Kansas Municipal News
Home destroyed, one person injured in Kearny County grassfire
One person was injured, a farm home was destroyed and an undetermined amount of acres were burned in a grass fire Monday in Kearny County. Around 1 p.m. Monday, a fire started along Highway 25 at mile marker 86 near Lakin. At that time, the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office says there was a strong wind from the west. The fire spread quickly because of the dry vegetation and lack of recent rainfall. Kearny County Emergency Services responded to the fire, and received assistance from Stanton County, Grant County and Garden City. Crews were battling wind gusts in excess of 30 miles per hour, as well as extremely rugged terrain, which made it difficult to contain the fire. The Kansas Forestry Service was notified, and will be using electronic equipment to measure how many acres were charred. In addition to acres of grass, a home was destroyed by the fire. One Kearny County resident, who was acting on their own trying to stop the fire, was injured, though their condition is unknown. Kearny County emergency preparedness director Jared Webb has declared a verbal emergency with the state, emergency operations center and with the state emergency operations center, and had assistance from them at getting air support to drop water from aircraft. The declaration will be in effect until county commissioners rescind it.
Source: KAKE – News
Cats rescued from burning Hutchinson home
One person and four cats were evacuated from a burning home in Hutchinson on Monday. Around 1 p.m., the Hutchinson Fire Department responded to the 200 block of West 28th Street for the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, crews found smoke pushing out of the front door out of a single-story home. Dispatch reported to units that there was a possible occupant inside trying to get pets out. Crews operated in an offensive strategy by stretching a hose line to the front door. The first crew that arrived on scene was able to hear the occupant inside the home, and made entry to perform rescue. The occupant was removed from the home and checked by Reno County EMS. Crews started an aggressive attack in the kitchen area of the home, and were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Search crews cleared the home and rescued four cats. The Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County EMS, Kansas Gas, Evergy and the Hutchinson-Reno County Communications Center assisted.
Source: KAKE – News
State of disaster emergency issued for wildland fires
Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities will create high to very-high fire weather conditions for many parts of the state. “Weather conditions are such that a high risk exists for wildland fires,” Governor Kelly said. “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible. A single spark is enough to touch off a fire that could have devastating consequences.” “We can all do our part to prevent unwanted fires,” Rodney Redinger, Assistant Fire Management Officer, Kansas Forest Service, said. “If there are opportunities to avoid welding, using cutting torches or other activities that could cause a spark, please do so over the next few days. If you must engage in spark-causing activities, make sure to have a fire extinguisher, water pressure can or other tool for extinguishing ready for a fire that could ignite.” The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center starting tomorrow to assist counties and local responders if requested.
Source: KAKE – News
City council members host bike ride to look at trail conditions
Vice Mayor Maggie Ballard invited city council members and the public to join her for a ride on the bike paths. She said she received multiple complaints about the unrideable trails due to things like glass and encampments. The group took off from Delano and headed toward Chapin Park. Ballard said she was surprised to find just a few homeless encampments and expected there to be more. She said the larger issue is how much glass the group came across. “The glass was really concerning. One of the main concerns is that people don’t take the bike path that way, because of the glass, you could get a flat tire or something like that. That is something that we could work on a little better is clearing the paths,” said Ballard. One rider said she valued the opportunity to see the conditions and be kind to those experiencing homelessness. “It’s just important for people to get out and see how other people live and have some empathy and show some mercy,” said Carey Hobart. Ballard said they plan on getting out and about more often to check on conditions and to see if progress is being made to clean up the bike paths.
Source: KSN-TV
New version of community group talks Neighborhood Revitalization
The revitalized Cultivators Cabinet, now called Community Connections, gathered for its inaugural meeting Thursday at the Wall Family Center to discuss Neighbor Revitalization. Sontana Johnson, Amanda Head and Lauren Shepard are leading the new group. The cabinet was set up as part of the city’s comprehensive planning process. It was to be run by residents to give citizens a forum to voice their thoughts on a variety of topics. This is a goal of the revitalized group as well. The original group lost momentum, so Johnson, Head and Shepard hope to keep the conversation fresh and bring in more voices from the community and the city’s four wards. On Thursday, Jim Zaleski, the city’s economic development director, spoke about Neighborhood Revitalization, a program offered to commercial and industrial businesses and homeowners outside of the floodplain. Neighborhood Revitalization can allow homeowners and businesses to save on property taxes for a period of time for improvements that raise the appraised value of a home or commercial or industrial building.
Source: Parsons Sun
Gearhead Curios: time travel haven on Route 66 celebrates Retro Day “every day”
Today marks National Retro Day, a time for nostalgia enthusiasts to celebrate the charm of the past. However, for one establishment nestled in the Galena part of Route 66, every day is a celebration of retro flair. Nestled along America’s historic highway, Gearhead Curios stands as a beacon of vintage treasures, many of which have been gifted to the store owner, Aaron Perry. “I get to offer an escape from reality to the people who are traveling back to nostalgic America,” said Perry. Five days a week, he welcomes visitors from across the globe to his store — people enjoying Route 66, seeking both adventure and a glimpse into the past. To recreate the ambiance of yesteryears, Perry’s creativity knows no bounds. The fireplace crafted out of a 1933 Chevy with an infinity mirror is just an example of his retro-cool with a modern twist vibe. “My ceiling is covered with license plates that travelers have gifted me,” Perry added. “And one guy stuck a dollar on the wall and told me, ‘This is how you start something.’ And now I have money from all over the world.” However, Gearhead Curios isn’t just a magnet for international travelers; it’s also a spot for locals like Gabrielle Richards, who relish the chance to witness the excitement of visitors exploring Route 66.
Source: KOAM News
More Kansas schools embrace four-day weeks
Seventy-seven school buildings in approximately 29 districts across the state have implemented a four-day week this year, up from 60 in 2023. As more Kansas public schools adapt to a shorter academic week, rural communities may see benefits. Rural school districts already contain the majority of the state’s four-day scheduled schools. “It’s been a hot topic,” said Randy Watson, KBOE Commissioner of education, in a Feb. 14 Kansas State Board of Education meeting. Watson said most districts were having discussions about the possibility of implementing four-day weeks, especially in smaller, more rural areas. Since 2011, 93 Kansas school buildings have tested a four-day schedule, although some of the districts have returned to a typical five-day schedule. First proposed as a way to save money in some districts, the four-day week also has been utilized for teacher recruitment. Kansas State Department of Education researchers examined the 2022-2023 school year population of 54 buildings using a four-day school week and 1,335 buildings using a five-day school week to compare learning outcomes. They looked at public and private elementary, middle, junior high and high schools with state assessment data for that school year. The majority of the four-week scheduled schools are in more rural areas with smaller student enrollment.
Source: KAKE – News
Chetopa Residents face grocery shopping challenges as local store closes
The only grocery store in Chetopa, Kansas is closing. Chetopa Foods and Deli, a key grocery store in Chetopa, Kansas, is set to close its doors before the end of 2024, leaving residents concerned about the impact on their community. Kevin Vaughan, an employee for three years, shared that the decision to close was made by the store’s owner, who has been preoccupied with other responsibilities. “It’s been a long time coming,” Vaughan said, noting that all employees have secured other jobs in anticipation of the closure. The owner, a New York resident and truck driver, has yet to set a specific closing date. According to Vaughan, the owner’s busy schedule has delayed the decision-making process. “He’s too busy, actually, I think, to actually sit down and think it over right now,” Vaughan explained, highlighting the owner’s split focus between his trucking duties and the store’s performance.
Source: KOAM News
County considers changing dog registration requirement, policy on ‘at-large’ animals
Riley County officials on Monday discussed potential pitfalls of proposed changes to animal control regulations. County commissioners heard from Shelley Woodard, deputy Riley County counselor, regarding changes to the regulations. The current animal control resolution was enacted in 1988, and various stakeholders are drafting policies that more closely align with those of Manhattan. Woodward said she has sought input from city and county officials. The proposed updates include removing the requirement for individual dog registration and licensing in unincorporated areas while maintaining the requirement for rabies vaccinations. She said very few people have come forward and actually registered their dogs in the past. Commissioners also are considering language in the proposed regulations regarding at-large animals. Woodard said the county doesn’t want “patrols” of people rounding up dogs that are not actually loose and uncontrolled, noting that in many rural locations dogs may be wandering around a large field and appear to be loose and at large but are actually confined to the owners property. Woodward said officials also are reviewing tethering requirements, with language that would require continuous access to food and water for any animal that is tethered in place for extended periods. Commissioners also heard discussion about policies on vicious animals.
Source: themercury.com
Municipal Bond Trends for February 27, 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.
Lawrence’s plastic bag ban goes into effect Friday; here’s what you should know
The City of Lawrence ordinance banning single-use plastic bags goes into effect Friday, March 1. Here’s what you should know. Lawrence city commissioners in August 2023 approved an ordinance banning single-use plastic bags citywide. The ban, initially prompted by a class of environmentally conscious fourth graders who are now high school sophomores, was under discussion for years before commissioners approved Ordinance 9996. The ordinance aims to reduce the use of plastics in the city, which in turn could help reduce the city’s dependence on fossil fuels and prevent some pollution from the bags, contamination through microplastics from bags degrading, and animal deaths from eating the bags, among other concerns. City staff members have also said the bags are difficult to recycle and that they contaminate the materials that the city can process, recycle and compost. The city estimates that Lawrence residents use and discard more than 29 million single-use plastic bags per year. The ordinance bans establishments from giving customers plastic bags that are less than 4 mils in thickness — that’s about as thick as a piece of paper. The ban also applies to paper bags that do not contain at least 40% post-consumer recycled content. Reusable bags (or totes) made of cloth are OK. So are reusable plastic bags that are at least 4 mils in thickness, contain at least 40% post-consumer recycled material and are labeled with the post-consumer recycled content percentage, the mil thickness, and the word “reusable” on the bag. The ordinance also includes a number of exemptions for product-specific bags. That means things such as produce bags and bags to prevent cross-contamination of groceries; garment bags, such as those used for dry cleaning; bags to bring home your new pet fish and more are still OK.
Source: The Lawrence Times
City of Emporia’s drinking water places third at international water contest
The City of Emporia placed third in at the Berkeley Springs Water Tasting event, where more than 100 entries from five continents were up for consideration. The winners were announced Saturday. This is the second year in a row the city has earned a top-four finish. The competition is hosted by Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. The city took third in the Municipal Water category, behind Santa Ana, California, and the City of Montpelier, Ohio. According to a written release, the municipal water category saw a U.S. sweep, from the West Coast to the East Coast, and all three medalists have formerly been awarded Gold. “The consistency in winners from year to year with different panels of judges validates the choices,” said watermaster Arthur von Wiesenberger. “It also speaks to the impressively high caliber of the waters entered.” Berkeley Springs Water Tasting Event said the waters were rated for each attribute including appearance (it should be clear — or slightly opaque for glacial waters), aroma (there should be none), taste (it should taste clean), mouth feel (it should feel light), aftertaste (it should leave you thirsty for more).
Source: Emporia Gazette
Municipal Bond Trends for February 26, 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.
Halstead Planning Commission considers the risks of BESS
Pat Hughes, an attorney with Adam Jones Law Firm in Wichita, said the zoning regulations were written before battery storage systems were created, and it’s not clear what’s required to build one in the heavy industrial district. It’s possible that you could read the zoning code to say that it’s allowed as a matter of right, because it’s one of these utility storage uses that’s allowed in an I-2 zone,” Hughes said. “It’s also possible to read the zoning code and say, ‘No, it would have to be a special use permit.’”
Source: Harvey County Now
Wichita unveils free Narcan vending machine, already used more than 100 times
Thursday a new chapter opens in the fight against the opioid crisis with the opening of a new Naloxone vending machine. “Wichita is disproportionately affected by the opioid problem and we want to get these machines into the communities where they can do the most good,” said Bryan Baier, president of Healthy Blue Kansas. Wichita received one of the first Naloxone vending machines in the state and it’s incredibly easy to use. You just type in your zip code and out pops a Naloxone kit. Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Source: KAKE – News
Prairie Village removes some pickleball courts at city park. Will that fix noise issue?
Some pickleball nets are coming down at Prairie Village’s Windsor Park. At least, for now. After months of debating how to handle noise coming from six new pickleball courts at Windsor Park, the Prairie Village City Council last week voted 11 to 0 to temporarily remove nets on four of the courts. Later this year, the city plans to see how, if at all, having fewer pickleball courts impacts neighboring residents’ noise concerns — and potentially take further measures, including removing nets at the remaining two courts, if necessary.
Source: Johnson County Post
White House sends $5.8 billion water infrastructure funds to states
The Biden administration Tuesday announced $5.8 billion in water infrastructure funds for states, tribes and territories, the latest round of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act record level of clean water investment. Th money includes $3.2 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for water projects and $2.6 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for storm and wastewater infrastructure. The funds include $1 billion for seven major rural water projects, $1 billion to address “forever chemical” contaminants, and $1 billion for Great Lakes drinking water projects. “Every person should have a right and the ability to have access to clean water, and it should not matter where you live or how much money you earn or how much money you got in your back pocket,” said Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday in Pittsburgh, where she announced the funds. “With this investment, we are continuing our urgent work to remove every lead pipe in the country and ensure that every American has access to safe and reliable drinking water.” State revolving funds for drinking and wastewater act as the primary federal funding for states, which then often leverage the money by issuing municipal bonds, most of which feature triple-A ratings, to make low-interest loans to cities, counties, water districts and other governmental entities to finance infrastructure projects.
Source: The Bond Buyer
State funding to improve short-line railroad systems
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced funding for 17 short-line railroad expansion and rehabilitation projects. The governor said almost $16.5 million will be made through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program (RSIP), and the projects will improve the state’s agriculture supply chain. RSIP recipients will use the funds for expansion and capacity improvements, major track rehabilitation, and rail replacement. These projects support rail improvements that enhance safety, expand carload capabilities, reduce truck traffic, increase operating speeds, and improve operating efficiencies. Governor Kelly said the projects will help Kansas farmers and ranchers connect to regional, national, and international markets. The projects include more than $859,000 for the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad for a major rehabilitation project in Sedgwick County, and over $562,000 for a rehabilitation project for Viterra USA Grain in Sedgwick County.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Wichita announces next round of public housing sales
The City of Wichita has announced the next round of sales of public housing units as the city continues to reposition its housing stock. The city is listing 12 properties for sale at fair market appraised value rather than traditional real estate prices, making them more affordable for residents. Open houses have been scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 25th, and from 3 p.m. to 5 pm on Tuesday, February 27th. The following homes are up for sale: 917 S Whittier; 1233 N Lorraine; 2229 E 53rd Street S; 2236 E 53rd Street S; 5224 S Hydraulic; 1714 E Idlewild Dr; 1325 E Selma; 1213 E Selma; 2318 W 33rd St S; 546 S Richmond; 840 N Nevada; and 991 N Robin. In all, the city has offered 37 public housing units for sale. The city has sold 13 units, seven are under contract, and four are going to contract. Three of the homes under contract are with previous tenants of public housing. The homes were approved for sale by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Detailed information on each unit and the process for submitting a written offer are available at https://www.wichita.gov/Economic/Pages/RealEstate.aspx.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
No, you won’t get hepatitis A from Lawrence’s drinking water
The concentration of hepatitis A in Lawrence’s wastewater has been on the rise, but the drinking water is clean and safe, according to the city. Wastewater — aka sewage — is processed through the city’s water treatment plants. Drinking water and tap water have been treated. The City of Lawrence has received a number of questions about this lately, according to a news release Thursday evening. “WastewaterSCAN, a national wastewater monitoring system based at Stanford University in partnership with Emory University, recently noted an increase in the concentration of hepatitis A virus (HAV) detected in the wastewater processed at the Lawrence Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Facility beginning in early January,” according to the release. The city joined the nationwide initiative to detect wastewater levels of infectious diseases — including COVID-19, monkeypox, influenza A and RSV — in 2022. Levels of COVID-19 in wastewater were monitored as indicators of the prevalence of the illness in the community during the height of the pandemic; however, that did not indicate that people would get COVID-19 from drinking water. Douglas County is not experiencing a hepatitis A outbreak, but the wastewater detection may indicate that there is transmission within the community, according to the release. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health officials are encouraging health care providers to be aware of symptoms of hepatitis and to vaccinate people who are at risk of contracting the virus.
Source: The Lawrence Times