Kansas Municipal News
Renovations to rural rail service estimated to take nearly 10,000 semis off the roadways
A new Kansas Department of Transportation Short Line Rail Fund program will be bringing much-needed upgrades to rail systems across the state. The project is part of Governor Kelly’s IKE Program and will fund five million dollars annually for three years toward improving railway grain transportation. There are a total of 13 renovations taking place on three short-line railway systems across the state aiming to improve and build nearly 15 miles of track. Four of the projects will be focused on improvements to short-line rails, and the other nine projects will bring repairs to grain elevators.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for October 14, 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.
NCAA announces March Madness tournament is returning to Wichita for a third time
March Madness will be returning to Wichita for a third time. The NCAA announced its future host site selections for the men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday and Wichita’s Intrust Bank Arena was selected to host the first and second rounds in 2025. Wichita previously hosted the first and second rounds of the men’s NCAA Tournament in 2018 and is scheduled to once again this coming spring on March 19 and 21, 2021.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
LaHarpe digs new pump track
The first of a number of community projects kicked off over the weekend, with a team of volunteers gathering to help build a new pump track for bicycling enthusiasts. The group worked at the LaHarpe City Park Saturday and Sunday to mold an elaborate series of berms, rollers and tabletop fixtures, all made out of dirt. By Sunday afternoon, the entire track was laid, with most of the remaining work centered on contouring and compacting the dirt.
Source: The Iola Register
The 2020 census count comes to an end Thursday. Here’s how that will affect Kansas and its cities.
After many challenges imposed this year by the coronavirus pandemic and innumerable twists from the White House, the 2020 census will come to an end Thursday night following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Tuesday. The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could halt the 2020 census count ahead of schedule. People can fill out the census until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 15 by visiting 2020census.gov or responding via mail.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Traveling exhibit highlights rural America
The 5.4.7 Arts Center in Greensburg is ready to welcome a new exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution titled “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” thanks to work put in by Ann Dixon and Humanities Kansas. “The 5.4.7 Arts Center is blessed to be selected to host the Smithsonian exhibit ‘Crossroads: Change in Rural America,’ ” said director Ann Dixon. “This county has seen significant change over the past 13 years and we have all learned to envision for the future, engage everyone in planning for the future, and endeavor together to build sustainable rural communities.” The exhibit arrived Tuesday and will celebrate its grand opening from 3-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16. It will be in town until Nov. 29.
Source: News – The Hays Daily News
Hospital staffing and capacity a concern for Kansas communities as COVID-19 multiplies
Concerns are growing about adequate staffing levels and bed capacity at Kansas hospitals and nursing homes strained by rising COVID-19 cases. Hospitals in southeast Kansas already are struggling with capacity issues. Ascension Via Christi Hospital announced this week it would implement its surge plan and cease all elective surgeries because of a spike in cases in Crawford and Bourbon counties. Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary Lee Norman said Tuesday most hospitals he has spoken with are staying ahead of the virus. He said as case numbers rise in a community, however, so will the strain on hospital staff.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Wichita auto enthusiast travels long road through City Hall to start a tiny car lot
The Wichita auto enthusiast won City Council approval Tuesday to open a small car-sales lot near Central and West, after a lengthy stop-and-start process that’s been going on since July. The council action clears the way for up to four cars at a time to be sold on the parking lot at 4231 W. Central. Currently, that parking lot is shared by an automotive shop and a car upholstery business. The car lot will be separately operated from the other businesses by applicant Jeremiah Leathers, who’ll be leasing four parking spaces along with a small office in the upholstery shop.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Reno County limits mass gatherings after spike in COVID-19 cases
The Reno County Health Department issued its first COVID-19 emergency public health order since March, prohibiting mass gatherings of 100 or more people after a big spike in new cases. “It’s crazy. Like, I thought Hutch, well, it’s pretty small. You know what I’m saying, I didn’t think we’d have to do this again,” said Stephfon Hunter, a Hutchinson resident. Since October 4th, Reno County’s 14-day positive test rate jumped from 14.7% to 17.3%.
Source: KAKE – News
Municipal Bond Trends for October 13, 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.
Lawrence City Commission moves forward with draft strategic plan that will guide city budget decisions
City leaders are moving forward with a draft of the strategic plan that will guide budget decisions for the next two years, and more detailed discussions about how to accomplish the plan’s goals are forthcoming. As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission discussed key pieces of the strategic plan, which will update a plan created by the last commission in 2017. City officials said the plan would play an important role in the city’s budget process and prioritization of the city’s funding. “This is not meant to be a nice, pretty plan that we adopt and sit on the shelf,” Budget and Strategic Initiatives Administrator Danielle Buschkoetter said. “This is really intended to be the plan that really drives our day-to-day work, and everything that we do should be able to be tied back to the strategic plan.”
Source: LJWorld.com.
Overland Park ranks among top 50 cities for millennials
Millennials represent the largest segment of the U.S. workforce, and as these young professionals assess where they might want to build a career and a life away from the office, a number of factors can shape their decisions. If you’re one of those young workers already living and working in Overland Park, this report says you’re in one of the top 50 cities for millennials. If you’re perhaps looking to take your talents to a new city, this research might help you find one that’s best for you. … Among the factors considered in the ranking are local public schools, crime, housing, nightlife, diversity, jobs, weather, cost of living, outdoor activities and commuting.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal – The Business Journals
Reno County imposes new gathering restrictions due to COVID-19
Reno County officials agreed Tuesday to allow the re-imposition of a mass gathering limit within the county of a maximum of 100 people, based on a recommendation by local health officials. The Reno County Commission didn’t vote on the gathering limit – which includes multiple exceptions – but allowed an order proposed by Interim County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith to be stand. There was no discussion on Tuesday of implementing a local mask ordinance that is criminally enforceable, though various officials – from the hospital to clinics to schools superintendent to county commissioners – all pleaded with the public to wear them.
Source: Local – The Hutchinson News
Newton to move high school online; Hutchinson to welcome back some sports fans
Newton Public Schools will move into an orange zone in its gating criteria next week, meaning students in seventh through 12th grade will move to remote learning and sports can continue, but now without fans. Limited fans will still be allowed at home games this week. The move is due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in the community, according to school officials. Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade will go from on-site to hybrid next week.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
More than 80% of Kansas counties now reporting COVID-19 case rates in the red zone
More Kansas counties had so many new cases of COVID-19 over the past two weeks that they moved into the red zone of one key state benchmark for closing schools during the coronavirus pandemic. A map from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment showed 88 of 105 counties in the red zone of the incidence rate as of Monday. That’s 13 more counties than last week and 23 more than two weeks ago. The measurement compares the number of new cases of COVID-19 over two weeks with the population, expressed as the rate of new cases per 100,000 people. It is one of five school reopening indicators established by the Kansas State Department of Education. The KDHE releases information by county for three of the five indicators.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
JoCo residents financially impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for free skills training at JCCC
Johnson County residents and businesses who’ve been financially impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for free workplace skills training at Johnson County Community College’s Continuing Education branch. The federal government’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is funding the program, which seeks to provide training and skill building for those who may have experienced job loss, cut wages or reduced revenue due to the pandemic. Those interested should be committed to completing their short-term training program by December 30, 2020. “From training in computer software, to business leadership, to the trades, these courses provide individuals with the opportunity to learn new skills and build on those they already use in the workplace,” said Elisa Waldman, Dean of Continuing Education at Johnson County Community College.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Governor Kelly updates testing strategies in Kansas
Kansas is planning to spend $53 million to expand coronavirus testing. The federal coronavirus funding was allocated by the Kansas SPARK Task Force to be used for testing in the state. Communities can submit proposals to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on why they need the extra money for testing. That money can be used for testing supplies, additional staff among other necessities that expand testing in the community. “We’re now that much closer to getting these funds out the door and into the communities and facilities that need them the most,” said Governor Laura Kelly. The recipients of the funds will be announced sometime in the next couple of weeks. The money will then be sent to those communities as soon as possible, according to the Governor.
Source: KSN-TV
Sedgwick County puts up $1.9 million to support local workforce hurt by Covid-19
The Board of Sedgwick County Commissioners last week voted to distribute roughly $1.9 million that will go toward helping Wichita’s workforce negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Most of the funds will go toward upskilling laid off workers and those most at risk of being laid off. Commissioners approved funding agreements with WSU Tech, the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kanas and Friends University.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
City of Lawrence announces first director of equity and inclusion
Lawrence City Manager Craig Owens announced Monday that Farris Muhammad has been hired to be the city’s first director of equity and inclusion. Muhammad was selected after a nationwide search from a field of over 120 applicants, according to a city news release. During the process, the city used several interview panels of community members and staff to provide input. Panelists included representatives of organizations that serve marginalized populations, advocacy groups, city staff and local leaders working in diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as other community institutions and organizations. Owens said in the release that he was eager for Muhammad to join the city as it works more intentionally to advance equity.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Ark City finance director Kathy Cornwell retires with praise
Kathy Cornwell has analyzed her last spreadsheet for the City of Arkansas City. The finance director retired Friday at a send-off with city officials and staff. Cornwell held that position for more than eight years. She described her job as interesting, exciting and frustrating. Two projects stand out as being particularly interesting and challenging among the complex issues she dealt with, she said. “Being part of the automated meter-reading project was very interesting, in how it intertwined with the utility billing system,” Cornwell said. “Of course, the hospital bond refinancing and dealing with bond rating agencies.” Former City Manager Nick Hernandez said Cornwell came in at a time when the city was struggling financially. He credited her effort and knowledge for helping the city get back on track.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
Project to fix Wichita area’s worst highway bottleneck in line for county funding
Sedgwick County, Wichita and the Kansas Department of Transportation are about to start on a plan to relieve the area’s biggest traffic headache, the oft-congested interchange of I-135 and I-235 in north Wichita. On Wednesday, the Sedgwick County Commission is expected to vote on spending $3.7 million toward the rebuilding of the “North Junction,” a well-known bottleneck between the city and points north. The project started in November 2018, but the work to date has been mostly rebuilding parts of I-235 to the west of the interchange and the only impact on traffic flow has been to slow things down in the construction area.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Avoidance of COVID-19 testing a real concern
Although the number of COVID-19 cases among Pittsburg State University students has decreased sharply since the outbreak at the start of the fall semester, Crawford County health officials are increasingly concerned about the spread of the coronavirus among older area residents. “COVID-19 case numbers in Crawford County have begun to increase from the previous weeks with a higher percent positive for those tested,” the county health department said in a press release Friday.
Source: Leavenworth Times
Lawrence bar owner sues Douglas County health official over COVID-19 restrictions
A Lawrence bar is suing a local health official over an emergency health order that limits bar hours in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. According to the Oct. 1 order issued by a Douglas County, Kansas health official, restaurants and bars with liquor licenses are required to stop serving alcohol by 11 p.m. and have to shut their doors to in-person clientele by midnight. Rita “Peach” Madl, the owner of The Sandbar, a popular bar in Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas, filed a lawsuit Friday against Douglas County’s Local Health Officer Thomas Marcellino, who issued the order.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Valley Center to vote on sales tax to expand aquatic facilities, build rec center
Three weeks from today, voters will decide on local, state and federal political candidates. Taxpayers in Valley Center will have an additional measure on their ballot: a sales tax increase to pay for a new aquatics complex and recreation center. According to city administrator Brent Clark, the 1 percent sales tax would be in place for up to 15 years. If the bonds are paid off earlier, the increase would sunset.
Source: KSN-TV
Should Kansas cities opt out of mask orders by counties? The two disagree
Local control had been cited as the biggest reason for why counties should have the ability to opt out of statewide orders — but now, counties face that same argument being used for cities. “We have so many areas and counties where we have a single city within the county that actually has most of the population of that county,” Rep. Bradley Ralph, R-Dodge City, said during a committee meeting. … Mayor Hunter McMillen, of Solomon, with a population of around 1,100, said his town isn’t like the more-populated areas of Dickinson County such as Abilene, the county seat. “They’re having an outbreak in in Abilene, Kansas, or Dickinson County where the courthouse is,” he said. “They’re having an outbreak and he’s punishing all the other little towns for what his town has done. And I don’t think that’s right at all.”
Source: Leavenworth Times
City of Newton reveals winning flag design
A new flag is flying on Main Street in Newton, the winner of a community contest that had been in the works for more than 5 months. Black with gold railroad tracks and wheat heads, the flag, created by businessman Robert Palmer, owner of Back Alley Pizza and former owner of Norms, and minister Brandon Eck, of The Gathering Church, won a contest created by the Newton Flag Committee. That committee was under the advisement and approval of Newton city commissioners.
Source: Leavenworth Times
WSU starting new COVID testing program
Wichita State is trying out a new testing method to identify people with COVID-19 who are not showing symptoms. The Voluntary Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing Program will involve a sampling of 5% of the on-campus student population. Participating students are chosen at random, with testing taking place every two weeks. The program is set to begin Tuesday, October 13. While supplies last, participating students will get a Shocker Hall meal pass if they choose to take part. Students who have been selected for testing will be notified through their campus email.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Johnson County receives grant to help with high demand in voting
By the end of Monday, there will be a little over 500 hours until Election Day. Johnson County, Kansas commissioners accepted a grant to help with the high demand. “The postage, the paper cost, the ballot cost for the large quantity by mail ballots that we’re sending out, none of that was included in our budget for this year,” Elections Commissioner Connie Schmidt. It’s been an unusual election year for staff at the Johnson County, Kansas Election Office. Schmidt said employees are planning for Election Day in the middle of a pandemic and a high demand of mail in voters.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Governor Kelly Announces More Than $21 Million in Grants for Crime Victim Assistance Programs
Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant awards. Community-based organizations and local and state agencies that provide services directly to crime victims are eligible to receive VOCA grant program funds. Direct services available to crime victims include crisis counseling, telephone and onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter, transitional housing, and mental health services. The award recipients provide these services in response to the emotional, psychological, or physical needs of crime victims and survivors.
Source: KRSL Russell Radio
Sedgwick County passes 10,000 cases of COVID-19 as Kansas has record-breaking weekend
Kansas broke its record for the most new cases of COVID-19 in a single report as Wichita’s home county passed a milestone. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 2,055 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, included 196 children. The increase was from the last KDHE report on Friday. The weekend increase was only the second time one of the KDHE’s Monday-Wednesday-Friday reports had 2,000 or more new cases. It set the record for the biggest increase, breaking the old record of 2,037 new cases from two weeks ago, on Sept. 28.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for October 9, 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.
First grader curious about what it’s like to be mayor
Sometimes small conversations can have the biggest impact. A Chanute Elementary School first-grader got a first-hand look into city government Wednesday evening. Gage Stich, 6, wanted to find out what it was like to be mayor and met Wednesday with Chanute mayor Jacob LaRue in the commission chamber of the Memorial Building. “It was phenomenal,” LaRue said. “I was tickled pink.”
Source: The Chanute Tribune
Topekans celebrate a decade of the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
Those who took the stage Saturday afternoon at Redbud Park to talk about North Topeka’s transformation recalled the people and years of hard work that made the area’s NOTO Arts & Entertainment District possible. “The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is a prime example of a community coming together to do so much,” said Anita Wolgast, one of the founding co-chairs of the district’s board of directors. Wolgast was one of about half a dozen people who spoke before a crowd at Redbud Park Saturday afternoon to commemorate a decade of the NOTO arts district.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
NOTO’s murals create sense of community
The NOTO Arts and Entertainment District is known for a lot: it is the home of several artists, First Friday Art Walks, The Wheel Barrel, Redbud Park, its history and its murals. There are many murals painted through the district. Some seem to be placed in certain spots specifically, while others seem to be there because the wall offered a nice home. Regardless, the variety of murals gives NOTO its own uniqueness that can’t be found anywhere else in Topeka, and a sense of community can be found behind each one.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Some Topekans feel unsafe in their neighborhoods. This program wants to change that perception.
Glenda DuBoise wants a Topeka community that can always say it feels safe. As a longtime community advocate, and most recently as the executive director of the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, DuBoise said she often hears people say that they don’t feel safe in certain parts of town, pointing to gun violence in the community. It’s a perception that has to change, DuBoise said, and to do that, the Topeka community has to work toward addressing some of the underlying community issues and divides that lead to violence. That’s why the Center for Peace and Justice — which is committed to advocating for equality, peace and justice for all — is spearheading a program called Strategies Against Violence Everywhere, in partnership with other area social agencies and community leaders.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
‘This is home and this is family’: Garden City woman leads nearly a century-long Hispanic celebration
Hispanic heritage is deeply rooted in western Kansas. Communities in the Kansas triangle, Garden City, Dodge City, and Liberal, make up the densest Hispanic populations in the state according to the U.S. Census. “Garden City is a melting pot,” said Angelica Castillo Chappel, Garden City Hispanic Community Leader. The Mexican Fiesta, or La Fiesta, began in 1926. People from all across the western half of Kansas and into Colorado, poured into the streets of Garden City, to celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Source: KSN-TV
Growing together: McConnell AFB gives Derby a leg up on economic development
“We have really embraced the Air Force base,” says Dan Squires, director of planning and engineering for the city. McConnell, he says, is always involved in planning decisions within certain zones near the base by requirement — but the base is often consulted on planning and projects even outside of those areas. The impact of McConnell is felt all across town, from jobs and housing to local spending by base personnel, all helping to give Derby a large portion of the half-billion dollar economic impact the base has within the 50-mile radius surrounding it.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Hutch Fire sends second crew to relieve volunteers at Wyoming wildfire
On Wednesday, Hutchinson Fire Department Cpt. Craig Walle, Cpt. Travis Kerschner and Mark Penner from the Kansas Forest Service departed to relieve the Hutch crew offering assistance on the Mullen fire in Wyoming. They will be deployed for two weeks and continue operations that our current crews are performing. Currently that fire is over 128,000 acres and has over 1,000 personnel assigned to it.
Source: News – The Hutchinson News
B-29 bomber ‘Doc’ returns to Great Bend
The Great Bend Municipal Airport will host the World War II B-29 superfortress “Doc” for ride flights on Saturday, Oct. 24, Airport Manager Martin Miller announced Friday. The plane, based in Wichita, has scheduled two rides for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., before flying to Olathe that afternoon. Each flight offers nine seats, positioned at different locations on the aircraft, Miller said. Tickets are now available for purchase ranging in price from $600-1,500 at www.etix.com/ticket/o/5476/docs-friends. Great Bend Municipal Airport, formerly Great Bend Army Airfield, was built in 1943 and dedicated to aircrew and maintenance training on the brand new B-29 bomber.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Municipal Bond Trends for October 8, 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.
Small-town bike shop serves large area
Not many people who pull into the north-central Kansas town of Osborne, population 1,291 (as estimated in 2018), will expect to find a working bicycle shop. After all, many larger Kansas communities can’t claim a bicycle shop. “I’ve had it happen a dozen times. People will stick their head in the door, with a little trepidation, and then notice the tools, smell the oil, before they finally exclaim, ‘This is a bike shop,’ ” said John McClure, proprietor and mechanic at Blue Hills Bikes.
Source: Leavenworth Times
Wichita’s high-end homes are selling faster than they have in a decade
The most expensive homes in the Wichita area are selling fast and the number of them available has fallen to levels not seen since before the Great Recession, according to a real estate analyst at Wichita State University. Stan Longhofer, director of WSU’s Center for Real Estate, said the demand for homes that cost more than $500,000 and a limited supply of them were standouts of the 2021 Kansas Housing Markets Forecast, an annual report released this week. The change comes despite a pandemic and global recession that hasn’t yet negatively impacted home sales but could catch up in the next couple of years, Longhofer said. For now, the housing market is booming, often causing “bidding wars.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Liquor-by-the-drink? Question will come up during the Nov. 3 general election season
Voters throughout Johnson County will consider a liquor-by-the-drink question during the Nov. 3 general election season, while Leawood and Roeland Park are asking residents to approve sales taxes. If approved, the liquor amendment will allow individual drinks to be sold without requiring establishments to serve food as well. Current law, described as archaic by its detractors, requires that food account for 30% of the gross receipts of a business if it is to sell liquor by the drink.
Source: Joco 913 News
Casino begins construction near Park City
Crosswinds Casino near Park City is breaking ground. After more than 30 years of having the ten acres of land, Wyandotte Nation has had a goal to build a casino and it’s now underway. “We’re exercising our right to game on our property there,” said Wyandotte Nation Chief Billy Friend. Wyandotte Nation Chief said it’s been a long time coming.
Source: KSN-TV
Western Kansas counties running out of water – conservationists look to recharge the aquifer
It’s a multi-million dollar project aimed at restoring the aquifer and preserving the future of communities experiencing a decline in groundwater…. Phase VI continues the effective Kansas Playa Initiative and is now enmeshing Playa Lakes Joint Venture’s “Municipal Water” campaign which aims to help recharge areas of western Kansas being impacted by a rapidly depleted water source. … The current focus area is in Greeley and Wichita counties, parts of the state in a severe drought. “Water is the driving force of the economy here in southwest Kansas,” said Bill Simshauser, Farmer and Kansas Association of Conservation Districts Board Member. It is estimated that the two counties combined have nearly 5,000 playas. But experts say within the next 50 years, the area won’t have enough water to sustain the cities of Leoti and Tribune. “Wichita and Greeley county are running out of water,” said Simshauser.
Source: KSN-TV