Kansas Municipal News
Brown v. Board site celebrates milestone
Three months after the National Park service announced James Williams as the new superintendent of Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park of Topeka, the site opened its doors in celebration of the 30th anniversary of its designation. The symposium at the Brown v. Board of Education site, 1515 S.E. Monroe, also welcomed leaders from five new affiliated areas and an additional National Park Service site. “It’s just interesting to me, to get to know the people, get to know their stories and see the potential for us as a agency to help the American people understand the complexity of the Brown decision and all the history that went into it,” Williams said.
Source: CJonline
Wanted: 4,000 workers
When Kansas officials announced the arrival of a Panasonic electric battery plant to De Soto earlier this year, one number was prominently touted above all others: 4,000. While the state’s agreement with the Japanese multinational company doesn’t lay out a required number of jobs to be created, Panasonic and Kansas officials believe there will be 4,000 permanent positions created at the multibillion dollar facility. But there is broad agreement that Kansas, currently sitting at record low unemployment, needs to kick into gear to ensure the site of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant will be buzzing with workers when the long-coveted megaproject officially opens its doors.
Source: Salina Journal
Governor Laura Kelly Breaks Ground on Hilmar Cheese Facility in Dodge City
Facility Will Bring $1.1 Billion and 1,000 New Jobs to Southwest Kansas. Governor Laura Kelly participated in the groundbreaking of Hilmar Cheese Company’s new state-of-the-art production facility in Dodge City. In the short-term, the company’s $600 million investment will create 250 new full-time jobs. The project is expected to bring an additional $500 million in capital investment and an additional 750 jobs within the Dodge City area by late 2023. “No matter how you slice it, this new Hilmar Cheese facility is a game-changer for southwest Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Hilmar’s investment represents the fact that more and more companies believe they can succeed in every corner of this state thanks to our excellent workforce, strong infrastructure, and growing economy.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
The new cheese factory will need lots of milk
With a cattle population of more than 6.5 million head, and slightly less than 3 million humans, cattle significantly outnumber Kansans in the Sunflower State. So much so, according to Mike Brouk, Ph.D., a dairy management extension specialist with Kansas State University, much of the dairy produced in the Sunflower State is shipped to other states. But the amount of milk surplus might change in the coming years. On Friday, Hilmar Cheese Co., which will take about two years to build, broke ground on a new cheese factory in Dodge City. When looking for a third location for a cheese manufacturing plant, David Ahlem, president and CEO of Hilmar Cheese, said, “Dodge quickly rose to the top, the cream of the crop.”
Source: Salina Journal
With three-quarters of the year in the books, Lawrence sales tax collections on pace for nearly 10% growth
The City of Lawrence has now received nine of its 12 monthly sales tax checks from the state of Kansas. Thus far, the city’s sales tax collections are up 9.4% compared with a year ago. That is both a historically high number and a below-average number. In the past, a growth rate of 6% or 7% would be a great year for Lawrence sales tax collections. So, if Lawrence finishes the year at 9.4%, it would be extraordinary. But, it is also true that the number is currently below average. The average growth rate for local sales tax collections across the state is 11.5%. The reason for the strangeness, of course, is … inflation. As inflation has increased the price of most goods, sales tax collections have naturally gone up. Consumer demand has not increased by nearly 10% in Lawrence.
Source: LJWorld
Lawrence opens temporary campsite for those experiencing homelessness, plans to create long-term site in another location
The City of Lawrence has begun to relocate people experiencing homelessness who have been camping in some city parks to a temporary city-run campsite, with plans to create a long-term site in the near future. With the recent opening of the new campsite, which is located near North Second Street on city-owned property between the Johnny’s Tavern back parking lot and the levee trail, the city is requiring some people to move their campsites to the temporary site or other areas where the city continues to allow camping. The temporary campground consists of 48 spaces in the area behind the levee, and the city is also allowing existing campsites to remain in the general area. The city began setting up tents on Thursday and as of Friday afternoon 20 of the camping spaces were occupied, with about 20 additional campsites located in the wooded area or open space in the vicinity.
Source: LJWorld
What will the first-ever Salina Crossroads Marathon mean for the community?
Salina is preparing for the Crossroads Marathon in November, and the community as a whole is getting ready for the first, but hopefully not last, edition of the Boston Marathon qualifier. On Saturday, Nov. 5, downtown Salina is expected to be bustling with activities as the start and finish line of the marathon and half-marathon will be along Santa Fe Avenue, between Walnut and Mulberry Streets. This influx of people into Salina is expected to make an impact on the community.
Source: Salina Journal
Johnson County approves 14% pay bump for sheriff’s deputies
Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies are in line for a raise. On Thursday the Johnson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) voted unanimously to increase starting pay for sheriff’s deputies. The sheriff’s department will now use a step pay plan for sworn civil service staff including deputies, master deputies, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, majors, bureau chiefs and colonels. This scale places starting pay for deputies at $27.50 an hour. … To bolster recruitment efforts, new hires will temporarily start on the second step of the pay scale. Starting deputy pay will increase to $28.50 an hour until the department vacancies drop below 14 deputy positions.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Lawrence police use Google ‘geofence’ to identify suspect in late night break-in
You can find nearly anything on Google, and Lawrence police are using the tech giant’s data to track and identify crime suspects. One such suspect is on trial this week in Douglas County District Court. The suspect, Lee Andrew Mitchell Pennington, 34, of Lawrence, is charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and stalking after police used cellphone data from Google to track his movements the night of a home break-in in central Lawrence.
Source: LJWorld
Hutchinson’s Fall Fest begins today
It’s officially Fall, the weather is gorgeous, and it’s time to party. Bring on Hutch Fall Fest! Coming up this Friday and Saturday, September 30 and October 1, the festival kicks off the autumn season with a weekend jam-packed with fun activities for all ages and interests. … “We really want to see it become an annual celebration of community,” said Amy Conkling, assistant executive director at Hutch Rec. “I like the whole weekend, and I love the fact that we get to work together and collaborate.” Conkling sees this event as becoming “a true community festival in a really great season of fall, highlighting downtown in one weekend.”
Source: Hutch News
Municipal Bond Trends for September 29, 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.
Here is the city’s 5-phase plan to fix WPD’s problem-riddled evidence facility
Wichita City Manager Bob Layton took a lot of heat Monday after announcing a list of big problems at the Wichita Police Department evidence building after an audit almost two years ago. “Based on what I heard from the chief, I thought we were taking immediate action,” said Layton, referring to when former Police Chief Gordon Ramsay first told him about the audit last year. It includes things like poor security, huge backlogs, lack of staff, and not storing some rape kits at the proper temperature.
Source: KAKE – News
Charges filed after 68 dogs seized from Conway Springs home
Sumner County officials have seized 68 dogs from a home in Conway Springs, and the homeowner was arrested for cruelty to animals. Deputies found the dogs suffering from poor health, malnourishment and traumatic injuries. Three dogs were taken last week by animal control officers in Wellington to a hospital for treatment. Deputies served a search warrant and seized 65 more dogs, ranging from puppies to adults. Several agencies have been helping to find foster homes for the dogs.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Hall celebrates retirement from DRC after 18 years
Jay Hall has been a friendly face to co-workers and patrons of the Derby Recreation Center for nearly 18 years. As a facility coordinator, he helped ensure the rec center was running smoothly by overseeing the building operations while on duty. On Sept. 22, Hall celebrated his retirement with the DRC staff. There is a lot to reflect on after nearly two decades with the organization, but one thing that stood out to Hall was the people. He said he worked with a passionate staff that supported each other and worked well as a team.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Slate of fall festivals set to begin
A number of neighboring communities will be hosting fall festivals in the coming weeks, with Andover and Rose Hill among them. First up, Greater Andover Days will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, with a number of additions to the normal slate of activities this year. There will be a photography contest, a pair of fitness-oriented events put on by the Andover YMCA, Touch a Truck, and tailgating/cook-off competition introduced with this year’s festival. … According to festival president Lovina Finders, Rose Hill’s annual festivities will be a fun-filled weekend as well, taking place Oct.7-9. “We have a wonderful festival planned for this year,” Finders said.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Olathe ranks No. 3 on Fortune list of Best Places to Live for Families
Olathe is the third-best place in the United States for families to live, according to a Fortune report. The ranking highlights areas in the U.S. where multigenerational families are most likely to have access to critical resources, community support and financial well-being, according to a release from Fortune. The cities chosen had good access to hospitals, public schools and offered more support for aging relatives. They were also more affordable than cities in big metro areas such as Los Angeles and New York City.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Nearly a pound of fentanyl-laced meth found in Garden City
This is what nearly a pound of meth looks like. Law enforcement officers say they found it during a traffic stop in Garden City on Wednesday. A Garden City officer pulled over a Kia Soul. The officer said the woman driving it failed to signal a turn at a stop sign located at North 3rd and East Hamline. According to the Finney County Sheriff’s office, the officer detained the driver and the car after becoming suspicious. A Finney County K-9 officer was called in to assist. The dog indicated there were possibly drugs in the car, which led to a search.
Source: KSN-TV
Detox program saves city and county time and money
The Substance Abuse Center of Kansas, or SACK, is working to keep non-threatening addicts out of jail and get them sober or into treatment. Social detox is located inside the Mental Health Crisis Center. “We have 15 beds in detox and another 10 in the sober unit,” Harold Casey, the executive director of SACK, said. SACK can’t offer medication. What they can provide is a safe space. The average stay is five to six days for social detox and one day for the sobering unit. This is a passion project with a personal connection for Casey.
Source: KSN-TV
Brown v. Board historic site to celebrate 30th anniversary
A special service will be held in Topeka to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the National Park Service’s creation of the Brown v. Board park. The upcoming service will be held on Friday, Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. It will feature speakers who will talk about the history of school desegregation and the five cases that ultimately led to the Brown decision. These speakers include Dr. Zoe Burkholder, Dr. Michael Hines and Dr. Jonna Perrillo. They will be joined by representatives from affiliated areas of the national historic park from Delaware, Virginia, Washington D.C. and South Carolina.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Sen. Moran presents Humboldt Building Better Communities award
Humboldt is getting its brand out. In response to comments from a New York City mayor that his city has more of a brand than the state of Kansas, a US Senator recognized Humboldt’s achievements Wednesday on the Senate floor. “I had planned to give this floor speech before the mayor of New York City used Kansas as a punchline, but now it seems a little more fitting,” Sen. Jerry Moran said. Moran’s remarks came with the presentation of the Building Better Communities award to the city of Humboldt. Comments by New York City mayor Eric Adams during an overseas trip drew pushback Tuesday from Kansans, including from actor Eric Stonestreet. The Kansas Office of Tourism has invited Adams to the Sunflower State.
Source: Parsons Sun
Kansas public university, community and technical college headcount declines by 1%
Enrollment at state universities, community colleges and technical colleges in Kansas this fall semester dwindled 1% to accentuate a five-year decline in student headcount of more than 9%, officials said Thursday. The Kansas Board of Regents, which has oversight roles among seven universities, 19 community colleges and seven technical colleges, reported 165,198 students enrolled at start of the 2022 academic year. Collectively, these higher education institutions lost 1,677 students from 2021. The report indicated headcount at the six state universities fell by 1,333 students or 1.5%; Washburn University in Topeka slipped by 283 or 4.1%; community colleges declined by 630 or 1%; and technical colleges expanded by 569 or 6% over last year’s enrollment totals.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Wichita Public Libraries hold amnesty week to forgive fees
This week, the WPL held an amnesty event that encouraged patrons to return overdue materials without the embarrassment of an assigned block or fee payment. Eliminating overdue fees at the Wichita Public Library removes a costly obstacle to the city’s library access. “Sometimes, when people would accrue overdue fees, they would be too embarrassed to return the materials,” Sean Jones, WPL communication specialist said. “This amnesty week gets our materials back but also eliminates fees for patrons.” While overdue fees seem like a logical system to ensure the return of materials, they often create financial burdens instead of compliance with due dates. This burden leads to patrons being unable to access the free services at the library.
Source: The Sunflower
Catch fish with your hands at these Kansas lakes
It’s about to become a fishing free-for-all at a couple Kansas lakes. That’s because two Kansas lakes are removing normal limits on fishing because of drought, according to an announcement from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Ellis City Lake in Ellis and Warren Stone Memorial Lake near La Crosse have announced temporary fish salvages because current drought conditions and future dry weather could lead to significant fish losses, according to the department. The temporary salvage allows anyone to catch the remaining fish by any legal means as well as by hand, dip net or seine. Any limits on fish size or catch limits are also removed.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Municipal Bond Trends for September 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.
Fed’s Bostic favors raising rates to 4.25%-4.5% by year end
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic said he backs raising rates by a further 1.25 percentage points by the end of this year to counter inflation that has been worse than he expected. “The lack of progress thus far has me thinking much more now that we have to get to a moderately restrictive stance,” he told reporters Wednesday via a telephone conference call. “And for me, that is in the 4.25% to 4.5% range for our policy. My preference is that we get there by year end.” Fed officials raised interest rates by 75 basis points on Sept. 21 for the third straight meeting, bringing the target for the benchmark federal funds rate to a range of 3% to 3.25%. Median projections show officials forecast that rates would reach 4.4% by the end of this year.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Public Temporarily Allowed to Salvage Fish at Ellis City Lake Due to Drought
Recent drought conditions resulting in minimal inflow at Ellis City Lake are having detrimental effects on local fish populations. And, continued dry weather may lead to significant fish losses in the near future. That’s why the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and the City of Ellis, Kan. have issued a temporary order to open the lake to public salvage effective immediately. When a public fish salvage is in effect, the public may collect any remaining fish in the designated waterbody by any legal methods, as well as by hand, dip net, or seine, per K.A.R. 115-7-1. The Ellis City Lake fish salvage order also temporarily removes all daily creel limits and size limits, per K.A.R. 115-25-14.
Source: All Web News
Bee swarm lands in downtown Emporia
A beekeeper was heading to the 600 block of Commercial Street Tuesday to help relocate an errant swarm. According to the Lyon County Emergency Communications Center, the swarm is located in the alleyway behind 627 Commercial St. The swarm appeared after a five-gallon bucket of honey was spilled in the alley, which “created a literal golden buffet for the region’s bee population.” “The amazing bee experts of our city have advised that the bees should have the honey gobbled up in the next few days, but as far as clean up and removal — it’s a little late to do that,” LCECC said in an initial post to social media. “The bees would not be pleased.”
Source: Emporia Gazette
Bar owners say food requirement is arbitrary
A state law requiring places that sell alcohol to derive 30 percent of their revenue from sales came into focus last week when the state held up the license renewal of Sandhills Brewing in Hutchinson. The brewery sold more than $16,000 worth of hot dogs and food in one night and needed another $13,000 in food sales by the end of the month to renew its license. Sandshills’ plight drew a lot of attention about the law, which some accused of being arbitrary and a hindrance to opening a business. “It seems like it’s a law to keep clubs and businesses away, and they just want to have restaurants that serve alcohol,” said Allen Brinkman, co-owner of Moxie Grill & Bar in Newton. “It seems like it’s a very biased law.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Overland Park has installed its first outdoor, publicly accessible automated external defibrillator
Overland Park has installed its first outdoor, publicly accessible automated external defibrillator in Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive in the downtown area. The defibrillator was donated by a group of Overland Park residents in honor of Rick Worrel, a business community member who died in 2019. It’s housed in a climate-controlled cabinet known as a “SaveStation” on the south side of the restroom building next to the water fountain. The AED will be available around the clock for anyone to use for someone who appears to be in cardiac arrest.
Source: Joco 913 News
Olathe homeowners appeal HOA decision barring flying American flag
An Olathe, Kansas, couple is facing unknown fines from their HOA for their love of the American Flag and the Kansas City Chiefs. They’ve been told they can’t fly either flag in their backyard. Since the flag flap started, the Clarks have learned though Chiefs and other flags are banned by the HOA, American flags are not. But the HOA has taken issue with their flag pole threatening fines if any flag is flown. Since 2018, the Clarks say they’ve raised a Chiefs flag on game days on their backyard patio and proudly flown an American flag the rest of the time.
Source: KSN-TV
New art public piece completed in Lawrence
Members of the public are invited to help celebrate the installation of new artwork in the City of Lawrence next month. The piece, named Through Other Eyes, was recently erected between the Lawrence Kansas Police Department and an adjacent trailhead. …The art piece is the work of Joe O’Connell with Creative Machine. He plans to give away 50 small, colorful glass spheres so attendees can take a piece of his artwork home with them.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Changes coming to iconic Abilene steam engine
A train over a century old will undergo a special overhaul for the next 18 months to help extend its life. According to officials with Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, the antique locomotive Santa Fe 3415 will be taken out of service for the next year-and-a-half for a complete safety check of the engine’s boiler and so that other improvements can be made. This is part of routine maintenance that must be conducted every 15 years as mandated by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Shawnee city manager will resign, citing city council’s ‘different vision’
Nolan Sunderman will leave his job as Shawnee city manager on November to take a position in another city in the Kansas City area, he confirmed to the Post on Tuesday. On Monday, Sunderman told Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler between two regularly scheduled city council meetings and emailed councilmembers that he would be leaving the job he’s held for the past four years, with his last day to be Nov. 1. Key quote: “It was a difficult decision for me,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working and living here in Shawnee.”
Source: Prairie Village Post
Lenexa residents will get chance to weigh in on new name for renovated Indian Trails pool
Voting will begin Friday on a new name for Lenexa’s Indian Trails Aquatic Center, as the city prepares for major renovations at that pool. What are the choices? For a three-week period beginning Friday, voters can choose their favorite new name for the pool from three possibilities: Lenexa Splash at Sar-Ko-Par Trails. Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center. Sar-Ko-Par Splash Aquatic Center. The process: Whichever choice gets the most votes will become the new pool name.
Source: Prairie Village Post
County gets state boost to fix damaged detour roads
County roads damaged by detour traffic around a highway construction project at Moran will get a financial boost from the state. The Kansas Department of Transportation agreed to pay for road repairs to several rural roads in the vicinity, in particular Nebraska Road and 4200th Street. Mitch Garner, the county’s Public Works director, updated commissioners on a recent meeting with representatives of KDOT. The state agreed to pay $3,401 for patching work on a section of Nebraska Road, and another $11,316 for repairs to 4200 Street from Nebraska to New Hampshire roads.
Source: The Iola Register
Allen County Clerks ready for new roles
Allen County Clerk Sherrie Riebel retires Friday after serving 25 years in the role. … Shannon Patterson, who will become the new Allen County Clerk when Sherrie Riebel retires on Friday, had no hesitation when asked what has best prepared her for the role. “I had Sherrie for a teacher,” Patterson said. “She has taught me so much and she has been an amazing clerk, so I’m following in great footsteps and I hope I live up to it.” Riebel chimed in to say it’s all about cross-training.
Source: Iola Register
Municipal Bond Trends for September 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.
Reno County to place alcohol drink opt-out rule on ballot Nov. 2023
A liquor by the drink opt-out, sparked by the efforts of Hutchinson business Sandhills Brewing Company to renew its state of Kansas liquor license, will be placed on the county’s November 2023 ballot…. K.S.A. 41-2646 states that drinking establishments such as Sandhills make at least 30% in annual profit from food sales. The law allows the board of commissioners to submit a question to the voters, following either the adoption of a resolution or upon receiving a valid petition from citizens.
Source: Hutch News
Salina hoping to build 150 duplex townhouses, using grant
The City of Salina is looking for any opportunity to help alleviate the current housing situation, with another state resource currently being considered after approval by the City Commission. During its meeting Monday, the commission approved a resolution to submit an application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for the state’s 2022 moderate income housing (MIH) grant program for a development that is expected to have 338 housing units.
Source: Salina Journal
10-Year Treasury Yield Hits 4%
The yield on 10-year U.S. government bonds hit 4% for the first time in more than a decade Wednesday, the latest leg of a historically steep rise that has jolted financial markets this year. Yields, which rise when bond prices fall, have been climbing at their fastest pace in four decades because of escalating expectations for how high the Federal Reserve will raise short-term interest rates to tamp down the worst inflation since the 1980s. … The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note touched above 4% briefly in European trading hours, before slipping back. It was at 3.985%, up from 3.963% Tuesday and roughly 3.1% at the end of August. Through Monday, it had climbed nearly 2.5 percentage points this year, the largest increase over that period since 1981.
Source: WSJ.com: Markets
Fed’s Evans says he’s getting a little nervous about going too far, too fast with rate hikes
Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans says he’s feeling apprehensive about the U.S. central bank raising interest rates too quickly in its quest to tackle runaway inflation. Speaking to CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Tuesday, Evans said he remains “cautiously optimistic” that the U.S. economy can avoid a recession — provided there are no further external shocks. His comments come shortly after a slew of top Fed officials said they would continue to prioritize the fight against inflation, which is currently running near its highest levels since the early 1980s.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
911 dispatchers: Always on call, handling chaos in crashes
The dispatchers who take 911 calls about crashes on Kansas roadways are the crucial links in emergency responses. Without them, help wouldn’t arrive in time. How do they do it? Three dispatchers with Hutchinson-Reno County Emergency Communications are sharing their stories in the series. This second article focuses on Sabrina Henry, dispatch supervisor: Henry remembers getting a series of calls from panicked witnesses who encountered a crash. A vehicle had gone off the road, leaving multiple victims. She managed to calm the witnesses enough to find out where they were and how many victims. It took a few moments “to get everybody to settle down,” Henry said.
Source: Kansas Transportation
New incentive criteria opens up housing development options in Derby
Part of the push behind Derby’s recent housing study and its adoption was to make additional incentives available to the city – incentives that are seen as a means to further housing development. In particular, the Kansas Legislature made the benefits of the Rural Housing Incentive District program (RHID) more accessible in 2021, opening up the program to cities and counties with a population of less than 60,000. With the filing of the housing study, Derby can now utilize RHIDs as a development tool. The community development advisory board officially approved their addition to the city’s economic development policy back in August.
Source: Derby Informer
Merriam leaders consider hotel grant to bolster tax revenue
City leaders in Merriam will soon consider a new plan to reinvest in the city’s aging hotel stock. On Monday, the Merriam City Council reviewed a proposed grant that could help revamp local hotels to bring in more tax revenue for the city. Currently there are four hotels in Merriam, all built between 1982 and 1998. A 7% transient guest tax (TGT) applies to all hotels and Airbnbs within the city. Revenue from the TGT supports the Visitor’s Bureau, the farmers market and special community events like the Turkey Creek Festival.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
FOLRZ’s ‘A Wild Affair’ fundraiser returns to Garden City zoo
Saturday was a wild time at the Lee Richardson Zoo. The 2022 “A Wild Affair” fundraiser held by the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo was held for the first time in two years, since the 2019 event, on Saturday. This was the event’s 15th year. Kristi Newland, zoo director, said it’s a “wonderful event where community support shines” and they get to welcome people to the zoo on a different basis to have a good time. Jessica Norton, executive director of the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo, said a lot of people attend the event when it’s held, a lot of returning faces, but also plenty of new ones, who this might be their first exposure to the zoo.
Source: Garden City Telegram