Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Merriam adopts new rules after decision to take ‘thin blue line’ flags out of annual display

Following a debate over the use of “thin blue line” flags in the city’s annual Fourth of July event, Merriam has adopted a new official flag display policy. The Merriam City Council on Monday unanimously approved the new flag rules for city property and city-run events, which came after the decision to exclude “thin blue line” flags and display only U.S. flags during the city’s Flags 4 Freedom event that starts later this month. The new policy approved Monday goes beyond that one event and outlines what flags the city can display on city-owned flag poles and at citywide events. It also offers a way for the governing body to request additional flag displays at the base of several flag poles at the city’s municipal plaza, 9001 W. 62nd St. Last month, the city council decided to display only U.S. flags during the city’s Flags 4 Freedom event, which occurs each year during the week of the Fourth of July. This is the first year that the city is sponsoring and managing the event, which was previously overseen by a group of volunteers, and there were concerns over displaying a handful of “thin blue line” flags as has been done in previous years.
Source: Johnson County Post

Park City’s long-awaited $500M mixed-use development to break ground this week

Park City is ready for a groundbreaking on a massive and long-awaited mixed-use development. Wichita’s Lange Real Estate announced Monday it will break ground Friday on a 160-acre, mixed-use development west of I-135 between 53rd Street North and 61st Street. The development, called Champtown Addition, is slated to cost $500 million with several commercial projects, including a 180-room hotel and around 132,000 square feet of retail space with restaurants, big-box retail, and a multi-sport facility that will have baseball and softball fields. The plans include a 78,100 square-foot aquarium to operate as a nonprofit by Arizona-based operator OdySea, with a 20,000 square-foot rainforest-inspired butterfly conservatory. “This groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a project that will transform the community and provide residents and visitors with a unique destination for years to come,” Lange Real Estate’s Rachel Lange-Mills said in a news release.
Source: Wichita Business Journal

USD 259 looks to rebuild, renovate, and consolidate 25 schools

Wichita Public Schools is looking to rebuild, renovate, and consolidate 25 schools across the district over the next five years. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld presented the Board of Education with his recommendations for the facility master plan. “The recommendations would occur over the next five years or more,” Bielefeld said. “The vision for new facilities as well as enhancements to current facilities support educational adequacy, equity and efficiency.” Bielefeld is asking members of the district to take a survey online starting on Tuesday to give their thoughts on the proposed plan. He adds the locations of the various rebuilds and consolidations are strictly data-based. “What our consultants have is essentially, kind of a heat map of the districts, you know, footprint, and areas where there are the most students and the most projected students. And that is where we are building the new schools.” But how will this all be paid for? Bielefeld said that one option, down the road, would be to have a $450 million bond issue for voters. However, he adds the bond would not raise taxes. “We feel like we can finance this and lay it out for another this would be a 20 year bond is what we’re proposing. And we could keep the mill rate neutral for that bond because it’s been so long since we’ve passed the last one.”
Source: KAKE – News

There’s a new Chief of Police in the City of Columbus

Columbus has a new police chief. “I understand that I have big shoes to fill,” said Chief Kyle Clark. The City Council selected Clark to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City. He’s a lifelong resident of Cherokee County and has served the Columbus Police Department for more than a decade. According to the City, his extensive experience includes roles as Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, in addition to three years with the Pittsburg State University Police Department. Chief Clark holds numerous law enforcement professional certifications, including credentials in crime scene investigation, verbal de-escalation, and narcotics detection. Chief Clark graduated from Pittsburg State University in December 2022 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies. “I understand that I have big shoes to fill,” said Chief Clark. “I am committed to advancing the legacy established by Jason Daniels and am excited to have the opportunity to serve this community. It is both an honor and a privilege.”
Source: KOAM News

Governor Kelly Announces 12 Rural Communities and Organizations to Receive Funding for Mural and Public Art Projects

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 12 communities and organizations will receive a combined $78,800 to allow 20 new murals and public art projects to revive public spaces and engage residents and visitors. “Murals and public art installations welcome people to our rural communities while developing community pride and showcasing the rich history of our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments in this program allow art to flourish and enhance public spaces for visitors and communities alike.” The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural Public Art grant program awardees are in communities across the state with a population of less than 15,000. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions. Each project requires a one-to-one match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several projects plan to start in the next few weeks. “Working with local partners to develop compelling places across the state is one of the initiatives detailed in the Kansas Framework for Growth – our state’s economic development strategic plan,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Lenexa is launching a pilot program to give seniors property tax relief

Lenexa is planning to launch a pilot program that will provide $100,000 in property tax relief for older homeowners in the area. On Tuesday, the Lenexa City Council unanimously approved a Governing Body Finance Policy for a Property Tax Rebate Program intended to provide property tax relief for eligible homeowners. The program is intended to provide property tax relief for eligible older homeowners and lessen the tax burden resulting from rising home values. The program has been in talks for about a year. “This is great,” said Councilmember Courtney Eiterich. “I know we’ve hashed through a lot of different scenarios on this, and I’m happy to see this come to fruition. I hope that we get lots of applicants.” The measure is similar to a pilot program recently discussed by the Overland Park City Council in May. Every eligible applicant will receive a property tax rebate equal to a pro rata share of available funds, capped at 75% of the City’s share of the homeowner’s property tax bill. The amount each applicant will be reimbursed depends on the total number of eligible applications. It is anticipated that rebate amounts will range from approximately $550 to a maximum of $924.
Source: KCUR News

Gov. Kelly approves updated drought declarations, emergency water use approved for four counties

Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties through a proclamation. “While drought conditions have improved in some areas of the state, many counties continue to be negatively impacted by the decline in water supply or strains on water resources,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to conserve water over the summer months.” The drought declaration placed four counties into emergency status, 35 into warning status, and 66 into watch status. While Eastern Kansas has seen significant relief from drought since March, central and western Kansas has declined rapidly into severe and, in a few counties, extreme drought. “The counties in a watch status are experiencing conditions that indicate the probability of a water shortage is rising. It is important to monitor these conditions and be mindful of water usage in these counties,” said Owen. “Summer has arrived, and with it, higher temperatures and a decrease in precipitation. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.”
Source: KAKE – News

Wichita says most systems back online following cyberattack

The City of Wichita says recovery efforts following the recent cyberattack are progressing well and that most public facing systems are back in service with some limited exceptions. Water metering, billing and payment processing systems are coming back online, the city said in a release on Monday. Customers should expect to begin receiving updated statements this week. Auto-payments are functioning as normal, and customers should now have access to their utility accounts online. Bills may be paid via card, cash, check and money order at City Hall. You can also access your water account and pay online at link.wichita.gov. You can also mail your payment or pay over the phone by calling (316) 265-1300. “Please be aware, due to the cyber incident, which impaired processing bills and payments, some June bills will be for more than 60 days of service,” the release said.
Source: KAKE – News

Pittsburg seeks $360K grant to support homeless community

For more than a decade, the City of Pittsburg has annually applied for the Emergency Solutions Grant through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This year, the city is requesting over $300,000 to support its homeless community. “We also help with homeless prevention funds, which assist individuals in staying housed by covering back rent or utilities assistance. Additionally, there’s funding for shelter operations,” said Megan Keener, Assistant Director of Housing. Last year, Pittsburg applied for $450,000 but received approximately $100,000. If the full amount isn’t granted this year, city officials plan to be strategic with the funds they do receive. “We have to be more mindful of how much we are helping individuals. We just need to ensure that we are truly helping those who need the assistance,” Keener added. However, not all residents are confident in the city’s approach. Rodger Lomshek, co-founder of the Facebook group “Citizens for Pittsburg,” which has 5,000 members, voiced his skepticism. “If this is the way to solve the problem—more money or more people working—why is the problem continually getting worse?” Lomshek questioned.
Source: KOAM News

Community theatre debuts with auditions for interactive comedy murder mystery

Excitement fills the air as the newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre announces auditions for its inaugural production, “Holy Mother of Bingo!” by Patrick Walsh. Auditions are set for June 17 or 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ellis Performing Arts Center, Fort Scott Community College. Open to adults and teens, no prior preparation is required for this interactive comedy murder mystery. Set during an innocent bingo fundraiser at Our Mother of Mercy church, the plot thickens as parishioners mysteriously drop dead. With suspects aplenty, tensions rise and past feuds come to light. Could it be the disgruntled choir director, the magician turned youth minister, or even one of the Cookie Cadets? Performances are slated for August 2 and 3, with rehearsals typically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. Aspiring actors and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be part of Bourbon County’s burgeoning theater community. Anyone who would like to join the community theatre or assist with the technical aspects of the play can fill out an interest form on the Facebook page.
Source: KOAM News

Benefit car show, cornhole tournament for Police Chief’s family

The community of Columbus, Kansas is coming together to support one of its own. According to the City of Columbus, Police Chief Jason Daniels was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this month and community members are coming together to support him and his family during this time. Chief Jason Daniels served the community for more than 20 years. The city says a Benefit Car Show and Cookout will be held at the fairgrounds on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Columbus Fairgrounds. Community members have organized a Venmo account that will go directly to Jason’s family. The QR code can be found in the event flyer. “While these circumstances are most unfortunate, our community has always come together in times like these. Chief Daniels has dedicated his professional life to keeping this community safe. We hope that you all are able to share information about these events with your networks and participate and contribute as you are able,” – The City of Columbus Facebook Page.
Source: KOAM News

Pittsburg official discusses inflation’s toll on City Hall & budget

Inflation isn’t just impacting local residents, it’s also affecting City Hall. Pittsburg Deputy City Manager Jay Byers says the city’s budget has “most definitely” been impacted by inflation. Byers notes that a few years ago, during the pandemic, there were some extreme spikes in some products due to problems with the supply chain, but for the most part, that has leveled out. He said overall, the city is paying 5-percent more for items than a year ago, but they are also seeing more money come into the city. “Yes, it’s absolutely impacting us now. Fortunately, we’re having, you know, our our natural growth of our sales and our property tax are taking care of most of that. So it’s not alarming for us. It’s not creating budgetary difficulties, but it is something we’re going to have to keep our eyes on,” said Byers. Byers adds that they expect the 5-percent increase to happen again next year as well.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Here’s how a possible $450 million bond issue could reshape Wichita school district

The Wichita school board heard a plan Monday for a $450 million bond issue proposal that would support the complete rebuilding of eight schools over the next five to six years. The district would reduce its overall footprint by 11 buildings, consolidating programs into new and existing facilities and closing four elementary schools, five special schools and two administrative buildings. The draft proposal, presented by Ohio-based consultant Woolpert, comes three months after the school board voted to permanently close six schools as a cost-saving measure. The board took no binding action Monday night, but intends to revisit the facilities master plan proposal on June 27 after community feedback on the recommendations has been collected. The board will also hold a workshop on the master plan before voting on it. Officials say the new bond proposal would not raise property taxes. Instead, it would maintain the existing elevated tax rate associated with the 2008 bond issue for however long it takes to pay off $450 million in new debt.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Chetopa avoids potential water crisis

Chetopa averted a potential crisis this week by creating a work-around after a waterline broke that transports water from the Neosho River to the city’s water treatment plant. The temporary fix, which was in place Tuesday, used a large pump to pull water from the river, deposit it in a portable pool used by firefighters to store water for fire suppression and then pump that out of the pool and into the intake pipe upstream from the break. The broken pipe was repaired by early Thursday afternoon. Scott Feagan, who is the city’s police chief and superintendent, said that the city had enough water stored in its tower to keep the system pressurized to avoid a state boil order. But the city staff still asked residents to conserve water while city crews tried to resolve the situation. Feagan said the 6-inch waterline that comes out of the well house broke. One of the city’s water treatment plant operators noticed on Monday that no water was coming into the plant and contacted Feagan. He drove to the river to look at the intake system and saw water boiling out at the river. Water is pumped uphill from the well house that sits on the river bank. The buried line comes uphill from the river at an angle and then levels out on top of the river bank at Veterans Park. The water plant is about two blocks to the west.
Source: Parsons Sun

Municipal Bond Trends for June 11, 2024

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. 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 June 10, 2024

Boeing’s woes mean rising anxiety in Wichita, Kansas, the ‘Air Capital of the World’

Not everyone in the self-proclaimed “Air Capital of the World” works in the aviation industry, though it seems like everybody here knows someone who does. That’s why the entire city has a stake in what happens to Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier that builds the fuselage for the 737 at a sprawling factory on the southern edge of town.
Source: NPR

Municipal Bond Trends for June 7, 2024

USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Fund Community and Economic Development Projects in Rural Communities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development … today invited applications for grants to help organizations improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development in rural areas. USDA is making up to $5 million in grants available under the Rural Community Development Initiative program. The program provides funding to organizations that provide financial and technical assistance for housing, community facilities, or community and economic development projects. Eligible applicants include public (including Tribal) organizations, nonprofit organizations and qualified private organizations.
For assistance with application for, or administration of, grants, contact Rose Mary Saunders or Crystal Hinnen.

Attorney shortage in rural Kansas

In December 2022, Chief Justice Marla Luckert issued an order establishing a Rural Justice Initiative Committee … The committee is to study the issue, gather data, and make recommendations by fall 2024. Statewide surveys and listening sessions have been conducted along with interviews of law school students. “(The shortage of attorneys) is becoming a constitutional crisis…”
Source: Hays Daily News

Immigrants help rural Kansas flourish, but they often face challenges once they’re here

With the diversification of the population there are starting to be cultural shifts. Both Garden City and Liberal now have two people of color on their respective city commissions. Kathleen Alonso is a civic engagement coordinator for the nonprofit New Frontiers. She was encouraged to run for local office after seeing the community embrace the majority minority, electing two Hispanic people to the city commission. Her campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, but she said the trend continues. “I’ve seen a lot more people that look and speak like me in more positions of power,” she said. Alonso knows all too well the struggles of an immigrant in rural Kansas. She grew up in a place lacking resources for children that looked like her, despite most of the children looking like her by 2010. “I had to translate for my parents, documents with my teachers and all that stuff,” Alonso said. “My mom was deported when I was 16, so immigration issues are really dear to my heart.” Immigrants not only support the economy through meatpacking, but now they provide essential services, like health care, education and grocery stores. And major organizations like schools and churches are starting to adapt. Jonathan Zamora is a pastor for Crosspoint, an English-speaking Christian church in Liberal. His parents came to southwest Kansas from Nicaragua to seek work and education opportunities in the late 1980s. Zamora has used his parents’ experiences to guide how he leads his church, reaching out to the Latino community and offering them leadership positions within the church. “As our community changes, organizations have to change, too, and our church needed to change,” Zamora said.
Source: KAKE – News

New $14 million emergency room facility planned for this south-central Kansas city

A new Wesley emergency room will soon be under construction in Andover. The $14 million facility is planned for 126 West Cloud Avenue just west of Andover Road on U.S. 54. It will have 12 beds. Lee Mangus, Andover’s director of community development, said the site’s location will make it easier for people coming from outside the city to access an emergency room. “It’s always good to have redundancy in facilities,” Mangus said. “I know Kansas Medical Center sometimes gets overwhelmed in their emergency room, and this location is closer to the southern end of our city.” According to a Wesley press release, the site will provide “full CT scanning and diagnostic x-ray services,” with a 26-person staff. The emergency room location was first proposed in June 2023. The site’s groundbreaking occurred on Wednesday, and the project is scheduled for completion in January 2025. The emergency room will sit across from Flint Hills Medical Clinic and to the west of an Auto Zone, Spangles and Flint Hills Wine & Spirits.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Commerce Awards Nearly $300,000 for Downtown Improvements in Kearny County

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced that Kearny County has been awarded $296,250 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for a new coffee and bakery shop. This Commercial Rehabilitation grant, along with $98,750 in local matching funds, will help restore an older building and revitalize downtown Deerfield in Kearny County. “With the opportunities that CDBG grants offer, communities such as Kearny County are able to fund projects that breathe new life into their town, downtown businesses and surrounding communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in rural Kansas and downtown businesses brings many opportunities for economic growth, enhancement of community vitality, and quality-of-life improvements for those who choose to call Kansas home.” This project marks the first Commercial Rehabilitation grant awarded to Kearny County, highlighting a significant milestone in this southwest Kansas county’s efforts to enhance a downtown area and support local businesses. The renovation is expected not only to boost the local economy but serve as a catalyst for future improvements and investments.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Book power: Johnson County program helps children in courthouse ‘feel not alone’

Going to a courtroom can be scary, especially for children at the center of custody cases. Getting a small gift can help to take some of the fear out of the experience. That’s where Courtroom Assisted Reading Encouragement (CARE) comes in to help. Those in charge of the program maintain a small book collection in the Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe, and any child who comes through Judge Kathleen Sloan’s courtroom gets the opportunity to pick a volume to take home and keep. “They get to end their day that probably started in the courtroom with entering this room and experiencing this very positive, empowering event,” said Melody Kinnamon, a librarian for the Johnson County Library system. “They get to pick what they want, and they get to keep it,” says Kinnamon, who oversees the program. “We’re coming alongside these kids during what we’re assuming is a difficult situation, and we’re trying to make it better.” Sloan, who handles child-in-need-of-care cases, said she has invited other judges and court-appointed special advocates to bring children to the CARE collection. “These are children who have either been removed from their parents or they stay with their parents with court involvement,” Sloan said. “Humanity or normalcy” is important, she said. Currently, about 150 to 200 new books each year are given out.
Source: Joco 913 News

Rules for backyard chickens in Johnson County keep evolving. Which cities allow them?

When the weather heats up and people in Johnson County start looking for new projects, questions about backyard chickens start popping up. In Johnson County, the rules for owning backyard chickens varies from city to city, which can cause confusion for both residents and city officials. For example, the City of Leawood strictly prohibits the ownership of backyard chickens, while officials with the City of Shawnee look at it as something that encourages empathy and responsibility. “We’ve had awesome luck with it,” said Scott Hunter, community service officer for the Shawnee Police Department. In Lenexa, livestock and poultry are permitted in three zoning districts — Agricultural (AG), Residential Estate (RE) and Planned Residential Estate (RPE). This means most subdivisions in the city, which are zoned for single-family residential, are prohibited. A recent Facebook post by the City of Lenexa stating backyard chicken restrictions caused uproar with some residents. It’s not unusual for this kind of confusion to happen, and the city is happy to talk with residents about it, said Lenexa Planning Manager Stephanie Kisler. “It’s pretty clearly on our website, and then, the city code: The policy is that not every property can have chickens,” she said. “It’s probably just some education that’s needed. That’s why we tried to make a really great new webpage with some code information kind of summarized on that page and linking to the actual code itself.” The acceptance of backyard chickens in Johnson County continues to evolve.
Source: Johnson County Post

New education center in Southeast Kansas aims to transform lives

A new Southeast Kansas education center is looking to provide more resources for students and young adults struggling with behavioral issues. “I just can’t imagine the feeling of no one being there, no one supporting you, no one loving you, knowing no one believing in you. And I really felt like my heart led me to the Second Chance Education Center,” said Mandy Monroy, Second Chance Education Center owner. The Second Chance Education Center in Parsons aims to help kids who have been suspended, who are bouncing around from district to district for behavioral reasons, or young adults who previously dropped out. “In establishing Second Chance, we’ve realized there are a number of other ways that we can support the community. That’s adult education. We had an adult student come in that was just credits away from a high school diploma and we were able to connect him with the right people to get his high school diploma,” said Monroy. The owners add – they’re here to support anyone who needs a second chance.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Lenexa is launching a pilot property tax rebate program

Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit welcomes new Clydesdale

The Wichita Police Department Mounted United has welcomed Bobbi, a 3-year-old Clydesdale mare. Bobbi was able to be acquired thanks to a collaboration between the WPD, Wichita Police & Fire Foundation, Cowskin Creek Clydesdales, and a local donor. “Their support has made it possible for Bobbi to join our ranks and contribute to our mission of ensuring the safety and security of our community,” said the WPD. Bobbi will start her journey with the WPD by going through comprehensive training. “… she will learn the essential skills required to serve alongside her fellow officers,” said the WPD. Bobbi will play a crucial role in enhancing the department’s effectiveness in serving the Wichita community. The WPD posted a video of Bobbi on Facebook.
Source: KSN-TV

Survey work begins for next phase of East Kellogg expansion

The Kansas Department of Transportation says a geological field survey has started for the next phase of the East Kellogg expansion project in Wichita. The survey is focused on the section of Kellogg from the K-96 interchange to 159th Street East (Andover Road), and it should be completed by August. Survey activities will include coring the roadway and base material for analysis. Traffic control measures will be taken while crews are drilling for the assessment. Drivers should expect temporary single lane and shoulder lane closures, and they’re advised to stay alert and watch for survey workers and expect delays.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $4M Awarded through Broadband ADOPT Program

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that seven organizations will receive a combined $3.9 million in grants through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. ADOPT supports the Kelly administration’s work to connect more Kansans to high-speed internet by making public Wi-Fi accessible and distributing devices in underserved areas. “Kansans rely on technology for work, school, health care, and connecting to each other,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT grants support community organizations in our shared mission to connect more people to the internet and critical digital skills.” The program helps organizations serving Kansans move forward by ensuring that communities can access public Wi-Fi and the devices needed to participate in today’s technology-driven world. “As internet access continues to play a more prevalent part in our day-to-day lives, high-speed internet can no longer be considered a luxury,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Providing access to devices and accessible Wi-Fi means that we are investing in the future of Kansans and in the future of our great state as a whole.” To continue connecting Kansans to devices and internet access across the state, an additional round of funding will open later this year with $10.4 million available.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Sedgwick County expects report soon on solar regulations

Sedgwick County Commissioners heard an update Wednesday on the process of adopting regulations governing large-scale solar energy projects, and they voted to delay action until early August. The county has hired a consulting team with expertise on solar power issues to work with staff and gather insights and perspectives on proposed changes to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code. Justin Constantino with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department said a draft document is expected from the Berkley Group later this month or in July. Commissioners approved a moratorium on utility or commercial solar projects until September 13th. Constantino said it’s expected that staff will have recommendations for the county commission before that time. The commissioners voted to defer action until their August 7th meeting. County officials have been looking at definitions, standards and land use requirements for stand-alone commercial solar systems. This does not affect home solar projects or accessory projects that are part of a larger development, such as a solar project for a school or public facility. Commissioner Jim Howell said the process is almost complete, and it’s the smart thing to do to allow the consultants to complete their work and present their recommendations.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

City Commission establishes new downtown parking program

The Manhattan City Commission approved a resolution Tuesday night that establishes the Downtown Convention Parking Program for this year. Starting August 1st, the city will begin charging parking fees for the downtown garage. The action Tuesday will allocate transient guest tax, TGT, money to annually cover parking for conventions held in downtown Manhattan through the end of 2028. The approved resolution will allocate $115,000 to the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and the commission has authority to change that amount every year. Although the resolution passed unanimously, some noted they want to meet with Chamber officials next month to possibly amend the program in the future. In order to qualify for TGT funds, conventions must be a minimum of two consecutive days in duration and booked a minimum of 30 rooms for at least one night at a Manhattan hotel. If a convention meets those requirements, then transient guest tax funds will be granted to Parking Services to pay for the parking costs.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Overland Park plans to make all of its operations sustainable — but how?

Overland Park is among a small group of cities selected to be in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program 2024 cohort. LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building rating standard that’s been used on thousands of structures in the U.S. in the public and private sectors, though some reports suggest the standard is imperfect. The building council also offers a certification program for judging jurisdictional sustainability beyond just physical structures, which is what Overland Park is currently undergoing this year. Previously, the LEED for Cities program was called the STAR Community Rating System. Lara Isch, sustainability manager for the city, said she expects the LEED for Cities program process to be a big focus of her division’s work over the next 12 or so months. Still, she said she’s “super excited” to see the city getting “this certification done.” The rating will help establish a “baseline assessment” for Overland Park’s current sustainability efforts across the community compared to peer communities, Isch said last month during a presentation to the Community Development Committee. It will also develop something of a “roadmap” to help the city stay on track with its goals in that area, Isch said.
Source: Johnson County Post

What is a STAR Bond, and could it really convince Chiefs to move to Kansas?

A big debate sparked in Wichita on Wednesday after Kansas legislatures sent a letter to the Kansas City Chiefs trying to convince the team to build a new stadium on the Kansas side of the state line. This comes after Jackson County, Missouri rejected a sales tax extension to help fix up Arrowhead Stadium. Marty Yeager and Jim Farthing are lifelong Chiefs fans, so it’s hard to find something about the team they disagree on, until now. “I think it’s a great idea. It’d be a huge benefit to the state,” said Yeager. “I really think they’re probably better served staying where they are,” said Farthing. They’re talking about a letter Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and Speaker San Hawkins sent to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt trying to sell him on Kansas, saying the state would help pay for a brand new stadium with STAR Bonds. “I think it would be better if they did it on their own dime. The NFL and all of the owners have plenty of money,” said Farthing. “STAR Bonds are really good as long as they’re administered correctly. STAR Bonds are a great format to build a lot of finance, a lot of construction,” said Yeager. So, what is a STAR Bond? Emporia State University Political Science Professor Michael Smith says it’s important to understand that a STAR Bond isn’t a tax increase, it’s simply a loan. “The idea is then that the tax revenue collected at the site, so when people buy their tickets, and they pay taxes on them, or they buy their merchandise, or they buy a beer or whatever, and they pay taxes on it, those go to pay off the bonds,” said Smith.
Source: KAKE – News

With EMS response times lagging in west Wichita, county plans to build a new Post 1

After combining two EMS crews at one post, Sedgwick County saw emergency response times increase by roughly 7% in west Wichita. Now, the County Commission has approved the construction of a new EMS post to serve the area. The site of the new Post 1 has not yet been selected, but the commission approved $1,838,995 for land acquisition, design and construction at Wednesday’s meeting. Between 1975 and May 2023, Post 1 was located at 2622 W. Central, the site of the former Riverside Hospital complex, where the county was allowed to station ambulances without paying rent. The Post 1 crew is responsible for west Wichita and the near northwest side of the city, serving 33,500 residents and responding to more than 5,000 emergency calls annually. “Around May of 2023, utilities were partially working or not at all, which included water and partial electricity,” Assistant County Manager Tania Cole told commissioners. As a temporary solution, that crew was relocated to Post 20, south of Kellogg at Stillwell and Seneca. But that facility wasn’t built to support two crews, and it placed Post 1 outside of its service territory. As a result, emergency response times suffered.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Lawrence city commissioners vote to no longer broadcast public comment because of ‘performative’ public

The Lawrence City Commission voted 3-1 Tuesday to no longer broadcast the general public comment period and to move it to the very end of each meeting because of how some people have chosen to use the time. “I guess my concern is when people are using public comment to be performative, not to actually talk to us. And that’s what I think the purpose of public comment is, is to talk to us,” Commissioner Brad Finkeldei said. The commission last month approved several changes to procedures, including moving the general public comment period to the second-to-last agenda item and not broadcasting it live, but maintaining a recording. However, live broadcasts of public comment have continued. City staff members determined that they were unable to meet all three objectives — to stop broadcasting public comment, maintain a recording of it and hold it near the end of meetings but not at the very end. City Clerk Sherri Riedemann on Tuesday explained the technological challenges that prevented the city from doing all three. Commissioner Lisa Larsen said she thought the commission should keep public comment where it was, near the end of meetings, and continue broadcasting it. Four members of the public spoke to the commission about the issue.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Municipal Bond Trends for June 6, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for June 5, 2024

Inspired to come to Topeka

New Topeka Zoo CEO Christina Castellano says her being a mother of two small children played a ‘huge’ role in her decision to move here and take that job. ”Speaking with staff and people in the community, I heard over and over again what a wonderful place this was to raise kids,” Castellano said Wednesday during her first news conference at the zoo, where she started Monday.
Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for June 4, 2024

Kansas’ smallest school district prepares to close in warning sign for rural communities

Healy is an extreme example — one that caught lawmakers’ attention at the end of the legislation session — but it foreshadows the challenges that rural districts and state officials will have to confront in the near future as student populations dwindle. Eight other K-12 Kansas public school districts have fewer than 100 students. Another 28 districts have fewer than 200 students. The state has no blueprint for dealing with the declining student enrollment.
Source: KAKE – News

Shawnee is now home to the largest renewable gas plant of its kind in the U.S.

With a new modular plant in Shawnee, Johnson County is now home to a breakthrough in renewable energy solutions. In March, Archaea Energy launched its Archaea Modular Design renewable natural gas plant, a facility that turns landfill gas into renewable energy.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Osawatomie USD 367 prepares for leadership overhaul

There will be new faces in leadership roles at every school within Osawatomie USD 367 next school year. Superintendent Greg Clark confirmed that Swenson Early Childhood Education Center, Trojan Elementary, Osawatomie Middle School and Osawatomie High School will all have new principals next year. Clark said current Swenson principal Andrea Manes is retiring, Trojan principal Julie Samuels accepted a new position, Osawatomie Middle School principal Zachary Lopes accepted a new position, and Osawatomie High School principal Justin Young is exploring new opportunities. “I thank them for their exceptional service,” Clark said. Lopes and Young were just hired last year.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Mildred Store celebrates 10 years

Charley Pogue of Blue Mound frequently drives the 10 miles to The Mildred Store. When family members from Lawrence were visiting this weekend, he brought them to the store’s 10th anniversary celebration. They walked around the car show, enjoyed food and grocery specials, and played Bingo. Later that evening, the crowd danced to music and entertainment provided by fiddle players from Oklahoma and a former American Idol contestant. “They’re not used to the small-town life,” Pogue said of his relatives. “They’re having a blast.” That’s the goal for store owners Loren and Regena Lance. When they bought the store in 2014, their intent was not just to save the 100-plus year-old business. They wanted to preserve that old-fashioned ideal of “small-town life.” THE BROWN Brothers opened the store in 1915 selling hardware and as an auto repair shop as the town of Mildred boomed thanks to a cement factory on the edge of town. At the plant’s peak, as many as 375 men toiled at the Great Western Portland Cement Company and 2,000 residents called Mildred home. The town once boasted two hotels, two barbershops, elementary and high schools and a movie theatre. The cement plant in Mildred shut down temporarily in the late teens, then permanently in the 1920s. Business floundered. The last high school class graduated in 1944; the post office closed in 1973. The population dwindled and is now below 20. Through it all, the Browns’ store survived. After World War II, the second generation took over. Charles Brown came for a visit with his wife, Lucille, and acquired the store in partnership with his brother, Kenneth, from their father and uncle, according to Register archives. They sold more groceries, along with appliances and hardware. Charlie and Lucy ran Charlie Brown’s Store for several decades after Kenneth’s death. The store became known for its deli sandwiches, piled high with meat. The store also was known for its community Christmas parties, where Charlie and Lucy made sure every child got a sack of candy. A 1982 article published in The Register claimed, “Lucy never lets a child leave the store without getting some free candy.” When Charlie died in 2001, his grandson, Michael Becker, took over. Marilyn Colgin managed the store for him for many years. The store closed in March 2014. That’s when the Lances stepped in and purchased it on June 2, 2014.
Source: The Iola Register

KSN Road Trip visits Ashland, Kansas

ASHLAND, Kan. (KSNW) — Ashland is the fourth stop on the 2024 KSN Summer Road Trip. We visited the Ashland Library. KSN News broadcasted from the location at 5 and 6 p.m. There were cookies, water, and coffee. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and said hi! If you took a picture with the team, be sure to enter it in the KSN Summer Road Trip photo contest. KSN visited Ashland in 2022 for the Summer Road Trip and decided to come back because of the welcoming community. According to the U.S. Census, Ashland has a population of 783 with a median household income of $60,179. The town is the county seat of Clark County. The town is proud of its beautiful setting in Bear Creek Valley and on the fringe of the Red Hills. It is a perfect spot for hunters and anglers as it has a lot of deer and nearby Clark County State Lake.
Source: KSN-TV