Kansas Municipal News
Wichita City Council rejects zoning change for College Hill parking lot, again
The Wichita City Council struck down a zoning change for Happiness Plaza on Tuesday that would have allowed its owners to build a new parking lot in College Hill. The zoning change, which was challenged by a protest petition filed by 27% of surrounding property owners, received a 5-2 majority vote but fell one vote short of the 6-vote majority needed to pass a contested zoning change. Council members Mike Hoheisel and Maggie Ballard voted in opposition. “I think my concern is the housing piece, the precedence that it sets for changing the residential zoning in a popular neighborhood for a parking lot,” Ballard said. “My personal opinion is I think it’s heading in the wrong direction to fill the housing deficit. We have to meet the need for all the new jobs coming to Wichita.”
Source: Wichita Eagle
Bill would curtail wind turbine lights
Flashing red lights atop wind turbines would be curtailed to improve nighttime views under a bill that has been sent to the governor. If signed by Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly, it would require installation of light-mitigating technology on new and existing wind farms, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports. The aircraft detection lighting system technology would turn off the lights except for when aircraft are near. Aircraft aren’t near a wind farm about 97% of the time the lights are blinking, said Rep. Lisa Moser, R-Wheaton.
Source: The Iola Register
Bitcoin mining’s future in Harvey County still uncertain
Sean Reese said the future the bitcoin mining operation run by his company, Print Crypto, Inc., in the southeast part of Harvey County remained in doubt. The Board of Harvey County Commissioners unanimously upheld the Harvey County Planning Commission’s decision to deny a rezoning request for Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., last week. The decision likely means Print Crypto will have to move trailers full of computer equipment used for bitcoin mining.
Source: Harvey County Now
April’s burn ban isn’t a ban on all fires
For over a decade, Kansas has implemented a burn ban for the 16 counties around the Flint Hills. Still, many Kansans have a misconception of what they can and cannot burn. The ban includes all open burning of any waste, including vegetation and wood waster, structures or other material on any premises, according to a recent news release by Sedgwick County. Exceptions include pasture, crop, range, and wildlife or watershed management. Among those 16 counties are Sedgwick and Marion. Brad Crisp, Fire Marshal for Sedgwick County Fire District #1, said they get calls from people asking if they can still smoke their brisket.
Source: Harvey County Now
Does your recycling really get recycled? Inside Kansas City area processing plants
Reduce, reuse, recycle. We’ve all heard it before. Many of us had it drilled into our brains in school growing up, or from family members or friends. Even though we’ve been told that recycling is the right thing to do, based on what The Star has heard from readers, there are still some pretty big questions lurking in the minds of Kansas Citians. Mainly: Is recycling even real, and is it worth it? The Star asked readers about what questions or concerns you have about trash and litter in the metro to help fuel a series of stories we’re starting to publish this week. Residents in at least 12 different ZIP codes around KC asked and shared doubts with us about the effectiveness of recycling.
Source: KC Star Local News
Pit bulls are still banned in towns around Kansas City. These dog lovers are fighting for a repeal
Around Kansas City, some municipalities had pit bull bans on the books for decades. But Independence[, Missouri] only passed its law after a handful of highly-publicized pit bull attacks in 2006. In Kansas City, Missouri, a pit bull killed a 71-year-old woman after it jumped a neighbor’s fence, and an Independence man was nearly mauled to death by three pit bulls the same year. Over the last five years, many local governments have removed breed-specific bans from their city and county charters. Wyandotte County instituted a pit bull ban in 1990 that threatened violators with jail sentences of up to 90 days or a fine of up to $1,000. Leaders repealed it in 2019. Overland Park, Liberty, and Excelsior Springs have also repealed their bans in recent years. A bill introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives this session would prevent cities from regulating dogs by breed.
Source: KCUR News
High costs continue to hurt Winfield hospital
William Newton Hospital saw an increase in patient revenue and decreased operating expenses during the first month of the year, although high contract labor costs contributed to a financial loss of January, WNH trustees learned during their meeting on Thursday. Total patient revenue for January was $8.7 million, an increase of about $169,000 from December. Total net patient revenue was $3.8 million, an increase of about $35,000. That was primarily because of increased outpatient revenue, hospital CFO Kara Goff said.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
Cap on short-term rental units to remain for now, Lawrence City Commission decides
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday decided to table a discussion on raising or eliminating the cap on the number of short-term rental units property owners may license in some parts of town. Following an increase in short-term rental units like Airbnbs in past years, commissioners discussed possibly changing the limitation of how many units can be licensed or owned for that purpose — currently three per person. Discussions surrounding the short-term rental industry in Lawrence have been ongoing for years. Tuesday night’s meeting agenda highlighted times when local policy was altered, including in 2020.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for April 4, 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.
KS March Taxes Surpass Estimate
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that total tax collections for March 2023 were $758.3 million. That is $64.9 million, or 9.4%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also $78.7 million, or 11.6%, more than March 2022. “Time and again, we have exceeded our estimated tax collections, providing further proof that we can responsibly axe taxes on groceries, retirement, and property for Kansans,” said Governor Laura Kelly. Individual income tax collections were $314.6 million. That is $438,000 less than the estimate but $16.4 million, or 5.5%, more than March 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $102.6 million, which is $75.6 million, or 279.9%, more than the estimate and $74.9 million, or 271.1%, more than March 2022.
Source: Fort Scott Biz
City of Garden City says perimeter of historic Windsor Hotel is safe
A few days after falling bricks forced the City of Garden City to block off the perimeter of the historic Windsor Hotel, the perimeter is open again. The City says the Garden City Fire Department and the contractor for Finney County Preservation Alliance, Inc. shored up the rear wall and façade of the hotel based on the recommendations of the State Fire Marshal’s Office Structural Engineer. Finney County Preservation Alliance owns the Windsor Hotel and has been restoring the historic building.
Source: KSN-TV
With the Ogallala Aquifer drying up, Kansas ponders limits to irrigation
The Ogallala Aquifer has a visibility problem. It’s easy to see when drought, farm irrigation and city taps drain the great reservoirs of the Southwest. Bathtub rings paint the red rock walls surrounding Lake Powell as it shrinks, sounding alarm bells loud and clear. What about a body of water that’s locked away in a subterranean labyrinth of gravel and rock reaching more than 300 feet underground? The Ogallala may hold as much water as Lake Huron, but we can’t see it. And, problematically, that means we can’t see it disappear.
Source: KCUR News
Engineering firm looks to expand Lenexa City Center footprint
Kiewit Engineering is hoping to grow its Lenexa City Center campus with a new 177,550-square-foot office building. On Monday, the Lenexa Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the final plan for a brand new office building for Kiewit near 89th Street and Renner Boulevard. Kiewit, based in Omaha, Neb., has long had a presence in Lenexa after purchasing a local engineering firm more than 20 years ago.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Municipal Bond Trends for March 31, 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.
Reno County appraiser explains why property valuations have increased
On Tuesday, the Reno County appraiser, Michael Plank, explained to Reno County Commissioners how valuations are calculated and why residents saw increases this year. Appraisers are responsible for discovering, listing and valuing all real and tangible property within their jurisdiction within certain exemptions for oil and gas, public utilities and some personal property. County appraisal offices must comply with Kansas statutes. Plank explained that his office follows all state statutes. “Like any other county employee, the appraiser is a public servant; we’re working for the good of the taxpayer to place fair and equal values on real and personal property,” he said.
Source: Hutch News
What will Downtown Hutchinson look like?
Work is underway on the Downtown Hutch Master Plan, and the public is invited to share their thoughts and learn more about the plan in the coming weeks. The Downtown Hutch Master Plan will create the vision for the future of Downtown Hutchinson as well as provide a long-range planning document that will serve as a road map to help visualize the direction of downtown. This direction includes work around Downtown Hutchinson’s growth and development, as well as its character and functionality of the area.
Source: Hutch News
Washburn in 2023
When Washburn University president JuliAnn Mazachek returned to campus in February, she saw a beautiful campus. But she thinks it can look better. Washburn University late last month unveiled its seven-year plan to transform the campus into a regional student destination and economic driver. The visionary plan has been years in the making, dating back even to Mazachek’s time as vice president of academic affairs. Faculty, administration and other academic leaders had for years reviewed space utilization studies, trying to chart a future for the municipal university campus.
Source: CJonline
Housing a critical component of economic development
Kansas’ record-setting pace in economic development means significant job growth, with the state creating or retaining almost 56,000 jobs since Governor Laura Kelly took office in 2019. That has the Kelly administration aggressively tackling a pressing challenge that comes with rapid job creation — making sure there’s enough affordable housing for a fast-growing workforce. Economic development is highly dependent on available and adequate housing. In 2020, Governor Kelly called for the state’s first comprehensive assessment of residential housing needs in nearly 30 years. Results of the Statewide Housing Study outline current opportunities, goals and potential strategies to increase affordable housing, and particularly in rural Kansas where housing inventory is most strained.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Sedgwick County DA report concludes school board did not violate Open Meeting law
The Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office recently released an opinion stating it did not believe USD 373 violated the Kansas Open Meeting Act, in an emergency Feb. 22 meeting. The office did not offer opinions on other complaints such as the legality of the meeting, or ethics complaints involving a conflict of interest with Board Members. All this originates following a Feb. 22 gathering of the Board of Education that resulted in a three-hour emergency meeting. The meeting was mostly held in executive sessions – or behind closed doors- under the premise of discussing matters that could positively or adversely affect a student. Kansas Open Meeting Law requires public business and decisions to be made out in the open but does allow for exemptions, such as discussing matters adversely or positively affecting specific.
Source: Harvey County Now
Ellinwood museum preps for spring
Joyce Schulte’s receptionist table at the Ellinwood Museum can resemble a mini-display itself some days — especially during the weeks prior to the Museum’s annual season-opening day in April. There’s a fair bit of tweaking that needs to be done ahead of time, and the table is a good place for keeping the odds and ends needed for readying the Museum’s permanent and new exhibits. The Museum’s opening day this year is Thursday, April 20, at 10 a.m. It’s usually a low-key affair, as visitors come for coffee, see what’s new, and talk about Ellinwood’s older days. A typical season runs from April to November, open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or by appointment.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
New survey shows Johnson County residents are pleased once again with quality of life and county services
Results of Johnson County’s annual community survey were revealed, and residents consistently gave high marks for the county’s quality of life, services and programs, and voiced their opinions on the services most important to them. Results from the 2023 community survey were shared Thursday, March 23, with the Board of County Commissioners during a Committee of the Whole meeting. The six-page survey was conducted in January and February by ETC Institute of Olathe. “Ratings for Johnson County as a place to live, work and raise children are among the highest in the nation,” Chris Tatham, president and chief executive officer of ETC, said.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
Commission Chair Mike Kelly says the state of Johnson County ‘continues to be strong’
Three months after starting his role as Johnson County Commission Chair, Mike Kelly is set to give his first State of the County address at the Overland Park Convention Center on Tuesday, April 4. Kelly, who is also on the executive board of Climate Action KC, says that the state of Johnson County “continues to be strong” and is “uniquely poised to be stronger.” “We’re at this opportunity right now, with the economic development but also with the opportunities for partnership with the federal government,” said Kelly. “You look at the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which has $400 billion available for implementing climate solutions.”
Source: KCUR
Talented Wichita firefighter prepares for a boxing match against a police officer
Wichita firefighter Carlye Anderson is stepping out of the fire truck and into the gym to train for the 8th annual Smoke & Guns fight. Anderson is set to box against a Tulsa police officer. It’s all part of a fundraiser for the Tulsa Special Olympics and Tulsa Firefighters Burn Camp. “Getting to go down and compete and fight, but also getting to fight for the charity event that we’re down there for, is really fun,” says Anderson. The firefighter spends a lot of her off-time in the gym now. … Anderson is coached by retired firefighter and WFD 135 Union President Ted Bush. He says her athleticism and learning ability makes her a good athlete.
Source: KSN-TV
Emporia fire department resources ‘tied up’
The Emporia fire department has deployed its entire fleet of trucks to deal with fires on this red flag day. “We are tied up right now,” Emporia Fire Department Lt. Colter Serig said. “All of our county trucks are busy right now.” There is a fire at 1761 Road G just north of Highway 50, a fire at 3100 W South Avenue and a fire at 1709 Road 175, according to Serig. East of Emporia at 1709 Rd. 175, a controlled burn got out of control, according to Serig. The EFD sent two grass rigs. A grass rig from Olpe District 5 also responded.
Source: KSNT 27 News
His rental house wasn’t up to code. After calling the city, he got a notice to leave.
It all started with the windows at Alvin Mitchell’s rental house, which he said were cemented shut. Mitchell said his brother, concerned, called the city of Wichita to inspect the Planeview duplex. “I’m his little brother,” Mitchell said. “He’s going to look out for me.” In late July of last year, a city inspector came out to look at the house. The inspector listed a multitude of code violations the landlord needed to fix by the end of August: the windows, doors, walls, ceilings and floors all needed to be repaired or replaced.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Parsons artist paints mural featuring the LCC 1960 basketball national champions
Aaron “Skip” Smith stood beside his newest work of art, an 8-foot by 4-foot painting inside the new athletic complex on a wall at the entrance to the Labette Community College gymnasium. “They wanted something to accentuate their new sports complex and they wanted it to be something I did, so they commissioned me to do this,” Smith said. The mural, a combination of acrylic and oils took about eight months to complete.
Source: Parsons Sun
Proposed changes could scrap some work of Lawrence’s police review board
More than a year of work by Lawrence Community Police Review Board members to engage with the community and revise the ordinance that outlines the board’s duties may have been for nothing. A resolution up for consideration at Tuesday’s Lawrence City Commission meeting would essentially scrap the draft ordinance that CPRB members and city staff members and attorneys worked to refine. If approved, a work group that has yet to meet will start from scratch, making amendments to the ordinance as it currently exists. The work group was formed to review the CPRB’s draft ordinance and the Lawrence Police Department’s current complaint process to collaborate and determine the best path forward.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Selling some used items to Wichita businesses may not require fingerprinting for long
Wichitans who sell used appliances and trinkets to local businesses are used to having their fingerprint scanned and their personal information collected to share with police. That may not be the case for much longer. It’s standard protocol for discouraging thieves from attempting to sell stolen items, but some Wichita officials say the city’s secondhand dealer regulations are a burden on businesses and not particularly effective at preventing illegal activity.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for March 31, 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.
Lawrence to discuss increasing cap on number of Airbnbs, other short-term rentals in nonresidential areas
With the goal of preserving the city’s neighborhoods, city leaders will soon discuss increasing or eliminating the cap on the number of Airbnbs and other short-term rentals allowed in nonresidential areas. The Lawrence City Commission will discuss the possible changes as part of its meeting Tuesday. Currently, the city caps the number of short-term rentals that one person or ownership group can operate at three regardless of the location. The limit applies to all properties that are rented by the night, typically on online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Mayor Lisa Larsen requested that the city revisit the regulations late last year. Larsen said Friday that she continued to be interested in whether it was possible to increase or eliminate the three-rental cap only for nonresidential zoning districts, such as commercial or industrial areas, to allow such rentals to grow more in those areas.
Source: LJWorld
Pittsburg Chamber and PSU present econ report
Chamber of Commerce President and Director of Economic Development Blake Benson and Pittsburg State University Executive Director of Operations, Business Development, and Economic Engagement Darrell Pulliam presented the quarterly Economic Development Report to the Pittsburg City Commission on Tuesday evening. Benson highlighted the area’s unemployment rate of 3.3 percent for the month of February, 2023. While higher than last February’s rate of 2.8 percent, which was an all-time low, Benson said the current rate is generally regarded as full employment. “It seems like it’s becoming a little bit easier for our employers to find the kind of employees they need,” Benson said. Sales tax collections have remained strong in Pittsburg. According to Benson, collections have increased by 25 percent over the last two years, with 2023 “starting off very strong” as collections are up 15 percent so far from last year.
Source: Morning Sun
New city attorney Kelly ready to fully serve Derby community
For new Derby city attorney Jacqueline Kelly, her fascination with the law began at a young age. Kelly admitted watching “The Cosby Show” growing up and seeing Claire Huxtable succeed as an attorney and mom was an inspiration, while her own personal experiences also helped shape her career path. “As a kid, because I was adopted and I went through a legal process, I admired that process,” Kelly said. “I like the structure that law provides to relationships and solving problems. It’s kind of a good north compass.” Beginning March 20, Kelly officially took over the reins in Derby for former city attorney Jacque Butler, maintaining her vested work interests – as Kelly has worked almost exclusively in government since starting to practice law nine years ago.
Source: Derby Informer
Lyon County Commission debates longevity pay increases
The Lyon County Commission discussed longevity pay increases for full-time, hourly county employees at its meeting Thursday morning. Director of Human Resources Janice Huffman presented commissioners with the idea of the increase as part of three first-quarter employee task force policies. Huffman said the longevity pay increase is currently 29 cents every five years and has been set at that figure for many years. Huffman proposed a new rate of 40 cents for five years, 60 cents for 10 years, 80 cents for 15 years and so on. Commissioners said they were in favor of the increase but would like to know the economic impact and scale of the adjustment.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Lenexa unveils new disc golf courses at Black Hoof Park
Lenexa’s new disc golf courses at Black Hoof Park are officially open for play ahead of a full-slate of community activities planned for Saturday. The courses have been nearly 20 years in the making, city parks and recreation director Logan Wagler said. Plans for a course were first called for in the 2004 parks master plan.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Upcoming survey to ask Lawrence residents how their neighborhood can accommodate new homes, businesses
How can Lawrence neighborhoods accommodate more homes and businesses and also maintain the characteristics that make people want to live there? That’s the question that those working to update Lawrence’s land development code — which determines where and how the city grows — will soon be asking neighborhood groups and residents. As part of its meeting Thursday, the Land Development Code Update Steering Committee and city-hired consultants with Clarion Associates went over a draft of a survey that aims to get at that and other questions. The draft survey can be filled out by neighborhood associations, other community groups, or individuals and will inform the update of the land development code. Elizabeth Garvin, of Clarion Associates, said the intent of the survey is to find out what characteristics residents prioritize about their neighborhoods, and how the new code can reflect that in a broad sense.
Source: LJWorld
More chickens might soon be allowed in Hutch city limits
Soon Hutchinson residents might be able to go from owning three chickens to raising eight. However, the amount of roosters allowed in the backyard garden will not change − it will remain at zero. On Wednesday, the Hutchinson Planning Commission approved sending their recommendations on the amount of chickens a household may own to the Hutchinson City Council. The recommendations will go before the council for approval on May 16. “A maximum of eight chickens, as we discussed in our last discussion, may be kept in the side or rear yard,” said David Inskeep, a commission member. When the property is more than 2,000 square feet, one additional chicken may be kept for each additional 250 square feet up to a maximum of 20 chickens.
Source: Hutch News
When it comes to emergency communications, this Johnson County center wins top honor
Johnson County Emergency Communications Center has been recognized as an Accredited Center of Excellence for emergency medical dispatching by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The accreditation is the highest distinction given to emergency communication centers, certifying that the center is performing at or above the established industry standards. Centers that earn this status are examples of dispatch done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality processes and a commitment to data-driven improvement. The Johnson County center initially achieved this accreditation in 2020. This is its first re-accreditation. The center serves an area of approximately 1,070 square miles in Johnson and Miami counties. It dispatches calls for all fire agencies within Johnson County, as well as all EMS calls for Med-Act and Miami County EMS.
Source: Joco 913 News
Municipal Bond Trends for March 30, 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.
Newton schools to be back in session
Officials with the Newton school district will have classes back in session Friday, as an investigation continues into a breach of the district’s computer network. Classes were canceled for Wednesday and Thursday and most computers were taken offline as a precaution. The district said there is no evidence that any personal information of students was accessed, but the investigation is continuing. Classes will be back on a full schedule for Friday.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Design team unveils plans for new Hesston school building
Security is a big part of the design of the new high/middle school plans, which were unveiled Wednesday night to a group of about 50 people at the Hesston High School auditorium. Some of the discussion referred to mass shootings like the one earlier this week at a school in Nashville. In response to the first question posed, Superintendent Kevin Logan said the new high/middle school would not have metal detectors. “We will also have a lot more camera coverage through the building than we do now,” he said. “We’re way under covered right now.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Bill looking to ease process for out-of-state teachers to come to Kansas
Kansas may soon be adding a new tool in the fight against the teacher shortage. According to the State’s Department of Education, in the Fall of 2022, there were more than 1,600 vacancies across Kansas. “It’s just going to continue to get worse if we don’t do some things,” said Tyson Eslinger, Deerfield USD 216 Superintendent. “It’s getting to the point where there’s things we want to be able to do for kids, and we want to be able to offer kids, but we don’t have the bodies to do that.” Lawmakers are looking at Senate Bill 66, which would provide more opportunities for out-of-state teachers by joining the “Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.”
Source: KSN-TV
Draft strategic plan sets goals for Douglas County to reach functional zero homelessness
A draft strategic plan sets a goal of 2028 for Lawrence and Douglas County to achieve functional zero homelessness. The plan emphasizes equity, inclusion, and correcting imbalances of power. Douglas County commissioners heard a presentation on the draft Housing and Homelessness 5-Year Strategic Plan Wednesday afternoon during a work session. The commission doesn’t take action during work sessions, but staff aim to bring a final plan back to the commission in June. The roughly 30-page draft breaks the issues into five focus areas: Equity and Inclusion; Affordable Housing; Supportive Housing; Systems; and Emergency Shelter.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for March 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.
Kansas fire departments, agencies prepare for critical fire conditions
Rodney Redinger has worked for the Kansas Forest Service for 20 years. He says amid critical fire danger concerns over the next few days, his office is working with the Office of the State Marshal and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. He says given the severity of the conditions, much of the state is currently a tinderbox. “Anything that’s, that’s gonna cause a spark, right, is going to have devastating effects,” Redinger said. Redinger says in addition to keeping firefighting aircraft on standby, 20 Kansas Forest Service coordinators are currently working with hundreds of fire departments on high alert.
Source: KSN-TV
Douglas County leaders defer decision on whether energy firm can do tests for large-scale solar project
Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday deferred their decision on whether an energy firm may conduct testing for a potential large-scale solar project, and they and some members of the public were skeptical about the company’s claims that it didn’t know it needed a permit. The commission’s meeting room at the Douglas County Courthouse was packed full of residents on Wednesday night, many of whom came to speak out against industrial-scale solar energy projects in general. But the county leaders were specifically deciding whether to approve four permits for Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources to conduct utility-scale solar-related testing activity on seven properties across four sections of Palmyra Township along the Johnson County line.
Source: LJWorld