Kansas Municipal News
Important link between Sumner and Cowley Co. has reopened
A bridge replacement project on Kansas Highway 55 between Belle Plaine and Udall is finally complete. The barricades and signs were brought down Thursday afternoon, and the road is now open for traffic. Construction to replace the bridge began in September of 2022. During the bridge replacement, traffic between the two communities was detoured at U.S. Highway 81 up to K-53, east on K-53 through Mulvane to K-15, and south on K-15 down to Udall. That is 23.6 miles, with an average drive time of 28 minutes, according to Google Maps. Now that the bridge has been replaced, the distance is back down to just 9.3 miles. The new bridge is much wider with new 8-foot shoulders.
Source: KSN
With limited housing options, city-owned houses draw interest in Wichita
At a time when affordable housing is scarce, the city of Wichita hopes that the sale of homes once used for public housing will provide more options for prospective homeowners. Over the past week, the city offered open houses for the first 13 homes it is selling after receiving permission from the federal government. The city announced in 2022 that it would split up its 352 single-family public housing units into several groups and sell them. The units come at a time when buyers face a tight market. A report by the Wichita State Center for Real Estate found that sales of houses are down, but prices will continue to rise. The report found that a lack of available housing is the main factor behind these issues. It’s hoped that the sale of the units would “add back to the housing stock for homeowners,” Megan Lovely, the communications manager for the City of Wichita, said in an email.
Source: KSN
Prairie Village’s housing recommendations have split the city
When it comes to housing in Johnson County, all eyes are currently on Prairie Village. The Kansas City suburb — one of the most affluent in the county — is at a crossroads about what role city government should play in addressing a lack of attainable housing stock in the city. Over a period of months, Prairie Village went from scratching the surface of what it could realistically accomplish to being caught in a fierce debate about who belongs and what types of housing make sense for the landlocked city with very little undeveloped land remaining. Last summer, after the county released its 2021 housing study that urged cities to take action to address the regional housing crisis, Prairie Village became the first city in Johnson County to bring tangible solutions to the table.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Overland Park sets $15 minimum wage for city workers. How does it compare in the metro?
Last week, Overland Park raised its minimum wage for city employees to $15 per hour — a move that city officials touted as a way to remain competitive and retain city workers. The city government is currently hiring for 71 open positions, according to its jobs page. Most of the jobs impacted will be in the city’s parks department, although some other positions will see their pay increase as well. Overland Park is the latest city in the metro to adopt a minimum wage for its government employees that’s higher than the statewide minimum. Kansas City and Kansas City, Kansas, also pay their employees at least $15 per hour, while Lee’s Summit has an even higher wage floor. A wage of $15 per hour is more than double Kansas’ minimum of $7.25, which is also the federal minimum. This new pay floor is still below the living wage for Johnson County.
Source: The Kansas City Star
Cato Days; a fall tradition
The hint of fall in the air and clear, blue October skies are a reminder that it’s almost time for an area historical event that has become an annual autumn tradition in the area. The 2023 edition of Cato Days will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, in Cato, Kan. As always, admission is free. Presented by the Cato Historical Preservation Association, Cato Days is designed to preserve and promote the tiny community’s pioneer history. This year’s Cato Days program starts with registration at 9 a.m. followed at 9:30 by old-time hymns performed by Ralph Carlson and Friends in the historic Cato Christian Church. Ann Rawlins will talk about the history of the church. At 10:45 a.m., in the Old Stone School, Anna Portwood Swank, Elizabeth Portwood Thompson and Jamie Thompson will talk about the school and Jerry Lomshek will discuss Cato’s early history and its involvement in Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War.
Source: The Morning Sun
Overland Park looks to change fair housing rules — What does that mean?
Overland Park will repeal its current fair housing codes and take steps to reaffirm its ongoing commitment to supporting fair housing. On Wednesday, the Overland Park City Council Community Development Committee voted 5-0 to recommend approval of three measures attached to the fair housing affirmation. Taking these actions doesn’t mean the city has stopped supporting fair housing in Overland Park, but that it is putting all of the enforcement responsibilities back on the federal government, said Overland Park’s Grant Program Manager Ruanda McFerren. The action will also dissolve the Overland Park Fair Housing Committee, which hasn’t met in years.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
‘Gravel Kansas’ cycling group puts Marshall County on map
Marshall County is now on the map of Gravel Kansas, a new cycling initiative dedicated to crafting unforgettable gravel cycling routes across picturesque Kansas landscapes. The map was the brainchild of LeLan Dains, Emporia tourism director, cycling enthusiast and founding chair of Gravel Kansas, who thought the public should have a guide to Kansas’ most scenic cycling routes. In Marshall County, so far three routes have been designated and posted to the map, which can be found online at gravelks.com.
Source: Marysville Advocate
Riley County jail overpopulation leads to nursing needs
The county clerk said Thursday Riley County Corrections needs another nurse because of overpopulation. During the Riley County Commission meeting, county clerk Rich Vargo said a corrections officer will soon come in to request money for a second nurse. As previously reported, the jail averaged 124 inmates in August, which is the highest it’s ever been. Vargo said the facility is now holding around 140 inmates. Kathryn Focke, county commission chair, asked if it was possible to partner with Kansas State University to have a student nurse work the second needed position. The commissioners discussed that the county would pay for this, since this is not considered a Riley County Police Department expense.
Source: The Mercury
Mulvane pledges support for DPD gun range
The cities of Mulvane and Haysville recently agreed to contribute $15,000 each toward a concrete project to help improve the Derby Police Department gun range operated jointly (since 2012) by all three municipalities. Over the past year, there have been ongoing discussions between city and police leadership about improvements needed at the joint gun range – one such being additional concrete to create a better training environment. The concrete would also help with operations during inclement conditions. Derby PD has also noted plans to make improvements to other portions of the range (compressor, warning system, etc.).
Source: Derby Informer
Led by a cool-down in online shopping, Lawrence sales tax collections on pace to be about $3M below budget
The latest sales tax numbers show the city of Lawrence is on pace to have a more than $3 million budget shortfall in sales tax collections this year, in part due to local online shoppers becoming less spend-happy. … During the pandemic, citywide collections of those taxes — called a use tax — soared by nearly 28% and 25% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This year, the use tax dollars are on pace to grow by less than 1%, a sign that shoppers haven’t abandoned online shopping, but seemingly are no longer treating it like the national pastime. If the trend holds, Lawrence City Hall will see one of its cash cows turn sickly. In 2022, the growth in use taxes added about $1.8 million in new revenue to the city’s coffers. This year, use taxes are on pace to add about $45,000 in new revenue.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for October 4, 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.
‘Mr. Winfield’ Rick Meyer fondly remembered
Rick Meyer, known as “Mr. Winfield” due to his work for the city and assistance with numerous events around town, died Saturday after an illness. Meyer, 71, had worked for the City of Winfield for just shy of 35 years, according to Winfield city manager Taggart Wall. At the time of his death, Meyer was the city’s facilities service coordinator. Wall said Meyer began working for the city after his previous employer, St. John’s College, closed down. “Rick was known for his grin and wit,” Wall said. “He always had a way of pulling people together to get things done.” Mr. Winfield, as Myer was affectionately called, was a public servant for the City of Winfield until the end. Rick was not only a special part of our city family — he was woven into the fabric of many local organizations,” Wall said.
Source: CTnewsonline
See murals painted live during 2023 Boom! Street Art and Mural Festival in downtown Salina
Live art is back in town right now as the second annual Boom! Salina Street Art and Mural Festival is happening in Salina. The creation of eight murals is currently underway as artists from around the world work in various locations throughout downtown Salina. Boom!, which began in 2022 by the Salina Kanvas Project and funded through private and crowd sourced donors, is an annual mural festival which has a goal to “bring in street artists and muralists from around the world to enhance the visual landscape of our city.”
Source: Salina Journal
Here’s what Saline County has done in 2023 to address its top 5 areas of need
Saline County continues to look at creative ways to address top local issues which have contributed to a stagnant workforce and are building upon a plan the board developed early this year to improve various aspects of the county. The plan was developed as part of a visioning process the board of commissioners went through to address top local needs and come up with tangible actions based on those needs. Its five key areas are the county workforce, county services and infrastructure, the county’s public communication and outreach, working relationships with local partners, and physical and economic community health.
Source: Salina Journal
Mulberry restores city basketball court
Mulberry Mayor Pat Walden was beaming with pride in his hometown as he showed off the newly restored basketball court at the Freddy Gobl, Jr. Park made possible by a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK). Like a lot of small towns, Mulberry needs help, so Walden said he just took a chance and applied for a grant through CFSEK, a local organization that hosts individual charitable funds created by donors who have a passion for giving back to the community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout southeast Kansas and beyond. According to Walden, a lifelong resident of Mulberry, the court is just used by local residents. Kids from nearby communities, including Arma and Arcadia on the Kansas side, as well as Liberal, Missouri, come to Mulberry for a game.
Source: Morning Sun
Leawood reverses course on slashing maximum building height
The city of Leawood is closer to a decision on capping the maximum building heights to 60 feet, or about four stories. This comes after several weeks of working toward a compromise on how tall office and mixed-use buildings in the city can be. The Leawood City Council wanted to make sure new buildings don’t get too tall, while the city’s planning commission initially opposed any regulations that could stunt growth. At its September meeting, the Leawood Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s development ordinance bringing the maximum building height down from 90 to 60 feet. The city first brought the proposal before the commission for review in July. City staff said the idea came from concerns from the Leawood City Council about avoiding a “canyon effect” from future developments along the 135th corridor, following discussions about projects like the East Village development.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Overland Park expands street maintenance program for 2024
Overland Park plans to spend roughly $17 million more next year maintaining, repairing and rehabilitating roads. It’s all part of an expansion to the city’s infrastructure maintenance program in 2024, supported largely by revenue raised through the city’s new three-eighths cent special sales tax, which voters approved this summer. Overall, the city expects to spend about $38.3 million next year maintaining its streets with different methods, including more mill and overlay projects, when a street’s top surface layer is removed and replaced. “It’s really exciting to see the impact of the vote that our residents took to increase the sales tax and dedicate it to this and show up in the numbers so quickly in 2024,” Mayor Curt Skoog said at Monday night’s city council meeting.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Places to go, sites to see, tales of yore keep Atchison tourism on the Kansas Map
For the curious, history lovers, adventurists, and naturalists near and far, they might tell Atchison is the place they like to go for good time experiences. Kansas Tourism recently announced that the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded a $10,000 Marketing Grant in the 2023 Tourism Marketing Grant Awards Program. The grant awards announced on Aug. 28, are designed to assist local tourism or attractions in new or first-time innovative marketing initiatives. Atchison Chamber is one of the 22 projects that the Kansas Tourism Award will provide funding throughout the state to enhance and expand advertising efforts to attract new visitors to the state and destinations throughout. Director Jill Thorne, Locally Atchison, wrote the grant application. An elemental key focus of the grant award is the recently published “Atchison, Ks FOR The Spirited.” Visitor’s Guide.
Source: News | atchisonglobenow.com
Valley Center to consider water treatment plant
Valley Center is considering building its own water treatment plant. The city voted Tuesday to approve a special meeting on the topic next Thursday. It will hold a public hearing to decide on whether to ask for a maximum $19 million loan from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to build the facility. The city currently sells its untreated water to Wichita and then buys treated water from Wichita at a higher rate than Wichita residents. “What we do know is that once we’re done that that per thousand gallons that we’re charging monthly to our residents would be about half of what we’re paying or charging them from Wichita right now,” said Valley Center City Administrator Brent Clark.
Source: KSN-TV
Lawrence city commissioners approve change to allow 2 affordable homes on more single lots
Lawrence city commissioners approved a tweak that will open up more single residential lots to possibly be developed with two small affordable homes. City commissioners in 2019 approved a text amendment to allow two affordable homes to be built on one lot, if projects meet several conditions. But city code currently does not allow development of two smaller homes on certain types of lots. The new text amendment the commission approved Tuesday will change that, opening up more than 1,000 lots to the possibility of being developed with two affordable single-family homes. City staff members had had recommended opening up the option for developers to seek special use permits to develop two homes on single lots smaller than 7,000 square feet regardless of the type of residential zoning district they’re in.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Reno County alcohol vote could change business operations
On Nov. 7, Reno County voters will decide on whether to get rid of the food rule. Reno County has been a semi-dry county since the 80s, meaning businesses that sell alcohol by the glass over 6% must ensure food makes up 30% of sales. “This is ultimately an outdated regulation that is obscure that very few people actually recognize is still here,” Pippin Williamson, Sandhills Brewing co-owner, said. “I mean the number of times that we’ve heard people say like, I thought we got rid of that 20 years ago. If you’re a non-food establishment, it is almost impossible to do 30% food sales. And that is actually the way that this law was designed was to make it impossible for non-food establishments to operate with alcohol.” The only way to change that rule is for the public to vote on it. To get it on the ballot, commissioners had to vote for it.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for October 3, 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.
Internet access is top priority for upcoming Topeka meeting
City officials say Topeka is teaming up with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to talk broadband access later this week. City of Topeka spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said in a press release that a joint listening session for stakeholder agencies will be held, courtesy of Topeka and the FCC, to discuss the topic of broadband access on Thursday. This is part of a push by the FCC to gain more information from different communities across the U.S. as to what challenges they are facing when trying to access broadband services. Broadband access is under discussion across the U.S., from the highest levels of our government to the Capital City of Kansas. Debate is focused on whether or not broadband should be seen as essential, such as access to water or electricity.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Junction City ready if government shuts down
One Kansas community shares its plan if leaders in Washington, D.C. can’t come to an agreement on the national budget. Saturday, the United States House of Representatives, Senate and President Joe Biden agreed to a 45-day extension for the congress to come to an agreement on budget. KSNT 27 News spoke with the city manager of Junction City who says anytime there’s uncertainty, it can trickle down to the community. “I think a family has angst when you may not get paid for a month and you have bills due,” City Manager of Junction City Allen Dinkel said, “And of course from our standpoint, you know, habits of sales tax, people shopping and everything else because not knowing if they’ll get paid and secondly will they get that pack pay and whole bit.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Transforming Halstead: SEED and HEAL Grants Fuel Prosperity and Community Growth
For this month’s Spotlighting Prosperity, we are excited to showcase the City of Halstead and the great work they have been doing to help their community prosper. In the past year, they were awarded a SEED grant, and more recently, a HEAL grant. With assistance from the SEED grant, the Kansas Learning Center for Health facilitated an amazing Outdoor Fitness Equipment project that was recently completed and the library is getting some much needed updates. Utilizing the HEAL grant, they are expanding the Daphne Mae Café in their downtown. This will allow more dining seating, event space, and provide a new location for meetings and other larger group activities.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Bond yields could race through 5% in next couple of weeks, market forecaster warns
Wall Street forecaster Jim Bianco expects Treasury yields to go a lot higher — and possibly overshoot through five percent in the next couple of weeks. “I don’t think we’re near the end of this move in the bond market,” the Bianco Research president told CNBC’s “Fast Money” on Tuesday. If the Federal Reserve hints about ending interest rate hikes while investors still sense inflation, Bianco warns they won’t buy bonds. “That’s what I think has been killing the bond market,” he said. “The more the Fed talks about being done, waiting [and] assessing all the rate hikes they’ve done — the more that they’re making it worse.”
Source: Finance
A new Johnson County program gives landlords reasons to accept housing choice vouchers
Housing choice vouchers, also known as Section 8 vouchers, help people in need find affordable housing. But landlords often won’t accept them, saying they don’t want to fill out the paperwork or are worried that tenants will damage their units. A new program in Johnson County aims to increase the number of landlords who do take vouchers by offering incentives to do so. Landlords who take on such a tenant will gain access to a damage claim fund and receive a one-time bonus equivalent to two times a unit’s rent.
Source: KCUR
City of Wichita changes policies to meet housing needs
On Tuesday, the Wichita City Council voted to approve the 2024 Annual Agency Plan and 2024-2028 Capital Fund Grant Five-Year Action Plan Estimate to address housing needs in the community. A topic of discussion was the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Currently, all 3,420 vouchers are being used, and over 5,000 are on the waitlist. At Tuesday’s Wichita City Council meeting, the housing and community services department asked the council to approve changes to policies to meet regulations and local needs.
Source: KSN-TV
Kansas collects $7M in first year of sports betting
The state’s first year of sports betting brought in $7 million in state revenue from $1.85 billion in wagers. In a Sept. 28 update to committee lawmakers, Kansas Lottery finance director Matt Schwartz said revenue projections were basically on track with expectations. “Sports wagering revenues, we’re now a little more than 12 months in,” Schwartz said. “The state’s share of revenues for the first fiscal year, which was 10 months of operation, was a little more than $5.8 million.” The fiscal year ended June 30. From the September 2022 introduction of sports betting through the end of August this year, the state has collected about $7 million in sports betting taxes, and sports bettors have staked about $1.85 billion.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Schools update cybersecurity training
Dennis Elledge, Director of Technology for Derby schools reported that cyberattacks are on the rise at the Sept. 25 Derby Board of Education meeting. Eldridge said major organizations like MGM Grand and Paramount Studio are falling victim. He says many breaches begin with deceptive emails that trick recipients into clicking on a link leading to a compromise .October is cybersecurity month and the technology department is providing information, training and procedural changes to increase awareness for district staff.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Workers uncover Topeka’s historic streetcar rail system
A downtown Topeka street construction project has uncovered a piece of Kansas history. In September, crews working along Jackson Street came across buried railing from the Capital City’s long-retired streetcar system. Schuetz Construction foreman Scott Schuetz said workers found the rails as they replaced the existing street. “There’s a set of trolley tracks we were told down Jackson Street that we dug across several times connecting the services to the buildings, and then there’s a set of tracks that we dug across in 10th Street as well as in Eighth Street.” Katie Keckeisen is a local history librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Nearly 150 years ago, Keckeisen said downtown Topeka bustled with horse-drawn trolleys. But in 1889, the very first electric versions of those trolleys first appeared on Topeka streets.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Want to open a restaurant? Haysville willing to pay $15,000 if you’ll do it there
Sometimes, when a city wants something badly enough, it has to go after it. In the case of Haysville — the city of about 11,200 just south of Wichita — residents want more restaurants, says economic development director Danielle Gabor. So the city has come up with three incentive packages that it hopes will help draw the specific kinds of restaurants the growing city most needs. Entrepreneurs who want to open one of three types of restaurants in Haysville — a sit-down coffee shop with a drive-through, a full service steakhouse, brewery or family dining restaurant, or a fast food/quick service restaurant — could qualify for an incentive package up to $15,000 in cash and tax rebates, she said. It’s not unusual for cities to offer these types of incentives, Gabor said. Haysville has had the coffee shop and steakhouse incentive on the table for awhile, but it recently upped the offer from $5,000 to $15,000 and added the fast food/quick-service incentive.
Source: Dining With Denise Neil |
Governor Kelly Announces $47M in Federal Funds for Two Kansas Rail Projects
Governor Laura Kelly announced two short-line railroad companies in Kansas are being awarded a combined $47 million in federal funding for rail improvement projects as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Watco, based in Pittsburg and with rail operations across the western and southeast portions of Kansas, is being granted up to $15.7 million to convert eight locomotives into fully battery-powered units. In southeast Kansas, the Neodesha Subdivision of the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL), a subsidiary of Watco, will receive up to $31.2 million for track-related improvements.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Governor Kelly Releases Kansas Broadband Digital Equity Plan for Public Comment
Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Digital Equity (DE) Plan for high-speed internet connectivity is available for public review and comment. While the recently announced Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan outlines the state’s plan to provide access to high-speed internet, the Digital Equity Plan focuses on specifically connecting users. The DE Plan outlines digital skills training, affordable service plans, and the availability of broadband-ready devices as top priorities. Additionally, the plan emphasizes technology’s positive effect on various areas of everyday life, such as health care, education, and civic engagement. “Digital equity empowers Kansans with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The release of the Digital Equity Plan marks a significant milestone in our commitment to closing technology gaps. I urge everyone to participate in the public comment process.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Sedgwick voters to mull sales tax extension
City of Sedgwick voters will soon be asked whether to indefinitely extend a half-cent sales tax. The question will play a role in if a sizable amount of the city is paved. In 2019, 64 percent of voters in the City of Sedgwick approved the addition of a half a percent of sales tax on purchases within the city to help pay for road and infrastructure maintenance. In the same election, the city voted down adding on additional sales tax to pay for park improvements.
Source: Harvey County Now
New art coming to Newton
The Newton Murals Project recently added two new murals as part of its mission to add color to Newton. The Newton Murals and Arts project has completed 12 murals in Newton so far, and the latest includes an addition to the back of the Meadowlark Mural in the Old Mill Plaza parking lot at 301 N Main Street. The other is a mural at the R. Michael Rhoades wetlands park next to the Newton Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Meadowlark mural is an ongoing project. Most recently, it added a three-dimensional element using “junk art” to display a “space bug.” In November, it will receive 12 more additions, when the Newton middle and high school students’ designs are displayed. The students had the opportunity to submit a design using a theme.
Source: Harvey County Now
Municipal Bond Trends for October 2, 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.
Attorney for Kansas Press Association has similar view to recent AG opinion, but association is concerned about lost revenues and transparency
Attorney General Kris Kobach issued a legal opinion declaring cities in Kansas had the right to exempt themselves from state law requiring official city business notices to be printed by a designated newspaper. Kobach’s nonbinding analysis said cities could adopt ordinances that allowed them to inform the public by posting information on budget hearings, zoning proposals and other issues to a city-owned website rather than buy newspaper advertisements. … Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, said the attorney general’s interpretation of nonuniformity in state law mirrored the perspective of a lawyer representing KPA. On Friday, Bradbury said elected city governments would risk undermining transparency important to their constituents by adopting ordinances ending the practice of compensating newspapers for dissemination of notices to the public. … Over the past 20 years, attempts in the Legislature to abolish city-notice standards have been unsuccessful due to concern revenue losses by newspapers could leave them vulnerable to closure. … Bel Aire Mayor Jim Benage said the change to Bel Aire’s distribution of official information would save the city an estimated $10,000 annually. “Times change,” Benage said. “We think using our own city website to publish legal notices is a better way to share information with area residents. We feel it encourages more interaction with residents and spurs web users to seek even more detailed information through other links on our website.”
Source: Kansas Reflector
Hixson winds up long tenure in Mulvane
When Kent Hixson accepted the job of Mulvane’s city administrator in 1994, little did he know that his service would stretch almost three decades. “Back then, I would have laughed at the idea of staying 29 years,” he said. “I wanted to stay long enough so our two sons could get through high school.” But after about 10 years in Mulvane, he realized how good he had it – and he was having a great time as well. As he asked: “Why go someplace else?” But that run is coming to an end as Hixson is retiring, with Oct. 6 as his last day on the job. “It’s bittersweet, but it’s my time to move on and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Valley Center Fall Festival draws a crowd
The game is over, but this year’s Valley Center Fall Festival may have set a new high score. With the theme “Let the Games Begin,” the annual festival drew hundreds of people to Main Street for a two-day community celebration Sept. 22 and 23. Officials with the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the event, said the chamber is gathering data on the potential number of attendees.
Source: AV News
Liberal creates public affairs position, hires Moree
Keeley Moree was a fixture for several years at Southwest Medical Center and recently, she took on a new position as the City of Liberal Director of Public Affairs. Moree said she is a part of Liberal through and through. “I grew up in Liberal, went to school, and ultimately came back. I went to Kansas State University, I’d taken classes through Seward County Community College and I’m a Liberal High School graduate, so Liberal is definitely my home,” Moree said. “When I returned from college, I got the opportunity to work at Southwest Medical Center for about 10 years and very recently made the transition to working for the City of Liberal, where I’m the new Director of Public Affairs. For me, being in this community and being able to step into a role that’s even more connected to transforming life for the better is a real passion of mine.” … While most positions have a transition period so the employee can get themselves situated, Moree said the work began almost immediately. “Things actually took off really quickly. With the new role, there’s been a lot of stepping into projects and figuring out where we’re at and where we’re looking to go. I’ve already been handed several projects that are really interesting, and that’s something I absolutely love about this position,” Moree said.
Source: LiberalFirst
Fully staffed, new Great Bend police station gives staff room to grow
Great Bend city officials met with the contractor and architect last week going over an interior punch list of the newly constructed Justice Center at the intersection of 12th Street and Baker Avenue. New furniture is expected to arrive this week as the Oct. 20 open house date gets closer. The 20,100 square-foot facility nearly triples the size of the current police station on Williams, and Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns said the building will give the police department room to grow in the future.
Source: GB Post
The economic impact of two major facilities closing in Southeast Kansas
Two major facilities, providing jobs to the community of Baxter Springs for decades, have closed. So how does that impact employees and the city’s economy? “We’re talking about 100, maybe a little more. And that’s pretty significant for the population of the City of Baxter Springs,” said Amy Kauffman, Cherokee Co. Economic Development Executive Director. 100 employees, perhaps with families – perhaps bringing the only income home. This comes following the closures of two major plants – National Safety Apparel – also still known by its former name – King Louie. And YRC Freight, or “Yellow Freight.” They both announced closures at the end of July and the beginning of August. National Safety Apparel’s final day of operations was Friday. Close to 70 workers are now looking for new jobs – as are more than 30 employees from YRC Freight. “That’s a loss not only for those individual families, but also for consumer spending as a whole. You can consider, 100 people are not buying as much groceries, they’re not buying as much gas. So, there’s a loss of consumer spending,” said Kauffman.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Shawnee County Mounted Posse meets with senior residents
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office made a special appearance at the Presbyterian Manor in Topeka today on horseback. A member of the Mounted Posse, Kelley Hamersky, is also the business manager at the assisted living facility. Hamersky offered to bring out a few of the horses for a meet and greet with the residents. The Mounted Posse primarily serves in search and rescue missions. Events like these are an opportunity for the horses to get exposure to a new environment. “It’s good for the horses to get used to being out and around lots of people and different types of people and different situations,” Hamersky said. While not all of the residents wanted to pet the horses, many of them were able to get an up-close experience. Two residents said they really enjoyed the event, and are grateful for the opportunity to participate.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Kansas collects $7 million from $1.85 billion in sports bets in first year of legalized gambling
Kansas’ first year of sports betting brought in $7 million in state revenue from $1.85 billion in wagers. In a Sept. 28 update to committee lawmakers, Kansas Lottery finance director Matt Schwartz said revenue projections were basically on track with expectations. “Sports wagering revenues, we’re now a little more than 12 months in,” Schwartz said. “The state’s share of revenues for the first fiscal year, which was 10 months of operation, was a little more than $5.8 million.” The fiscal year ended June 30. From the September 2022 introduction of sports betting through the end of August this year, the state has collected about $7 million in sports betting taxes, and sports bettors have staked about $1.85 billion. Schwartz said the organization wasn’t expecting a “big change” in revenue for the upcoming year, estimating the state’s share of revenue would likely be around $10 million in fiscal year 2024. August numbers reported $94.4 million in settled wagers for the month, generating $484,366 in state sporting bet taxes.
Source: KCUR News