Municipal News & Jobs

Proponents argue a registry is needed to hold landlords accountable for unsafe living conditions, citing issues like infestations and mold. Opponents, primarily landlords, feel the measure unfairly punishes good property owners for the actions of a few.
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.

The decision came after a petition ordinance to overturn the current ban of pit bull breeds in the city was certified by Saline County as having received enough signatures to move forward.
Read more: Salina Journal

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 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.

Owens has held the position for about six and a half years. Mayor Mike Dever said in the release that he appreciated Owens’ dedication and perseverance in navigating “the many challenges our town has faced during his tenure. “I look forward to the upcoming search for new leadership and the opportunity to find the right fit to meet our community’s current needs and goals,” Dever continued.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

The City of Coffeyville’s Community Development Department is inviting local artists, students, and residents to help bring new life to the downtown district through the Downtown Utility Box Repaint Project — a creative initiative to refresh the painted utility boxes that add color and character to Coffeyville’s streets.
Read more: Coffeyville, KS – News Flash

On Tuesday, Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff immediately until sundown on the day of interment to honor the passing of Vice President Dick Cheney.  “Vice President Cheney spent his life in service to our nation and was renowned for both his deep knowledge and commitment,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His legacy will reflect his work to reshape the vice presidency and his conviction to upholding the ideals that the United States was founded upon. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this challenging time.” 
Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

It was a rough night for incumbents. Harvey County voters in numerous elections signaled a wish to change directions at the ballot box. In total, 22.3 percent of registered voters cast ballots, roughly the same turnout as in 2023.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Prairie Village voters turned out in record-breaking numbers on Nov. 4 to reject all six candidates backed by Prairie Village United in a decisive victory for allies of the incumbent City Council. In all, 60% of Prairie Village voters cast ballots for a candidate who supports the municipal complex project and opposes PV United, the resident-led group at the center of a yearslong conflict in the quiet Johnson County suburb. The candidates backed by PV United ran as a slate demanding that the city hall project be put up for a public vote and that the city cut spending and oppose any zoning changes that would increase housing density.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Prairie Village voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected the question to “abandon” the city’s form of government. This year’s Prairie Village municipal election saw not only six contested city council races, but an unusual question about whether the city should “abandon” its mayor-council form of government. It was one of two critical issues defining the 2025 Prairie Village City Council election, with half of the candidates supporting and the other half opposing the ballot measure. This question is a remnant of the 2023 resident-led petitions circulated by Prairie Village United, a group who rallied against any potential changes to the city’s residential zoning codes. The “abandon” question failed with the “no” votes earning 65% of the vote, according to unofficial final election results. This means no changes are coming to Prairie Village’s form of government.
Read more: Johnson County Post

The De Soto battery plant is producing about 300,000 batteries a day and is up to 1,200 employees. At full capacity, it expects those numbers to be 500,000 and 4,000.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved a new Large Load Power Service (LLPS) rate plan for customers who use more than 75 megawatts of electricity at peak demand. The agreement was reached through collaboration among utilities, major companies, consumer advocates, conservation groups, and school districts. It aims to meet the power needs of large users like data centers and manufacturers while ensuring regular customers don’t pay higher rates as a result.
Read more: KCLY Radio

The mayor of a small south-central Kansas town has been charged with committing fraud by voting in elections since 2022 even though he is not a United States citizen, the state’s attorney general and secretary of state said Wednesday. Attorney General Kris Kobach said Joe Ceballos, who garnered nearly 83% of the vote Tuesday for a second term as Coldwater mayor, was charged with three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Both are felony offenses.
Read more: KLC Journal

Helicopters, footballs, friendship, space stuff – it’s all connected. Youth football teams from rural Reno County and metropolitan Wyandotte County met under the stadium lights on a chilly Saturday evening for more than just a couple of games. The Buhler Crusaders and the Wyandotte Panthers fifth- and sixth-grade teams faced off Nov. 1 at Buhler High School, 50 miles northwest of Wichita, in an inaugural fundraiser supporting childhood science education in central Kansas. More than 500 people attended the Cosmo Bowl, a college-gameday-style event intended to raise funds for a science-themed early childhood center in Hutchinson, and to bridge social divisions through sports. 
Read more: KLC Journal

Night comes sooner and seems to stay longer this time of year. Wichita police are giving away free bicycle lights to keep riders safe on city streets. “It’s more important than ever to be seen while you ride,” police said in a social post promoting Light Up the Night, a free bike light giveaway. The event is set for 7-8 p.m. Friday at 803 N. Broadway, the corner of Broadway Avenue and Murdock Street. Bring a bike (it is required to be eligible), and you will receive a free bike light.
Read more: KSN-TV

Sedgwick County will soon send out an online survey to get feedback from residents about public services and priorities, officials said Thursday. More than 100,000 randomly chosen residents will receive a link to the survey via mail, text, or email. It’s hosted by Qualtrics and will also be available on the county’s website and social media later in November. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is intended for adult residents 18 years of age or older. Responses are confidential. Sedgwick County leaders are seeking input on service delivery and community priorities.
Read more: KSN-TV

Across the state, Kansans voted on special ballot measures like school bonds and tax issues. Stanton County voters rejected a mill levy increase that would have helped fund its hospital. Stanton County Hospital is a medical hub for more than half a dozen other counties, including across the state line into Colorado. CEO Camille Davidson called the outcome “disappointing.” She added that they aren’t sure how to compete with rising costs and inflation without increased revenue.
Read more: KSN-TV

The McPherson Police Department welcomed its newest mini officer to the force on Wednesday. Rhys recently finished treatment after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2023. The department swore her in as an honorary officer for her optimism and strength.
Read more: KSN-TV

School districts across the state are planning their next steps after Tuesday’s bond issue votes. Some districts, like Goodland, Ark City, Mulvane, and Oakley, are moving forward with improvement plans after their bonds passed, while Wellington, Rock Hills, Hutchinson, Russell, Oberlin, and St. John-Hudson are trying to figure out how to address their ongoing issues after their ballot measures were defeated.
Read more: KSN-TV

Coldwater Mayor Jose “Joe” Ceballos, who was reelected on Tuesday, was charged by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach the next day. In a news conference Wednesday, Kobach said Ceballos was facing criminal charges for three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Both are non-person felonies.
Read more: KSN-TV

Do you live in or near Arkansas City and have leftover pumpkins? You could help feed some hungry goats. The City of Arkansas City said instead of throwing pumpkins out, they can make a tasty treat for some local goats.
Read more: KSN-TV

Two northwestern Kansas counties reshaped their alcohol laws on Tuesday, with one ending the state’s tradition of dry counties. Wallace County was the last remaining dry county in the state. On Tuesday, voters made history by eliminating that rule and allowing restaurants to sell liquor by the drink. Thomas County residents voted to remove the requirement that allowed restaurants to serve alcohol only if at least 30% of their sales came from food. This change allows establishments in the county to operate like traditional bars.
Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Leon is helping teen drivers learn a valuable lesson while avoiding costly fines for speeding. In the first moments of being pulled over on Oct. 1 for going 44 in a 30 mph speed zone, worries immediately rushed to high school junior Kendra Mast’s mind. “I thought I was going to have to get a job,” said Kendra. “Not doing school sports.” “I told her she was going to have to go get a job and pay her own ticket,” added Kendra’s mom, Sheena Mast. Leon offered a unique alternative. She could write an essay on the importance of traffic laws instead.
Read more: KSN-TV

Hundreds of students in Sedgwick County came to Wichita on Tuesday to learn more about careers in public safety and service. Representatives from the Red Cross, law enforcement, prosecutors and other professionals gave presentations to the students. Organizers said the event gives students a realistic look at jobs that will allow them to give back to their communities.
Read more: KSN-TV

The CiCo Ballfields in Manhattan will be renamed following a 10-year naming rights agreement approved by city commissioners. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Parks Director of Parks and Recreation Aaron Stewart talked to city commissioners about a naming rights resolution that was passed last December. According to Stewart, the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation has formed a 10-year $500,000 partnership for the naming rights of the CiCo Ballfields.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

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.

Peabody City Council members completed their mandated hour of training Monday on Kansas Open Meeting Laws. Council members listened intently as Nicole Proux Aiken with the Kansas League of Municipalities presented requirements through video conferencing. Peabody was ordered to undergo one hour of the training for violating the act.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Hotels and motels within Wichita city limits will have to be licensed through the city starting next year in order to operate. The ordinance also prohibits them from charging by the hour. The Wichita City Council passed the ordinance establishing the license Thursday in an effort to crack down on what it deems are nuisance properties, especially along South Broadway.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

The miles of rail-to-trail paths east of Wichita are on track to grow with the unveiling of a new bridge along the Redbud Trail on Friday. It marks a decade of work turning abandoned railroad tracks into spaces for walking, biking and hiking and connects two Butler County cities. The Andover section of the Redbud Trail runs six miles from 159th Street East — about a mile west of Andover — and used to dead-end at U.S. 54/400, about four miles east of the city. The trail originates inside Wichita at the I-135 canal route. Combined, the paths stretch nearly 16 miles.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

The mayor of a small south-central Kansas town has been charged with committing fraud by voting in elections since 2022 even though he is not a United States citizen, the state’s attorney general and secretary of state said Wednesday. Attorney General Kris Kobach said Joe Ceballos, who garnered nearly 83% of the vote Tuesday for a second term as Coldwater mayor, was charged with three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Both are felony offenses.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

Researchers at KU recently created the Kansas Energy Transition Atlas, a GIS-powered site that features regulatory information for every county in the state. The interactive site allows elected officials, developers, landowners and anyone interested in wind energy to easily find information on wind policy, information about the number of turbines in place, transmission lines and much more.
Read more: Univ of Kansas

On the eve of Prairie Village city elections largely defined by whether candidates support or oppose the city’s $30 million municipal complex project, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit that had previously stalled the city’s plans to move forward with the plan. Now, city officials say they’re figuring out how to get the project “back on track” even as the city awaits the results of Tuesday’s much-watched city council elections.
Read more: Johnson County Post

In addition to its agenda items, the Arma City Council shared exciting news at the tail end of Monday night’s meeting. Plans to build a Casey’s General Store have been approved within city limits.
Read more: -Morning Sun

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 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 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.

Yesenia Leon-Tejeda, like many people on the frontier of America’s tech boom, is basking in newfound prosperity. Her hometown in northeast Oregon was not long ago known for a former chemical-weapons depot nearby, a state prison on the city’s outskirts and the strip clubs once dotting its main drag. But a growing fleet of Amazon data centers has turned the region around Umatilla into an unlikely nerve center for one of the most expensive infrastructure build-outs in U.S. history.
Read more: WSJ.com: US Business

Riley County officials invited the public to review and comment on the latest draft of the county’s comprehensive plan, officially titled “Riley County Together 2040.” The plan will replace the county’s existing Vision 2025 plan, outlining land-use goals, growth priorities and ways to implement those strategies through 2040. County planner Amanda Webb told commissioners Monday the draft plan is available for viewing on the county’s website.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

The Lyon County Commission approved a premium pay policy for exempt employees who go above and beyond during certain emergencies. The premium pay option requires that an exempt employee, a salaried county employee who typically does not receive overtime pay, work 60 or more hours in a week. This work may include time spent in Lyon County or assisting other counties with emergency response.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Sedgwick’s newest police officer isn’t a typical rookie. At 35 years old, Kyle Woods comes with experience in ballistics lab testing, forensics training, and insight from long-time law enforcement family members. Sedgwick Police Chief Bryan Hall worked with Woods at the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and in the NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) program. Hall said that when he hires officers, he first looks for high integrity and then to see if there is a cultural fit. He said that without a servant’s heart and caring for the community, they won’t be a good fit for the Sedgwick P.D.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Leawood officials are asking the public to weigh in on a more specific plan for the site of its earliest government buildings, now that the city council has decided to raze the original city hall at 96th Street and Lee Boulevard. The public will get a first look at a preliminary site plan for public gathering and green space at an open-house meeting 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at The Wave at 106, 10603 Lee Blvd. The preliminary plan, drawn up by BBN Architects and based on a city council discussion last month, will be a more detailed look at how some of the elements councilmembers suggested for the 3.7-acre home of Leawood’s 1950s-era City Hall and Fire Station could fit together. Both buildings are currently vacant, except for some storage.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Shawnee recently awarded a grant loan to help a local coffee shop bring its business downtown. On Monday, the Shawnee City Council voted 5-3 to approve a $50,000 grant loan to Current State Coffee Roasters to help with renovations at its future location at 11217 Johnson Drive. Councilmembers Tony Gillette, Mike Kemmling and Jacklynn Walters were in dissent. The money comes from the Shawnee Entrepreneurial and Economic Development grant program, or SEED, which is a city-run program that provides one-time payments in the form of forgivable loans to businesses as part of the city’s efforts to encourage expansion of existing businesses and attraction of new employers, according to city documents.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Do you have pumpkins from the Halloween Holiday sitting around your house, and you’re not sure what to do with them?  The Clay Center Zoo would be happy to take them off your hands for the zoo animals. Garett Payne, Zoo Curator, said pumpkins are a special treat for most all the animals at the zoo, either for eating or playing with. Donating pumpkins to zoos or farms helps reduce food waste while providing many animals with a nutritious food source at no cost.
Read more: KCLY Radio

Even as electric vehicle sales decrease, the mayor of De Soto, Kansas, says the investment already made in the Panasonic battery plant has already benefited local residents and is helping the town as a whole grow. The plant opened earlier this year and is employing about 1,500 people.
Read more: KCUR