Municipal News & Jobs

The City of Winfield announced on its Facebook page Friday that residents are being asked to limit their natural gas usage due to the unprecedented natural gas pricing market conditions resulting from the current extreme weather period. The message stated, “Due to the unprecedented natural gas pricing market conditions resulting from the current extreme weather period, we are requesting all users limit natural gas usage to the greatest extent possible. We will provide a more detailed statement in the coming hours. There is no threat to the elimination of natural gas supply. As your local natural gas provider, we are asking customers to limit usage to mitigate the volatility in pricing.”
Source: KSN-TV

The Kansas Senate has approved a bill to expand the state’s private school tax credit program to apply to all students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. The Senate voted  23-14 on Thursday to expand program, which now applies only to students who also attend one of the state’s lowest-performing public elementary schools. Republican supporters say the new criteria would help more students and give parents of low- and middle-income families more options, WIBW reported. Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, who opposed the bill, said she is concerned that private schools face little accountability. The bill now goes to the House.
Source: KSN-TV

Wichita Public Schools teachers will begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday, February 13.  The district has received its first supply of vaccines and will begin the first round at the Wichita Public Schools’ Alvin Morris Administrative Center. The prioritization plan for employees will follow Phase 2 of Governor Kelly’s vaccination plan.  … The distribution plan is as follows: Employees 65 and older with medical conditions. Medical professionals will rank order based on health conditions reported on the staff survey.
Source: KSN-TV

Nicodemus is a small town located in the prairies of northwest Kansas. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi. It was established in 1877 during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War when pioneers from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi came to seek out homelands. “These folks were ex-slaves, removed from slavery about 13-14 years, had the opportunity to come out here and be landowners and they took that chance,” said Luecreasea Horne, Nicodemus Park Service educational technician and sixth-generation descendant. “The thought of them risking and taking that chance to come out to northwestern Kansas where they knew nothing about it, it just gives me a sense of pride.”
Source: KSN-TV

Educators at Shawnee County schools will start getting the COVID-19 vaccine starting next week if they want it, according to the Shawnee County Health Department. Here’s what the health department has said so far about vaccinating area teachers: K-12 teachers, faculty, food staff, bus drivers and related education staff can get vaccinated starting next week if they want it. The department hopes to have all staff who want it, vaccinated with their first shot by spring break. Teachers and faculty have always been top priority in Phase 2, alongside groups like people over 65. They will be vaccinating these groups together. SCHD will hold a press conference at 1:30 today to explain why are teachers being vaccinated.
Source: KSN-TV

Some much-needed relief is coming to Sedgwick County after the county announced Wednesday that they are seeing the largest EMS recruiting class since the pandemic began. The reason behind the spike is that more people are wanting to step in during this difficult time. “People are just passionate,” said Kyle Burtch, special operations coordinator for Sedgwick County EMS. “They’re passionate about EMS and they want to go out and help the community the best they can.” That passion is why 13 recruits signed up to start training recently. Officials said they wanted to help the people of Sedgwick County, even in the darkest moments during a pandemic.
Source: KSN-TV

Many healthcare officials urge that getting the vaccine is the next step in the fight against COVID-19. As many people sign up and wait for their turn to get the shot, one community has made it their mission to make sure everyone has the same opportunity. Many health departments across the state have moved vaccine registrations online. But what happens when you don’t have the resources to register or have a question about the forms? Well, a Library in Hays has volunteered its services to make sure the process runs smoothly. Partnering with the Ellis County Health Department, the Hays Public Library is offering help to anyone in the community needing assistance with pre-registering for a COVID vaccine.
Source: KSN-TV

The Topeka Police Department introduced Gracie, its new furry friend, to the public Wednesday. The Goldendoodle was donated to the police department and will be used as a therapy dog. Right now, the department plans for Gracie to help promote officer wellness, assist in investigations, and join officers when they are engaging with the public. According to officials with the Topeka Police Department, the cost of having Gracie is very minimal. Donors paid the cost of obtaining the therapy dog. The department will pay the costs of a veterinarian.
Source: KSN-TV

The freezing temperatures are challenging firefighters across the state as more house fires ignite so firefighters have to make sure they keep the water flowing. That means checking fire hydrants and having a back up plan. “It is vital to what we do,” said Wichita firefighter Jake Carney, “Continuous water supply is very important.” It is as simple as popping off the cap and turning a few bolts and just seeing the rush of water.
Source: KSN-TV