Kansas Municipal News
City hall may be the last chance for continuing mask mandate as county mandate expires
With Sedgwick County’s hands soon to be tied by a new state law, Wichita City Hall represents the last realistic chance to continue to require masks at area businesses to fight the spread of COVID-19, a county lawyer said Tuesday. The county’s authority to enact a mask mandate comes from the state via the Kansas Emergency Management Act, which the Legislature is rewriting to limit that authority. The city, however, is empowered by its “home rule” authority granted in the state Constitution, which the Legislature cannot override, said Assistant County Counselor Justin Waggoner. Mayor Brandon Whipple said Tuesday that he would support reinstating a citywide mask mandate like the one the City Council passed in July of last year, after the county opted to try voluntary compliance with COVID precautions and cases spiked.Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Udall gets loan to fund new library
The City of Udall has received a $440,000 low-interest loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development to help with construction of a new city library, bringing a project that has been in development for years one step closer to being a reality. The USDA Community Facilities Loan, combined with a $494,000 Community Development Block Grant that has already been awarded, will help to pay for a 5,000-square-foot facility that will also provide meeting spaces, children’s reading programs, technology classes, a wellness facility and exam rooms, according to a press release from the office of Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall. The Udall Public Library currently shares space with the city’s historical museum. Once that space is vacated, it will revert back to the museum, the release states.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
Interested in grants or loans for your community? Contact Rose Mary Saunders or Crystal Hinnen.
Treasury yields haven’t peaked yet as experts say 10-year rate could hit 2%
U.S. 10-year Treasury yield could inch higher, but that may not pose a risk to financial markets, according to Durrien Timmer of Fidelity Investments. “I think yields could push a little higher. So far, they’ve (got) up to about 1.75%. I have a simple bond model that suggests 2% should be the upper limit,” Timmer, who is the director of global macro at the firm, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Tuesday. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note jumped above 1.7% last Thursday, its highest level in more than a year. That came despite reassurance from the Federal Reserve that it had no plans to raise interest rates anytime soon, nor ease its bond-buying program.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Municipal Bond Trends for March 23, 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.
Reno County Commissioners Vote To Lift Mask Mandate
Reno County Commissioners voted 2 to 1 at a meeting Tuesday to opt-out of Governor Kelly’s statewide mask mandate.The new resolution will take effect on Wednesday, March 24th. Individual businesses and organizations may still require masks if they deem it necessary. County Commissioner Ron Hirst said “Respect one another. Respect another business.” He added that he hopes community members will be considerate. At the courthouse, masks will still be required in district court areas as well as at the main entrance. The Annex will encourage visitors to wear masks and increased sanitation efforts will continue at all county locations.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Old golf course may become recreation hub
In recent years, a group of steely determined volunteers, equipped with various grants and an occasional assist from the city helped convert empty industrial land and an abandoned railroad right-of-way near Iola into one of the region’s signature trails complexes. The Lehigh Portland and Southwind Trails systems have since drawn hikers and bikers from near and far. Now, Thrive Allen County has set its sights on turning city-owned property at the old Cedarbrook Golf Course into another recreational mecca. Jon Castrella, left, and Jonathan Goering of Thrive Allen County speak with Iola City Council members Monday about their vision for a proposed recreation area on city-owned land encompassing a portion of the old Cedarbrook Golf Course.
Source: The Iola Register
3,000 small Kansas businesses received nearly $57 million from COVID Relief Fund
Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that roughly 3,000 small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic received nearly $57 million in Small Business Working Capital (SBWC) grants. The grants were funded by the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Kansas businesses with less than 500 employees were eligible to apply for the SBWC grant funding. The funds could be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, insurance, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory and more.
Source: KAKE – News
Kansas wind energy supporters defend local control, economic investments
Kansas wind energy representatives and advocates guaranteed a senate panel Tuesday a bill currently under consideration would end industry investment and development in the state if approved. Senate Bill 279 would establish state regulation of wind generation facilities, replacing county commission discretions on the establishment of these sites. State law would define turbine setbacks from business, homes and parks, among other areas, and set caps on sound and light emitted by turbines. Proponents of the bill have urged legislators to give them leverage to block these projects, but opponents backed a decision-making process and zoning laws they said have worked well for years.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Kansas hopes to receive 100,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week
Kansas is hoping to get as many as 100,000 added doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week. Health officials said 100,000 more doses of the single-shot vaccine would be roughly a two-thirds increase in the state’s weekly vaccine supply. “The ramp up in production has been a big goal of the Biden administration and I’m hopeful, from what I hear from the folks in Washington, translates for more vaccine for Kansas,” said Dr. Marci Nielsen, Kansas’ COVID-19 vaccine advisor.
Source: KMBC.com
House advances bill expanding alcohol sales on Sundays, lawmakers cite Chiefs as big reason
Lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that increases access to beer and liquor in the state of Kansas. The House advanced a bill that would allow alcohol sales to begin at 9 a.m. on Sundays instead of noon. It also removes Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day from the statewide banned sales list, though it was allowed in some areas already. For Sunday, even with expanded hours, liquor stores would still need to close by 8 pm. For the other six days of the week the hours can be 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Supporters said a main reason for earlier sales in Kansas is because of the football team in Missouri.
Source: KSNT News
Lenexa bringing back many community events this year
Lenexa is planning multiple community events through July to bring people together safely this year. The “City of Festivals” has brought back many of its events for the first half of this year, although many of them have been reformatted for COVID-19 mitigation protocols. Logan Wagler, director of parks and recreation for Lenexa, said his team is excited to bring the community together again. At the same time, health and wellness of the community remains a top priority. “Given the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and public health orders we have had to reimagine how we can continue to provide our services safely,” Wagler said. “It’s important to understand that large events require lots of advanced planning and coordination to be successful. Because the pandemic has been a very fluid situation, decisions for all of our programs, services, and events can only be made on the information that is currently available.”
Source: Prairie Village Post
KCK school board votes to return to in-person classes March 31
The Kansas City, Kansas, Board of Education voted Tuesday night to return to in-person classes on Wednesday, March 31, earlier than previously decided. Students still will have the option for remote learning, if their parents choose. District officials explained that the reason for changing from the earlier approved April 5 return date was that the Kansas Legislature had passed a bill requiring the March 31 return date. Different forms of the bill are expected to go to a conference committee before final approval, and after that, the bill would be signed or vetoed by the governor.
Source: Wyandotte Daily
Library District reminds OP residents about power of words to inspire and console
Did you know that Overland Park has a Library District? It’s a neighborhood that extends south and east from Johnson County’s Central Resource Library at 9875 W. 87th St. Now, thanks to a project completed in time for spring walking weather, pedestrians can be reminded of both the area’s identity and the power of words to inspire and console. Ten plaques, each with a quote from a children’s book author, have been installed alongside the sidewalks on 91st and Farley streets. Starting near the library at 87th and Farley, the mile-plus route takes pedestrians south on Farley to 91st and then east almost to Antioch Road — past Strang Park and Pawnee Elementary School.
Source: Joco 913 News
Overland Park task force would review chip seal, stormwater and other infrastructure needs
Overland Park needs an advisory board to consider the best ways to maintain and pay for streets, sidewalks and stormwater improvements, three city councilmembers say. …The ongoing controversy over chip seal – a road surfacing method that presses crushed rock into a sticky layer of asphalt – would likely be on the list of things to consider, as would stormwater and landscaping practices to minimize environmental harm… Chip seal has been an issue because of its unpopularity with some residents who say it is dangerous for playing children or bicyclists who may fall on the surface, in addition to posing a hazard to cars that can be hit by small chunks of debris kicked up by another vehicle’s tires.
Source: Prairie Village Post
City of Manhattan could lose funding if defined as a ‘micropolitan’ by federal government
The federal government is considering changing what it considers a metropolitan area. A new proposal would raise the minimum population from 50,000 to 100,000 people. If this change moved forward, 144 cities across the country would be considered “micropolitan” by the federal government. In Kansas, this would affect Manhattan and Lawrence. Manhattan Assistant City Manager Dennis Marstall said this would put the city at risk of losing federal funds for a variety of programs.
Source: KSNT News
Bill would limit wind farms in Kansas
Forty-one percent of the state’s electricity is coming from wind energy. That’s second most in the nation, but some people are saying that’s high enough. A new bill would put major restrictions on wind farms in Kansas. The bill would put restrictions on where wind turbines can go, and how construction is approved. Many wind energy advocates are against the bill.
Source: KSNT News
Municipal Bond Trends for March 22, 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.
Almost $57 million went to Kansas small businesses through Coronavirus Relief Fund
Nearly 3,000 Kansas small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic received nearly $57 million in Small Business Working Capital grants, according to Gov. Laura Kelly. The Coronavirus Relief Fund assisted some of the hardest-hit businesses in the state when they needed it most, according to the governor. “We’ll use every resource we can to support small businesses as we recover from COVID-19,” Gov. Kelly said. “SBWC is just one of many programs we mobilized over the last year to strengthen and protect our businesses affected by COVID-19, so our businesses and our economy emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.” Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees were eligible to apply for SBWC grant funding made available by Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce through the federal CARES Act. Grant funds could be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, insurance, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory and more.
Source: Wyandotte Daily
Counties to receive funding for bridge replacement projects
Six additional projects that will replace rural deficient bridges in Kansas have been selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge Program. The counties receiving projects include Atchison, Wabaunsee, Phillips, Franklin, Wilson and Reno. Projects in the first round of KDOT’s off-system bridge program were selected in fall 2020. With addition federal funds recently made available to Kansas through the Highway Infrastructure Program, additional projects were chosen as part of the state program. These projects will receive $3.94 million in federal funding and will total approximately $5 million in construction costs. “Atchison County is very excited about being selected for this program for a bridge replacement over Stranger Creek,” said Joe Snyder, Atchison County Road and Bridge Superintendent. “Without these KDOT programs, it can be difficult for counties like ours to have sufficient funding for replacement of these off-system bridges.”
Source: Atchison Globe Now
Sedgwick County likely to drop mask mandate this week; say state’s forcing its hand
Sedgwick County will likely have to drop its COVID-19 mask mandate this week because of action in the state Legislature, county commissioners said Monday. A bill that passed in Topeka last week essentially strips the commission and the local health officer, Dr. Garold Minns, from placing any restrictions on businesses for the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic, commissioners said. Dropping the mandate is not on the county’s official agenda at this point, but could come up at the county staff meeting on Tuesday and/or the regular meeting Wednesday.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Kansas forms public-private council to tackle workforce improvement
Education and business leaders across Kansas will team up in an effort to develop, retain and attract talented workers to the state. Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order Monday creating the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council (AKCC) with the targeted goal of improving the state’s workforce. “As we recover from the pandemic, we must rebuild a stronger, healthier workforce that can meet the demands of our growing economy,” Kelly said in a statement. “The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council will empower education and industry leaders to collaborate on long-term solutions, develop the most skilled workforce in the Midwestern region, and recruit new businesses to our state.”
Source: Parsons Sun
Legislative Post Audit: Evaluating County Government Procurement and Contracting Practices
Audit objective was to answer the following question: Do a selection of county governments have adequate procedures and controls to manage conflict of interests in the procurement and contracting processes?
Read the audit report here.
Municipal Bond Trends for March 19, 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.
40 years after its only doctor died, a tiny Kansas town refuses to do the same
In normal times, this past weekend would have been a climactic one for the tiny town of Cuba, Kansas. The third weekend of March was traditionally their annual Rock-a-Thon, which is not a week-long dance party to classic AM radio hits. It is literally people in rocking chairs 24 hours a day for seven days. This tradition started in the basement of a laundromat back in the 1970s as something fun to do while everyone waited for spring — and raise a little money in the process, maybe break some world records. “People would come over from all over Republic County and bring their frying pans and make hamburgers at 3 in the morning until the next crew came over, then go to work. It was that community spirit,” says Jim Richardson, the National Geographic photographer who lives an hour and a half south of Cuba in Lindsborg, where he operates the Small World Gallery. Richardson spent 40 years documenting the life of Cuba, a project that earned interest from places like CBS Sunday Morning.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Are alcohol drinks to-go here to stay? A Kansas bill is bringing a mixed reaction
A year after Kansas made a temporary memorandum to allow businesses to serve alcohol to-go, some lawmakers are wanting to keep the option on tap. The exception was created to help businesses survive the pandemic. Both restaurants and drive-thrus have taken advantage of the to-go option. There is a bill that has already passed the House that would make the alcohol to-go sales permanent. “There will always be a group of individuals that will want to take takeout, and it just makes sense that their takeout should be paired with the beverage of their choice, and I think it’s been hugely popular,” said Rep. Kristey Williams. With many of the to-go drinks sealed by a plastic bag, some people like Bob Recchio have concerns.
Source: KSN-TV
Bootleggers Vs. Badges is now a new exhibit at a Crawford County Historical Museum
The Crawford County Historical Museum is running a new exhibit. The exhibit is called “Bootleggers Vs. Badges” and it tells the story of when Kansas implemented Prohibition. Kansas was the first U,S, state to adopt a constitutional amendment prohibiting the manufacturing and sale of alcohol. The exhibit takes you through when alcohol was prohibited and what law enforcement did during that time and what bootleggers and their families did to survive. Amanda Minton, Executive Director and Curator, says, “Many were too proud to ask for charity. They relied upon their own devices many women even made whiskey on their stovetops. They did what they had to do to put food on the table and put a roof over their head.”
Source: KSNF/KODE
Lenexa adopts new rules for homeless shelters, making way for Project 1020 to stay open
After a year of collecting public input, weighing regional needs with public safety concerns, and deliberating among city leaders, Lenexa has adopted new city codes that regulate homeless shelters. The Lenexa City Council on Tuesday briefly discussed the new regulations before unanimously agreeing to adopt them as part of the municipal code. City councilmembers said the codes strike the right balance between meeting the needs of folks without a roof over their heads and the concerns about public safety in areas around shelters.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Mission launches $15,000 rent-mortgage assistance program
The Mission City Council Wednesday evening unanimously approved working with Catholic Charities to administer $15,000 to residents who need help paying rent or mortgage bills. City Administrator Laura Smith has been working on the program, and reached out to the United Community Services of Johnson County which helped the city identify Catholic Charities as a housing support provider. Councilmember Hillary Parker Thomas thanked Smith for “massaging” the rent-mortgage assistance idea into a program that she thinks “is going to make a difference for at least a few” Mission families.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Soaring into the future
Allen County Regional Airport may soon be expanding. But what does that mean exactly? To find out more, this Register reporter sat down with Jonathon Goering, economic development director at Thrive Allen County, and Allen County Commissioner, Jerry Daniels, both of whom have been closely involved with the project. To begin, they suggested that the phrase “airport expansion” is a bit tricky, since the primary goal at this stage is to simply have utilities installed on 24 acres in the northwest corner of the airport property (which is owned by the county). Bids are currently being sought to see what those utilities might cost, and if the price is right, the next step will be to develop an Airport Master Plan, and to more assertively court those entities that might be interested in building.
Source: The Iola Register
Midwest Energy joins electric vehicle charging collaboration
Midwest Energy announced it has joined a collaboration group with nine investor-owned utilities, promoting the construction of a multi-state network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Midwestern U.S. Midwest Energy signed a memorandum of cooperation with the other utilities, pledging that the co-op would pursue the completion of a foundational electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to soon allow EV owners to drive from Detroit to Colorado, or from northern Michigan to Texas, knowing they can charge their vehicles along the route. “Automakers worldwide are committing huge investments in electric vehicles, with some signaling they’re phasing out fossil fuel engines by 2030,” said Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO. “EVs are coming quickly, and by joining this group, Midwest Energy is better positioned to serve not only our customers once EVs become commonplace here, but also visiting drivers across western Kansas.” Midwest Energy does not currently own or maintain any EV chargers, but has worked with private companies, including Electrify America and Tesla, to install fast chargers in parking lots along Interstate 70.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Housing an issue in Salina
Housing is a complicated and important issue in Salina right now. With companies like Kubota, Schwan’sandothersmovingor expanding manufacturing and business in the community, new workers and their families need places to live. But that is becoming more difficult with the current state of the economy and other factors. Todd Welsh, the owner and broker of SalinaHomes.com, spoke during the Salina Community Economic Development Organization (EDO) board meeting Thursday about the current situation and how the industry is dealing with it. … He said the reason for the low number of listings is that people are buying as soon as houses come on the market, with three days being the average of time a home spends on the market before being sold.
Source: Salina Journal.
Pittsburg to host Pittcation in place of Spring Break
Spring Break is a little different this year because of the pandemic, but one city is trying to make the best of it. Brittan Brenner, Pittsburg Community Development Specialist, said, “We just started talking about events that should happen and we were like “Well there’s no spring break, maybe we could play off something like that, and then it just kind of blew up.” Now the city of Pittsburg is hosting its own version of Spring Break. “We’re planning a week long event called Pittcation starting this Saturday March 20th through Saturday March 27th.” Pittcation is designed to give the mid-semester break so many are craving, whether they’re a student or teacher.
Source: KSNF/KODE
City puts a stop to KCK homeowner’s Chiefs mural, ordering him to take it down
A bit of fun is turning into a bit of a fumble for a Kansas City, Kansas, homeowner after the city threw a penalty flag for the Chiefs mural painted on his house. “We don’t have any HOA here. We don’t have any restrictions that I know of. I just thought I’m going to paint my house, so let’s have some fun,” artist Chris Chancey said. But according to city code, that kind of artwork isn’t allowed in residential areas. Now Chancey has a deadline to take it down. “I told my wife I was going to be painting the house in the spring anyway, and she let me do this,” Chancey said.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Conway Springs City Council appoints new city clerk
The City of Conway Springs has a new city clerk. Courtnie Louia has been named to fill the position that has been vacant since earlier this year. Louia was officially appointed as city clerk at last week’s meeting of the Conway Springs City Council. Louia, who lives in Viola and has a background in business management, takes over the position previously held by Aubrey Hill. Hill resigned to take a position in the private sector.
Source: Times-Sentinel Newspapers
Wichita is expanding internet access program
The city of Wichita will be expanding a program that provides internet access for low-income neighborhoods. The city began providing hot spot devices through a pilot program in 2019, and each device provides wi-fi access for up to 15 devices within a home. When initial funding ran out, the city used federal block grant funding to continue the program. Megan Lovely with the Mayor’s Office said federal CARES Act funding is now being used to expand the program to more homes.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Douglas County leaders to consider reducing use of chemical herbicides for weed control after environmental groups voice concerns
Following concerns from local environmental groups, county leaders are going to reconsider the county’s level of chemical herbicide use and discuss potential reductions. The Douglas County Commission was scheduled to approve the county’s annual Noxious Weed Management Plan as part of its consent agenda Wednesday, but members of local environmental groups voiced concerns. The county uses chemicals to control weeds in unincorporated areas, has agreements with some other entities for the same purpose, and sells chemicals to the public for weed control.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Downtown Lawrence parking meter rates to increase, and new mobile app payment options to be available
Changes are coming next week to downtown metered parking, including increased parking rates and the option of making payments using a mobile app instead of coins. Downtown visitors will soon be able to choose between using the current coin-operated parking meters or new mobile payment options, according to a city news release. The changes coincide with an increase in parking rates. Meters will be updated to reflect the increased rates, and stickers will be added to meters listing mobile payment options throughout the week.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for March 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.
Kansas Rural Opportunity Zone Program
Economic development in rural Kansas could soon be getting an upgrade. House Bill 2431 is being reviewed by the Kansas House of Representatives. If passed this would add more benefits to the rural opportunity zone program. The program was launched back in 2011 and was designed to incentivize people to move to more rural areas in Kansas. … Right now the program offers up to $15,000 in student loan assistance and tax waivers. If passed, this would also include assistance in making down payments.
Source: KSNF/KODE
10-year Treasury yield surges to 14-month high of 1.74%, 30-year rate tops 2.5%
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield hit 1.74% on Thursday morning, despite reassurance from the Federal Reserve that it had no plans to hike interest rates anytime soon, nor taper its bond-buying program. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note had trimmed some gains to 1.722% by 5:15 a.m. ET. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was at 2.483%. Yields move inversely to prices. After the Fed’s two-day policy meeting concluded on Wednesday, the central bank said it sees stronger economic growth than previously estimated, forecasting gross domestic product to rise to 6.5% in 2021. This is up from the 4.2% GDP increase forecast in December. The Fed also expected core inflation to hit 2.2% this year, but a long-run expectation of it sticking around 2%.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Kansas schools to receive $1 billion for COVID relief
With passage of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, Kansas public schools should receive approximately $1 billion to address COVID-19 related expenses, such as learning loss, according to a news release from the Kansas Association of School Boards. The new bill — called the American Rescue Act — nearly $123 billion to K-12 schools. President Joe Biden is scheduled to sign it into law last Friday. Kansas’ share of the legislation will be about $600 million. Combined with early coronavirus packages, Kansas will receive about $1 billion in federal assistance under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund (ESSR).
Source: Holton Recorder
State pumps in $300k to Moundridge company to expand internet access
A Moundridge company is getting $312,819 from the state of Kansas to expand broadband services. The state awarded Moundridge Communications Network a matching 50/50 grant to expand fiber internet service to the community of Elyria and a rural area near Hesston. The $625,000 project will provide internet service with up to one-gigabit download speeds to “108 households, 10 businesses, 11 community anchors and one educational institution,” according to the state release. In the rural Hesston area, the company will build out north of Dutch Ave. and east of I-135. “The areas around Hesston have Century Link and they have basically abandoned their customers,” Sommer Smith, Vice President of Moundridge Telephone Co., stated. “We get calls from people regularly asking if we can just come one mile and get them service.”
Source: McPherson Weekly News » Feed
Kansas casinos push for control over legalized sports wagering
Kansas casino managers are pushing House legislators to pass a Senate-backed bill legalizing and regulating online and casino sports gambling. Since a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court Ruling affirmed state’s rights to institute sports gambling, half the country has enacted some regulatory practice. Kansas lawmakers are now considering joining the 25 states and Washington, D.C., in the world of sports gambling under the Kansas Expanded Lottery Act, or KELA.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Some Johnson County residents are going to rural Kansas to get vaccinated — here’s why
Sue Wildgen, a Prairie Village resident in her 70s, began looking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments in early February. Several of her friends on the other side of the state line in Missouri received their first doses in early January, and despite filling out Johnson County’s COVID-19 vaccine interest survey and searching for appointments in the metro, Wildgen said her search for weeks was unsuccessful. Then, she heard that Walmart would begin offering vaccines at select locations, and she began looking for appointments across Kansas. So, like some other frustrated Johnson Countians, Wildgen, her husband Paul and fellow Prairie Village residents Beth and Lloyd Koelker, took to the road. The foursome made a two hour drive to Junction City in Geary County, just west of Manhattan, to get vaccinated.
Source: Prairie Village Post
New station moves closer for Hillsboro
A new ambulance station at Hillsboro is closer to being built. County commissioners Monday heard from emergency medical services director Travis Parmley and Hillsboro city administrator Matt Stiles that Hillsboro has done a site survey of the proposed new EMS building in Hillsboro. The station is to be located near Hillsboro’s police department and also near a planned new fire station.
Source: Marion County RECORD