Kansas Municipal News
City of Manhattan enters agreement with Ottawa nonprofit to contract out animal shelter services
The City of Manhattan will contract out services at the T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter. City commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved an agreement with Prairie Paws, a nonprofit organization out of Ottawa to manage the shelter. Mayor Mark Hatesohl says the move should give the city a better understanding of how much it’s spending on services. The city began discussions in January to explore avenues to outsource shelter services, without requiring additional tax dollars. Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers noted on Tuesday’s edition of In Focus that the city has struggled with turnover at the shelter for several years.
Source: 1350 KMAN
New playground, equipment celebrated at GC Achieve
Garden City Achieve, 1312 N. Main Street, this week celebrated a new playground area and equipment located on the south side of the school building. The new playground, designed for children from five to 12 years old, includes a slide and many climbing structures. The playground equipment is designed to build motor skills, cognitive skills and social emotional skills through sensory play. The area around the playground equipment has a soft artificial turfed surface to ensure safety for the developmentally appropriate jungle gym for young learners. “This new playground is a very welcome addition to our school and for the students we serve,” said Lucas Sullivan, GC Achieve principal. “We are grateful for the support from the Board of Education and the school district for making this a reality at our school.”
Source: Greater Garden City » Feed
Municipal Bond Trends for September 20, 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.
Saline County needs diesel mechanics
Amid a challenge to hire and retain diesel mechanics, Saline County has approved hiring incentives of $2,500 for those roles in the Road and Bridge Department. Two diesel mechanic positions are vacant as of Sept. 19, one of which has gone unfilled since August of last year. Saline County Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel said these jobs are critical for the department to run smoothly. “Currently the crews are repairing their own equipment under the tutelage of the shop services manager,” Fishel said. “So, when something breaks they bring it in and fix it.”
Source: Salina Journal
Governor Kelly Announces $10M for Utility Infrastructure Improvements in 18 Communities
Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is awarding $10 million from the agency’s Small Town Water and Sewer Infrastructure Assistance (STWSIA) grant program to help 18 small communities improve water and wastewater services. That program received the funds through the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) program funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Grant applicants were comprised of water and wastewater utilities with a population of less than 1,000 and that have a public health or regulatory compliance issue that infrastructure improvements would help resolve.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Governor Kelly Announces Launch of $200M Build Kansas Fund to Accelerate Transformative Community Infrastructure Projects
Governor Laura Kelly, alongside the Kansas Infrastructure Hub (KIH), announced the launch of the Build Kansas Fund, which provides state matching dollars to Kansas communities for infrastructure projects approved under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The Build Kansas Fund will invest $200 million directly into Kansas communities to support projects that include water, transportation, energy, cybersecurity, and broadband through Fiscal Year 2027.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Governor Kelly Announces Launch of Shared Services Network for Child Care Providers
Governor Laura Kelly announced the launch of a new partnership that will create savings and streamline services for child care providers across Kansas. The Kansas Department for Children and Families, Child Care Aware of Kansas, and five community-based organizations are partnering on the Shared Service Network to streamline administrative costs for providers and free up time for programs to focus on providing high-quality child care. “For many Kansas kids, quality child care is essential for them to have a solid start to their developmental growth,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. “This network will provide child care professionals the resources they need so they can focus on young Kansans in their care.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
This tattoo parlor can stay in Old Town after Wichita City Council decides to allow it
A change to the city’s zoning code will allow Afterlife Tattooz to continue operating in Old Town. Thanh Do told The Eagle this summer that he strategically chose Old Town to start his business because “it’s in the middle of everywhere.” He didn’t know when he moved into part of the former First Gear space at 111 N. Mosley that the Old Town Overlay — a zoning plan designed to protect the historic and architectural character of the area — specifically prohibited tattooing and body piercing establishments. Afterlife Tattooz received a notice to vacate but was granted an extension by the city while it reviewed the zoning requirements.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Kansas has 4 of the ‘most envied’ suburbs in the US, survey says. Two are near Wichita
Two cities near Wichita are among America’s “most envied surburban lifestyles” in the country. That’s according to moving services reviewer Moving Feedback, which surveyed 3,000 U.S. adults for their preferences to put together a list of the 175 most desirable suburbs in America. Here’s a look at the two Wichita suburbs that made the list, plus two other Kansas locations that got a nod from Moving Feedback.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Sedan, surrounding cities, remain in level 3 water emergency due to drought
Back in August, the city of Sedan announced it was facing a level 3 water emergency. They are still in the midst of an emergency as the water manager is calling it a 100-year event. The local car wash has closed down and the city pool was closed three weeks early. People have been asked not to use water for outdoor use. The reductions have worked as the city has cut water usage by over 25 percent. They did receive rain today, something that makes the Water District 20 manager James Rainbolt hopeful. “We’re still at stage 3. Hopefully the rain today, it’s not going to get us out of it, but it’ll slow the drop a little bit,” said Rainbolt.
Source: KSN-TV
Emporia experiencing a significant amount of water breaks
Dozens of water breaks in Emporia are leaving many without water for hours at a time. The city manager says the city’s main water tower was taken offline on September 6. “It is a 33-year-old water tower that we have taken offline to do some interior repairs to it,” said the City Manager for the City of Emporia, Trey Cocking. The removal caused water pressure to shift in the last week, and water pressure has caused 36 water breaks in local neighborhoods. “We’re experiencing a much higher volume than normal,” explained Cocking.
Source: KSN-TV
Local and State leaders continue to push for Amtrak in Wichita
This week multiple local and state leaders are in Illinois continuing the push to bring Amtrak to Wichita. Sedgwick County Commission Chair, Pete Meitzner, the Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Senator Carolyn McGinn, and Representative Avery Anderson are attending the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission Annual Meeting. Nine states meet with the Federal Rail Administration (FRA), Amtrak, and others to discuss passenger railways. Some are looking at updating tracks, others want to add more trains, and in Wichita, the goal is to bring the Heartland Flyer Extension to Wichita to connect to Oklahoma City and the national Amtrak network.
Source: KSN-TV
Wichita author uncovers secrets of her hometown in new book
If you’ve lived in Wichita long enough, you probably know of a few hidden gems around town. Maybe you’re aware of a bit of our city’s history that isn’t well-known. Vanessa Whiteside’s motto is “Stay Curious.” She’s written a pair of books about Wichita. The latest features Wichita’s off-beat locations and tucked-away treasures. Many of them, you may already know about, and some you don’t. The author, who has signed copies of her new book inside Watermark Books and Café, grew up in Wichita, graduated from Southeast High School, and loves researching her hometown.
Source: KSN-TV
Wichita gets federal approval to start selling some of its public housing units
Wichita will begin the process of selling part of its single-family public housing stock after receiving long-awaited approval from the federal government. “This is really a once in a generation opportunity to add affordable housing stock to the private market,” Sarah Gooding, a real property section manager with the city of Wichita, said at a city board meeting in August. “Many of these homes are at the lower end of the price range. We’re hoping to see affordable homes for first-time buyers and affordable rentals.” The city announced in January 2022 that it would split its 352 single-family public housing units into several groups and sell them.
Source: KSN-TV
‘It’s an emergency.’ Midwest towns scramble as drought threatens drinking water.
James Rainbolt typically can tackle most problems at his rural water plant with some extra time or money. But he can’t fix this. “I just can’t make it rain,” he said. Like others across southeast Kansas, Rainbolt remains helpless as he watches a persistent drought dry up the local water supply. He runs a public wholesale water supply district that provides the drinking water for several cities and rural water districts. The lack of rain has been so severe that it’s now threatening the water district’s intake pipe, which brings water from a local lake to the treatment plant.
Source: themercury.com
Lawrence city staff members, commissioners hesitate as mayor calls to enforce no-camping measures
Mayor Lisa Larsen on Tuesday called for the city to push back against people camping around town. City staff members and her fellow commissioners said they agree that the situation needs to change, but there was not a feasible way to end camping right now. City staff members provided commissioners with an update Tuesday on efforts to deal with the growing homelessness and housing crisis. After a staff presentation, commissioners heard from about 20 people, including many business owners; no one who identified themselves as homeless spoke during the meeting.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for September 19, 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.
Lenexa’s new downtown booming with food, offices. It’s only halfway done
Dozens of shoppers filed through Lenexa’s farmers market on Saturday, stopping at each booth to pick up late summer produce, fresh loaves of sourdough and local honey. Nearby, kids swooped down the water slides at the city’s rec center. And hungry customers, tempted by the smell of spices in the air, chose between the samosas at Sohaila’s Kitchen or the fried sweet plantains at African Dream Cuisine at the packed food hall. The bustling afternoon was the result of more than two decades of planning, and hundreds of millions of public and private dollars funneled into Lenexa City Center, at 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard. And that’s just the first half of the project. Momentum has been building in recent months, with the City Council granting approvals and tax incentives allowing several projects to move forward.
Source: KC Star Local News
2 historic sites in Council Grove reopen with greater focus on Native people
A restoration of two historic sites related to American Indian history are providing an opportunity to tell a “broader story,” officials said Saturday. The Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Last Chance Store reopened in an event Saturday after a restoration four years in the works. Its renovation was an effort by museum staff, historians, the Kaw Nation and the Santa Fe Trail Association. The Kaw Mission was built in 1851 as a school that could to accommodate about 50 Native boys after the government forcibly relocated the Kanza people to Council Grove in 1846. Mark Brooks, the site administrator, said the school taught the students farming, reading, writing and math…
Source: themercury.com
$1.7 million to help turn old Bonner Springs grocery store site into affordable housing
An additional $1.7 million was secured to develop 100 multi-family rental units at a four-story apartment building in downtown Bonner Springs, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids announced. A building at 120 Oak St., the site of an old Thriftway grocery store, was demolished a few months ago with plans for the $17 million development. Bonner Springs officials expect downtown businesses to see “significant increase in patronage” with the units. Mayor Jeff Harrington said the developers hope to break ground in the spring with the building along West Front Street open in fall 2025.
Source: KC Star Local News
Who is dressing the bronze sculptures in downtown Wichita? And who is undressing them?
Years ago, Tamara Gonzales privately came up with a name for the bronze statue of a barefoot businessman standing at Douglas and Main, reading his newspaper with his pant legs rolled up and his feet cooling in a bubbling fountain. Walter. As she got to thinking about Walter, she decided he was missing something. “I don’t know if it’s a mental problem or what it is, but I saw this statue here and thought, ‘He’d be kind of cool with a pair of pants on,’” said Gonzales, a crochet enthusiast and longtime president of Wichita’s 40-member crochet guild. Pants crocheted in a rainbow of pastel yarn, to be specific. Now, Gonzales’ desire to dress Walter has morphed into a city-approved, temporary art installation in yarn that’s been turning heads since Gonzales put it up on Friday.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Hutchinson’s Smallville Con to end after 10-year run
The family that has organized Smallville Con in Hutchinson for the past 10 years has decided it cannot do it anymore. The convention was a celebration of comic books and pop culture. DC Comics hero Superman grew up in the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas. In 2013, Hutchinson agreed to rename itself Smallville for one day, and the annual convention came along with it. “Smallville Con was built out of years of my family attending various conventions throughout the United States,” Jon Robinson, Smallville Con owner, said.
Source: KSN-TV
Muni Finance and the Federal Fiscal Food Fight
Deficit financing has caught up with Uncle Sam, as federal outlays for interest payments have surged to record levels and the nation’s annual budget deficit is on track to double in this fiscal year. That’s just for starters: To dampen inflation, the Federal Reserve has hiked short-term interest rates and keeps jettisoning U.S. bonds, not buying them as it had been. … In theory, the cost of high-quality muni debt should be less than the inflation rate, in light of the 30 percent tax-exemption advantage that many wealthy investors glean from them. But in today’s market, most states and localities must increasingly pay the price of near-record real interest rates in the U.S. Treasury market. Triple A issuers of 20-year serial muni bonds can slightly undercut today’s latest CPI inflation rate, but even they will pay a real interest cost if price inflation does eventually normalize to lower levels. Meanwhile, most muni issuers — almost everybody with lower ratings — are already paying a cost above inflation, albeit less than comparably rated corporate borrowers.
Source: Governing
Paola returns invaluable Peruvian artifacts
A Peruvian artifact estimated to be more than a thousand years old, well-wrapped in white tissue paper and stuck into a borrowed school duffel bag, marks the first success of a rural town’s plans to repatriate its art collection. The museum in Paola began its ongoing efforts of trying to return objects from a 38-piece collection of pre-Columbian artifacts a year ago, after first receiving the artifacts from a Kansas City couple’s trust five years ago. Pre-Columbian is a term used to describe an era of thriving indigenous art in the Americas before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. “Although this is a wonderful collection, it really doesn’t have anything to do with Miami county,” said Miami County Historical Society and Museum executive board member Gordan Geldhof. “Really, the right thing to do was to repatriate them.” The collection was authenticated in 1991, when it was determined the countries of origin were Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru. After making little initial headway on the repatriation process, museum officials reached out to U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids’ office, which helped them get into contact with the four embassies in Washington, D.C.
Source: Kansas Reflector
UG approves new tax incentives for $838M Homefield project
A new wave of tax incentives will support part of a $838 million mixed-use development in Wyandotte County. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas Board of Commissioners approved plans to create a new Community Improvement District (CID) for the Homefield project in Kansas City, Kansas. The CID will cover about 146 acres of the nearly 400-acre Homefield development at 94th Street and State Avenue. Under the CID, visitors will be charged an additional 2% sales tax on purchases made in the district. The CID will include a $145 million Margaritaville hotel; $20 million Big Shots golf bar; $60 million multisport training facility developed by Homefield; 55,000-square-foot indoor arena planned in partnership with Live Nation; 30,000-square-foot interactive museum called Atlas 9 and youth baseball complex developed by Homefield.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Augusta overturns dog breed ban
On August 21st, the Augusta City Council approved the overturning of the “dangerous” dog breed under the city’s animal ordinance. The new ordinance removed all provisions that defined certain dog breeds as dangerous, meaning all breeds previously listed as dangerous are now allowed within city limits. The old ordinance, City Code Ch. 2, Article 1, 2-114 Dangerous Dogs; prohibited stated “It shall be unlawful for any person or legal entity to keep, harbor or in any way possess a dangerous dog as defined by this article within the limits of the City of Augusta, Kansas.” According to the ordinance, it made the following dog breeds illegal: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull, The Rottweiler and the wolf hybrid or Tundra Shepherd. This also included any dog with the appearance or characteristics of these breeds or any dog kept and trained for dog fighting. “Accordingly, breeds that were previously listed as dangerous are now allowed within the city limits,” the City of Augusta said in a Facebook post on August 25th.
Source: Andover American
City of Pittsburg experiences cybersecurity incident
Over the weekend, the City of Pittsburg discovered a cybersecurity incident impacting the city’s network. This incident resulted in a temporary IT outage impacting city emails, phones, and online payments. The City of Pittsburg Incident Response Team immediately took proactive measures to protect city data and network systems. The city is working with forensic experts to fully understand the extent and implications of this incident, and to ensure that the city can operate within a safe and remediated network environment. Despite this temporary disruption, the city operations and services will continue. Public safety services, including 9-1-1 dispatch, and utility services remain operational.
Source: City of Pittsburg
Municipal Bond Trends for September 18, 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.
Newton City Clerk awarded Master Municipal Clerk designation
The City of Newton is proud to announce that City Clerk Denise Duerksen this week was awarded her Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. This is the highest recognition a city clerk can achieve. The MMC program has an extensive and rigorous educational component and a professional and community contribution component. Through advanced continuing education programs, participants receive further development to perform more complex municipal duties. Denise has worked so hard on her continuing education to achieve this goal. In her 33rd year with the City of Newton, she has become a leader, mentor, and valuable resource for clerks across state.
Source: City of Newton
Hutchinson’s Prairie Dunes Country Club to host USGA championships
An esteemed heartland course that’s hosted several top golf tournaments in the past is back in the USGA rotation after an announcement Tuesday that it will host a pair of future championships. Prairie Dunes Country Club, in Hutchinson, Kansas, will be the host site for the 2029 U.S. Senior Open and 2032 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, the USGA announced. Hosting high-profile events is nothing new for the course, as these tournaments will mark the ninth and 10th time the Perry Maxwell treasure will host a USGA Championship, although the last came in 2006.
Source: Hutch News
Localities warn of risks in federal cuts
As the appropriations tug of war goes back and forth in Congress, municipalities are concerned about a wide range of federally-supported infrastructure projects which might end up on the chopping block. The National Association of Counties is already ringing a warning bell via a letter addressed to both chambers of Congress imploring the need to “prioritize federal investments in crucial local government activities through the appropriations process.” NACo is especially concerned about the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund running dry after a season marked with wildfires and hurricanes. Per their letter, “Without the DRF being adequately funded, recovery projects will halt as FEMA implements punitive measures stifling response efforts.”
Source: The Bond Buyer
Chase County Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee honored with flag flown over U.S. Capitol
The Chase County Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee was presented with a flag flown over the United States Capitol this week, in honor of the Chase County Courthouse. Grace Greene, Director of District Operations for the Office of U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner (R-KS) presented the committee with the flag and a proclamation by LaTurner, highlighting the significance of the Chase County Courthouse as it reaches 150 years on continuous operation.
Source: Emporia Gazette
City of Emporia supports water workers amid ongoing main break challenges
As the City of Emporia continues to grapple with unprecedented water main issues, the well-being of city crews tasked with repairing and maintaining the city’s water infrastructure remains a top priority. According to Communications Manager Christine Torrens, the city emphasized the importance of supporting workers as they dealt with upwards of 15 water main breaks throughout the week. “This week, the City of Emporia’s Underground Utility crew has implemented shift rotations to prevent an increase in stress levels and emotional strain among their staff,” she said. “We understand the toll this continuous work can have on them, so we are taking proactive steps to ensure their mental and physical well-being.”
Source: Emporia Gazette
Johnson County thrift store sued city for blocking its move. It finally has a new home
Goodwill is opening (or reopening, perhaps) in Olathe — but only after a two-year-long battle with the city. The thrift store has finally found a new home in a former Tractor Supply at 11934 S. Strang Line Road. It hopes to open by the end of the year, said Melody Herren, a spokeswoman for Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. But Goodwill had hoped to have a store open long before that. After operating at 16630 W. 135th St. for roughly 17 years, Goodwill sought to move across the street, to 16175 W. 135th St., in 2020 to “upgrade its offerings,” court documents say. An Olathe ordinance passed in 2016 derailed their plans.
Source: Joco 913 News
‘It’s an emergency.’ Midwest towns scramble as drought threatens drinking water.
James Rainbolt typically can tackle most problems at his rural water plant with some extra time or money. But he can’t fix this. “I just can’t make it rain,” he said. Like others across southeast Kansas, Rainbolt remains helpless as he watches a persistent drought dry up the local water supply. He runs a public wholesale water supply district that provides the drinking water for several cities and rural water districts. The lack of rain has been so severe that it’s now threatening the water district’s intake pipe, which brings water from a local lake to the treatment plant. As lake levels fall, the angle at which the 8-inch pipe meets a floating pump station grows steeper and steeper, stressing the flexible joint. If the joint breaks, the consequences would be catastrophic, instantly cutting the water supply for thousands of people, businesses and schools across three counties. “If we break it, we have no water. Period,” said Jack Warren, the mayor of Sedan, a county seat about 100 miles southeast of Wichita and the largest customer of the water district.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Overland Park will start allowing native plants in home lawns and gardens
Overland Park residents may soon be able to plant more native plants in their yards and gardens. The city is in the process of updating its codes to make space for planned native landscapes for their ecological and stormwater benefits. That could mean front yard gardens featuring milkweed, blue sage, native flowers and other species that once dominated the northeastern Kansas landscape. Native plants, according to Johnson County Extension, are “well-adapted to a local ecosystem” and tend to evolve in an area “without the influence of man.”
Source: KCUR News
Weir homecoming celebration highlights town’s vibrant history
This weekend, the City of Weir is joyously celebrating its homecoming. As part of the homecoming festivities, the town is taking a moment to reflect on its rich history. Presenter and host David Wallace invited community members to share their stories, memorabilia, and insights into the vibrant history of Weir. “I’ve had the involvement of the museums around town and throughout Southeast Kansas. I have involvement from the McCune Museum, The Galena Historical Museum, The Nature Center in Galena. Miners Hall Museum has really done a great job,” said David Wallace.
Source: KOAM News
City holding ribbon cutting for revitalized park in downtown Wichita
On Saturday, the City of Wichita will be holding a ribbon cutting for the Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, along with a continental breakfast. The event begins at 10 a.m. with speakers and entertainment. At 11:20 a.m., the artists and architect will provide a tour of the park. Those in attendance will be able to hear from artists Ellamonique Baccus and Matthew Mazzotta, members of the Lewis family and other community partners, donors and local performers. The park is located at 205 E. Douglas Ave. Parking is available along side streets and parking garages. To view parking locations, the City recommends using Downtown Wichita’s Get Around map.
Source: KSN-TV
Baxter Springs to add 4 pickleball courts at Kiwanis Park
There’s something new coming to Baxter Springs, and it’s something that has virtually taken over many communities across the country – pickleball. City workers began the construction of four asphalt pickleball courts this morning at Kiwanis Park. Mayor Sherry Brown tells us that after a pickleball pop-up event took place recently in town, the high interest prompted the city to provide a place for residents to enjoy the sport. “Just another opportunity for families to spend quality time outdoors, exercise, spend time together and you know, we just like to make it everything we can, better for the families,” said Sherry Brown, Mayor of Baxter Springs.
Source: KSNF/KODE
‘Noisy conduct?’ Case could have implications for political protesters across Kansas
Wichita finds itself at the heart of a precedent-setting court case with statewide implications for political protesters. It involves a city law that prohibits “engaging in noisy conduct tending to reasonably arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others.” But what is noisy conduct? Who defines it, and does it involve what protesters are saying, or how they say it? Kansas Supreme Court justices are grappling with difficult questions about disruptive political expression and whether the government’s efforts to limit confrontations between citizens have a chilling effect on free speech. The case grew from 2020 demonstrations where participants were arrested for disrupting traffic and drawing on sidewalks with chalk. Wichita protesters chanted “Black Lives Matter” and “Defund the Police” as renewed calls for accountability and systemic change sparked demonstrations around the country after the police killing of George Floyd.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Wichita police announce initiative to help officers interact with people with autism
The oldest of Wichita police officer John Biagini’s three children — who are all autistic and non-verbal — had run away from home. Luckily, the officers who found him knew who he was and were able to comfort him. “It could have gone awful,” Biagini said about the event that happened about 10 years ago. The longtime school resource officer now serving on the department’s exploited and missing children unit is the department’s liaison for its new initiative — one that aims to help officers be better equipped to work with autism or communication problems. The initiative will include several things: kits in Wichita and Sedgwick County patrol vehicles to help calm people with autism, stickers that can go on houses or vehicles to alert police that they may be interacting with someone with autism, a card someone with autism can carry, training for all officers on interacting with people with autism, and a sheet officers will carry that will allow a non-verbal person to communicate through pointing at different letters and symbols.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
JoCo judge final ruling reinstates initial decision on Prairie Village petitions
A Johnson County judge reversed course once again on the three resident-led Prairie Village petitions. Judge Rhonda Mason of Division 4 at Johnson County District Court in Olathe issued a final ruling late Friday evening that reinstated her initial oral decision from Sept. 6 regarding the “rezoning,” “abandon” and “adoption” petitions. She ruled that only the “abandon” petition — which aims to limit what petitioners call a “strong mayor” form of government — is eligible to put before Prairie Village voters. In line with her oral decision from Sept. 6, Mason’s final ruling from Friday, Sept. 15, finds the “rezoning” and “adoption” petitions are ineligible for a ballot measure. This latest ruling supersedes a written ruling Mason issued soon after her original oral decision that found the “adoption” petition eligible for a ballot measure and the “rezoning” and “abandon” petitions ineligible. Mason’s final ruling Friday reverts back to that oral decision.
Source: Prairie Village Post
The Federal Reserve may not hike interest rates this week
The Federal Reserve is likely to pause its aggressive interest rate hikes when it meets this week, experts predict. But consumers may not feel any relief. The central bank has already raised interest rates 11 times since last year — the fastest pace of tightening since the early 1980s. Yet recent data is still painting a mixed picture of where the economy stands. Overall growth is holding steady as consumers continue to spend, but the labor market is beginning to loosen from historically tight conditions. At the same time, inflation has shown some signs of cooling even though it remains well above the central bank’s 2% target.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Municipal Bond Trends for September 15, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Governor Kelly Announces 27 Cities to Receive $22M for Highway Improvements
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 27 cities across Kansas will receive a total of $22 million for projects to improve intersections and state highways extending through cities as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP). … KDOT was able to increase CCLIP funding for this selection cycle due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). The program will provide $5.1 million in state fiscal year 2025 and $16.9 million in state fiscal year 2026. Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program. Local matching funds are required based on city population. …
For the state fiscal year 2025, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:
- Abilene – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Atchison – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Colby – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Council Grove – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Emporia – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Harper – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Larned – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Leavenworth – Surface Restoration, $400,000
- Lyons – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Stockton – Pavement Restoration, $700,000
- Winfield – Surface Preservation, $400,000
For the fiscal year 2026, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:
- Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Ellsworth – Geometric Improvement, $1,100,000
- Emporia – Geometric Improvement, $1,200,000
- Fort Scott – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
- Girard – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000
- Hoisington – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
- Lakin – Pavement Restoration, $1,400,000
- Meade – Pavement Restoration, $1,300,000
- Ness City – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
- Pittsburg – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
- Russell – Pavement Restoration, $1,000,000
- Sedan – Pavement Restoration, $1,250,000
- Wamego – Pavement Restoration, $650,000
- Westwood – Pavement Restoration, $400,000
- Yates Center – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000
A map of these CCLIP projects is available here.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
