Kansas Municipal News
Salina is using new technology to extend the life of its streets
“For instance, we’re currently testing that pressure pave (technique),” [Jim Teutsch, director of public works for the City of Salina] said. … He said road departments hope to get seven to eight years out of typical surface treatments, but this pressure pave system has claimed to get at least 10 years of use before retreatment, something that helps as the department wants to cause the least amount of headache to drivers.
Source: Salina Journal
Arkansas City responds to cybersecurity incident
Arkansas City encountered a cybersecurity issue early Sunday morning involving its Water Treatment Facility. Authorities were promptly notified and precautionary measures were taken to ensure plant operations remained secure, the City said in a release Sunday afternoon.
Source: KAKE
City to consider ordinance to let people walk around with alcoholic beverages during events
Manhattan city commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting will discuss possible approaches to adopting a common consumption area (CCA) ordinance. A CCA allows a person to consume and possess an alcoholic beverage within the area and can include city property, sidewalks and streets.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Southeast Kansas school board fined for improper meetings
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office fined a rural, seven-member school board for repeatedly violating the Kansas Open Meetings Act. The Chautauqua County school district board, a 380-student district in southeast Kansas, inappropriately used executive sessions, made improper motions for executive sessions and failed “to comply with nearly every statutory requirement for such motions,” the attorney general’s office said in a news release Thursday. The board’s meeting minutes also did not accurately reflect the board’s verbal motions during its meetings. As a result, each board member must pay a $100 fine and attend further Kansas Open Meetings Act training. No evidence suggests the seven-member board intentionally violated the meetings act, said Amber Smith, an assistant attorney general, in the news release.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Dept. of Commerce visits Dodge City, delivers Gunsmoke Trail grant
Boot Hill was one highlight along a statewide pilgrimage for the Kansas Department of Commerce this week as members presented historic attractions with funds to keep Dodge City on the lips of locals and visitors alike. Leaders from Boot Hill Museum, Inc., and Boot Hill Distillery were present Sept. 17 to accept the checks. “They do such a great job selling Dodge City,” Department of Commerce Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said of Dodge City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) Director Megan Welsh and Boot Hill Museum Director Lyne Johnson. “It’s great to see Dodge City blossom and work with surrounding areas. The importance of telling these stories to our children is to help them understand the Dodge City of today.” The Gunsmoke Trail Pass allows fans of Emmy award-winning Western classic to earn points and prizes just by visiting locations along the Gunsmoke Trail. The trail launched in May 2023 as a collaboration between the CVB and peer organizations in Abilene, Hays and Wichita. The Gunsmoke Trail is a road trip adventure through four Kansas communities featured on the show.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Chalk Fest revival brings color to downtown Emporia
After more than a decade, the Emporia Arts Center brought back its popular Chalk Fest event Saturday, to the delight of local artists and community members alike. The event transformed the 800 block of Commercial Street into a vibrant canvas for artists of all skill levels, with people young and old joining in the celebration. Sarah Barrett, Gallery and Art Store Coordinator at the Emporia Arts Center, said the decision to revive the event after almost a 15-year hiatus was almost serendipitous. “We just really wanted to be out in the community doing this kind of creative thing,” Barrett said. “We were cleaning out the basement one day and found a box labeled ‘Chalk Fest.’ When we opened it, we found all these pictures, and it brought back memories for a lot of people who were kids the last time we did this.”
Source: Emporia Gazette
Solar moratorium sent back to county planners
A proposed moratorium on both commercial wind and commercial solar projects for two years by the county planning commission was struck down by Jackson County Commissioners at their meeting on Monday morning. Members of the planning commission met last Thursday evening, Sept. 5, to discuss several topics, including a two-year moratorium on commercial wind projects. After some discussion, the planning commission approved both a commercial wind and commercial solar moratorium for two years on a 3-2 vote, it was reported. Steven Willett, Delbert Boling and Ben Pruett voted in favor of the revised moratorium and Jonathan Wimer and Chris Abernathy voted against it.
Source: Holton Recorder
JH board continues to talk building addition options
The Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education on Monday evening continued to discuss a plan to build a new classroom addition that would link the district’s elementary and high school buildings, but tabled action on setting that plan into motion after some board members expressed concerns that a proposed $5 million bond issue for that construction may not get the approval of district voters. Draft plans for the addition, as board members noted in August, would cover about 17,000 square feet and include a common “library” space, new classrooms allowing fifth and sixth-grade classes to move out of the existing elementary building — allowing kindergarten through fourth grades to have three classrooms per grade — and new art and music spaces, as well as a possible remodel of elementary classroom space for a new office near the building’s main entrance.
Source: Holton Recorder
Shawnee Police descend on home after ‘false’ 911 call
Shawnee Police are investigating following an apparent swatting call at a home near Johnson and Greenwood drives on Sunday afternoon. That intersection is immediately east of Broken Arrow Elementary. Swatting is when someone calls emergency services and falsely reports an emergency, which is meant to result in a significant response from police and other first responders. In an emailed response to questions, Shawnee Public Safety Information Officer Emily Rittman told the Post that police, firefighters and Johnson County Med-Act were called to a falsely reported shooting in the 5900 block of Greenwood Drive at about 2:20 p.m. According to recorded radio traffic, firefighters and paramedics were told to stage away from the address until police could confirm the scene was safe for them to enter. “When officers and first responders arrived, they discovered no one was injured,” Rittman said in her email. The fire and Med-Act units were told they could cancel their response just after 2:45 p.m. The emergency response caused a temporary closure of Johnson Drive between Alden Street and Mullen Road. “False reporting is a dangerous and illegal act that puts lives at risk,” Rittman said. “We want to remind our community that these actions have serious consequences, both legally and personally.” Police continue to investigate and have not said if they’ve been able to identify the person who made the false 911 call. No other details were immediately available.
Source: Johnson County Post
Prairie Village to host city’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage event
The city of Prairie Village’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Month celebration promises food, dancing and community. Under the guidance of resident Lilian Valdez, the city’s diversity committee is hoping to bring the community together to highlight Prairie Village’s Hispanic community. Valdez —who moved to Prairie Village in 2017 from Los Angeles — acknowledges the city’s history and reputation as an overwhelmingly white community. Still, she hopes this inaugural event can foster a sense of community among the city’s Hispanic population. Valdez noted that 2020 U.S. Census data shows more than 1,000 Hispanic people in the Prairie Village community of nearly 23,000. “I’m hoping this brings a little bit of joy, a little bit of hometown feel from where they came from or maybe family feel from how you grew up, and just trying to foster that in Prairie Village,” Valdez said. The first-ever Prairie Village Hispanic Heritage Month event is from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Harmon Park.
Source: Johnson County Post
Johnson County’s homeless shelter plan is officially dead
It’s back to the drawing board for Johnson County and its plans to build a shelter in Lenexa for the county’s growing homeless population. How did the project — a major priority of Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly, and the product of more than a year of planning and organizing — fall apart? Johnson County officials had approved a plan to use $6 million of federal funding to purchase a La Quinta Inn hotel in Lenexa and convert it into a homeless services shelter. Except last week, the Lenexa City Council rejected the permit, in spite of overwhelming support from community members. To find out what happened, Up To Date’s Steve Kraske spoke with Andrew Gaug, who has been covering this story for the Johnson County Post, and Stephanie Boyer, the CEO of reStart, the organization that had been planning to operate this new shelter.
Source: KCUR News
Soybean processing plant brings more jobs to Cherryvale area
A new industry is coming to Cherryvale, Kansas as a grand opening takes place for the Bartlett Soybean Processing Plant. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is just one state official to attend the opening of the facility. She was joined by the likes of Sen. Roger Marshall and Lt. Gov. David Toland. The soybean plant is expected to process up to 49 million bushels of soybeans annually, creating products for foods, animal feed and renewable energy. The plant has already created more than 60 new jobs within the facility alone.
Source: KOAM News
Fort Scott approves demolition of rundown homes for community beautification
The Fort Scott City Commission has approved the demolition of several rundown homes that have been a concern for the community. Earlier this month, they reviewed six homes that are either abandoned or need many repairs. “Honestly, some of these houses are places I wouldn’t want to see anyone living in, especially kids,” he said. He explained that these dilapidated homes hurt the property values in the area, making it harder for everyone” said Leroy Kruger, codes technician. If a house is found to be in bad shape and the city is considering demolition, the the city will send a letter to the owner, giving them a chance to fix things. If nothing changes, the city can move forward with the demolition. “A house in that condition can make people think twice about buying nearby,” said Kruger. City Commissioner Matthew Wells says many of the homes are considered unsafe. “The majority of these homes are unlivable and have become flop houses or houses where drugs or other illicit activities take place within those neighborhoods. Needles have been found on the porches, drug paraphernalia scattered across the yards of broken glass,” said Wells. One of the goals of this demolition plan is allow new businesses and safer homes in Fort Scott, especially since there’s a need for housing in the area.
Source: KOAM News
New City Administrator appointed in Fredonia, Kansas
The city of Fredonia, Kansas announces a new City Administrator during its commission meeting. According to the city’s Facebook page, the new City Administrator is Evan Bolt. “Evan meets all of our preferred qualifications. He will arrive with a successful track record of managing infrastructure projects in municipalities in Colorado and Utah.” said Mayor Miller. “And Fredonia will also benefit from the practical research he conducted for the Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University while working on his graduate degree.” According to Mayor Miller, after extensive resume screening, candidate and reference interviews, department head consultation, and background checks, he and Commissioners agreed that Bolt was the most qualified to be Fredonia’s next City Administrator. He replaces Wesley Young who resigned in May to take a similar position in southeast Missouri.
Source: KOAM News
Wichita Public Library now offering birdwatching kits
The Wichita Public Library continues to expand its unique offerings that can be checked out for free with a membership card. The latest is perfect for anyone interested in birds. The library has announced a new partnership with the Audubon of Kansas to offer birdwatching kits. The kits are packed with pamphlets and guides to birdwatching, other information, and maps of excellent viewing areas across Sedgwick County. They also include one pair of adult binoculars and two child binoculars. The kits can be checked out for 14 days, with two renewals available. Click here for more information or to reserve one for your family. The birdwatching kit is just the latest addition to the Library of Things offered by Wichita Public Library.
Source: KSN-TV
Paxico’s 20th annual blues festival draws in their largest crowd
Main street in Paxico was filled with people from all over for the 20th annual Paxico Blues Festival. Festivals have always been a big part of what Paxico does and a music festival was on that list. So, when one of the festival co-founders took a trip back to his hometown, following owning blues clubs of her own in Kansas City, Kansas, he knew they had a hit event in the making. “I’ve had people describe it as ‘well it’s kind of like being with your family,” Bud Hund, one of the co-founders said. “It’s like all your family, go to a family event and everybody is so friendly and nice and everybody enjoying’ that’s the kind of vibe it brings.” Despite the weather, the festival saw the largest crowd they’ve ever had and hopes to continue this tradition for many more years to come.
Source: KSNT 27 News
$100,000 in grants will revitalize barns for Kansas agritourism
Kansas Tourism has announced that $100,000 in grants will be distributed to businesses across the state to promote agritourism. The businesses are the first recipients of the new Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) grant program. The program was created to help restore and revitalize old barns across the state and further efforts to expand agritourism across Kansas. The state began promoting agritourism in 2004 after the passage of the Kansas Agritourism Promotion Act. The act provides free agritourism promotion through the Kansas Tourism office, a layer of limited liability for agritourism businesses and education and resource opportunities. “The BARN grant is vital to our efforts to foster and support innovation and sustainability in our agricultural communities,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “These funds not only will help preserve the rich agricultural traditions of Kansas but also pave the way for new and creative agritourism ventures that will benefit local residents and visitors alike.” The BARN grants are matching-cost grants, meaning a total of $200,000 will be spent on the six projects across the state. “We are excited to see these projects come to reality and contribute to the future of Kansas agritourism,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “By revitalizing these unique structures, we are not only preserving our past, but also creating new economic opportunities that will draw visitors to experience the heart and soul of Kansas.” Source: KSNT 27 News
Forums for Sedgwick County Commission candidates will focus on affordable housing
The Wichita Journalism Collaborative is organizing candidate forums for the Sedgwick County Commission races in Districts 2 and 3. The forums, which will be in the Alumni Auditorium at Friends University, will focus on housing issues within the commission’s purview. District 3 candidates Celeste Racette and Stephanie Wise will participate in the forum on Monday, Sept. 23, while District 2 candidates Sarah Lopez and Jeff Blubaugh are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24. Both forums start at 6 p.m. When the collaborative hosted a listening session on housing earlier this year, participants who completed a post-event survey highlighted affordability issues, such as why housing and rents have been increasing, as a concern that called for additional coverage.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
An update from the Nemaha County Administrator, Part 1
To everybody who calls Nemaha County home, as I come to the close of my first year in my role, I appreciate your patience as I build relationships and gather the necessary information to execute the role of County Administrator. This includes diagnosing the situation, energizing others, managing myself, and intervening thoughtfully and skillfully. This first year has fully met my expectations with all the challenges and rewards that were promised. I was asked frequently during my first few weeks if I’m quitting or if I am disappointed coming here. I am not quitting, and I am not disappointed. I’ve met dozens of wonderful people including many leaders. Still, it is a challenge to balance the expectations of many of the people I work with who don’t want to change anything and the others who think I’m moving far too slowly. I am building relationships and growing fond of many teammates from the Nemaha County Government. My overall goal for the county government is to promote harmony, build confidence, regain faith and to create a sense of hope — even when there seems to be little cause for hope. This goal is connected to my life priorities and world view which is: There is a God of the universe, the same God Moses served, and I serve Him first — with my priorities being: God, Family, Job, Ministry, other things. Easy to write, but this is still my goal. I do mess it up occasionally.
Source: Sabetha Herald
Municipal Bond Trends for September 20, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.