News

The city of Prairie Village helped its Ukrainian sister city purchase four drones, medicine and bed linens in 2025. Last spring, the Prairie Village City Council approved a nearly $23,000 donation to its sister city Dolyna for the purpose of “humanitarian goods.” Dolyna is in the western part of Ukraine in the Ivano-Frankivsk oblast, or district. In late December 2025, Dolyna Mayor Ivan Dyriv sent an itemized list of the goods purchased with that donation — and thanked the city for its help. Read more: Johnson County Post

The city of Prairie Village’s residential grant and property tax rebate programs are back in 2026 — all with more funding. Last month, the Prairie Village City Council approved updates to its exterior grant, residential sustainability grant and property tax rebate programs. Here’s a look at how to find out if you qualify for any of the programs and, if so, how to apply. Read more: Johnson County Post

The proposed Hope Ridge Wind Farm in northeast Dickinson County remains on hold after plaintiffs filed an appeal in their lawsuit challenging the project’s approval. The appeal follows a lower court ruling that upheld the county’s decision to grant Enel Green Power a Conditional Use Permit for the wind farm, which would involve about 150 landowners and span more than 50,000 acres. Opponents argue the county’s approval was unreasonable and failed to meet zoning requirements, claims rejected by Judge Lee Fowler of the Fifth District Court, who ruled the process was transparent, lawful, and supported by substantial public input. Read more: [...]

Officials in Clay County, Missouri, and in the Kansas legislature have expressed that they are no longer interested in talks with the Royals on a new stadium deal. Is the team starting to run out of options — and will downtown Kansas City win out by default? Read more: KCUR

Kansas lawmakers are expected to introduce new legislation Wednesday, aimed at regulating electric scooters across the state. A move that follows the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy in Johnson County late last year. The bill comes just months after Duke Ommert, a fourth grader, was killed while riding an e-scooter in his Leawood neighborhood. In the weeks and months that followed, several municipalities moved quickly to tighten restrictions on e-scooters. Read more: KSN-TV

A debate is underway in Barber County over whether to bring a Google data center to the area. On Monday, county commissioners heard from company representatives, the first time they appeared before the community, and a local resident opposing the proposal. Commissioners asked Google and Fino Advisors — a company helping to develop the plan on the ground — about potential costs and benefits to the land and residents of Barber County. They said the project could bring additional revenue to the area. Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Hutchinson has hired Scott Cooley as its new downtown revitalization manager. This role focuses on reviving the city’s downtown area through business support, redevelopment and the city’s Kansas Main Street program, which helps cities revitalize and preserve their downtowns. Cooley is basing his work on the 2024 master plan, which highlights housing, retail and dining as key priorities. Read more: KSN-TV

Kansas lawmakers are officially back in Topeka for a new legislative session, and they’ve got a calendar full of pressing issues they plan to address. The 2026 legislative session kicked off at the Kansas Capitol Building on Jan. 12. Both the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives convened for the first time, and lawmakers were welcomed back into the statehouse. “In many regards, it’s kind of like the first day of school after you’ve been gone for the entire summer,” said Kansas Senator Patrick Schmidt. However, for the rest of the week, lawmakers have a full list of hearings. Read more: [...]

Under the leadership of Fire Chief Chad Longstaff, the Topeka Fire Department is strengthening its connection with the community. On Jan. 6, Topeka Fire Station 4 opened its doors to neighbors, inviting residents inside for an open house. Community members received a firsthand look at where firefighters eat, work, and sleep during their 24-hour shifts, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into daily life at the station. Station 4 Chief Josh Domann said the event was about more than just a tour; it was about building relationships. Read more: KSNT 27 News

As Marion looks into privatizing trash service, questions remain. Nisly Brothers Inc. of Hutchinson, the trash contractor for Peabody and several other communities in Harvey County and others, approached Marion officials about privatizing a few weeks ago. Hillsboro and Marion hand trash pickups themselves. Read more: Marion County RECORD