Kansas Municipal News
Municipal Bond Trends for June 18, 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.
Fed’s Jim Bullard sees first interest rate hike coming as soon as 2022
St. Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard told CNBC on Friday that he sees an initial interest rate increase happening in 2022 as inflation picks up faster than previous forecasts had anticipated. That estimate is even quicker than the outlook the broader Federal Open Market Committee released Wednesday that caused a hit to financial markets. The committee’s median outlook was for up to two hikes in 2023, after indicating in March that saw no increases on the horizon. Bullard at several points described the Fed’s moves this week as “hawkish,” or in favor of tighter monetary policy than what has prevailed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. “We’re expecting a good year, a good reopening. But this is a bigger year than we were expecting, more inflation than we were expecting,” the central bank official said …
Source: CNBC
Northwest Bypass Could Energize West Wichita, If It’s Ever Built
A massive highway project has the potential to transform much of west Wichita. The Northwest Bypass would extend K-96 from near 45th and Maize Road to Kellogg, just east of Goddard. The question is: Will it ever be built? The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has been buying property for the project since 2006 but only has acquired a third of the needed right-of-way. The problem so far? It’s pretty obvious. “The biggest thing right now is funding,” said Sedgwick County Commissioner David Dennis, who represents west Wichita and west Sedgwick County.
Source: KMUW
Wheat harvest in Kansas looking terrific
Farmers across Kansas have something to be thankful for: initial reports show that the wheat harvest may be the best in recent years. A much-needed yield and factors such as sunshine, well-timed rains and great growing temperatures have helped farmers put food on your table and theirs. The weather, while almost unbearable to many, lately, has been perfect for this year’s Kansas wheat harvest. Instead of a harvest taking weeks, it’s taking half the time. Shawn Becker is a third-generation farmer from Wellington who is smiling bright this harvest season. “(The weather) is ideal with cutting wheat,” he said. “The ground is dry, your machines have to fight less when you’re not fighting mud. (I’m) day three into it, and a little over halfway done.”
Source: KAKE – News
KC, OKC got Topgolf for nothing but Wichita offered millions; project study had flaws
The city of Wichita is moving forward with a $10.2 million subsidy for a Topgolf sports attraction and neighboring development — but other cities in the region didn’t pay anything to land the golf-themed business and there’s a glaring error in the economic study that justified the project. Oklahoma City and Overland Park officials told The Eagle they didn’t spend any public money to get Topgolf, a popular sports entertainment company owned by publicly traded golfing behemoth Callaway Golf Co., a company currently valued at $5.9 billion. “We gave them no incentives, no reimbursement,” said Sean Reilly, a spokesman for Overland Park city government. “Topgolf did not receive any incentives from the city,” said Joanna McSpadden, Oklahoma City’s economic development program manager. “That’s the idea, right? We don’t have to incentivize everything, we can have some growth on the private dime, too.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Grant helps to fund Winfield ambulance
The City of Winfield approved the $151,000 purchase of a new ambulance at its regular meeting, which was held in special session on Thursday. The ambulance will be funded in part through a matching USDA Rural Development grant award of $125,000. Smaller in design, the ambulance approved is a customized Ford 350 Transit. “This will be our first van-based ambulance,” City Manager Taggart Wall said. “It is a great way to test the waters and determine what type of vehicle works best for the patient and our staff in different situations.” Wall said that the investment represents the continued goal to update the fleet of ambulances that the city acquired from the former hospital-based Winfield Area EMS.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Plan would restore rail service to big swath of the Midwest
Proponents of expanding passenger rail service through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas hope an anticipated influx of federal infrastructure funding will get the the long-discussed route off the ground. The project, which is among 39 new routes that Amtrak has proposed, calls for extending the Heartland Flyer. The train now travels south from Oklahoma City in the morning and returns in the evening, with an afternoon layover in Fort Worth, Texas. With the expansion, one daily trip would start and end farther north in Newton in the early morning, traveling over tracks owned by BNSF, the largest U.S. railroad. From Newton, travelers could catch Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, passing through Kansas City, Mo., along the way.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Plans to Build New Factory in Tonganoxie to Help Meet Growing Demand for its Pet Food
Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced their intent to invest more than $250 million to build a new factory in Leavenworth County in their home state of Kansas to help meet the growing demand for their #1 vet recommended Hill’s pet nutrition. “Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s decision to invest $250 million in Kansas and bring 80 new jobs to Tonganoxie is further proof that Kansas’ Animal Health Corridor can out-compete any region in the world for these industry investments and jobs,” Governor said. “With our central location, talented workforce and reputation as a global leader in animal health and science, our partnership with Hill’s is a no-brainer.” “Hill’s Pet Nutrition is excited to be growing our roots in. We’ve been part of the community for almost 80 years and this new facility will help us to meet our mission of enriching and lengthening the special relationships between people and their pets by providing our high quality nutrition,” said Jesper Nordengaard, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition…
Source: Atchison Globe Now
Riley County clerk: More budget announcements published equals more money spent
The Riley County clerk says a new state law intended to help people understand where their tax dollars go will in turn cost taxpayers more money to implement. Riley County and Manhattan city government officials met for a joint meeting Thursday to discuss the potential “unintended consequences” of the passage of Senate Bill 13. The bill, approved by Kansas lawmakers this past session, establishes new requirements for public notices and hearings to alert residents if a municipal entity’s budget might surpass what’s called the “revenue neutral rate” for a local property tax levy. Riley County clerk Rich Vargo said the new legislation, which takes effect next year, is meant to inform people of how their tax dollars will be used, and to spur them to attend budget hearings for local agencies to “express their opinions on what they want funded and what they don’t want funded.”
Source: themercury.com
National arts grant will give downtown Wichita businesses some creative curb appeal
A new placemaking initiative in Wichita funded by a national grant will help give a few downtown businesses a little more curb appeal. In a partnership with the city, Downtown Wichita was one of 63 recipients of a $75,000 Our Town Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The funding will support a new initiative called the Front Porch Project, which will pair local artists with business owners to come up with a creative outdoor extension of their storefronts.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Kansas officer critically hurt, suspect dead after shootout
A Kansas police officer is in critical condition and the person who fired at officers is dead after a shootout in Wichita, authorities said. Two police officers were checking on the welfare of a 32-year-old woman and her 13-year-old daughter at a home in south Wichita around 10:15 p.m. Saturday when the shooting began. Police said the woman reported having a physical fight with her boyfriend before officers arrived, but she thought the man had left. Wichita Deputy Police Chief Jose Salcido said officers found the man, 28-year-old Tyler Hodge, hiding in a shed in the backyard with a rifle. Body camera footage released Sunday showed Hodge ignoring officers’ commands to put the gun down before he stood up and opened fire. One of the officers was hit several times and was rushed to a hospital. He remained in critical but stable condition Sunday.
Source: KOAMKOAM
Lecompton has a long and rich history. A new mural titled ‘Resilience’ depicts the town’s story and significance.
The town of Lecompton is known for its rich history. Founded in 1854, the town was originally named Bald Eagle and became Kansas’ territorial capital 11 years later. The small town is known as being “the birthplace of the Civil War, where slavery began to die.” Lecompton’s history is now represented through a new mural painted on the south wall of the former Lecompton High School gym. The mural, created by artist Rick Wright, depicts a landscape with a bald eagle emerging from the clouds. On each side of the eagle are buildings and wagons and below is the phrase “Populi Voce Nata,” which means “Born by the voice of the people.” The mural, which has been named “Resilience,” was a project funded by Lecompton Community Pride. Paul Bahnmaier, president of the Lecompton Historical Society, said the group raised more than $13,000 for the project through donations.
Source: CJonline.com.
Housing crisis threatens to stifle rural Kansas towns hoping to grow
On the east edge of town, an empty sidewalk flanked by dirt and gravel curls around a bend into the shape of a cul-de-sac. Soon, it will lead to the front doors of three dozen new homes — the first houses in Hays built to sell for $225,000 or less in the past several years. Doug Williams, who heads the local housing and economic development coalition Grow Hays, expects the first homebuyers to move in by the end of this year. And in his view, it’s not a moment too soon. Nor is it enough. “We have what I would deem an extreme undersupply of housing,” Williams said. “And we’ve been fighting that for going on nine to 10 months now.” In the space of one year from late 2019 to late 2020, Grow Hays’ housing report found that the number of homes for sale in the northwest Kansas town plummeted from 101 to 50. And it keeps dropping. “I checked this morning,” he said, “and it was 41.”
Source: KAKE – News
Tenants to Homeowners to hold open house for solar-powered small home; project is first to use Lawrence’s density bonus
An open house for the project, Solar Prairie, will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at 1443 Prairie Ave. The two-bedroom, 925-square-foot home is Tenants to Homeowners’ third small home, and the second small home built on the lot, making it the first project to use the city’s density bonus. The Lawrence City Commission voted in 2019 to approve the density bonus, which allows two homes to be built on lots of a certain size as long as both homes remain permanently affordable. Like other Tenants to Homeowners projects, the solar-powered small home will be sold at an affordable price to a qualifying owner and remain in a permanently affordable community land trust into the future.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Pittsburg Festival of the Arts returns with new elements, live performances
Crawford County residents eager to get out of the house can enjoy a free weeklong event that will showcase area talent including music, art and theater in venues at Pittsburg State University and at Block22 in downtown Pittsburg. Now in its ninth year, the annual Pittsburg Festival of the Arts is slated from Sunday to Saturday, June 19. It brings together local artists by giving them a public platform to exhibit their work during the summer months. Last year’s event was held virtually due to the pandemic but will resume in person this year. In collaboration with the PSU music department and the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, the festival will feature a mix of outdoor and indoor concerts featuring jazz, brass, Latin, country, classic rock, gospel, bluegrass and chamber music.
Source: www.joplinglobe.com
Economic development projects in WYCO received boost from state
Wyandotte County has been a big beneficiary of economic development efforts in Kansas, according to Gov. Laura Kelly. The state intensified economic development efforts in the past few years, moving up in state rankings for its efforts and recently receiving the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine, she said on Tuesday. Only eight states received the award, and Kansas was the only small state that received this economic development award this year, she said. “We set a record for new capital investment in 2020,” Gov. Kelly said. “We brought in over $2.5 billion in capital investment, more than ever before. And we are on target to beat that record in 2021.”
Source: Wyandotte Daily
Lacking lifeguards: Local pools making due, but hope to hire more
The heat has hundreds rushing to their local pools and splash pads. Nationwide, there is a shortage of lifeguards. “We started the year kind of strong. We’ve already lost six lifeguards since the summer has begun,” said Ted Nelson, the superintendent of aquatics for Hutchinson Recreation. Day by day, Hutchinson is keeping their splash aquatic center open, but they are still feeling the heat to hire more lifeguards this summer. “Just the shortage of applicants, and not a lot of our returners coming back,” said Nelson. There were concerns across Kansas that some pools might have to cut back on hours due to the lack of lifeguards, but fortunately, that has not been the case in Wichita and the surrounding communities.
Source: KSN-TV
Explaining the volatile stock and bond market moves this week following the Fed’s update
Strategists say the the Fed’s slight step toward tightening policy didn’t shock markets Wednesday, but it will likely make them volatile going forward. The Fed, in essence, is acknowledging the door is now open to future rate hikes. … The yields of shorter-duration Treasurys, like the 2-year note, rose, while longer duration yields, such as the benchmark 10-year fell. That so-called “flattening” is a go-to trade when interest rates rise. The logic is that longer yields fall since the economy may not do as well in the future with higher interest rates, and short-end yields rise to reflect expectations of the Fed raising rates. U.S. longer-dated Treasurys, like the 10-year, have been lower than many strategists had expected lately. In part, that’s because they are highly attractive to foreign buyers due to negative rates in other parts of the world and liquidity in the U.S. markets. The 10-year yield shot to 1.59% after the Fed news, but was back down at 1.5% Thursday afternoon.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Treasury yields ebb lower as investors shake off Fed policy update
U.S. Treasury yields ebbed lower on Friday morning, as investors continued to shake off the Federal Reserve’s hawkish turn in its latest policy update. … Yields drifted lower despite the Fed having raised its inflation expectations, following its two-day meeting which concluded on Wednesday. The Fed also indicated that an interest rate hike could come as soon as 2023, after saying in March that it saw no increases until at least 2024. In a note sent to CNBC Thursday, Kleinwort Hambros Chief Investment Officer Fahad Kamal said that … he sees inflation as transitory in the short term, and expects it to move lower in 2022 as an ageing population, supply-chain efficiency and technology-driven productivity gains “exert lasting disinflationary pressures.”
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Municipal Bond Trends for June 17, 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.
Wichita City Council gives initial approval to anti-discrimination ordinance
After a couple hours of discussion, which became heated at times, Wichita’s City Council gave initial approval on an a proposed anti-discrimination ordinance. The 4-3 vote approved what is called a first-reading, and changes can still be made before the ordinance is put into effect. A second-reading of the proposed ordinance is set for July 6. Some council members expressed concern regarding transparency, saying the public did not have much of a chance to look at the proposed ordinance before the vote. There was also concern that ordinance did not go through advisory boards that the city has set up. The ordinance being proposed creates a locally enforceable ordinance to take action against landlords and employers who are accused of discriminating practices, though council members also expressed concern that the ordinance being proposed did not appear to include due process for those accused. Under the proposed ordinance, someone found guilty of discrimination would be fined, though it’s not clear where the fine money would go.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Kansas awards $900K to healthcare providers to boost COVID-19 vaccinations
In a new push to increase vaccinations in the state, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced $900,000 in grants going to healthcare providers to support vaccination efforts on Wednesday. “We’ve got to work with the primary care provider groups to make sure that they have the resources they need to get them all barred in to this concept of get to your doctor and get vaccinated,” Gov. Kelly said. The money will be used across the state to hire dedicated staff members to promote and administer vaccines. The governor held a roundtable discussion with primary care providers, joined by Dr. Marci Nielsen, the state’s Chief Advisor of Vaccine Distribution, to talk about the challenges providers face getting coronavirus shots to Kansans.
Source: KSNT News
Overland Park commission OKs rezoning for proposal to turn former Sears building into 164K square foot office
The Overland Park Planning Commission on Monday unanimously advanced a rezoning request for the former Sears site on Metcalf that marks a significant departure from the mixed-use concept initially pitched back in 2018. Klover Architects first unveiled the updated plan, which eliminates the multi-story apartment building that had drawn some protest from area homeowners, in a neighborhood meeting earlier this month. The re-envisioned development now centers on accommodating the interests of a company that plans to transform the former Sears building into a new center for its operations. Klover Architects President Henry Klover, who brought the rezoning request before the city Monday, told the planning commission the company would have approximately 700 employees on site each day.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Pendergast adapting quickly to role as Scott City administrator
Brad Pendergast doesn’t have the luxury of easing into his position as the new administrator for the City of Scott City. Just seven days into his new job, Pendergast and the council held a 2022 budget workshop to decide spending priorities for the upcoming year. … “It’s good to be kept busy,” says Pendergast. “It’s good to be in a community that’s addressing its needs in a proactive way.” His first order of business when stepping into City Hall on June 8 was to meet with each of the department heads and get a better understanding of their job responsibilities. Pendergast, 33, said it was also important to share that he understands this is an adjustment for everyone since the city hasn’t had someone in the administrator position since 1996.
Source: Scott County Record.
The Fed moves up its timeline for rate hikes as inflation rises
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday considerably raised its expectations for inflation this year and brought forward the time frame on when it will next raise interest rates. … As expected, the policymaking Federal Open Market Committee unanimously left its benchmark short-term borrowing rate anchored near zero. But officials indicated that rate hikes could come as soon as 2023, after saying in March that it saw no increases until at least 2024. The so-called dot plot of individual member expectations pointed to two hikes in 2023.
Source: CNBC.
Municipal Bond Trends for June 16, 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.
Excitement renews for possible train stop in Ark City
Top Amtrak officials have endorsed a plan that would bring back passenger rail service to Cowley County. The plan is to extend the existing Heartland Flyer route linking Fort Worth and Oklahoma City to the north, to Wichita and Newton, with a stop in Arkansas City. The expanded line would include stops in Edmond, Guthrie, Perry and Ponca City in Oklahoma; and Arkansas City and Wichita in Kansas. “There is a lot of excitement surrounding passenger rail and its impact on our community,” Ark City Mayor Scott Rogers said in an email on Monday. “Our community and citizens would have direct connections to bigger metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Oklahoma City, and up north to KC.” Randy Frazer, city manager of Ark City, said that expansion of the Heartland Flyer would “provide a convenient optional mode of travel to the north, south, east and west of the country.” Amtrak service to Wichita and Cowley County was discontinued in 1979.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Humboldt gives lessons in diplomacy
It appeared they were at an impasse. Josh Works had asked Humboldt city council members to close off three of the streets surrounding the downtown square for the better part of the Aug. 14 Water Wars. Dan Onnen protested, saying the 2019 event “cost me an entire day of business,” at his liquor store, Freedom Liquor, on the south side of the square. “I lost hundreds of dollars in sales that day,” Onnen said. “I’m all for A Bolder Humboldt, but I also have a business to run.”
Read the diplomatic ending here: The Iola Register
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Dairy Ingredients Expansion to Create 40 Jobs, $45 Million Investment in Hugoton
Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas Dairy Ingredients (KDI) Cheese Company will expand its operations in Southwest Kansas, creating 40 new jobs and investing $45 million new business dollars in the Hugoton community. “Due to our talented workforce, central location, and agricultural excellence, Kansas’ reputation as a global leader in the agribusiness and food manufacturing sectors is undeniable,” Governor Kelly said. “Congratulations to KDI on its expansion into Hugoton – I look forward to watching the company turn our state’s natural advantages into world-class products enjoyed across the globe.” The facility will produce American-style, Italian-style, Hispanic-style Cheese and European-style cheese and butter. This expansion will be environmentally conscious, with the company committed to increased investment in water reclamation and eco-friendly construction practices.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Pipeline windfall plus tax lid replacement could cut 9.363 mills
Unless it invokes special procedures, Marion County will have to reduce its property tax rate by 12.7% next year to comply with a new state law discouraging increased spending attributable to valuation windfalls. Primarily because of the end of a 10-year exemption for the Keystone pipeline crossing the county, the county will be able to raise as much money for 2022 as it raised for 2021 by imposing a tax rate of just 66.412 mills instead of its current 76.048 mills, county clerk Tina Spencer said Monday. Don’t expect the county to cut its rate by 9.363 mills, however.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Moundridge officials receive updates on pool and substation progress
The Moundridge City Council recently received an update on progress at the city pool, as well as progress to bring the electrical substation online. Murray McGee was able to share positive progress on both projects with the council. McGee advised the pool basin has been painted and striped, the walls and roof of the bathhouse are finished and fencing is now being changed over from temporary fencing to permanent fencing. Work continues in the bathhouse, as well as the concession area. McGee says the pool will likely open in mid-June with finishing touches to be completed after opening. New service for the electrical substation was switched over shortly after 4 a.m. on May 26. The interruption in service was brief for both business and residential customers. The substation is now online and working correctly.
Source: McPherson Weekly News » Feed
For nearly a decade, public servant has kept Marion County clock tower ticking
For nearly a decade, Mike Hurst has climbed three flights of narrow, wooden stairs at the county courthouse every week to keep its centuries-old clock chiming. He visits a stuffy room that houses the clock’s mechanics and cranks a handle to wind it — ensuring that it will keep on ticking. “I love it,” he said during a Monday visit to the clock tower. “I love taking care of the clock here and I am just glad I have been able to continue through the years.” Hurst stepped up as keeper of the county’s clock when no one else wanted the job. A co-worker pleaded an absolute fear of heights as a reason not to make the climb.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal
Lawrence City Commission approves change that permanently allows retail, other shops the ability to sell alcohol
City leaders have voted to permanently allow more types of businesses to sell alcohol as a secondary aspect of their overall sales. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-0, with Commissioner Jennifer Ananda absent, to adopt a code change that permanently allows businesses other than restaurants in the downtown and other commercial areas to have an accessory bar. Commissioners agreed that businesses, especially retail businesses downtown, needed additional options.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence to get public input on potential change to directly elected mayor, 6-member commission elected by districts
The City of Lawrence will soon be asking residents what they think about a task force’s recommendation that the city consider a form of government with a directly elected mayor and a six-member commission elected by districts. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received the recommendation of the City Government Study Task Force and directed city staff to proceed with a process to engage the public on the issue ahead of potentially putting changes to a public vote. Commissioners did not give their personal thoughts on the potential changes, but all four commissioners at the meeting — Commissioner Jennifer Ananda was absent — agreed that the next step would be to get input from residents about the task force’s recommendation ahead of potentially putting the issue on the ballot.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for June 15, 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.
A full rundown of what to expect from the Federal Reserve on Wednesday
The Federal Reserve is not expected to take any policy actions after its two-day meeting this week, but it is likely to signal that it is thinking about them. Stock futures were flat on Wednesday morning as investors awaited the 2 p.m. ET Fed statement and Chairman Jerome Powell’s news conference 30 minutes later. Some economists expect the Fed to mention a coming tapering of its bond-buying program and give preliminary guidance on the discussion but not fully commit to tapering yet. The Fed will also release new economic forecasts, which it does quarterly. There’s a chance it could pencil in an initial rate hike in 2023. In its previous forecast, there was no consensus for a rate hike among Fed officials though 2023.
Source: CNBC
Hillsboro Downtown Cruise a big success
Main Street in Hillsboro was busy Saturday evening thanks to an event put together by the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. It all started earlier in the day with the 23rd Annual Car Show in the park. Guests could check out the cars for free. Then later that day was the Hillsboro Downtown Cruise. From 5-6:30 p.m. there was a contest for all the cars that entered. There was plenty to do though even for those without cars. Lots of fun food was available from various vendors and restaurants and several businesses were open. There was also lots of music with DJ Darcy Unrau sponsored by Hillsboro Community Hospital and free sodas from Great Plains Federal Credit Union. Even the kids had fun with treats and sidewalk chalk.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
Women in policing
When you think lights and sirens, handcuffs and arrests, most of us picture men in these uniforms. But there’s a changing dynamic in law enforcement sweeping not just the nation but Wichita Police Department…it’s women. They’re stepping up to back the blue and you on the streets while breaking barriers and smashing stereotypes that’ve kept women off the force for years. “I think over the years we’ve proven we’re just as capable, we’re just as necessary for this job.” WPD Community Policing Officer Lori Kimrey and detective Anna Hoyt set the tone when it comes to power women in policing. “We want to help people. That’s why we do our jobs,” detective Hoyt told KAKE News.
Source: KAKE – News
New report on food insecurity in southwest Kansas indicates barriers to assistance
A new report examining barriers to food access faced by many southwest Kansans shows that participation in nutrition assistance programs remained flat during the pandemic even though the need for help increased. The report by the Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is focused on food insecurity in Stevens, Seward, Grant, Ford and Finney counties. In these areas, the report indicates, the number of households receiving federal benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program declined slightly while unemployment spiked. This finding stood out to Martha Terhaar, a new campaign advocate for Kansas Appleseed, because unemployment is directly linked to food insecurity. “One of the main things you do when you file for unemployment is also apply for food stamps and SNAP benefits,” Terhaar said. “So to not see that correlation happen means, you know, something’s missing, there’s a piece of the puzzle missing.”
Source: Kansas Reflector
Express Lanes Could Ease Traffic Jams On Highway 69, But Proposed Tolls Raise Concerns About Equity
The Kansas Department of Transportation is inching closer to adding express toll lanes to relieve major traffic jams on U-S Highway 69. After two decades contending with traffic congestion and high collision rates on the Overland Park stretch of the highway, KDOT proposed the solution at a Overland Park City Council Monday night. The project would add an express lane going each direction between 103rd Street and 179th Street. Under the current proposal, drivers would have the option of paying the toll to use the faster lane or not. Deputy Transportation Secretary Lindsey Douglas sought to reiterate that tolls are associated only with express lanes. “People that use U.S. 69 today can continue to use that roadway without any change to their patterns or their behaviors,” Douglas said. The recommendation is based on a KDOT report stating that creating new lanes without imposing a toll would cost an additional $85 million to fund. According to the report, the recommended approach has the benefit of a smaller carbon footprint, as well as lower maintenance costs. The cost of using express lanes would fluctuate depending on time of day and distance traveled in the express lane. For a partial corridor trip in the morning, Douglas estimates the toll would reach somewhere near 50 cents; a full-corridor trip in the morning would be closer to $1.50, and the same trip in the afternoon would likely reach $1.75, according to Douglas.
Source: KCUR News
End of emergency brings changes to Kansas Open Meetings Act, profiteering laws
The expiration of the state’s emergency declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic also brings an end to temporary provisions of Kansas law regarding open meetings and profiteering put into effect to address the emergency, Attorney General Derek Schmidt said. On Tuesday, the Legislative Coordinating Council declined to meet to consider a request by the governor to extend the state of emergency, meaning the emergency will expire at midnight. “Public health issues related to the pandemic remain, but the emergency is ending,” Schmidt said. “That means ordinary laws and procedures, not emergency orders and rules, will now be fully in effect.”
Source: KSN-TV
Shawnee County health officials looking to improve access to food in community
Local health authorities are working to improve access to food in Shawnee County. Officials are running a “food system analysis.” This report is going to help health workers decide what needs to change to help those who are most vulnerable. The first study performed by the health department confirmed that there are food deserts in certain areas around Shawnee county. Those are areas with limited access to fresh, affordable food. The analysis will show what has changed, but also identify additional challenges caused by the pandemic.
Source: KSNT News
Department of Commerce OKs STAR bonds for new Museum of Art and Light
The new Museum of Art and Light project is moving forward following the approval of $23 million in sales tax and revenue (STAR) bonds from the Kansas Department of Commerce. David Toland, Kansas lieutenant governor and secretary of commerce, confirmed the issuance of the bonds to the city via letter earlier this month. City manager Ron Fehr received the letter June 7, said Vivienne Uccello, public information officer. “We are certainly very pleased with the Department of Commerce approval for the project and eligibility for STAR Bond financing,” Fehr said in an email to The Mercury on Tuesday. “It certainly has great potential to be a significant attraction to the community, region, state and Midwest.”
Source: themercury.com
Kansas public schools calculating how to spend $830 million in federal pandemic aid
The Kansas Department of Education plans to use a slice of $830 million in new federal funding for public education to address COVID-19 learning deficits by training K-3 teachers to help students absorb more from their reading about science. Half of the 10% set aside for the state agency must be dedicated to rebounding students from the pandemic, while 1% has to be allocated for summer session and 1% for after-school programs. These dollars are to be invested in 286 public school districts across Kansas to counter the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on certain student populations and take into account the overall social, emotional and academic needs of nearly 500,000 children.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Contract negotiations stall between Topeka police union and city
The Fraternal Order Of Police and the city of Topeka are in a deadlock over contract negotiations, the union announced Tuesday. In a release, the union said the two sides had started to meet in February and sessions were expected to end May 27. The union said it agreed to extend negotiations through June 9 at the city’s request, but issues couldn’t be resolved. The Topeka Police Department is facing “an alarming staffing shortfall” with an unusually high number of resignations and retirements, according to the union.
Source: KSNT News