Kansas Municipal News
Homeless Wichitans dream of shelter beyond four walls
Wichita’s homeless face temperatures below freezing at a time when local officials are still working to open this year’s emergency winter shelter. Once set for a Thanksgiving opening, the shelter is now scheduled to open Dec. 2. Seeking shelter can be complicated for many of those who live outside. Over months of meeting and conversing with homeless Wichitans (many of which who claimed to be chronically homeless), few saw themselves taking a shelter bed. Why? Some cited past poor experiences. Others couldn’t stand the idea of being separated from their partner or pet. (Wichita’s new shelter is supposed to have kennels eventually, but not when it first opens.) A few cited social limitations: they hated feeling cooped up with dozens, if not hundreds, of strangers.
Source: KLC Journal
A new court program offers mediation instead of eviction. Officials want more people to use it
The program manager estimates around 50 landlord-tenant cases in Sedgwick County had been mediated as of late September, more than a year after the program begun. Meanwhile, the county typically sees around 5,000 eviction filings, or more, per year. The mediation program offers landlords and tenants an alternative to eviction: a neutral mediator – approved by the court system – brings both parties together in an attempt to work out an agreement.
Source: KLC Journal
Child care experts weigh in on state subsidy program and potential improvements
Child care support in Kansas needs to be simplified and amplified. That was the gist of a recent conversation among providers and administrators of child care service agencies who met to discuss a report from Kansas State University and the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. Their findings highlight the barriers families face as they attempt to apply for state child care subsidies through the Kansas Department for Children and Families. The process for applying is seen as a barrier in itself, with strict eligibility requirements, excessive documentation needs and a reimbursement method that is almost always delayed.
Source: KLC Journal
Wichita working to bring fresh produce to neighborhood ‘food desert’
More fresh fruits and veggies will soon be offered in Wichita’s food desert areas under the Healthy Corner Store Initiative. Neighbors in north Wichita say the community is well overdue for this.
Source: KSN-TV
The city of Wichita is selling its public housing. Where are the tenants going?
About one-third of the city’s 352 single-family public housing units were still occupied as of last December. The city is offering housing vouchers to the tenants who have to move. As of last December, 110 of the city’s single-family public housing units were occupied. By the end of June, about 60 of those households had been impacted by the city’s sale of public housing, according to the city of Wichita. Each had the option to receive a voucher to help with rent, and a city contractor recommends an available housing unit to tenants and also pays for moving assistance.
Source: KSN-TV
Dickinson County wind farm project approved
Dickinson County Commissioners are moving forward with the Hope Ridge Wind Project. The commission voted 2-1 to approve the plan, which will be located in the southeast part of the county near Hope. The permit states that the windmills cannot be taller than 600 feet and must be 1,300 feet from the road.
Source: KSN-TV
Shawnee County considers adding new walking trails
Shawnee County officials are looking at increasing walking opportunities for locals with the addition of new trails and sidewalks. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) is working to update its trail systems and Greenway Master Plan. This plan would connect the current trail network in Topeka to parts of the county without sidewalks. Shawnee County commissioners were hesitant given the cost and number of master plans already in the works. However, a planner with the county said this could give more people a safe place to walk.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Historic Topeka theatre asks for $5 million from city, county
A historic local theatre nestled in downtown Topeka is asking for several million dollars from the county to help it stay running. The Jayhawk Theatre has long been a staple of the Capital City’s downtown area ever since it opened its doors for the first time in 1926. Now, theatre representatives are asking for $5 million from the City of Topeka and Shawnee County to help keep it going. Jayhawk Theatre Director Joanne Morrell asked city councilmembers on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to consider a contribution to the theatre which is currently undergoing its first phase of renovation work. The theatre received a $5 million grant in May 2023 from COVID-19 relief funds.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Emporia residents to decide on new recreation center
Emporia voters will be the ones deciding whether or not a new recreation center will be built. Wednesday, Nov. 20 the Emporia City Commission decided to let the public get the final say on the future of a new recreation center. The facility would cost taxpayers by increasing the sales tax by a half-cent. The project is expected to cost $59 million and includes renovations to the soccer fields.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Iola council to consider solar purchase Monday
Iola City Council members will decide whether to enter a solar agreement to provide up to 3 megawatts of power via solar energy produced in Pratt County. The allocation would price the 3 megawatts at $50 per megawatt hour. City administration will present Iola City Council members with documents for the final approval of a 3-megawatt solar allocation at their 6 p.m. meeting Monday. At the Nov. 12 meeting, council members agreed to diversify the city’s energy profile by entering into a solar agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (KMEA).
Source: The Iola Register
Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy
A new policy imposing a cell phone-free school day is on the table, and though some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers and students’ mental health, others said they’re worried about the safety implications. The Lawrence school board will consider approving a cell phone policy draft that says personal cell phones and devices must be “turned off and stored out of sight at all times during school hours” across the district. Ann Hossler is the parent of a Free State freshman who previously attended Raintree Montessori School, which enforced a strict cell phone ban. “There is hard evidence that links social media and smartphones to the decline of, you know, teenagers’, especially women’s, mental health,” Hossler said. “Even emotionally, you have some kind of struggle that you have to work with, but we distract ourselves with phones instead of processing the emotion.” The response from Hossler’s students has been mostly positive. Device-free zones help ideas flow and promote professionalism and social engagement, she said. Typically if students breach the device-free zone, Hossler opts to make a general announcement and then start reminding students directly. She said other professors may give out unexcused absences after the first reminder.
Source: The Lawrence Times
City rezoning debate pits older neighborhoods against need for housing
A question about rezoning on Tuesday brought to the forefront a larger philosophical debate: should Manhattan prioritize preserving older residential neighborhoods or allowing mult-unit buildings to increase housing stock? Manhattan city commissioners on Tuesday approved rezoning two adjoining lots, each with three-unit dwellings that the owner wants rezoned so he can make improvements.
Source: themercury.com
Commerce Announces New Housing Workforce Development Grant
The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Governor Kelly Announces More than $1.4 Million Investment for Safer Streets and Roads
Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that four Kansas communities have secured over $1.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Leveraging federal dollars to supplement state and local investments in vital infrastructure is essential to economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Safe Streets and Roads for All program provides our communities with the resources needed to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure. I appreciate the Legislature’s continued support of this initiative, as it represents a true bipartisan win for Kansas.” Combined with nearly $265,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund, and over $22,000 in local community match, the total investment in Kansas for this round of SS4A grants exceeds $1.4 million.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Program offers help for utilities
The City of Iola is working with local churches and organizations to remind utility customers of a program that helps neighbors in times of financial hardship. When paying your utility bill, you have an option to round up to the nearest dollar or make an additional donation. With cooler temperatures rolling in, the City of Iola wants people to know they can help their neighbors keep their house warm this winter. “If you choose, you can round up your utility payment to the nearest $1, $5, or $10 and it can go towards someone who needs assistance with their bill,” explained City Clerk Roxanne Hutton. The City of Iola Clerk’s office is working in collaboration with Humanity House, Wesley United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, and the Family Resource Center to continue the Community Utility Relief Bank (CURB) fund. The program is dedicated to assisting local families with their utility bills during times of financial hardship.
Source: The Iola Register
Making a masterpiece: Thrive honors achievements in leadership
The theme of Thrive’s 17th annual awards ceremony, “Creating a Masterpiece, Together,” recognized individuals, businesses and organizations that create a healthy, vibrant community. After 17 years, Thrive Allen County’s vision is more clear than ever. In fact, some might call it a masterpiece. Thrive CEO Lisse Regehr said that’s exactly what her team hoped to create as they celebrated the organization’s anniversary with an annual awards banquet Friday evening at Allen Community College. The theme was “Creating a Masterpiece, Together.”
Source: The Iola Register
Halstead approves official partnership with economic development council
After months of discussion between the parties involved, Harvey County Economic Development requested an official agreement from the City of Halstead. Beth Shelton, executive director of the economic development council, addressed the council. “Since the EDC was established, it’s always been an informal agreement that we’ll do what our mission is for each one of the communities,” Shelton said. “This just puts it into writing.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Hesston dog park finally opening
Finally, after several delays, Hesston’s four-legged friends will have access to the Ridge Pointe Dog Run. The new dog park will officially open with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 12 p.m., and dogs and their humans are invited to attend.
Source: Harvey County Now
Talks of moving AGCO production to 32-hour work weeks in 2025
There is discussion in the works for the AGCO workforce to move to 32-hour work weeks, starting when calendar rolls over to 2025. The reason for the cut back in hours is the downward trend in agricultural equipment buying. Local USW 11228 President Ray Salas said farmers just aren’t buying the equipment, and the company is looking to save costs. “The union hasn’t agreed to this,” Salas said. “We’re negotiating it, because our contract is for a 40-hour work week. There has to be a stipulation that 32-hour work weeks are full time so we can keep the insurance.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Wichita officers and firefighters hand out Dillons giftcards to shoppers
The Wichita Police and Fire Foundations teamed up with and to give some help this holiday season. They handed out gift cards purchased by the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation for its “Holiday Hand-Up” program. It was like a scavenger hunt, with officers following prompts like “find someone wearing a veterans cap” and then giving them the gift. One officer says it was great to relieve some shoppers’ stress. “Seeing the reaction to a lot of these individuals we’re going out and contacting, they get to see, ‘Oh boy, all of the sudden, this police officer’s coming up to talk to me, and what’s going on?’ Then it’s like, ‘Oh wow, oh wow, this is cool,’” said Officer Tyler Kaus. Officers and firefighters had several thousand dollars in gift cards to hand out.
Source: KSN-TV