News

Last October, the city of Partridge broke ground on what would become their new library and community center building. In the two weeks since they opened, they’ve welcomed over 100 guests and–this Tuesday–representatives from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

The plot of land on the southeast corner of East Avenue F and South Elm Street will soon belong to Jim and Heidi Unruh. The Hutchinson Land Bank Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to give the Unruhs this property after the Unruhs submitted an application that included a site plan that accommodates the needs of their wheelchair-dependent daughter. Interfaith Housing and Community Services is working with the Unruhs to construct a new house on this property. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

A cycling and trails enthusiast passed through Iola this weekend as part of his “Ride 4 Resilience” to raise money for cancer research and a group dedicated to preserving and building upon the state’s recreational trails. Mike Scanlon wants people to know Iola has a pretty cool trail system. Scanlon, executive director of the newly-formed nonprofit Kansas Trails Inc., was in town last weekend riding the Lehigh Portland trails. Read more: The Iola Register

Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted to expand a property tax rebate program with a goal of offering further assistance to seniors with low incomes and veterans who are disabled. A pilot program rolled out last year. About 81% of the 135 applicants were eligible. They received an average rebate of $281, with the maximum set at $300, and the county gave almost $31,000 total back to taxpayers, according to documents in the meeting agenda. County commissioners approved $500,000 in their budget to offset the cost of rebates, so the value of all rebates came to less than 1% of the [...]

Marysville’s black squirrel ordinance, adopted in 1972, directs the mayor “at nut-gathering time” to proclaim an annual Black Squirrel Day. Through the decades the celebration has appeared under different names — Black Squirrel Day, Black Squirrel Fun Night and Black Squirrel Night. With a full slate of activities and a nod to traditions of years past, this year’s community celebration is Black Squirrel Fall Fest. Read more: www.marysvilleonline.net

When the Colby City Council meets to discuss a new STAR bond project on Oct. 8, 2025, they will have to vote on the proposal without seeing the full feasibility study done by the Kansas Department of Commerce. This is because Commerce requires governing bodies to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to receive the entire study. If they decline, they’re given a summary. Colby City Manager Ron Alexander told The Sentinel in a phone interview that he declined to do so because he was uncomfortable with the requirement. Read more: The Sentinel

A new collaboration will give students in Dodge City and southwest Kansas expanded access to the transformative power of a bachelor’s degree — all from the comfort and support of their hometown region. Combining the breadth and depth of a traditional four-year university with the homegrown reach and accessibility of a two-year community college, Dodge City Community College and Kansas State University are teaming up to expand access to bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture and education. Read more: themercury.com

News of layoffs at Iola’s Gates Corporation plant hit hard last week. After learning that 80 employees will soon lose their jobs, local leaders immediately went to work attempting to turn crisis into opportunity. Within hours, Thrive Allen County’s Camille Lavon was on the phone with company officials and state partners, mapping out a plan to keep the 80 soon-to-be-displaced employees working close to home.  Read more: The Iola Register

While the incumbents gave various reasons for stepping down, the increasing polarization and hostility around issues in the city, in some ways mirroring national trends, are discouraging them from staying any longer. Read more: KC Star

Derek Raines asked for a moratorium and a noise resolution regarding the bitcoin mining natural gas generators near his property... Raines said that the stress of having the constant noise is taking a toll on him and his family. Neighbor Kimberly Sparks lives 3/4 of a mile away and can hear the humming and feel the vibration constantly. “It’s very upsetting,” she said. Commissioner Milburn said she had contacted the administration of Jefferson County to get their information on how they handled this issue. Read more: Fort Scott Biz