Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Free Narcan and fentanyl test strip dispenser now open 24/7 in Salina

An addiction treatment center in Salina says it’s seen a big increase in fentanyl deaths, especially among younger people. But now, it’s hoping to slow down those deaths by providing a free Narcan dispenser that anyone can access, 24/7. “I think it’s important to educate and empower so we can save lives,” said CKF Addiction Treatment Wellness Coordinator Chelsey Eberwein. “There will be boxes of naloxone. There’ll be fentanyl testing strips and hygiene kits, free to any and everyone who would like to come and get one.” It’s an issue extremely close to mentor Valarie Hicks’ heart. “I’m a person in recovery myself. And I was never able to just come in and ask for help,” said Hicks. “Here in Salina, we have a lot of things recently that have been happening where people are being found deceased.” Hicks says the stigma, the shame, and the fear many drug users feel is costing life after life. “A lot of people in these instances just take their friends and leave them somewhere. Out of fear of getting in trouble,” Hicks said. But as of Thursday, Salina now has a new, life-saving option. “Here’s where it’s located. So this door will be locked, this one will be the 24-hour access. You just pull this down. Here’s our naloxone spray. In these bags right here, it’s fentanyl testing strips,” Hicks said, showing us the box located in the west lobby of CKF Addiction Treatment at 617 E Elm in Salina.
Source: KAKE – News

Southwest Kansas to get a children’s museum

Southwest Kansas will soon get its first children’s museum. Red Dog Children’s Museum received a $28,435 grant from Kansas Tourism Monday morning at the Russell Child Development building in Garden City. The museum was one of 14 recipients of Kansas Tourism’s 2023 Attraction Development Grants. Additionally, the museum received two other local grants from the Finney County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Garden City Co-op to help kickstart it. The museum has been a project of Jenny and Trevor Hands for the past two years. Together the couple has a son, Graden, and when they travel, they go to children’s museums anytime they’re near one, Jenny Hands said. Jenny Hands said the idea for the children’s museum came to her and her husband while sitting on their living room couch because they were inspired by their son, their travels and because they have always “wanted to do something” for their community. “But in the research of planning this, we found of the 10 nearest children’s museums to Garden City, eight of them are outside of state lines and they’re an average of 300 miles away,” she said. “That is not accessible for our community, and we just started to develop a passion for educating children in our community and giving them the same opportunities that children in larger cities have.” Thus, the Red Dog Children’s Museum was born.
Source: Garden City Telegram

Kayak rentals coming to Vets Park

By next spring, people will be able to rent a kayak and paddle across the lake at Veterans Memorial Park. Director of Kansas Tourism Bridgette Jobe stopped in Great Bend on Tuesday morning to present a “big check,” representing a grant for $12,200 to the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau. This joint project will involve the City of Great Bend and the Great Bend Recreation Commission as well. The plan is to add a kayak rental service that will operate similar to the Bird Scooters that were in Great Bend for a couple of years. Kayaks can be checked out from a locker placed next to the lake by using an app on a smartphone. The user will be charged a fee through the app. The kayaks come with paddles and life jackets in various sizes, although one has to be 18 years old to download the app. The Great Bend Recreation Commission suggested a rental rate starting at $25 per hour, but Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Christina Hayes said that and other details have yet to be determined. “We are trying to make it affordable and easy.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Newton to ban tobacco use in city parks

The Newton City Commission has approved a policy to ban tobacco use at city parks and outdoor recreational areas. The Tobacco-Free Parks policy will be effective on January 1st, 2024, and it will ban tobacco use in city-owned recreational areas, including parks, playgrounds, trails and athletic fields. Sand Creek Golf Station will be exempt from the policy. The Healthy Harvey Coalition asked Newton High School students last spring to help with a study on tobacco litter in city parks, and in one park, the students filled a seven-liter bucket with discarded tobacco products. The Coalition also helped to encourage the City of Hesston to make its parks tobacco-free, and the group worked with the City of Newton on an ordinance to raise the age for buying tobacco products to 21. The City of Newton and the Harvey County Health Department will receive free signs from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the signs will be posted at parks and recreation areas to remind visitors of the new policy.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Bel Aire officials looking into problems with street project

There have been delays in completing a street improvement project in the city of Bel Aire, two years after construction began. Work on the project has stopped and the city is working on testing and inspections to determine when it can be started again. Bel Aire Mayor Jim Benage provided an update on Facebook on the project to improve Woodlawn between 37th and 45th Streets North. He said the wheel paths in the east lanes are deforming, cracking, slipping, and sinking. The city has hired a firm to take soil samples and results will be studied by the project engineers, the Bel Aire City Engineer and the Kansas Department of Transportation. Benage said a plan will then be developed for repairing the east lanes and finishing the project. As soon as this plan is developed and put in place, it will be shared with the public. With winter weather approaching, the work will likely be delayed until the spring. The city will take some temporary measures to provide a safe route through the winter. In the meantime the city will continue to have northbound traffic in the middle lane with traffic cones in place. The traffic light at 45th Street North will continue to be a four way stop. Benage said in his statement, “We are frustrated with the slow progress, but we need to be very intentional on how we proceed. Not doing so, could cause the City even more problems.”
Source: 101.3 KFDI

The market thinks the Fed is going to start cutting rates aggressively. Investors could be in for a letdown

Markets seem to have taken this week’s positive economic data as the all-clear signal for the Federal Reserve to start cutting interest rates aggressively next year. Indications that both consumer and wholesale inflation rates have eased considerably from their mid-2022 peaks sent traders into a frenzy, with the most recent indications on the CME Group’s FedWatch gauge pointing to a full percentage point of cuts by the end of 2024. That may be at least a tad optimistic, particularly considering the cautious approach central bank officials have taken during their campaign to bring down prices. “The case isn’t conclusively made yet,” said Lou Crandall, chief economist at Wrightson ICAP. “We’re making progress in that direction, but we haven’t gotten to the point where they’re going to say that the risk of leveling out at a level too far above target has gone away.” This week has featured two important Labor Department reports, one showing that consumer prices in aggregate were unchanged in October, while another indicated that wholesale prices actually declined half a percent last month. While the 12-month reading of the producer price index sank to 1.3%, the consumer price index was still at 3.2%.
Source: Economy

Municipal Bond Trends for November 16, 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.

Shawnee County is seeing record revenues at its golf courses this year

Shawnee County’s government has set a record this year for golf revenue, with one key reason being COVID-19, an official says. Many new golfers took up the game during the pandemic, when it was among the few activities available. Now, they continue to play, Josh Maike explained Monday to The Capital-Journal. County golf revenues eclipsed $2 million for the first time this year, county commissioners learned at a work session Monday from Maike, recreation superintendent for Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. The previous record was $1,805,080, set last year, he told The Capital-Journal. Other reasons Shawnee County set the record include golf leagues, junior golf, affordable access to its courses and the positive customer experience golfers receive at those courses, Maike said.
Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for November 15, 2023

Newton hires McPherson’s Daniela Rivas as its next city manager

The Newton City Commission approved a contract to hire Daniela Rivas as its next city manager. Rivas, who works as an assistant city administrator/finance director for the City of McPherson will replace Kelly McElroy, who left the city position in October. According to information released by the city, Rivas grew up in Wichita and has family in Newton, and her familiarity with the community is one of the factors that drew her to the job. “Having spent my summers in Newton growing up, I know what a special community it is,” Rivas said. “I’m honored and excited to contribute to the growth and success of such a wonderful city.” At its Tuesday meeting, Mayor Leroy Koehn said city department heads, city commissioners, community members, and department heads all conducted interviews as part of the process. “Every group chose Daniela,” he said. “We all feel very good about our new city manager, and she will be a really good fit.” Commissioner Rich Stinnett and Commissioner Rod Kreie both complimented Rivas’s enthusiasm. “She’ll be a great cheerleader for the City of Newton,” Kreie said.
Source: Harvey County Now

Pickleball noise causing issues at this Prairie Village park

Prairie Village is looking at four different options for alleviating pickleball noise coming from public courts at Windsor Park. Residents near the park at 7200 Windsor St. have shared concerns about the incessant noise of paddles hitting balls at six pickleball courts that were installed at the park in June. … The Prairie Village City Council last week gave city staff the green light to explore options for four different types of possible sound mitigation at the park.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Lawrence Police Department prioritizing calls by solvability; non-officer responders working out well, chief says

The Lawrence Police Department is prioritizing calls by how solvable they are, LPD Chief Rich Lockhart told city commissioners Tuesday, and the addition of four non-officer responders has helped with efficiency. The department is now using a solvability matrix to guide its members’ efforts, he said. They’re going to focus and investigators’ time on violent crimes against people and the most severe and solvable crimes. Emergency dispatch will help classify calls as they’re received, and Lockhart said someone with the department will call people and let them know they’re going to have a delayed response and offer to schedule a time to make a report — probably the next day, either over the phone or in person with a teleserve employee.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 Superintendent announces retirement

Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 Superintendent Richard Proffitt has announced his plans to retire in a statement from the district office on Tuesday morning. Proffitt has served as the USD 250 Superintendent of Schools since 2018, guiding the district through the pandemic and capping off his career with the renovation of the Pittsburg Community Middle School. “It has been my pleasure to have worked with the Board of Education, administration, staff, students and community in Pittsburg,” Proffitt said. “I am proud of the accomplishments that have been made during my tenure and I have been honored to work with such wonderful professionals that made it happen on a daily basis. …
Source: Morning Sun

A look into Topeka’s next multimillion dollar park

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation gave county commissioners a sneak peak into the nearly $4 million dollar Southwest Topeka Family Park project. Talks have been in the works for nearly a decade to turn the plot of land at southwest 21^st and southwest Urish by the Midwest Health Aquatic Center into Family Park. At Monday’s Shawnee County commission meeting, parks and rec were able to show the commissioners what those talks are turning into. The design, which is still an evolving concept, includes a “Destination Playground,” pickleball courts and a shelter house. It’s the latest phase of a master plan, which was approved back in 2021.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Labette County explores use of repeaters for rural firefighters

Labette County commissioners on Monday heard about a portable repeater that could improve radio communication for rural firefighters. Firefighters have struggled in certain areas of the county to reach the 800 megahertz tower in the center of the county with 2-watt handheld radios. The county received a grant to purchase for firefighters 100 handheld radios programmed to the state’s 800 radio system. The grant brought in $212,500, and the local match will be $37,500. Many fire departments haven’t updated their 800 MHz radios since 2012. Charlie Morse, the county’s emergency management director, brought in two L3Harris radios for testing in the county.
Source: Parsons Sun

KDOT to share updated plans for US50/400 expansion

A public meeting for four upcoming U.S. 50/400 expansion projects in Finney and Gray counties will take place on Thursday, November 16, from 5:30 to 7 pm at the Gray County Recreation Center 4-H room. The Kansas Department of Transportation will host the event. The four U.S. 50/400 projects have been divided into two groups for design and construction–a western and eastern group. The two projects in the western group extend from Aerodrome Road in Finney County east to 7 Road in Gray County. The two eastern group projects extend form 7 road east to Cimarron. A brief presentation will begin at 5:45 pm, followed by the opportunity to view proposed improvements made since the November 2022 open house. These projects are nearing completion of the Preliminary design phase, and updated plans that show improvement to managing direct highway access while increasing capacity will be on display. These updates are focused on locations where the highway intersects local streets. Information presented will be available online from November 16 to December 2 for those unable to attend. Visit ike.ksdot.gov/US50-expansion.
Source: Western Kansas News

Disappearing Main Street: The struggles of finding the next generation of owners

How long do you think it should take to find a buyer for a thriving business? Longer than you might think if you live in small town, Kansas. Don’s Place is nestled in the middle of downtown Protection, Kansas whose population was 503 as of 2021. There it’s been serving up home cooked goodies for fifty years now, a milestone the entire town celebrated in September. … But now, the Dellingers are looking to sell. “I’m not quitting because of the business. I’m just quitting because I’m too old to do it,” Don said as he flipped burgers on the grill. “Things are starting to wear out.” However, they can only sell out if they can find the next generation of owners.
Source: KAKE – News

Fighting water woes in Kansas

The State of Kansas Governor’s water conference is this week. It’s an effort to save water in the wake of a drought in parts of Kansas, along with aquifers that are drying up. “I always say the sky is not falling. But today is our opportunity to keep it from falling,” said Susan Metzger with Kansas State University. Metzger is announcing a water institute at Kansas State at the university level this week as well that coincided with the state water conference. “The future is critical, and if we don’t protect our water resources here in Kansas, well then our communities, our industries, our livelihood, they have the choice and freedom to move to other places,” said Metzger.
Source: KSN-TV

Pottawatomie County ponders next steps after sales tax proposal fails for second time

For two consecutive years, Pottawatomie County voters have turned down a proposal to raise sales tax by a quarter percent to fund certain county road projects. Commissioners on Monday pointed to a lack of ability to educate the public as to the benefits of these projects. County Counselor John Watt says commissioners can’t actively push ballot issues because of state statute, something Dee McKee says she doesn’t agree with. Commissioner Greg Riat believed the issue could’ve been helped if an outside group threw its support around it. County Administrator Chad Kinsley says a big discussion will be needed ahead of next year’s budget.
Source: 1350 KMAN

City of Newton working to boost tree sales

The City of Newton is giving out coupons to residents for 50 percent off trees through the end of the month or until supplies last. Currently, the city has given out about a third of the available coupons. Coupons can be picked up at the third floor of City Hall, located at 201 E Sixth Street, and will have a list of participating greenhouses. Erin McDaniels, the city’s communication’s director, said the city does this each spring and autumn as part of its tree city program. “Having trees and green space and parks, these are things that improve the quality of life for our community,” McDaniels said.
Source: Harvey County Now

Haysville offers incentives to open certain restaurants in the city

The City’s Economic Development Director Danielle Gabor said the city is looking at ways to keep up with its growing population. One way is with its restaurant incentive program that is designed to help new restaurants get up and going. “Originally was $5,000 and it was just for a steakhouse and a coffee shop and we increased that number recently to $15,000. It also includes a fast food or quick service dining restaurant,” explained Gabor. Gabor says adding more restaurants in the city gives more options for both Haysville residents and people in nearby cities like Wichita to visit and spend their money.
Source: KAKE – News

Municipal Bond Trends for November 14, 2023

City of El Dorado receives Safe Streets and Roads for All grant

Transportation safety is always a priority for the City of El Dorado, whether it’s driving, walking or biking. A Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help the City continue to improve safety throughout the community. The City received notice from Congressman Ron Estes’ office of the $160,000 grant. This will be used for a road safety audit to develop a new City of El Dorado Transportation Safety Action Plan, which will be part of the previously authorized Transportation Master Plan now underway. “This will help us identify places that have safety issues in the transportation network,” explained City Engineer Scott Rickard. “From there, we will come up with a plan to remediate those issues.” The grant will hopefully open other opportunities for federal or state grant dollars. Typically, federal funds are first used to fund planning documents to justify construction projects. “This will give us a guiding document to apply for additional grant funds for building out the improvements,” Rickard said. “It also will aid in updating the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for future improvements.” El Dorado is one of only seven cities in Kansas who received this grant, which focuses on planning and projects to improve safety and help prevent deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. In addition to the federal grant of $160,000, the Kansas Department of Transportation is funding the matching 20 percent so there is no cost to the City.
Source: City of El Dorado

Municipal Bond Trends for November 13, 2023

Russell recognizes Purple Heart recipients at ceremony tomorrow

The Purple Heart medal is presented to U.S. military service members wounded or killed by enemy fire. It was originally awarded by George Washington in 1782 to recognize meritorious service in combat. It is the nation’s oldest and one of the most distinguished military awards. The Russell community is home to many veterans and families, including Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. The City of Russell has a long history of supporting military personnel and veterans. The Purple Heart Proclamation is an official expression of Russell’s appreciation for the sacrifices and Purple Heart recipients that were made defending our freedoms.
Source: City of Russell

Shawnee voters overwhelmingly renew two key sales taxes

With two landslide approvals by Shawnee voters, the renewal of two existing sales taxes means promising futures for city projects. In last Tuesday’s election, Shawnee voters overwhelmingly voted to renew the “Parks & Pipes and Pavement” sales taxes, which together fund improvement projects throughout the city. Their renewal means the city will be able to move ahead with no gaps in funding. According to unofficial final Election Night results, the “Parks and Pipes” tax issue passed with nearly 75% of voters approving the measure, which renews the 1/8-cent citywide sales tax that is specifically designated for building and improving city parks, trails and stormwater drainage systems. Meanwhile, the “Pavement” tax passed with nearly 76% of voters approving it. That’s a 3/8-cent citywide sales tax meant specifically for maintenance and improvements to city streets, curbs and sidewalks.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Clay Center continues discussion on lifting pit bull ban

Four members of the Clay Center City Council’s Administrative Committee agreed last week they should recommend to the full council to do away with the city’s ban on pit bulls and strengthen the city’s vicious dog ordinance with stricter penalties for dogs running at large. However, they also agreed the council should have more discussion on this before they do it. The council reviewed statistics on dog attacks and looked at other cities that have lifted bans, which included Abilene, Salina, Concordia and Junction City. These cities also handle issues with dogs with a vicious dog ordinance rather than an outright ban.
Source: www.ccenterdispatch.com – RSS Results in news,local/* of type article

Lawrence Public Library bans smoking, verbal harassment and more from its campus under new code of conduct

The Lawrence Public Library has rolled out new rules for its campus and lawn — including banning smoking, vaping and verbal harassment — and prescribed consequences for breaking them. Repeated instances of such behavior could now get a patron suspended for a period of a week to six months, under the library’s new code of conduct. Violent or threatening behavior may result in longer or indefinite suspensions. The library has received numerous complaints from patrons about safety issues in and around the library. Library administrators pledged to improve public safety in the library, but the lawn and parking garage are owned by the City of Lawrence. That has limited staff members’ ability to address issues that may arise: for instance, the library can eject or ban people, but those people could still hang out outside. The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday approved an agreement to lease the library plaza, the yard directly south of the library building, to the library for $1 per year for five years. With the new lease agreement, the library can extend its behavior policies to the whole campus, which includes “the library itself, the Library Plaza, Reader’s Garden, and green spaces surrounding the library on Vermont, Kentucky, and 7th Streets up to the public sidewalk,” according to the library’s website.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Johnson County cuts bus routes to Overland Park, Olathe, Gardner

Riders of three Johnson County bus routes serving Olathe, Gardner and Overland Park will have seven weeks to make other arrangements, as Johnson County commissioners look for ways to cut costs in the transit system. Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to suspend service indefinitely on three unpopular bus routes – the 482 Overland Park Flex, the 519 Olathe Express and the 595 Gardner-OP Express. Service on the three routes will be curtailed at 8 p.m. Dec. 31, following a public notification period. The routes were culled because of low ridership, with all three averaging less than four passengers per hour. Suspending them is expected to save the county $833,000 a year. The Overland Park Flex route offers service on request in an area that serves central Overland Park, including senior living facilities Overland Towers and Santa Fe Towers. The Olathe Express and Gardner-OP Express run between those cities and Kansas City, Missouri. There are some alternative routes, suggested by Josh Powers, director of the county transit division. The new 487 route, which runs between Overland Park and Lenexa along 87th Street, is a possibility, as is Micro Transit or Freedom On-Demand, which are both on-demand services. Freedom/Freedom On-Demand is for persons with disabilities.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Olathe to change school start times to ease bus driver shortage. Some parents are worried

After a year of contentious debate, the Olathe school board is finally poised to vote on changing school start times so that bus drivers can take on more routes amid ongoing labor shortages. But some parents, especially with elementary aged children, worry the proposed later bell times would put them in a bind, concerned they will struggle to find morning childcare and make it to work on time. Since last year, the district has been studying changing school times to address the bus driver shortage. Stakeholder groups have considered 20 possible bell schedules, with several parents raising concerns along the way. But officials say they’ve now come up with new school start times that should be manageable for the majority of families. “When we look at change to the system, obviously change is hard and it affects everyone,” Jim McMullen, deputy superintendent of organizational operations, told the school board last week. He added that adjustments are focused on, “getting all students to and from school, and providing equitable access for all students for all programming. But also all the additional things we do on a daily basis in our K-12 schools to provide great enrichment opportunities for our kids,” such as field trips and activities.
Source: Joco 913 News

Crews respond to partial building collapse in downtown Lyons

Emergency crews responded to the report of a structural collapse in downtown Lyons on Sunday morning. At around 10 a.m. Sunday, crews were dispatched to the 100 block of West Main Street in the downtown business district where a partially collapsed two-story building was located. Responders were able to contact the business owners and determined there were no injuries in the vacant buildings, the City of Lyons said in a press release Sunday evening. Emergency crews remained on scene for the remainder of the day and placed barricades to provide public safety. The City’s response will most likely last for several weeks. Highway 56 (in the 100 block of W Main) has been opened back up to two-way traffic only.
Source: KAKE – News

Lawrence school board to consider tax breaks for affordable housing project

Lawrence school board members will meet Monday for a brief agenda that includes considering the district’s portion of tax breaks to help fund construction of a downtown affordable housing project for people ages 55 and up. The board’s agenda as of Sunday afternoon listed only reports from board members and the superintendent and consent agenda items, or a list of items that are generally considered routine and are approved with one motion unless a board member or the superintendent asks to pull something for further discussion. A report about the crossing guard and Safe Routes to School programs was postponed because of a last-minute scheduling conflict with the presenter, according to district spokesperson Julie Boyle. The developer of the New Hampshire Street Lofts, the 48-unit affordable housing project planned for 1000 New Hampshire St., is seeking a 15-year, 95% Neighborhood Revitalization Area (NRA) property tax rebate as well as Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB) financing to make project construction materials sales tax exempt. The school board’s agenda materials state that “Impacts of the project on the local school district are insubstantial due to state school financing formulas.”
Source: The Lawrence Times

Topeka City Councilwoman addresses plan for homeless ordinance, election results

Karen Hiller, the Topeka City Councilwoman for District 1, joined the 27 News Morning show to talk about moving forward with a new council, after Tuesday’s general election. “I’m pleased to see our two incumbents coming back,” Hiller said. “And I think our two new council people are going to fit in really well. I think we are going to have a really good council.” She emphasized that every person on the council has a different skill set that will be advantageous in moving the city forward in a better direction. As far as when those new members will be sworn in, Hiller said we still have to wait a little bit. “A few years ago, the state changed our election cycle,” she said. “So, we moved to the November cycle. And when that happens, the election happens in early November, but you don’t actually get sworn in until early January.” Hiller said, in the last two months of the year, the council will focus on smoothly wrapping up any work and preparing for the new members’ transition. “And we will swear them in the first week of January and get things rolling,” she said. In reference to the new homeless ordinance set to go in place Nov. 17, Hiller advised 27 News to “stay tuned”. She said the council felt like a message needed to be sent, and that’s what they did in creating the ordinance.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Open enrollment could create issues for Kansas school districts

Starting next fall, students in kindergarten through 12th grade can go to any school in Kansas, even if they do not live in the district. Wichita School Board Member Stan Reeser believes the change opens doors for students across Kansas. “I think most families today still say what is the best school district, what is the best program, where my child can succeed,” said Reeser. He believes Wichita will be a coveted school district for its programs, including college credit, “IB,” and AP classes. They also offer special education programs not seen in other districts. Reeser says the challenge is making sure they have enough staff. “Not so much the building size or the classroom size, but do we have the staff to expand the program,” said Reeser. Leah Fliter, from the Kansas Association of School Board, says the state per-pupil funding will go to the school where the student attends. “If you have a kid that lives in Northeast Wichita, but they are going to school in Maize or Andover, if they’re in the Maize school building, at the desk, on September 20th, they get counted for Maize funding purposes, so yes it’s an issue that you’re paying taxes in one district but going to another district,” said Fliter.
Source: KSN-TV

USD 410 makes plans to educate patrons about bond

As USD 410 Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh awaits official approval from the Kansas State School board to hold a special election for a school bond on Jan. 23, the district is making plans to educate patrons about the projects that would be included in the proposal. The district’s efforts to inform patrons about the bond will begin on Nov. 9 following approval for the election from the state school board. Patrons can expect to find information in the local newspaper, on district Facebook and website and on handouts at school events and display boards around the community. A direct mailing to registered voters will be sent around Jan. 3. Community meetings are scheduled for Nov. 14 and Dec. 4 at Hillsboro Middle High School Auditorium. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are expected to last approximately one hour. There will be information published in the Free Press and on social media if you are unable to attend either meeting. “Until we have full approval for the special election from state officials, we really shouldn’t jump the gun by putting out bond information. However, we want to keep people informed so it seems appropriate at this date to let people know our game plan for communicating about the bond once the election is approved,” said Superintendent Clint Corby. If the petition to hold a special election is approved by the State Board of Education, the bond election will take place on Jan. 23, 2024.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Lawrence business owners share frustration with surging downtown homelessness population

Bowersock Mills and Power Company owner Sarah Hill-Nelson manages hydroelectric power plant facilities on both sides of the Kansas River in downtown Lawrence where homeless people struggling with mental illness and addiction tend to congregate. Some that she encountered arrived from other cities — specifically Hiawatha, Melvern, Leavenworth and Topeka, she said — after told Lawrence was a haven for unhoused people. Hill-Nelson said others were apparently given bus tickets to Lawrence by officials in communities eager to rid themselves of troublesome residents. The result has been a public safety crisis in Lawrence that surpassed the city’s ability to deliver housing, treatment and services to the homeless population, she said. “I’ve even heard about people who kinda laugh, ‘The liberal people in Lawrence, it’s kind of funny, let them deal with it,’” she told an House and Senate committee studying homelessness on Thursday. “It’s not that funny, because these people are suffering. Lawrence simply cannot handle all the Kansans suffering from substance use disorder and mental illness.”
Source: Derby Informer | News

City sells transformer to city of Osawatomie

The Garden City Commission approved the sale of a Substation Class transformer to the of Osawatomie at their regular meeting Tuesday. Mike Muirhead, Garden City Public Utilities Director, said the cause for reason for the sale is because on Oct. 25, Osawatomie experienced a catastrophic failure of their main substation transformer, which lead to large portions of their city being without power. So, representatives of Osawatomie contacted Garden City representatives including city staff, the mayor, City Manager Matt Allen, and Public Utilities staff, inquiring whether or not the city had a Substation Class transformer that matched the voltages and size they needed, Muirhead said. The city did have a backup transformer that would work. The transformer was purchased in 2014 for $185,652 and after calculating the inflation to 2023 dollars and the depreciation of the transformer, it was valued at $176,468, Muirhead said. “With the city of Osawatomie paying for the transportation and set-up costs, which was estimated at about $25,000, and since it was going to another municipal electric community in Kansas, staff set the value of the transformer at $150,000,” he said.
Source: Garden City Telegram

INK Reaching Out to Local Government and Business Community

The Information Network of Kansas (INK) is reaching out to local government and business leaders to form new partnerships to help make government more accessible to Kansans. INK was statutorily created in 1992 to assist state and local government agencies to collect, analyze, and disseminate data/information. INK was the first such organization created in the U.S. and is a model that other states have followed. Our mission is to enhance public access to government data and information. INK often does not charge fees for its services. INK contracts with KIC/Tyler Technologies as its system and support manager.

INK recently hired a new Executive Director, Murray McGee. Murray is a Certified Public Manager with over 20 years’ experience in local government. Most recently he served as the City Administrator in Moundridge, KS, and comes to INK with a collaborative “can do” attitude.

McGee is planning a series of meetings across the state to meet with local government staff, elected officials, business, and community leaders to discuss your needs for access to government data. He will also discuss INK’s grant program which was created to assist state and local governments acquire necessary software and hardware to develop program capabilities. For example, INK is funding a project with the Kansas Biological Survey to layer multi-agency and multi-format water data so that relationships may be observed for policy-making purposes.

INK is also currently funding the modernization of the state’s Amber Alert system as well as the development and implementation of a Dept. of Revenue program that will permit 105 counties and the Dept. to analyze property assessment data – while permitting counties to retain control of their data and allowing members of the public to view selected data.

INK provides a broad range of services to Kansas agencies and serves over half the Executive Branch agencies as well as over 400 local government entities. INK is the largest provider of payment processing to state and local agencies in the state of Kansas. INK has a broad range of capabilities that include transforming paper-based systems to online solutions, making government data more accessible to individuals and businesses, payment processing, as well as a broad range of other innovative solutions such as appointment scheduling, website development, and multi-agency collaborative projects.

Meetings have been scheduled for December 4^th at 10 AM and 2 PM at the BriefSpace (219 W 10th St.) in Hays; December 5^th at 10 AM; 2 PM and 6 PM at the Sundstrom Conference Center (102 N. Main St.) in Lindsborg; December 6^th 10 AM; 2 PM and 6 PM at the Greater Wichita Partnership meeting room (505 E. Douglas) and December 8^th at 10 AM and 2 PM at the Sunflower Foundation (Sunflower Board Room) 5820 SW 6th Ave, Topeka, KS.

Please let us know if you can attend. Contact INK Executive Director, Murray McGee at 785-296-2408 or e-mail murray.mcgee@ks.gov.

After promise of free tuition, this southeast Kansas town isn’t just growing. It’s booming

Announced in fall 2019, the Neodesha Promise Scholarship — funded by high school alumnus and philanthropist Ben Cutler — vowed to turn the tide for the southeast Kansas town of about 2,100, which for years had seen a dwindling population and enrollment in the school system. With Cutler’s funding from a lifetime as an executive in the finance and insurance industries, the program essentially guaranteed qualified graduates like Leck from Neodesha High School that their tuition to any college in Kansas or the country would be paid for, at least up to the equivalent of the highest in-state tuition and fees in Kansas. Four years and one pandemic later, the program has been a spark for the community, said Rebekah Peitz, who administers the program and helps students navigate college even after graduation.
Source: Hutch News

Hutchinson Fire Department, hospital raising funds for Infant Safety Box Project

The Hutchinson Fire Department and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center are raising funds to provide a safe and anonymous way for mothers or guardians to legally surrender a child. The Infant Safety Box Project is aimed at raising at least $50,000 to install Hope’s Cradles at two fire stations. If more funds are raised, more cradles will be installed across the community. … “Our goal really is to ensure both the guardian and the child have a future,” Hutchinson Fire Chief Steven Beer said in a statement. “This cradle can give the guardian hope in a desperate situation and prevent the loss of life.”
Source: Hutch News

This Saline County program weatherizes homes, saving money — and sometimes lives

Terminating a live wire didn’t exactly come with his job description, but it’s something that Peterson, executive director of the Community Housing Development Organization, would gladly do again. Saline County funded a home Weatherization Assistance Program with American Rescue Plan Act dollars and asked his organization to take the lead. Since the program’s inception, Peterson has been able to help homeowners who are in situations that cause large energy bills, often unbeknownst to them. “We’ve seen a lot of things that made us feel extremely good about what we were doing — not only saving energy dollars but protecting them from dangerous situations,” Peterson said.
Source: Salina Journal

Topeka losing longest-serving leader

Human resources director Jacque Russell, the longest-tenured department head for Topeka’s city government, is leaving city employment. Russell has resigned effective Dec. 1, city communications director Gretchen Spiker said Wednesday. Russell joined the city in July 2007 as its classification and compensation manager before being promoted to human resources director in April 2008, Spiker said. The city over the coming weeks will identify an employee to serve as interim human resources director, then conduct a nationwide search to fill the position permanently, Spiker said.
Source: CJonline

Hepler voters choose their mayor, again

“What, did I win?” Doug Harris asked from his truck, Wednesday. Harris, the mayor of Hepler, Kan., didn’t file for re-election, but according to Gene Rountree-Garcia, Crawford County’s director of elections, Harris was leading 9-1 among write-in votes cast in Tuesday’s election. “The one. That was probably my wife,” Harris laughed as he headed to another job site. Like many public servants in rural Kansas, Harris doesn’t campaign for office. He does the job out of a sense of civic duty. “The mayor’s job pays so well,” Harris joked. Although the mayor and council members are unpaid, that doesn’t mean they don’t have important work to do. Harris said he is fortunate to have a very good city council to work with.
Source: Morning Sun

6 votes separate these 2 Wyandotte County candidates

As outstanding ballots are counted, the race for a seat to represent south-central Kansas City, Kansas, on Wyandotte County’s governing body has narrowed to six votes. Philip Lopez, who owns a tree trimming business, on Thursday remained ahead of Steve Neal, pastor of First Baptist Church of Turner, in the race for District 6 on the Board of Commissioners for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. The seat is currently held by Angela Markley, who did not seek reelection, and covers the Turner, Morris and Muncie neighborhoods. After an update of unofficial results Thursday, Lopez totaled 827 votes while Neal had 821. Fourteen voters wrote in other candidates. The update came as more mail-in ballots were counted. The race could swing as the Wyandotte County Election Office goes through 1,200 outstanding mail-in ballots that were postmarked before or on Election Day but not received until later. They will be accepted through Friday.
Source: KC Star Local News

Overland Park is planning for the future of its parks system

Overland Park is paving the way for the future of its parks and recreation system. Called Playbook OP, the updated long-range plan currently under review will eventually identify future goals for the city’s pools, parks, green spaces and other recreational facilities. The plan will also address recreation programming, system development and other recommendations for expanding the city’s vast parks network. Enacted by city leaders in 2013, Overland Park’s existing long-term parks plan is called the Comprehensive Park System Master Plan. Under the current plan, Overland Park refreshed playgrounds at several parks, including Bluejacket Park, Brown Park and South Lake Park, said Meg Ralph, communications manager
Source: Prairie Village Post