Kansas Municipal News
How should Wichita school board members be elected? Some Black leaders seek change
Wichita voters may be given the option in November to reshape the way Kansas’ largest school district chooses school board members after community members raised concerns that minority voters aren’t being heard. As it stands, registered voters in USD 259 can weigh in on all school board races in general elections. District-specific primaries narrow the field of candidates before races are decided citywide. Critics of the current system say the board would be more representative if members were elected directly by residents in each of the six school board districts.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Underwriting spreads fall to historic lows in 1H 2022
Heavy competition for a significantly lower volume of municipal bonds drove a sharp decline in overall underwriting spreads to $3.54 in the first half of 2022, the lowest level in 20 years. The latest data from Refinitiv representing the first six months of 2022 underscores what has been a steady and developing trend over the last two decades, the data showed. For the first time in 20 years, gross underwriting spreads — the payment or underwriting discount an underwriter receives to market a deal — fell to under $4 per $1,000 for all bonds, compared with 2003 when spreads were at $5.20, according to the data.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Faster Internet Is Coming to America—as Soon as the Government Knows Where to Build It
The government’s $42.5 billion plan to expand internet service to underserved communities is stuck in a holding pattern nearly nine months after approval, largely because authorities still don’t know where gaps need to be filled. The broadband plan, part of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Biden last November, stipulates that money to improve service can’t be doled out until the Federal Communications Commission completes new maps showing where homes and businesses lack fast service.
Source: WSJ.com
Governor announces new highway projects under state transportation plan
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced 11 expansion and modernization projects that will be added to the state’s bipartisan transportation plan, known as IKE. The new project represent a total investment of over $520 million. The governor made the announcement Monday in Andover, and that community stands to benefit from the largest of the new projects. Plans are moving ahead to continue the East Kellogg Freeway project from the K-96 interchange to 159th Street East. The $230 million project was identified as the highest priority projects in discussions with south central Kansas leaders. Work on the project is expected to begin next June.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Governor Kelly meets with Sedgwick County leaders on mental health needs
Governor Kelly met with Wichita and Sedgwick County leaders as well as state lawmakers on Monday to talk about mental health issues and the need for a state mental health hospital in south central Kansas. The governor met with Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, Sedgwick County Commission Chairman David Dennis and representatives of local health and law enforcement agencies for a roundtable discussion. They talked about the need for a regional hospital and also ways to continue expanding access to needed services. The governor toured the COMCARE Crisis Center and saw the services offered by Sedgwick County, including the 988 Hotline operation.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Pottawatomie Co. approves resolution for sales tax initiative to fund infrastructure projects
Pottawatomie County residents will consider levying a quarter percent sales tax when they head to the polls this November for a host paving and improvement projects on roads and bridges. Commissioners approved a resolution Monday, two weeks before the state deadline to pose such questions on the general election ballot. Before Monday’s vote, former Public Works Administrator Peter Clark addressed the commission as a representative of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors. “There’s a number of areas in our county that need to be addressed for the growth that has already occurred, to keep up with that and the growth that has yet to occur, that needs to occur, to keep our county prosperous,” he said.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Three Derby businesses approved for facade improvement funding
Continuing to utilize the $150,000 budgeted for the city’s new Community Facade Improvement Program, the Community Development Advisory Board approved (5-0) grant funding requests – up to five total – for three new projects at its Aug. 10 meeting. The CFIP program was started in 2022 as a matching grant program to promote business investment on Derby’s west side through building facade repairs, removal of non-conforming signs, etc.
Source: Derby Informer
Bomb detonated near Parsons Courthouse
A 63-year old male is in custody after an investigation of a bombing that occurred early Monday morning. The man has been identified as James Dale Sutton. He is being charged with criminal use of explosives, possession of commercial explosives to commit crime arson, and intentional to non-dwelling of another without consent. This incident is still under investigation by the ATF, FBI, KBI, Parsons Police Department, and Labette County Sheriff’s Office.
Source: KSNF/KODE
New solar station coming to Shawnee County
Shawnee County is just a few months away from gaining its newest solar energy farm. Evergy and Free State Electric Cooperative have partnered up to bring another energy source to serve part of Shawnee County. Evergy said there will be thousands of panels at the plant once the project is completed. However, the plant is located right behind a neighborhood. Bow Stanley, who has lived in Silver Lake for over 20 years, is not very worried about the panels being built just two doors down from his home. He’s mostly looking forward to the impact they’ll have once the plant is up and running.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Legendary Brookville Hotel reopens as Legacy Kansas in Abilene
Two restaurants, one lost to fire and the other to the COVID-19 pandemic, are making a comeback together. The Brookville Hotel has officially reopened – following its purchase by Deana and Chuck Munson- under the name Legacy Kansas Munson’s Prime & Brookville Hotel. The new name signals the union of two nationally-recognized restaurants which both closed recently for different reasons. The Brookville Hotel, formerly owned by Mark Martin, closed on Oct. 1, 2020, due to economic issues brought on by the pandemic while Munson’s Prime Steak in Junction City burned down on Feb. 24, 2021.
Source: KSNT 27 News
City of Topeka joins Kaw River restoration work
A two-year restoration project in the Kaw River State Park is getting some help from the City of Topeka. The Topeka Riverbank Restoration Project is a two-year project encompassing 22 acres of the 76-acre Kaw River State Park. The goal of the project is to remove non-native plants and invasive species from the area. The city is joining in on the process by leading excavation work near a boat ramp located in the northeast corner of the park. This is being done to reduce erosion and sediment loss. The contractor hired by the city to conduct this part of the project will also be building some nested basins near the parking lot to promote water quality by infiltration and filtration. The work is expected to conclude within the next few weeks, weather permitting, according to the city.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Rossville celebrates another Tall Corn Festival
Rossville is celebrating its annual Tall Corn Festival this weekend. Rossville’s Tall Corn Festival takes place annually, on the second weekend of August. The event started almost 100 years ago on a hot summer weekend, as a way for the town to kick off harvest season and because Rossville is a farming community, the festival is a way to show appreciation for their Rossville farmers. This year’s festival theme is “Blame it all on my roots” and was held at the city park and in other downtown areas. The festival began Friday afternoon with a Rossville High School band performance, a watermelon feed, corn eating contest, Rossville High dance performances, and fireworks in the park.
Source: KSNT 27 News
A directly elected mayor for Lawrence? City Commission to discuss putting question on ballots
Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will resume a discussion on the city’s form of government and whether to ask voters if they want to directly elect a mayor. The ongoing conversation is about potential changes to the city government. A task force suggested that rather than the current five city commissioners who are elected at large — meaning by voters across the whole city, rather than by districts — the city should have six commissioners who each represent a district of Lawrence. The task force also recommended that voters should directly elect a mayor to serve a four-year term. Currently, the mayor and vice mayor positions rotate every year to the commissioners who receive the most votes in elections.
Source: The Lawrence Times
City of Lawrence joins national effort to monitor COVID-19 and monkeypox in wastewater
The City of Lawrence has joined a nationwide initiative to detect infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and monkeypox, in local wastewater, according to a news release Monday. The initiative is part of WastewaterSCAN, led by researchers at Stanford University and Emory University and aimed at providing local public health officials with tools to respond to crises. Previously known as the Sewer Coronavirus Alert Network (SCAN), the initiative has now advanced to detecting additional viruses along with COVID-19 and its variants, including monkeypox, influenza A, and RSV.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Wichita looks to waive building permit fees to encourage more housing projects
Wichita’s City Council will consider adopting a new two-year pilot program on Tuesday that would provide incentives to encourage infill residential construction within the city’s neglected central neighborhoods, according to an agenda report for the upcoming meeting. The city says the program’s ultimate goal is to provide more affordable housing options to meet workforce needs, as well as reinvigorate declining neighborhoods. If adopted Tuesday, the program would waive building permit fees for all residential construction within designated “formative” areas of Wichita, particularly in areas north, west and south of the downtown core. Homeowners for DIY projects, as well as builders, contractors and landlords, are eligible to participate, as long as they are current on all real estate taxes and outstanding special assessments.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
The Local Infrastructure Hub Opens Enrollment for Technical Assistance Program to Help Small, Mid-Sized Cities and Towns Access Federal Infrastructure Dollars
Today, the Local Infrastructure Hub opened registration for small and mid-sized cities to participate in a new technical assistance program to help them access federal infrastructure funding. The specialized training bootcamps will let them access some of the first grant opportunities available as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. … For smaller cities and towns, submitting strong applications for competitive federal infrastructure money can be particularly challenging. Local teams are stretched and rarely have in-house grant writing resources. … Beginning today, the Local Infrastructure Hub is enrolling towns and cities with 150,000 residents or less in a technical assistance program designed to help them prepare strong applications for five upcoming federal grant programs included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which represent $4 billion in funding. In the months ahead, the Hub will provide support for additional federal grant opportunities.
Source: NLC
Faster Internet Is Coming to America—as Soon as the Government Knows Where to Build It
The government’s $42.5 billion plan to expand internet service to underserved communities is stuck in a holding pattern nearly nine months after approval, largely because authorities still don’t know where gaps need to be filled. The broadband plan, part of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed by President Biden last November, stipulates that money to improve service can’t be doled out until the Federal Communications Commission completes new maps showing where homes and businesses lack fast service.
Source: WSJ.com
Fed’s Barkin says rate increases need to continue until inflation holds at 2%
Despite positive inflation data this week, Richmond Federal Reserve President Thomas Barkin said Friday that more interest rate increases will be needed to tamp down price pressures. Releases this week showing that consumer and wholesale price increases softened in July were “very welcome,” Barkin told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” in a live interview. “So we’re happy to see inflation start to move down,” he added. But he noted that, “I’d like to see a period of sustained inflation under control, and until we do that I think we’re just going to have to continue to move rates into restrictive territory.”
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Gunshots damage Shawnee City Hall overnight Friday, nobody inside at time
Shawnee Police are investigating after gunshots were fired in at least two places along Johnson Drive overnight Friday. At least two bullets appear to have struck Shawnee City Hall during the incidents, damaging a door and window on the front side of the building which faces Johnson Drive. Investigators say city hall was unoccupied at the time the shots were fired, and nobody was reported injured in either shooting incident.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Johnson County police handle more mental health calls. The nearest crisis center is in KCK
In the past year, Overland Park police officer Justin Shepherd has responded to mental health calls including a homeless man experiencing hallucinations and another person who was having thoughts of self-harm. But Shepherd has few options for getting someone in distress the help they need. Only two options are available 24 hours a day for people without insurance: take them to a hospital emergency room or to the crisis center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Source: KC Star Local News
Mission Hills is installing cameras, license plate readers at 10 intersections
Mission Hills hopes to have 10 intersections outfitted with cameras or license plate readers by the end of the summer. The city has been installing cameras and automatic license plate readers at key intersections to help police solve crime, said Capt. Ivan Washington with the Prairie Village Police Department, which contracts with Mission Hills for police services. “The purpose of the initiative is to help as an investigative tool to provide tips or leads to the investigation division to hopefully be able to bring criminal cases to a positive resolution,” Washington said.
Source: KC Star Local News
After years of planning, a new housing development is coming to Edgerton
Leaders of a southwest Johnson County community that is starved for housing on Thursday approved its first new single-family housing development in almost two decades, according to a news release. In an unanimous vote, the Edgerton City Council approved a conceptual plan proposed by developer Rausch Coleman Homes to build about 275 homes on more than 80 acres at the southwest corner of Braun and Eighth streets, according to the news release from ElevateEdgerton!, a public-private economic development partnership with the city. The new housing development is much needed for the community that sees its population nearly triple each day as employees head to work at a fast-growing business park there. The new development has been years in the making.
Source: KC Star Local News
City of Emporia encouraging citizen response to ongoing survey
As the city of Emporia continues navigating new waters, a new citywide survey will help the administration identify the city’s strengths and weaknesses according to City Manager Trey Cocking. During a recent installment of the Talk of Emporia, Cocking discussed a recent survey that began arriving in residents’ mailboxes last weekend. According to Cocking, the survey through ETC is designed to give the city residents feedback on which areas the community thinks need improvement.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Festival book celebrates 50 years of ‘Winfield’
Winfield resident Seth Bate has penned book on the history of the Walnut Valley Festival as the 50th anniversary of the world-famous event approaches. The book recounts some of the untold history and hidden lore of the annual event. Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival examines the early years and what distinguishes it from other music festivals. It also includes reflections from entertainers, staff, crew, campers and fans, according to a press release issued Friday. Bate moved to Kansas in 1989 to attend Southwestern College. He married Jenny (Muret) and made Winfield his home. He started working at the festival as an emcee and stage manage run the late 1990s. He and Jenny later managed the workshops where participants learn from festival musicians.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
As Wichita embraces efforts to reduce homelessness, profound challenges remain
Staci Ellis left a verbally abusive relationship and ended up homeless in Wichita for nine months before settling into an apartment about four weeks ago. Ellis, who describes herself as a huge advocate for the homeless population, has been homeless four times. She said everyone in Wichita’s homeless community knows her because she previously worked at a shelter where she collected and handed out donations. The way Ellis sees it, one of the biggest challenges for Wichita’s homeless population is knowing where to get help.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Kansas homes selling for over list price, study says
A new study that showed states where homes are selling for less than list price shows Kansas homes are selling above list price. The study is done by RubyHome, and analyzed historical Zillow data from the previous 12 months that sold at a different amount than the list price. Kansas came in 38th in the nation, with homes selling for 100.99% of the list price. The study found that West Virginia is the state with the lowest sales-to-list ratio, where homes were selling for on average 97.28% of their list price. Number three on the list was Oklahoma, where homes were selling for 98.07% on average.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for August 12, 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.
Kansas Supreme Court finds Wichita ordinance unconstitutionally overbroad
The Kansas Supreme Court has sided with a Wichita man and found that a city ordinance is unconstitutionally overbroad thereby vacating his convictions. The Kansas Supreme Court says in the matter of Appeal No. 122,007: City of Wichita v. Arlando Trotter, it affirmed part and reversed part of the Court of Appeals decision to reverse the Sedgwick Co. District Court’s dismissal of two criminal charges against Trotter. The Wichita Municipal Court convicted Trotter of failing to file a license application after-hours and teen club or entertainment, which the Supreme Court said it knew nearly nothing about…. The Supreme Court said it unanimously reversed the Court of Appeals on both grounds, finding that the ordnance was, in fact, unconstitutionally overbroad and that the panel made a mistake by raising the propriety of the second dismissal because the City of Wichita had waived the issue in its briefing.
Source: WIBW
City’s Past Building Its Future: Historic commercial structures helped shape Hutchinson’s business, housing and transit
Since the turn of the century, Hutchinson began to grow through three key factors: salt, railroads and grain production. Reno County Museum chief curator David Reed said those three factors caused Hutchinson’s success in the early 1900s, with dozens of residents building large commercial spaces. “There’s a reason why things are here in Reno County,” Reed said. “There’s a reason why Hutchinson had three railroad lines at one time — I want people to have that sense of community, and that we’re all here because these guys were doing something 100 years ago.”
Source: Hutch News
Lawrence leaders to discuss policy that requires most homeowners to pay for sidewalk repairs
City leaders will soon continue their discussion about a policy that generally requires property owners to pay for repairs to sidewalks bordering their homes and businesses unless their income qualifies them for city assistance. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive information about how other municipalities handle sidewalk repair, expansion of the city’s repair assistance program, and a plan for asking residents for input. The city’s sidewalk repair program has been controversial with some homeowners, and the information is being provided to the commission for discussion after some commissioners said they were open to reconsidering the program.
Source: LJWorld
Wet dogs are happy dogs. Pools in Johnson County end their season with canine swims
Lifeguard Morgan Chiarello warmly thanked each of the swimmers for coming as they exited the Ad Astra pool area. Between greetings, she reflected: “This has been the best day ever.” From the dampness and delight on their faces, Eddie, Chief, Seeley, Biscuit and Hazel agreed. Those five four-legged swimmers enjoyed aquatic abandonment at the City of Lenexa’s annual Paws in the Pool at Ad Astra Pool. These traditional end-of-season dips for dogs only are offered at several area public pools after they close for humans.
Source: Joco 913 News
Multipurpose stage, play area and additional features coming to Johnson County Square
Johnson County and Olathe are taking steps to enhance the Johnson County Square, a public open space between the Johnson County Administration Building and the new Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Olathe. The second phase of improvements includes: A multipurpose stage, possibly with solar lighting, on the north end of the property near the square entrance at Santa Fe and Cherry streets. The stage will overlook a large community green space.
Source: Joco 913 News
USDA Rural Development Invests more than $155,000 to Improve Health Care in Two Rural Kansas Communities
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is awarding $155,100 in grants to improve rural health care facilities in Hodgeman and Sumner counties. The details of the Kansas grants are:
• A $130,100 grant will help purchase equipment and recover lost revenues for Hodgeman County Health Center. The Center experienced a loss of revenue in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the project is completed, the facility will be able to provide new and improved health care services to the community.
• A $25,000 grant will help to recover lost revenues, make improvements to electronic health records system, for Sumner County Home Health Agency in Wellington. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Agency from providing home health services in 2020, resulting in loss of revenue.
USDA will announce additional awardees for Emergency Rural Health Care Grants in the coming weeks and months.
Fed expected to stick with hawkish rate hikes until data show further slowing in inflation
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to pivot from its hawkish interest rate hikes despite positive signs this week that inflation in the U.S. could be easing, according to market strategists. On Thursday, the producer price index surprisingly fell 0.5% in July from the prior month, compared with an estimate of a 0.2% gain, according to a Dow Jones survey. On an annual basis, the index rose 9.8%, the lowest rate since October 2021. That followed encouraging data that showed consumer prices rose 8.5% in July. The rate was slightly cooler than the 8.7% expected by analysts surveyed by Dow Jones and a slowing pace from the prior month. As both CPI and PPI soften, markets have started to moderate their expectations for Fed rate hikes. Still, the positive data doesn’t mean it is “mission complete” for the Fed, said Ben Emons, managing director of global macro strategy at Medley Global Advisors. “If you strip off any of the headline noise, some of the… CPI, even PPI [numbers] show still upward pressures,” he told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Friday. “The Fed cannot be done here. It probably means that the 75-basis-point rate hike remains on the table.” “The pricing on the Fed fund futures and euro-dollar futures shows that we’re still more towards the 75-basis-point rate hike. And I think it is because of the guidance that all these Fed speakers keep giving us — ‘just don’t be complacent here, we’re going to continue,'” Emons added.
Source: CNBC
As Saline County Jail moves closer to completion, recruiting and retaining staff is a major concern
After a lengthy and passionate discussion, the Saline County Commission approved a wage increase and incentives bonus for new and existing correctional officers – a measure aimed at hiring and maintaining enough staff to operate the new county jail after its completion. The measure passed in a 3 to 2 vote, with commissioners Robert Vidricksen II and James Weese in the minority. Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan and Human Resources Director Marilyn Leamer presented the measure Aug. 9 to the commission, describing the current state of need for employees.
Source: Salina Journal
Celebrate Hutchinson’s 150th birthday at the mile-long block party downtown on Aug. 18
As Hutchinson turns 150 this year, the Reno County Museum, the City of Hutchinson, Hutch Rec and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce partnered to create a community spirit block party on Thursday, Aug. 18. The mile-long celebration on Main Street will include 12 block parties with Hutchinson-area organizations acting as block captains for free activities, photo opportunities and interactive exhibits. To begin the celebration, residents can participate in a 150th Historical Photo Event at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at East Sherman Street and Main Street.
Source: Hutch News
Municipal Bond Trends for August 11, 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.
Wichita park facility vandalized, repaired, then vandalized again
A community facility at a Wichita park has been closed until late fall because of two rounds of vandalism that have occurred this summer. The city’s recreation superintendent, Reggie Davidson, said the facility at Hyde Park had windows broken over the July 4th weekend and the air conditioning unit was damaged to the point where it could no longer be used. Davidson said the damage was repaired and the unit was replaced on August 8th, only to be vandalized again within 24 hours. The cost of the damage and repairs is estimated to be $65,000. Davidson said this affects community usage of the facility and puts additional costs on the city.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Ellis County health officials investigating two possible cases of monkeypox
Health officials in Ellis County are investigating two possible cases of monkeypox. The county’s health director, Kim Reel, briefed county commissioners on the cases this week. She said the county has received a small dose of the JYNNEOS vaccine from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. She said the county has nine doses left and there have been requests for it, but there are strict guidelines on how the vaccine can be used. If the cases in Ellis County are confirmed, this would mean four cases of monkeypox in Kansas. The other two cases have been reported in Johnson and Shawnee counties.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Governor’s tour promotes “Prosperity” and new mural in Holton
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly visited Holton last Friday morning as part of her “Prosperity On The Plains” tour. Gov. Kelly spent time at More Than Lemons and viewed the new mural on the north exterior wall of the Jackson County Museum. Gov. Kelly joined Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce leaders to tour More Than Lemons on the east side of the Square and visit with owners April and John Lemon.
Source: Holton Recorder
Prairie Village’s new public works facility awarded highest green building certification
Prairie Village’s public works building is officially certified Platinum by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, the only building in the city to achieve that designation from the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council. Why it matters: LEED certification is a globally recognized standard created more than 20 years ago by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council that rates structures’ environmental sustainability, and Platinum is the highest LEED certification a building can achieve.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Pratt family donates cost of new pool construction
An anonymous Pratt family has stepped up, offering to pay the entire cost of construction for a new city pool in Pratt, negating controversy that has surrounded the project that was listed on local August 2 primary ballots for city sales tax funding approval. “We are just amazed and filled with gratitude at this point,” said Pratt City Manager Bruce Pinkall. “It is very humbling to be the recipient of a donation of this size, for this purpose, something that will benefit so many and our community for a very long time.” City leaders gathered for a photo op and made a public announcement on August 3 via a city website post and subsequent Facebook sharing.
Source: Pratt Tribune
Hutchinson Fire Department raises over $60K in school drive
The Hutchinson Fire Department (HFD) raised $63,233 during its three-day back-to-school supply drive. From Aug. 5-7, HFD gathered student supplies as well as hygiene products, food and drinks, classroom supplies and gift cards at an area Walmart. The items will be distributed to over 28 schools in Reno County on Thursday, Aug. 11 and Friday, Aug. 12. The HFD thanks the citizens of Hutchinson and the surrounding area for coming out and supporting them in their cause for children.
Source: KSN-TV
Grant helping Salina revitalize river, bridges, and trail
On Thursday, Aug. 11, the Biden Administration announced nearly $47 million in funding for two transportation projects. One of the projects is in Salina. The project will revitalize the Smoky Hill River and trails and has been in the works for decades. The $22 million grant from the Raise Program will put the City of Salina one step closer. Senator Jerry Moran, who was helping with the grant, called city leaders on Tuesday morning to share the news. “We have worked for this for so many years, and it means so much to our community. They’ve been behind our projects, and it’s one of these things that is going to change our community for life,” said Martha Tasker, the director of utilities for the City of Salina.
Source: KSN-TV
Topeka mural honors Oakland neighborhood legacy
If you’re driving through the Oakland neighborhood, keep an eye out for a newly finished mural. This morning, community members gathered for the blessing and dedication at the Lulac Senior Center. The mural on the front of the building is finally complete; although part of it was done last October, it needed a finishing touch with a portrait of the founders Hazel and Robert Gomez.
Source: KSNT 27 News