Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

City of Salina website set to be the official city ‘newspaper’ for public notices

The City of Salina is moving more into the digital age after it decided to use its own website to publish notices beginning with the new year. This move comes after the city commission Monday adopted a resolution to designate the city’s website as the official city “newspaper.” While the change in official newspapers begins Jan. 1, the city has already taken steps to have notices also published on its website, which was updated in August, in anticipation of this move and to make sure that the notice function on the site was working properly. “Back in August, the city commission approved a charter ordinance which allowed the city to charter out (of state statutes requiring print publication of most notices),” said Shawn Henessee, assistant city manager.
Source: Salina Journal

Municipal Bond Trends for December 15, 2023

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.

Some Kansas towns are using AI-powered tools to try to attract people and businesses

New trails in Rossville are connecting and invigorating this Shawnee County community

New trails are creating buzz in Rossville. Phase 1 of the new Rossville Community Trail, a quarter-mile stretch of concrete, starts at the Rossville Fire Department just south of US-24 highway and circles around the nearby high school to the east. Phases 2 and 3 are expected to complete the nearly 1.5-mile route by next year. To the west of the new concrete paths are another first for the town: a natural surface trail spanning about 0.65 of a mile that was completed earlier this year. The two new trails are just the beginning for the Shawnee County community looking to give alternative routes for its residents.
Source: CJonline

Purge of some city licenses would affect Wichita clairvoyants, auctioneers, others

The city of Wichita is expected to move forward with a purge of unused and outdated licensing requirements. Fortune-tellers, auctioneers and airport limousine operators are among those who may soon be free of the legal requirement to obtain a license from the city. The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to strike 15 such licensing requirements from the books. “There are a lot of changes that we want to do, but we thought we’d pick basically the low-hanging fruit first and go for the easy ones that we don’t use very often,” Assistant City Attorney Jan Jarman told City Council members at a recent workshop where she outlined the licenses identified as obsolete by the law department. License requirements should only exist if they protect the public or otherwise promote a healthy community, she said. Those that don’t aren’t needed. Wichita issued only one clairvoyant/fortune teller license in 2023, records show.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Pittsburg nears full recovery after September cyber attack

The City of Pittsburg is nearly back to operating at full capacity following a cyber security issue earlier this year. As we reported back in September, the City of Pittsburg experienced the incident impacting the city’s network. The breach caused an IT outage, as well as preventing access to city emails, phones, and online payments. The city has cyber insurance and they’ve been working with them to recover and update their system to ensure an incident like this doesn’t happen again. Online payments can now be made again. The city also has restored the phone and email systems. “I think 70 to 80 percent is probably a good number. There’s definitely some systems that we want to have back online fully and then there’s some additional security measures we’re gong to put in place probably for the next year. That we would want before we’re considered fully operational, fully back to were we need to be going in the future,” said Jay Byers, Pittsburg City Manager. Byers says they’re continuing to work with security experts to implement those new security features. He expects the city to be back to fully operational by the middle of next year.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Parsons Police Department’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ a success

Typically, you can find them at the front lines of emergencies – but today, they were at Parsons Walmart, providing a shopping spree for many local families. “Well, you know this is really the best day of the entire year. This is where we get to turn all the police officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel and the Santa’s little helpers,” said Robert Spinks, Parsons PD Chief. It’s part of Parsons Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program. The department joined forces with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Parsons Fire Department to provide a 2-hundred dollar shopping spree at Walmart. “So they’re out here with 30 families buying all of those great Christmas gifts, you know, and ideas and stuff to make this the very best holiday season that we hope they can have,” said Spinks. It’s just another way for local first responders to give back. “In law enforcement, you know, we’re guardians first or enforcers second. And I think this helps to embrace, you know, that spirit of guardianship, to reach out to help people who might need that extra helping hand. You know, in this day and age, you might think kids will immediately just go for toys. That’s not always the case. You see kids going and getting winter coats for themselves or a brother and a sister shoes,” said Spinks. That was the case for 9-year-old Bella Carson. She says she’s using her money to not only buy gifts for herself but also for her brothers. “I got this monster control truck RC for my little brother, cause I’m grateful to have him in my family and he’s just the best little brother I could ask for,” said Bella Carson, Parsons Resident. Sunday’s Shop with a Cop was something Bella says she’s also thankful for. “I’m thankful that they gave us money to and they picked us out of a bunch of kids to shop,” said Carson.
Source: KSNF/KODE

‘A true Kansas legend:’ Harland Priddle, Kansas’ first Secretary of Commerce and Agriculture, dies at 93

Harland Priddle, the state’s first Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Agriculture, has died. He was 93. Priddle was born in Hutchinson and grew up on a farm near Haven. After graduating from Kansas State University in 1953, Priddle enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent 22 years before retiring as a Colonel in July 1974. He served seven years overseas assignments and nine years in Washington D.C. including tours with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. He also served in the White House as Deputy Commander of the White House Communications Agency for the President at the White House in Washington D.C. for four years from 1970-1974, according to his obituary. He participated in the planning and execution of over two hundred presidential trips, including three international trips to Europe and Asia. He received nineteen awards and decorations including the Bronze Star for duties in Southeast Asia, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Service Badge, two Legions of Merit, the Presidential Service Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation. Priddle was also the first person in Kansas history to serve as both Kansas Secretary of Commerce and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. In a statement on social media, Governor Laura Kelly said Priddle was “a true Kansas legend,” and that “He embodied what it meant to be a public servant, and his contributions will continue to live on for future generations.” Priddle died peacefully in his home in McAlester, Oklahoma on December 12, 2023. He is survived by his wife of over 75 years, Winifred, and his three children Valorie Ann Dick and her husband William, Harland Gregory Priddle and his wife Ann and Kevin Eugene Priddle and his wife Michelle. 10 grandchildren: Angela Dick Akamine and her husband Andres, Aubrey Dick White and her husband Jacob, Jonathan Dick and his wife Lara, Crystal Dick Langdon and her husband Bryan, Shalerie Priddle Headley and her husband Jon, Shalise Priddle Quinlan and her husband Patrick, Shalaine Priddle Alexander and her husband Keaton, Kate Priddle, Tyler Moore (step grandson) and James Bean (step grandson). He had 16 great-grandchildren.
Source: KAKE – News

Andover Fire Department crew honored with prestigious award

The Andover fire department is being honored with the 2023 Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award for one of its fire crews heroic actions and dedication when working a house fire earlier this year. It was May 1st when fire fighters were heading to a home that was already full of smoke and flames. While heading there they found out there were two people who were trapped. A man and a woman, both with limited mobility. “It’s what we do; we just adapt to the conditions and situations that we have,” said Chad Cheslik who was the supervisor for the crew of six people working the house fire that day. He explains because of the circumstances they weren’t able to respond to the house fire how they normally do so he had to think and act quickly. Other agencies like Wichita, Sedgwick County, and Rose Hill were sending additional help but Cheslik says there was no time to waste. He and his crew immediately sprung into action, searching the burning house to find the two people and pull them out. “It was extremely hot. We were crawling on our bellies trying to get through, but we knew at that point we weren’t going to make it all the way through the house so we decided to back out and vest through the back window and found her in her bedroom,” he said. The state Fire Marshall’s Office says typically a search and rescue isn’t going above and beyond but because of the conditions and circumstances the fire fighters were working in it describes this rescue as exceptional. While the department is honored to receive the award for a second year in a row Cheslik says it isn’t all celebration. “Unfortunately there was one lost and our hearts go out to the family. So, it’s something you don’t take lightly,” he said. Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell says he’s incredibly proud of every single crew member. He says they train tirelessly to prepare for situations like this one and so many others and they care deeply. “As soon as the bell rings they fly into action because seconds count and this is a great example of that,” he explains. The award is given to a fire fighter or crew that goes above and beyond their basic job responsibilities. Throughout the year nominations are submitted and looked at by the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Kansas State Firefighter’s Association.
Source: KAKE – News

Successful Downtowns Major Components

I recently participated in a book study with colleagues over “13 Ways To Kill Your Community” by author Doug Griffiths. Griffiths visits common issues that communities face when they begin to struggle and see the population relocating when trouble seeps into a community. Change in a small town is often difficult. Griffith’s publication works hand in hand with a First Friday E-Call with Nancy Daniels of K-State Research and Extension. Daniels hosted Scott Sewell, from Kansas Mainstreet to share his organization and their offerings to small-town businesses and local main street revitalization. Part of his presentation focused on what success looks like for downtown/main streets. Sewell lists the following as key components to a successful downtown: (1) Open and Thriving Downtown- A thriving business district builds a positive image for your entire community. It will also attract new businesses, create new jobs and keep local dollars in your community. Even businesses outside of the “downtown” area should be concerned with how the downtown area is healthy and viable. (2) Maintained Buildings– Looking at a main street, often look at how many of the buildings within that downtown district are upkept and functional. How many of those buildings located in the blocks of the main street are condemned and not functional for any new opportunities to open within the community? In “13 Ways To Kill Your Community” author Griffiths talks about how a coat of paint can change the character and looks of a vibrant downtown, enticing people to visit and become a part of the culture. (3) Utilization of Public Space– Having space that is open for the public to utilize to host events to bring more individuals into the community is a vital part to success. An event that brings people that don’t reside in the community, will bring more revenue to the town and in return those people may return at a different time to revisit a new favorite location within the town. (4) A Place to Live– Many older buildings in the main street areas were once used for a housing opportunity above businesses. In the past few years many towns and business owners have started to revitalize those spaces as apartments or short-term rentals. How many businesses in your main street district have livable spaces to use or renovate into functional living spaces? Swell mentions that 4-6% of the population in past towns they have visited are interested in living in downtown loft apartments. (5) Includes Culture and History- A main street that in-cooperates and exhibits the history of the town and past main street businesses will also preserve the historical character of the whole community. Swell talks about the importance of building in downtown, builds assets that are easily noticeable by the architectural aspects, a sense of place as well as a personal service that you can’t find anywhere else. (6) A “Cool” Environment- Unique features within the downtown area, make people want to visit and spend time with local businesses and want to return to enjoy those features they cannot get at another location.
Source: Fort Scott Biz

County firefighters up to speed on staffing in Sedgwick County

After years of struggling to keep up with staffing changes, the Sedgwick County fire department has reached full staff. Part of that has to do with recruitment, another piece is better pay. “You know the Sedgwick County Commission over the last two years has done significant salary enhancements,” said Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell. “And at this time we are doing a pretty good job keeping our staff up where it needs to be.” The latest recruiting class was welcomed to the team Friday evening with a ceremony. “It was my childhood dream to be a firefighter,” said new recruit Josh Smith. “I started out doing wildfire work across the country and I wanted to come home.” Smith says better pay was part of the equation to choose Sedgwick County. “I left for a while, came back. And I’m going to retire here. I’m not leaving again,” said Smith. “So I’ll be here. The pay is good, yes.” Starting the first of the new year, Sedgwick County firefighters will make a starting pay of $18.36 an hour for Sedgwick County Fire District 1. “But we are competitive and compared to all the other firefighting organizations around us, we are very close to the top of what firefighters can get right now,” said Howell. “We’re doing pretty good. Are we perfect? No. There’s still some work to do but I think we are doing better than we were a few years ago.” Other commissioners point out there have now been three classes to bring on fire recruits for the county this year alone. They also plan on keeping a close eye on what the City of Wichita pays. “We always have to pay attention to what the city is doing with both police and with the fire,” said commissioners David Dennis. “Because if we don’t stay competitive with them we will lose them across the street.” Howell points out that the pay after the first of the year for a paramedic in Sedgwick County will be $22.96 an hour. Deputies with the sheriff’s department will start at $23.97 an hour.
Source: KSN-TV

Small town Kansas bowling alley closing after six decades

It’s the end of an era as a small Kansas town bowling alley is closing its doors for good at the end of the year, and the community of Arkansas City says it’s a tough loss. “Awesome. Like, I love these people. They have just been there for my one year of venturing to a new school,” said 10-year-old Lucas celebrating his birthday at Hillcrest Lanes in Ark City. “I survived ten years. I can survive ten more,” said Lucas. His parents, Colt and Katie Rose, say it was the perfect place to celebrate their little man. “It’s been a great time. They offered us a wonderful deal, and we couldn’t pass it up,” said the Roses. But on Friday, the town got some sad news. After running the bowling alley for more than three decades, Melissa Zimmerman and her family say dad is ready to retire, so it’s time to shut the doors for good. “Our bowlers have been sad because, you know, our leagues are shutting down. And a lot of our bowlers have been with us for a long time,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve all grown up out here. Our kids have grown up out here. So the kids are sad, but they know, you know, grandma and grandpa are ready to retire. And they’re ready to have their grandparents be able to attend more of their stuff and just more family time.” Zimmerman says while it’s bittersweet, the family is ready for the next chapter. The alley will close on December 30th, and while the new owners haven’t yet announced what it will become, Lucas says he wouldn’t mind seeing things changed up. “Oh, yeah. Make a gym for sure. There’s no gym here. Well, at the rec center there is. But just, there’s a lot of people there. And you can have a whole different gym that’s here,” Lucas said. In the meantime, whether it was birthday luck or pure skill, Lucas ended on a hot streak with memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: KAKE – News

Municipal Bond Trends for December 15, 2023

Advocates for stray dog decry gaps in Lawrence’s animal control services

Animal advocates followed Shebah the dog’s plight as she ran loose in the cold November. As she made her way across Lawrence, Shebah appeared in social media photos that revealed hip bones and ribs thrusting against her fur — signs of malnourishment. Her teets hung low, weighed down and engorged. At some point, she’d been separated from a young litter. Shebah evaded several attempts by Lawrence Humane Society staff, officers and community members to rescue her; however, at least one family successfully connected with the dog. They delivered Shebah to the Lawrence Humane Society the first time on Nov. 18. Animal Control then authorized release of Shebah to someone who identified themself as her owner. But, soon, Shebah was running loose again. On Sunday, Nov. 26, Shebah entered the automatic doors of Lawrence Laundromat at least twice after noon, according to its owner, who posted a photo of the dog on social media. With snow on the ground, temperatures hovered that afternoon in the mid-30s. The laundromat’s owner called dispatch but said they were told no Animal Control officers were on duty, and they wouldn’t be available to respond to the call until the next day — Monday, Nov. 27. “They said that there’s nothing they can do,” the owner recalled. In the meantime, a patrol officer would respond, but if the animal were captured, the officer could not transport Shebah to the shelter inside a patrol vehicle, said the owner, who asked that their name not be published. In general, animal control officers work daytime hours, seven days a week and subject to staff availability, according to the City of Lawrence’s website. The page tells residents to phone dispatch at 785-832-7509 to report at-large or captured animals, and Lawrence Humane Society “should be called for after hours situations involving injured animals.” “Pretty disappointed with the city services available,” the laundromat’s owner then placed a second call to the shelter, and the call went to dispatch. This time the owner asked for help with an unhealthy, malnourished dog at-large. With no Animal Control staff on duty, shelter staff intervened. Shannon Wells, executive director of Lawrence Humane Society, arrived at the scene near 25th and Louisiana streets. Wells said Shebah was looking inside trash containers and probably foraging for food. Wells said she saw Shebah vomit — likely due to “garbage gut” caused by consuming trash. Despite efforts by the patrol officer, Wells and community members, they couldn’t lure Shebah into safety that day. Community members and Wells praised the patrol officer for covering a lot of ground in an attempt to locate the dog’s owner or bring the dog into custody.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Settling into new digs

It was 9 a.m. on a grey, rainy, chilly Friday morning as the Great Bend Police Department’s first sift gathered for roll call before heading out on patrol. This was nothing new for the officers and Police Chief Steve Haulmark, something they do every morning. But, there was one notable difference Friday. It marked the first morning of the first full day for the department to work out of the city’s gleaming new Justice Center at 12th and Baker. The new structure houses the new Police Station and Municipal Court Office. “We’re still trying to find a home for everything,” Haulmark said. But, even with boxes piled about and personnel unpacking their offices, “it is starting to feel homy.” After years of planning, “It’s great to finally be here,” he said. In the large squad room that can double as a site for training, Sgt. Bill Paden had just concluded the briefing. “It’s kind of nice having the bigger space. We’ll have more room to move around,” he said. “But, we’re still trying to figure out where everything is.” After spending the bulk of his 18-year law enforcement career in the cramped, dank, outdated old station on Williams, he is ready for the change. “I think it is going to be good,” he said. This may have been the first full work day in the center, but Haulmark, Paden and company, along with other city employees, spent all of Thursday moving into the new location. “That was a full day,” Paden said, noting they all had sore muscles to show for it. For now, there is still that new building smell.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Groundbreaking ceremony set for new Fire/EMS station

The Garden City Fire Department has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Garden City Fire Department and Finney County EMS Station #3 will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The station will be located at the intersection of Schulman Avenue and Jennie Barker Road. This event marks a milestone in our community’s commitment to public safety and emergency services. Designed to house up to 10 firefighters and six EMS personnel, Station #3 will serve as a vital hub strategically positioned to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of our residents and the protection of property.
Source: Garden City Telegram

EPA fines Lawrence landfill over methane violations

Owners of a dump near Lawrence will have to pay more than $34,000 in upgrades and penalties for violating clean air regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday. The Hamm Inc. landfill, which is just outside Lawrence along U.S. Highway 59, takes solid waste from Lawrence’s municipal pickup service. During an inspection of the landfill in March 2022, the EPA found the landfill was emitting an illegal volume of methane gas and failed to correct it. Methane, like carbon dioxide, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change by trapping heat. But it’s far more potent. Landfills can release huge amounts of methane, contributing to both climate change and air pollution that can harm residents’ health. David Cozad, director of the EPA region’s enforcement division, said in a news release that two of the agency’s priorities are “mitigating climate change through its regulatory authorities and reducing methane emissions from landfills.” Cozad said the EPA was “encouraged by Hamm’s commitment to reduce emissions through its enhanced landfill cover integrity practices as a term of this settlement.” In the news release, the EPA said Hamm Inc. will pay a $4,206 penalty and spend about $30,000 to better monitor air pollution. Hamm Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Wichita to sell more public housing units

The City of Wichita has scheduled open houses for 11 single family homes that are being sold as the city repositions its public housing stock. The 11 homes being sold are part of a group of 37 homes that have been approved for sale by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Wichita Housing Authority will be taking offers for the following homes: 1659 N. Woodland; 550 S. Volutsia; 1213 E. Selma; 5224 S. Hydraulic; 2236 E. 53^rd St. S; 2229 E 53^rd St. S; 3524 S. Bonn; 2944 S. Vine; 546 S. Richmond; 450 N. Acadia; and 991 Robin Rd. Open houses will be held on Sunday, December 17th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 19th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Detailed information on the homes can be found at the web site https://ift.tt/2ryWoL1. The first review of offers will take place the first week of January, and the timeline for offers may be extended depending on the need and interest.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2023-12: Disposition of closed school buildings

Synopsis: “Dispose of” (and like phrases) in 2023 House Sub. for S.B. 113, sections 4 and 11 (to be codified at K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 72-1439 and K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 72-3216(d)) means to deal with conclusively, give away or sell, or to get rid of a school district building. It does not include leasing or renting a building.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions

Coffeyville Interim City Manager Press Release

The City of Coffeyville announces the appointment of Tim Wilson as Interim City Manager. The Coffeyville City Commission voted to approve Wilson’s appointment at their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. As Interim City Manager, Wilson will serve as head of the administrative branch of the City, responsible to the Coffeyville City Commission for the efficient administration of all City affairs and assure all laws and ordinances are enforced. Tim Wilson currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Prosperity Home Mortgage LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliated company. Prosperity is a multibillion dollar mortgage bank that operates in 49 states. Until his retirement from the role as President and CEO, he was responsible for managing strategic development, operations and sales for the company since its establishment in 2009. Mr. Wilson has over 30 years of management experience and expertise in the banking industry. Wilson has also served as Treasurer and Chairman of Real Estate Services Providers Council, Inc. and has participated for years as a member of Ellie Mae Executive Advisory Board. Tim was born in Parsons, Kansas, and moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, at the age of five. Tim attended Holy Name Grade School, Field Kindley High School, and Coffeyville Community College. Mr. Wilson then completed his degree at Washburn University graduating in 1981.
Source: Coffeyville, KS – News Flash

Study finds significant problems with Wichita school buildings

A report from two consulting firms says it would cost over $1 billion to fix problems with all buildings in the Wichita school district. The report was presented to school board members week by representatives of Cooperative Strategies and Alloy Engineering as part of a master plan for district facilities. The study said that the district has 54 elementary schools and 24 of them have fewer than 350 students because of declining enrollment. Middle schools are underused by 38 percent. Many of the buildings are aging and need repair. The situation could lead to decisions to close or consolidate some schools. District staff will continue to work with consultants and they’re expected to have a final report with recommendations for the school board by May or June.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Branding Iola: City Council will let community decide flag

Local artist Max Grundy presented six options for a city flag during Monday evening’s Iola City Council meeting. Noting that he’s not originally from Iola, Grundy said his inspiration for the artistic renderings came mostly from his appreciation of the area’s natural beauty. The flag presentation unfolded as council members expressed varied opinions on the designs, with options ranging from a clock tower to five representations of Iola’s scenic landscapes. The favorite among council members depicted the old Allen County courthouse’s clock tower. Grundy added that the time on the clock is set to 3:04 — significant because Kansas became the nation’s 34th state. “It’s honoring the tradition of our beautiful clock tower that was dedicated in 1905,” he noted. “We think it’s respectful to the tradition of our town. We know there’s still some bad feelings about it (the old courthouse) getting torn down, even though it happened in 1958. People are still sore about it.” Grundy explained the beams emanating from the clock on the flag give a “forward thinking” look to the town. “In my mind, that is what our town is becoming,” he said. MAYOR STEVE French praised the clock tower flag’s symbolism, however, others raised concerns about its colors. As the discussion progressed, the clock tower and land/water flags emerged as the council’s top choices. Grundy was asked to attend the Jan. 8 city council meeting with color variations on the clock tower flag in hand for the council to review. Council member Joelle Shallah proposed involving the community in the decision-making process, suggesting the narrowed-down selection be put to a public vote, possibly on social media. Council member Nicholas Lohman echoed Shallah’s suggestion.
Source: The Iola Register

Junction City and Geary County at odds over ambulance costs

Junction City and Geary County are at odds over who should pay the EMS bill. In 1967, the two governments agreed that the Junction City Fire Department would handle EMS calls in Geary County, and not just in the city limits. The non-reimbursed costs for the service to the county are split with one-third paid by the city and two-thirds paid by the county. Geary County officials announced in July they no longer wished to continue the agreement at that cost split. A new agreement was discussed but no action could be taken, due to the 2024 budget already having been completed. Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel explains the root of the problem, and what it could potentially mean for county residents. Dinkel also published a memo stating that property owners in city limits are not just responsible for their one third, but also 71% of the remaining county share, stating residents are required to pay four times as much for the same service as non-city residents. Dinkel explains how busy EMS has been in the Junction City and Geary County. Junction City has determined that Geary County owes them approximately $800,000. Geary County approved a resolution last month to pay the city approximately $447,000, more than half the total owed. No action was taken by city officials Dec. 5, but the issue is expected to be revisited at next Tuesday’s meeting, after the city’s legal team presented to the Geary County Commission earlier this week.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Wamego officials planning for demo of “Not” Chrysler House

Wamego city officials were unable to find an interested buyer for the building locals refer to as “Not the Chrysler House,” at the southeast corner of Highway 99 and US 24. The historic house, once thought to be the birthplace of automotive industry executive Walter Chrysler, sits on property deeded to the city years ago from the Kansas Department of Transportation. City Manager Stacie Eichem. Eichem says city staff are exploring best options for future public use of the property, but admits the location, at the corner of two highways, creates a tricky situation. Community members raised funds to move the home to the current location in the mid 2000s. It was later discovered the house was not Chrysler’s actual birthplace.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn is passing the torch after 27 years in office

Leawood, Kansas, will swear in a new mayor next month for the first time in 27 years. Mayor Peggy Dunn announced in June that she wouldn’t run again. Dunn first entered public office in 1993 as a city councilmember, and after two terms in that role, she was elected mayor in 1997. Among her most significant contributions to the city were establishing major commercial shopping areas, like Park Place and Town Center, which allowed the city to keep property taxes down. “I kept running because I enjoyed it so much, and the city was in a time of historic growth,” Dunn told KCUR’s Up To Date. “So, it made it extremely interesting and just a great time to be involved to work with great people and see lots of progress and change.” Marc Elkins, a longtime public servant in Leawood, was elected mayor in November and will assume the role Jan. 2, 2024.
Source: KCUR

Kansas Amelia Earhart Museum contender for top new museum in the United States

The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is in the final stretch of online voting as one of 16 new museums across the United States nominated for the “Best New Museum” by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Travel Awards for 2024. “With thousands of Amelia Earhart fans and admirers casting their vote for us — every day — until Christmas Day — we think the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum can soar to the top spot,” said Mindi Love Pendergraft, the museum’s executive director. Celebrating Earhart’s aviation legacy in aviator’s Atchison, Kansas, hometown, the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is the only museum in the Midwest among the 16 new museums nominated across United States, a statement from the museum said. As of December 14, the Museum is ranking at #4 on the USA Leaderboard for Best New Museum. “This special honor will not only shine a bright spotlight on our state-of-the-art museum in Amelia’s hometown but also heighten the nation’s interest in exploring the many stellar museums and tourism attractions across Kansas and the Midwest,” added Love Pendergraft. The winner will be announced on Friday, January 5 at noon ET. USA Today 10Best provides original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
Source: KAKE – News

Amid enrollment declines and aging buildings, Wichita district could shutter some schools

Consultants hired by the Wichita school board say the district has too many small elementary schools and can’t afford to maintain them all. The consulting firm is developing a proposal that could recommend closing some school buildings. It plans to present options to the Wichita board before the end of this school year. David Sturtz, a partner with Ohio-based Cooperative Strategies, said nearly half of Wichita’s 54 elementary schools have fewer than 350 students, which is inefficient and costly to maintain. Twelve elementaries have fewer than 300 students. “Having a few schools that are that low (enrollment), you can supplement (budgets),” Sturtz said. “Having nearly half of your elementary portfolio under that enrollment? That’s a financial struggle.” Needed repairs across the district are estimated at more than $1 billion. “I will not recommend a scenario that says, ‘You know what? Just keep everything the same and pay $1 billion over the next five years,” Sturtz told board members Monday. “That’s not a real plan. … And it’s not what you should do.” Last spring, the Wichita school board used $1 million in federal COVID-relief funds to pay for a systemwide audit of district facilities.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

City shuts off water at some Towne West Square businesses for non-payment

Some stores in Towne West Square are without water after the City of Wichita disconnected service for not making payments on their bill, a city official said. “Two businesses at Towne West Mall had water turned off yesterday and one business was shut off today,” city communications manager Tyler Schiffelbein said. “The property manager for these businesses has not been making payments.” No other businesses will be impacted or have their service interrupted until the city makes contact with the property manager. “The Water Utility is reaching out to the property manager regarding significant lapsed payments for water service at the mall,” Schiffelbein added. Veronica Barrett is the corporate regional manager for Towne West Square, which is owned by New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group. When asked about the situation over the phone, Barrett said “That’s not true, but I can check into it a little bit further tomorrow.” Barrett said that the investment group’s corporate office is closed, but that she would reach out to their accounting department tomorrow to “find out what’s going on… see if its been paid,” Barrett said. “I do know that, you know, there’s just been some struggles there at the mall,” Barrett added. The mall previously had the power shut off in September and November for failing to make bill payments to Evergy, The Eagle reported. The city did not say how far behind the mall was on water utility payments or how much the bill was for.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

JoCo Notes: Johnson County merges 988 and 911 call centers

Call takers at Johnson County’s Mental Health Center and Emergency Services have merged into one centralized location. On Tuesday morning, county officials celebrated the merger with a ribbon cutting and hosted an open house at the County Communications Center, 11880 S. Sunset Dr., in Olathe. This means Johnson County callers dialing 911 for emergency help or he 988 for a mental health crisis will be directed to the same dispatch center. County officials say the merger will make way for infrastructure and technology improvements for 988, and allow 911 dispatchers and mental health professionals to work more closely together on calls that necessitate a mental health response. More information on Johnson County’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available online. Anyone in need of mental health assistance can call 988.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Funding gap for water sector remains despite federal assistance, Fitch says

Despite the significant infusion of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Fitch Ratings said it estimates a funding gap in excess of $85 billion over the next five years for water and sewer utilities that will need to be covered by paygo or additional debt. According to Fitch, federal funding under ARPA and the BIL is supportive of water utility credit quality as it helps maintain and improve existing infrastructure, thereby moderating increases in Fitch’s life cycle ratio, a measure of the age of capital assets. Federal grants under these laws also offset some of the need for new debt funding and significant rate increases to address capital plans, supporting overall affordability. Utilities face increasing capex costs given inflation, aging infrastructure, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates and proposed rules, namely per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation, Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (2021) and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (2023), which would require most water systems to replace lead service lines within 10 years. Water supply and sewer construction spending were up 15.3% and 27.2%, respectively, in October 2023 from a year ago, according to Census data. Within the Fitch-rated portfolio, five-year capex/depreciation ratios have been increasing year over year, exceeding 150% since 2019, reflecting sustained, robust capital spending. This spending has kept the Fitch-calculated life cycle ratio relatively stable at around 37% for the last several years.
Source: Water Finance & Management

Board approves land transfers with two neighboring districts

After months of public discussion, speculation and closed-door conversations among the Prairie Hills USD No. 113 Board of Education (BOE) members and their attorneys, land transfer agreements have been made with two of the three neighboring school districts. After 55 minutes of executive session during their regular board meeting on Monday, Dec. 11, the Prairie Hills USD No. 113 board of education members — Leslie Scoby, Kathy Lippert, Phillip Buessing, Jim Scoby, Doug Renyer, Stan Keim and Kent Saylor — unanimously approved Memorandum of Settlement Agreements (MOSA) for land transfers with Vermillion USD No. 380 and Jackson Heights USD No. 335. This decision comes after the USD No. 113 mediation committee — consisting of Lippert, Keim and J. Scoby — met with USD No. 380 and USD No. 335 in separate mediation sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 5 and 6. The Prairie Hills USD No. 113 BOE approved the MOSA with Vermillion USD No. 380. Land which will be transferred from Prairie Hills USD No. 113 to Vermillion USD No. 380 will include the territory identified in the shaded areas labeled 2.1, 2.2 and 1.3 on the map shown on Page 7. This land transfer will go into effect July 1, 2024. Vermillion USD No. 380 also approved this MOSA at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 11. This unanimously approved MOSA is now subject to approval by the Kansas State Board of Education. The MOSA also stated that as the petitioning district, USD No. 380, will bear the cost of securing the necessary boundary descriptions and abstractor certification.
Source: Sabetha Herald

Atchison Public Schools preparing anew for future vision.

The USD 409 Phoenix mascot from this point on has a new look to call its own. Board members unanimously approved the re-branding of the image as part of the business at their meeting Monday. The action came after District Activities Director Tyler Lueckenhoff delivered some clarification. The proposed Phoenix image designed by Christa Reiger, of Storyweaver Studio, was introduced at the previous meeting as mainly composed in a scheme of four primary colors: red, gold, white, and black. Lueckenhoff said the Mascot colors remain the same as throughout school history red and gold. The white and black colors are utilized to highlight accents for some details like outlines and backgrounds. “It is Red and Gold all the way,” Lueckenhoff said. He explained the four separated feathers cut in the wings each represent the different USD 409 schools. The schools are Atchison High School, Atchison Middle School, Central School, and Atchison Elementary School. Dr. Renee Nugent, superintendent of schools, said there has been some concern if there will be changes to the letter “A” on the letter jackets. “The letter A remains the same,” Nugent said of the sports/activities status symbol. “Letter jackets are a staple.” Board members viewed a video produced by Robert Neidinger’s Video Production student Mr. Purdy showing some history of mascots and evolution toward the current re-branding of the Phoenix mascot.
Source: News | atchisonglobenow.com

Joe Waters, longtime county leader, to retire next week

Joe Waters, long-time Johnson County administrator, will retire next Friday after decades of service to the community. He is currently the assistant county manager, serving in that position for the past 10 years. “It has been my honor and privilege to spend most of my career in this outstanding organization that epitomizes excellence in public service and commitment to community,” Waters said in an emailed statement. His final day on the job is Dec. 22. Waters, an architect, started his career in consulting and facilities management. A University of Kansas grad, he would go on to work as an architect and assistant director in the facilities planning office at his alma mater. Waters served as a Johnson County bureau chief, then director of facilities for nearly 20 years. In all, he’s worked for the Johnson County government for almost 30 years. During his tenure, Johnson County built more than 20 new buildings and remodeled a total of 21 buildings. As assistant county manager, he also oversaw central county services, the county courts and the elections office. In a news release, County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson described Waters as “humble” and “thoughtful,” noting that he “cares for our community and employees.”
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

New Beloit City Manager Announced

Mayor Tom Naasz and the Beloit City Council report that Halley Roberson is their approved candidate to be Beloit’s next City Manager. At its regular meeting on December 6, the City Council unanimously voted to move forward with finalizing Roberson’s employment agreement. “Ms. Roberson will arrive in Beloit with a proven municipal track record in overseeing construction of vital infrastructure projects,” said Mayor Naasz. “Her leadership skills and public service align seamlessly with our community goals. Our city is poised for sustainable growth under her guidance. ”Roberson’s diverse experience spans more than 20 years in local, state, and federal government management and nonprofit sector leadership. She leaves her position as Oberlin City Manager after serving more than six years. During her tenure, she led the construction of a new power plant and power line upgrades. She is credited with many other infrastructure and technology improvements, all accomplished without raising property taxes or utility rates. Her Oberlin tenure is also noteworthy for the many grants she obtained for community and economic development.
Source: Sunflower State Radio

KDOT superintendent becomes Abilene’s public works director

Abilene’s Brad Anderson will be the city of Abilene’s Public Works Department director. Anderson was previously a Kansas Department of Transportation area superintendent. He began his new job Dec. 4. “I just want everyone to know that KDOT’s been good to me, and it was a great opportunity and all that,” Anderson said. “I am kind of excited to get involved with the city and glad to have the opportunity. Glad they thought a lot about me to give me the opportunity.” Anderson said the director position allows him to work closer to his community and home south of Abilene. His current position requires him to drive to Clay Center and around north central Kansas. “When the position became available, it was something I thought about, and ultimately decided I’d look into. I’m grateful that I’ve been given this opportunity and was chosen as the new public works director here in my hometown of Abilene.” Anderson said. “I feel I can continue to use my knowledge in leadership, job activities and contract projects that the city of Abilene has upcoming.” Anderson said he has worked for KDOT for 23 years total.
Source: Abilene-RC

Choose Saline County rewards app supports local businesses

Since its launch in 2022, around 3,000 Saline County residents and visitors have been rewarded with and redeemed more than $150,000 to spend in local businesses thanks to the Choose Saline County app. Saline County decided to take part in the rewards program, developed by Colu, after a survey of residents indicated that supporting local business recovery was a top priority as the county used federal funding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is being used for the program. “We wanted to do something more substantial, more meaningful and something that really changes our behavior,” said Melissa McCoy, public information officer for Saline County. McCoy said after officials rightfully encouraged people to stay home as a way to help prevent the spread of COVID, this led to many habits being formed, especially when it came to shopping, with many people browsing, buying and having items shipped from online retailers rather than from locally-owned options.
Source: News – Salina Journal

Municipal Bond Trends for December 14, 2023

Municipal Bond Trends for December 13, 2023

Wichita police, sheriff’s office now will investigate each other’s officer-involved shootings

The Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office will start investigating each other’s officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths and other critical incidents, officials said Wednesday. Sheriff Jeff Easter said Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett had pushed for this to happen since he was elected in 2012, when Easter was first elected as well. “The Wichita Police Department took a look at this concept and for whatever reason it just didn’t work out during those times,” Easter said. “Chief (Joe) Sullivan came here, we had a discussion about it and were both in agreement that it would be best for this community because this community has been asking for a change in how we investigate these.” Sullivan took over the department in November 2022. Sullivan said now “when an officer or deputy is involved in a critical incident, we have protocols in place to conduct an independent and transparent investigation.” Previously, the Wichita Police Department and the sheriff’s office would investigate each other’s officers only in cases that were potentially criminal. This new agreement will keep that, while adding the officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Fed holds rates steady, indicates three cuts coming in 2024

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its key interest rate steady for the third straight time and set the table for multiple cuts to come in 2024 and beyond. With the inflation rate easing and the economy holding in, policymakers on the Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to keep the benchmark overnight borrowing rate in a targeted range between 5.25%-5.5%. Along with the decision to stay on hold, committee members penciled in at least three rate cuts in 2024, assuming quarter percentage point increments. That’s less than market pricing of four, but more aggressive than what officials had previously indicated.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Lawsuit against City of Lawrence asks for court order to disband camps for people experiencing homelessness

Several business owners have filed a lawsuit against the City of Lawrence, asking the court to order the city to close and disband two camp areas where people experiencing homelessness are living. The lawsuit asks the court to address public health and safety concerns that plaintiffs attribute to the city’s handling of the local homelessness crisis. Specifically, the lawsuit mentions the city-sanctioned camp behind Johnny’s Tavern in North Lawrence — which the city has dubbed Camp New Beginnings — and other camp areas on the river levee, as well as the camp in the area of Seventh and New York streets near the Amtrak depot in East Lawrence. The complaint asks the court to declare that both of those camp areas as public and private nuisances, and that the city’s “allowance, maintenance, and encouragement” of the camps is beyond its legal authority and a breach of its duty. “The proliferation of the Encampments has endangered all people’s health and safety, and is inflicting damage not just on property owners, but also on those who are least able to afford legal counsel to vindicate the harm being inflicted by the City — the innocent involuntarily unhoused. The community cannot stand idly by while lawless zones that promote crime erode the well-being of the community,” the lawsuit states. The 36-page complaint, signed by attorney Todd Thompson of Lawrence law firm 333 Legal, is followed by 47 pages of exhibits — photos of campsites, people holding signs asking for money and more. The lawsuit includes 26 plaintiffs, half individual people and half businesses. “Plaintiffs are Lawrence residents, property owners, and business owners, who live, work, and/or own property in the lower-income neighborhoods of North Lawrence and East Lawrence where the City has allowed, encouraged, and assisted people to set up camps,” the complaint states. The first plaintiffs named in the lawsuit are Johnny’s North Lawrence Inc. and owner Rick Renfro. Renfro wrote in a letter he emailed to the publication along with the complaint Tuesday morning that the city has made it extremely difficult for him to protect his staff and to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for customers. “This lawsuit was not my first choice, or my second, or third. But the city has allowed vagrants from other cities to set up their own camps around the New Beginnings camp, and all along the river,” Renfro wrote. “The city provides them with water, food, tents and restrooms. The city has created, maintained and enabled a nuisance.” Under city ordinances, camping is not allowed in most locations. Before June 2020, it was illegal for people to camp on any public right-of-way area. But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, city commissioners made efforts to decriminalize homelessness by adopting an exemption to the ordinance that prohibited nightly camping (Ord. 9754). The exemption made it legal for people to camp on city property zoned in the downtown commercial district (CD) when shelters were at full capacity.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Assistant County Manager Joe Waters to celebrate retirement after nearly 30 years of service to Johnson County

Joe Waters, assistant county manager for Johnson County Government, will retire after nearly 30 years of service. He will be honored at a retirement reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Jury Room of the Johnson County Courthouse, 150 W. Santa Fe, Olathe. Waters’ last day with Johnson County will be Dec. 22, 2023. Members of the public are invited to join in the celebration of decades of service to Johnson County residents. Since 1990, Waters has leveraged his degree in architecture to help to lead facilities projects. As director of facilities for the county, bureau chief and his current role as assistant county manager, he has been involved in 21 brand-new buildings, purchasing and remodeling nine buildings and remodeling or expanding another 12 facilities. What’s harder to quantify is Waters’ influence on those facilities and programs. His job, as he defines it, was to make sure facilities being planned and built reflected the current and future needs of the community and the departments and agencies that would occupy them. Those plans also put Johnson County on the forefront of sustainability. The Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, achieved LEED Gold certification in 2006, just the second such achievement in the Midwest. Many county projects that followed were either designed to LEED standards or LEED certified, a mark of building healthy, efficient and cost-saving buildings that limit the impact on natural resources and the environment. In addition to facilities, Waters has led many other county operations over the years, including central services, the elections office and the courts. He acted as liaison to the Johnson County Library and Johnson County Park and Recreation boards. His influence is reflected not only in the county’s built environment but in community programs and services as well. “Joe is thoughtful and purposeful with keen insight on how to make our community greater and more beautiful than it was before,” said County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. “Johnson County is a better place to live because of his efforts. Joe has been instrumental in helping me lead the county for years. He is humble, thoughtful, a problem solver and cares for our community and employees. He will be missed, and his legacy beyond buildings is all those he coached, mentored and encouraged along the way.”
Source: Johnson County Kansas |

Heartland Flyer extension clears major hurdle

The train keeps rolling forward. Laura Kelly announced that the Heartland Flyer project, which would connect Amtrak service from Oklahoma City to Newton, has been awarded a $500,000 federal grant aimed at developing passenger rail lines. The grant pays for the development of a service plan for the connection of the Southwest Chief and Heartland Flyer lines.
More importantly, however, it represents an important selection hurdle cleared in a larger competitive grant process for federal infrastructure funds to develop passenger rail service lines. “It is a very big deal,” State Senator Carolyn McGinn said. McGinn has long advocated for passenger rail and helped craft state transportation plans supporting the funding of passenger rail. “I’ve been working on this for over 12 years,” she said. “I was very delighted. What it says is we’re going to have forward movement. Now we’re being looked at even closer.” The funding pays for the development of a service plan for the route, something that Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas have already begun work on. Following service and engineering plans, participating states in this project—Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas—would provide a 20 percent match to federal funds to pay for upgrades to extend the route. The funding for a possible extension was made possible by a 2021 $1 trillion infrastructure upgrade package. “I don’t think it’s a done deal,” Newton City Commissioner Rod Kreie said of the possibility of the Heartland Flier project, “But certainly when they’re going to give us money to do the studies we need to do, we know we were pretty high on the list, because we were part of the first groups to get funded with this pre-project money to do the studies that they’re wanting done.” He said that the project would allow residents to ride the train through various southern routes in the United States.
Source: Harvey County Now

Courts: Kansas Star Casino owed over $19 million

Sumner County and the City of Mulvane are paying back millions to the company that runs the Kansas Star Casino. The county and casino have been in court for years over how the casino is taxed. Boyd Gaming, which runs the casino, protested how much property tax it has to pay. The courts now say Boyd Gaming is owed more than $19 million in payments over tax disputes going back years. The City of Mulvane, the school district, and Sumner County have to pay that money back. “It’s a positive in that we know what to expect. Instead of waiting for a judgment to come out, we know what we’re paying. We know for the next five years we know our valuation is going to be correct,” said Austin St. John, Mulvane City Manager. The last tax assessment by Sumner County said casino property should be taxed at a value of roughly $190 million. After Boyd Gaming appealed, the courts said it was valued at roughly $85.5 million. Mulvane raised its mill levy in 2022 by another eight mills in anticipation of the settlement to pay back the casino.
Source: KSN-TV

How do you attract people and businesses to rural Kansas? Communities are trying AI

AI is doing everything from making art to writing computer software, and now community leaders in western Kansas are hoping it can help them crack the code for bringing people and businesses to their areas. The rural communities are turning to AI to identify the businesses, services and housing residents need. That helps them target the types of businesses they should work to attract and where housing is needed to buck long-term trends of rural population loss. It’s an intriguing idea to Shandon Classen. He sips coffee in the corner booth of his coffee shop in downtown Liberal, Kansas. He opened it last year. It’s the only locally owned coffee shop in town, but business has been difficult to maintain. Using AI-powered foot traffic software, officials in Seward, Finney and Ford counties now can track when people come to town and where they shop through anonymous cell phone data That gives them a better idea how to help their own business owners and towns. Businesses like his will soon have access to the tool. “If AI could tell us about our demographics, if it could help us know what people want, that would be a huge help,” Classen said. The goal is finding out what people in a western Kansas town need. Just down the road in Liberal, Mario Loredo is the type of person communities are hoping to learn about. He said his parents own a restaurant and frequently travel over 50 miles to Garden City to shop. “They have to go to Garden, to Sam’s Club because they have to buy a lot of stuff in bulk,” Loredo said. “It’s just stuff you can’t find here.” Loredo is one of many residents who travel to Garden City, the retail center in southwest Kansas. Garden City has seen more success in economic development than neighboring towns, but the hope is the community will continue expanding. Lona Duvall is president of economic development for Finney County, home of Garden City. People like her have been trying to track out-of-town retail shoppers for years, but it hasn’t been easy. They only have a small staff and they’d have to physically look at license plates in shopping centers. “We counted 12 from New Mexico and 15 from Colorado, or whatever the case may be,” Duvall said. This is where AI comes in. Finney County is one of several in western Kansas that purchased a tool called Placer AI. It tracks where people travel through anonymized cell phone data. That data helps them determine why people are coming to town or leaving town. Where they’re shopping and what they need. Then they can use that data to determine what businesses they should try to attract to keep people in the community.
Source: KCUR News