Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Local leaders are working to help reduce serious vehicle crashes in Douglas County with the Vision Zero initiative

The initiative that’s aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injury accidents in Douglas County might be called “Vision Zero,” but make no mistake: it’s really about seeing things more clearly. It’s certainly about helping drivers see things around them — like with pedestrian islands that make it easier to see people who are walking or biking.
Source: LJWorld

Douglas County welcomes Sean Pederson as new Deputy County Administrator

Douglas County welcomes Sean Pederson as new Deputy County Administrator. He has spent the past nine years as City Manager in Bonner Springs and has 13 years of experience in local government. He will lead the Public Works and Zoning and Codes departments and the Sustainability division of Administration.
Source: Douglas County

Municipal Bond Trends for August 8, 2024

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.

Municipal Bond Trends for August 7, 2024

It’s grain country now, but western Kansas used to be awash in watermelons

Slices of sweet watermelon are synonymous with summer, but 100 years ago the fruit was also synonymous with southwest Kansas when the area was the watermelon capital of the country. Despite being surrounded by agriculture, the only watermelons you will find in Kansas now will probably be growing in a home garden. Driving to Lakin just west of Garden City, the topography won’t really stand out to visitors. There are thousands of acres growing a few crops, most likely corn, alfalfa or sorghum. You will see the occasional grain elevator, and train tracks leading up to them. But this region, home to a multibillion dollar grain industry, was started by vine-ripened fruits before modern, large-scale grain production changed the game. The water resources needed to grow these melons started to run out, causing an agricultural shift in the area and foreshadowing the same struggles farmers are facing now. By looking into the agricultural past, Kansas farmers might see how they could reimagine the future of the state’s ag industry.
Source: Garden City Telegram

Johnson County to add dozens of new public EV charging stations

More electric vehicle charging stations are in the pipeline for Johnson County, now that county commissioners have voted to accept a $1.4 million federal grant. The grant would add 32 new charging stations in 16 locations around Johnson County, with the county, some cities and the county park and library districts managing the maintenance and ongoing costs. The stations will take about a year to install, said Brian Alferman, sustainability program manager for the county health department.
Source: Johnson County Post

JoCo wants cities to help pay for new homeless shelter, but some officials are pushing back

Four Johnson County cities may become the first to commit to annual contributions for a countywide homeless shelter. But local officials are already raising concerns about the abbreviated process to allocate the funds, with a county-determined deadline set for just over two weeks. This week, the cities of Prairie Village, Leawood, Olathe and Mission are all discussing their individual cities’ prospective payments to go towards supporting the early years of operation at a new proposed homeless shelter at the La Quinta Inn and Suites hotel in Lenexa. The agendas for Prairie Village, Leawood and Mission show that each of those cities are each discussing making five years of annual funding assistance. Prairie Village and Leawood are anticipated to take a vote on the matter Monday night. One Johnson County has already voted against contributing.
Source: Johnson County Post

As Wichita pushes for more EV charging stations, some worry about fire risks

Driving around Wichita, you’ll see the occasional Tesla, electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup or even one of the city’s battery-powered buses quietly cruising around town. With more electric vehicles have come more worries about what happens if they catch fire. They burn much hotter, emit noxious gases and pose an electrocution risk. But the idea that EVs catch fire more often than gas-powered vehicles is a myth.
Source: KLC Journal

The city of Wichita is selling its public housing. Where are tenants going?

On a lazy Sunday morning in July, the heat is creeping into the 90s before the clock hits noon. Danielle Lenz sits on her front porch in a lawn chair, keeping an eye on her mischievous six-year old. Two years ago, she didn’t know that this sunflower yellow rental home near downtown was where her family would end up. Lenz and her four kids were living in public housing in west Wichita when the news hit in 2022 that the city planned to sell their home – and the 351 other single-family public housing units scattered throughout town. Initially, she wanted to buy the house herself, but she says she later changed her mind due to its poor condition. Instead, last winter she found a private landlord to accept the housing voucher the city gave her as a form of rental assistance to replace public housing. “It’s probably a good thing that we moved from over there. Because they would only fix things … if it had to be fixed,” Lenz said. “Other than that, they didn’t fix it because they didn’t have the funding to do so. Renting to a regular landlord I think is a little bit better.” As of last December, 110 of the city’s single-family public housing units were occupied. By the end of June, about 60 of those households had been impacted by the city’s sale of public housing, according to the city of Wichita. Each had the option to receive a voucher to help with rent, and a city contractor recommends an available housing unit to tenants and also pays for moving assistance. “Our relocation coordinator is constantly working to reach out, stop by the house if they haven’t been able to make contact,” Sarah Gooding, who oversees public housing for Wichita, said in a presentation about the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. “And so it is designed to be a very warm handoff process. Tenants have the right to not engage, but nobody should find themselves homeless, if they engage in the process.”
Source: KLC Journal

Move Over Law isn’t just on Earth

While on patrol recently Kamass Highway Patrol Lt Brown made a rather unusual observation. During a routine traffic stop, he noticed an unidentified object passing by his stopped patrol car on I-70. Intrigued, he rewound his in-car camera footage and discovered what appeared to be a UFO flying saucer! “What’s noteworthy is that this ‘UFO’ slowed down and moved over, adhering to Kansas law by giving space to our law enforcement officers on the side of the highway. Apparently, the move over law is not just here on planet Earth, but in other solar systems far away as well!” Remember, whether you’re driving a car or a flying saucer, always move over and slow down for emergency vehicles!“
— Kansas Highway Patrol
Source: KOAM News

Archeologist digs up history beneath Polk-Quincy Viaduct

An archeologist with the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) is helping uncover hidden pieces of Topeka’s history at the site of a major construction project. 27 News spoke with Shelby Beltz, a State Historic Preservation Office archeologist, about her work at the Polk-Quincy Viaduct site in Topeka. In a recent publication from the KSHS, Beltz describes the archeological findings being there amid the ongoing labors of construction crews on and beneath the viaduct. Beltz said she watches the workers in action, keeping an eye out for any interesting materials among the dirt while utilities are being relocated. By working closely with contractors on site, Beltz is able to locate and study relics left over from Topeka’s earlier residents. “The main thing we wanted to make sure that we were doing was documenting this early part of Topeka,” Beltz said. “This was part of ‘original town’.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

City of Emporia promotes Tayler Wash to Assistant City Manager during Civic Leadership Institute’s celebration

Tayler Wash’s hard work has paid off in her short time as the City of Emporia’s Director of Special Projects. During the closing moments of the celebration of the inaugural Civic Leadership Institute Tuesday evening, Wash was handed a key to the City of Emporia from City Manager Trey Cocking. On the key was the inscription, “Tayler Wash, Assistant City Manager.” Wash says she was excited about the key, however, it took her a moment to realize what just happened. Wash says she’s thankful for the support from City Commissioners and City of Emporia staff for believing in her putting together a new ‘staple’ to the community. Cocking says the timing was right to promote Wash. Cocking says with Wash as Assistant City Manager, this will help her take a step forward with the City of Emporia and her achievement. Cocking says Deputy City Manager Mark Detter’s job will stay the same.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

Rawlins County school bond, sales tax passes

Voters in Rawlins County resoundingly voted yes to a $29.9 million school bond to rebuild the school that was destroyed by arson in June 2023. Out of 943 voters, 636 said yes to the bond issue, and 307 said no. They also voted 783-285 in favor of a 1% sales tax to help fund that school bond. Several members of the community told KSN they are rejoicing. They said they have been in desperate need of a new school since it was destroyed by two juveniles who were found guilty of arson. “It’s a great night for our community,” Eric Stoddard said. “It’s a great night for our school. The fire last summer was devastating for everybody; that building had been up for 100 years.”
Source: KSN-TV

Municipal Bond Trends for August 6, 2024

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Wichita Firefighter Ty Voth

Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in honor of Wichita Firefighter Ty Voth, who passed away in the line of duty on Aug. 1, 2024. “Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice, and he was taken much too soon,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Wichita community.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Municipal Bond Trends for August 5, 2024

Cherokee Co. moves to have fallen City Marshal memorialized

Recently, it came to light that the name of Empire City Marshal Marion Thomas, along with his service and sacrifice to the community, was missing from the etched marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. The omission was brought to the attention of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office according to Chief Deputy Nate Jones. Jones says with support from the Community Outreach Deputy and the Cherokee County Genealogical Society, they have spent the last few weeks collecting historical records. These documents included newspaper articles, and court documents from the era, detailing the events surrounding Marshal Thomas’s death. According to those historical records, on the afternoon of February 5, 1900, City Marshal Thomas responded to a saloon incident near Columbia and Main Street in what is now the City of Galena. Shots had been fired within the establishment, and when Marshal Thomas attempted to disarm the shooter, he was shot multiple times and died almost immediately. Marshal Thomas left behind his wife, Ollie Hopkins, and their three children. “Regardless of whether this lawman gave his life 124 years ago or today, his service and sacrifice are worthy of being memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which is why following the research, an official application was made to have his name included and his selflessness honored,” said Chief Deputy Jones.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Family sues Topeka police over deadly shooting

The family of a man who was shot and killed by Topeka Police has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the officers involved. On Oct. 13, 2022, Taylor Lowery, 33, was killed following a domestic disturbance at his family’s southeast Topeka home. According to findings released by the Shawnee County Attorney’s Office on Jan. 25, 2023, Topeka police responded to a call from Lowery’s sister that he was armed with a knife and attempting to force his way into the her bedroom. After barricading himself inside the home, DA investigators said Lowery drove to a gas station where he tried to carjack a woman at knifepoint. There, police shot and killed Lowery after they said he charged at them with a knife. Following investigations by both the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Michael Kagay announced his office would not file criminal charges against the officers involved. Lowery’s family said they have submitted requests to the City of Topeka and KBI through the Kansas Open Records Act for copies of documents of evidence related to the shooting as well as police body camera video of the incident. They only received a two-page redacted standard offense report. The family alleges the officers lacked probable cause to kill Lowery because he did not pose a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officers or the public. They accuse police of using more force than was reasonably necessary and of violating Lowery’s 14th Amendment rights. The family is seeking a jury trial on the matter. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett released the following written statement in response to the lawsuit: “The city takes claims of this nature very seriously. The shooting in question was investigated by the KBI and their findings were reviewed by the District Attorney. The city will vigorously defend the suit and has full faith that the justice system will resolve this matter. Due to pending litigation, and in order to not further prejudice the process, the city has no additional comment.”
Source: KSNT 27 News

Live fire demonstration highlights Girard’s firefighter training

First responders in Kansas kicked off a day of training as a part of this month’s “Crawford County Fire School.” “Oh, it was just a reminder that instead of just doing, I got to slow down and coach him along,” said Ron Ewing, son and father fire school duo. Out of 45 firefighters, Kaiden and Ron Ewing are the father and son duo who chose to go through this month’s Crawford County Fire School together. “I was proud, you know, but humble also that he’s ever since he was little, he’s been coming around to the fire schools and stuff,” said Ron Ewing. Since he was little, Kaiden got to watch his father as firefighter of 20 years go through his own training. But before he goes off to college to play baseball, he’s turning his dream into a reality. “We’re making memories before I leave and great memories and dream. I’ve always had to run through a trailer with him or just a fire and get trained by him, especially for all he knows,” said Kaiden Ewing. Across Kansas, trainings are held each month, with this one being in Girard. Firefighters learned about extrication from vehicle wrecks, hose handling, and even a live fire demonstration. “We’re putting crews inside a burn trailer that’s got class-A fuels in it so they can simulate feel the heat coming down on them, being able to put water on a fire and make it go out as best they can,” said Steve Hirsch, Kansas State Firefighters Association treasurer. Making an eight-hour drive to this training, he says having the training is crucial. “When they’re called to duty there. It’s got to be a hard job. And so this is where they learn those skills that they can apply to help protect their neighbors,” said Hirsch. A job that without training wouldn’t get done properly and why Ron says he couldn’t be more honored for his son to follow in his footsteps. “A lot of communities depend on volunteer service recruitment, retention and getting them at a young age to start is where you gotta be,” said Ron Ewin.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ashcraft notes 40th year with city

In the mid-1980s, Dennis Ashcraft, fresh out of Cloud County Community College where he majored in agricultural science, had come back to his native Holton to start a career — but what that career would be was yet to be determined. “I’d graduated from college and I wanted to stay in this area,” Ashcraft said. “A position came open at the city’s wastewater treatment plans, so I applied for it, thinking I could do that until I figured out what I wanted to do.” On July 1, 1984, Ashcraft began his tenure with the city. Forty years later, he smiles and says, “I’m still here.” Today, the primary goal for Ashcraft, who’s been the City of Holton’s water and wastewater superintendent since 1997, and the crew he works with remains ensuring that Holton’s water customers can turn on their kitchen faucet, pour a glass of water and drink it and have nothing to worry about while they’re quenching their thirst. He’s also in charge of the Public Wholesale Water Supply District 18 water treatment plant, which pulls water from Banner Creek Reservoir for treatment and sale to customers in Holton and in Jackson County Rural Water District 3. “The water running out of this plant goes to RWD 3 and the city, and that’s about 12,000 people — that’s 12,000 people that we’re responsible for the quality of their drinking water,” Ashcraft said. “It’s something the whole crew takes seriously. They understand that they’re responsible for every drop of water that comes out of there.” Over the past 40 years, Ashcraft has seen a number of changes that have affected his line of work, whether those changes have been mandated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or dictated by changes in technology and water filtration systems. “The number of things we’re required to test for in the water has obviously grown,” he said. “None of the rules ever get less stringent.” Those rules, Ashcraft said, include the federal Clean Water Act, with its changes in structure that trickle down to KDHE and to his departments, whether they involve water and wastewater treatment procedures or keeping an eye out for unwanted chemicals in treated water. Ashcraft has also borne witness to the changes in Holton city government in the past four decades, starting with his early years as a city employee. Holton’s utility departments were organized differently in those days, when the city’s main supply of water was Prairie Lake, he said. “Back then, the distribution crew handled the electric lines, the water lines and the sewer lines,” he noted. “Lyle Lee was my boss, and he was in charge of the light plant, the water plant and the sewer plant.”
Source: Holton Recorder