Municipal News & Jobs

Owens has held the position for about six and a half years. Mayor Mike Dever said in the release that he appreciated Owens’ dedication and perseverance in navigating “the many challenges our town has faced during his tenure. “I look forward to the upcoming search for new leadership and the opportunity to find the right fit to meet our community’s current needs and goals,” Dever continued.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

The City of Coffeyville’s Community Development Department is inviting local artists, students, and residents to help bring new life to the downtown district through the Downtown Utility Box Repaint Project — a creative initiative to refresh the painted utility boxes that add color and character to Coffeyville’s streets.
Read more: Coffeyville, KS – News Flash

On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff immediately until sundown on the day of interment to honor the passing of Vice President Dick Cheney.  “Vice President Cheney spent his life in service to our nation and was renowned for both his deep knowledge and commitment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His legacy will reflect his work to reshape the vice presidency and his conviction to upholding the ideals that the United States was founded upon. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this challenging time.” 
Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

It was a rough night for incumbents. Harvey County voters in numerous elections signaled a wish to change directions at the ballot box. In total, 22.3 percent of registered voters cast ballots, roughly the same turnout as in 2023.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Prairie Village voters turned out in record-breaking numbers on Nov. 4 to reject all six candidates backed by Prairie Village United in a decisive victory for allies of the incumbent City Council. In all, 60% of Prairie Village voters cast ballots for a candidate who supports the municipal complex project and opposes PV United, the resident-led group at the center of a yearslong conflict in the quiet Johnson County suburb. The candidates backed by PV United ran as a slate demanding that the city hall project be put up for a public vote and that the city cut spending and oppose any zoning changes that would increase housing density.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Prairie Village voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected the question to “abandon” the city’s form of government. This year’s Prairie Village municipal election saw not only six contested city council races, but an unusual question about whether the city should “abandon” its mayor-council form of government. It was one of two critical issues defining the 2025 Prairie Village City Council election, with half of the candidates supporting and the other half opposing the ballot measure. This question is a remnant of the 2023 resident-led petitions circulated by Prairie Village United, a group who rallied against any potential changes to the city’s residential zoning codes. The “abandon” question failed with the “no” votes earning 65% of the vote, according to unofficial final election results. This means no changes are coming to Prairie Village’s form of government.
Read more: Johnson County Post

The De Soto battery plant is producing about 300,000 batteries a day and is up to 1,200 employees. At full capacity, it expects those numbers to be 500,000 and 4,000.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved a new Large Load Power Service (LLPS) rate plan for customers who use more than 75 megawatts of electricity at peak demand. The agreement was reached through collaboration among utilities, major companies, consumer advocates, conservation groups, and school districts. It aims to meet the power needs of large users like data centers and manufacturers while ensuring regular customers don’t pay higher rates as a result.
Read more: KCLY Radio

The mayor of a small south-central Kansas town has been charged with committing fraud by voting in elections since 2022 even though he is not a United States citizen, the state’s attorney general and secretary of state said Wednesday. Attorney General Kris Kobach said Joe Ceballos, who garnered nearly 83% of the vote Tuesday for a second term as Coldwater mayor, was charged with three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Both are felony offenses.
Read more: KLC Journal

Helicopters, footballs, friendship, space stuff – it’s all connected. Youth football teams from rural Reno County and metropolitan Wyandotte County met under the stadium lights on a chilly Saturday evening for more than just a couple of games. The Buhler Crusaders and the Wyandotte Panthers fifth- and sixth-grade teams faced off Nov. 1 at Buhler High School, 50 miles northwest of Wichita, in an inaugural fundraiser supporting childhood science education in central Kansas. More than 500 people attended the Cosmo Bowl, a college-gameday-style event intended to raise funds for a science-themed early childhood center in Hutchinson, and to bridge social divisions through sports. 
Read more: KLC Journal

Night comes sooner and seems to stay longer this time of year. Wichita police are giving away free bicycle lights to keep riders safe on city streets. “It’s more important than ever to be seen while you ride,” police said in a social post promoting Light Up the Night, a free bike light giveaway. The event is set for 7-8 p.m. Friday at 803 N. Broadway, the corner of Broadway Avenue and Murdock Street. Bring a bike (it is required to be eligible), and you will receive a free bike light.
Read more: KSN-TV

Sedgwick County will soon send out an online survey to get feedback from residents about public services and priorities, officials said Thursday. More than 100,000 randomly chosen residents will receive a link to the survey via mail, text, or email. It’s hosted by Qualtrics and will also be available on the county’s website and social media later in November. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is intended for adult residents 18 years of age or older. Responses are confidential. Sedgwick County leaders are seeking input on service delivery and community priorities.
Read more: KSN-TV

Across the state, Kansans voted on special ballot measures like school bonds and tax issues. Stanton County voters rejected a mill levy increase that would have helped fund its hospital. Stanton County Hospital is a medical hub for more than half a dozen other counties, including across the state line into Colorado. CEO Camille Davidson called the outcome “disappointing.” She added that they aren’t sure how to compete with rising costs and inflation without increased revenue.
Read more: KSN-TV

The McPherson Police Department welcomed its newest mini officer to the force on Wednesday. Rhys recently finished treatment after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2023. The department swore her in as an honorary officer for her optimism and strength.
Read more: KSN-TV

School districts across the state are planning their next steps after Tuesday’s bond issue votes. Some districts, like Goodland, Ark City, Mulvane, and Oakley, are moving forward with improvement plans after their bonds passed, while Wellington, Rock Hills, Hutchinson, Russell, Oberlin, and St. John-Hudson are trying to figure out how to address their ongoing issues after their ballot measures were defeated.
Read more: KSN-TV

Coldwater Mayor Jose “Joe” Ceballos, who was reelected on Tuesday, was charged by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach the next day. In a news conference Wednesday, Kobach said Ceballos was facing criminal charges for three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Both are non-person felonies.
Read more: KSN-TV

Do you live in or near Arkansas City and have leftover pumpkins? You could help feed some hungry goats. The City of Arkansas City said instead of throwing pumpkins out, they can make a tasty treat for some local goats.
Read more: KSN-TV

Two northwestern Kansas counties reshaped their alcohol laws on Tuesday, with one ending the state’s tradition of dry counties. Wallace County was the last remaining dry county in the state. On Tuesday, voters made history by eliminating that rule and allowing restaurants to sell liquor by the drink. Thomas County residents voted to remove the requirement that allowed restaurants to serve alcohol only if at least 30% of their sales came from food. This change allows establishments in the county to operate like traditional bars.
Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Leon is helping teen drivers learn a valuable lesson while avoiding costly fines for speeding. In the first moments of being pulled over on Oct. 1 for going 44 in a 30 mph speed zone, worries immediately rushed to high school junior Kendra Mast’s mind. “I thought I was going to have to get a job,” said Kendra. “Not doing school sports.” “I told her she was going to have to go get a job and pay her own ticket,” added Kendra’s mom, Sheena Mast. Leon offered a unique alternative. She could write an essay on the importance of traffic laws instead.
Read more: KSN-TV

Hundreds of students in Sedgwick County came to Wichita on Tuesday to learn more about careers in public safety and service. Representatives from the Red Cross, law enforcement, prosecutors and other professionals gave presentations to the students. Organizers said the event gives students a realistic look at jobs that will allow them to give back to their communities.
Read more: KSN-TV