Kansas Municipal News
Pittsburg nears full recovery after September cyber attack
The City of Pittsburg is nearly back to operating at full capacity following a cyber security issue earlier this year. As we reported back in September, the City of Pittsburg experienced the incident impacting the city’s network. The breach caused an IT outage, as well as preventing access to city emails, phones, and online payments. The city has cyber insurance and they’ve been working with them to recover and update their system to ensure an incident like this doesn’t happen again. Online payments can now be made again. The city also has restored the phone and email systems. “I think 70 to 80 percent is probably a good number. There’s definitely some systems that we want to have back online fully and then there’s some additional security measures we’re gong to put in place probably for the next year. That we would want before we’re considered fully operational, fully back to were we need to be going in the future,” said Jay Byers, Pittsburg City Manager. Byers says they’re continuing to work with security experts to implement those new security features. He expects the city to be back to fully operational by the middle of next year.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Parsons Police Department’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ a success
Typically, you can find them at the front lines of emergencies – but today, they were at Parsons Walmart, providing a shopping spree for many local families. “Well, you know this is really the best day of the entire year. This is where we get to turn all the police officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel and the Santa’s little helpers,” said Robert Spinks, Parsons PD Chief. It’s part of Parsons Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program. The department joined forces with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Parsons Fire Department to provide a 2-hundred dollar shopping spree at Walmart. “So they’re out here with 30 families buying all of those great Christmas gifts, you know, and ideas and stuff to make this the very best holiday season that we hope they can have,” said Spinks. It’s just another way for local first responders to give back. “In law enforcement, you know, we’re guardians first or enforcers second. And I think this helps to embrace, you know, that spirit of guardianship, to reach out to help people who might need that extra helping hand. You know, in this day and age, you might think kids will immediately just go for toys. That’s not always the case. You see kids going and getting winter coats for themselves or a brother and a sister shoes,” said Spinks. That was the case for 9-year-old Bella Carson. She says she’s using her money to not only buy gifts for herself but also for her brothers. “I got this monster control truck RC for my little brother, cause I’m grateful to have him in my family and he’s just the best little brother I could ask for,” said Bella Carson, Parsons Resident. Sunday’s Shop with a Cop was something Bella says she’s also thankful for. “I’m thankful that they gave us money to and they picked us out of a bunch of kids to shop,” said Carson.
Source: KSNF/KODE
‘A true Kansas legend:’ Harland Priddle, Kansas’ first Secretary of Commerce and Agriculture, dies at 93
Harland Priddle, the state’s first Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Agriculture, has died. He was 93. Priddle was born in Hutchinson and grew up on a farm near Haven. After graduating from Kansas State University in 1953, Priddle enlisted in the United States Air Force and spent 22 years before retiring as a Colonel in July 1974. He served seven years overseas assignments and nine years in Washington D.C. including tours with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. He also served in the White House as Deputy Commander of the White House Communications Agency for the President at the White House in Washington D.C. for four years from 1970-1974, according to his obituary. He participated in the planning and execution of over two hundred presidential trips, including three international trips to Europe and Asia. He received nineteen awards and decorations including the Bronze Star for duties in Southeast Asia, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Service Badge, two Legions of Merit, the Presidential Service Badge and the Presidential Unit Citation. Priddle was also the first person in Kansas history to serve as both Kansas Secretary of Commerce and Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. In a statement on social media, Governor Laura Kelly said Priddle was “a true Kansas legend,” and that “He embodied what it meant to be a public servant, and his contributions will continue to live on for future generations.” Priddle died peacefully in his home in McAlester, Oklahoma on December 12, 2023. He is survived by his wife of over 75 years, Winifred, and his three children Valorie Ann Dick and her husband William, Harland Gregory Priddle and his wife Ann and Kevin Eugene Priddle and his wife Michelle. 10 grandchildren: Angela Dick Akamine and her husband Andres, Aubrey Dick White and her husband Jacob, Jonathan Dick and his wife Lara, Crystal Dick Langdon and her husband Bryan, Shalerie Priddle Headley and her husband Jon, Shalise Priddle Quinlan and her husband Patrick, Shalaine Priddle Alexander and her husband Keaton, Kate Priddle, Tyler Moore (step grandson) and James Bean (step grandson). He had 16 great-grandchildren.
Source: KAKE – News
Andover Fire Department crew honored with prestigious award
The Andover fire department is being honored with the 2023 Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award for one of its fire crews heroic actions and dedication when working a house fire earlier this year. It was May 1st when fire fighters were heading to a home that was already full of smoke and flames. While heading there they found out there were two people who were trapped. A man and a woman, both with limited mobility. “It’s what we do; we just adapt to the conditions and situations that we have,” said Chad Cheslik who was the supervisor for the crew of six people working the house fire that day. He explains because of the circumstances they weren’t able to respond to the house fire how they normally do so he had to think and act quickly. Other agencies like Wichita, Sedgwick County, and Rose Hill were sending additional help but Cheslik says there was no time to waste. He and his crew immediately sprung into action, searching the burning house to find the two people and pull them out. “It was extremely hot. We were crawling on our bellies trying to get through, but we knew at that point we weren’t going to make it all the way through the house so we decided to back out and vest through the back window and found her in her bedroom,” he said. The state Fire Marshall’s Office says typically a search and rescue isn’t going above and beyond but because of the conditions and circumstances the fire fighters were working in it describes this rescue as exceptional. While the department is honored to receive the award for a second year in a row Cheslik says it isn’t all celebration. “Unfortunately there was one lost and our hearts go out to the family. So, it’s something you don’t take lightly,” he said. Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell says he’s incredibly proud of every single crew member. He says they train tirelessly to prepare for situations like this one and so many others and they care deeply. “As soon as the bell rings they fly into action because seconds count and this is a great example of that,” he explains. The award is given to a fire fighter or crew that goes above and beyond their basic job responsibilities. Throughout the year nominations are submitted and looked at by the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Kansas State Firefighter’s Association.
Source: KAKE – News
Successful Downtowns Major Components
I recently participated in a book study with colleagues over “13 Ways To Kill Your Community” by author Doug Griffiths. Griffiths visits common issues that communities face when they begin to struggle and see the population relocating when trouble seeps into a community. Change in a small town is often difficult. Griffith’s publication works hand in hand with a First Friday E-Call with Nancy Daniels of K-State Research and Extension. Daniels hosted Scott Sewell, from Kansas Mainstreet to share his organization and their offerings to small-town businesses and local main street revitalization. Part of his presentation focused on what success looks like for downtown/main streets. Sewell lists the following as key components to a successful downtown: (1) Open and Thriving Downtown- A thriving business district builds a positive image for your entire community. It will also attract new businesses, create new jobs and keep local dollars in your community. Even businesses outside of the “downtown” area should be concerned with how the downtown area is healthy and viable. (2) Maintained Buildings– Looking at a main street, often look at how many of the buildings within that downtown district are upkept and functional. How many of those buildings located in the blocks of the main street are condemned and not functional for any new opportunities to open within the community? In “13 Ways To Kill Your Community” author Griffiths talks about how a coat of paint can change the character and looks of a vibrant downtown, enticing people to visit and become a part of the culture. (3) Utilization of Public Space– Having space that is open for the public to utilize to host events to bring more individuals into the community is a vital part to success. An event that brings people that don’t reside in the community, will bring more revenue to the town and in return those people may return at a different time to revisit a new favorite location within the town. (4) A Place to Live– Many older buildings in the main street areas were once used for a housing opportunity above businesses. In the past few years many towns and business owners have started to revitalize those spaces as apartments or short-term rentals. How many businesses in your main street district have livable spaces to use or renovate into functional living spaces? Swell mentions that 4-6% of the population in past towns they have visited are interested in living in downtown loft apartments. (5) Includes Culture and History- A main street that in-cooperates and exhibits the history of the town and past main street businesses will also preserve the historical character of the whole community. Swell talks about the importance of building in downtown, builds assets that are easily noticeable by the architectural aspects, a sense of place as well as a personal service that you can’t find anywhere else. (6) A “Cool” Environment- Unique features within the downtown area, make people want to visit and spend time with local businesses and want to return to enjoy those features they cannot get at another location.
Source: Fort Scott Biz
County firefighters up to speed on staffing in Sedgwick County
After years of struggling to keep up with staffing changes, the Sedgwick County fire department has reached full staff. Part of that has to do with recruitment, another piece is better pay. “You know the Sedgwick County Commission over the last two years has done significant salary enhancements,” said Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell. “And at this time we are doing a pretty good job keeping our staff up where it needs to be.” The latest recruiting class was welcomed to the team Friday evening with a ceremony. “It was my childhood dream to be a firefighter,” said new recruit Josh Smith. “I started out doing wildfire work across the country and I wanted to come home.” Smith says better pay was part of the equation to choose Sedgwick County. “I left for a while, came back. And I’m going to retire here. I’m not leaving again,” said Smith. “So I’ll be here. The pay is good, yes.” Starting the first of the new year, Sedgwick County firefighters will make a starting pay of $18.36 an hour for Sedgwick County Fire District 1. “But we are competitive and compared to all the other firefighting organizations around us, we are very close to the top of what firefighters can get right now,” said Howell. “We’re doing pretty good. Are we perfect? No. There’s still some work to do but I think we are doing better than we were a few years ago.” Other commissioners point out there have now been three classes to bring on fire recruits for the county this year alone. They also plan on keeping a close eye on what the City of Wichita pays. “We always have to pay attention to what the city is doing with both police and with the fire,” said commissioners David Dennis. “Because if we don’t stay competitive with them we will lose them across the street.” Howell points out that the pay after the first of the year for a paramedic in Sedgwick County will be $22.96 an hour. Deputies with the sheriff’s department will start at $23.97 an hour.
Source: KSN-TV
Small town Kansas bowling alley closing after six decades
It’s the end of an era as a small Kansas town bowling alley is closing its doors for good at the end of the year, and the community of Arkansas City says it’s a tough loss. “Awesome. Like, I love these people. They have just been there for my one year of venturing to a new school,” said 10-year-old Lucas celebrating his birthday at Hillcrest Lanes in Ark City. “I survived ten years. I can survive ten more,” said Lucas. His parents, Colt and Katie Rose, say it was the perfect place to celebrate their little man. “It’s been a great time. They offered us a wonderful deal, and we couldn’t pass it up,” said the Roses. But on Friday, the town got some sad news. After running the bowling alley for more than three decades, Melissa Zimmerman and her family say dad is ready to retire, so it’s time to shut the doors for good. “Our bowlers have been sad because, you know, our leagues are shutting down. And a lot of our bowlers have been with us for a long time,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve all grown up out here. Our kids have grown up out here. So the kids are sad, but they know, you know, grandma and grandpa are ready to retire. And they’re ready to have their grandparents be able to attend more of their stuff and just more family time.” Zimmerman says while it’s bittersweet, the family is ready for the next chapter. The alley will close on December 30th, and while the new owners haven’t yet announced what it will become, Lucas says he wouldn’t mind seeing things changed up. “Oh, yeah. Make a gym for sure. There’s no gym here. Well, at the rec center there is. But just, there’s a lot of people there. And you can have a whole different gym that’s here,” Lucas said. In the meantime, whether it was birthday luck or pure skill, Lucas ended on a hot streak with memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: KAKE – News
Municipal Bond Trends for December 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.
Advocates for stray dog decry gaps in Lawrence’s animal control services
Animal advocates followed Shebah the dog’s plight as she ran loose in the cold November. As she made her way across Lawrence, Shebah appeared in social media photos that revealed hip bones and ribs thrusting against her fur — signs of malnourishment. Her teets hung low, weighed down and engorged. At some point, she’d been separated from a young litter. Shebah evaded several attempts by Lawrence Humane Society staff, officers and community members to rescue her; however, at least one family successfully connected with the dog. They delivered Shebah to the Lawrence Humane Society the first time on Nov. 18. Animal Control then authorized release of Shebah to someone who identified themself as her owner. But, soon, Shebah was running loose again. On Sunday, Nov. 26, Shebah entered the automatic doors of Lawrence Laundromat at least twice after noon, according to its owner, who posted a photo of the dog on social media. With snow on the ground, temperatures hovered that afternoon in the mid-30s. The laundromat’s owner called dispatch but said they were told no Animal Control officers were on duty, and they wouldn’t be available to respond to the call until the next day — Monday, Nov. 27. “They said that there’s nothing they can do,” the owner recalled. In the meantime, a patrol officer would respond, but if the animal were captured, the officer could not transport Shebah to the shelter inside a patrol vehicle, said the owner, who asked that their name not be published. In general, animal control officers work daytime hours, seven days a week and subject to staff availability, according to the City of Lawrence’s website. The page tells residents to phone dispatch at 785-832-7509 to report at-large or captured animals, and Lawrence Humane Society “should be called for after hours situations involving injured animals.” “Pretty disappointed with the city services available,” the laundromat’s owner then placed a second call to the shelter, and the call went to dispatch. This time the owner asked for help with an unhealthy, malnourished dog at-large. With no Animal Control staff on duty, shelter staff intervened. Shannon Wells, executive director of Lawrence Humane Society, arrived at the scene near 25th and Louisiana streets. Wells said Shebah was looking inside trash containers and probably foraging for food. Wells said she saw Shebah vomit — likely due to “garbage gut” caused by consuming trash. Despite efforts by the patrol officer, Wells and community members, they couldn’t lure Shebah into safety that day. Community members and Wells praised the patrol officer for covering a lot of ground in an attempt to locate the dog’s owner or bring the dog into custody.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Settling into new digs
It was 9 a.m. on a grey, rainy, chilly Friday morning as the Great Bend Police Department’s first sift gathered for roll call before heading out on patrol. This was nothing new for the officers and Police Chief Steve Haulmark, something they do every morning. But, there was one notable difference Friday. It marked the first morning of the first full day for the department to work out of the city’s gleaming new Justice Center at 12th and Baker. The new structure houses the new Police Station and Municipal Court Office. “We’re still trying to find a home for everything,” Haulmark said. But, even with boxes piled about and personnel unpacking their offices, “it is starting to feel homy.” After years of planning, “It’s great to finally be here,” he said. In the large squad room that can double as a site for training, Sgt. Bill Paden had just concluded the briefing. “It’s kind of nice having the bigger space. We’ll have more room to move around,” he said. “But, we’re still trying to figure out where everything is.” After spending the bulk of his 18-year law enforcement career in the cramped, dank, outdated old station on Williams, he is ready for the change. “I think it is going to be good,” he said. This may have been the first full work day in the center, but Haulmark, Paden and company, along with other city employees, spent all of Thursday moving into the new location. “That was a full day,” Paden said, noting they all had sore muscles to show for it. For now, there is still that new building smell.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Groundbreaking ceremony set for new Fire/EMS station
The Garden City Fire Department has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Garden City Fire Department and Finney County EMS Station #3 will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The station will be located at the intersection of Schulman Avenue and Jennie Barker Road. This event marks a milestone in our community’s commitment to public safety and emergency services. Designed to house up to 10 firefighters and six EMS personnel, Station #3 will serve as a vital hub strategically positioned to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of our residents and the protection of property.
Source: Garden City Telegram
EPA fines Lawrence landfill over methane violations
Owners of a dump near Lawrence will have to pay more than $34,000 in upgrades and penalties for violating clean air regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday. The Hamm Inc. landfill, which is just outside Lawrence along U.S. Highway 59, takes solid waste from Lawrence’s municipal pickup service. During an inspection of the landfill in March 2022, the EPA found the landfill was emitting an illegal volume of methane gas and failed to correct it. Methane, like carbon dioxide, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change by trapping heat. But it’s far more potent. Landfills can release huge amounts of methane, contributing to both climate change and air pollution that can harm residents’ health. David Cozad, director of the EPA region’s enforcement division, said in a news release that two of the agency’s priorities are “mitigating climate change through its regulatory authorities and reducing methane emissions from landfills.” Cozad said the EPA was “encouraged by Hamm’s commitment to reduce emissions through its enhanced landfill cover integrity practices as a term of this settlement.” In the news release, the EPA said Hamm Inc. will pay a $4,206 penalty and spend about $30,000 to better monitor air pollution. Hamm Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Wichita to sell more public housing units
The City of Wichita has scheduled open houses for 11 single family homes that are being sold as the city repositions its public housing stock. The 11 homes being sold are part of a group of 37 homes that have been approved for sale by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Wichita Housing Authority will be taking offers for the following homes: 1659 N. Woodland; 550 S. Volutsia; 1213 E. Selma; 5224 S. Hydraulic; 2236 E. 53rd St. S; 2229 E 53rd St. S; 3524 S. Bonn; 2944 S. Vine; 546 S. Richmond; 450 N. Acadia; and 991 Robin Rd. Open houses will be held on Sunday, December 17th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 19th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Detailed information on the homes can be found at the web site https://ift.tt/2ryWoL1. The first review of offers will take place the first week of January, and the timeline for offers may be extended depending on the need and interest.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2023-12: Disposition of closed school buildings
Synopsis: “Dispose of” (and like phrases) in 2023 House Sub. for S.B. 113, sections 4 and 11 (to be codified at K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 72-1439 and K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 72-3216(d)) means to deal with conclusively, give away or sell, or to get rid of a school district building. It does not include leasing or renting a building.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions
Coffeyville Interim City Manager Press Release
The City of Coffeyville announces the appointment of Tim Wilson as Interim City Manager. The Coffeyville City Commission voted to approve Wilson’s appointment at their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. As Interim City Manager, Wilson will serve as head of the administrative branch of the City, responsible to the Coffeyville City Commission for the efficient administration of all City affairs and assure all laws and ordinances are enforced. Tim Wilson currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Prosperity Home Mortgage LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliated company. Prosperity is a multibillion dollar mortgage bank that operates in 49 states. Until his retirement from the role as President and CEO, he was responsible for managing strategic development, operations and sales for the company since its establishment in 2009. Mr. Wilson has over 30 years of management experience and expertise in the banking industry. Wilson has also served as Treasurer and Chairman of Real Estate Services Providers Council, Inc. and has participated for years as a member of Ellie Mae Executive Advisory Board. Tim was born in Parsons, Kansas, and moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, at the age of five. Tim attended Holy Name Grade School, Field Kindley High School, and Coffeyville Community College. Mr. Wilson then completed his degree at Washburn University graduating in 1981.
Source: Coffeyville, KS – News Flash
Study finds significant problems with Wichita school buildings
A report from two consulting firms says it would cost over $1 billion to fix problems with all buildings in the Wichita school district. The report was presented to school board members week by representatives of Cooperative Strategies and Alloy Engineering as part of a master plan for district facilities. The study said that the district has 54 elementary schools and 24 of them have fewer than 350 students because of declining enrollment. Middle schools are underused by 38 percent. Many of the buildings are aging and need repair. The situation could lead to decisions to close or consolidate some schools. District staff will continue to work with consultants and they’re expected to have a final report with recommendations for the school board by May or June.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Branding Iola: City Council will let community decide flag
Local artist Max Grundy presented six options for a city flag during Monday evening’s Iola City Council meeting. Noting that he’s not originally from Iola, Grundy said his inspiration for the artistic renderings came mostly from his appreciation of the area’s natural beauty. The flag presentation unfolded as council members expressed varied opinions on the designs, with options ranging from a clock tower to five representations of Iola’s scenic landscapes. The favorite among council members depicted the old Allen County courthouse’s clock tower. Grundy added that the time on the clock is set to 3:04 — significant because Kansas became the nation’s 34th state. “It’s honoring the tradition of our beautiful clock tower that was dedicated in 1905,” he noted. “We think it’s respectful to the tradition of our town. We know there’s still some bad feelings about it (the old courthouse) getting torn down, even though it happened in 1958. People are still sore about it.” Grundy explained the beams emanating from the clock on the flag give a “forward thinking” look to the town. “In my mind, that is what our town is becoming,” he said. MAYOR STEVE French praised the clock tower flag’s symbolism, however, others raised concerns about its colors. As the discussion progressed, the clock tower and land/water flags emerged as the council’s top choices. Grundy was asked to attend the Jan. 8 city council meeting with color variations on the clock tower flag in hand for the council to review. Council member Joelle Shallah proposed involving the community in the decision-making process, suggesting the narrowed-down selection be put to a public vote, possibly on social media. Council member Nicholas Lohman echoed Shallah’s suggestion.
Source: The Iola Register
Junction City and Geary County at odds over ambulance costs
Junction City and Geary County are at odds over who should pay the EMS bill. In 1967, the two governments agreed that the Junction City Fire Department would handle EMS calls in Geary County, and not just in the city limits. The non-reimbursed costs for the service to the county are split with one-third paid by the city and two-thirds paid by the county. Geary County officials announced in July they no longer wished to continue the agreement at that cost split. A new agreement was discussed but no action could be taken, due to the 2024 budget already having been completed. Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel explains the root of the problem, and what it could potentially mean for county residents. Dinkel also published a memo stating that property owners in city limits are not just responsible for their one third, but also 71% of the remaining county share, stating residents are required to pay four times as much for the same service as non-city residents. Dinkel explains how busy EMS has been in the Junction City and Geary County. Junction City has determined that Geary County owes them approximately $800,000. Geary County approved a resolution last month to pay the city approximately $447,000, more than half the total owed. No action was taken by city officials Dec. 5, but the issue is expected to be revisited at next Tuesday’s meeting, after the city’s legal team presented to the Geary County Commission earlier this week.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Wamego officials planning for demo of “Not” Chrysler House
Wamego city officials were unable to find an interested buyer for the building locals refer to as “Not the Chrysler House,” at the southeast corner of Highway 99 and US 24. The historic house, once thought to be the birthplace of automotive industry executive Walter Chrysler, sits on property deeded to the city years ago from the Kansas Department of Transportation. City Manager Stacie Eichem. Eichem says city staff are exploring best options for future public use of the property, but admits the location, at the corner of two highways, creates a tricky situation. Community members raised funds to move the home to the current location in the mid 2000s. It was later discovered the house was not Chrysler’s actual birthplace.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn is passing the torch after 27 years in office
Leawood, Kansas, will swear in a new mayor next month for the first time in 27 years. Mayor Peggy Dunn announced in June that she wouldn’t run again. Dunn first entered public office in 1993 as a city councilmember, and after two terms in that role, she was elected mayor in 1997. Among her most significant contributions to the city were establishing major commercial shopping areas, like Park Place and Town Center, which allowed the city to keep property taxes down. “I kept running because I enjoyed it so much, and the city was in a time of historic growth,” Dunn told KCUR’s Up To Date. “So, it made it extremely interesting and just a great time to be involved to work with great people and see lots of progress and change.” Marc Elkins, a longtime public servant in Leawood, was elected mayor in November and will assume the role Jan. 2, 2024.
Source: KCUR