News

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of $267 million in Brownfields Grants across the United States, with nearly $4 million specifically designated for communities in Kansas. This funding aims to transform contaminated properties into productive spaces, fostering economic growth and improving public health. “The $267 million in Brownfield Grants will transform contaminated properties into valuable spaces for businesses and housing, creating new opportunities that strengthen local economies and directly benefit American families,” stated EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Source: The Sunflower State Radio Network

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports. “The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.” Source: Butler County Times-Gazette

‘Far from over’: Kansas schools still see COVID’s effects on learning and behavior. Susie Kelley, a fifth grade teacher at Harry Street Elementary School in Wichita, leads her class in a “Mindfulness Minute” breathing exercise. Educators say they are still seeing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, both academically and socially. Source: Dodge City Daily Globe

Thankfully, the rains sprang down during the recent bout of monsoon season, or things could have become dicey for the City of Newton. Newton was about to be in a water emergency, as the groundwater levels had fallen to nearly 10 feet below normal seasonal level. Director of Public Works Ed Bonham said the recent rains had pushed the levels up a foot, but they need to keep an eye out. Source: Harvey County Now

The Halstead City Council approved a new round of grant applications totaling $20,000 at the most recent city council meeting. The city provides grants to new and existing businesses in the downtown area who are looking to repair or update their businesses. There were two applicants for this round of applications: Making Memories China Rental and Metal Transformations. Source: Harvey County Now

Job-seekers interested in public service careers can connect directly with City of Wichita departments during an upcoming career fair on Tuesday, June 3. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various departments, including CityArts, Fire, IT, Law, Police, and others. Source: KSN-TV

Facing a need for more school bus drivers, Haysville Public Schools is hosting a two-day recruitment event this week to help fill key transportation roles for the upcoming school year. The event, titled "Be the Next Driver" will be held in the east parking lot of Campus High School, 2100 W. 55th Street S., on Wednesday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to noon and Thursday, May 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Source: KSN-TV

Arkansas City is rolling out new welcome signs. A ribbon cutting on June 5 will celebrate the completion of four new “Welcome to Arkansas City” signs—each featuring the city’s new logo, a design rooted in local history, water, and community pride. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the south entrance off U.S. Highway 77 on 61st Road, where the first sign was installed. Additional signs have been placed at the city’s north and east approaches, with the new branding also featured on the West Madison Bridge. Source: KSN-TV

The recent rain in Kansas has helped Cheney Lake rise and gain half a foot of water. According to the latest data from the National Water Prediction Service, that lake is at 1,414.25 feet as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. At the beginning of the month, the lake was at 1413.7 feet. The lake is still measuring at 7.35 feet below normal. Jansen Roberson, a Cheney State Park ranger, said attendance was down this Memorial Day weekend due to weather and lake levels. Source: KSN-TV

While some Kansas cities like Grinnell and Plevna are recovering from recent devastating tornadoes, others are reflecting. The Udall Historical Museum held a remembrance event for the 70th anniversary of the tornado that nearly leveled the town. On May 25, 1955, Udall was blindsided by a tornado, taking over 80 lives. The newest addition to the museum is a room dedicated to reconstructing the destruction. Source: KSN-TV