Kansas Municipal News
Johnson County Charter Commission begins debating proposals to change county government
A proposal to make the county clerk, register of deeds and treasurer into elected offices failed to advance during the first round of voting Monday as the Johnson County Charter Commission began to sort through fifteen amendments proposed by its members. The amendment, offered by Wendy Bingesser, fell one vote short of the nine needed to keep it alive. Amendments that are approved by the Charter Commission ultimately will go before voters in a countywide vote. The Charter Commission meets every ten years to review the county’s home rule charter, what serves as basically the county constitution.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Infrastructure plan’s impact on Kansas
Kansas is in line for $2.6 billion in highway funding over the next five years, based on past federal transportation dollars. The state is in line to receive an additional $225 million for bridge repairs on top of that amount. … Kansas is set to receive at least $100 million to improve broadband access in both rural and urban parts of the state, something which has long been a bipartisan priority at the state and federal level.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for November 8, 2021
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.
Dodge City voters say No to sales tax increase
In August, Dodge City Commissioners approved a resolution to put a special question on the 2021 election ballot on whether the city would impose a one-half percent sales tax for city-wide retailers that would go into effect on April 1, 2022 and last over the next 10 years. After the canvass vote of the 2021 election ballots on Monday, Nov. 8, voters voted No, to that question. The final tally of the special question was 1,047 No — 1,038 Yes.
Source: Dodge Globe
Pittsburg community works to make sure everyone has something for the holiday season
One community in Southeast Kansas is working to make sure everyone can have something waiting for them this holiday season. This morning was the Holiday Craft Fair at the Pittsburg Farmer’s Market. Event-goers had the chance to check out local vendors and participate in holiday themed activities like a visit with Santa Claus. Anyone wanting to enter the market had to donate unexpired non-perishable food, which will be going towards Wesley House. “It’s amazing, the fact that we got 14 vendors here today wanting to help us out and help the community and give back is just awesome,” says Ashten Graham, City of Pittsburg Recreation Program Manager.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Charter Commission member withdraws Johnson County name change proposal but still wants to have ‘important discussion’
The Johnson County Charter Commission will not consider a proposal to begin a discussion about whether the county should be named after a former slave owner following a commission member’s decision to withdrew the recommendation. Tedrick Housh, who submitted the recommendation to “adopt a process of meaningful consideration” for changing Johnson County’s name, said over the weekend that the Charter Commission might not be the best venue for that. “It is an important discussion but upon reflection, I think the better approach is to address this matter with the (County Commission) and the community directly, outside the Charter Commission platform,” Housh told the Post. The Charter Commission is a body that convenes once a decade to review the county’s home rule charter and is completely separate from the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: Prairie Village Post
M.T. Liggett Art Environment showcases late artist’s ‘bizarre’ metal pieces near Mullinville
If you have ever driven on U.S. 400 near Mullinville, you’ve likely seen hundreds of strange pieces of metal art just a few feet from the highway. The art was created by the late M.T. Liggett (1933-2017), who had a passion for creating strange and fascinating works of art from old metal road signs and glass bottles. Some of his pieces have names of his inspirations and show strange caricatures of those he loved or disliked, with his largest works being nearly 20 feet tall. His unique works are now a part of the M.T. Liggett Art Environment, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing one of Southwest Kansas’ most fascinating artists. “This building was completed with the vision of the Kohler foundation who played a huge part on this site, they preserved all of M.T.’s artwork outside and build this building for visitors to come to,” said Ann Dixson, director of the M.T. Ligget Art Environment.
Source: KSN-TV
Both leading candidates for Kansas governor want to cut the sales tax on food
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly called Monday for the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries, something lawmakers from both parties have talked about for years in Kansas. “This is not a partial reduction,” Kelly said, wielding an ax for emphasis during a news conference staged at a Topeka grocery store. “We are going to ax the food sales tax.” Kansas is one of only seven states that fully taxes groceries. Of those, Kansas’ 6.5% tax ranks second highest. Add in local sales taxes and the rates top 10% in some places. Kelly’s announcement comes just days after Kansas Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt — the favorite to win the GOP nomination for governor in 2022 — called on lawmakers to eliminate or significantly reduce the food sales tax.
Source: KCUR News
USD 232 in De Soto hikes substitute teacher pay to highest rate in Johnson County to help deal with shortage
Facing a shortage of qualified substitute teachers, USD 232 in De Soto is increasing its sub pay rate to be more competitive with neighboring school districts. After some discussion, the USD 232 Board of Education last week voted 6-0 to increase the school district’s substitute teacher pay from $125 to $140 for the short term (or daily) rates and from $140 to $175 for long term rates. … With the increase in rates, USD 232 is now the highest-paying public school district for substitutes in Johnson County and remains one of the higher paying\ districts in the Kansas City metro. USD 232 now matches the rates of Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Unified School District and closely follows Kansas City Kansas and Turner school districts.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Broadband Dominates Tech Funding In Infrastructure Bill
Congress passed the long-awaited infrastructure bill Friday evening with bipartisan support after lengthy negotiations surrounding the bill’s provisions. In addition to being a major political win for President Joe Biden, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also contains fresh funding for expansive technological updates. Calling it a “once-in-a-generation bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Biden highlighted one of the critical portions of the infrastructure bill: expanding high speed internet access across the country. “The bill will … make high-speed internet affordable and available everywhere in America,” he said in comments on Saturday following the bill’s passage.
Source: Route Fifty – All Content
New grant program launches for historic building revitalization
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses; housing; arts and culture; civic engagement; childcare; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community. … There are two funding categories under the HEAL program. Emergency HEAL grants provide immediate relief for buildings at risk of collapse. Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted from November 8-19 with awards announced November 23. All non-Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted until December 20 with awards announced January 10, 2022. Eligible properties must have historical or architectural significance and be in a downtown business district in cities of less than 50,000 population.
Source: KDOC
‘Pretty heavy’ requirement for driveways in rural Riley County areas
Riley County Commissioner Greg McKinley on Monday said he’s received complaints about a proposal that establishes driveway requirements for unincorporated part of the county. The county currently doesn’t have driveway requirements, but officials said the changes will allow easier and safer access for emergency responders. “I understand the purpose was to allow (EMS) access, but that seems like a pretty heavy requirement for a new home,” McKinley said. The commission didn’t vote on the matter Monday, but it continued discussion on the proposal. Proposed driveway requirements would only affect people building new homes in unincorporated residential developments in Riley County and wouldn’t affect existing homes.
Source: themercury.com
Baxter Springs police warn of hard to see home address markings
The Baxter Springs Police Department is asking residents to take steps to make sure first responders can find homes. The department says many homes do not have visible numbers to indicate the house address. Those numbers should be clearly visible and at least three inches tall.
Source: KOAMKOAM
Neighborhood revitalization plan gets green light from City Commissioners
Every eight years the city of Atchison votes on the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The city commissioners just voted for the city to partake in the 8th term that started October 31, 2021, and will end October 31, 2029. What does the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP) is intended to promote the rehabilitation, conversation, and/or redevelopment within all parts of the County in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County? What does that mean to homeowners? It means that incentives are offered in the form of a tax rebate. The tax rebate incentive is based on the incremental increase of qualified improvements of properties. The act authorizes municipalities subject to the Kansas Cash Basis Law to designate one or more areas within their boundaries as a “Neighborhood Revitalization Area.” The term “municipality” specifically includes any county, township, city, or school district.
Source: City Government | atchisonglobenow.com
Sedgwick County updates code regarding firearms discharge
Issues in a Derby neighborhood led to action taken at the Nov. 3 Sedgwick County Commission meeting, with the governing body approving a resolution regulating the discharge of firearms across property boundaries.. The resolution updates the Sedgwick County Code, making it a violation for a person to discharge a firearm and have the bullet leave the boundaries of the property from which it was discharged (with minimal exceptions such as defense of life, hunting, with consent, etc.). Such a violation would be subject to a maximum fine of $500.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Temperatures drop and needs rise for Hutchinson community-aid programs
As temperatures drop, the needs at homeless shelters and services rise. Shelter, food and clothing are crucial ingredients for the homeless. In Hutchinson, The Salvation Army and New Beginnings provide emergency services with the aid of the community. Due to last year’s struggles with COVID-19, more families in Hutchinson are utilizing community assistance services. According to New Beginnings and the Salvation Army, the need for community resources has more than doubled.
Source: Hutch News
Kansas hospitals brave staffing challenges
Lois Pearce wore a variety of hats during her 33 years working at Osawatomie State Hospital. Her past 17 years were spent as a mental health technician and mental health aide, two of the most in-demand roles at Osawatomie and Larned State Hospital, the state’s two mental health hospitals, which provide care for adults with psychiatric conditions. But in her three-decades-plus of work, Pearce said some things remained largely consistent: structural factors that made it hard to bring staff aboard, with a trying work environment, low pay and mismanagement.
Source: Hutch News.
Topeka-area has 59 bridges in need of repair or corrective action. None are designated as unsafe.
Shawnee County has 59 bridges in need of repair or corrective action, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. None are designated unsafe. “If we had any bridges that were unsafe, the road would be closed,” Shawnee County public works director Curt Niehaus said. Bridges are flagged for needing to be repaired for two primary reasons — the bridge is either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for November 5, 2021
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.
Johnson County is named after a major pro-slavery advocate. A new proposal would change that
A recommendation to consider whether Johnson County should be named after its slave owning namesake is among 18 suggested changes that have been submitted by members of the county Charter Commission for its consideration. The list of amendments and recommendations also includes some ideas about which county races should be partisan and which should be elected — subjects that have proved controversial among people who have attended the charter commission’s recent public hearings. The proposal to consider a name change asks the Board of County Commissioners — not the Charter Commission — to “adopt a process for meaningful consideration of Rev. Thomas Johnson as the namesake of Johnson County.”
Source: KCUR News
‘It’s the highest it’s ever been’: Local animal shelters see an uptick in pet surrenders
Shelters and rescues across the state are witnessing an increase in animals being surrendered by their owners. Some rescues say it’s more than they can handle. Wichita Animal Action League Executive Director, Christy Fischer, says it’s something they have never seen before. Currently, their shelter is overpopulated, and they are having trouble relocating many of these pets. However, she says it’s not only the local animal shelters that are dealing with this but animal rescues across the country. Adding many owners are surrendering animals who have not yet been spayed or neutered and are leaving them while pregnant inside the shelter. Causing staff to find space for several furry families within a short amount of time. “We are dealing with thousands upon thousands of animals now that may not have been born if their parents had been spayed or neutered during that time frame,” Fischer said. “People need to understand that bringing a dog or cat into your home that’s at least a 10 to 15-year commitment and it needs to be treated as such. So, it should never be an impulse decision.”
Source: KSN-TV
Overland Park’s bulky item pickup program could see major changes in future — here’s why
Sine 1988, Overland Park has offered residents a bulky item collection event to provide an opportunity to dispose of large items, such as furniture and appliances not collected by weekly trash pickup. However, changes to the popular program could be coming soon because city staff say it is no longer as effective as it once was. In this year’s event alone, each of the four collection weekends were followed by a full week or more of follow-up collections, according to city documents. The city’s environment programs coordinator Jim Twigg told a city council committee this week that the city-run program is no longer effective, in part, because of increased prices and changes to how waste management is run.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Leawood looks for solutions to daily traffic jams on Mission Road caused by school dismissal
When Curé of Ars Catholic School in Leawood lets their students out at the end of each school day, the event is hard to miss. The school, which has over 700 kids who attend daily, sits along Mission Road, just south of 93rd Street. The large student population, coupled with the fact that the surrounding area has many businesses and residential subdivisions, often makes it hard for the school to keep the end-of-day traffic contained within its own parking lot.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Kansas explores new road for highway funding
The days of paying gas taxes at the pump may eventually be as passe as using a landline to place a phone call. States across the country are studying new ways to tax the driving public for transportation as gas taxes become less sustainable with more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles on the road. At least 10 states have passed legislation to study what’s known as a road-user charge. Many are already looking at how they could move to a tax based on miles driven as compared to how much gas a driver buys.
Source: Sunflower State Journal
Louisburg to offer Snow Buddies program again this winter
With winter just around the corner, the city of Louisburg is ready to roll out its annual Snow Buddies program.Snow Buddies is a volunteer program that matches the city’s senior citizens or those who may have a disability and are unable to shovel snow from their sidewalks with a volunteer who is able to assist with snow shoveling, according to a city news release. The program also asks for volunteers to shovel a path from the front door to the sidewalk or street, if there is no sidewalk on the property. To qualify, a Louisburg resident must be a senior citizen or have a disability that makes it difficult to shovel snow. You must also own their home or live in a single-family residence, according to the release.
Source: The Miami County Republic
Dickinson County clerk retires after 44 years with the office
When Barbara “Barb” Jones went to work in the Dickinson County clerk’s office more than 44 years ago one of her job duties included typing tax statements — emphasis being on the word “typing.” “When I tell people I typed tax statements they say, ‘You did what?’ There were a lot of typewriters flying then,” Jones recalls with a laugh. “And that was done on three-part carbons. So if you made a mistake, you couldn’t just erase it a little.” After more than four decades in the clerk’s office, including 12 years serving as county clerk/election officer, Jones will retire Nov. 30.
Source: Abilene Reflector Chronicle
After more residents express interest, Douglas County to hold public meeting on expanding commission from three members to five
Douglas County is seeking to hear from residents about whether they would like to see the County Commission expand from three members to five. The county has scheduled a listening session for Dec. 9 to gather residents’ input about expanding the commission after more residents started getting in touch with local leaders about the idea. Commissioners initially expressed interest in expanding the commission to five members in March, but at a meeting in July they essentially decided to put the conversations aside because few residents had expressed interest in the idea. At that time, commissioners agreed that unless they heard from more residents, they would not move forward with a public election on the topic.
Source: LJWorld.com
Ignite Emporia seeking feedback on child care needs in Lyon County
Child care access has been identified as one of the four major barriers to local workforce development. Through the course of the pandemic our community saw the critical role that our child care providers contribute and how limitations and disruptions can impact families in a variety of ways. One critical impact is the decision that families must make to balance workforce participation with the cost and access of child care services. To better understand the needs our community is facing, Ignite Emporia has partnered with the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research. This brief online survey will help us gather baseline data to help guide discussions and strategies to improve access to needed child care resources that can also improve access to the local workforce.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Survey says most Lawrence residents like parklets
Most visitors to downtown Lawrence like the street parking stalls-turned-al fresco dining spaces and would use them in the long term, according to the city’s recent survey. The temporary right-of-way program, implemented to help restaurants stay in business amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to expire on Dec. 31. The city is considering implementing a long-term version of the program. City commissioners asked staff to gather public feedback to help determine what to do next. Those results are in, and staff now recommends extending the temporary parklets through the end of March 2022 to allow time to develop a long-term plan.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Proposal to consider changing Johnson County’s name one of 18 items before Charter Commission
A recommendation to consider whether Johnson County should be named after its slave owning namesake is among 18 suggested changes that have been submitted by members of the county Charter Commission for its consideration. The list of amendments and recommendations also includes some ideas about which county races should be partisan and which should be elected — subjects that have proved controversial among people who have attended the charter commission’s recent public hearings. The proposal to consider a name change asks county commissioners “to adopt a process for meaningful consideration of Rev. Thomas Johnson as the namesake of Johnson County.”
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Sales tax questions approved in area elections
Voters in Andover approved a one-cent sales tax proposal in Tuesday’s general election. The sales tax will fund the construction of a second fire station as well as renovations to the current fire station. Some of the tax revenue will also support renovations to the 13th Street Sports Park. … Voters in Sumner County approved the extension of an existing sales tax for health care services. The half-cent tax provides funding for the health department, emergency medical services, mental health programs and other needs. The tax will be extended for ten years. The proposal received 1,584 yes votes and 813 no votes in the unofficial results from Tuesday’s election. … Voters in the Wellington School District, USD 353, approved a proposal to have all school board members elected at large. Currently, there are two board members elected from each of three districts plus one at large member.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Municipal Bond Trends for November 4, 2021
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.
Johnson County voter turnout set a record this year
More Johnson County voters went to the polls or mailed in ballots for the 2021 general election than in any other recent odd year election. Before Tuesday, county election officials predicted a 20% turnout among registered voters, but actual turnout comfortably surpassed that estimate. As of Wednesday, the Johnson County Election Office reported 110,027 ballots cast, for a turnout of 24.88%. And that number will continue to creep up over the next few days as mail-in ballots that were dropped off or postmarked before polls closed on Election Day are added to the total, along with provisional ballots.
Source: Prairie Village Post
New Grant Program Launches for Historic Building Revitalization
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses; housing; arts and culture; civic engagement; childcare; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce » Press Releases Category Feed
New Grant Program Launches for Historic Building Revitalization
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses; housing; arts and culture; civic engagement; childcare; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community. “We have a shortage of ready to occupy buildings across the state, but also an abundance of historic buildings with good bones that make them great candidates for rehabilitation,” Lieutenant Governor/Secretary Toland said. “The HEAL program provides an immediate opportunity to close financial gaps in restoring these properties and making downtown districts throughout our state more economically vibrant, while also creating new jobs and services for Kansans.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Great Bend Public Library receives staff health and wellness grant
The Great Bend Public Library has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Kansas Library Association to support staff health and wellness. This grant was made possible through a 2019 gift from the Kansas Health Foundation to the Kansas Library Association. The installation of artificial turf at the Great Bend Sports Complex “is moving along very well,” City Administrator Kendal Francis said in an update to the City Council Monday night. The City of Great Bend received its most recent tax distributions from the Kansas Department of Revenue and the numbers looked promising, City Administrator Kendal Francis told the City Council Monday night.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Jackson County Tourism Council plans mural project
In an effort to bring more visitors to the county, members of the Jackson County Tourism Council are launching a mural project here. Three new murals will kick-start the project in downtown Holton, according to Suzette McCord-Rogers, a member of the tourism council and mural committee. The new murals, which are expected to last 20 to 30 years, are being planned on the exterior of three buildings. Wichita artist Heather Byers has been hired to paint two murals – one on the west side of the building on the northwest corner of the Square owned by Colette Carson and the other on a wall in the alley behind More Than Lemons on the east side of the Square.
Source: Holton Recorder
KSHSAA, local schools note shortage of available officials
Middle and high school sports programs in Kansas, it has been reported, continue to face an ongoing shortage of one important element that could postpone or even cancel games — a lack of available officials. That’s why athletic directors at local schools are joining with Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) officials in putting out the call for middle and high school sports fans who would like to give back to their favorite games — and enable those games to continue. “It’s a way to make an impact with kids and sports without committing every day as a coach,” said David Schooler, athletic director and assistant principal at Royal Valley High School.
Source: Holton Recorder
Kansas sheriffs letter: Operations and management at LSH have reached a crisis level
It’s a letter from 59 Kansas sheriffs to Governor Laura Kelly and they’re demanding changes at Larned State Hospital. They criticized management and the state policies, and said the leaders “created a culture that has become a quagmire of red tape and bureaucracy.” One of the problems highlighted in the letter explains what happened during the John Colt escape. However, they said there are other problems that put the public in danger, and bring disservice to the mentally ill. John Colt was in the “Sexual Predator Treatment Program” at LSH, and escaped in June. Authorities didn’t capture him until late September, when they found him in Utah. Three women, who were all employees at LSH are accused of helping Colt escape.
Source: KSN-TV
New grant program intends to revitalize historic buildings in rural Kansas
A new grant program announced by the Kansas Department of Commerce intends to revitalize historic buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to renovate downtown buildings that are underutilized to boost community engagement. “We have a shortage of ready to occupy buildings across the state, but also an abundance of historic buildings with good bones that make them great candidates for rehabilitation,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary David Toland said. “The HEAL program provides an immediate opportunity to close financial gaps in restoring these properties and making downtown districts throughout our state more economically vibrant, while also creating new jobs and services for Kansans.” The HEAL program has two categories for funding, emergency and non-emergency. Emergency HEAL grants will provide immediate relief for buildings at risk of collapse, and applications will be accepted from Nov. 8-19, with awards being announced on Nov. 23.
Source: KSN-TV
WSU institute launches advisory board for economic growth
Wichita State University’s Institute for the Study of Economic Growth has named a seven-person advisory board to help the institute chart a path for boosting business regionally. … “These pioneers have helped grow their businesses and their communities with great success,” Genin said of the selected board members in a press release. “I know with their insights, we can make an even greater impact on students and the economy of the Wichita region.” The group will help ISEG with strategic planning and will provide input on programs and opportunities.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Topeka city manager Brent Trout announces his resignation at the end of 2021
Topeka city manager Brent Trout said he will leave Topeka feeling like he belonged to the community. “I went to many, many events within this community and made very good friends here,” Trout said. Trout said Thursday he will resign at the end of 2021 from the position he has held since Oct. 30, 2017. Trout spoke at a rapidly called news conference that followed a news release about Trout’s departure…. Trout, who turned 55 in May, said he opted to resign after a recent vacation to Virginia and North Carolina, during which he and his wife, Kelly, realized their desire to be closer to family, including grandchildren.
Source: CJonline
It started as a grocery store. Now this cutting-edge library is a gem in Olathe
Olathe’s Indian Creek Library has received a 2021 American Architectural Award. The library is among 125 recipients of what’s considered to be the most prestigious building awards program to honor new and cutting-edge design across the country. The new library, which opened in the fall of 2019, was created inside a former grocery store at 16100 W. 135th St. on the east side of Olathe. “We are ecstatic that Sean Zaudke and his Gould Evans design team are receiving national recognition for their beautiful creation,” Bob Miller, Indian Creek Library manager, said in a news release. “The Indian Creek Library is a true community gathering place, an anchor in the community where people can connect, explore, learn, and create…”
Source: Joco 913 News
Miami County’s decision to not incorporate new city of Golden will be appealed
The debate over the proposed city of Golden will be moving across the street. Jennifer Williams, who filed a petition April 9 to incorporate about 9 square miles north of Hillsdale Lake into a city to block the march of intermodal warehouses into Miami County, said the County Commission’s decision to deny incorporation of Golden will be contested. The County Commission voted 3-1 against incorporation of Golden at its Oct. 13 meeting. At their meeting Wednesday, Oct. 27, commissioners voted to approve a resolution adopting the order denying incorporation of the proposed city. Later that afternoon, Williams confirmed an appeal will be filed in Miami County District Court. Williams’ April petition had 287 signatures, collected in four days. She estimated with a little more time the petition would have had over 300 signatures.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com
Marion approves hike and bike trail proposal
A community committee’s proposal for a two-mile hike and bike trail was unanimously endorsed Monday by Marion’s city council. If the state approves a city grant application, the gravel and crushed limestone trail will cost the city $20,000. The remainder of the $160,000 cost would be paid by the grant. Member Donna Hett said the seven-person committee looked at several options for location and length of the trail. “We believe that this trail will improve our community for several reasons, including continuing to attract families to town through active tourism as well as providing a safe alternative to walking and biking on the streets,” Hett said.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal