Municipal News & Jobs

A cycling and trails enthusiast passed through Iola this weekend as part of his “Ride 4 Resilience” to raise money for cancer research and a group dedicated to preserving and building upon the state’s recreational trails. Mike Scanlon wants people to know Iola has a pretty cool trail system. Scanlon, executive director of the newly-formed nonprofit Kansas Trails Inc., was in town last weekend riding the Lehigh Portland trails.
Read more: The Iola Register

Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted to expand a property tax rebate program with a goal of offering further assistance to seniors with low incomes and veterans who are disabled. A pilot program rolled out last year. About 81% of the 135 applicants were eligible. They received an average rebate of $281, with the maximum set at $300, and the county gave almost $31,000 total back to taxpayers, according to documents in the meeting agenda. County commissioners approved $500,000 in their budget to offset the cost of rebates, so the value of all rebates came to less than 1% of the funds set aside. For 2026, county staff members proposed increasing the maximum rebate to $400, or the county’s portion of the person’s property taxes if that amount is lower than $400.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

Marysville’s black squirrel ordinance, adopted in 1972, directs the mayor “at nut-gathering time” to proclaim an annual Black Squirrel Day. Through the decades the celebration has appeared under different names — Black Squirrel Day, Black Squirrel Fun Night and Black Squirrel Night. With a full slate of activities and a nod to traditions of years past, this year’s community celebration is Black Squirrel Fall Fest.
Read more: www.marysvilleonline.net

When the Colby City Council meets to discuss a new STAR bond project on Oct. 8, 2025, they will have to vote on the proposal without seeing the full feasibility study done by the Kansas Department of Commerce. This is because Commerce requires governing bodies to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to receive the entire study. If they decline, they’re given a summary. Colby City Manager Ron Alexander told The Sentinel in a phone interview that he declined to do so because he was uncomfortable with the requirement.
Read more: The Sentinel

A new collaboration will give students in Dodge City and southwest Kansas expanded access to the transformative power of a bachelor’s degree — all from the comfort and support of their hometown region. Combining the breadth and depth of a traditional four-year university with the homegrown reach and accessibility of a two-year community college, Dodge City Community College and Kansas State University are teaming up to expand access to bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture and education.
Read more: themercury.com

News of layoffs at Iola’s Gates Corporation plant hit hard last week. After learning that 80 employees will soon lose their jobs, local leaders immediately went to work attempting to turn crisis into opportunity. Within hours, Thrive Allen County’s Camille Lavon was on the phone with company officials and state partners, mapping out a plan to keep the 80 soon-to-be-displaced employees working close to home. 
Read more: The Iola Register

While the incumbents gave various reasons for stepping down, the increasing polarization and hostility around issues in the city, in some ways mirroring national trends, are discouraging them from staying any longer.
Read more: KC Star

Derek Raines asked for a moratorium and a noise resolution regarding the bitcoin mining natural gas generators near his property… Raines said that the stress of having the constant noise is taking a toll on him and his family. Neighbor Kimberly Sparks lives 3/4 of a mile away and can hear the humming and feel the vibration constantly. “It’s very upsetting,” she said. Commissioner Milburn said she had contacted the administration of Jefferson County to get their information on how they handled this issue.
Read more: Fort Scott Biz

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Kansas state law allows candidates for local office in large cities such as Wichita to accept $2,000 political contributions while the city of Wichita’s ordinance caps that amount at $500. Confusion over changes to Kansas campaign finance law has led to accusations of wrongdoing and a return of campaign donations in a Wichita City Council primary.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System is undergoing a five-year, $74 million modernization project. The new system aims to be easier to use for members, employers and staff. The project, which is on schedule and on budget, is expected to be completed by November 2029.
Read more: CJonline

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Carissa McMullen and Nathan Harrell of Landworks Studio presented the Parks Master Plan at the Sedgwick City Council Meeting on Wednesday evening. McMullen said that the purpose of the plan is to present the vision for the future. Since April, Landworks has attended local events, visited with residents about what they want to see happen with their parks, and conducted online surveys. They then used the feedback to develop the plan, according to McMullen.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Accessing long-term stable housing is a challenge for many, and one Kansas nonprofit is providing those homes to people working to get back on their feet. In February, the McPherson Housing Coalition opened up the first home in its Sutherland Estates project. Now there are seven houses there. The project offers long-term supportive housing. “They are based on income, and it really gives people or a person an opportunity to start over or for somebody who just got their first job and they can’t afford to live in our community,” explained Chris Goodson, Executive Director of the McPherson Housing Coalition. The homes vary from one bedroom to three, which offers a more permanent supportive housing solution to keep families together, which Goodson says is a first for Kansas.
Read more: KSN-TV

Given the unpredictability of the economy and the ongoing possibility of a recession, Kansas could see a cooling off in the labor market and in gross domestic product, according to the Center for Economic Development and Business Research’s annual economist forecast revealed Thursday morning at the organization’s annual conference. “It’s very much a story of a slowdown,” said Bekah Selby-Leach, the executive director for the CEDBR at Wichita State University. “Everybody, all the businesses, individuals, are starting to make choices which are more consistent with uncertainty.”
Read more: Wichita Business Journal

Arkansas City commissioners will consider action Tuesday that if approved, will give the county responsibility for the activation of warning sirens within the city limits. A previous memorandum designated the city as the primary activator with the county providing backup support. But the commission cut the Emergency Management Coordinator position from the city budget, starting next year. City officials said those duties would be filled in by Cowley County Emergency Management and other city departments.
Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com

When Hesston High School came calling, for John Waltner, it was a no-brainer. Waltner saw a chance to give back with a hobby and his mobile “My Happy Place” was installed in the brand new . library on Oct. 2. Waltner has his work hanging at various places and enjoys making larger works of art for bigger spaces.
Read more: Harvey County Now

For 50 years, when someone in Johnson County has dialed 911, Med-Act has answered. Behind every call are neighbors — paramedics, EMTs and first responders — ready to bring calm, care, and skill in life’s most urgent moments. As part of the Johnson County Department of Emergency Services, Med-Act has become a cornerstone of the community, working alongside fire departments, hospitals, and law enforcement to keep residents safe. Partnering with eight fire departments and eight hospitals, Johnson County Med-Act ensures that anyone facing a medical crisis receives the best care possible. Over its half-century of service, the organization has earned national recognition, including the American Heart Association’s Mission Lifeline EMS Gold Achievement Award and the Kansas Association of EMS Services Community Award for its response to the Super Bowl Parade shootings.
Read more: Johnson County Post

In less than a year, Kansas City will host six games as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the roughly monthlong event, an estimated 650,000 visitors will descend on the metro area looking for places to stay, grab a bite and enjoy local entertainment. Here’s a look at a handful of real estate projects in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties that are aiming to open in time for the international tournament.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal