rest of the current building hasn’t had major upgrades since the 1980s — making it challenging to “support modern education.” Board member Bob Plummer: A full building-wide renovation process was considered, but the district says a project of that magnitude could meddle with learning. It also says there is no more space [...]

Public nudity – and even some nudity on private property – would be restricted under a new ordinance to be considered Tuesday by Cowley County Commissioners. The ordinance has developed quickly in recent weeks in response to a resident, in the IXL area of Ark City, who has been taking nude walks in his neighborhood for some time. The issue has drawn considerable media and social media attention. Source: Local – Cowley Post

A 40-year-old man is recovering after being bitten in the face and leg by his two pit bulls Friday at his home in south Wichita, police spokesperson Kristopher Gupilan said. The man was critically injured in the attack, which happened around 3:38 p.m. outside of his home in the 2500 block of South Mosley, which is close to Pawnee and Washington. Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Graduate students at KU will present research on various city issues, including affordable housing and the land development code, at a drop-in event next week.  The students are inviting community members, elected officials and city staff to stop by the event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St. The graduate students are part of KU’s urban planning and law programs. Students interviewed community members, city staff members and a new local advocacy group called the Coalition for Collaborative Governance. Students also dug through public records, news articles and research papers.  Source: The Lawrence [...]