Kansas Municipal News
Douglas County agrees to take less aggressive approach in trying to correct rural code violations
Douglas County officials are open to trying a more patient, less aggressive approach in dealing with rural properties that are violating some county codes, county commissioners were told Wednesday evening. County commissioners at their weekly meeting unanimously approved a temporary business use permit that will give a rural resident up to five years to remove approximately 100 vehicles — many of them inoperable — from his rural home and farm site.
Source: LJWorld
City leaders express support for asking voters whether Lawrence should move to directly elected mayor, but not districts
With a majority of city commissioners expressing support, it is becoming more likely that Lawrence voters in November will decide whether the city’s mayor ought to be directly elected by the people. But Lawrence city commissioners at their Tuesday evening meeting weren’t sure if they wanted voters to decide whether city commissioners should come from geographic districts in the city, rather than the current system where all five commissioners are elected at large.
Source: LJWorld
Macksville marks library addition groundbreaking
Construction workers began groundwork on Monday for an addition to the Macksville City Library. Library Director Jody Suiter said plans for this addition started in 2011 when the library’s motto was “Dreaming Bigger!” “With help from the South Central Kansas Library System, we consulted an architect and drew up preliminary plans,” Suiter said. “We then approached the City Council and were told, ‘If you can raise the funds, you can build it.’ “Now, 11 years down the road, and hundreds of memorials, many fundraisers, numerous grants, multiple gifts, raffles, and donations later, we are breaking ground for the new addition. In 2022, our dream has come true!”
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Sedgwick’s city clerk to retire after twenty-plus years
Sedgwick City Clerk publicly announced her retirement to the city council last week at the regular council meeting. She gave them plenty of advanced notice though. She plans to retire on June 30, 2023. Enterkin has been employed with the city for 20 years, since May 2002. She was first appointed as City Clerk in January 2004. Mayor Bryan Chapman told the council that they currently have two full-time employees in the office and one part-time. Chapman said that Shelia Agee, the full-time municipal court clerk, might be interested in moving into the city clerk’s position. He thought they should consider hiring a third full-time person to replace the part-time stop so training could begin for Enterkin’s departure.
Source: Harvey County Now
Sedgwick County reactivates COVID-19 dashboard as cases rise for months
The Sedgwick County Health Department stopped publishing its COVID-19 dashboard back in March as cases plummeted. But after months of trending back up, it says it’s bringing it back so the community can easily see what’s happening. With a better understanding of the virus and vaccines readily available, the fight against COVID-19 is much different and less deadly than it used to be. But the SCHD is reminding people it’s still very much around, including KAKE’s own Maeve Ashbrook, who is going through it for the first time. “I was gonna be able to say that I never had it, which was really cool. And I’ve been able to say that I’ve never had it,” said Ashbrook. “I went to Target with my mom. And I remember like, I remember like walking around and feeling very out of it and very winded. But again, I really didn’t think anything of it.”
Source: KAKE – News
Spring Hill High School unveils new solar array
Spring Hill High School powered up its new solar array for the first time at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 3. The school partnered with Evergy and EnergyLink to create a 750.4-kilowatt ground-mounted system that covers nearly four acres. The solar array is considered a carbon-emission-free site. The solar array will produce 85,000 kWh of energy per month. That much energy can charge 15 million smartphones, 95 homes or 5.3 million hours of watching television. Spring Hill High School annually will save 30 percent on its electricity cost, according to information provided by Evergy and the school district.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com
Commerce Department Launches Rural by Choice Champions Program
Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland today announced a unique opportunity for rural communities throughout the state – the Rural by Choice Champions Program (Rural Champions). This one-year pilot program will create a network of grassroots individuals who will tackle critical community projects and identified needs integral for rural prosperity. Rural Champions, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, will help drive success when there is a lack of capital or other resources to complete the project. “We are continually looking at ways to keep and attract individuals that want to live and work in our rural communities throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland. “Through this program and other initiatives, such as our Grassroots Economic Development Program and Rural Opportunity Zones, we are focusing on removing barriers to success in rural Kansas.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
State senator to seek RNR bill changes
The road to property tax transparency is paved with good intentions. That was Kansas Sen. Alicia Straub’s assessment of Senate Bill 13, the so-called Truth in Taxation or Revenue Neutral bill enacted by the Kansas Legislature in 2021. Straub, from Ellinwood, serves the 33rd District and joined the Barton County Commission Wednesday morning to discuss the measure which created much consternation amongst local officials. During the 2021 session, the tax lid was removed and the Legislature enacted Senate Bill 13, county Operations Director Matt Patzner said. This bill established notice and public hearing requirements if a taxing entity’s proposed budget will exceed the property tax levy’s Revenue Neutral Rate (generally, the RNR is the tax rate in mills that would generate the same property tax revenue in dollars as levied the previous tax year using the current tax year’s total assessed valuation).
Source: Great Bend Tribune
County hears pitch for broadband expansion in rural areas
Two IdeaTek representatives made a pitch Tuesday to the Board of Harvey County Commissioners, seeking support for extending broadband service to underserved areas. Nate Oswald, director of customer service and sales, said he and Thomas Garrett, director of business development, had been working with County Administrator Anthony Swartzendruber to find needs for the county. He said a new grant opportunity had been made available through the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. The application is due Aug. 19, and he asked for a letter of support, which commissioners agreed to provide. Oswald proposed a map of the work area that he said would extend to areas without broadband. He also suggested expanding broadband around East Park, because he said he would like to meet the needs with the same proposal.
Source: Harvey County Now
Hiawatha places new signs honoring John McLendon
A Hiawatha native, basketball icon and Civil Rights pioneer continues to be honored in his hometown, as the City of Hiawatha has posted fresh signage recognizing the town as the birthplace of Coach John B. McLendon. A groundbreaking basketball coach who spent time as Dr. James Naismith’s protégé, McLendon went on to become the first African American to coach at a white university, and also the first African American to coach a professional team in any sport.
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com
New Grocery Store Opens in Bronson
Kelly and Thaddeus Perry opened their store, Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store on July 31 in Bronson, Kansas-population 309. The store is located right on Highway 54 that runs through the town. Perry’s Pork Rinds and Country Store, Bronson. The mom and pop operation has people sign a guest book when they come in. “This is for Kansas Tourism,” Kelly said. “There have been a ton of people coming in.” “We sold over 200 pounds of (her homemade) fudge in the first three days we were open,” she said.
Source: Fort Scott Biz
To keep students safe, Johnson County schools get new emergency buttons and door locks
The Shawnee Mission School District is adding an extra layer of security to its buildings this school year after recent mass shootings that heightened anxieties over school safety. At its meeting Monday, the Shawnee Mission Board of Education unanimously approved spending up to $250,000 to install hard wired, button-controlled door locks at the main entrances of the district’s elementary and middle schools. According to district documents, the change is part of an effort to “better and more uniformly secure district attendance facilities.” It also said the buttons will replace wireless ones which risk being misplaced, need batteries changed frequently, respond slowly or suffer from signal interference.
Source: KCUR News
Hutchinson residents can be part of the city’s 150th birthday photo in downtown this month
As part of the Aug. 18 festivities marking Hutchinson’s Sesquicentennial, the city has arranged for an aerial photograph of residents forming the number 150 in the center of downtown. Organizers estimate it will take about 300 people to fill the spaces, which will create the three numbers, 1-5-0, in the road at Sherman Avenue and Main Street. Participants for the photo will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket featuring more than $500 worth of items.
Source: Hutch News
County questions mosquito population forecast
Is Topeka abuzz with mosquitoes? The answer is — depends on who you ask. One the side of “yes” is a new forecasting tool created through a partnership between from Google and Off!, the insect repellant. That tool says city’s predicted population of that blood-sucking insect Monday was at its highest possible level of “severe” and should remain so through Thursday. … On the “no” side is testing by the Shawnee County Health Department, which says the mosquito population is lower than average this year. “We did see a small increase last week in mosquitoes, but overall for the year, our mosquito population has been lower than the average,” said Craig Barnes, division manager of community health outreach and planning for that department.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for August 9, 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.
Will Wichita firefighters get a 30% pay hike?
Wichita firefighter negotiators are asking for a big pay increase. “Yes,” said Ted Bush with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) local 135. “We’re looking at a 30% raise across the board. That would get us to industry standards.” … “I think we have to do something big,” said Wichita City Council Member Jeff Blubaugh. “I think we need to be close to that.” Blubaugh says he and at least two others on council want to make a move on pay.
Source: KSN-TV
Risk level remains high in Sedgwick County for COVID-19
Sedgwick County health officials said Tuesday that the county remains at a high risk level for COVID-19 transmission for the third week in a row. That is based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At a high community level, the CDC recommends that people wear masks indoors in public settings, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and test if they have symptoms or if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19. The Sedgwick County Health Department has resumed its COVID-19 dashboard on the county’s web page.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Topeka road condition study project starts soon
A project to inventory the condition of all roads maintained by the City of Topeka is slated to begin on Wednesday. According to Gretchen Spiker, director of communications for the City of Topeka, Roadway Asset Services has been hired to undertake the project. … Starting on Aug. 10, RAS vehicles will collect imagery on all pavement and above ground transportation-related assets located within the public right-of-way. The vehicles will be traveling on all City-maintained roads, including alleys.
Source: KSNT 27 News
USD 413 to enact stringent new safety protocols
After a few weeks of deliberation and ironing out details, the district will enact a set of new security measures for the upcoming school year and beyond. “I hope this exemplifies that we are taking the situation seriously, because we are,” said Superintendent Kellen Adams. The new protocols coincide with recent upgrades at each of the district buildings, which were partially funded by the state through the Safe and Secure Schools grant. Visitors will now be required to buzz in through a video doorbell prior to entering a district building, and front doors will remain locked throughout the school day. Once inside the corridor area, an intercom will be utilized for front office personnel to communicate with visitors before allowing entrance into the office.
Source: www.chanute.com
Lawrence city leaders to consider putting proposal for directly elected mayor, other changes to form of government on Nov. ballot
Lawrence city leaders will soon consider putting changes to the city’s form of government on the ballot. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider a resolution to put the question of whether the city should transition to a system with a directly elected mayor and a six-member commission elected by districts on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. All terms would also be changed to four years long.
Source: LJWorld
Lawrence board could close schools due to budget issues
The Lawrence school board is looking at another way to solve budget issues that could include cutting schools. The school board is considering hiring a consultant to look at future enrollment and the use of school buildings in the district. The consulting firm is RSP and Assoc. If approved, RPS would provide 5-year enrollment projections, a development and housing analysis and a demographic profile for the district. The team would also include a community engagement process to talk future educational needs, the district’s wants and available financial resources.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Municipal Bond Trends for August 8, 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.
The child-care choice: Employers and talent alike realize daycare challenges are hindering part of the workforce
Conner Hampton was a stay-at-home dad for about five months because, like many Wichita parents, he couldn’t find an opening at a daycare center for his newborn son. He turned down a few jobs because of it, too. After months of trying, Hampton eventually found an available slot and re-entered the workforce. Now, he’s development director of Center City Academy, a new early child development center planned in downtown Wichita — a role in which he hopes to be part of finding a solution to a growing problem.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Butler Community College administrator sees connections between school and El Dorado
Butler Community College is making good on the “community” portion of its name as it works to connect students of color more directly with El Dorado. “True fulfillment comes through involvement,” says Aletra Chaney-Profit, director of career services at the school. “So when our students can become more involved, they have a better educational experience.” Chaney-Profit says community engagement is a priority for a variety of groups at Butler, including its Inclusion Council, Black Student Association (for which she is an advisor), Hispanic American Leadership Organization and CARES team.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Fed Governor Bowman sees ‘similarly sized’ rate hikes ahead after three-quarter point moves
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said Saturday she supports the central bank’s recent big interest rate increases and thinks they are likely to continue until inflation is subdued. The Fed, at its last two policy meetings, raised benchmark borrowing rates by 0.75 percentage point, the largest increase since 1994. Those moves were aimed at subduing inflation running at its highest level in more than 40 years. In addition to the hikes, the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee indicated that “ongoing increases … will be appropriate,” a view Bowman said she endorses. “My view is that similarly sized increases should be on the table until we see inflation declining in a consistent, meaningful, and lasting way,” she added in prepared remarks in Colorado for the Kansas Bankers Association.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Olathe schools boost security: All staff will wear button that can lock down building
A months-long internal investigation of the Olathe East High School shooting that left three injured — and a student charged with attempted capital murder — found that the district must improve communication during a school crisis. As a result, the district announced that for this coming school year, all staff will wear a badge equipped with a button that allows them to call for help during emergencies, and lock down a school if needed. The district also will add more safety personnel at high schools.
Source: Joco 913 News
Small Kansas town became a top travel destination after years of decline. Here’s how
Sometimes when Cole Herder has a free moment he likes to get up from behind his cluttered desk at Humboldt City Hall and go stand by the bank of floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the town square. He remembers what the view once was: a city hanging by its nails, a downtown with half its teeth knocked out, a decaying hotel whose only guests were ghosts. How things change. These days, downtown Humboldt is tingling with so many projects and new businesses that Herder, the city administrator, struggles to keep track of it all.
Source: Kansas City Star
Prairie Village is getting rid of Bird’s electric scooters in August
The city council’s Committee of the Whole on Monday decided against renewing the city’s one-year pilot program with Bird Rides, Inc., which would have kept the dockless, pay-as-you-go vehicles on city streets for another year… Aside from lack of usage, several councilmembers expressed concerns about safety and negative resident feedback. Some, like Councilmember Inga Selders, said she’s heard from a resident in a wheelchair who was unable to get around scooters parked at the Shops of Prairie Village. Councilmember Chad Herring said he still worries about safety issues with scooters, including riders falling off or getting injured.
Source: KCUR News
New CDC study offers best look at how many people got sick at Kansas park last year
The June 2021 bacterial and viral outbreak linked to Tanganyika Wildlife Park is now a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case study. The CDC’s study is based on survey responses submitted by 404 people who visited Tanganyika last year between May 28 and June 19. The study provides a closer look at what happened, including more concrete figures on the number of people who got sick. The park reopened in July 2021 after implementing the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code. Sedgwick County’s top health official said he is “satisfied that all requirements (of reopening) are met and that there is no risk of infection.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Century tradition returns to fairgrounds in Southeast Kansas
A century-long summer tradition was back in full force in Southeast Kansas. This week the 106th Crawford County fair” returned to Girard. Since Wednesday the fairgrounds have been full of 4-H and community members showing off their livestock and other projects, like photography or clothes they’ve constructed. Tina Oehme with Crawford County K-State and Extension Office has been helping out at the fair for the past decade, and says it has been a summer staple for the community.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Lyon County constructing new fitness facility for employees
Initial work is underway to provide Lyon County employees with a new fitness center. Last month county commissioners approved the use of $100,000 in American Rescue Act funds for the creation of the center inside the Lyon County Court Annex. According to Human Resources Director Janice Huffman, the center is one way the county is helping staff both improve work-life balance and overcome stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bids for equipment are to be presented to commissioners during their Aug. 18 action session. Huffman says once those are approved, given the current state of supply chains, the equipment could arrive by either September or October.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Osawatomie Announces Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
On November 8, 2021, the City of Osawatomie was in a consortium of eight businesses and municipalities, working through the Metropolitan Energy Center, that were awarded $5.2 million through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Vehicle Technologies, Demonstration and Deployment program for electric vehicle (EV) and charging station projects. These businesses and municipalities operate within environmental justice areas, opportunity zones, and other underserved areas. In addition to sedans, they are replacing small and heavy trucks with electric models. These partners will also be building out EV charging stations in various locations.
Source: City of Osawatomie
Leawood approves new citywide crosswalk policy after 6-year-old was hit at intersection last year
The Leawood City Council this week unanimously approved the adoption of a new citywide pedestrian crossing policy, following concerns raised by residents in recent months. The council at its Monday meeting also approved the installation of a new crosswalk at the intersection of 93rd Street and Lee Boulevard. Residents began rallying for a crosswalk at that particular intersection after a 6-year-old Leawood resident was hit by a car there last fall.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Sedgwick County Firefighters Union pushes for higher pay for staff
The Sedgwick County Firefighters Union said if the staff shortage gets worse, they might have to shut down a station. The union president wants staff to get a bump in pay to address the issue. In 2016 previous Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to take away bargaining power from the Sedgwick County Firefighters Union. Now the president of the union is asking for that power back. He said call volume is up, but staffing is not. “Over the last few years, we’ve had people leave here and there. In the last few months, we’ve really had people voice their concerns and say they can no longer financially stay with this department,” said Casey Ingalls, the president of the Sedgwick County Firefighters Union Local 2612. Ingalls said the department has lost 29 firefighters since 2015. He said pay is partly to blame. Staff received a 4 percent raise in January, but he said it wasn’t enough.
Source: KSN-TV
Muni Bond Costs Remain High: Study Says Researchers find dealers mark up prices when customers are less likely notice
Municipal bond dealers set prices well above what they pay for the securities, reaping windfalls at the expense of individual investors despite recent regulation aimed at curbing so-called markups, according to an academic study of trading data expected to be released Thursday. “Dealers appear to use their pricing discretion to charge higher markups to small customers when investors are less likely to notice,” wrote the study’s authors, John Griffin and Samuel Kruger of the University of Texas at Austin, and Nicholas Hirschey of the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Douglas County historical societies band together for ARPA request, aiming for increased accessibility
With the help of more than $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding, Douglas County’s six historical societies are hoping to make their sites around the county more accessible for visitors. The team of six historical societies — the Clinton Lake, Douglas County, Eudora Area, Lecompton and Santa Fe Trail historical societies and the Black Jack Battlefield Trust — submitted a joint funding request during the county’s ARPA request process and ultimately was awarded $723,539 to cover capital expenses for a variety of projects at sites throughout the county.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for August 3, 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 Bullard sees more interest rate hikes ahead and no U.S. recession
St. Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard said Wednesday that the central bank will continue raising rates until it sees compelling evidence that inflation is falling. The central bank official said he expects another 1.5 percentage points or so in interest rate increases this year as the Fed continues to battle the highest inflation levels since the early 1980s. “I think we’ll probably have to be higher for longer in order to get the evidence that we need to see that inflation is actually turning around on all dimensions and in a convincing way coming lower, not just a tick lower here and there,” Bullard said during a live “Squawk Box” interview on CNBC.
Source: CNBC
Bentley Police celebrate National Night Out
Tuesday night was a soggy one for Bentley Police Chief James “Tim” Bryan, but it was all in the name of bringing the community together. Bryan found himself on the hot-seat of a dunk tank at the police department’s National Night Out event at Williams Park. “That’s what this is all about—having good conversations with the community,” Bryan said. The department borrowed the homemade dunk tank Matt Hayden of the Haven Police Department. Bryan noted Fire Chief Jeremy Lee would be taking a turn on the dunk tank later in the evening.
Source: Harvey County Now
Chippeaux exemplifies volunteerism as new Bentley resident
In the eyes of Bentley Mayor Tracy Pribbenow, Chris Chippeaux is the epitome of a new resident to a small community. “To me, it’s just awesome that he dives into a community with both feet,” Pribbenow said. “I wish so many new residents would consider how to really be involved and integrated into a new place.” Chippeaux and his family moved to Bentley in December of 2020, and he wasted no time joining the volunteer fire department. He also just completed his first year on the city council. “It’s not exactly what I was expecting, but I’m learning a lot with it, too,” Chippeaux said about serving on the council. “I’m pretty happy with the decision to get more involved.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Local Mennonites Reflect On Newton Impact
Mennonites from the Newton and North Newton area gathered around the Carriage Factory Art Gallery for a detailed look at how Mennonites have shaped Newton to the present. Glen Ediger presented, “The Mennonite Impact on the Newton Area,” at Carriage Factory on Thursday, July 28. This was part of a two-part presentation about the history of Mennonites in Kansas. Ediger previously presented “Mennonites Come to Kansas” in June. Much of the research done by Ediger was accomplished through Bethel College’s archives and the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (GAMEO).
Source: Harvey County Now
Peabody dog violation put bite on owner
Thirteen separate dog offenses have resulted in $1,760 in fines for a dog owner who has since left Peabody. Eric J. Williams, 34, was fined in municipal court for five counts of having a dog at large, having an unvaccinated dog, being a habitual dog ordinance violator, harboring a vicious animal, having no dog tag, and having no water service in his residence. The most recent of the offenses was April 22. He was convicted last week.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Short-staffed ambulances to charge hospitals
Medical facilities that summon county ambulance crews to transfer patients or perform medical procedures soon will be charged. In the past, patients have been billed for transfers, at a much higher charge than what interim ambulance director Chuck Kenney suggested to county commissioners Friday. Under federal regulations, a hospital is responsible for the cost of transferring a patient to another facility, but ambulance services routinely bill the patients instead.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office receives raise to $23.50/hr
Amid staffing concerns that arose after a plotted riot at the Sedgwick County Jail in July, Sedgwick County Commissioners on Wednesday approved a pay raise for the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office. Sedgwick County Commissioners unanimously approved a pay raise for commissioned deputies and detention deputies to $23.50 per hour, which according to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter, would put the agency just above the Maize Police Department and below the Bel Aire Police Department. Easter told commissioners Wednesday staffing shortages have been a major cause for concern. Two more people resigned over the weekend, making a bad situation worse.
Source: KSN-TV
Some skunks remain, but Newton track reopens
The skunk traps are working in Newton. About 10 days after Newton Schools closed the high school track because of skunks, the track reopened. Many people in the community use the track, but the school district warned them to stay away because of a lot of skunks, especially under the high jump mats. One skunk charged at a person using the track. Cody Abney, a master tracker and trapper, got to work on the problem. On Wednesday, the district announced on Facebook that five of the 11 skunks have been caught.
Source: KSN-TV