Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Paola commissions artist for downtown mural

Downtown Paola is about to get a colorful new mural just in time for the annual Roots Festival. Paola City Council members, during their May 14 meeting, approved the proposed final mural design submitted by Missouri artist Lynnsey Fletcher. The 25 X 13 foot design will say “Welcome to Paola est. 1855,” and it will feature bright flowers and a butterfly. The mural will be painted on the side of a building owned by Rusty Walters at 11 S. Pearl St. The alley next to the building connects Paola’s Park Square with its government offices at City Hall. In March, the Paola City Council approved an ordinance amending the mural regulations in the Paola Municipal Code.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Edgerton looks to renovate historic city lake and park area

A major project to renovate Edgerton City Lake and its accompanying dam and spillway could cost the city nearly $7 million. It’s a potentially steep price tag, city officials say, but one that may need to be borne to improve one of the southern Johnson County city’s most popular public amenities. It would also be the first time the lake and dam would be renovated since they were first created in the 1890s to accommodate passing steam engine trains.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Kansas community colleges seeing spike in students this fall

As students are preparing to return to campus in the coming weeks, college enrollment across the country is rising, recovering from the drop it took in 2020. In the 2024 spring semester, undergraduate enrollment grew 2.5%. That means over 300,000 more students enrolled compared to 2023. More than half of the increase is at community colleges. Community colleges across Kansas are also seeing a spike in students this fall. The official count will come later this fall, but according to the Kansas Community College Association, schools with increases have seen enrollment increases of 2-3% to as much as 20%. “What we are seeing is students want to earn higher education credentials that are the least expensive and have the most return on investment,” said Heather Morgan, the executive director of the Kansas Community College Association.
Source: KSN-TV

Local leaders are working to help reduce serious vehicle crashes in Douglas County with the Vision Zero initiative

The initiative that’s aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injury accidents in Douglas County might be called “Vision Zero,” but make no mistake: it’s really about seeing things more clearly. It’s certainly about helping drivers see things around them — like with pedestrian islands that make it easier to see people who are walking or biking.
Source: LJWorld

Douglas County welcomes Sean Pederson as new Deputy County Administrator

Douglas County welcomes Sean Pederson as new Deputy County Administrator. He has spent the past nine years as City Manager in Bonner Springs and has 13 years of experience in local government. He will lead the Public Works and Zoning and Codes departments and the Sustainability division of Administration.
Source: Douglas County

Municipal Bond Trends for August 8, 2024

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.

Municipal Bond Trends for August 7, 2024

It’s grain country now, but western Kansas used to be awash in watermelons

Slices of sweet watermelon are synonymous with summer, but 100 years ago the fruit was also synonymous with southwest Kansas when the area was the watermelon capital of the country. Despite being surrounded by agriculture, the only watermelons you will find in Kansas now will probably be growing in a home garden. Driving to Lakin just west of Garden City, the topography won’t really stand out to visitors. There are thousands of acres growing a few crops, most likely corn, alfalfa or sorghum. You will see the occasional grain elevator, and train tracks leading up to them. But this region, home to a multibillion dollar grain industry, was started by vine-ripened fruits before modern, large-scale grain production changed the game. The water resources needed to grow these melons started to run out, causing an agricultural shift in the area and foreshadowing the same struggles farmers are facing now. By looking into the agricultural past, Kansas farmers might see how they could reimagine the future of the state’s ag industry.
Source: Garden City Telegram

Johnson County to add dozens of new public EV charging stations

More electric vehicle charging stations are in the pipeline for Johnson County, now that county commissioners have voted to accept a $1.4 million federal grant. The grant would add 32 new charging stations in 16 locations around Johnson County, with the county, some cities and the county park and library districts managing the maintenance and ongoing costs. The stations will take about a year to install, said Brian Alferman, sustainability program manager for the county health department.
Source: Johnson County Post

JoCo wants cities to help pay for new homeless shelter, but some officials are pushing back

Four Johnson County cities may become the first to commit to annual contributions for a countywide homeless shelter. But local officials are already raising concerns about the abbreviated process to allocate the funds, with a county-determined deadline set for just over two weeks. This week, the cities of Prairie Village, Leawood, Olathe and Mission are all discussing their individual cities’ prospective payments to go towards supporting the early years of operation at a new proposed homeless shelter at the La Quinta Inn and Suites hotel in Lenexa. The agendas for Prairie Village, Leawood and Mission show that each of those cities are each discussing making five years of annual funding assistance. Prairie Village and Leawood are anticipated to take a vote on the matter Monday night. One Johnson County has already voted against contributing.
Source: Johnson County Post

As Wichita pushes for more EV charging stations, some worry about fire risks

Driving around Wichita, you’ll see the occasional Tesla, electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup or even one of the city’s battery-powered buses quietly cruising around town. With more electric vehicles have come more worries about what happens if they catch fire. They burn much hotter, emit noxious gases and pose an electrocution risk. But the idea that EVs catch fire more often than gas-powered vehicles is a myth.
Source: KLC Journal

The city of Wichita is selling its public housing. Where are tenants going?

On a lazy Sunday morning in July, the heat is creeping into the 90s before the clock hits noon. Danielle Lenz sits on her front porch in a lawn chair, keeping an eye on her mischievous six-year old. Two years ago, she didn’t know that this sunflower yellow rental home near downtown was where her family would end up. Lenz and her four kids were living in public housing in west Wichita when the news hit in 2022 that the city planned to sell their home – and the 351 other single-family public housing units scattered throughout town. Initially, she wanted to buy the house herself, but she says she later changed her mind due to its poor condition. Instead, last winter she found a private landlord to accept the housing voucher the city gave her as a form of rental assistance to replace public housing. “It’s probably a good thing that we moved from over there. Because they would only fix things … if it had to be fixed,” Lenz said. “Other than that, they didn’t fix it because they didn’t have the funding to do so. Renting to a regular landlord I think is a little bit better.” As of last December, 110 of the city’s single-family public housing units were occupied. By the end of June, about 60 of those households had been impacted by the city’s sale of public housing, according to the city of Wichita. Each had the option to receive a voucher to help with rent, and a city contractor recommends an available housing unit to tenants and also pays for moving assistance. “Our relocation coordinator is constantly working to reach out, stop by the house if they haven’t been able to make contact,” Sarah Gooding, who oversees public housing for Wichita, said in a presentation about the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. “And so it is designed to be a very warm handoff process. Tenants have the right to not engage, but nobody should find themselves homeless, if they engage in the process.”
Source: KLC Journal

Move Over Law isn’t just on Earth

While on patrol recently Kamass Highway Patrol Lt Brown made a rather unusual observation. During a routine traffic stop, he noticed an unidentified object passing by his stopped patrol car on I-70. Intrigued, he rewound his in-car camera footage and discovered what appeared to be a UFO flying saucer! “What’s noteworthy is that this ‘UFO’ slowed down and moved over, adhering to Kansas law by giving space to our law enforcement officers on the side of the highway. Apparently, the move over law is not just here on planet Earth, but in other solar systems far away as well!” Remember, whether you’re driving a car or a flying saucer, always move over and slow down for emergency vehicles!“
— Kansas Highway Patrol
Source: KOAM News

Archeologist digs up history beneath Polk-Quincy Viaduct

An archeologist with the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) is helping uncover hidden pieces of Topeka’s history at the site of a major construction project. 27 News spoke with Shelby Beltz, a State Historic Preservation Office archeologist, about her work at the Polk-Quincy Viaduct site in Topeka. In a recent publication from the KSHS, Beltz describes the archeological findings being there amid the ongoing labors of construction crews on and beneath the viaduct. Beltz said she watches the workers in action, keeping an eye out for any interesting materials among the dirt while utilities are being relocated. By working closely with contractors on site, Beltz is able to locate and study relics left over from Topeka’s earlier residents. “The main thing we wanted to make sure that we were doing was documenting this early part of Topeka,” Beltz said. “This was part of ‘original town’.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

City of Emporia promotes Tayler Wash to Assistant City Manager during Civic Leadership Institute’s celebration

Tayler Wash’s hard work has paid off in her short time as the City of Emporia’s Director of Special Projects. During the closing moments of the celebration of the inaugural Civic Leadership Institute Tuesday evening, Wash was handed a key to the City of Emporia from City Manager Trey Cocking. On the key was the inscription, “Tayler Wash, Assistant City Manager.” Wash says she was excited about the key, however, it took her a moment to realize what just happened. Wash says she’s thankful for the support from City Commissioners and City of Emporia staff for believing in her putting together a new ‘staple’ to the community. Cocking says the timing was right to promote Wash. Cocking says with Wash as Assistant City Manager, this will help her take a step forward with the City of Emporia and her achievement. Cocking says Deputy City Manager Mark Detter’s job will stay the same.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

Rawlins County school bond, sales tax passes

Voters in Rawlins County resoundingly voted yes to a $29.9 million school bond to rebuild the school that was destroyed by arson in June 2023. Out of 943 voters, 636 said yes to the bond issue, and 307 said no. They also voted 783-285 in favor of a 1% sales tax to help fund that school bond. Several members of the community told KSN they are rejoicing. They said they have been in desperate need of a new school since it was destroyed by two juveniles who were found guilty of arson. “It’s a great night for our community,” Eric Stoddard said. “It’s a great night for our school. The fire last summer was devastating for everybody; that building had been up for 100 years.”
Source: KSN-TV

Municipal Bond Trends for August 6, 2024

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Wichita Firefighter Ty Voth

Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in honor of Wichita Firefighter Ty Voth, who passed away in the line of duty on Aug. 1, 2024. “Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice, and he was taken much too soon,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Wichita community.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Municipal Bond Trends for August 5, 2024

Cherokee Co. moves to have fallen City Marshal memorialized

Recently, it came to light that the name of Empire City Marshal Marion Thomas, along with his service and sacrifice to the community, was missing from the etched marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. The omission was brought to the attention of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office according to Chief Deputy Nate Jones. Jones says with support from the Community Outreach Deputy and the Cherokee County Genealogical Society, they have spent the last few weeks collecting historical records. These documents included newspaper articles, and court documents from the era, detailing the events surrounding Marshal Thomas’s death. According to those historical records, on the afternoon of February 5, 1900, City Marshal Thomas responded to a saloon incident near Columbia and Main Street in what is now the City of Galena. Shots had been fired within the establishment, and when Marshal Thomas attempted to disarm the shooter, he was shot multiple times and died almost immediately. Marshal Thomas left behind his wife, Ollie Hopkins, and their three children. “Regardless of whether this lawman gave his life 124 years ago or today, his service and sacrifice are worthy of being memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which is why following the research, an official application was made to have his name included and his selflessness honored,” said Chief Deputy Jones.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Family sues Topeka police over deadly shooting

The family of a man who was shot and killed by Topeka Police has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the officers involved. On Oct. 13, 2022, Taylor Lowery, 33, was killed following a domestic disturbance at his family’s southeast Topeka home. According to findings released by the Shawnee County Attorney’s Office on Jan. 25, 2023, Topeka police responded to a call from Lowery’s sister that he was armed with a knife and attempting to force his way into the her bedroom. After barricading himself inside the home, DA investigators said Lowery drove to a gas station where he tried to carjack a woman at knifepoint. There, police shot and killed Lowery after they said he charged at them with a knife. Following investigations by both the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Michael Kagay announced his office would not file criminal charges against the officers involved. Lowery’s family said they have submitted requests to the City of Topeka and KBI through the Kansas Open Records Act for copies of documents of evidence related to the shooting as well as police body camera video of the incident. They only received a two-page redacted standard offense report. The family alleges the officers lacked probable cause to kill Lowery because he did not pose a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officers or the public. They accuse police of using more force than was reasonably necessary and of violating Lowery’s 14th Amendment rights. The family is seeking a jury trial on the matter. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett released the following written statement in response to the lawsuit: “The city takes claims of this nature very seriously. The shooting in question was investigated by the KBI and their findings were reviewed by the District Attorney. The city will vigorously defend the suit and has full faith that the justice system will resolve this matter. Due to pending litigation, and in order to not further prejudice the process, the city has no additional comment.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

Live fire demonstration highlights Girard’s firefighter training

First responders in Kansas kicked off a day of training as a part of this month’s “Crawford County Fire School.” “Oh, it was just a reminder that instead of just doing, I got to slow down and coach him along,” said Ron Ewing, son and father fire school duo. Out of 45 firefighters, Kaiden and Ron Ewing are the father and son duo who chose to go through this month’s Crawford County Fire School together. “I was proud, you know, but humble also that he’s ever since he was little, he’s been coming around to the fire schools and stuff,” said Ron Ewing. Since he was little, Kaiden got to watch his father as firefighter of 20 years go through his own training. But before he goes off to college to play baseball, he’s turning his dream into a reality. “We’re making memories before I leave and great memories and dream. I’ve always had to run through a trailer with him or just a fire and get trained by him, especially for all he knows,” said Kaiden Ewing. Across Kansas, trainings are held each month, with this one being in Girard. Firefighters learned about extrication from vehicle wrecks, hose handling, and even a live fire demonstration. “We’re putting crews inside a burn trailer that’s got class-A fuels in it so they can simulate feel the heat coming down on them, being able to put water on a fire and make it go out as best they can,” said Steve Hirsch, Kansas State Firefighters Association treasurer. Making an eight-hour drive to this training, he says having the training is crucial. “When they’re called to duty there. It’s got to be a hard job. And so this is where they learn those skills that they can apply to help protect their neighbors,” said Hirsch. A job that without training wouldn’t get done properly and why Ron says he couldn’t be more honored for his son to follow in his footsteps. “A lot of communities depend on volunteer service recruitment, retention and getting them at a young age to start is where you gotta be,” said Ron Ewin.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ashcraft notes 40th year with city

In the mid-1980s, Dennis Ashcraft, fresh out of Cloud County Community College where he majored in agricultural science, had come back to his native Holton to start a career — but what that career would be was yet to be determined. “I’d graduated from college and I wanted to stay in this area,” Ashcraft said. “A position came open at the city’s wastewater treatment plans, so I applied for it, thinking I could do that until I figured out what I wanted to do.” On July 1, 1984, Ashcraft began his tenure with the city. Forty years later, he smiles and says, “I’m still here.” Today, the primary goal for Ashcraft, who’s been the City of Holton’s water and wastewater superintendent since 1997, and the crew he works with remains ensuring that Holton’s water customers can turn on their kitchen faucet, pour a glass of water and drink it and have nothing to worry about while they’re quenching their thirst. He’s also in charge of the Public Wholesale Water Supply District 18 water treatment plant, which pulls water from Banner Creek Reservoir for treatment and sale to customers in Holton and in Jackson County Rural Water District 3. “The water running out of this plant goes to RWD 3 and the city, and that’s about 12,000 people — that’s 12,000 people that we’re responsible for the quality of their drinking water,” Ashcraft said. “It’s something the whole crew takes seriously. They understand that they’re responsible for every drop of water that comes out of there.” Over the past 40 years, Ashcraft has seen a number of changes that have affected his line of work, whether those changes have been mandated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or dictated by changes in technology and water filtration systems. “The number of things we’re required to test for in the water has obviously grown,” he said. “None of the rules ever get less stringent.” Those rules, Ashcraft said, include the federal Clean Water Act, with its changes in structure that trickle down to KDHE and to his departments, whether they involve water and wastewater treatment procedures or keeping an eye out for unwanted chemicals in treated water. Ashcraft has also borne witness to the changes in Holton city government in the past four decades, starting with his early years as a city employee. Holton’s utility departments were organized differently in those days, when the city’s main supply of water was Prairie Lake, he said. “Back then, the distribution crew handled the electric lines, the water lines and the sewer lines,” he noted. “Lyle Lee was my boss, and he was in charge of the light plant, the water plant and the sewer plant.”
Source: Holton Recorder

Logan Burns hired as Great Bend City Administrator

Great Bend Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns has been named the new City Administrator, effective Monday, Aug. 12. The decision was approved at the Aug. 5 City Council meeting with a 6-1 vote, following a 20-minute executive session where council members discussed the position. This Friday will be the last day for the current City Administration, Brandon Anderson, who announced his resignation in July. Councilman Davis Jimenez attended the meeting via telephone and was the only council member voting “no” to the appointment. Councilwoman Jolene Biggs was absent. During the meeting, Anderson mentioned a change of other department heads. Darren Doonan has been promoted in the utilities department to Utilities Supervisor. Jenna Pitchford, the previous utilities supervisor, has been named Street Superintendent. The new appointments went into effect on Aug. 5. Also at Monday’s meeting, Mayor Cody Schmidt appointed Dirk Becker to a position on the Airport Advisory Board. That was approved as part of a consent agenda that also included permits related to parking and other matters at upcoming events, and a door-to-door license for Venessa Favela with Quick & Right Roofing LLC, based in Great Bend. The consent agenda also included paying 2024 bills to date and paying the payroll register ending July 20, in the amount of $559,560.79.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Voters will decide the fate of Great Bend’s 1/2-cent sales tax

A half-cent sales tax that went into effect in 2020 is set to end in 2025 unless Great Bend residents vote for it to continue. At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, a resolution was passed that will place the question on the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election. As soon as the resolution was approved, the City was ready to post information about the sales tax on its website, greatbendks.net. Brandon Anderson, attending his final meeting as City Administrators, said the half-cent sales tax was set up by the City Council with input from the public to give 45% of the proceeds to Capital Improvements (Public Safety upgrades), 20% to Economic Development and 35% for property tax relief. The tax has not changed since its inception. City Attorney Allen Glendenning said the resolution approved by the City Council on Monday gives notice of the City’s intent to continue the tax and calls for a special election. He noted that the tax was reaffirmed by voters in 2004 and again in 2014. “If we didn’t have this, it probably would have raised property taxes,” he said. Anderson agreed, stressing the election will be to keep an existing tax, not create a new one. If the public votes “no” and the tax fails to continue, Anderson said, “We will need to make significant cuts for public safety upgrades/improvements and economic development projects. Without this sales tax, the City will have to significantly increase property tax or make cuts to public service. “A vote ‘yes’ will renew the current half-cent sales tax. The sales tax will NOT increase with this vote. It is 8.7% now and will stay 8.7%.” To check out the City’s online information at greatbendks.net, type in 2024 Sales Tax Renewal in the search bar. Anyone needing assistance or information may also send an email to City Hall at business@greatbendks.net.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

City Commission to vote Aug. 6 on new City Manager for Manhattan

The City of Manhattan is pleased to announce that the City Commission will vote on Tuesday, August 6 to appoint Danielle Dulin to serve as Manhattan’s ninth City Manager, with an anticipated start date of Monday, October 14. Dulin was selected following a nationwide search conducted by Strategic Government Resources (SGR) that produced a field of 50 candidates and an extensive interview process involving four finalists who visited Manhattan. “The process went smoothly, and we were very pleased with SGR’s services. The high quality of our candidate pool speaks to Manhattan’s tremendous appeal,” said Mayor Susan E. Adamchak. “Our community will benefit from Danielle’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership. I’m excited to work with her.” Dulin has more than 10 years of municipal leadership experience in the greater Kansas City area, including her current role as City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. Prior to her tenure with Warrensburg, she served as Assistant to the City Manager for the cities of Lenexa, Prairie Village, and Mission Hills.
Source: Manhattan – News Flash

Goessel Council hears strong opposition to wind turbines

Goessel city council met on July 14 and reviewed the survey the city had conducted about wind turbines. While many of the respondents do favor other forms of alternative energy, the overwhelming majority do not favor wind turbines. The survey asked about a buffer around the city, and most of the respondents would like a 10-mile buffer. Mayor Evan Esau said he has sent a letter to the other cities in the county to ask their opinion about wind turbines and a buffer. Council member Amanda Voth said the next county planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22. Community members are encouraged to attend that meeting and speak out about wind turbines.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

With journalists scarce, Wichita Documenters keep eyes on public meetings

The journalism industry is in crisis, and there aren’t nearly enough reporters around to cover all the public meetings they used to attend. So what if a small army of citizens could be recruited to attend and make a record of those meetings? That’s kind of the idea behind Wichita Documenters, a program launched earlier this year. Retired librarian Sharon Ailslieger is one of the Documenters. “I believe in civic engagement, and I think people should be aware of what’s going on in their government, especially at the local level,” Ailslieger said. Affiliated with the national Documenters Network, Wichita Documenters is funded by the Wichita Foundation and managed by the Kansas Leadership Center in partnership with members of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative (of which The Active Age is a member). The program’s initial funding is for three years. Ailslieger spent her career as a librarian for Boeing, Friends University, Garden City and McConnell Air Force Base. A friend told her about the Documenter program. After applying, she attended training at the leadership center. She was already familiar with the operations of many public bodies from her early years as a member of the League of Women Voters, when the organization routinely sent observers to public meetings. Like journalists, Documenters try to be accurate and objective. Unlike journalists, Documenters don’t ask follow-up questions, interview participants or incorporate other sources of information into what they write. Documenters are encouraged to take photographs and insert “hyper-links” — which are digital links to other sources of information — into their notes.
Source: KLC Journal

City of Bel Aire enacting water restrictions

Beginning Monday, the City of Bel Aire will join Derby and Wichita in enacting water restrictions. Bel Aire gets its water from Wichita and the Chisolm Creek Utility Authority. Because Bel Aire receives water from Wichita, the city will be enacting the same restrictions on water usage. The restrictions will be in place for the next two months, after which the restrictions will be reevaluated.
Source: KSN-TV

Haysville says its water supply is secure

The City of Haysville is addressing residents concerns about its water supply. The City says the public has been asking about the water supply following the announcement of water restrictions in Wichita and Derby. Both are now in Stage 2 of their drought response plan, with mandatory restrictions going into effect Monday. Haysville Public Works says the city’s water supply comes from five local wells and is stable and secure. Low water levels at Cheney Lake and other water sources do not affect the supply. However, the public works department says residents should still be mindful of their water usage and that water conservation is important for the future sustainability of the city’s water supply.
Source: KSN-TV

Derby enters phase 2 of water conservation

The City of Derby has moved to phase 2 of its water conservation plan following Wichita’s Thursday announcement of mandatory water restrictions beginning August 5. Mandatory restrictions will also go into effect Monday for Derby, which receives its water from the City of Wichita. The City of Derby will also take steps to conserve water, including monitoring its daily usage, repairing all leaks within 24 hours of detection, flushing hydrants and water mains, washing vehicles only in emergency situations, and making efforts to repurpose the water used in those instances. “Let’s all try and do our part to help the entire region by working together to be good stewards of our limited water resources during this time of drought,” said City Manager Kiel Mangus in a news release. “A reduction in outdoor lawn and landscape irrigation can make a huge impact at this time. The City as a whole averages over two times as much daily water use during the summer months due to irrigation compared to usage during the winter months.”
Source: KSN-TV

City asks community to help choose next Topeka Police Chief

Topekans met with the city for the second time to say what they hope to see in the next police chief. The City of Topeka held its second of three input sessions for the community to say what they would like to see in the next police chief. The City Manager offered three available times throughout this week and into the weekend, as well as an online survey to try and reach as many people as the city can. These sessions and survey let people voice their opinions on what they would like to see in the police chief to help better the community. Many community members showed up to speak on what they would like to see with the common themes surrounding clarity, transparency, and inclusiveness interaction. “I’m just here out of concern for the community. We all have to work together. It’s not just on the city manager,” LaRonna Lassiter Saunders, Justice Advocate and Attorney, said. “It’s not just on the Chief of Police. It’s on me, and it’s on you to come together and you know talk about what we need and then stop talking and put some action into place.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

Wichita firefighter Ty Voth lived and died as a hero, WFD chief says

The city of Wichita is taking steps to honor a 27-year-old firefighter who died in the line of duty on Thursday, and the firefighters union president is calling for a full investigation into what happened. Wichita firefighter Ty Voth, a 5-year veteran of the Wichita Fire Department, responded with a crew on Engine 19 to “a heavy fire at a modular home down in Haysville” on Thursday afternoon, Chief Tammy Snow said at a Friday morning news conference. His crew was assigned to attack the fire. “He was extremely dedicated and a brave firefighter who served our community,” Snow said. “Ty ran in to danger when others ran out. He served valiantly for others, for the greater good. We value the critical services and sacrifice of firefighter Voth. This is a loss that weighs heavily on all of us. Ty was a proud member of Station 5, and his station brothers and sisters in our entire community grieve deeply together. “He lived as a hero. He died as a hero. And he’ll be remembered as a hero.” The city of Wichita has lowered its flags to half-staff and will illuminate City Hall in red lights to honor Voth, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu said on Friday.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

K-State community health worker project helps rural Kansas and agricultural workforce

A large collaborative K-State 105 project is bringing together 12 partners — including Kansas State University units, other higher education institutions and health organizations — to help improve rural and agriculture-connected health across the state. The Rural Ag Health Community Health Worker project focuses on sustaining the health and safety of rural Kansans and the agricultural workforce. The project is establishing resource and service hubs staffed by community health workers who are co-supervised by local K-State Research and Extension units and health care partners. The project has received funding and support through the K-State 105 initiative. “Local extension units participating in the Rural Ag Health Community Health Worker project serve as a gateway to help rural residents manage chronic conditions, prevent injuries and reduce risk of illness,” said Elaine Johannes, Kansas Health Foundation distinguished professor in community health and state extension specialist. “Extension units are known for providing education to promote and improve health; now, with the addition of community health workers, extension will be a resource and partner for local health care teams.”
Source: The New Sunflower State Radio Network

Municipal Bond Trends for August 2, 2024

This JoCo suburb is celebrating its 75th anniversary with several upcoming events

Like one of its northeast Johnson County neighbors, the city of Fairway is turning 75 years old this year. To celebrate, the city is hosting several free events in the coming months at Neale Peterson Park — including a citywide party and a free concert.
Source: Johnson County Post

Fed holds rates steady and notes progress on inflation

Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday held short-term interest rates steady but indicated that inflation is getting closer to target, which could open the door for future interest rate cuts. Central bankers made no obvious indications, though, that a reduction is imminent, choosing to maintain language that indicates ongoing concerns about economic conditions, albeit with progress. They also preserved a declaration that more progress is needed before rate reductions can happen.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Overland Park will soon break ground on its newest park, which will have a touch of Germany

Overland Park announced the name of the park as part of the city’s festivities celebrating the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, back in 2019. With that connection in mind, Overland Park has drawn “architectural and cultural inspirations” from the German city and incorporated that into the park’s design, according to the city.
Source: Johnson County Post

Lenexa could get parkland out of rare land swap with developer

The city of Lenexa is exploring a trade with developers that would net the city about 12 acres of parkland in the vicinity of Prairie Star Parkway & Mize Road. It’s a rare move and a precursor to an as-yet undefined residential project that could eventually be proposed in the city’s far western reaches.
Source: Johnson County Post

Johnson County school districts see small number of transfers

In Kansas, it’s the first year of open enrollment, where parents can apply to send their kids to any public school district they want, no matter where live. One of the stipulations though is that the desired building in that other school district has to have room or capacity for that student. Early estimates from two of Johnson County’s largest public school districts show that a small amount of parents took advantage of this new law this year. Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) Chief Communications Officer David Smith says 38 students are transferring into the school district from outside of its boundaries for the 2024-2025 school year. “When we think of about 38 students, that’s out of 26,000, so it’s just a little over one tenth of one percent,” Smith said in an interview with FOX4 Wednesday. “That’s a really small number. and I guess to me, that means that there probably wasn’t a lot of public interest or support.” Republican State Senator Molly Baumgardner supported the bill that called for the open enrollment policies. She said there were more than 1,000 openings available in the SMSD for the upcoming school year. The only other Kansas school district in the metro bigger than Shawnee Mission is Olathe. At a July board meeting, Olathe Public School (OPS) leaders talked about this issue and went more in-depth about the transfer numbers in. District wide at the elementary level in Olathe, there were 386 openings available but just 28 open enrollment applications into the district. At the middle school level, there were 119 openings and 21 open enrollment applications into the district. At the high school level, there were 85 openings available and 29 applications to enroll into the district. “I don’t think that school districts knew really what to predict,” Baumgardner said in an interview with FOX4 Wednesday. As to whether a school district can accommodate more students depends on whether they’re growing, according to Baumgardner. “You have some school districts such as Spring Hill which just like Maize, that’s west of Wichita, they are the two fastest growing districts,” she continued. “They have very little [transfers in]. In fact Maize said, we have no openings for anyone except for those students that live within our service area.” The enrollment for OPS has dropped since 2021, according to their website. In 2021, they had 29,404 students. In 2022, they had 29,043. In 2023, they had 28,619. The application process for a parent wanting their child to attend a different public school district than the one they live in in Kansas closed at the end of June for this upcoming school year.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF

Governor Kelly Announces Summit Truck Bodies Investing $50M, Creating 80 New Jobs in Wathena

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that Summit Truck Bodies (STB), a leader in service and lube truck body manufacturing, will invest $50 million to construct a new state-of-the-art facility in Wathena. The strategic expansion, which will double the company’s production output and create 80 new jobs, aims to meet the rising demand for high-quality service trucks. The new plant is being built next to its existing facility, and construction is expected to be completed in 20 months. “Summit Truck Bodies’ expansion is proof that our dedicated workforce, quality of life, and central location draw businesses across various industries,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Kansas will continue to partner with first-class companies like Summit Truck Bodies to ensure communities throughout the state have opportunities to prosper.” The new facility will include a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing space and 20,000 square feet dedicated to office spaces and showrooms. It will be located adjacent to the existing production and warehouse facility to ensure efficiency, optimize workflow, and double production output. This expansion will focus on service body production and the final assembly of service trucks. “The most exciting aspect of this expansion is the integration of new technology and streamlined processes that will maximize our production efficiency,” Summit Truck Bodies Plant Manager Chris Walter said. “The advanced equipment will improve fabrication and paint speed, reduce physical strain on our workers, and ensure consistent high quality. This expansion will significantly decrease lead times and enhance after-sales support, directly benefiting our customers.” The current 132,000-square-foot facility will be transformed to streamline capability in key areas, shifting its focus to manufacturing lube trucks, drawer systems, cranes, body refurbishments, and parts sales. “A concerted focus on strengthening our state’s advanced manufacturing sector is not only attracting companies from around the world but encouraging existing companies to expand operations right here in Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Working with companies like Summit Truck Bodies is what will keep our state on the dominant trajectory of growth we’re experiencing.” “We are excited about Summit Truck Bodies’ investment and their expansion of their facility in our city,” Wathena Mayor John Hontz said. “Summit has proven to be a great employer, providing valuable opportunities and benefits to our community. The Wathena City Council is pleased to be partners and stands ready to assist them in any way possible.” Summit Truck Equipment (STE), a sister company of STB, is focused on selling custom service and lube trucks and equipment STB produces. The recent expansion of Summit Truck Bodies’ manufacturing capabilities will significantly elevate STE’s capacity to meet market needs. “The expansion of Summit Truck Bodies will improve our responsiveness to market needs, shorten lead times, and improve customer experience,” Summit Truck Equipment National Sales Manager Daniel DeAces said. “This growth will allow us to hire more sales team members to cover open territories, expand our market reach, build stronger relationships, and gain deeper insights into our customers’ needs. With strategically located sales representatives across the U.S., we can connect with new clients and grow our customer base by leveraging brand recognition, trust, and factory support.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Fed holds rates steady and notes progress on inflation

Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday held short-term interest rates steady but indicated that inflation is getting closer to its target, which could open the door for future interest rate cuts. Central bankers made no obvious indications, though, that a reduction is imminent, choosing to maintain language that indicates ongoing concerns about economic conditions, albeit with progress. They also preserved a declaration that more progress is needed before rate reductions can happen. “The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals continue to move into better balance,” the Federal Open Market Committee’s post-meeting statement said, a slight upgrade from previous language. “Inflation has eased over the past year but remains somewhat elevated,” the statement continued. “In recent months, there has been some further progress toward the Committee’s 2 percent inflation objective.” However, speaking with the media, Chair Jerome Powell indicated that while no decision has been made about actions at future meetings a cut could come as soon as September if the economic data showed inflation easing. “If that test is met, a reduction in our policy rate could be on the table as soon as the next meeting in September,” Powell said.
Source: Finance

Outdoor watering limited to once a week in Wichita as historic drought continues

Wichitans will soon see mandatory restrictions on lawn and flower watering as the city copes with an ongoing drought. City pools also will close earlier than usual. Officials announced Thursday that the city is entering Stage 2 of its drought response. When the restrictions go into effect on Monday, Aug. 5, Wichitans will be limited to watering lawns and flower gardens once a week and will be prohibited from watering between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. “We must all come together to change our lawn care practices in order to preserve our most precious resource,” City Manager Robert Layton said. “We’re probably going to have to get used to brown lawns in order to make sure that we have safe drinking water for all of our residents.” Water levels at Cheney Reservoir have dropped below 62% as of the last reading, a historic low. City officials had previously encouraged Wichitans to reduce water use voluntarily. With the Stage 2 restrictions in effect, residents will now be fined for perpetual violations. Food-producing gardens are exempt from the restrictions as long as they are watered by irrigation rather than an automatic sprinkler system. Residents who use well water for irrigation are also exempt. Businesses dependent on water use for operations such as hospitals, car washes and golf courses are exempt from watering restrictions.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Municipal Bond Trends for August 1, 2024

Trees down all over Lawrence after storm; meteorologist says harsh winds were likely a downburst

Trees were destroyed and damaged all across Lawrence in a storm late Wednesday. Thursday morning light revealed the extent and the collateral damage from felled limbs and branches. Damage was widespread across town. Robert Bieniecki, director of Douglas County Emergency Management, said there were 40-plus reports of trees or limbs down, 12 reported power lines down, 14 reports of arcing power lines and two reports of traffic signals out. They did not receive any reports of injuries, he said. The city is canceling its city-load compost event set for Saturday and will instead open the compost facility to Lawrence residents only for storm debris dropoff. Find details about that in the article at this link. Some have speculated that the strong wind gusts that accompanied the thunderstorm may have been a microburst. Sarah Teefey, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Topeka, said that “Right now I would classify it as what we call a downburst — wind gusts similar to a microburst except a little bit bigger in coverage. It was likely just a strong updraft from a thunderstorm that came down and pushed out from that thunderstorm.” Wind gusts reached between 70 and 80 mph, and the NWS’ rain gauge at the Lawrence airport showed the area received .63 inches of rain in the storm, Teefey said. She said temperatures would likely stick around the mid-90s, but “right now we’re looking dry through the weekend.”
Source: The Lawrence Times