Kansas Municipal News
Wichita school board moving ahead with long-range building plan
Wichita school board members had discussions Monday night on the next steps for a long-range master plan for the buildings in the school district. The board is looking at next steps after the planned closings of two middle schools and four elementary schools. The plan is looking at a mix of actions including rebuilding, renovation, consolidation and maintenance. A recent community survey identified the top priorities as optimizing and upgrading school buildings to address building needs and enhance the learning experience. The board will have public comment sessions on April 22nd and 23rd to get input on the building plan. There will be two meetings each day. On April 22nd, there will be a meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the administrative center, and at 7:30 p.m. at Brooks Middle Magnet School. On the 23rd, there will be a session at 5:30 p.m. at West High School, and at 7:30 p.m. at North High School. Parents have been circulating petitions to urge the board to reverse its decision to close the Hadley and Jardine middle schools, and the Clark, Cleaveland, Park and Payne elementary schools.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Haysville hopes new playground will convince residents to keep 1% sales tax for parks, roads
Monday was a big day for Haysville kids like Aspen and Adrianna after patiently waiting for months to finally get to try the brand-new playground at Riggs Park. “My mom and dad said we would come here on the opening day of the park,” said Aspen. “We were going to come to the park. We planned it,” said Adrianna. With a cut of the ribbon, Haysville Mayor Russ Kessler says hundreds of kids spent the day on the new playground with smiles from ear to ear. But he says equipment like this doesn’t come cheap. “Roughly $300,000. And that’s included with the pour-in-place ground,” said Kessler. Kessler says the playground is made possible by something that’s coming up for a vote in Haysville for the first time in ten years: a 1% sales tax the city uses to improve roads and parks. “It’s pretty awesome. You know, I’ve never seen it this crowded, so you know the kids really enjoy it,” said resident Ronnie Kinnamon. Some residents are on the fence about whether they want to extend the 1% sales tax in May, but people like Kinnamon say after seeing his grandson having so much fun Monday, he hopes voters won’t cut the funds. “It’s good for the kids. Anything to keep the kids occupied so they’re not into other things that they shouldn’t be doing, you know,” said Kinnamon. And it may come as no surprise that the kids agree.
Source: KAKE – News
‘Drinking zones’: Topeka Common Consumption Areas open soon
Topeka residents will soon be able to consume alcohol in public in two new parts of town. Starting on April 15, bar patrons in the downtown and North Topeka Arts District (NOTO) areas will be able to bring their drinks outside of the establishment. Common consumption areas (CCA) will be marked with signage designating the area and times that drinking is permitted. The CCAs will be open from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. seven days a week. Individuals must purchase drinks from licensed establishments and not bring alcoholic drinks into the CCA areas. “Common Consumption is a natural evolution of our continued development efforts to support businesses while providing exciting environments for Topekans,” said Councilman Spencer Duncan. “Topeka isn’t just putting this in place here but also led the effort at the state level that is now bringing it to all Kansans, as other communities implement it. It continues our commitment to listening to our citizens and businesses and working with them to be a premier Capital City.” The downtown CCA will encompass Fourth Street on the north, 10th Avenue on the south, Quincy Street on the east and Jackson Street on the west.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Community feedback on Central Topeka Grocery Oasis
A food desert in Topeka is one step closer to being no more. Tuesday, Central Topeka Grocery Oasis held a public meeting to get feedback on what people are looking for in a new grocery store. The Dillons on Huntoon and Washburn closed in 2016. Since then there’s been a need in the community for a grocery store. Fast forward to 2018, a group of neighbors started working on this project to make that a reality. Now, with property purchased on 12th and Washburn, that grocery store is creeping its way into the market. That brings us to today. From the layout of the store to the food options inside, community members met at Mt. Olive United Methodist Church to give feedback on what they want to see when the doors open. “Our number one priority is for Topekans outside of central Topeka as well to know that this store is for the community,” Central Topeka Grocery Oasis Vice Chair James Monson said. “We are working closely with consultants and the architect and engineers to design what we think is the perfect store. But the reason we’re hosting this event is so that we can gather feedback from the community.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
Commission reviews rental registration, parking ordinances
Parsons city commissioners this week began reviewing language for ordinances that would require landlords to register rental properties with the city and restrict citizens from parking on front and side yards of residences. Registering rental properties could be the first step toward improving the condition of rental properties in Parsons. The parking issue is a way to remove unsightly vehicles from the yards in Parsons. The vehicles would have to be parked on an all-weather surface to stay on the front or side yards. These surfaces range from gravel to concrete. The discussion of the registration requirement may not apply to AirBNBs or VRBO homes, commissioners heard. Renters in these homes are there for the short term and owners go to lengths to bring customers in by providing amenities and clean living spaces.
Source: Parsons Sun
Another city-owned ‘ghost town’ neighborhood in south Wichita is about to get a facelift
Wichita resident Wenedra Bell grew up in a city-owned home on the south side near Hydraulic and I-135, and is now in the middle of an entire neighborhood of boarded-up homes. “We had block parties, the children were everywhere…it was nice. It was real homey,” Bell said, describing what the neighborhood used to be like. “It’s sad. It’s like a ghost town here. It’s not the same at all.” City Councilman Mike Hoheisel says the city owns nearly fifty homes in the neighborhood, and most of them have been abandoned and boarded up for about five years now. “It’s an understandable concern because you don’t want to see that in your neighborhood,” Hoheisel said. Hoheisel says the good news is that the city has approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, to renovate and sell the homes twelve at a time. He says that while there’s always a lot of red tape dealing with Washington, one of the big advantages he’s had to get the ball rolling versus a similar city-owned ghost town sitting stagnant near 21st and I-135 is that it’s easier to get environmental approval from HUD in his area. “Each of these homes also has to have an environmental report about that thick coming along with it for us to put it back on the market,” Hoheisel explained.
Source: KAKE – News
Topeka Police help out Special Olympics Kansas
The Topeka Police Department partnered with Special Olympics Kansas Tuesday for an annual fundraiser. The statewide event, TIP-A-COP, took place at Applebee’s. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 10% of sales made went back to Special Olympics Kansas. It’s something that means a lot to both officers and the athletes. “Law enforcements involved, involvement with special Olympics, that’s why we’re here, and we’re really just here to support the athletes and help them out, let them know how important they are to us,” Topeka Police Department Sgt. Dan Wilson said. “It feels awesome that they’re showing that they care and that we mean a lot to them,” Special Olympics Kansas Athlete Rylee Robinson said. On top of the fundraiser, TPD raffled off four tickets to a Kansas City Royals baseball game.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Federal grant of $500,000 will help city address domestic violence
The two-year grant will pay for additional staffing and community resources. Police Chief Robert Spinks announced the grant at the city commission’s work session on Thursday. City Manager Debbie Lamb said the grant will be for $506,380. Spinks said he proposed a demonstration project that focuses on domestic violence, prevention, intervention and support services. The county attorney, city attorney, Safe House advocates and other agencies will be involved. Parsons has seen increased rates of domestic violence incidents in recent years. Spinks said the grant will fund a new full-time detective sergeant position to focus on domestic violence. It also pays for a full time victim advocate working with victims in district court. The office space for the project will be Suite 4 at the training annex at 21st and Corning. He said Safe House administrators thought having the domestic violence center away from the police department was important. The grant also provides training, pays for office equipment and utilities. Funding will also be available to provide a motel room or basic needs for children in certain instances.
Source: Parsons Sun
Visit Manhattan launches “Manhappiness” campaign to draw in visitors
Visit Manhattan on Friday launched its “Manhappiness” campaign to showcase the culture and experiences the city has to offer visitor. As part of the campaign, Visit Manhattan will highlight the diverse attractions, events and amenities that it believes make the region a top destination for leisure, business and family-friendly experiences. That includes the downtown area’s shops and restaurants, the scenery of the Flint Hills and more. “We are excited to unveil the ‘Manhappiness’ campaign and invite everyone to discover the joy of Manhattan,” said Marcia Rozell, director of Visit Manhattan, in a written statement. “With its rich cultural heritage, outdoor recreational opportunities and welcoming community, Manhattan offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or simply a memorable getaway.” The campaign will feature a variety of marketing initiatives, including digital and social media promotions, visual content, storytelling and partnerships with local hospitality businesses and attractions. Through these efforts, Visit Manhattan “aims to inspire travel enthusiasts, families, event planners and business travelers to experience the happiness of Manhattan firsthand,” according to a release.
Source: themercury.com
Municipal Bond Trends for April 9, 2024
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.
Municipal Bond Trends for April 8, 2024
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.
At 8 million square feet, solar project would be same size as 4,000 homes
In all of Grant Township — one of several names for this place north of North Lawrence — there are 169 homes spread across its approximately 11,000 acres, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Simple enough. As the crow said, not very many. But soon, the counting around here may get more complicated. Plans have been filed for a utility-scale solar “farm” that would put 237,300 solar panels on about 600 acres of farm fields. That is nearly 8 million square feet of solar panels.
Source: LJWorld
Higher for Longer After All? Investors See Fed Rates Falling More Slowly.
Investors were betting big on Federal Reserve rate cuts at the start of 2024, wagering that central bankers would lower interest rates to around 4 percent by the end of the year. But after months of stubborn inflation and strong economic growth, the outlook is starting to look much less dramatic. Market pricing now suggests that rates will end the year in the neighborhood of 4.75 percent. That would mean Fed officials had cut rates two or three times from their current 5.3 percent.
Source: NYT > Business
Five finalists for city manager say Topeka must address these key issues
Before the meet and greet, the city council, mayor and a panel of community stakeholders, appointed by the mayor, interviewed each candidate. The panelists included Danielle Twemlow, Laura Burton, Keith Warta, Kerry Pancoast and Susan Duffy. City council member David Banks said he was pleased with the turnout at Monday’s event. “It’s just nice to see everybody here,” Banks said.
Source: CJonline
Kansas solar development sparks emotional debate in Great Bend
There was a collective sigh of relief from members of the Barton County Planning Commission following a lengthy morning meeting March 14. They had just approved the final draft of new zoning regulations and a revised zoning map governing the development of large-scale and commercial solar energy conversion systems, rules that were OK’d Friday by the Barton County Commission during a special meeting. These actions capped an arduous 10 months of meetings, hearings and heartfelt testimony as county residents came to grips with the idea of having a solar installation in their backyards.
Source: Kansas Reflector
North Newton to discuss marijuana ordinance
The City of North Newton will consider changing first-time possession of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor charge to an infraction. North Newton Police Chief Jim Bethards is submitting the proposal to the North Newton City Council. He said the change would save his department time and save the city money. “One distinction we want people to understand is it’s not decriminalization like Wichita or Lawrence has done,” he said. “It’s just a first-offense thing that moves the process a little quicker.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Olathe land had belonged to one family since Civil War. Soon it will be a city park
Land that has been in the hands of Olathe’s Hoff family since the Civil War is set to become the city’s latest neighborhood park. Construction starts on Pioneer Park later this year, with the goal of being done by next summer. The 16.7-acre piece of land where the park will sit is immediately north of College Boulevard and slightly west of Woodland Road and the Stone Pillar Winery. Marcie Hoff and her husband Tom Hoff had decided to will the land to the city back in 2005, but they later resolved to give it earlier.
Source: Joco 913 News
‘Step into a simpler time’
Two committed Crawford County residents are making progress on bringing back the days of a nostalgic old-fashioned general shop to the west side of Girard’s historic downtown square, complete with antiques, homemade ice cream, and candies. Jim and Kathi Cooper, of Farlington Lake, have worked endlessly since August in building the store, which has an anticipated completion date of August 2024. It all started when Kathi Cooper found herself in the Girard Public Library, researching the history of the town square.
Source: Morning Sun
Overland Park to remove thousands more infected ash trees — Here’s where
Overland Park is taking steps to remove more dying and dead ash trees that line city streets. The Overland Park City Council Community Development Committee on Wednesday unanimously recommended for approval a bid tabulation for a second formal round of ash tree removal. This slate of removals, anticipated to cost just shy of $865,000, will be funded entirely from federal COVID-19 relief funds. Emerald ash borers, a type of insect that is not native to the U.S., have wreaked havoc on ash trees. A type of beetle, female ash borers lay eggs in ash trees and those offspring feed on the trees, damaging and oftentimes killing them. At one point, Overland Park had more than 10,000 ash trees in its street canopy, roughly a quarter of all trees in the city. Laura Peterson, one of the city’s foresters, told the committee on Wednesday that the pest was first detected in Overland Park in 2014. Since then, it’s all but wiped out the ash tree population in the city. Over the years, the city had removed infected ash trees, mostly one by one. But last year, Overland Park embarked on its first widespread removal effort, targeting dead or dying trees in 12 neighborhoods.
Source: Johnson County Post
‘Act of listening’: Retiring Wichita officer has spent years answering life-or-death calls
One evening early in Dan Oblinger’s career with the Wichita Police Department, he responded to a call he was unprepared for — a woman dangling over the guardrail on the top floor of the Bank of America parking garage downtown, intent on ending her life. She felt alone, without hope. He didn’t know what to do. He tried to tell her how she should feel and what she should do. That didn’t help. “That lasted probably 15 minutes, which doesn’t sound like a long time … but in that situation it feels like a lifetime,” the 42-year-old said, reflecting back on a career that was greatly influenced by the events of that night. “Then I shut up and started listening to her. She had some stuff to say so once I stopped trying to convince her — and I couldn’t say anything, because I didn’t know what to say — she actually started talking. Then I figured out you just have to ask some questions.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle