Kansas Municipal News
Merriam looks to improve options to record its council meetings with $60,000 budget
Merriam residents wanting to tune in to the city’s council meetings may have an enhanced experience in coming months. Currently, the city broadcasts its bi-monthly meetings live via Zoom and residents can also catch a recording after the fact on the city’s YouTube channel. But now Merriam is working toward upgrading its Audiovisual system, which will be used to record future in-person council meetings. Meredith Hauck, assistant city administrator, presented the city council with several examples and options to choose from including singular versus multi-camera setups. Hauck said a basic setup would cost the city about $50,000 initially and $10,000 annually for maintenance. The city has $60,000 allocated in its 2021 budget for the item.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Chanute fiber project on target for end of year deadline
City officials told Chanute city commissioners they are confident they will be able to get the fiber expansion project completed by a Dec. 30 deadline. City Manager Todd Newman updated commissioners at Monday evening’s meeting on the fiber optic broadband project, funded by a Connectivity Emergency Response Grant, which seeks to provide connections to homes and businesses in an area southeast of Main Street and Lincoln Avenue. Newman said he does not want to jinx it, but feels confident the project can be completed by the deadline. The city has received payment of the first half of the $1.6 million grant, and if it does not finish in time, might not receive the second half.
Source: The Chanute Tribune
Osawatomie’s holiday celebration moving to digital/online format
A surge in COVID-19 cases in Miami County and throughout the region has forced the city of Osawatomie and the Osawatomie Chamber of Commerce to transition their Miracle on Main Street event to an online/digital format, the city announced Tuesday, Nov. 24. Organizers said Tuesday afternoon they would still like to have the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, the announcement of the Citizen of the Year, and free socially distanced Santa photos, but most of the other pieces of the Dec. 5 event are being tabled until next year. “We’re very disappointed by this, of course, but the safety of our community comes first,” a representative of the city said in an email.
Source: The Miami County Republic
Atchison County strengthens mask requirement and lowers person limits
Atchison County Health officials have updated their recommendations and guidelines in effort to lessen the community spread of COVID-19 infections that will be in effect until late January 2026 Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021well after the holiday season. County commissioner adopted the order as part of their business during their weekly meeting Tuesday, Nov. 24. Emergency Manager Director Wesley Lanter explained the Health Order 2020-13 will go into effective at midnight Wednesday, Nov. 25 and is to remain in effect until Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021.
Source: Atchison Globe Now
Mullinville old school building houses unique antique mall
The Old School Antique Mall in Mullinville has been around for six years, with Susan Clayton at the helm since November 2018. Doris Headrick and a group of her friends started the antique mall in 2014 after recognizing they had a special affinity for not only the antiques they collected, but also the building which houses their shop, an unused schoolhouse in the small, western-Kansas town.
Source: News – Butler County Times Gazette
Overland Park pushes back against KC Star lawsuit seeking records in police killing of John Albers
The city of Overland Park says its severance agreement with the police officer who shot and killed teenager John Albers in 2018 is not subject to public disclosure. On Friday, the city asked a Johnson County judge to toss a lawsuit brought by The Kansas City Star seeking to obtain a copy of the agreement. In a lengthy motion for summary judgment, Overland Park says the agreement is a personnel record that it has the discretion to close under the Kansas Open Records Act. At issue is the severance agreement the city entered into with police officer Clayton Jenison nearly four weeks after Jenison shot Albers, a 17-year-old high school student.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Municipal Bond Trends for November 23, 2020
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.
Topekans can get help covering basic needs through city program
Topekans struggling to pay housing bills during the pandemic can schedule an appointment with the city to help cover some costs. Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance program is a $1.5 million CARES Act fund to help Topekans cover the cost of rent, mortgage payments or utility bills. The 45-minute to hour-long appointments can be scheduled by calling (785) 233-1365, or by walking in and scheduling the next available time. “The City of Topeka knows how much our neighbors are struggling during these difficult times,” said City Manager Brent Trout in a Monday press release. “The Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance program is designed to keep our neighbors housed and with their utilities on so they can focus on other needs this year.”
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Experts say jails can be superspreaders. The Shawnee County Jail is trying to prevent that.
Jails weren’t designed for a pandemic. Experts say a lack of airflow, overpopulation and bunk beds make jails the “perfect setting” for the coronavirus to spread. “It’s not a secret at all to know … that COVID is a huge challenge,” said Brian Cole, director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. “Not just in Shawnee County, but across the United States when it comes to COVID.” COVID-19 cases are up across the country and have been increasing exponentially in Shawnee County, with 1,027 cases reported between Nov. 8-14.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Butler County Courthouse closed due to COVID
Those headed to the Butler County Historic Courthouse Monday to do business found a locked door — the building was closed to the public. “Many Departments within the Courthouse cannot serve our public at the level our public expects and we have made the decision to close the Historic Courthouse to the public through the Thanksgiving Holiday,” said Will Johnson, county administrator. “The closure will give our employees who are currently off work time to finish their quarantines and those currently experiencing any illnesses time to get healthy so they may return to work.” Beginning Monday the Butler County Historic Courthouse was restricted from public access — and will remain that way through the Thanksgiving holiday. The county intends to reopen the buildng to the public on Nov. 3.
Source: andoveramerican.com
Gov. Kelly Requests Extension Of Federal Authority Enabling Use Of State National Guard For COVID Response Efforts
Governor Kelly announced Monday that she sent a letter to President Trump, requesting that he approve an extension of Title 32–which allows the state to continue using the Kansas National Guard to help combat the spread of COVID-19. Title 32 allows governors to mobilize the national guard in their state so that it can respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. Kelly said that by authorizing utilization of the Kansas National Guard pending President Trump’s approval, the extension will enable Kansas to maintain community-based testing and continue to distribute critical medical supplies; which would ensure that Kansas can remain open.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Parsons firefighters train with new tool
Parsons firefighters recently received an addition to their current “Jaws of Life” vehicle extrication equipment arsenal and are training on its capabilities and what it can do in the field. Firefighters will be at Parsons Auto Parts on 24000 Road east of Parsons for the next few days working on stabilizing and lifting vehicles that have been involved in auto accidents. Jordan Stice of Parsons Auto Parts donated the vehicles and space for the training. “It is part of our civil duty to have our local firefighters be able to train on their equipment in a non-emergency setting before the real thing happens and our citizens need them,” Stice said.
Source: Parsons Sun
Topeka’s St. Francis critical care capacity at 111%
St. Francis Campus hospital’s critical care capacity is at 111%, and Stormont Vail is considering sending patients to other hospitals. “This is a very fluid situation and can change minute by minute,” said CEO of Stormont Vail Robert Kenagy in a Monday email. “We may come off of this status throughout the day, but then may return to it as patient acuity changes and our staffing changes.” In the email, Stormont Vail is asking anyone qualified to apply so the hospital can address its staffing needs. Kenagy said the 103 COVID-19 patients is stretching staff thin.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Montezuma museum display features prairie towns
A special photographic exhibit is on display at the Stauth Museum in Montezuma until Saturday, Nov. 28. “Considering the Commonplace: Prairie Towns Through the Lens of Bob Regier” is organized around eight themes: elegance, entrances, light and shadow, locomotion, sacred space, sentinels, signs and lines, windows and walls. This exhibit features digital photographs by Kansas artist Bob Regier, Bethel College professor emeritus of art and Kauffman Museum senior design consultant. For twenty years, the artist/teacher of North Newton, KS, traveled the main streets and backroads of Kansas with his wife, Vernette, and friends, Keith and Aldine Sprunger.
Source: News – Butler County Times Gazette
Arkansas City announces ‘Crushing COVID’ partnership
Arkansas City is joining other partners in Cowley County in a public health awareness campaign, “Crushing COVID in Cowley County.” It is a joint collaboration of the cities of Arkansas City and Winfield, the City-Cowley County Health Department, the Community Health Center in Cowley County, Cowley County, Cowley County Emergency Communications, Cowley County Emergency Management, Cowley First, Legacy Foundation, RISE Cowley, South Central Kansas Medical Center, Southwestern College, USD 465, USD 470, William Newton Hospital, and the Winfield and Arkansas City area chambers of commerce. “The central theme of ‘Crushing COVID’ is that it is ‘Up to You,'” said Mayor Karen Welch. “We cannot do this as government alone. We need each and every Arkansas City resident to voluntarily do what they can to slow the spread of COVID. Only together can we keep our teachers healthy and put our kids back in school classrooms, keep our businesses open, and prevent our local and regional hospitals from overflowing, not to mention protect our vulnerable neighbors from severe disease or even death.”
Source: KSN-TV
Gardner city’s toilets to be touchless
All city buildings in Gardner will have touchless toilets and lavatories, after the Gardner City Council approved an additional $6,100 at their Nov. 16 council meeting. At the Nov. 2, 2020, regular council meeting, $42,985 plus a ten percent contingency was approved for installation of touchless flush toilets and lavatories and was approved by Johnson County for reimbursement through CARES funding. The agreement was for the conversion of manual lavatory fixtures to touchless fixtures utilizing automatic eye technology, and included the removal and replacement of 29 stool flush valves and spuds, five urinal flush valves and spuds, and 34 lavatory faucets.
Source: Gardner News
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Three New Openings in Program to Revitalize Downtown Corridors, Strengthen Economic Development
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Kansas Main Street program will be accepting applications for up to three new communities in the state interested in joining. The Main Street program – designed to develop and strengthen downtown corridors – has been a proven success for rural communities throughout the state…. Communities wishing to submit applications will be required to first attend an application workshop, scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, December 10. This virtual workshop will explain the Main Street Approach, and the process for successfully completing the application. To register for this workshop, visit this link. Applications must be submitted no later than January 29, 2021, and new communities selected as part of a competitive process will be announced in mid-February.
Source: KDOC.
Municipal Bond Trends for November 20, 2020
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 Public Library goes back to curbside service
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25, all Wichita Public Library locations will go back to offering only curbside and drive-up window services. The decision was made by library staff due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Wichita and Sedgwick County. Customers will still be able to borrow materials from the Library by using the online catalog, catalog.wichitalibrary.org, to browse the collection and place holds on items. Hold and transfer fees will be waived at this time. Once materials are ready to be picked up, customers will receive a notification to retrieve materials. Customers will arrive at their designated branch, call the phone number on the signs in the parking lot, and staff will assist with their curbside pickup.
Source: KSN-TV
Garden City schools will transition to remote learning starting Monday
USD 457 Garden City Public Schools will transition all students to Level 6 ‐ Remote Learning beginning on Monday, Nov. 23. All learning will continue remotely at‐home for all students through December 22, 2020. The district said in a letter that the community is experiencing a high rate of COVID and it has impacted many families and staff members in the district. The district said they had shortages of teachers, paraeducators, nursing staff, custodians, bus drivers, food service workers, and administrators due to COVID-related absences. The district said they have been able to complete 10 weeks of on‐site classes and two weeks of hybrid classes.
Source: KSN-TV
Hutchinson police return to Tier II response plan due to COVID
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Hutchinson Police Department moved to Tier II of its response plan on Friday. The department will continue to respond to all crimes in progress, but all other calls for service will be handled over the telephone. HPD is not allowing walk-in reporting at the Law Enforcement Center. For assistance, call 620-694-2816. HPD will also continue to respond to injury accidents or alcohol-related accidents, but if involved in a non-injury accident where the vehicles are operable and there is no alcohol- or drug-use suspected, motorists are advised to move their vehicles to a safe area and exchange information required by insurance carriers.
Source: Local – The Hutchinson News
Solar farms coming
Solar farms are coming to the region, thanks to agreements between power cooperatives and Today’s Power Inc. of Arkansas to create the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program. “Co-ops across the state have come together across the state,” said Sarah Madden, public relations director for the Butler Electric Cooperative.” … These 12 have banded together to provide solar for our customers at a low cost for decades to come. … This is great for our entire state.” The Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program is a series of solar farms developed by Today’s Power Inc. to harvest renewable energy in the state for 12 participating electric cooperatives. The 25-year program will result in the construction of more than 20 megawatts of solar power spread out across more than 800 miles of Kansas.
Source: McPherson Sentinel
Ulysses and Garden City hospitals appeal for community’s support
The COVID-19 pandemic has impactfully touched communities all across southwest Kansas and our care teams at Centura Health’s Bob Wilson and St. Catherine hospitals have responded with compassion and courage to meet the needs of our patients, our neighbors and each other. Centura Health hospitals, Bob Wilson in Ulysses and St. Catherine in Garden City, and our clinics across southwest Kansas continue to follow COVID-19 protocols from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local county agencies and partners. Across southwest Kansas, we are seeing an increase in the prevalence of COVID-19 across our communities. Our incredible physicians, nurses, nurses’ assistants, technicians and therapists are fully committed to meeting the health and well-being needs of every patient, and we need the support of our communities to ensure we slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Source: Greater Garden City » Feed
Topeka hospitals face ‘a staffing crisis.’ One has requested resources from the Kansas National Guard; another looks to FEMA.
Like many health systems across the country, Stormont Vail is experiencing “a staffing crisis,” according to Matt Lara, the system’s public relations specialist. That staffing crisis led Stormont recently to submit a request for resources to Shawnee County Emergency Management. The department forwarded the appeal to the Kansas National Guard, and after receiving the request Thursday, the State Emergency Operations Center has been working to fulfill it. According to Lara, Stormont is seeking more than 150 additional personnel — 50 registered nurses, 25 licensed practical nurses, 40 patient care technicians, five medical assistants, 20 respiratory therapists, three medical laboratory scientists and technicians, five phlebotomists, three pharmacy technicians and three pharmacists.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Who enforces county health orders? It depends on the infraction.
Shawnee County has mask requirements, gathering limits, restrictions to bars and restaurants’ operating hours and a suspension of organized sports, excluding high school athletics. But what county department enforces theses restrictions? The recently approved emergency health order warns of a $2,500 civil penalty for anyone intentionally violating health orders. The department responsible for enforcing restrictions depends on the nature of the violation. If an individual person violates a health order it follows a different track than if a business violates a health order, but county officials said education is always the first step in the process.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas hospitals buckle, schools pull back amid virus surge
Hospitals across Kansas are buckling as coronavirus cases swell, leading many schools to scale back in-person learning and one county to intensify plans for a possible field hospital. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment added 5,939 cases to the state’s pandemic tally since Wednesday, bringing the total to 134,533. The state’s seven-day average of new cases now stands at 2,718, nearly four times higher than it was a month ago. The number of COVID-19 related deaths also rose by 84 to 1,410. “Case increases are the worst we have seen since the pandemic began,” Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told local officials and legislators during a call Friday as the state’s seven-day average for new hospitalizations and deaths jumped to record highs. “Our hospitals are overwhelmed with coronavirus patients. Health care workers are burned out.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Dodge City alters annual Parade of Lights
With many special events canceled or put on hold this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the undeterred organizers of Dodge City’s annual Christmas Parade of Lights were determined to come up with a safe solution to ensure the tradition but with a twist. “The parade is a cherished holiday tradition enjoyed by hundreds of residents and out-of-town guests and we couldn’t let 2020 end without having something available for our community to enjoy,” said Jerri Whitley, with Victory Electric. “But we knew having that many people gathered along a parade route would make the task of keeping citizens safe and enforcing spectators to socially distance next to impossible.” With support from community officials and effort to create a safe, fun environment for all, parade organizers redesigned the traditional parade into a “reverse” parade format. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on November 30, spectators will drive past stationary, socially spaced floats as they “Make Your Way Down Candy Cane Lane.” The new parade format allows for social distancing between parade entries and no direct contact with spectators.
Source: News – Butler County Times Gazette
Ellis County notes seniors most vulnerable to COVID-19
COVID-19 numbers continue to rise dramatically in Ellis County. All deaths related to the pandemic in the county are among people older than 65. “This virus disproportionately affects those over 65, statewide,” Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Services director, said Monday during the Ellis County Commission meeting. Although only 18% of those over 65 have COVID-19, Kennedy said, this age group represents “100% of mortality” in the county. In Ellis County, 20 people have died of COVID-19.
Source: News – Salina Journal
Saline Co. adopts new health order limiting gatherings
The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved a public health order Friday, the same day that the county passed 2,000 total cases of COVID-19, limiting gatherings at indoor spaces to no more than 15, with several exceptions. The board accepted the order by County Health Officer Jason Tiller, but voted unanimously 4-0 to make two amendments to it. The order, which goes into effect beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, will prohibit gatherings of more than 15 in indoor spaces in the county and asks people to socially distance outdoors in a park, stadium or open-air entertainment venue and wear facial coverings if they are not actively participating in a sporting activity.
Source: News – Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for November 19, 2020
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.
Johnson County votes to add teeth to COVID-19 rules: Violators could be fined $500
Businesses that violate Johnson County’s new COVID-19 restrictions could face fines of up to $500, the Board of Commissioners narrowly decided Thursday. The board voted 4-3 to enforce the health order, which went into effect on Monday. By the same margin last Friday, commissioners approved the order, which includes a mass gathering limit and midnight curfew on bars and restaurants, in an effort to slow the rapid spread of coronavirus. If a business does not implement social distancing or if a bar refuses to close at midnight, for example, the owner could receive a citation and fine. But officials stressed that they would focus on educating businesses before issuing any penalties.
Source: Joco 913 News
Shawnee County commissioners tighten COVID-19 restrictions
Shawnee County commissioners voted Thursday to close bars and restaurants at 9 p.m. and suspend all organized sports until Dec. 15 in an effort to slow spread of the coronavirus in the community. The county commissioners were voting whether to adopt the health department’s order that limited mass gatherings to 10 people when Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County health officer, amended the health order to include language tightening restrictions on restaurants, bars and sporting events. Pezzino said at a news conference after the commission meeting that the ban on sports doesn’t apply to high school athletics.
Source: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal
New downtown policing team to reduce ‘little nuisance issues,’ boost quality of life
The Wichita Police Department has launched a new community policing team in downtown aimed at reducing nuisance issues and elevating quality of life for area businesses and residents. Community policing is a decades-old program that the department has used in its efforts to address and reduce crime. But it looks slightly different in the city’s core than it does in other areas of town. Residents who live, work and visit the area will soon see officers patrolling not only in cars, but also more on foot, on bicycles and on horseback, police said during a Thursday morning news conference.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Wichita to help county enforce COVID-19 mask mandate, business restrictions
Amid an unprecedented spike in COVID-19 that has stressed local hospitals to the breaking point, Wichita has agreed to help Sedgwick County enforce its orders mandating protective face masks in public settings and putting restrictions on businesses and organized sports. By a vote of 5-2, the City Council approved a resolution that will authorize city police, firefighters and code-enforcement officers to report violations to the county, which plans to take health scofflaws to court if necessary to gain compliance with public-health orders. The county will take the lead role in all citations and prosecutions, with the city acting in support by monitoring and reporting violations, said City Manager Robert Layton.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Main Street remains the heart of the city in Hays and other Kansas towns
As the downtown goes, so does the city. Hays is making certain its downtown continues to thrive. Years ago, Hays was a part of the state’s Main Street program and hopes to join back up with the newly formed affiliate program the governor introduced last week. El Dorado, Garden City and Sterling are other Kansas towns that are part of the Main Street program. Like Hays, Wellington and Larned have expressed interest in becoming affiliates. By introducing more than 14 events each year, including the annual holiday Frostfest, the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, the nonprofit organization responsible for keeping downtown thriving, is helping to not only increase sales but boost enthusiasm. … “People are starting to recognize where the heart and soul in their community is,” said Sara Bloom, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation. “It’s in their downtown, and they are starting to reinvest in their downtown.”
Source: McPherson Sentinel
Ark City approves virus safety campaign
Through a resolution approved Tuesday, Arkansas City commissioners initiated an education campaign to include several other local agencies to encourage residents to help to stop the fast-spreading coronavirus. The “Squash COVID, it’s up to you,” promotion includes a poster created by public information officer Andrew Lawson urging residents to wear masks, wash their hands and avoid crowds. Those actions can help to slow the spread of the virus and keep businesses, schools and medical offices open. The plan is to post the information throughout the county and through social media and various advertising mediums.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Derby officially proclaimed City of the First Class
A change that has been a long time coming officially took place at the Nov. 10 Derby City Council meeting, with the municipality officially proclaimed as a City of the First Class by Gov. Laura Kelly. Derby is the first city in Kansas to shift to First Class in more than 40 years. Per state statute, cities can choose to transition to a City of the First Class once they reach a population of 15,000 but the change becomes mandatory once it reaches 25,000. With Derby approaching that threshold, city staff decided to pursue First Class status. City Attorney Jacque Butler has been preparing ordinances for the council to adopt with regards to its new status and maintaining normal operations. While Mayor Randy White did note the transition would afford the opportunity for Derby to change forms of government if desired, there are few other potential impacts.
Source: Derby Informer | News
City of Leavenworth approves mask mandate
The Leavenworth City Commission has approved a mask mandate for city beginning Saturday. Masks would be required in public spaces.A total of 3,187 people have been confirmed COVID-19 positive and 27 people have died in Leavenworth County from the beginning of the pandemic in March to Nov. 19. Masks would be required in these situations: Inside, or in line to enter, any indoor public space.
Source: KMBC.com
Many Kansas counties don’t have mask mandates
Many counties in Kansas don’t have mask mandates. In Franklin County, they’re strongly recommended, but there’s no requirement. At Ottawa Bike and Trail, a sign greets customers at the door that masks are required.”With a few exceptions, everybody’s been really good,” said Jonathan Carroll, of Ottawa Bike and Trail. Carroll runs the shop with his brother. He said sales have been up as more people have been active outdoors.
Source: KMBC.com
Osawatomie PRIDE is visible throughout community
City officials, business owners, community members and others have credited Osawatomie PRIDE with already making a positive change in the community. … Vice President Kari Bradley said the PRIDE’s “Be the Change” slogan speaks to what the group is trying to do. “We are a passionate group of people of all ages and backgrounds that want to take care of the community that we live in,” Bradley said. One of the best things about the organization is that it is open to all ideas, to all volunteers, to project suggestions and any amount of time community members are able to give, Bradley said.
Source: The Miami County Republic
Hospitals, health departments at “critical juncture”
The Miami County Health Department, which is investigating a COVID-19 cluster tied to a Nov. 6-8 party in Louisburg, said local health departments and hospitals are becoming taxed as cases continue to increase. “Due to COVID-19, local health departments and hospitals are at a critical juncture between concern and crisis, and with the growing level of community spread, it is imperative that we all do our part to help slow the spread of the virus,” the health department said in the news release issued Monday, Nov. 16. With COVID-19 cases surging in the Kansas City metro area and holiday gatherings on the horizon, public health directors from the Kansas City region on Friday, Nov. 13, issued a joint statement calling for action to fight the spread.
Source: The Miami County Republic
Winfield community comes together to keep the lights on for one local tradition
The community has come together to keep the lights on for one local tradition. The Winfield Isle of Lights is a park filled with large displays to honor the holidays, but the pandemic made this year a bit challenging. Typically the Winfield Correctional Facility sets up the displays, bringing joy to many. “It’s fun when you get new displays and we see them up,” said Volunteer Carter. “I love how much effort is put into it and I love the final result,” said Volunteer Adalynn.
Source: KSN-TV
Volunteer firefighters risk their lives for the good of others
They are ordinary people, doing extraordinary work. In western Kansas, numerous community members volunteer their time to fight fires and protect others. Volunteer firefighters earn little to no compensation. They don’t risk their lives for the money, but rather for the good of their neighbor. Gray County fire chiefs Jon Goossen and Justin Ohman, have volunteered for a combined 34 years, sacrificing their lives for others. “It’s not about us, it’s about what you can do for everybody else,” said Justin Ohman, Ingalls Fire Chief and Nutrien Ag Solutions Transportation Specialist. Their crews are made up of farmers, hardware store workers, truckers, brothers, husbands, and dads, all focused on giving back.
Source: KSN-TV
Parsons looking to extend mask ordinance
The city of Parsons is looking to extend their mask ordinance. Originally the current policy was established back in July following Kansas Governor Kelly’s own mask policy for the state. Right now the ordinance is set to expire in the beginning of December. Mayor Perez is looking to make sure that they can extend it at the upcoming vote. Jeff Perez, Mayor of Parsons, said, “I feel confident that we’re going to extend it, I’m going to extend it, my vote will be there, I can’t speak for the other commissioners, but I do believe it will get a lot of support on it.”
Source: KSNF/KODE
Leavenworth approves mask order
Beginning Saturday, people will be required to wear face coverings when in public spaces in the city of Leavenworth. During a special meeting Thursday, city commissioners approved an ordinance that establishes a mask mandate for the city. City Manager Paul Kramer said the order will go into effect Saturday. Commissioners said they approved the ordinance as a way to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Source: Leavenworth Times