Kansas Municipal News
Kansas may ditch class hours for real-world training as graduation requirements
For more than a century, Kansas students have earned credits — and, after enough of them, a high school diploma — based on how much time they spend in a classroom. The age-old “Carnegie unit” approach to education became the academic law of the land way back in 1906. And it stuck: One credit equals about 120 instructional hours in one subject. Kansas requires students to pass at least 21 credits to graduate from high school. But a group in charge of evaluating the state’s graduation requirements says that classroom time makes for a poor yardstick for measuring learning. So it argues for ways to let local school districts sub in other metrics more calibrated to the 21st century.
Source: Wichita Eagle
New and old, it’s all about Amelia at her birthplace
Two years after the COVID interruption, the welcome mat is rolled out for visitors as a regular schedule resumes at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Museum Director Heather Roesch and Assistant Manager Brenda Lambert both agreed a few changes have been made within the recent years. One of these is the main entrance into the museum has been relocated to the side porch locate along the street that runs east and west bound from North Second Street. The Museum is located at 223 North Terrace Street, Atchison. In addition to the Amelia-related artifacts displayed for years throughout the home of Amelia’s maternal grandparents where she was born, are a few new historic acquisitions to see.
Source: atchisonglobenow.com
Inflation pushes up expected costs of 3 major county projects by nearly $4 million
High inflation could add nearly $4 million in construction and project costs to three planned Johnson County capital improvement projects. County staff say capital improvement projects in Shawnee, Overland Park and Lenexa are each expected to cost roughly $1 million to $1.5 million more than planned, due to inflation-related burdens on construction costs.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Statewide Effort to Coordinate Billions in Federal Infrastructure Funds Coming to Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the creation of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, which will coordinate Kansas state agencies and local entities as they administer and apply for funding available through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The Hub will identify statewide and regional infrastructure priorities, strategize as to how to maximize investment opportunities, and promote best practices in securing and distributing funding. Kansas is set to receive close to $3.8 billion in direct funds for transportation, water, energy, and broadband projects. Kansas could potentially receive more by applying for competitive grants. … Governmental, infrastructure, and business leaders are invited to the Hub’s Kansas Infrastructure Summit in Wichita on July 13th and 14th to learn more about the grant opportunities available under the BIL, discuss strategies for preparing winning grant applications, and share input on infrastructure priorities in Kansas. In-person and virtual attendance available. Click here to register and learn more.
Municipal Bond Trends for July 1, 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.
Here’s the timeline for Wichita’s $357 million sewer upgrade project
Engineering design work on Wichita’s wastewater treatment plant 1 has been awarded to PEC and plant 2’s upgrades are being designed by CDM Smith. Construction on the $357 million project is expected to start in 2023 and finish in 2027. The city has been approved to apply for a federal loan through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), which could cover up to 49% of project costs. Officials hope to supplement that with a revolving loan through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Here’s a look at the city’s timeline for the biological nutrient removal project.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Rosalia to Be Among the First in the Nation to Get up to 2 Gbps Fiber Internet
This summer, local broadband provider SKT is breaking ground on a rural fiber project in Rosalia, located about 12 miles east of El Dorado. With fiber, Rosalia will be among the first in the nation to get 2 Gbps symmetrical internet service – up to 2,000 Mbps for both download and upload. That’s 26 times faster download and 200 times faster upload speed compared to what’s offered with the existing copper infrastructure. The project is expected to be complete by the end of the year. This project is part of a greater initiative by both SKT and Twin Valley – together the largest family-owned broadband provider in the state – to improve connectivity for rural Kansans. The companies will offer fiber broadband service to more than 1,500 new homes and businesses by the end of 2022, in addition to their existing fiber footprint.
Source: Andover American
Wichita Offering Incentives to Purchase Electric Lawnmowers
The City of Wichita will pay you $50 to replace combustion lawn equipment with electric or battery-powered lawn equipment. The pilot program aims to incentivize individuals and help the city control its ozone emissions. Non-road mobile sources make up between 25% to 36% of local emissions. Lawnmowers and other lawn equipment are estimated to account for 50%-90% of those sources. The lawn care equipment rebate pilot program is an effort to mitigate the ozone emissions within the city’s control.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Chicopee dedicates memorial today to commemorate the first rural water district in Kansas
The Chicopee Rural Water District today recognized the prior Chicopee School, District 62, and the Chicopee Rural Water District with a new memorial dedication. The CRWD previously erected its brick and stone cut memorial and flagpole this year that displays the names of the first board of directors. Today, they hosted its dedication ceremony. Officials say the Chicopee school was among the first 100 school districts established in Crawford County, KS, in 1869. It served the community for 100 years; closing in 1969.
Source: KOAMKOAM
With 85 vacant positions, City of Lawrence continues to see impact of ‘great resignation’ and tight labor market
Coming out of a pandemic that disrupted the personal and work lives of many, City of Lawrence officials say they are continuing to see the effects of the so-called “great resignation,” with 85 city positions currently sitting vacant. Director of Human Resources Megan Dodge, who herself has been in her position less than a year, said that the city’s workforce has not escaped national trends that began during the pandemic, when employers saw high resignation numbers as many people changed jobs. Dodge said that at one point this year the city had more than 100 open positions, and that the job market is still making it difficult to hire new workers. “Everyone has gone through a really difficult two years,” Dodge said. “We’re experiencing the great resignation. Every employer is having a hard time hiring and recruiting people.”
Source: LJWorld
Former Mayor Carol Marinovich helped unify WyCo, launch new era of growth
At the end of the 1980s, Kansas City, Kansas, was languishing. Blight had been creeping in for decades. Adult entertainment establishments proliferated, and the population saw steady declines. A City Council member at the time, Carol Marinovich began a grassroots movement to revive the area. Backed by others on the council, she recognized the need for a single government to bring the community back to life, socially and economically. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, was born, consolidating the city and county governments and sparking a renaissance of development.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
10-year Treasury yield falls to near one-month low as recession fears intensify
U.S. Treasury yields were mixed on Friday as investors continued to assess the risk of an economic downturn. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was trading marginally lower at 2.972%, paring losses after falling to 2.941% earlier in the session — its lowest level since June 6. Meanwhile, the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond rose 3 basis points to 3.158%. The 2-year Treasury rate, which is typically more sensitive to U.S. monetary policy changes, was down around 2 basis points at 2.912%. The 2-year note reversed some of its losses after falling to a one-week low of 2.895%.
Source: CNBC
Mission Hills Country Club responds to pickleball noise lawsuit
The Mission Hills Country Club has responded to a lawsuit against them that claims the club’s pickleball court noise is causing a married couple “emotional distress.”… The lawsuit called for a temporary injunction to prevent the club from using tennis courts as pickleball courts, as well as a permanent injunction from building pickleball courts or playing it within 600 feet of the Franklins’ property line. Mission Hills Country Club denied a slew of allegations in an answer filed with the Johnson County District Court on June 16. The country club denies a number of allegations in the lawsuit…
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Dodge City lifts water watch
The City of Dodge City Water Watch that was issued on June 17, 2022, is lifted effective Friday, July 1. Following the Water Conservation Plan and Ordinance No. 3583, a water watch is terminated when the triggering events have ceased to exist. “Currently, water tower levels are back to normal,” said Director of Public Works Corey Keller. “Additionally, the five-day average use flows below 10.75 million gallons per day. These were the two criteria that triggered us to issue the watch.”
Source: Western Kansas News
Rice County town to become the UFO Capital of Kansas
While many people will be focused on fireworks and the nation’s independence this weekend, the residents of Geneseo in rural Rice County, population 236, are thinking more otherworldly. A festival is planned on Saturday outside the Geneseo Museum to mark “World UFO Day.” All are welcome. The occasion, said Jim Gray, president of the museum at 907 Silver St., is to celebrate the unique collection of the owner of the residence-turned-museum dedicated to his belief in extra-terrestrials and their visits to Earth.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for June 30, 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.
JoCo rideshare program expanding next week
Public transit is expanding in Johnson County next week with RideKC Micro Transit. RideKC 499 Johnson County Micro Transit will expand its service area and operate seven days a week beginning July 5. They will still run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The RideKC Micro Transit program allows riders to hail a ride from a van that seats 12, somewhat similarly to other rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
Source: Kansas City Star
Some in Prairie Village irked by planned removal of massive oak for teardown-rebuild project
Some Prairie Village residents are upset about the pending removal of a mature oak tree as part of a teardown-rebuild project off Nall Avenue and W. 69th Street. Residents like Barbara Dooley are concerned not only about this specific tree at 5225 W. 69th Street, but about how common shade tree removals appear to be across Prairie Village. Dooley, whose family has lived next door to the tree for 60 years, told the Post she feels like the city’s tree canopy is disappearing as a result of the teardown rebuild phenomenon.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Sustainability Advisory Board sends plastic bag ban on to Lawrence City Commission
Lawrence’s Sustainability Advisory Board voted unanimously Thursday to approve an ordinance banning establishments from using single-use plastic bags. The draft ordinance will go next to the Lawrence City Commission for consideration. If the commission approves it, the ordinance will ban establishments — including grocery stores, restaurants and others — from providing customers with plastic shopping bags. Produce bags and reusable bags are exempted from the ban, and single-use disposable paper bags would still be allowed. A few public commenters spoke in favor of the ban. Some encouraged the SAB to move faster than the draft’s timeline of one year from the time the commission approves it for establishments to stop using plastic bags.
Source: The Lawrence Times
ATF to open first-of-its-kind Center of Excellence at Wichita State’s Innovation Campus
In a huge win for Wichita State University, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is preparing to open a Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Excellence on the school’s Innovation Campus. The national center, unlike anything the ATF currently has, is part of its Crime Gun Intelligence strategy. There will be several components to the center. Those include a new center for ballistics analysis; a new home for the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence governing board; a new home for the ATF’s Intelligence Research Specialists Academy and other advanced training; and a new facility for crime gun intelligence training for law enforcement and anyone else nationally with a role in investigating firearms-related crimes.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Wyandotte County will pay $12.5M to Lamonte McIntyre, wrongly imprisoned for 23 years
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County will pay $12.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by Lamonte McIntyre, an innocent man who spent 23 years in prison, and his mother, who alleged a Kansas City, Kansas, detective framed her son after she rejected his sexual advances. The settlement was unanimously approved by the UG’s board of commissioners Thursday night, marking an end to years of litigation. The McIntyres had initially sought a combined $123 million in damages, the majority of which was pursued for his wrongful imprisonment.
Source: Kansas City Star
Manhattan Cleanup Making Progress
The severe weather that hit Manhattan earlier this month caused considerable damage, and it’s taking a bit longer than originally anticipated to collect all the downed tree limbs. Citywide cleanup efforts moved into Area Two late last week, after City crews finished picking up tree and limb debris in Area One on June 23rd. The amount of tree and limb debris collected has been significant, leading to multiple days of work being needed in each region. Crews will only move into Area Three once Area Two is complete. Residents of any of the later collection areas – Areas Three, Four, and Five – are urged to have all tree limbs, branches, and drop debris out to the curb, to ensure they are ready.
Source: WIBW News Now
July summit in Wichita will explore how state will divvy $3.8B from infrastructure bill
Kansas is set to receive at least $3.8 billion during the next five years from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and an instructional two-day event planned in Wichita next month will explore how cities, counties and the private sector can start tapping into the funds. The Kansas Infrastructure Summit, planned for July 13-14 at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex at Wichita State University, will cover grant opportunities available under the BIL and review strategies for preparing grant applications. Attendees are also invited to share input on infrastructure priorities in Kansas, including transportation, water, energy and broadband.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for June 29, 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.
Sewer plants have made Wichita’s south side smelly for years. Is change on the way?
You get used to the smell of sewage, but that doesn’t make it any more pleasant. That’s one thing Chauncey Kemp has learned from living in Plainview for 63 years. “If the wind is blowing from the west, we’ve got to stay in the house. Let all the windows down,” Kemp said. Two south Wichita wastewater facilities — plant 1, situated between I-135 and K-15, and plant 2 at 57th Street South and Hydraulic — process 90% of the city’s raw sewage. Blades at the bottom of massive circular digester tanks break up roughly 30 million gallons of sludge a day, sending it through a suction system for refining. The stench rises from vats of waste and chemicals, enveloping parts of the south side like an invisible fog.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Fireworks fun abounds in communities
The July 4 holiday brings about food, fun and the obligatory fireworks. Exactly when residents can shoot off their firecrackers — and how late they can do so — depends on where they live. Fireworks are legal to shoot in Iola from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Sunday, and then from 9 a.m to midnight on Monday, Independence Day. In LaHarpe, fireworks can be shot from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on Monday. Thursday is the first day fireworks are legal for shooting in both Humboldt and Moran. Humboldt’s fireworks are allowed from 8 a.m. to midnight through Monday; Moran’s are legal from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Monday.
Source: The Iola Register
Powell: ‘No guarantee’ Fed can tame inflation
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said there’s “no guarantee’’ the central bank can tame runaway inflation without hurting the job market. Speaking Wednesday at a European Central Bank forum in Sintra, Portugal, Powell repeated his hope that the Fed can achieve a so-called soft landing — raising interest rates just enough to slow the economy and rein in surging consumer prices without causing a recession and sharply raising the unemployment rate. “We believe we can do that. That is our aim,’’ he said. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said, had made the job mor2e difficult by disrupting commerce and driving up the price of food, energy and chemicals. “It’s gotten harder,’’ Powell said. “The pathways have gotten narrower.’’
Source: The Iola Register
Housing boom rolls on in Goddard
The housing boom in Goddard shows no signs of slowing. With multiple new subdivisions under construction, the city council on Monday approved rezoning of two parcels to allow construction of even more homes. A four-acre property immediately north of the Orscheln store, which is located on US-54 Highway, was donated to the city in December 2020.
Source: Times-Sentinel Newspapers » Feed
Conway Springs orders new ambulance
It will take nearly two years to get here, but the wheels have been set in motion for the city of Conway Springs to purchase a new ambulance for its EMS Department. A request to purchase the new ambulance was brought before the council last week by EMS director Christina Jones. Jones said that with the time it will take for the new ambulance to be constructed and delivered, now was the time to make a decision.
Source: Times-Sentinel Newspapers » Feed
Where does your water come from?
Last week’s boil order in the City of Wichita impacted thousands of water customers in the city, as well as customers on water systems that are supplied by Wichita. According to Wichita city officials, a “glitch” in the system was not picked up quickly enough, causing cloudy water. Tests showed that the water remained chlorinated. Chlorine is added to water systems for disinfection.
Source: Times-Sentinel Newspapers
Differing opinions continue to stall Wind Energy Moratorium
The Brown County Commission met on Monday morning, and with a decision expected to implement a moratorium against the development of commercial wind energy in the county was once again delayed as commissioners clashed on details of the proposed moratorium. At the County Commission meeting on June 6, County Attorney Kevin Hill presented a proposed moratorium on wind energy development, per the request of the commission. The proposed ordinance would impose a $1,000 per day fine for any company in violation, and would stand for 18 months, unless extended at that time. The moratorium would give the commission time to put a Comprehensive Plan in place, which would include zoning guidelines among other items.
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com
Tornado recovery in Andover is still very much a work in progress
It’s been two months since a powerful tornado hit Andover, leaving hundreds of people to pick up the pieces. Today many of the houses that were damaged still look the same. Many houses have shattered windows and a lot of the damage remains from the storm two months ago. Homeowners say the biggest reason they have had to wait on repairs is because a lack of supplies. Things like windows are taking multiple months to come in and so other work inside the houses have to wait until it can be sealed up. “We really… we try and keep our heads up and you know, nose to the grindstone. it doesn’t do anybody any good, especially us to throw a pity party,” said Zach Dinicolasaid.
Source: KAKE – News
KDOT seeking comment on State Rail Plan
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is requesting comments on the draft Kansas Rail Plan. This document provides an overview of freight rail networks in Kansas, commodity flows, economic data and, additionally, information about passenger rail service in the state. Rail plan updates are required every five years. Federal guidelines require a public comment period of 30 days, which concludes on July 22. The draft document for the State Rail Plan may be viewed online at https://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burRail/rail/default.asp and alternative formats are available by calling 785-296-3585.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Community Facade Improvement program picking up steam in Derby
More than halfway through 2022, the city’s new Community Facade Improvement program has been utilized minimally – but that could be set to change soon. According to Assistant City Manager for Development Dan Squires, two Derby businesses have been approved for CFIP grants so far, two more applications have been received and a handful of other business owners have been calling with questions about additional submissions.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Fire departments in Lyon County receive state tax help
Some of your fire insurance payments have returned to Lyon County to help local fire departments. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced Wednesday that $162,447.57 has been distributed to seven Firefighter Relief Associations across the county. The allocation occurs each year under state law. The funds come for a two percent tax paid by insurance companies on “fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas,” a statement from Schmidt’s office said. FRAs can use the money to pay firefighters’ health and life insurance costs. They also can purchase new fire trucks and gear, while improving fire stations.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Kansas small town recognized by national travel website
A small town with deep historical connections has been recognized by a national travel website. Abilene was doubly recognized by TravelAwaits during their “Best of Travel Awards” for 2022. Abilene was recognized along with other scenic towns and cities from around the world. Abilene claimed two awards this year from TravelAwaits: Favorite U.S. Small Town and Friendliest U.S. Small Town. This is the second year in a row that Abilene was recognized as the Favorite U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits due to its strong ties to the Wild West and cattle trade.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Flag retirement just got easier for one Kansas county
Anytime a U.S. flag becomes tattered or worn to the point it’s no longer a fitting symbol, it requires a proper retirement in a dignified manner. This week, one local county is making that retirement process a little easier. In the heart of downtown Manhattan, there is now a depository box for those flags that need to be retired. Installed on Monday in the lobby of 110 Courthouse Plaza, flags damaged or worn down over time will be accepted, and sent off to the local American Legion for a proper disposal. For one county worker, having that option available for people in the area means a lot to her.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Golden petitioners drop their appeal
Petitioners have dropped their appeal of the County Commission’s decision not to approve incorporation of a proposed city of Golden in northwest Miami County. District Judge Steven Montgomery granted the petitioners’ dismissal without prejudice Thursday, June 23. During a hearing in Miami County District Court conducted via Zoom on Monday, June 6, Judge Montgomery set bond in the Golden appeal at $3,500 and scheduled an in-person bench trial for October 2023. In October 2021, the County Commission voted 3-1 against incorporation of a proposed city of Golden. Jennifer Williams, who filed the initial petition to incorporate about 9 square miles north of Hillsdale Lake into a city to block the march of intermodal warehouses into Miami County, was named as one of the appellants in the case along with Golden supporter Charlie Koch.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com
McPherson residents to vote on sales tax
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, citizens of McPherson will vote in the primary election. Among items on the ballot, voters will consider a renewal of the city’s second half-cent sales tax. The city has scheduled eight public meetings during the next few weeks for citizens to get more information about the proposed renewal as well as have the opportunity to speak with city officials about the purpose of the sales tax. The meetings will consist of a 20-minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with various representatives from the different city departments. This is not an additional tax; it is a renewal of the tax already in place.
Source: McPherson Weekly News » Feed
Panel makes recommendations for addressing housing affordability in Prairie Village
The Prairie Village City Council on Tuesday unanimously directed city staff to begin work on implementation of attainable housing strategies as recommended by a city committee. These recommendations were borne out of the ad hoc housing committee, which Mayor Eric Mikkelson charged with focusing on how to diversify the city’s housing stock and preserve its currently available attainable housing options.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Lawrence’s Sustainability Advisory Board to consider plastic bag ban
The city’s Sustainability Advisory Board on Thursday will hold a special meeting to discuss a draft ordinance that would prohibit establishments from providing or selling single-use disposable plastic bags. The city has been discussing similar measures for a few years now. A previous draft of the ordinance would have required establishments to charge customers 15 cents per single-use disposable bag for any purchase. Produce bags and reusable bags are not included in the proposed ban. Single-use disposable paper bags would still be allowed.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Pott County discusses potential reuse plan for old courthouse
Jessica Stuck, an architect with Landmarks SGA, LLC, met virtually Monday with the county commissioners and suggested a reuse plan for the historic Pottawatomie Courthouse. Stuck specializes in adaptive reuse and historic preservation. She met previously in April with the commissioners and stakeholders to tour the building and obtain input regarding the potential future of the building. “There are thick 16-to-18-inch masonry walls which could pose problems with future reuses,” Stuck explained. Other restrictions on reuse Stuck mentioned included environmental factors such as asbestos and lead paint, proximity to the justice center, the age of the mechanical systems, and the fact that it is on the national historic registry.
Source: themercury.com – RSS Results in news of type article
Giant mural will start to be painted in downtown Osawatomie
A giant mural will soon take shape in downtown Osawatomie. Samantha Moon, the city’s public information officer, said the muralist team should be on site around July 8 to begin the color application of a 40-foot by 40-foot mural on the building at the northwest corner of Fifth and Main streets. The city of Osawatomie received a $15,000 grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity and the “Rural Mural” program — a pilot program designed to bring public art into rural communities. The award included all expenses for labor, equipment, supplies and other costs.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com
New $340,000 public art piece installed at Lawrence police headquarters
A $340,000 art installation for the city’s police headquarters was recently installed. The artwork, “Through Other Eyes,” was paid for by the city’s longstanding Percent for Art program. The program allows city leaders to set aside up to 2% of a capital project’s budget for public art. The funding was approved as part of project budget for the $19.9 million police headquarters, 5100 Overland Drive. The piece consists of a metal pavilion with panels of colorful glass representations of eyes and light projections. The light sculpture at the center of the pavilion, the sphere toward the top of the design, includes cut-out patterns that project images onto the ground.
Source: LJWorld
Flights to Denver and Chicago continue as SkyWest withdraws termination notice for Salina
After a few months of uncertainty about passenger air service to and from the community, Salina Regional Airport announced that flights will continue uninterrupted. On March 10 of this year, the air service, which operates United Express flights at Salina, which travel to and from Chicago and Denver, announced it would terminate the service, due to a pilot shortage impacting the regional airline industry. That notice to terminate was withdrawn by SkyWest on Friday, June 24, meaning United Express flights will continue as part of the Essential Air Service, a program from the United States Department of Transportation. The Salina Airport Authority said this news was welcome and comes at a time when there has been a lot of people using the passenger service at the airport.
Source: Salina Journal