Kansas Municipal News
Augusta overturns dog breed ban
On August 21st, the Augusta City Council approved the overturning of the “dangerous” dog breed under the city’s animal ordinance. The new ordinance removed all provisions that defined certain dog breeds as dangerous, meaning all breeds previously listed as dangerous are now allowed within city limits. The old ordinance, City Code Ch. 2, Article 1, 2-114 Dangerous Dogs; prohibited stated “It shall be unlawful for any person or legal entity to keep, harbor or in any way possess a dangerous dog as defined by this article within the limits of the City of Augusta, Kansas.” According to the ordinance, it made the following dog breeds illegal: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull, The Rottweiler and the wolf hybrid or Tundra Shepherd. This also included any dog with the appearance or characteristics of these breeds or any dog kept and trained for dog fighting. “Accordingly, breeds that were previously listed as dangerous are now allowed within the city limits,” the City of Augusta said in a Facebook post on August 25th.
Source: Andover American
City of Pittsburg experiences cybersecurity incident
Over the weekend, the City of Pittsburg discovered a cybersecurity incident impacting the city’s network. This incident resulted in a temporary IT outage impacting city emails, phones, and online payments. The City of Pittsburg Incident Response Team immediately took proactive measures to protect city data and network systems. The city is working with forensic experts to fully understand the extent and implications of this incident, and to ensure that the city can operate within a safe and remediated network environment. Despite this temporary disruption, the city operations and services will continue. Public safety services, including 9-1-1 dispatch, and utility services remain operational.
Source: City of Pittsburg
Municipal Bond Trends for September 18, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Newton City Clerk awarded Master Municipal Clerk designation
The City of Newton is proud to announce that City Clerk Denise Duerksen this week was awarded her Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. This is the highest recognition a city clerk can achieve. The MMC program has an extensive and rigorous educational component and a professional and community contribution component. Through advanced continuing education programs, participants receive further development to perform more complex municipal duties. Denise has worked so hard on her continuing education to achieve this goal. In her 33rd year with the City of Newton, she has become a leader, mentor, and valuable resource for clerks across state.
Source: City of Newton
Hutchinson’s Prairie Dunes Country Club to host USGA championships
An esteemed heartland course that’s hosted several top golf tournaments in the past is back in the USGA rotation after an announcement Tuesday that it will host a pair of future championships. Prairie Dunes Country Club, in Hutchinson, Kansas, will be the host site for the 2029 U.S. Senior Open and 2032 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, the USGA announced. Hosting high-profile events is nothing new for the course, as these tournaments will mark the ninth and 10th time the Perry Maxwell treasure will host a USGA Championship, although the last came in 2006.
Source: Hutch News
Localities warn of risks in federal cuts
As the appropriations tug of war goes back and forth in Congress, municipalities are concerned about a wide range of federally-supported infrastructure projects which might end up on the chopping block. The National Association of Counties is already ringing a warning bell via a letter addressed to both chambers of Congress imploring the need to “prioritize federal investments in crucial local government activities through the appropriations process.” NACo is especially concerned about the Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Relief Fund running dry after a season marked with wildfires and hurricanes. Per their letter, “Without the DRF being adequately funded, recovery projects will halt as FEMA implements punitive measures stifling response efforts.”
Source: The Bond Buyer
Chase County Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee honored with flag flown over U.S. Capitol
The Chase County Sesquicentennial Celebration Planning Committee was presented with a flag flown over the United States Capitol this week, in honor of the Chase County Courthouse. Grace Greene, Director of District Operations for the Office of U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner (R-KS) presented the committee with the flag and a proclamation by LaTurner, highlighting the significance of the Chase County Courthouse as it reaches 150 years on continuous operation.
Source: Emporia Gazette
City of Emporia supports water workers amid ongoing main break challenges
As the City of Emporia continues to grapple with unprecedented water main issues, the well-being of city crews tasked with repairing and maintaining the city’s water infrastructure remains a top priority. According to Communications Manager Christine Torrens, the city emphasized the importance of supporting workers as they dealt with upwards of 15 water main breaks throughout the week. “This week, the City of Emporia’s Underground Utility crew has implemented shift rotations to prevent an increase in stress levels and emotional strain among their staff,” she said. “We understand the toll this continuous work can have on them, so we are taking proactive steps to ensure their mental and physical well-being.”
Source: Emporia Gazette
Johnson County thrift store sued city for blocking its move. It finally has a new home
Goodwill is opening (or reopening, perhaps) in Olathe — but only after a two-year-long battle with the city. The thrift store has finally found a new home in a former Tractor Supply at 11934 S. Strang Line Road. It hopes to open by the end of the year, said Melody Herren, a spokeswoman for Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. But Goodwill had hoped to have a store open long before that. After operating at 16630 W. 135th St. for roughly 17 years, Goodwill sought to move across the street, to 16175 W. 135th St., in 2020 to “upgrade its offerings,” court documents say. An Olathe ordinance passed in 2016 derailed their plans.
Source: Joco 913 News
‘It’s an emergency.’ Midwest towns scramble as drought threatens drinking water.
James Rainbolt typically can tackle most problems at his rural water plant with some extra time or money. But he can’t fix this. “I just can’t make it rain,” he said. Like others across southeast Kansas, Rainbolt remains helpless as he watches a persistent drought dry up the local water supply. He runs a public wholesale water supply district that provides the drinking water for several cities and rural water districts. The lack of rain has been so severe that it’s now threatening the water district’s intake pipe, which brings water from a local lake to the treatment plant. As lake levels fall, the angle at which the 8-inch pipe meets a floating pump station grows steeper and steeper, stressing the flexible joint. If the joint breaks, the consequences would be catastrophic, instantly cutting the water supply for thousands of people, businesses and schools across three counties. “If we break it, we have no water. Period,” said Jack Warren, the mayor of Sedan, a county seat about 100 miles southeast of Wichita and the largest customer of the water district.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Overland Park will start allowing native plants in home lawns and gardens
Overland Park residents may soon be able to plant more native plants in their yards and gardens. The city is in the process of updating its codes to make space for planned native landscapes for their ecological and stormwater benefits. That could mean front yard gardens featuring milkweed, blue sage, native flowers and other species that once dominated the northeastern Kansas landscape. Native plants, according to Johnson County Extension, are “well-adapted to a local ecosystem” and tend to evolve in an area “without the influence of man.”
Source: KCUR News
Weir homecoming celebration highlights town’s vibrant history
This weekend, the City of Weir is joyously celebrating its homecoming. As part of the homecoming festivities, the town is taking a moment to reflect on its rich history. Presenter and host David Wallace invited community members to share their stories, memorabilia, and insights into the vibrant history of Weir. “I’ve had the involvement of the museums around town and throughout Southeast Kansas. I have involvement from the McCune Museum, The Galena Historical Museum, The Nature Center in Galena. Miners Hall Museum has really done a great job,” said David Wallace.
Source: KOAM News
City holding ribbon cutting for revitalized park in downtown Wichita
On Saturday, the City of Wichita will be holding a ribbon cutting for the Chester I. Lewis Reflection Square Park, along with a continental breakfast. The event begins at 10 a.m. with speakers and entertainment. At 11:20 a.m., the artists and architect will provide a tour of the park. Those in attendance will be able to hear from artists Ellamonique Baccus and Matthew Mazzotta, members of the Lewis family and other community partners, donors and local performers. The park is located at 205 E. Douglas Ave. Parking is available along side streets and parking garages. To view parking locations, the City recommends using Downtown Wichita’s Get Around map.
Source: KSN-TV
Baxter Springs to add 4 pickleball courts at Kiwanis Park
There’s something new coming to Baxter Springs, and it’s something that has virtually taken over many communities across the country – pickleball. City workers began the construction of four asphalt pickleball courts this morning at Kiwanis Park. Mayor Sherry Brown tells us that after a pickleball pop-up event took place recently in town, the high interest prompted the city to provide a place for residents to enjoy the sport. “Just another opportunity for families to spend quality time outdoors, exercise, spend time together and you know, we just like to make it everything we can, better for the families,” said Sherry Brown, Mayor of Baxter Springs.
Source: KSNF/KODE
‘Noisy conduct?’ Case could have implications for political protesters across Kansas
Wichita finds itself at the heart of a precedent-setting court case with statewide implications for political protesters. It involves a city law that prohibits “engaging in noisy conduct tending to reasonably arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others.” But what is noisy conduct? Who defines it, and does it involve what protesters are saying, or how they say it? Kansas Supreme Court justices are grappling with difficult questions about disruptive political expression and whether the government’s efforts to limit confrontations between citizens have a chilling effect on free speech. The case grew from 2020 demonstrations where participants were arrested for disrupting traffic and drawing on sidewalks with chalk. Wichita protesters chanted “Black Lives Matter” and “Defund the Police” as renewed calls for accountability and systemic change sparked demonstrations around the country after the police killing of George Floyd.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Wichita police announce initiative to help officers interact with people with autism
The oldest of Wichita police officer John Biagini’s three children — who are all autistic and non-verbal — had run away from home. Luckily, the officers who found him knew who he was and were able to comfort him. “It could have gone awful,” Biagini said about the event that happened about 10 years ago. The longtime school resource officer now serving on the department’s exploited and missing children unit is the department’s liaison for its new initiative — one that aims to help officers be better equipped to work with autism or communication problems. The initiative will include several things: kits in Wichita and Sedgwick County patrol vehicles to help calm people with autism, stickers that can go on houses or vehicles to alert police that they may be interacting with someone with autism, a card someone with autism can carry, training for all officers on interacting with people with autism, and a sheet officers will carry that will allow a non-verbal person to communicate through pointing at different letters and symbols.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
JoCo judge final ruling reinstates initial decision on Prairie Village petitions
A Johnson County judge reversed course once again on the three resident-led Prairie Village petitions. Judge Rhonda Mason of Division 4 at Johnson County District Court in Olathe issued a final ruling late Friday evening that reinstated her initial oral decision from Sept. 6 regarding the “rezoning,” “abandon” and “adoption” petitions. She ruled that only the “abandon” petition — which aims to limit what petitioners call a “strong mayor” form of government — is eligible to put before Prairie Village voters. In line with her oral decision from Sept. 6, Mason’s final ruling from Friday, Sept. 15, finds the “rezoning” and “adoption” petitions are ineligible for a ballot measure. This latest ruling supersedes a written ruling Mason issued soon after her original oral decision that found the “adoption” petition eligible for a ballot measure and the “rezoning” and “abandon” petitions ineligible. Mason’s final ruling Friday reverts back to that oral decision.
Source: Prairie Village Post
The Federal Reserve may not hike interest rates this week
The Federal Reserve is likely to pause its aggressive interest rate hikes when it meets this week, experts predict. But consumers may not feel any relief. The central bank has already raised interest rates 11 times since last year — the fastest pace of tightening since the early 1980s. Yet recent data is still painting a mixed picture of where the economy stands. Overall growth is holding steady as consumers continue to spend, but the labor market is beginning to loosen from historically tight conditions. At the same time, inflation has shown some signs of cooling even though it remains well above the central bank’s 2% target.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Municipal Bond Trends for September 15, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Governor Kelly Announces 27 Cities to Receive $22M for Highway Improvements
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 27 cities across Kansas will receive a total of $22 million for projects to improve intersections and state highways extending through cities as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP). … KDOT was able to increase CCLIP funding for this selection cycle due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL). The program will provide $5.1 million in state fiscal year 2025 and $16.9 million in state fiscal year 2026. Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program. Local matching funds are required based on city population. …
For the state fiscal year 2025, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:
- Abilene – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Atchison – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Colby – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Council Grove – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Emporia – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Harper – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Larned – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Leavenworth – Surface Restoration, $400,000
- Lyons – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Stockton – Pavement Restoration, $700,000
- Winfield – Surface Preservation, $400,000
For the fiscal year 2026, the city, category, and amount awarded CCLIP funds include:
- Clay Center – Surface Preservation, $400,000
- Ellsworth – Geometric Improvement, $1,100,000
- Emporia – Geometric Improvement, $1,200,000
- Fort Scott – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
- Girard – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000
- Hoisington – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
- Lakin – Pavement Restoration, $1,400,000
- Meade – Pavement Restoration, $1,300,000
- Ness City – Pavement Restoration, $1,100,000
- Pittsburg – Geometric Improvement, $1,500,000
- Russell – Pavement Restoration, $1,000,000
- Sedan – Pavement Restoration, $1,250,000
- Wamego – Pavement Restoration, $650,000
- Westwood – Pavement Restoration, $400,000
- Yates Center – Pavement Restoration, $1,500,000
A map of these CCLIP projects is available here.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
