Municipal News & Jobs

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The Arma City Council is seeking an ordinance that imposes strict penalties for those convicted of illegal dumping. At its last meeting, on March 16, the Arma Councilman Richard Kerley and City Clerk Bette Lessen reported to the council that residents have been dumping trash into city trash containers that were meant to be closed off, noting that containers were “plumb full.” The dumpster locations included those at Arma City Hall, the Arma City Pool, city parks, as well as the ballparks.
Read more: – The Morning Sun

The nod to America’s wild west past will be on display with the Plains, Trains and Cowboys: Experience the Spirit of the West in Abilene. The two-day event will be held April 24 and 25 in Abilene as part of the America 250 celebration. Activities will take place at Old Abilene Town, the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Festivities will include live entertainment, historical demonstrations and train excursions. The weekend is intended to highlight local history and tourism.
Read more: www.derbyinformer.com

Reno County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is excited to announce the grand opening of two newly constructed EMS stations, further enhancing its ability to provide emergency medical care throughout Reno County. To celebrate this milestone, Reno County EMS will host two special events for the community. The first, an Open House and Ribbon Cutting, will be held on Friday, April 17th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the new station located at 211 W 5th Ave in Hutchinson, Kansas. This event will bring together key stakeholders, local partners, and community members to commemorate the opening of the new facility. A second Open House event will take place on Friday, April 24th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the new station located at 107 W Fair Street in Arlington, Kansas. This event will provide an opportunity for all community members and families to visit the new station, tour the facilities, and engage with the EMS team in a relaxed setting. Both events will feature tours of the new stations, EMS demonstrations, opportunities to meet the EMS team, and refreshments.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio

The City of Emporia has once again been recognized for its drinking water, earning the “Best Tasting Water in Kansas” award from the Kansas Rural Water Association during Wednesday’s City Commission meeting.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

According to the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado reaching speeds of 125 mph hit Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday night. Tornado damage is extensive throughout Ottawa. Not even 24 hours after the storm, people who call Ottawa home started showing up to help each other. One group spent the afternoon going door-to-door, delivering food and water to some of the neighborhoods hit hardest by Monday’s tornado.
Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

The tornado left its mark, that much is certain. But amid the devastation, there is relief: early reports indicate only one person suffered minor injuries, and no lives were lost. Hillsdale was hit by an EF-2 tornado, with winds reaching up to 115 miles per hour. While the storm tore through buildings and livelihoods, it did not break the spirit of this small town.
Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

With all of the single-person electronic vehicles, like e-bikes and e-scooters, becoming popular, the North Newton City Council discussed regulations regarding their use. This was during its regular Monday night meeting at city hall. The council talked about possible regulations related to e-bikes and bicycles to improve pedestrian and rider safety.
Read more: Harvey County Now

During Thursday’s Work Session meeting, Hays City Commissioners will discuss two low-income housing economic incentives. The Commission will consider a resolution Evidencing an Intent to Issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Pioneer Project. Overland Property Group, LLC seeks to develop the property located on the north side of I-70 and west of the termination of W. 45th Street, adjacent to 221 W. 43rd Street, into a new affordable multi-family residential complex, together with related parking and internal improvements. The developer estimated the total cost of the project to be approximately $9M consisting of half a million dollars for acquisition of the property and $8.455M in construction, furnishing and equipment costs.
Read more: Hays Daily News

After years of discussions, a lawsuit and a contentious city council election, Prairie Village’s $30 million new municipal complex project is on the brink of starting construction. The Prairie Village City Council voted 11-1 on April 6 to approve a $20.5 million construction contract with McCown Gordon to complete the project. Councilmember Nick Reddell cast the lone dissenting vote. As for the construction schedule, the city has previously stated that asbestos remediation will start as soon as this month, followed by the demolition of a former church building at 7820 Mission Road to make way for the new city hall. While the new facility is under construction, city hall staffers will remain in the existing building, Public Works Director told the city council on April 6. Once the new city hall is finished on the old church property, then the renovation of the existing facilities at 7700 Mission Road will begin.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Johnson County Park and Recreation District is one step closer to gaining 210 acres of new parkland in De Soto — eventually connecting to 100 miles of walkable and bikeable trails. Officials plan to retain as much of the natural character of the new parkland as possible, and maybe even add a disc golf course. First, JCPRD must exchange the 58-acre footprint of Sunflower Nature Park Read more: Johnson County Post

Fully realizing Overland Park’s ambitious, long-range parks and recreation master plan is going to require more revenue streams. City leaders are already floating the possibility of a new parks-focused sales tax. That’s because the draft plan, dubbed Playbook OP, envisions dozens of new parks, recreation and aquatic projects as well as park revitalization efforts around the city over the next decade, that would cost an estimated $385 million, possibly more. It’s with that price tag in mind that the most recent draft of Playbook OP suggests either taking a 1/8-cent parks-specific sales tax measure to a public vote, as other Johnson County cities have done over the years, and enacting other funding recommendations.
Read more: Johnson County Post

A tornado tore through southern Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday night, toppling power lines, damaging buildings and leaving much of the city without electricity. Despite significant structural damage across several blocks, city officials said no deaths or major injuries were reported.
Read more: Kansas City Star

Olathe is requesting a handful of projects to be included in a Johnson County program that provides funding assistance for road work over the next five years. The County Assistance Road System (CARS) works by providing funds to Johnson County cities to maintain major roads. Each year, cities submit a five-year road improvement plan to the county. Then, using a scoring system the county selects projects and allocates funds. Johnson County pays 50% of the project’s construction and inspection costs, while the city is responsible for design, right-of-way and utility relocation costs, according to the county website.
Read more: Kansas City Star

Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Friday, April 17, 2026, in honor of Greeley County firefighter and former deputy sheriff Carl “Levi” Evans, who died in the line of duty last week. “From his time serving in the sheriff’s office to his commitment as a volunteer firefighter, Levi Evans was dedicated to protecting his community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The loss of a first responder is always a tragedy. My thoughts go out to Levi’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Read more: KCLY Radio

Nearly 100 people gathered Thursday, April 9 at Hangar 600 in Salina to mark a major aviation milestone with the opening of a new aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport and Industrial Center. The facility, operated by SkyWest Airlines, is the first in Kansas designed for overnight aircraft maintenance. Company leaders joined local and state officials to cut the ribbon and mark new investment in the area’s aviation industry.
Read more: KCLY Radio

Wichita’s City Hall and Sedgwick County’s offices have been separated by a single street for decades, but they might as well have been in different area codes for as often as the two governing bodies worked together. “This was something I’ve noticed as a private citizen and business owner: The city of Wichita and the county, in particular, really didn’t seem to have a whole lot of a working relationship — particularly publicly,” says Ryan Baty, the immediate past chairman of the County Commission. When he was first elected to the commission three years ago, Baty made it a priority to find ways to collaborate. Across the street, Mayor Lily Wu embraced a similar vision. En banc meetings — joint city-county gatherings — resumed, and since have been conducted four times a year.
Read more: KLC Journal

Shawnee County leaders have approved new regulations for solar energy projects in unincorporated areas during a commission meeting Monday, following years of research and public input from county residents. The decision creates a formal framework for how large-scale solar developments will be reviewed and approved in the county moving forward.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

Miami County leaders have declared a state of emergency after severe storms brought destructive hail across the area Wednesday afternoon. The Miami County Sheriff’s Office said officials in the City of Paola, the City of Osawatomie and Miami County all made “verbal emergency declarations” following the storm, citing damage to structures and vehicles. National Weather Service storm reports show just how intense the hail was. In Paola, hail was measured at up to 2.5 inches, with some estimates reaching as large as 4 inches in diameter. Nearby areas also saw significant impacts, including baseball-sized hail north of Osawatomie and ping pong ball-sized hail reported just east of the city. Additional reports south of Hillsdale showed hail around 2 inches in diameter. The sheriff’s office said the emergency declaration will allow local governments to access additional resources to assist with cleanup and repairs.
Read more: KMBC

Mayor Nicholas Cheney wants residents to weigh in on the future of bump-outs located on the town square corners, as the city grapples with increasing maintenance costs and safety concerns. The bump-outs were installed several years ago, but according to the mayor, they have become harder and more expensive to maintain. Now, the city is presenting three options to residents: cement all of the bump-outs, only cement the outer bump-outs, or leave them as they are. Business owners along the square have mixed feelings about the proposed changes, though many agree that visibility at intersections has become a primary concern..
Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com