Kansas Municipal News
After a 5-day trial, federal judge to decide whether Dodge City’s at-large elections discriminate against the Latino vote
Voting rights lawyers offered a passionate rebuke of Dodge City’s at-large election system, arguing that the city’s current system deprives Latino voters of sufficient representation on the city commission. … Attorneys for the city counter that a lack of Latino representation on the commission is the result of factors beyond local government’s control. In December 2022, ACLU Kansas and other voting rights groups filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that Latinos would overwhelmingly back other Latinos for seats on the City Commission but are restrained by an at-large system that favors white voters. … The five-day trial went into recess before noon Friday, March 1. Plaintiffs and defendants have until March 22 to file their final briefs to the Court. Then, [Judge] Melgren will review and issue his decision. It could be months before he issues a ruling.
Source: KLC Journal
110 new jobs coming to Wellington
A company is investing $14 million in Wellington and creating 110 new jobs for the area. Elite Harness plans to refurbish an existing facility at 1515 North A Street on the north side of town. The goal is to make it into a 50,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. “We have a sister company that is located in Tulsa, so we considered building there, but the State of Kansas and Sumner County really stepped up to the plate and made Wellington a wise choice for us,” Elite Harness President Nathan Smith said in a news release.
Source: KSN-TV
How running with pancakes in southwest Kansas boosts community spirit and the economy
This year marks the 75th anniversary of what’s known as the Pancake Day Race in the southwest Kansas town of Liberal. It’s an oddity, but these types of community festivals offer economic and less tangible benefits to smaller towns. Women dressed in aprons, skirts and headscarves line up in the middle of main street. They’re dressed in a traditional English kitchen outfit, but instead of cooking they are about to race. As the women get on their marks they prepare their other race essentials, frying pans and pancakes. This is the annual Pancake Day Race, a tradition in Liberal, Kansas, for 75 years. People gather to watch competitors run the quarter-mile race holding frying pans containing a single pancake. It’s a multi-day event in Liberal with an international connection as locals compete against racers in England. While events like this held in many smaller towns may seem like curiosities, they can offer economic and social benefits that motivate communities to keep them alive. “We’re smack dab in the middle of nowhere, and in a small sense, we’re connected internationally,” said Gary Classen, who has been chairman of Pancake Day for eight years.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
‘The lifeblood of the community’: States invest to save rural grocery stores
Corliss Hassler rushes in the front door of Post 60 Market and heads straight for the produce case. “I’m back,” she announces. It’s around lunchtime, but it’s already her second trip in today — this time, she’s picking up a few items for the Friday fish fry at the local Catholic church. Hassler is a regular customer and investor in the small grocery store, opened in 2022 as a cooperative. The store provides convenience, sure: It’s the only place in town to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. But it’s also a social hub for the northeast Nebraska town of Emerson, population 891. “The store is the lifeblood of the community,” Hassler said. “We have to keep our store, we have to keep our schools, we have to keep our churches — and it’s all a struggle right now.” The market opened four years after the closure of the town’s only grocery store. Some 110 community members bought shares, which funded the transformation of a shuttered American Legion post into a brightly lit store packed with fresh and packaged foods. Preserving grocery stores has been a perennial challenge for rural communities. Small, often declining populations make it tough to turn a profit in an industry known for its razor-thin margins. Increased competition from online retailers, the onslaught of chains such as Dollar General stores and an aging lineup of independent grocers have only made things tougher. By 2015, USDA research showed a total of 44 counties had no grocery store at all — all but four of the counties were rural.
Source: KAKE – News
Kansas considers $40 million fund to help local governments shelter homeless people
Around 2,600 Kansans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, one survey estimates. Lawmakers tasked with reducing this number will decide whether a $40 million fund is the best way to provide support for struggling local communities. Andy Brown, deputy secretary for programs at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, gave an overview of potential pathways to reduce homelessness in the state Thursday. “The fact that we have a high percentage of unsheltered folks means that the visibility of homelessness is high,” Brown told lawmakers on the House Committee on Welfare Reform. “As we’re able to reduce the percentage of our homeless that are unsheltered, it will become something where it’s more difficult to see.” The reform committee is tasked with tackling the state’s homelessness problem, but committee action has been slow to come. During last year’s session, committee lawmakers heard a bill criminalizing homeless people, which fizzled after public outcry. This session, committee chairman Rep. Francis Awerkamp, a St. Marys Republican, characterized state homelessness as not “a massive issue,” but “certainly something we need to consider addressing.”
Source: KAKE – News
SoCe, a south-central Wichita neighborhood, sits at a crossroads
As lovers of all things old, Larry and Cathy Mong were thrilled with the home they bought for $50,000 in Wichita 23 years ago: a 1906 Victorian in south central Wichita, less than a mile from the heart of downtown. The neighborhood was a little rough, but the Mongs had seen similar neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth area go through the gentrification process. “We thought in five to 10 years it would be like downtown Dallas, but it isn’t,” Larry Mong said. In fact, in some respects it seems to have declined. When they moved in, Larry remembers, every home on the block was occupied by owners or renters. Today, six are boarded up. The house two doors down appears headed for demolition, having suffered two major fires. Across the street, the red brick building that once housed Grace Methodist Episcopal Church — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006 — is boarded up and its doors welded shut after being taken over by squatters, who also set fires. Even so, the neighborhood remains attractive for some. Recently, a couple relocating to Wichita from Seattle expressed excitement after touring the house next door to Mong’s, which is listed for sale at $129,000. The couple told Mong it would be worth $600,000 in Seattle. Elsewhere in south central Wichita, new owners have bought and fixed up derelict homes, duplexes and apartments. In a city where affordable housing is in short supply, south central real estate offers bargains. But can enough people look past its challenges to revive one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods?
Source: KLC Journal
Lawrence plastic bag ban officially in full effect
Plastic bags are officially banned in Lawrence, but will that ban stay? The City Commission passed an ordinance last year that took effect on Friday. The ordinance banned single-use plastic bags in an effort to reduce the use of plastics in the city. “We’re very excited about it,“ Lawrence resident Misti Osbern said. “We’ve been trying to use our reusable bags for a long time.” However, the changes could come to a halt, if new legislation is passed. There are ongoing efforts to prohibit plastic bag bans at the state level, after failed attempts in previous years. Currently, House Bill 2446, prohibiting cities and counties from regulating plastic or other containers designed for consumption, transportation and protection of food, merchandise or beverages is still alive at the statehouse. The bill was requested for introduction by the Kansas Chamber. According to Kansas Chamber spokeswoman Sherriene Jones-Sontag, if it passes, the plastic bag ban in Lawrence would be redacted. Eric Stafford, the Kansas Chamber’s Vice President of Government Affairs, sent the following statement to Nexstar’s Kansas Capitol Bureau, regarding Lawrence’s ban on plastic bags. “When one city or county in a state decides to ban something, or require something of businesses not required in other jurisdictions, it places burdens on employers and increases costs on consumers. The logic behind banning single-use plastic bags is so flawed. Supporters argue you can no longer use a single use plastic bag to carry your food wrapped in plastic. Instead you have to buy reusable plastic bags that contain three times as much plastic as a single use bag, all under the false impression you are doing something to protect the environment.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
City of Pittsburg to enhance safety through intersections by removing trees
Custom Tree Care of Topeka, KS, will commence tree removal from certain intersections’ right-of-ways in Pittsburg starting Monday, March 4. The project aims to enhance safety by eliminating vision-obstructing obstructions for drivers. This initiative aligns with the city’s “Spruce Up Pittsburg” campaign and ongoing traffic improvement endeavors. During the operation, which will span several weeks, motorists and pedestrians are advised to consider alternative routes, exercise caution in the work zone, and be mindful of workers. The City of Pittsburg wants the public to know they appreciate the patience of motorists and residents while this work is being performed. Contact Director of Public Works & Utilities Matt Bacon at (620) 240-5126 with questions regarding this project.
Source: KOAM News
It’s ‘going to be really hurtful’: Families to Wichita school board before closure vote
The fate of six schools, 322 employees and 2,213 students will be decided Monday, when the Wichita school board votes on a closure proposal that the district leadership team says would save $16 million. It’s the culmination of a whirlwind process that began in late January, when the district’s chief financial officer first notified the public of a $42 million budget shortfall and presented board members with a choice between closing schools and laying off teachers. Emotions ran high Thursday as the district hosted a public hearing on the recommended closure of four elementary schools — Clark, Park, Payne and Cleaveland — and two middle schools, Hadley and Jardine Magnet. The buildings would be shut down at the end of the semester. “School isn’t just learning. It’s relationships, personality building, character building. So much more than just books and reading,” said Mozart Padilla, a junior at Northwest High who went to Cleaveland and whose sibling is a student there. “Closing these schools would save money for things that you could say are needed. But the money you save isn’t going to save the relationships that you’re breaking.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
City looks at changing policy on using industrial revenue bonds for rental housing
Should the city government issue industrial revenue bonds for things like non-low-income rental housing? That’s the question the Manhattan City Commission will take up at Tuesday’s meeting. The issue follows a January retreat at which commissioners said they wanted to help create more workforce housing. They asked city officials to draft a housing policy to take advantage of available programs and tools. The city government previously has used IRBs for industrial and commercial development. An approved IRB can result in a property tax abatement of the new property taxes created by the rental housing project for a period of up to 10 years, and/or a sales tax exemption for project labor and materials during the project’s construction period, according to city memos. The city has two existing policies that apply. First, IRBs may only apply to low-income housing projects. Second, the Tax Abatement Policy has specific requirements for the property tax abatement that would not continue to apply to these projects.
Source: themercury.com
Fire destroys two Winfield businesses
Fire officials in Winfield said two businesses are a total loss after a Sunday morning fire. Crews saw flames coming from a building in the 100 block of East 5th Street when they arrived just after 9 a.m. The building housed The Winfield Thrift Store and a hair salon, Hair Tamers. Firefighters had to take a defensive posture, staying outside the building because of heavy fire involvement. Crews from Arkansas City, Udall and Burden helped bring the fire under control and crews were able to protect neighboring buildings. No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported. The Kansas State Fire Marshal is helping to investigate the cause of the fire.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Municipal Bond Trends for March 1, 2024
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.
Controlled methane flares at Johnson County landfill prompt 911 calls to Shawnee
The city of Shawnee wants people to know that if they’re seeing fire coming from the Johnson County landfill, they shouldn’t be alarmed. The flares are the result of an ongoing plant expansion plan. While the Archaea Energy plant at the landfill in Shawnee, which produces renewable natural gas, has shut down for the expansion, it’s been producing flares in the sky to release built-up natural gas.
Source: Johnson County Post
Newton’s new city manager seeks to bring residents into local government
Daniela Rivas is new to the Newton City Manager position, but she’s far from new to the city. Long before she was managing city finances, or working in government she got her start at Acapulco, working for her uncle, Sal Lujano, Sr. “I’d bus; I’d serve and dish wash,” she said. “We’d get $20 and run to Anderson’s and spend all our money.” Her father originally came from Jalisco, Mexico, and ended up in Newton before moving the family to Wichita. As Newton remained where much of her family was located, she’d spend summers in the city. “Coming to Newton, I loved the small-town feel,” she said. “My uncle greeting everybody by name. Going to the pool, dragging Main Street. As I got older and started having kids, I wanted that for my family.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Tax break: Eligible Edgerton seniors to receive property tax rebates
Edgerton city officials shared their eligibility requirements and details for their newly implemented senior property tax rebate program at Thursday’s city council meeting. … To be eligible, residents must own their home, be 65 years old or older, have a valid proof of ID and be current on their property taxes and any special assessments.
Source: Gardner News
Crews battle wildfires in Hodgeman, Saline counties
Crews were battling grass fires Thursday in central and north central areas of Kansas. The Kansas Forest Service Air Tanker and local firefighters battled a large wildfire in Saline County, south of Interstate 70 and east of the Hedville exit. Strong south winds drove the fire north of I-70, spreading it to Watkins Road. Some homes were evacuated but crews were able to keep the flames from spreading, and no structural damage was reported. Crews were also battling a large fire in Hodgeman County along Lake Road, east of City Lake. Some homes were threatened in the area and the Sheriff’s Office was warning people to be ready for evacuations but the fire was contained around 6:15 p.m.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Multiple grass fires, barn fire keep ACFD busy on Tuesday
The Arkansas City Fire/EMS responded to a series of grass fires on Tuesday, including the Chilocco area fire that caused the evacuation of 7 Clans First Council Casino. The first incident Tuesday — with high fire danger in dry conditions with strong wind gusts — was reported at about 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Lord Road and Chestnut Avenue, a few blocks east of the Walnut River. Crews discovered a barn fully involved and a grass fire ignited from flying embers behind 301 N. Country Club Road. The fire extended to a detached garage before being brought under control. Firefighters from Winfield and Udall Fire Departments aided. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation. Estimated damage is valued at $25,000. At approximately 5:30 p.m., crews responded to a reported grass fire near 111th Road and 312th Road, about five miles southeast of Ark City, where approximately 30 acres of grass and wooded areas were burning. Oklahoma departments assisted in containment efforts. Crews spent two and a half hours on the scene before the fire was controlled. The cause is under investigation.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
The economic influence of Labette Community College on Southeast Kansas
Over the last 100 years, a Southeast Kansas school has had a tremendous impact on the region. Administrators at Labette Community College say not only do they provide an education, but they also bring jobs and money to Southeast Kansas. “From an economic development standpoint, you’ve heard me say over and over one of the largest challenges is workforce development. Without a community college, we would be two steps behind where we’re at,” said Jim Zaleski, City of Parsons Economic Development Director. According to an analysis done by Lightcast, during the fiscal year 2021-2022 LCC generated 11.5 million dollars in income for the region – equal to supporting 216 full-time jobs. “Our graduates then are able to fulfill some of the skilled labor shortages in the area. So we’re also helping our business and industry but as a part of that and a big part of that is one could consider the college, Labette Community College as an economic engine for the Southeast Kansas region,” said Dr. Mark Watkins, LCC President.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Dodge City initiates Highway Corridor Study
The City of Dodge City announces the launch of a study focusing on three key corridors along the city’s eastern boundary. This study will examine Highways US-283, US-400, and US-56, along with adjacent city and county roads, which are crucial for access to the city’s industrial, commercial, and residential zones and provide important regional links. With traffic volumes increasing over the past decade, the city recognizes the need for a thorough review of these corridors to address existing safety and congestion issues and to prepare for future demands. The study will cover the area from east of Airport Road along US-56/US-283 to the Wyatt Earp Boulevard intersection, then south across the BNSF railroad overpass, ending at the Trail Street/US-400 junction. It also includes parts of Wyatt Earp Boulevard and Trail Street near two traffic signals. The City of Dodge City is inviting the community to engage in this project by participating in a public survey, signing up for project updates, and attending public open house events. The first public open house is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot, located at 101 E. Wyatt Earp Boulevard. Parking is available to the north of Wyatt Earp Boulevard and east of the Santa Fe Depot.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Large grass fire prompts evacuations in Saline County
A large grass fire in north-central Kansas caused an evacuation order to be issued on Thursday. Saline County said on Facebook that the notice affects residents within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins roads. A fire that started on the south side of I-70 between Muir and Headville Road crossed the interstate and was burning north toward Culver, prompting the evacuation. “If you are in this area LEAVE NOW and AVOID THE AREA,” the county said. The evacuation order was rescinded around 3:30 p.m. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, fires are moving north of Interstate 70 west of U.S. 81. I-70 has low visibility due to smoke in the area west of I-135, the county said.
Source: KAKE – News