Municipal News & Jobs

A discussion to control the noise surrounding a Bitcoin mining facility in Bourbon County is tabled for now. A representative from Evolution Tech, the company behind the facility, was scheduled to make an appearance at today’s Bourbon County Commissioners meeting after several recent noise complaints. However, Commissioner Samuel Tran told us the company postponed its appearance. Tran says Evolution Tech has sought legal counsel to prepare for any questions commissioners or the public might ask.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

The Topeka City Council gave the Chief of Police permission to let officers in the department wear their uniform while off-duty. This new ordinance only applies to officers who are working security assignments on other jobs. The Topeka Police Department believes that communities will be safer if law enforcement, while working for private companies, are able to show the public that they are trained officers with the department.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

Jackson County leaders are expressing their skepticism about the size of a proposed new solar facility in the local area. Jackson County’s Board of County Commissioners met on Monday, Oct. 20 to discuss plans for a new 500-megawatt renewable energy facility called Jeffrey Solar. The solar farm would be installed west of Holton and take up around 6,600 football fields of space. NextEra Energy Resources is the driving force behind the project, which promises to deliver a big investment into the county along with new jobs. However, NextEra’s plans are getting some pushback from county commissioners. “I have a trust issue,” said Jackson County Commissioner Keith Kelly. “You are talking about a large company, you’re talking about a small community, we don’t have a bank of attorneys, or funds, I don’t think any of us are in favor of anything larger than 2,000 acres.”
Read more: KSNT 27 News

After almost two years the Peabody City Council will start enforcing its rules on camping on owned properties. Scott Spunaugles and wife Kathy Crawley, received permission in January 2024, to live in a camper on their property in the 600 block of Sycamore St. for six months while remodeling their house. The council asked them to come back July 8 and provide an update.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Looking at economic data for Reno County, perhaps what’s surprising is that more people aren’t homeless. The latest data shows nearly 13% of households in the county—or more than 3,100 of them—were living at or below the federal poverty level last year. Other measures show an even larger number of people in our community who, while not classified as poor, don’t earn enough to feel economically secure.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

The Haven City Council discussed food truck permits and kids riding electric scooters through town at high speeds, among other items, during its Monday evening meeting. The city’s current food truck policy requires vendors to apply for a permit to operate at any time for one year from the date of application, if approved. Food truck employees have to pass a Police Department-run background check, and any employees the vendor adds throughout the year have to pass as well. The permit has a one-time $50 fee, and the pink paper permit has to be posted on the truck. Previously, the council addressed concerns about local restaurants with set hours being able to compete with food trucks that can operate at any time.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Mayor Michael Padilla has been named the 2025 Kansas Mayor of the Year by the League of Kansas Municipalities and the Kansas Mayors Association. The award is selected by fellow mayors, recognizing Padilla’s commitment to Topeka’s growth and well-being.
Read more: CJonline

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.

Provalus looks for small towns where incomes are low and people are eager for positions that will teach them 21st-century skills.
Read more: Wall Street Journal

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 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 tradition began in 2024, when a snow plow was given the name Taylor Drift following more than 650 contest entries.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

Earlier this summer Stafford County Economic Development (EcoDevo) was awarded $25,000 for an implementation grant as part of the Office of Rural Prosperity Rural Champions grant program announced last year in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation for Macksville. The current Rural Champions is addressing childcare challenges in Macksville and this funding will support the implementation of the day care project.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

McPherson County voters will see a proposal on the November 4 ballot for a ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax dedicated to funding Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If approved, the tax would begin April 1, 2026. The measure seeks to shift EMS funding from property taxes to a dedicated sales tax, creating the opportunity for county and city officials to reduce property taxes beginning in 2027.​
Read more: Butler County Times-Gazette

The Crawford County Commission met with a full house on Friday in response to Mulberry’s vote to annex land slated for solar development. A couple of the frequent attendees were present — Becky Williard and Judy Prince — raising familiar concerns over toxic fumes from battery fires and leaching poisons into the ground and water table. Landowners who live next to the proposed development offered some new concerns for the commission to consider.
Read more: – Morning Sun

Prairie Cottage Homes, operated by Devin Holloway, is on the verge of listing their first three homes in Americus next week. With the help of Paul Pinick, the new venture aims to bring affordable homes to local smaller towns, and eventually Emporia. The three homes began construction in April and will be listed next week. One is three bedrooms, 1,311 square feet, while the two measure in at 1,611 square feet and fit in four bedrooms. The buildings are designed to last and stand the test of time.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Bourbon County Commissioners on Monday discussed concerns such as setting precedence and the potential for litigation regarding a moratorium on the mining of cryptocurrency. The commission later approved the 12-month moratorium, which takes effect after its publication in the Tribune and only applies to new mining activity in the county. County Counselor Bob Johnson said the moratorium would stop future expansion of mining operations until the commission can adopt regulations.
Read more: Fort Scott Tribune Headlines

Sedgwick City Council asked Jimmy Sharbutt of Sharbutt Homes to pay a $5,000 obligation for not building five homes within sixty months of the city selling Sharbutt property just north of the industrial park. The obligation was stipulated in the original contract.
Read more: Harvey County Now

A squirrel is responsible for the power issues happening in town Friday morning. City Manager Zack Daniel said crews walked power lines and discovered a fried squirrel in the Ninth and Acorn area that is believed to be responsible for the blip.
Read more: The Eudora Times

Iola City Council members discussed this week a recent edict that the city must test more often for signs of lead in its water system. Toby Ross, Iola’s water plant superintendent, updated Iola Council members Tuesday evening on water sampling efforts to detect lead levels. A recent KDHE notification directed the city to ramp up its testing after three homes tested above the EPA threshold of lead in their drinking water.
Read more: The Iola Register