Kansas Municipal News
Shawnee pitches new TIF district to support infrastructure upgrades
SHAWNEE, Kan. — The City of Shawnee could soon create a new special tax district to support future infrastructure upgrades…. Unlike TIF districts requested by developers, the city will consider creating a conservation TIF district. The state defines conservation districts as areas in which at least 50% of buildings are more than 35 years old, that are not yet blighted, but could become blighted due to inadequate infrastructure, dilapidation or the deterioration of surrounding structures. … Revenue generated by the TIF district would be earmarked for infrastructure improvements …
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Nearly $2M to Boost Tourism Industry
Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas Tourism, in partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation, is providing nearly $2 million to eight tourism projects across the state to enhance the state’s growing tourism industry. …
The TASK recipients and amounts awarded:
- City of Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau, Barton County, $337,500
- Flint Hills Discovery Center, Riley County, $200,000
- Grassroots Art Center, Russell County, $172,226
- Horse Thief Reservoir Benefit District, Hodgeman County, $299,918
- Johnson County Park & Recreation District, Johnson County, $201,168
- Miners Hall Museum Foundation, Crawford County, $337,500
- Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum, Reno County, $174,750
- The Nature Conservancy, Logan County, $238,950
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Derby updates revamped Neighborhood Maintenance Grant program
Looking to increase utilization, the city of Derby modified its previous neighborhood revitalization program earlier in 2022 – having spent a little over half of the allocated funding between 2016 and 2021. City staff reported on the success of the new Neighborhood Maintenance Grant program at the Oct. 25 Derby City Council meeting. With the success, updates to continue enhancing the new program in 2023 were presented for consideration, which the council approving them unanimously. Partly due to updates to property code enforcement, the revitalization program was reviewed to better assist low-to-moderate income homeowners.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Wichita looking at regulations for short-term rentals
Wichita City Council members are looking over a draft of recommendations for licensing and regulation of homes that are used as short-term rentals of seven days or less. The homes are offered through booking apps and web sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Planning director Scott Wadle presented the draft recommendations to council members during a workshop meeting this week. He said short-term rentals became popular around 2008 with apps that were offering bookings, and there are around 475 rentals operating in Wichita, a higher number than previous years. … The draft requirements include yearly licensing requirements, zoning requirements, limits on occupancy and insurance requirements.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Johnson County receives federal grant to create Mental Health Court
Johnson County is on track to create a mental health court that will reduce the likelihood of people with severe mental illnesses returning to the criminal justice system. On Thursday, the Board of County Commissioners accepted a $309,766 grant from the Department of Justice to support the development of the Mental Health Court program. Johnson County Mental Health Center, in collaboration with the District Court and District Attorney’s Office, applied for the grant. The grant funds will be used for staff training and education, travel and research, developing program assessments and paying staff salaries associated with program implementation.
Source: Johnson County Kansas
SE Kansas Mining History preserved through donations
Kansas Tourism announced this week that Miners Hall Museum will receive $337,500 to help preserve an important piece of SE Kansas Coal Mining History. The grant goes toward relocating and renovating a Page 618 Walking Dragline, which is a unique piece of coal mining machinery that was used to dig for coal in Cherokee County. This is only one of eighteen Page 618 Walking Draglines ever built and only one of two Page 618s still in existence. It will be the largest walking dragline preserved for public display in the U.S., and is the only restorable walking dragline of its kind known to exist.
Source: KOAMKOAM
Downtown Pittsburg art district designation will open doors for new projects
There’s already a lot of public art in Downtown Pittsburg, and more of it is now on the way. Earlier this week, the Pittsburg City Commission gave its blessing to the creation of an arts district in the downtown area. Crista Cunningham is the president of the Pittsburg Artwalk Association, the group that has been pursuing the idea for the last year. She says the new designation will pave the way for even more public art in that part of town. “To hopefully enhance what’s already happening, so if there’s a way for those business owners to get grants using that title, the possibility is there. Hopefully, it will shine up our downtown even more, bring more people to the area,” she said.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Erie has best small library in state
The Erie City Public Library has been named the Kansas Library Association’s Best Small Library in Kansas. Erie Library Director Julie Kent … said she kind of just fell into doing the seed library. “When this whole thing started, when I got the grant for the greenhouse two or three years ago from the county, in my grant, I put in $50 for seeds.” She happened to find a five-gallon bucket of seeds on sale at Tractor Supply for $20. Then she thought she could probably get donations of seeds if she asked. She reached out to Baker Creek Seeds and then the husband of one of the library board members who works in the gardening department at Walmart said they had a whole bunch of seeds they wanted to donate to the library.
Source: Parsons Sun
Mobile library unveiled in Goddard
On Oct. 17, the Goddard Public Library officially unveiled its new mobile library. The converted recreational vehicle will help the library expand its outreach. “We do a ton of outreach in the area,” said library director April Hernandez. The library does outreach activities through the Goddard School District, not just in the city itself. Hernandez said the mobile library will make it much easier to perform those services. The library has loads of crates and other items that previously needed to be loaded and unloaded for each event. Staff members thought it would be good to have a dedicated vehicle.
Source: Times-Sentinel
Municipal Bond Trends for October 28, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Enforcing fowl in Hutchinson: What to do with chickens
Holly Wright first thought about raising chickens when food prices started to go up during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She researched for several months before investing in them, she said, since it required building a coop and run, and buying feed, and then she and her husband started their flock in their yard on East Second Avenue. A few months ago, she spotted a story about the city discussing changes in a city ordinance related to the birds after Councilwoman Sara Bagwell asked for a review to allow larger backyard flocks.
Source: Hutch News
Maple Hill city council opposes closure of Maple Hill Elementary under USD 329 bond proposal
The Maple Hill City Council is opposing a plan from USD 329 Wabaunsee to close Maple Hill Elementary School as part of a multimillion-dollar bond issue on the Nov. 8 ballot. City council members approved a resolution at their Oct. 10 meeting that states the council is “unanimously opposed to any effort” of the USD 329 school board to close Maple Hill Elementary, as district officials look to consolidate all facilities into one central campus. The resolution states in part that the city council believes a pre-K-through-fifth-grade attendance center is “a vital attribute” in attracting new residents to town and developing the local economy.
Source: themercury.com
Doggone project soon gone: Pet owners in Overland Park will receive permanent tags
If you own a pet, you know the drill. You properly license the dog or cat before receiving a tag that’s good for one year. That’s the easy part. Then comes the epic struggle to replace the old tag with the new one on the animal’s collar. It may take pliers or fingernails of steel, if you can get the dang things to move at all. But with a new licensing procedure that will take effect in January, Overland Park hopes fewer people will be growling in frustration. And the city will save some money, too.
Source: Joco 913 News
Kansas history tied to railroad development
In territorial Kansas, a fifth of all land was granted to railroad companies. The grants shaped settlements and business development in the state. Leo Oliva of Woodston talked about the railroad’s impact on Kansas development at a program last week at Marion City Library. Railroad companies chose where to lay tracks and sold land close to tracks at higher prices and land farther out at lower prices.
Source: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin
Prairie Village to take single-family districts out of housing discussion
Single-family housing districts in Prairie Village have been temporarily removed from the conversation on the city’s housing recommendations. Moving forward, the city’s discussion is now narrowed down to focus on commercial, multifamily and mixed-use districts. This takes any consideration of multifamily housing within single-family housing districts — one of the most controversial aspects of a special task force’s recommendations — out of the equation for now, unless attainable housing cannot be addressed otherwise, per a planning commission work session on Tuesday.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Municipal Bond Trends for October 27, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Free expungement clinic planned for Riley County residents needing a clean slate
Riley County residents looking to clean up their criminal record are invited to a free expungement clinic at the Manhattan Public Library Friday. Attorneys will be on hand to help individuals review if they have any convictions that can be expunged. Deputy Riley County Counselor Craig Cox says there will be a prosecutor available from the County Attorney’s office as well as a judge. “A person can walk in and we’ll review the criminal history. Depending upon the nature of the conviction, for most misdemeanors you have to wait three years after you’ve completed your sentence. For most felonies, it’s a five year wait and for most serious driving violations, it’s a one year wait,” he said. In many cases, past criminal convictions can hamper a person’s ability to gain employment, or in some instances prevent them from getting an interview. In some instances, a past driving violation can also prevent someone’s ability to renew a driver’s license.
Source: 1350 KMAN
“CID” proposal in Pittsburg aimed at improving shopping area
A number of improvements could be coming to an area of Pittsburg, if a new proposal is given the go-ahead. It’s for a new “CID”, or “Community Improvement District”, for the shopping area in and around where the “Home Depot” sits off North Broadway…. It involves a 7-10ths of a cent sales tax for the next 20 years, or until it generates $3,700,000 in revenue, whichever comes first. “The idea is we get improvements for the community, not just new roofs on the developer’s existing buildings, so they’ll be, the Goody’s building, which has been vacant for 10 years, will become a Marshall’s. That’s supposed to open in November. There’s a new building going just to the south of that, which hasn’t been named where it’ll be, but it’s another national retailer. And then there’s going to be sidewalk improvements and the overall signage and just the general improvements in the area, kind of upgrade the district a little bit,” said Daron Hall, Pittsburg City Manager.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Lawrence’s Human Relations Commission pushes to ban housing discrimination based on source of income
Proposed changes to city codes could open literal doors to many Lawrence community members in need of housing if a city advisory board’s recommendations become law. The Human Relations Commission voted Thursday to advance to the Lawrence City Commission recommendations that call for protections from discrimination that is based on source of income, survivor status or immigration status. The advisory board’s recommended language around source of income would prevent landlords from denying housing because someone’s money comes from housing assistance such as vouchers, settlements and more. In a survey of 115 available rental properties in Lawrence in May 2021, 80% did not accept housing choice vouchers, according to a presentation in the meeting materials.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Man accused of slashing tires on nearly a dozen Geary County Sheriff’s Office vehicles
Geary County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were the target of vandalism early Thursday morning when 11 patrol units had their tires slashed, according to authorities. Those vehicles were parked in the lot at 9th and Franklin Streets in Junction City. Security video showed 36-year-old Justin Nienhaus, of Grandview Plaza, as the perpetrator. He was arrested by deputies in conjunction with Junction City and Grandview Plaza Police officers on 10 counts of felony criminal damage to property as well as two misdemeanor counts thereof, and two counts of felony interference with a law enforcement officer.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Andover tornado recovery work continues
Recovery and cleanup efforts continue in Andover, six months after a tornado moved through parts of Sedgwick and Butler Counties. The City of Andover released an update on what’s been done and what is still being worked on. There have been several volunteer cleanup days recently, and the next is planned for November 5. If you’d like to help, you can sign up to volunteer through the United Way of the Plains.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Perfect day for black squirrel party in Marysville
Black squirrels gathered acorns in City Park and beneath trees across town Saturday, oblivious to the estimated 3,000 area human residents and visitors toasting them as the town’s honored animal. The sunny, warm fall day drew all ages to the downtown area for an array of games, live music, food, socializing and a huge parade down Broadway. It marked 50 years since the town named itself the Black Squirrel City. “I think people got a kick out of the excitement and silliness of our little mascot,” said Mandy Cook, co-chair of the Black Squirrel Fest committee. “I was beyond pleased with how everything ran.”
Source: The Marysville Advocate
Pittsburg officially creates an arts district
City commissioners heard Tuesday from Crista Cunningham, president of the Pittsburg ArtWalk Association, about why the city needs such a district. Cunningham said downtown Pittsburg in recent years has become the "heart of art" as the number public murals and artists visiting the area has increased.
Source: Morning Sun
Key yield-curve indicator points to recession
A so-called inverted yield curve between three-month and 10-year interest rates is considered by Wall Street as a reliable sign of an impending economic slump. A recession warning tracked by Wall Street is growing louder, as another measure of the widely watched “yield curve” signals that the United States is headed toward an economic slump. The yield curve is a way of comparing interest rates, also known as yields, on different maturities of government bonds, from a few months to 10 years or more. Investors typically expect to be paid more interest for lending to the government for a longer time, partly reflecting the risk of locking up money given the usual expectations for rising growth and inflation. But short-term yields occasionally rise above longer-term yields, upending the usual situation in the bond market. It’s called a yield-curve inversion, and it means investors are now effectively demanding more money to lend to the government over shorter periods of time. That is an indication investors expect economic growth to decline soon — perhaps within a year — and that the Federal Reserve will need to cut interest rates below where they are currently to help an ailing economy.
Source: NY Times
Covid relief: Johnson County will use $5 million to provide small business grants
Johnson County was awarded $117 million through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, and the Johnson County Board of Commissioners have opted to help small businesses with part of the funds. The county will allocate approximately $5 million in recovery funding to provide grants for up to 225 small businesses. Small business owners can qualify to receive a grant if: They employ fewer than 50 people. They can show a loss of revenue of at least 25% when comparing 2019 revenue to 2021 revenue. They can provide proof that the business was established in Johnson County before March 1, 2019.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for October 26, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
USDA Provides Over $3 Million to Bring High-Speed Internet Access to Communities in Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis today announced that the Department is providing $3,066,752 million to bring high-speed internet access to two Kansas counties. “High-speed internet is essential for success in education, healthcare, and business in the twenty-first century.” Davis said. “Federal funding makes it possible for communications companies, like Blue Valley Telecommunications, to serve our state’s rural communities.” Today’s announcement is part of a larger national announcement including 24 states and three territories. Details of the Kansas investment are: A $3,066,752 grant will be used to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 3,000 people, 255 businesses, 14 educational facilities and four farms to high-speed internet in Marshall and Washington counties. Blue Valley Tele-Communications Inc. will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program.
Source: ReConnect Program
Wichita police plan to use a $1.6 million grant to increase surveillance around town
Wichita police are going to be adding more cameras around town. During a news conference Wednesday at City Hall, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced $1.6 million in federal grant funds for more cameras and the Wichita Police Department’s Flock automated license plate reading camera system. The camera readers take photos of vehicles and record the make, model, color and license plate number and alert police about specific vehicles they are looking for. Police vehicles have had license plate readers on them since 2014, the department said. The Flock system being put on street lights started as a pilot program in November 2020. It’s helped in investigations of homicides and recovering stolen vehicles.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Archaeologists to dig in Halstead this Saturday
The extension of Halstead’s Main Street and new housing developments on the south side of town has run into a hiccup. The city recently learned that before it could proceed with its plans for the Cedar Meadows Second Addition and Powers First Addition, it must allow an archaeological survey of the area. City Manager Ethan Reimer explained that when the city pulled a state permit for Main Street to cross the slough, that permit was reviewed by several state agencies to weigh in on whether they had any potential concerns. The Kansas State Historic Preservation Office responded with a letter to the city requesting the area be surveyed by a professional archeologist before construction began. The area caught their attention because it’s been relatively undisturbed over the years, Reimer said. “The letter referenced they feel that gives them a greater propensity to maybe find something because it hasn’t been a farmed field,” he said. They believe prehistoric people may have settled near the area because of the proximity to water running through the slough.
Source: Harvey County Now
Augusta’s assistant city manager selected as next city manager of Evans, CO
The city of Evans[, Colorado] City Council has selected an assistant city manager from to be its next city manager following a national search. Cody Sims, who has been the assistant city manager in Augusta, Kansas since 2014, was selected over nearly 100 applicants, according to a news release from the city of Evans on Monday afternoon. Sims is expected to begin work in early 2023. … “We are thrilled to have someone with Cody’s experience and vision to lead our City,” Evans Mayor Mark Clark said in the news release. “Mr. Sims is a forward-thinker who has our residents’ best interest in mind. He has done great things everywhere he’s been and we believe he will do great things for the City of Evans.”
Source: Greeley Tribune
Daughter reflects on growing up with Hesston pioneer
Susan still has a copy of the original warranty deed for the tract that her great-grandfather purchased from Abraham Lincoln Hess, who—along with his brother, Amos—founded Hesston in 1886. She said her great-grandparents came from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Hesston to help develop the Holdeman church in Kansas. Susan said she didn’t think most of Hesston’s current residents knew who her father was or his contributions to the city. “The golden oldies knew who he was,” she said. “New people moving in have no conception. They don’t care, and that’s OK.” Susan said after her father invented the unloading augur, he knew he would be bringing in some important people to work at the factory. He wanted the town to look nice so he could impress future employees. “He insisted every street was curbed and guttered and every street paved,” she said. “He wanted it to look tailored.”
Source: Harvey County Now
County denies couple permit for living in camper
Verlin and Sonya Siefkes have a year in which they must find a more permanent living situation than the recreational vehicle they call home on North Webb Road. The Board of Harvey County Commissioners denied the couple’s request for a conditional-use permit on Tuesday. Planning and Zoning Director Karen Rothe provided the background for commissioners. She received a complaint from a neighbor that the Siefkeses had been living for years in an RV, which goes against the county’s unified development code. She said the Harvey County Planning Commission considered their application for a conditional-use permit, but it felt approving it would open the door to the whole county to violate the UDC. She recommended that commissioners deny the application and allow them a grace period of one year.
Source: Harvey County Now
Local libraries offer so much more than books
According to Jackie Nelson, the Hesston Public Library (HPL) director, HPL has around 40,500 books and 6,300 other items for a total collection of about 46,800 items, not counting their e-collection. And while libraries took a hit during the pandemic, readers are returning. The McPherson Public Library has had over 200 new cardholders in the last two months, according to Director Mckenzie Murphy. Murphy wants people to know that the library is more than a building full of books.
Source: Harvey County Now
Wichita police, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office receive federal funding for cameras, license plate readers
State leaders announced the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office have received a federal grant for new technology to help prevent violent crime. Sen. Jerry Moran was in Wichita Wednesday to announce the funding. Combined, both law enforcement agencies will receive portions of over a million dollars in federal resources. “I do have some good news to announce today that I think will be beneficial not only to law enforcement, the sheriff and police chief, but…and as well as their officers, but valuable to the community as well,” Moran said. Wichita Police will receive $1.6 million. Interim Chief Troy Livingston said the department will spend the money on cameras for interview rooms, surveillance equipment and license plate readers.
Source: KAKE – News
Allen County looks at leasing tractors
Allen County will take a test drive, of sorts, with a decision to lease two tractors from the local John Deere dealership. Mark Griffith, road and bridge director, asked commissioners to consider a proposal to lease tractors rather than purchase them outright, especially as county departments have faced numerous equipment breakdowns this year. Over the summer, the county’s newest boom mower caught on fire and was destroyed. It was covered by insurance, but led to a debate over how to best replace the county’s fleet of large, expensive machinery. The proposal from John Deere offered four tractors available for lease for between $56,000 to $60,000 per year. The cost of a new tractor would be somewhere around $200,000. … Commissioners were intrigued by the lease proposal, but reluctant to go all-in. Instead, they asked Griffith to look at leasing two tractors as a sort of trial run.
Source: The Iola Register
South Hutchinson explores additional water sources
The South Hutchinson City Council made a couple of decisions Monday night in the ongoing pursuit of additional water for the city. But larger questions continue to loom on the complex issue. The council, by consensus, directed City Administrator Joseph Turner to pursue a water rate study while continuing negotiations with the city of Hutchinson on a plan to buy water from it in the future. The board also advised Turner to file an appeal with Equus Beds Groundwater Management District on its denial of an application to allow the city to tap an existing well for additional water by converting a nearby irrigation well to a municipal well.
Source: Hutch News
Airbnb host, Wichita officials speak about short-term rental recommendations
For the past year, Travis Dorion has been hosting guests at one of his properties through Airbnb and VRBO. He plans on listing two more short-term rentals in the near future. “The Wichita area is just starting to get traction in the Airbnb space,” Dorion said. In the past four years, the number of Airbnb’s in Wichita has more than doubled. However, City officials claim that every single one of the more than 400 short-term rentals are out of code. Dorion says while he (and dozens of others in Wichita’s tight-knit short-term rental community) is all for additional health regulations and proper permits, he’s currently questioning other proposed recommendations brought forth by the City on Tuesday. “We’re not opposed to it,” Dorion said. “I think that we just need to get on board and on the same page [on] what that looks like — how that affects us as hosts.”
Source: KSN-TV
Undersheriff faces trial in fatal shooting
A rural Kansas undersheriff who shot and killed an unarmed man with a homemade beanbag round faces trial in Kansas City, Kan. The case against Vergil Brewer is likely to focus on whether his lack of knowledge and training with the munitions amounts to reckless involuntary manslaughter.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Champions of forests — and burbs. These Johnson County trees stand the test of time
Color, character and championships — Johnson County trees have it all. The county’s annual autumn brilliance may be delayed and dulled by drought this year, but the trees have much to offer in other ways. Consider, for example, the trees recognized not for seasons of color but for decades of resilience and majesty: The Kansas Champion trees. Of 144 Champion Trees on the 2022 list, Johnson County is home to 28. “It’s taken years of growth and love to make a champion tree,” said Dennis Patton, horticulturist at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office.
Source: Joco 913 News
Hiawatha’s maples show their grand color
Hiawatha’s beautiful maples have a rich history that makes the fall splendor of the town even more intriguing. Hiawatha has long been known for it’s beautiful maples — first planted so many decades ago by Theodore H. Korthanke. He lived from 1860 to 1941 and was considered one of the founding fathers of Hiawatha — certainly the founding father of the maple trees found nearly on every block. … What Mr. Korthanke envisioned so very long ago — indeed a full century — has blossomed. The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau reports they start getting phone calls in late September from potential visitors. Once October hits, the Administrator Sarah Kleopfer said the calls increase. Many people make a special trip to our Northeast Kansas community just to see the maple trees.
Source: Local News | hiawathaworldonline.com
Municipal Bond Trends for October 25, 2022
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Progress reported on task force recommendations for the Wichita-Sedgwick County juvenile justice system
Wichita and Sedgwick County are reporting progress in implementing the recommendations made by a community task force on the juvenile justice system. The task force was created after the September, 2021 death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton during a struggle with staff at the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. Wichita police lieutenant Scott Moon provided an update to City Council members during a Tuesday workshop discussion on the 14 recommendations made by the task force. Moon said the Wichita Police Department will continue its ICT One program, which teams a police officer with an EMS and mental health professional. Funding will be increased to allow the teams to operate on a 24/7 basis.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Up to 600 acres burned in Garden City fire
Officials report Sunday’s wildfire in Garden City burned between 500 and 600 acres of land. The fire was reported just after 2 p.m. along Highway 50 and Towns Road. Responding crews found a large grass fire that had spread from the south side of the highway to the north. Multiple agencies responded and had the fire mostly contained by 7 p.m. During the fire, the highway was closed for several hours and seven homes were evacuated. Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and a Ford F-350 firetruck was destroyed.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Help Fort Scott In Documenting Infrastructure Issues
Fort Scott Assistant Manager Brad Matkin would like to try something new in dealing with infrastructure issues. “If you see a problem… a street issue, pothole, sign damage, water leak, general question, or whatever else please send me an email …” he said. Like all public entities, they do not have enough staff to drive around looking for problems and need help from citizens to let them know issues seen. “It is better to work together with good communication, he said. “We really feel this is a proactive and positive way to handle business.”
Source: Fort Scott Biz
Wind farm proposal denied in Osage County
Osage County Commissioners decided to deny Auburn Harvest Wind from constructing a wind farm in Osage County on Monday. Up to 30,000 acres of land would have been turned into a wind farm if the proposal was accepted. It was not the wind farm itself that caused the denial, but the confusing way of business, according to Commissioner Vernon Bailey. After weeks of consideration, they decided developers could not provide confirmation that the wind farm would ever make the profit it promised, pay the county the $56 million it promised or positively impact Osage County at all.
Source: KSNT 27 News