Across the country, 82% of 911 call centers are understaffed. Here in Sedgwick County, the emergency communications department has experienced similar issues.  The Sedgwick County 911 Call Center has experienced a time when staffing dipped below 65% capacity. A new $430,000 renovation started in April to address the concern. The project is now complete and its staff will move into the updated facility as soon as next week. The updates include knocking down walls to create more space for additional new hires. Additionally, updates to flooring and other parts of the building were put into place to make the staff feel more [...]

The McPherson Fire Department announced Friday it has received enough donations to pay for the installation of a baby box. A news release says several donations were received through the McPherson County Community Foundation: Newborn Safety Device page, Countryside Covenant Church, A local family trust (who wished to remain anonymous), and A McPherson firefighter and their family (who wished to remain anonymous). MFD says they were also contacted by Oliva Fetsch, who lost her sister Vanessa Leite in April this year. She donated the remaining amount needed to install the box in Leite's honor. Source: KSN-TV

A new ordinance the Wichita City Council will consider on Tuesday would allow the Wichita police chief to suspend business licenses for bars and clubs. According to the City of Wichita, the ordinance would create consistent criteria for the suspension of licenses at bars and other businesses that sell alcohol. The filing says the ordinance would address deficiencies by adding provisions that allow the chief of police to immediately suspend a license when violent criminal conduct occurs to the extent there is a credible safety risk to the public if the business remains open. Source: KSN-TV

Drivers along four Kansas roads have noticed new yellow signs recently. The sign message is "Safety Corridor -- Increased Enforcement," and the ultimate goal is to reduce crashes. The Kansas Department of Transportation says the Safety Corridor Pilot Program is new and will run through 2028. KDOT chose four corridors for the pilot program based on crash history, availability of additional law enforcement, and input from local traffic safety partners. Source: KSN-TV

Lawrence leaders have finalized the site design for a pallet shelter village to address homelessness in the city. The shelter will be located at 256 N. Michigan St., just south of Interstate 70 west of the Kansas River. The city plans to create 50 pallet shelters that are each 64 square feet. Each cabin will have heating and cooling. The village will also have shared restrooms, showers, laundry and office space, plus bike and vehicle parking. The final design also shows a community tent area and a proposed fence line. Supporters have previously said the village is a key piece in [...]

On Jan. 10, the Wichita City Council approved $100,000 in rebates for citizens who have bought water- and energy-efficient devices in 2023. That number was increased to $125,000 on July 5, as the City Council approved additional funds if the $100,000 was exhausted before Oct. 31. City officials say so far, the City of Wichita has approved rebates for 1,242 water-efficient devices, totaling $112,960.06. The Lawn Care Rebate Program is intended to lower the use of gas and diesel-powered lawn equipment and provides a $50 rebate for residents who purchase new non-combustion lawn equipment and recycle their old combustion equipment. City officials say [...]