Municipal News & Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Progress continues as the Americus City Council gets ready to end the city’s police department operations. Mayor Dustin Wright tells KVOE News the inventory process is complete, thanks to the work of former police chief Jody Meyers. Evidence processing is next, and Wright says the goal is to have that work done by the next City Council meeting in May. Once the evidence processing is handled, Wright says the final steps towards disbanding the police department are an inventory and equipment sale and an evidence transfer to the Lyon County Attorney’s Office. Wright believes the process could be done within the next 60-90 days. Proceeds from the inventory sale will likely go to the general fund, likely for code enforcement, but that plan is officially pending.
Read more: KVOE

Johnson County leaders are looking decades ahead as development continues to spread to rural areas, especially near the Panasonic site in De Soto. The county board recently adopted a road network plan that could reshape how people move through the rural parts of the county. The plan is a recommendation, not a construction schedule, but it identifies which rural roads could need to be expanded to keep up with development pushing to the west. This means some roads might go from two lanes to four in the future, and other roads may open for the first time ever.
Read more: KSHB News

City commissioners unanimously voted to allow people to use UTVs on city roads with a new registration process.  The move follows that of nearby communities like Baldwin, Tonganoxie and De Soto. The ordinance will go into effect on June 1. Police Chief Wes Lovett said they reviewed these regulations when crafting Eudora’s.  The ordinance regulates the use of work-site utility vehicles. UTV or micro truck owners can drive in city limits if the owner resides in the 66025 zip code and registers their vehicle annually with the Police Department. The registration process requires a valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, an annual fee and registration sticker. Under the ordinance, the vehicles must be equipped with basic safety gear, including tail lamps, brakes, mirrors and seatbelts. Operation is limited to streets with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. While drivers can cross state or federal highways, they are strictly prohibited from cruising along them.
Read more: The Eudora Times

“These things have to run 100 percent 100 percent of the time,” are the words that Hutchinson Fire Department mechanic Rick Spitler lives by when it comes to taking care of the department’s equipment. Spitler has been turning a wrench since he was 14 years old and broke a tooth when a driveshaft fell on him while he was changing it. For the past four years, he’s been the mechanic responsible for keeping all of HFD’s fire engines rolling. “When I got into high school, I was in shop class, and I figured out I could take stuff apart, put it back together, and it worked,” Spitler said. After high school, Spitler worked with his dad on mobile homes and then worked for the Buhler School District, maintaining and repairing school buses, before spending 18 years working on semis, which led him to the Hutchinson Fire Department.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Before they adjourned from their meeting on April 14, members of the Hutchinson Planning Commission spoke about the need for better data center zoning regulations. Commissioner Denice Gilliland was the first to bring up the subject, mentioning the joint Reno County, Hutchinson and South Hutchinson task force and saying that it should be on everyone’s agenda. No member of the Hutchinson Planning Commission was asked to be a part of the task force. Commission Chair Elaine Carter asked Associate Planner Paul Schiffelbein if the city had been working on tightening its zoning regulations around data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Schiffelbein said they had been after the latest city council meeting on April 7. Schiffelbein said they’re specifically looking to establish better zoning rules around large-scale utilities, which would be the classification data centers and BESS fall under.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

As part of its efforts to reduce its reliance on bonds for city projects, the City of Hutchinson is implementing a new program to fund smaller projects in the upcoming fiscal year. At the April 7 Hutchinson City Council meeting, city finance director Angela Richard outlined the new hybrid program, which is called PayGo. “PayGo is short for Pay-as-you-Go, which is what it sounds like-paying for projects/maintenance/equipment as you have the cash,” Richard said. “Hybrid would incorporate trying to pay for those projects we can cash finance, while still bonding for certain projects that meet certain requirements.” Because PayGo is new to the city, the city council hasn’t established the criteria for which projects are eligible for the program yet, she said.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Allen County will likely institute a nominal motor vehicle transaction fee to help cover operational costs within the Allen County treasurer’s office. A new state law allowing counties to add motor vehicle transaction fees could bring additional revenue to Allen County. County Treasurer Darolyn Maley told commissioners Tuesday morning that she plans to take a modest approach in implementing the change locally. Maley said the legislation comes after years of work by the County Treasurer’s Association to address funding gaps in motor vehicle departments across Kansas. “This is something that the state has finally passed to get a little bit more money in our funds,” she said. While some counties struggle to cover costs, she said Allen County has managed to stay afloat largely due to staffing arrangements that split duties between departments.
Read more: The Iola Register

Marysville Police Chief Anthony Escalante recently returned from the FBI National Academy, where he became the third consecutive Marysville police chief to graduate from the prestigious program on the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Va. He was among 253 law enforcement officers who graduated in the 297th session of the academy, which consisted of men and women from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The 12-week class also included 26 members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations and four federal civilian organizations.
Read more: www.marysvilleonline.net