Kansas Municipal News
Choose Saline County incentivizes local shopping
Over $3 million has been generated in economic activity in Saline County because of its new loyalty program, Choose Saline County. It is an app that allows people to earn stars for shopping locally, anywhere from 5%-20% back. Then, they can redeem those stars at other local businesses or donate them to a local nonprofit. “You get cash back,” Melissa McCoy, Saline County spokesperson, said. “And then you have stars that are as good as cash in your pocket that you can use that places like Brown’s Shoe Fit or True Betty Boutique or Sharp Performance. Now, if I need something, I will open that app, and I’ll see, oh, where can I get stars back or where can I redeem my stars instead of spending my money.” Over 114,000 stars have been redeemed, equal to $114,476. The county received ARPA funding and surveyed the community to figure out how to use it. The survey revealed the community wanted local business recovery.
Source: KSN-TV
This new Johnson County library under construction will replace the aging Antioch branch
The opening of a new public library building in Merriam is inching closer. “It’s just going to be a really beautiful building,” said Elissa Andre, media manager for the Johnson County Library, of the library’s new $13.6 million Merriam Plaza Library, now under construction in Merriam. “We’re really thrilled to bring it on to the Merriam Community Center campus.” The new facility, designed by Kansas City-based Dake Wells Architecture, is contemporary in style with an abundance of windows. It is being built just steps from the Merriam Community Center, which opened in 2020 in the 6000 block of Slater St. The library is scheduled to open in mid-2024. “This building is really architecturally interesting,” said Andre. “We have these big light monitors on the roof that will let in all sorts of natural light and let people who are inside look up and see the changing Kansas sky throughout the seasons.”
Source: Joco 913 News
Writers from four separate states assemble in SEK to showcase area
A group of travel writers are touring southeast Kansas. Five content creators from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota are touring with Explore Crawford County to tell a story about their time here. In less than 24 hours, they’ve toured about a dozen different locations, including Route 66, downtown Pittsburg, Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s, and the McCune Farm to Market. Each writer is creating vlogs and articles to publish on different publications. “We are showcasing the amazing things that are here to see, from obviously the history of Route 66. There are just a lot of different things, and we’re experiencing some unique food as well while we’re in the area,” said Sara Broers. The group is also attending a few different events while they’re in the area, including a music festival at Big Brutus, the Pittsburg Art Walk, and Pitt State’s Global Fest.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Senator visits Topeka homeless encampments
Topeka’s homeless crisis is catching the attention of federal leaders. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, recently toured a few homeless camps in the city. Barry Feaker, former director of the Topeka Rescue Mission, said he invited Marshall. The visit occurred the same day the senator met with state agricultural leaders prioritizing mental health resources for Kansas farmers. “We were able to visit two camps during this visit and have conversations with some individuals currently experiencing homelessness. When we returned to TRM (Topeka Rescue Mission) we discussed the homeless issues locally and nationally. The visit and conversation with the Senator were greatly appreciated”. Topeka has struggled to figure out how to get a handle on homeless issues in the city. The population grew 22% this year over 2023. Marshall said his staff in Topeka shared this prominent topic with him, so he wanted to see the camps for himself. “This challenge, this problem had risen to the level that my staff thought it was important that I go see this firsthand, with my own eyes,” Marshall said.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office raising awareness on fentanyl dangers
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is using social media to ramp up efforts to increase fentanyl awareness. Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves says the demographic most affected by fentanyl ranges from 18-year-olds to 45-year-olds. He also adds that the drug was recently listed as the leading cause of death among that age group. “The slogan is One pill can kill. And we’ve seen that here in the county. And throughout the region where somebody has taken what is a counterfeit prescription pill, they think it’s a Xanax or a person or OxyContin, and it turns out to be a counterfeit pill that contains a small amount of fentanyl,” said David Groves, Cherokee County Sheriff. And Groves says it’s not just the counterfeit pills they are seeing. “Between 2020 and 2022, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation has seen a 900% increase in submissions that have tested positive for that and also even other illicit drugs here in Kansas. That includes marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine. Those types of drugs also are containing amounts of fentanyl,” said Groves.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Four-lane expressway to be expanded between Dodge City and Garden City
The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced that they will be expanding their four-lane expressway to Garden City. KDOT is expanding four segments of U.S. 50 to a four-lane expressway with a divided median from Aerodrome Rd in Finney County to the west city limits of Cimarron in Gray County. These projects will increase capacity, relieve congestion and enhance safety by limiting direct highway access points. The four segments have been bundled into two groups for design and construction—a western and eastern group. The western group extend from Aerodrome Rd (Garden City Airport) in Finney County east to 7 Rd in Gray County. The eastern group extend from 7 Rd in Gray County east to Cimarron. Once the four segments are complete, they will provide a much needed four-lane connection between Garden City and Dodge City.
Source: Western Kansas News
Municipal Bond Trends for September 29, 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.
Before Panasonic plant’s arrival, De Soto had spent decades preparing for growth
De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt says Panasonic is poised to lead his city and the surrounding area into a new era of manufacturing prosperity as electric-vehicle battery production becomes the modern equivalent of the oil booms of 100 years ago. The center of that boom in northeast Kansas will be the $4 billion lithium battery plant that the company is now building on 304 acres of the old Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant, now renamed Ad Astra Enterprise Park. And because of steps De Soto has taken the past two decades, the growth will be aimed along a corridor that points straight west along Kansas Highway 10 toward Eudora and Lawrence.
Source: LJWorld
Shawnee County gives tax abatement to couple who lost house in accidental fire
Glenn D. Leonardi and Ulrike Schlingensiepen lost their house, 3421 S.W. Briarwood Lane, in a fire in April 2022. … Later, Leonardi realized they were still paying property taxes on a house that no longer existed. “I just felt like it was ridiculous to be paying taxes on a property that was no longer there,” Leonardi told The Capital-Journal. … Leonardi said he contacted the county appraiser’s office to figure out what could be done. The Shawnee County Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to provide property tax relief for Leonardi and Schlingensiepen under Shawnee County Resolution No. 2023-32. … K.S.A. 79-1613 allows for the abatement of taxes for property destroyed or substantially destroyed by natural disaster or credit against property taxes payable during any or all of the next three taxable years.
Source: CJonline
Governor Kelly Announces $350M in Highway Projects Added to IKE Construction Pipeline
Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed today announced seven Expansion and Modernization highway projects – a total investment of more than $350 million – have been committed to construction as part of the Kelly administration’s bipartisan 10-year, $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, also known as IKE. “When combined with the first two rounds of IKE Construction projects, these investments are part of a $2 billion commitment to make our roads safer, reduce congestion, create good jobs, and deliver more economic opportunities,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Getting these projects to construction will make getting around Kansas safer and easier and will allow the historic economic growth we’ve seen to benefit the entire state.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
WSU forecast calls for Kansas home values to continue to increase
Wichita State University’s Center for Real Estate is forecasting that Kansas home values will continue to appreciate in 2024. The forecast was released Thursday by CRE director, Dr. Stan Longhofer. He said the inventory of homes available for sale is very limited, and as a result the market still favors sellers despite the softening of demand due to higher mortgage rates. Longhofer presented the forecast in Manhattan to the Kansas Association of Realtors Annual Conference. It calls for home sales to fall slightly in Wichita and remain flat statewide next year, and new home construction activity is also expected to be down.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Turbines to take a spin in the spotlight at ribbon-cutting
The formal opening of Orsted’s Sunflower Wind farm will be marked with a ribbon cutting Thursday. The 200 megawatt wind farm is one of 13 Orsted wind farms in the United States. Sunflower will produce enough electricity to power more than 70,000 homes. Local landowners, community members, and stakeholders will be at the event to celebrate the project’s completion and economic benefits it will bring to the community and state.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Will this Johnson County city restrict — even ban — Airbnbs? Neighbors are complaining
The Shawnee City Council is considering whether to tighten restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals — or outright ban them from residential areas. City officials say they’ve received a growing number of complaints in single-family neighborhoods about noise, parking, alcohol and trash at Airbnb and Vrbo locations. And now the city is considering whether to regulate them more or get rid of them altogether, as a growing number of cities nationwide, including New York City and Dallas, crack down. Shawnee could be one of the first cities in Johnson County to do so. Prairie Village officials also have discussed regulating short-term rentals in residential areas. The Overland Park City Council last year passed an ordinance regulating nuisance parties, which came out of a study of short-term rentals following a fatal shooting at one.
Source: Joco 913 News
Governor Kelly issues state of disaster emergency for wildland fires
Governor Laura Kelly has issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation Thursday morning due to increased fire weather conditions. Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities will create high to very-high fire weather conditions especially in the central and western regions of the state. Governor Kelly says this declaration allows resources to be “prepositioned to provide state assistance.” “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible,” Governor Kelly said. “Please keep yourself and your community safe and use extra precautions anytime you are doing any burning.”
Source: KAKE – News
Flamingo at Kansas lake draws visitors
The Chase County State Fishing Lake is a popular place to be Thursday after a flamingo was spotted seemingly enjoying the warm Kansas weather. The local sheriff’s office says the bird’s name is Flint. “We know this is an unusual sight to see and the lake is a popular place today,” the Chase County Sheriff’s Office said. “So with that said we remind everyone to please watch for pedestrians and park where access is not restricted.” The sheriff’s office said state game wardens have been contacted and that people should not attempt to catch the flamingo.
Source: KAKE – News
Lawsuit against City of Wichita claims court system doesn’t do psych evaluations before trial
A lawsuit against the City of Wichita covers what its court system is not offering certain defendants. That class action lawsuit claims Wichita’s Municipal Court doesn’t provide psychological evaluations to determine if a defendant suspected of having mental health issues should stand trial. The lawsuit says The City has been wrongfully convicting people who aren’t competent for years and it needs to stop. Attorney Mark Schoenhofer says his client was wrongly convicted on charges related to drugs, petty theft, and urinating in public because there was no psych evaluation before she went to trial.
Source: KAKE – News
More affordable tiny homes coming to McPherson
“It’s a $1.2 million project that will build seven homes, permanent homes for families and provide supportive services. Which means they need a doctor, if they need to get a better job, if they need education, if they need to get an attorney, we can actually provide those services for those families so that they stay stably housed,” said Chris Goodson with the McPherson Housing Coalition.
Source: KAKE – News
Johnson County is creating more courts to divert people to treatment, not jail
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health approximately “44% of people in jails and 37% of people in prison have a mental illness.” The number of people in prison with a substance abuse issue is estimated to be 65%. Specialty courts with focuses on veterans, mental health and drug treatment are systems aimed at providing individualized plans for qualifying offenders to treat underlying issues that may have contributed to non-violent crimes. Currently, Johnson County has a veterans treatment court and juvenile drug court, and in October, the 10th Judicial District will begin operating a mental health and adult drug treatment court.
Source: KCUR
Wichita explains why it is selling off affordable housing
Two days after the City of Wichita announced it is selling 13 public housing units, the mayor explained why and what it could mean for people who need public housing. Why? “A lot of these houses, keep in mind, are not occupied,” Mayor Brandon Whipple said. “Frankly, they are the ones I get calls about on, ‘Why are they boarded up?’ ‘The city owns this,’ and ‘It’s a drag on the neighborhood.'” He said there is a blight issue with the houses, so the city wants to find buyers to get the homes fixed and then get people living in the homes.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for September 28, 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.
Kansas Is Attracting Wealthy Millennials
The millennial generation — those currently aged 27 to 42 — is America’s largest, and as they move solidly into their peak earning and spending years, they are quickly asserting their economic power. Millennials faced a tough economic outlook in their early working years. The impacts of the Great Recession, unprecedented levels of student loan debt, and stagnant wage growth made it difficult to find good jobs and build wealth. But over time, the outlook has improved. Millennials are now the largest segment of the labor force. Within the last few years, they have also become the largest share of homebuyers.⁴ And other unique characteristics of the generation⁵ — like higher educational attainment levels, especially for women — also contribute to economic advancement.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Kansas attorney general proposes statewide limits on foreign ownership, leasing of land
Attorney General Kris Kobach floated a proposal Tuesday calling on the Kansas Legislature to ban foreign individual and corporate purchases of parcels of land bigger than 10 acres and to limit leases of land by foreign entities to two years in a bid to constrain the influence of adversarial countries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. Kobach, who testified before a joint House and Senate committee dedicated to foreign investments and land purchases, said the solution to bigger and bigger slices of Kansas’ 52 million acres being gobbled up by companies, people or governments outside the United States was obvious. “U.S. citizens and companies must control our own land,” Kobach said. “It’s a hedge against the threat China and other foreign bad actors pose to our supply chain and our food security.”
Source: Derby Informer | News
Augusta’s four legged “weed eaters”
The City of Augusta has hired 140 new employees to clear out a tangle of weeds and poison ivy. That may sound like a lot of workers, but these contractors are much easier to get along with and require zero time to train. Those workers aren’t human, but in fact a herd of locally raised goats! When Frank Sortini, Parks Superintendent for The City of Augusta, received a called from Rex Rutledge, Owner of Restoration Grazing, he knew it was the perfect time to bring in the goats. It’s been a goal of Sortini’s to switch the city’s weed management to a more natural system since he came onto the team. Using goats as weed management is much more beneficial and more enjoyable than using chemicals or machinery.
Source: Andover American
Peabody water main break drains tower
A Tuesday night water main rupture in Peabody drained the entire water tower and the city is now under a boil water advisory. City clerk Jylle Wilson said water was gushing out of the ground like “a very large fountain” when a resident spotted it on 5th St. between Locust and Plum Sts. at 10 p.m. Tuesday. The water main break was located six blocks from the water tower. The crack in the six-inch pipe was six feet long, Wilson said.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Holton OKs new food truck fees, regulations
Food trucks have been an ongoing topic for the Holton City Commission in recent months — specifically, whether food vendors visiting Holton should be required to pay license fees for selling their wares. On Monday, commissioners voted to work a licensing fee schedule for food trucks into the city’s regulations for “transient merchants,” with provisions in the license application for making sure food truck operators do not disturb those in the area where they set up with “obnoxious noises, sounds or smells” from generators, as Codes Enforcement Officer Jeff Draper noted.
Source: Holton Recorder
A community legacy: Take a look at how artists honor city at Olathe Downtown Library
It’s a gallery like no other. After all, it’s a place for books. And there is perhaps no better place for a colorful, soaring art piece that celebrates the late Mayor Michael Copeland than in front of the new Downtown Olathe Library. “Mayor Copeland was a champion, not only for the city of Olathe, but of public art, the Olathe Public Library, and education and literacy,” said Olathe City Manager Michael Wilkes of the city’s longest serving mayor, who died in August 2020. “To see his legacy celebrated with vibrant, colorful art at the beautiful downtown library is a fitting celebration of his impact to our city.” A blown glass and stainless steel sculpture titled “Prairie Paintbrush” is among several pieces of commissioned art designed and created for the library, located at 260 E. Santa Fe St.
Source: Joco 913 News
JoCo on the Go, Johnson County Government’s podcast, surpasses 40,000 downloads
Just in time for National Podcast Day on Saturday, Sept. 30, Johnson County Government’s podcast recently surpassed a major milestone: 40,000 downloads. The JoCo on the Go podcast has featured 158 episodes since its launch in August 2019, marking its fourth anniversary this August. Produced by the county’s Public Information Office, JoCo on the Go sheds light on topics ranging from COVID-19 to the 2020 Census to severe weather. Episodes feature interviews with local government staff and community members, who share their knowledge and expertise on the podcast topic. Past guests have included nurses who work for the county, the director of a Theatre in the Park production and more.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
Study shows shortage in college-educated workforce, WSU works to keep graduates in Kansas
A study from the University of Kansas shows a shortage of college-educated people applying for jobs in the state. It could lead to 34,000 unfilled positions by 2030. “There are lots of jobs available, and there will be more jobs available in the future. Our challenge as a state is finding employees to take those jobs,” says Donna Ginther, Professor of Economics and Director of the KU Policy and Social Research Institute. Ginther says KU graduates are pursuing jobs in other states.
Source: KSN-TV
Good boy! Wichita police therapy dog consoles kids who witnessed violent incident
Stewie, an American Kennel Club registered therapy dog for the Wichita Police Department, consoled kids who witnessed a violent incident Wednesday. “Today, officers responded to a violent incident where there were juvenile witnesses,” the WPD said. “The children were understandably overwhelmed and emotional about the event.” Stewie came to the rescue with his handler, Officer Larison. Officer Larison works with Stewie every day. The two attended the Brevard County Paws and Stripes Therapy Program, which is a 40-hour course that prepares the K9 teams to complete the necessary requirements of becoming a Nationally Registered Therapy Dog Team.
Source: KSN-TV
Zoning codes could allow native plants and pollinator gardens
A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She’s had no problem with the plants, but the city codes are giving her fits. … Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances. These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and other plants which are an invasive threat to our native Kansas plants. … As for my friend, she … is now working with Emporia officials to update the local ordinances. Fortunately, she has a template. Active in Kansas and western Missouri, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has prepared model legislation to encourage native plants and pollinator gardens while still allowing communities to clean up true noxious weeds, abandoned lots, and unkempt yards.
Source: The Iola Register
Iola Council approves rules for local solar, wind power users
The Iola City Council approved changes Monday to its municipal code for electric customers who take advantage of parallel generation, like solar or wind power. Moving forward, utility customers will be limited to installing systems that generate no more than 4% over their peak monthly consumption. For energy delivered to the City of Iola’s grid, customers will be credited on a yearly basis. The ordinance falls in line with Kansas statutes. The restrictions apply to all electric customers, not just residences.
Source: The Iola Register
Squirrel cited as cause of outage in Iola
A curious squirrel found out the hard way that some objects should never be climbed. The furry-tailed rodent made its way last Wednesday atop a breaker within the Oak Street substation, which powers much of the central part of Iola. The squirrel proved to be a suitable conductor for 69,000 volts of electricity to arc through its body with a mighty jolt and fireball. The breaker sustained extensive damage from the subsequent explosion, causing a power outage for several minutes.
Source: The Iola Register
Municipal Bond Trends for September 27, 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.
Municipal Bond Trends for September 26, 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.
Retail muni bond ownership trends hold in second quarter
The municipal bond market grew in the second quarter as household and exchange-traded fund ownership of municipal securities rose, while ownership by mutual funds, U.S. banks and life insurers fell, the latest Federal Reserve data shows. … Household ownership of individual bonds — which includes direct ownership of individual bonds in brokerage accounts, fee-based advisory accounts or separately managed accounts — remained the largest category of muni ownership at 43%. Household ownership of munis rose $11.9 billion, or 0.7% quarter-over-quarter, to $1.695 trillion. Mutual funds owned 19.4% of the market at $762.9 billion, 0.3%, … Exchange-traded funds … account for 2.7% of muni ownership. U.S. banks held 13.9% of individual bonds in the second quarter, at $548.3 billion, down $18.5 billion or 3.3% quarter-over-quarter. Insurance companies had 10.8% ownership…
Source: The Bond Buyer
Nick Gregory resigns as McPherson’s City Administrator to serve as Maize’s new City Manager
After 14 years of commitment and service to the City of McPherson, Nick Gregory today (Sept. 26, 2023) announced his resignation as City Administrator. After the announcement during the McPherson City Commission’s regularly-scheduled meeting, the commission voted to accept Gregory’s resignation. Gregory, who moved from Great Bend to McPherson in 2009, will remain until Nov. 10, 2023, before embarking on his new opportunity as City Manager in Maize. Upon his departure, the McPherson Commission also approved appointing Assistant City Administrator/Finance Director Daniela Rivas as Interim City Administrator.
Source: McPherson, KS – News Flash
“Celebrating Our Heritage” at Greater Andover Days
The 56th Greater Andover Days festival is set for Thursday, September 28 – Sunday, October 1, 2023. Festivities will kick off at The Heritage, located at the corner of Yorktown and US-54 in Andover with a BBQ dinner, music, dancing and more. Join the community in Central Park starting Friday, September 29, 5 p.m. for food trucks, carnival, and more activities. Greater Andover Days (GAD) is a four-day festival that occurs the 4th weekend after Labor Day. The event offers handfuls of fun, food, and entertainment for the entire family. Over 5,000 people attend GAD annually.
Source: Andover American
A Kansas gardener sued to sell fruit and honey. Now her town will allow urban farming
Ottawa will now allow small-scale urban agriculture — a move designed to accommodate residents who want to raise chickens and to resolve a homeowner’s lawsuit over the right to sell fruit and honey. City lawyer Blaine Finch said the goal is to let residents produce food in their yards without impinging on the welfare of their neighbors. “Frankly, agriculture is one of the original activities in this area,” Finch told city commissioners at a recent meeting. “The city hall is built on the site of Tauy Jones’ wild berry patch … It’s as old as the community, if not older.”
Source: KCUR News
Fire Rescue issues child life saving devices for local schools
The Columbus Fire Rescue has announced a program using lifesaving Life Vac devices in the local schools and childcare facilities. Life Vac devices are designed to aide in the removal of foreign substances causing choking to happen in school aged children. The Fire Rescue state this device while effective, should be a last choice option, not replacing the Heimlich or the normal back elbow instructions.
Source: KOAM News
Labette Community College celebrates 100 years with Birthday Bash
Labette Community College is celebrating 100 years with their 100th Birthday Bash celebration. Alums and the community of Parsons were welcome to enjoy free food and fun. Kenneth Ervin, an LCC graduate from 1947, spoke at the college’s 100th-anniversary celebration. He shared a story about playing on a team under then-coach Carnie Smith. LCC’s President, Mark Watkins, also spoke, emphasizing the significance of the centenary. LCC officially turned 100 on September 12th but has ongoing celebrations planned throughout the school year, including a Kids Fall Fest on October 23rd and an LCC 100-Year history exhibit from March 18th to April 24th.
Source: KOAM News
Chanute landmark takes center stage as sales tax vote nears
Funding for upgrades to Chanute’s historic train depot will hinge on an upcoming sales tax referendum. Local voters will decide in the November general election whether to extend a quarter-cent sales tax to fund upgrades for a number of city facilities, including the old Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Train Depot, which houses the Chanute Public Library and the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum. The building, which was last remodeled in the early 1990s, faces a laundry list of needs, most prominently a new HVAC system priced at $1 million or more.
Source: The Iola Register
Fairgrounds questions prompts local officials to formalize decision-making process
Various local officials said Monday they need a formal process for making decisions together for things like CiCo Park. During Monday’s intergovernmental luncheon, Manhattan, Riley County, K-State and USD 383 officials discussed potential changes and updates to the fairgrounds and CiCo park, which is owned jointly by USD 383, Riley County and Manhattan. As previously reported, a task force looking at possible relocation or additions for the Riley County Fairgrounds and said it would like to see a venue that could host all kinds of live events. Former county commissioner and fairgrounds task force member Dave Lewis said it is important to expand the task force to include officials from the Manhattan city government, USD 383 and K-State because those entities could benefit and have a stake in the expansion.
Source: themercury.com
Wichita developing tree-planting progam
The City of Wichita is moving ahead with plans for a program to protect and expand the tree canopy in the community, and a study has identified 17 areas where trees are most needed. An update to a proposed tree policy was presented to City Council members in a workshop meeting Tuesday, and it identifies 17 “heat islands” that have been created by a lack of trees or the loss of trees in neighborhoods. A study was conducted by the NASA Langley Research Team that looked at the relationship between heat, trees and the environment. The city’s arborist, Gary Farris, said residents in those heat islands are being disproportionately affected by higher temperatures.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Dimon warns that the Fed could still raise interest rates sharply from here
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is warning that interest rates could go up quite a bit further as policymakers face the prospects of elevated inflation and slow growth. Though Federal Reserve officials have indicated that they are near the end of their rate-hiking cycle, the head of the largest U.S. bank by assets said that may not necessarily be the case. In fact, Dimon said in an interview with The Times of India that the Fed’s key borrowing rate could rise significantly from its current targeted range of 5.25%-5.5%. He said that when the Fed raised the rate from near-zero to 2%, it was “almost no move,” while the increase from there to the current range merely “caught some people off guard.”
Source: CNBC
Wellsville schools celebrate completion of $18.1 million improvement project
Ryan Bradbury took a moment Saturday to celebrate an achievement that took years to reach. All of those hours spent in meetings, researching, checking and double-checking had come down to this moment, and he was going to relish it. Standing in the shadow of the newly renovated entrance to Wellsville High School, Bradbury, USD 289 Wellsville School District superintendent, watched as board members cut a blue ribbon, formally opening the doors on an $18.1 million facilities project. “This is an exciting time for our students and our community,” Bradbury said. “Generations of Wellsville families have been educated within these walls. This project preserves our schools for many more generations to come while also addressing the community’s long-term needs.” On Saturday, Bradbury described the event as a celebration not just of the years of work it took to get there, but of the progress and commitment made to the future.
Source: Ottawa Herald