Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Transportation is looking for input from the public to determine what’s next for the Charge Up Kansas National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan. … KDOT is requesting public feedback on EV charging to help create next year’s plan. Go to
KDOT to complete a short survey.
Source: KDOT

Governor vetoes government competition bill

Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed a bill requiring cities and counties to rebate property taxes if they compete against certain businesses such as fitness centers, day care facilities and restaurants. Kelly vetoed a bill that was packaged with a child and dependent care tax credit that the governor supports along with an expanded property tax refund for seniors and property tax rebates for veterans with disabilities.
Source: Sunflower State Journal

Wichitans want solutions for homelessness. Can they accept them in their backyard?

As Wichita struggles to address a growing homeless population with uncertain funding, crucial details surrounding a future city-operated homeless shelter or resource center remain unresolved. Among several homelessness-related initiatives promoted by the city is a multiagency campus and center, often referred to as the MAC – a one-stop resource center that would house supportive low-income housing and two 24/7, low-barrier homeless shelters; one communal, one not.

Court confirms how Prairiefire’s available funds should be applied to defaulted STAR bonds

The bank overseeing Prairiefire’s nearly $65 million in defaulted sales tax revenue (STAR) bonds now has a clearer path forward as to how it should apply available funds from the Overland Park development to its first portion of outstanding debt. A judge in Minnesota’s Hennepin County District Court on Thursday issued an order confirming that UMB Bank, the trustee for Prairiefire’s STAR bonds, should proportionately split about $4.2 million across $14.9 million in principal and $1.75 million in interest that came due in mid-December. The order also clarifies that future interest will accrue on delinquent interest at the retail and entertainment project, on top of its three tranches of STAR bond principal.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal

Fed Gov. Waller wants ‘several months’ of good inflation data before lowering rates

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, citing a string of data showing that inflation appears to be easing, said Tuesday that he does not think further interest rate increases will be necessary. However, the policymaker added he will need some convincing before he backs cuts anytime soon. “Central bankers should never say never, but the data suggests that inflation isn’t accelerating, and I believe that further increases in the policy rate are probably unnecessary,” said Waller, who has been generally hawkish in his recent views, meaning he supports tighter monetary policy.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Abilene reinstates water fluoridation

The persistence of oral health experts succeeded as they swayed one Abilene City Commissioner to change her vote during Monday’s commission meeting, ending in a 3-2 result to reintroduce fluoride into the city’s water. Before the commission voted, several local and Topeka experts made comments to the commission.
Source: Abilene RC

Schools closed, power still out for thousands in JoCo following severe storms

A line of thunderstorms packing gusty winds caused damage to numerous Johnson County neighborhoods late Sunday night, and at least three schools in the area were closed Monday due to the storms’ lingering impacts. The National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Johnson County at about 10 p.m. The warning said there was the risk of wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and hail up to the size of quarters. Wind gusts ended up damaging trees throughout the area. Large tree branches crashed down onto several homes’ roofs, and even more fallen tree branches damaged power lines. Falling trees and branches damaged several homes in Overland Park, Prairie Village, Shawnee and Lenexa, according to recorded radio traffic and social media posts. On Monday, multiple schools in Johnson County were closed due to the impacts of the storm, including Mill Valley High School in USD 232, where officials said they were investigating a possible gas leak. There were no immediate reports of storm-related injuries in Johnson County.
Source: Johnson County Post

Lenexa unveils renovated Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center, which will open later this month

After years of planning and renovations, Lenexa’s “flagship outdoor pool” is ready to reopen to the public. Following a two-year, $15-million redesign, Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center — formerly Indian Trails Aquatic Center — will open for the summer swim season on Saturday, May 25, with a new look and bevy of new amenities. “The community was the one wanting something that had way more features to it,” said Mandy Danler, project manager and assistant director of Lenexa Parks and Recreation. “While it can be costly, that’s what they wanted. So we brought it all under here and did what we could to assure that we met those needs.” One of the big changes was adding zero-depth entry to the pool and a splash pad for children. These are important additions for families with small children and people with disabilities, Danler said. “It will be more interactive for kids to play and run through,” she said. During the pool renovation’s two-year planning phase, a repeated complaint parks and recreation staff heard was people were tired of having to exit the water to navigate between amenities.
Source: Johnson County Post

Golf cart users request more latitude on Great Bend streets

The Great Bend City Council will consider an ordinance permitting and regulating the use of golf carts, micro-utility trucks and work-site utility vehicles on certain streets in town when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. The meeting in the Council Chambers is open to the public and will also be livestreamed for the public to view on the City Council Facebook page. According to agenda materials, the current Standard Traffic Ordinances adopted by the city prohibit the use of these vehicles on city streets. However, by separate ordinance, the use of micro-utility trucks are authorized and regulated. Citizens have approached the administration requesting that the city allow golf carts as well. Several other cities in the area have ordinances allowing and regulating such vehicles.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Evel Knievel Museum to move from Topeka to Las Vegas

A museum dedicated to famous motorcycle stunt performer Evel Knievel is heading west later this year. The Evel Knievel Museum, which has been located in Topeka since its founding in 2017, will move to Las Vegas after the final day of business, according to museum co-founder Matt Patterson. A new museum is already under construction in Nevada. The move comes after months of speculation for the future of the museum’s property, which it shares with a Harley-Davidson store. KSNT-TV reported in December 2023 that the property at SW 21st Street and Topeka Boulevard was sold to Shawnee County. The museum will remain open in Topeka until November 2.
Source: KAKE – News

Lawrence is short a fire engine because of staffing shortages, union says

Lawrence has been short a fire engine most of the day Thursday, and firefighters expect that to happen again — maybe as soon as this weekend — because of staffing shortages and overtime cuts. Seamus Albritton, president of IAFF Local 1596, the firefighters union, said normal daily staffing for Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical operations is 39 firefighter-paramedics, but that minimum has been cut to 36. “Usually if we did not have 39 people available to work due to various reasons such as leave, we would call firefighters back for overtime to fill those vacancies allowing us to keep all units in service for the shift,” Albritton said via email. “The City is no longer calling back firefighters for overtime to fill these vacancies until we drop below 36 employees.” The result of that? Engine 5, the fire engine for Station No. 5 at 1911 Stewart Ave., will go out of service for a shift, Albritton said. Engine 5 is out from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, and “is likely to be out of service more frequently as the summer goes on and for entire 24 hours shift routinely,” Albritton said. “This may be happening again as soon as this Saturday.”
Source: The Lawrence Times

Westmoreland Mayor says $105,000 has been raised for tornado relief

Westmoreland Mayor Mark Jack recently updated the relief efforts taking place in Pottawatomie County. He said that city council has not yet decided on how to disperse the raised funds, but noted the council will soon be meeting with local groups and individuals for input. Jack also updated the total amount raised. The next steps for the city, he says, are for residents to reach out to the local government or one of the humanitarian organizations set up if they have major needs. Sen. Jerry Moran hinted last week that Westmoreland wouldn’t qualify for FEMA money, but Jack says they’re not done trying and hopes that won’t be the case in the near future. If you have been affected by the tornado and need financial assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS to share your information and start an application.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Rural Kansas needs health care providers. K-State’s first PA cohort is stepping up

They all came for different reasons and from different sources of inspiration, but the end goal was the same — to help people with broken noses, bacterial infections and any other number of medical maladies. As the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University’s physician assistant studies program finishes 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages. “Our first cohort set the standard for the program,” said Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob, director of the program and a physician assistant herself. “They helped us learn how to best teach students and prepare them for jobs as physician assistants.” K-State’s physician assistant graduates are trained to meet common medical needs. K-State’s physician assistant program began as a concept several years ago when the university saw a statewide need for more health care providers. Out of Kansas’ 105 counties, more than 60 are medically underserved under the state’s standard for primary medical care, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s latest certification.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

City of Russell hit with golf-ball sized hail, 82 mph winds; homes and vehicles damaged

The City of Russell says they have been hit with extensive damage caused by severe weather on Sunday afternoon. “The damage to our community is extensive,” the City said in a Facebook post. “Numerous power poles and lines are down and trees block roadways. Buildings are damaged, including a garage that is flattened. We have requested mutual aid from other utilities. We do not have an ETA on power restoration. When we can estimate the restoration time, we will update.” In a release Sunday afternoon, the city says they were hit with golf ball-sized hail and 82 mph wind gusts as a tornado-warned storm passed through the area. City staff opened up their Emergency Operations Center in response to the severe weather event. City crews are surveying the damage. Current reports include downed trees, broken power poles, downed power lines and a large portion of the city and rural customers remain without power. Emergency crews are working to clear roadways. Electric crews are assessing the damage and working to make repairs. Several reports of damage to property have been received, including damage to both homes and vehicles.
Source: KAKE – News

Gearhead Curios in Galena wins award and grant for roadside attraction

The souvenir shop Gearhead Curios in Galena has received an award and grant. The Jefferson Highway Association recently presented Gearhead Curios the first-ever Roadside Attraction Award. The Galena attraction is the first Jefferson Highway Information Center, with souvenirs. Aaron Perry bought the establishment in 2018, and began to transform it into what it is today. One of the next additions to the souvenir shop will be a 22-foot muffler man. Kansas Tourism awarded a $12,500 tourism attraction grant to cover a third of the cost. “When you take the trip on roadside America, for that weekend, that week, that month, you’re going back to nostalgia America. I’m offering people an escape almost to a fantasy make-believe world that I get to live in every day. I get people from all over the world, my oldest honeymooner was 80 years old,” said Aaron Perry. The total cost of the muffler man will be $35,000.
Source: KSNF/KODE

ATV vs UTV: What’s the difference?

Warmer weather means more people are beginning to head outside, and one popular way to travel off-road is by using ATVs and UTVs. But what is the difference between an ATV and a UTV? All-terrain vehicles, better known as ATVs, quads or four-wheelers, are typically designed to seat one rider, but some have a second seat for another rider. The vehicles are compact and maneuverable, making them ideal for a variety of riders. There are many types of ATVs on the market, including those used for trail riding, mudding (driving on muddy terrain) and even small utility uses. Another distinctive feature of ATVs is the seating position. Much like riding a motorcycle, the operator straddles the seat and uses handlebars for steering. While utility task vehicles, better known as UTVs, are similar to ATVs, especially in name, there are major differences. When thinking about UTVs, the closest visual comparison is a golf cart. The UTV often features a roll cage, with some also sporting a roof. Unlike an ATV, which is controlled more like a motorcycle, UTVs are operated like a car, using a steering wheel and foot pedals. Most UTVs also are equipped with seatbelts, which ATVs do not have. UTVs are highly customizable; some feature an open tailgate with no doors, while others have doors and an enclosed trunk. They can also seat more people, from 1-3 riders with one row of seats and 4-6 with a second row.

Source: KSN-TV

Florence Grand Prix riding again Memorial Day weekend

Hundreds of riders from across the U.S. will descend on Florence in Marion County Memorial Day weekend. The Florence Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, May 26. The original Florence Grand Prix was held from 1972 to 1978 and saw hundreds or riders and thousands of spectators during its original six-year run. The race was revived in 2022 for its 50th anniversary. This is now the third Florence Grand Prix since its revival. The race begins at 10 a.m. with vintage motorcycles racing across the Flint Hills, followed by the 100-mile modern-bike Enduro race, which kicks off at 1 p.m. It will feature both men’s and women’s classes along with age classes, pro and amateur.
Source: KSN-TV

Wichita Fire Department hosting Summer Kids Camp

The Wichita Fire Department is hosting Summer Kids Camp. The summer camp will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, at Wichita Sports Forum & Aviate Jump Park, 2668 N. Greenwich Rd. The WFD says the camp is designed to introduce kids to roles and responsibilities of the WFD with hands-on experiences. “Through education, demonstration, and participation, campers will gain a unique perspective of firefighting tasks,” said the WFD. “Daily activities include exciting team exercises crafted to demonstrate a day in the life of a Wichita Firefighter.” Summer Kids Camp is for 8 to 13 year olds and is free to attend. Attendees will get a free lunch box and t-shirt. Registration is now open. For questions, email wichitafire@wichita.gov.
Source: KSN-TV

New coloring book showcases Southeast Kansas attractions

There’s a new coloring book highlighting attractions in Southeast Kansas. The unique project was completely designed by art students at Pitt State, with Gus as the tour guide. The first installment of the coloring book was created and released in the spring of 2022. Tourism officials say the demand for it every year continues to grow. It won first place in the Small Budget Print category at the Kansas Tourism Conference – and was so popular with residents and visitors, the decision was made to do a reprint. “We wanted something that the hotels in particular could give to kids when they walk through the door. It’s for us, it’s been better than a travel guide sort of speak. Because it’s something that the kids can actually do, it’s something the kids can actually look at, mom and dad can read it to them,” said Chris Wilson, Explore Crawford County Marketing & Communications Manager. Copies will be distributed to libraries, government buildings, the campus of Pitt State, hotels, and many other places across the county.
Source: KSNF/KODE

City of Emporia reveals $500,000 skate park design

The City of Emporia has released design images for the new skate park that will be built in Emporia. The project started after an anonymous donation of $250,000 was given to the city for a skate park. The city matched the funds and hired American Ramp Company to make the final designs. The City of Emporia took feedback from an advisory committee and reviewed designs. City staff will present the design to the City Commission on May 15. The skatepark design features a bowl, a hip, a bump to rail, a down rail, a manual pad, two handrails, a double stair set and more. In 2021, 13-year-old Maddox Gutierrez started a petition asking for improvements to be made to the Santa Fe Skateboard Park in Emporia. After 27 News covered the story, an anonymous local family made a quarter-million-dollar donation to the Kahola Lake Park Fund with the Emporia Community Foundation. Since then, the project ran into a problem with the lease on the land. According to the city, BNSF owns the land and leases the property to the city. The lease specified the land only be used for ballparks. Due to this development, the city found a new location for the project. The skate park construction is expected to begin in late summer 2024 with construction contingent on weather conditions.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Wichita City Hall says it won’t yet release key info on cyber attack, citing security risks

A deluge of unanswered questions continue to swirl around Wichita City Hall, where a ransomware attack has disrupted some city services for two weeks. But city officials aren’t answering them now, instead directing anyone with questions to a city webpage that focuses on how public-facing city services have been affected. They won’t say who the city hired to help get the city’s systems back online or how much it is expected to cost taxpayers. They won’t say whether the city will notify residents whose information was compromised — or whether the city plans to pay for identity theft protection for those residents. They won’t say how much revenue the city is losing each day. They also won’t say publicly whether the city paid a ransom, a move that could be illegal under sanctions announced by the U.S. Treasury earlier this year that forbids U.S. entities from paying ransoms to the group that’s claiming credit for the Wichita cyber attack. Federal law enforcement, which the city is working with on the cyber attack, also discourages victims from paying ransoms.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Report: At least $630 billion needed for wastewater, stormwater over next 20 years

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently transmitted a report to Congress outlining clean water infrastructure investments – including wastewater and stormwater system upgrades – that are needed over the next 20 years. Through the Clean Watersheds Needs Survey, states and U.S. territories report on future capital costs or investment needs to maintain and modernize publicly owned wastewater treatment works, stormwater infrastructure, nonpoint source control, and decentralized wastewater treatment systems like septic tanks. “Protecting our nations waterways is vital for healthy communities. They provide sources of drinking water, support farming, power economic opportunity and transport and allow for recreation and fishing,” said EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “This survey is an important estimate of needs that is based on information collected from the communities themselves. President Biden has secured the largest investments in history for water infrastructure, putting America in a strong position to help local systems protect our nation’s water quality.” The 2022 survey represents the most recent comprehensive and robust report on wastewater, stormwater, and other clean water infrastructure needs in the U.S., and shows that at least $630 billion will be needed over the next 20 years to protect our nation’s waterbodies. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) said this represents a 73 percent increase in total reported needs since the previous 2012 report a decade ago.
Source: Water Finance & Management

Goats return to Wichita to clear 3 acres of brush, city says

They’re baaaaaaaaaaaaaack! The City of Wichita says goats with Restoration Grazing, LLC have been sent to clear brush from city grounds starting this weekend. The city said Friday that the goats will make their return to Wichita this Saturday to remove three acres of invasive bush honeysuckle and other undesirable underbrush. The goats will be working just west of Botanica near Sim Park Road. The last time the goats were in Wichita was last June when they cleared five acres of brush from Sim Park. Rex Rutledge, owner of Restoration Grazing LLC, says the goats’ goals go beyond just clearing brush. They want to educate people about the benefits of using goats. “I think this could be a lifesaver for lots of people,” Rutledge said. “Here we’re mainly grazing for brush mitigation but in other parts of the country they are grazing literally to save their homes from burning on fire.” The city said that the goats are estimated to be working near Sim Park for 10-14 days.
Source: KAKE – News

Municipal Bond Trends for May 17, 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.

Consultant suggests Topeka have tiny homes and low-barrier homeless shelter

A consultant hired last year by Topeka’s city government recommends the creation of a low-barrier homeless shelter, a village of eight tiny homes and a resource center where homeless people could access various services. … The low-barrier shelters and tiny homes community wouldn’t be operated by Topeka’s city government, slideshow documents said.
Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for May 16, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 15, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 14, 2024

50 years after its dedication, here’s what the Keeper of the Plains means to Wichita

Sandra Victors was a teenager when she had a front-row view to artist Blackbear Bosin’s creation of the Keeper of the Plains sculpture in the early 1970s. Bosin was close with Victors’ mother, Ruby Davila, and one day came to see her at the family’s home on the north end of Fairview off 21st Street, where Victors was sitting outside. He had scrolls of drawings under his arms. “He came flying up the steps with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, and he said, ‘Your mama home?’ Victors took a seat on the living room couch as her mother and Bosin talked. “Ruby, I’m having so much trouble with this statue’s arms,” Victors remembers Bosin saying. “I can’t figure out what to do with them.” Victors said her mother took an eraser, erased the arms Bosin had drawn and then drew her own version. “I was shocked.” Her mother’s advice was to “make them praying hands and have them go up.” Victors explained that “we pray with our hands up when we’re praying to the Creator. Lift them up to the Creator, I should say.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Wichita cyber attack: Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, payment info compromised

Wichita police and traffic records were compromised in the ransomware attack on city government, giving hackers access to an unspecified number of people’s personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses and other state IDs, and payment card information, the city announced Tuesday. “As part of our thorough review and assessment of this matter, we identified that certain files were copied from our computer network without permission between May 3 and 4, 2024,” the city said in a news release.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Merriam is latest Johnson County city to adopt stricter rules for AirBnbs

Short-term rental owners in Merriam have five months to adhere to newly adopted regulations. Like some of its Johnson County neighbors, the Merriam City Council on Monday in a 7-1 vote approved an ordinance that outlines new, stricter regulations for short-term rentals, such as AirBnbs and Vrbos. C
Source: Johnson County Post

When your small-town store also becomes your post office

The modest general store on the corner of Second Avenue and Main Street in Norwich, with its angled awning on wooden pillars, echoes back to a time before two World Wars and automobiles brought profound change to retailing…. In a walled-off corner, carved out of the back office on the south end of the store, sits another of the store’s goods and services. That is where Norwich’s community post office is tucked away, where residents can access their post office boxes and basic postal supplies 24 hours a day. Norwich has not had a post office for many years. But residents say having that secure location in the heart of town is vital for this community of little more than 400 people less than 40 miles southwest of Wichita.
Source: KLC Journal

Bentley hires gun-carrying city clerk

Bentley’s new city clerk is a familiar face around town. Shannon Catlin has served as a part-time police officer in Bentley for about three years. She joked that she’s “probably the only gun-carrying city clerk in the State of Kansas.” When the city clerk position opened up, Catlin stepped in to help the city’s deputy city clerk, Becky Thompson, fill the void. She said that helped her test the waters to see if it is something she’d like to do.
Source: Harvey County Now

Fed Chair Powell says inflation has been higher than thought, expects rates to hold steady

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated Tuesday that inflation is falling more slowly than expected and will keep the central bank on hold for an extended period. Speaking to the annual general meeting of the Foreign Bankers’ Association in Amsterdam, the central bank leader noted that the rapid disinflation that happened in 2023 has slowed considerably this year and caused a rethink of where policy is headed. … However, Powell also repeated that he does not expect the Fed to be raising rates.
Source: CNBC

Should Wichita pay cyberattack ransom? Tulsa city leaders explain how they handled similar attack

As the City of Wichita continues fighting the nasty cyberattack, many are wondering what it’s going to take to get back to normal. Tulsa city leaders say from experience that it is possible to get through it without paying, but it’s not easy.
Source: KAKE – News

Home ownership program available soon in Clay County

A pilot program that seeks to make home ownership more affordable will be available for a limited time in Clay County beginning May 13… The pilot Clay County Home Ownership Program will offer up to $12,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The program’s incentives include a combination of a fixed rate 3% down payment assistance loan of $10,000 and a closing cost grant of $2,500 when purchasing a home of $50,000 or greater in Clay County. Eligible homes include existing ones, existing homes with planned/financed upgrades totaling $50,000 or greater, manufactured homes including lot and infrastructure, or new construction.
Source: www.ccenterdispatch.com

Meet Paul Kramer, Shawnee’s new city manager

Paul Kramer, the former long-time Leavenworth city manager who has roots in Johnson County, is Shawnee’s new city manager. … After spending more than 14 years in Leavenworth’s city government, he said the offer to be Shawnee’s new city manager was too good to pass up. “I knew without a doubt that it was the right move for my career and my family,” he said. “Once I closed that page, I haven’t looked back.”
Source: Johnson County Post

Wichita commits to municipal IDs in 2025, confirms homeless resource center will move forward

Cities that have dealt with cyber hacking share their experience

Wichita is only one city on a long list that have faced a cyber attack in the last few years. It’s a growing problem that has local governments across the country doing their best to make sure their networks are secure. “There’s a lot of issues out there and you need to make sure you’re prepared for that,” said Kile Mangus who is the city manager for Derby. Derby is one of many places that faced a ransomware attack in the last few years. Mangus was working as the city manager when it happened in January 2023. He says it was shocking because the city had taken steps to be proactive and avoid this. “You had to go through your testing, you had to work with your consultant that was brought it, and so it was about a month for us,” he said. He says the biggest impact on the city was learning to really focus on securing the network and making sure there are no cracks in the system that a criminal may be able to slip through. “It’s just the realization of the investment we need to make in our infrastructure in our network. We had things planned on the horizon and I think we kind of picked up the pace for some of those things,” he said. He says this is unfortunately a reality many cities face and are constantly working against. “It’s something that’s very critical that everybody’s looking at and in our Kansas City manager conferences they’re addressing cyber security and talking more about options and things you can do to better prepare yourself for the future,” he said.
Source: KAKE – News

Kansas counties offer $12,500 to help home buyers

Two Kansas counties are offering first-time home buyers a big discount in a new pilot program. The North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC) announced on its website that Clay and Marshall Counties will be taking part in a new home ownership pilot program. This is expected to launch on May 13, 2024. The program is available due to a partnership between the NCPRC and Four Rivers Housing Opportunities. The local community organization Grow Clay County said in a recent social media post that the program will offer home buyers up to $12,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Other incentives of the program include a combination of a fixed rate 3% down payment assistance loan of $10,000 and a closing cost grant of $2,500 when buying a home with a value of $50,000 or more in Clay or Marshall Counties. “Home ownership can be a tough goal to achieve,” said Keegan Bailey, NCRPC Housing Director. “We hope the Clay County Home Ownership Program can be a tool to help make home buying a reality for individuals and families.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

‘He was incredible for the people of Columbus’: City mourns loss of their police chief

The City of Columbus is mourning the death of not just one of their own, but also their police chief for the last ten years. Jason Daniels passed away Wednesday (5/8) after a battle with colon cancer. He was 49. Today, Columbus City Administrator, Jake Letner spoke about his long-time friend and colleague. Letner recalled his friend’s love for his wife and three children, and the town he grew up in. Letner commented on Daniels’ career in law enforcement for the City of Columbus. “He Dedicated his professional life to keeping our community safe. He did a fantastic job of running his department and developing leaders. He really cared about the people that worked for him and was always willing to do whatever was necessary to keep his city safe.” – Jake Letner, Columbus City Administrator. 20 years ago, Daniels joined the Columbus Police Department as an officer. In 2014, Daniels became the city’s police chief. Letner says the only thing Daniels loved more than his career, was his family. “He was a good man. He was an honest man. He was a family man. He was a man of integrity and honesty who adored his wife and three kids.” Speaking on behalf of the City of Columbus, Letner continued by saying, “On behalf of the entire city staff and the entire community, we’re so sorry that this happened. Our hearts, our prayers, and our thoughts are with the family in their time of grief.” Several benefits are now planned for the family of Jason Daniels. All proceeds from those benefits will go to the Daniels family. If you’d like to make a private donation, an account has been set up at Commerce Bank in Columbus.

Source: KSNF/KODE

Clay Center gets beautified with large mural

One northeast Kansas community is honoring its town with a custom mural. On Wednesday, May 8 Clay Center celebrated getting a brand new mural, as well as it being the artists’ 30th mural installation. According to a news release form C. Stanley Creative, Christian Stanley created the mural titled “Prairie Thunder”. The mural spans 3,800 square feet of CVA grain bin at the corner of Fourth Street and Grant Avenue. “The completion of the ‘Prairie Thunder’ mural represents not just a beautiful addition to our
town but also a testament to the transformative impact public art has had on Clay Center over the last four years,” Clay Center Mayor Jimmy Thatcher said. “These murals, including ‘Prairie Thunder,’ have become symbols of our community’s creativity. They have sparked conversations, brought people together, and revitalized our streets, making Clay Center a destination for art enthusiasts and visitors alike. We are proud of the artists, organizers, and residents who have made this mural movement possible and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact it brings to our town.” Depicted in the mural is the Kansas state animal, the American Buffalo, storms, sunsets and the burning Flint Hills prairie.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Wichita, county officials commit to municipal IDs in 2025, further action on homeless resource center

Wichita city officials announced their commitment to implementing a county-wide, low-barrier municipal ID program in 2025 as well as an annual $600,000 operating budget for a one-stop homeless resource center to roaring applause at the inaugural Nehemiah Assembly on Thursday evening. The Assembly, hosted by Justice Together, a grassroots coalition of interfaith communities in Sedgwick County, was held to announce the organization’s intent to directly address policy issues in mental health and homelessness. They asked representatives of Wichita and the county to commit to a fully-funded photo ID program in 2025 and to agree to meeting with them and other services providers within the next 30 days to work on a sustainable budget plan for the city’s multi-agency campus center. Officials in attendance — including Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, City Manager Robert Layton, Sedgwick County Commission Chair Ryan Baty and Secretary Andrew Brown of the Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services — gave a resounding “yes” to each goal.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Bus rides in Wichita are free — for now — while city grapples with cyber attack

Wichita bus rides are free “until further notice,” the city announced Thursday as it grapples with a cyber attack that forced government to shut down many of its payment systems. Wichita’s bus system had initially switched to a cash-only payment system after the city discovered the ransomware attack on Sunday. “Attention Riders,” Wichita Transit announced on its Facebook page. “All Wichita Transit and Paratransit services are fare-free until further notice. If you are looking to request Paratransit services please call 316-352-4824 or 316-352-4810.” Wichita Transit’s Paratransit Division provides accessible van service to people with physical or cognitive disabilities that prevent them from using the fixed route bus system, according to the city’s website. For maps and schedules of the city of Wichita’s buses, visit wichita.gov/1460/MapsSchedules.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Boot Hill Solar Project Announcement held in Dodge City

Where there’s sunlight, there are boundless possibilities. Sunflower Electric Power Corp., Alluvial Power, National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO), and The Victory Electric Cooperative hosted more than 100 elected officials, media, and other guests on April 17 in Dodge City, Kan., for the official announcement of the 150-megawatt Boot Hill Solar Project. Construction of the state’s largest solar facility by Sunflower’s partner, Alluvial Power, will begin later this year and is expected to be operational in 2026. Alluvial will design, own, and operate the facility, which will include approximately 300,000 solar panels on single-axis tracking. “The Sunflower board analyzed the costs, risks, and benefits, ultimately determining that additional solar will complement our already diverse electric generation portfolio,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s president and CEO. Sunflower is a generation and transmission cooperative providing wholesale energy to its seven member distribution utilities in central and western Kansas. Sunflower’s members use the most electricity in July or August. Because this project will provide maximum output on the hottest days of summer when demand for electricity is at its highest and market energy prices can be volatile, energy from Boot Hill Solar will replace market energy, helping stabilize the cost of electricity for Sunflower’s member-utilities.
Source: Sunflower Electric Power Corporation