Municipal News & Jobs

Crews contained a wildfire that started at a dairy in west Kansas on Sunday. The fire started around 1:15 p.m. at Syracuse Dairy. The Kansas Forest Service said embers from burning hay bales and silage spread to grass nearby. Winds gusting up to 40 mph caused the fire to spread. An estimated 10 to 15 haystacks burned, but the exact number is unknown because of heavy smoke.
Read more: KSN-TV

Reno County is improving its emergency response by opening two newly built emergency medical services station. An open house was held Friday for the new station near Fifth Avenue and Adams Street in Hutchinson. EMS Chief Dave Johnston said the new stations were built in some high-traffic areas to help EMS improve response time.
Read more: KSN-TV

Residents and history buffs of Lyon County traveled the historic Santa Fe Trail Saturday, albeit a bit differently than back in the day. Rather than riding horses and buggies, residents gathered for a bus tour of the trail that stretched from Allen to Wilmington with several stops along the way to view historic sites in the area. Organizer Jan Huston says the tour was not just about educating participants at the trail itself, but also about our own local history. She noted that of the thousands of individuals who utilized the trail, many played a vital role in the founding of our local area, including Charles H. Withington, the first settler of the area, who founded the community of Allen and acted as the area’s first “Real estate agent.”
Read more: KVOE

The city of Emporia is encouraging homeowners to apply for Home Repair grants if they qualify — and if the city gets grant funding for the overall project. Funds will help with what are called essential home repairs “to improve safety, livability and energy efficiency” like gutter work, roofing, heating, electrical systems, windows, plumbing and insulation. Qualifying homeowners must be deeded and the occupant of the home. The property has to be located in the Emporia city limits, be on a permanent foundation and need eligible repairs. There are income qualifications — homes with four or fewer residents have a limit of $42,050, while homes with five to eight residents have a limit of $55,550. The city says there will be priority for elderly residents, people with disabilities and homes with three or more bedrooms. People can apply online at emporiaks.gov/homerepairgrant. People with questions can email Community Housing Specialist Jeff Lynch at jlynch@emporiaks.gov.
Read more: KVOE

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is expressing dissatisfaction this week over the lack of progress made on water legislation in the statehouse this year. Water is drying up in the Sunflower State, as research shows some communities could run out of fresh water in as little as 25 years. Water supply issues in Kansas include multiple reservoirs filling up with sediment and the drying up of the Ogallala Aquifer underground. Kelly identified water as a top priority for the 2026 legislative session, but it ultimately got lost in the shuffle of bills passed this spring. Kelly told our Kansas Capitol Bureau she wishes more got done with water legislation as the 2026 legislative session comes to a close.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

Riley County had its first nuisance abatement trial last week, but the legal matter might not be fully resolved for another five to six years, the county commission learned Monday. The multi-year timeline, county counselor Jacob Hansen told commissioners, would be for the entire appeals process if the case went all the way to the Kansas Supreme Court. However, Hansen said he’s hopeful the initial Riley County District Court portion of the case would have some clarity soon. District Magistrate Judge John McNish took the case under advisement after a four-hour bench trial Friday, Hansen said.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

Fairway is trying to clamp down on unlicensed short-term rentals, even as the city expects a spike in property owners renting out homes during this summer’s World Cup. City officials say they anticipate the number of Airbnbs and other short-term rentals to double or even triple during the month of the World Cup this summer. But a new Kansas state law makes a Fairway city ordinance limiting such rentals temporarily unenforceable during the global soccer tournament. So, last week, city officials took a new tack, approving much steeper penalties for unlicensed rentals as a means to regulate the properties.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Leaders from Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools came together to tackle some of the community’s biggest challenges. At Monday’s tri-government meeting, leaders emphasized the importance of working together across all levels of local government. Wichita’s City Manager Dennis Marstall says one of the top priorities is building a stronger future workforce, starting with students.
Read more: KSN-TV

The Wichita Police Department showed off its new “drone hive” on Monday. The hive will house three drones and charging stations on the roof of the QuikTrip at Washington Street and Douglas Avenue. QuikTrip donated $600,000 to WPD to set up the hive. That will pay for operations for the first five years, then the city will pay $61,000 every year to maintain it. Police have said that the new location is a hub for street racing and that having the drone hive nearby will improve response across the city.
Read more: KSN-TV

Fort Scott’s economic growth plan for the year has hit the ground running, so far, and now, two new businesses are generating new jobs for the city. “It’s all manufacturing, it’s all blue collar. And that’s what our bread and butter is in Bourbon County,” said Brad Matkin, Fort Scott City Manager. Two new businesses coming soon to Fort Scott are what Matkin describes as a perfect fit for the local economy. They’ll bring 260 new industrial jobs into the community over the next couple of years – allowing for more opportunities for stable and well-paying work.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Haven High School has some new members. Their FFA program just welcomed nine new chicks into the world. The Haven City Council agreed to table and issue a resolution to allow the school to waive its ownership fees and construction fees for building the coop, with the unanimous intention to approve this once the appropriate ordinance is drafted. The chickens will be used to help the FFA students achieve the supervised agricultural experience that they need for the program.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Blue Valley Technologies (BVT) is excited to announce that residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy free public Wi‑Fi at Marysville City Park, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. This is part of an infrastructure project made possible by a matching grant program through the Kansas Office of Broadband Development’s ADOPT (Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology) Program. The new public Wi‑Fi installation will provide reliable internet access throughout the park, supporting community gatherings, family events, and local activities. It will also enhance security and provide everyday connectivity for parkgoers. Whether sharing photos, accessing information, or staying connected while enjoying the outdoors, the service is designed to enhance the park experience for all ages.
Read more: The Sunflower State Radio Network

Firefighters across the state of Kansas responded to multiple wildfires recently, with windy conditions making them difficult to contain. The Kansas Forest Service reports that Tanker 95 and DFMO Williams were released after assisting local crews. Burning silage and hay bales produced embers that spread into nearby grass and continued to spread due to strong winds. The wildfire progress stopped, and crews remained on scene to monitor and patrol. This week shows that the Fire danger is forecasted to be high to very high across much of Kansas, according to the forest service. They remind you if you are conducting a burn to have adequate water and personnel on site, reinforce and monitor firebreaks, and check and re-check any burns from today and the past several days.
Read more: Western Kansas News

The former small-town Kansas mayor pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor disorderly election conduct in Comanche County on Monday. He agreed to pay a $2,000 fine and serve a year of probation, court records show.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The Solid Waste staff isn’t just looking forward to more space on the campus; they’re also excited about new “smart trucks” that MSO is testing out right now.
Read more: LJWorld

The law creates two programs offering financial incentives for law students and lawyers. Another program offers up to $20,000 per year in loan repayment for attorneys working in qualifying rural counties.
Read more: CJonline

What began as a summer job at the Ark City Rec Center turned into a combination internship for credit at Arkansas City High School for senior Tristan Murphy.
Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com

These mechanical nests, or hives, are home to three new crime-fighting drones worth $650,000 that QuikTrip donated to the Wichita Police Department.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

Haysville’s city attorney will review if it is a conflict of interest for the city engineers employed by the city as contractors to review plats designed by the engineering firm.
Read more at: Wichita Eagle

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The device will mount to the front of a vehicle, which will then drive around all of the Sedgwick streets. It will map out streets, road signs and paving markers to create a five-year plan for improvements while monitoring conditions.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Clay Center City Clerk, Amelia Blackwood, was recently appointed as board director for the League of Municipalities’ Region 2. “This role is vital,” said Mayor Jimmy Thatcher. “It ensures the voices of communities like Clay Center are heard.” 
Read more: KCLY Radio

A state of emergency has been declared in Miami County, Kansas as well as the cities of Paola and Osawatomie after large hail caused widespread damage early Wednesday evening.
Read more: KSN-TV

Production and refurbishment of the agricultural track product line will be phased out, while the wheel assembly line will remain in operation.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The Arma City Council is seeking an ordinance that imposes strict penalties for those convicted of illegal dumping. At its last meeting, on March 16, the Arma Councilman Richard Kerley and City Clerk Bette Lessen reported to the council that residents have been dumping trash into city trash containers that were meant to be closed off, noting that containers were “plumb full.” The dumpster locations included those at Arma City Hall, the Arma City Pool, city parks, as well as the ballparks.
Read more: – The Morning Sun

The nod to America’s wild west past will be on display with the Plains, Trains and Cowboys: Experience the Spirit of the West in Abilene. The two-day event will be held April 24 and 25 in Abilene as part of the America 250 celebration. Activities will take place at Old Abilene Town, the Dickinson County Heritage Center, and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Festivities will include live entertainment, historical demonstrations and train excursions. The weekend is intended to highlight local history and tourism.
Read more: www.derbyinformer.com

Reno County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is excited to announce the grand opening of two newly constructed EMS stations, further enhancing its ability to provide emergency medical care throughout Reno County. To celebrate this milestone, Reno County EMS will host two special events for the community. The first, an Open House and Ribbon Cutting, will be held on Friday, April 17th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the new station located at 211 W 5th Ave in Hutchinson, Kansas. This event will bring together key stakeholders, local partners, and community members to commemorate the opening of the new facility. A second Open House event will take place on Friday, April 24th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the new station located at 107 W Fair Street in Arlington, Kansas. This event will provide an opportunity for all community members and families to visit the new station, tour the facilities, and engage with the EMS team in a relaxed setting. Both events will feature tours of the new stations, EMS demonstrations, opportunities to meet the EMS team, and refreshments.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio

The City of Emporia has once again been recognized for its drinking water, earning the “Best Tasting Water in Kansas” award from the Kansas Rural Water Association during Wednesday’s City Commission meeting.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

According to the National Weather Service, an EF-2 tornado reaching speeds of 125 mph hit Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday night. Tornado damage is extensive throughout Ottawa. Not even 24 hours after the storm, people who call Ottawa home started showing up to help each other. One group spent the afternoon going door-to-door, delivering food and water to some of the neighborhoods hit hardest by Monday’s tornado.
Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

The tornado left its mark, that much is certain. But amid the devastation, there is relief: early reports indicate only one person suffered minor injuries, and no lives were lost. Hillsdale was hit by an EF-2 tornado, with winds reaching up to 115 miles per hour. While the storm tore through buildings and livelihoods, it did not break the spirit of this small town.
Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

With all of the single-person electronic vehicles, like e-bikes and e-scooters, becoming popular, the North Newton City Council discussed regulations regarding their use. This was during its regular Monday night meeting at city hall. The council talked about possible regulations related to e-bikes and bicycles to improve pedestrian and rider safety.
Read more: Harvey County Now

During Thursday’s Work Session meeting, Hays City Commissioners will discuss two low-income housing economic incentives. The Commission will consider a resolution Evidencing an Intent to Issue Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) for the Pioneer Project. Overland Property Group, LLC seeks to develop the property located on the north side of I-70 and west of the termination of W. 45th Street, adjacent to 221 W. 43rd Street, into a new affordable multi-family residential complex, together with related parking and internal improvements. The developer estimated the total cost of the project to be approximately $9M consisting of half a million dollars for acquisition of the property and $8.455M in construction, furnishing and equipment costs.
Read more: Hays Daily News

After years of discussions, a lawsuit and a contentious city council election, Prairie Village’s $30 million new municipal complex project is on the brink of starting construction. The Prairie Village City Council voted 11-1 on April 6 to approve a $20.5 million construction contract with McCown Gordon to complete the project. Councilmember Nick Reddell cast the lone dissenting vote. As for the construction schedule, the city has previously stated that asbestos remediation will start as soon as this month, followed by the demolition of a former church building at 7820 Mission Road to make way for the new city hall. While the new facility is under construction, city hall staffers will remain in the existing building, Public Works Director told the city council on April 6. Once the new city hall is finished on the old church property, then the renovation of the existing facilities at 7700 Mission Road will begin.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Johnson County Park and Recreation District is one step closer to gaining 210 acres of new parkland in De Soto — eventually connecting to 100 miles of walkable and bikeable trails. Officials plan to retain as much of the natural character of the new parkland as possible, and maybe even add a disc golf course. First, JCPRD must exchange the 58-acre footprint of Sunflower Nature Park Read more: Johnson County Post

Fully realizing Overland Park’s ambitious, long-range parks and recreation master plan is going to require more revenue streams. City leaders are already floating the possibility of a new parks-focused sales tax. That’s because the draft plan, dubbed Playbook OP, envisions dozens of new parks, recreation and aquatic projects as well as park revitalization efforts around the city over the next decade, that would cost an estimated $385 million, possibly more. It’s with that price tag in mind that the most recent draft of Playbook OP suggests either taking a 1/8-cent parks-specific sales tax measure to a public vote, as other Johnson County cities have done over the years, and enacting other funding recommendations.
Read more: Johnson County Post

A tornado tore through southern Ottawa, Kansas, on Monday night, toppling power lines, damaging buildings and leaving much of the city without electricity. Despite significant structural damage across several blocks, city officials said no deaths or major injuries were reported.
Read more: Kansas City Star

Olathe is requesting a handful of projects to be included in a Johnson County program that provides funding assistance for road work over the next five years. The County Assistance Road System (CARS) works by providing funds to Johnson County cities to maintain major roads. Each year, cities submit a five-year road improvement plan to the county. Then, using a scoring system the county selects projects and allocates funds. Johnson County pays 50% of the project’s construction and inspection costs, while the city is responsible for design, right-of-way and utility relocation costs, according to the county website.
Read more: Kansas City Star

Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, today directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Friday, April 17, 2026, in honor of Greeley County firefighter and former deputy sheriff Carl “Levi” Evans, who died in the line of duty last week. “From his time serving in the sheriff’s office to his commitment as a volunteer firefighter, Levi Evans was dedicated to protecting his community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The loss of a first responder is always a tragedy. My thoughts go out to Levi’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Read more: KCLY Radio

Nearly 100 people gathered Thursday, April 9 at Hangar 600 in Salina to mark a major aviation milestone with the opening of a new aircraft maintenance facility at Salina Regional Airport and Industrial Center. The facility, operated by SkyWest Airlines, is the first in Kansas designed for overnight aircraft maintenance. Company leaders joined local and state officials to cut the ribbon and mark new investment in the area’s aviation industry.
Read more: KCLY Radio

Wichita’s City Hall and Sedgwick County’s offices have been separated by a single street for decades, but they might as well have been in different area codes for as often as the two governing bodies worked together. “This was something I’ve noticed as a private citizen and business owner: The city of Wichita and the county, in particular, really didn’t seem to have a whole lot of a working relationship — particularly publicly,” says Ryan Baty, the immediate past chairman of the County Commission. When he was first elected to the commission three years ago, Baty made it a priority to find ways to collaborate. Across the street, Mayor Lily Wu embraced a similar vision. En banc meetings — joint city-county gatherings — resumed, and since have been conducted four times a year.
Read more: KLC Journal

Shawnee County leaders have approved new regulations for solar energy projects in unincorporated areas during a commission meeting Monday, following years of research and public input from county residents. The decision creates a formal framework for how large-scale solar developments will be reviewed and approved in the county moving forward.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

Miami County leaders have declared a state of emergency after severe storms brought destructive hail across the area Wednesday afternoon. The Miami County Sheriff’s Office said officials in the City of Paola, the City of Osawatomie and Miami County all made “verbal emergency declarations” following the storm, citing damage to structures and vehicles. National Weather Service storm reports show just how intense the hail was. In Paola, hail was measured at up to 2.5 inches, with some estimates reaching as large as 4 inches in diameter. Nearby areas also saw significant impacts, including baseball-sized hail north of Osawatomie and ping pong ball-sized hail reported just east of the city. Additional reports south of Hillsdale showed hail around 2 inches in diameter. The sheriff’s office said the emergency declaration will allow local governments to access additional resources to assist with cleanup and repairs.
Read more: KMBC

Mayor Nicholas Cheney wants residents to weigh in on the future of bump-outs located on the town square corners, as the city grapples with increasing maintenance costs and safety concerns. The bump-outs were installed several years ago, but according to the mayor, they have become harder and more expensive to maintain. Now, the city is presenting three options to residents: cement all of the bump-outs, only cement the outer bump-outs, or leave them as they are. Business owners along the square have mixed feelings about the proposed changes, though many agree that visibility at intersections has become a primary concern..
Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com