Kansas Municipal News
As bars across Wichita ignore COVID curfew, county warns of consequences
If you want to go out and party after the 11 p.m. coronavirus curfew, it’s not hard to find a place to do it in Wichita. On Friday night, bars and nightclubs across the city were packing in customers between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., basically ignoring a county health order setting 11 as closing time for places selling alcohol by the drink. When he issued the order, county Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns said bars and clubs are particularly prone to spread coronavirus because they attract crowds who stay and socialize for hours at a time and/or flit from bar to bar in the course of a night.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Meatpacking plants, prisons, have highest number of active COVID cases in Kansas
Meatpacking plants and correctional facilities continue to be the main sites of active COVID-19 clusters in Kansas, with each reporting thousands of cases, according to data released Wednesday by the state health department. It was the first time the Kansas Department of Health and environment publicized specific active COVID-19 clusters. The state identified 117 active clusters, involving 5,099 cases, 192 hospitalizations and 63 deaths.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
New book examines Reno County during the Cold War
Reno County played a part in Cold War history. According to Oklahoma history professor Landry Brewer, the author of the recently-released book, "Cold War Kansas," during the Cold War, every city in the U.S. was asked by the government to build fallout shelters. Reno County built two very large ones.The Cold War began after World War II. This rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union lasted through the 1980s.
Source: News – The Hutchinson News
Lenexa Police Department holds use of force workshop for members of the public
Every split-second decision made by police can be scrutinized. That’s why Lenexa’s police department holds its annual citizens workshop, where residents can get a first-hand look at how and why officers use force. The annual Use of Force Workshop held by Lenexa Police comes at a time when officers across the nation are under fire for use of excessive force, including in the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. This annual gathering is a time of transparency, where the public can learn why police do what they do.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Johnson County’s microtransit ride share expanding service area
Microtransit, a ride share system meant to aid current transit services, is expanding its pilot program to include more of Johnson County, according to a statement from the county manager’s office. Beginning Monday, Sept. 14, service area will be expanded to include important new destinations, including the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, the new Johnson County Courthouse, and Merriam Town Center. It expands the current northern border all the way to the Wyandotte County line along Shawnee Mission Parkway and grows the southwest corner of the service area to include downtown Olathe.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Small, private school in Ark City arises amid pandemic
The pandemic crisis has people thinking outside the box and responding to needs in original ways. Or in the case of Ark City’s One Room Schoolhouse, using an old education model to educate kids in a new way. On Aug. 10, the Arkansas City USD 470 Board of Education made their decision to go with a hybrid format for classes this year. On Aug. 11, Lenell and Clay Puchalla decided they needed to set up a different kind of school for their kids’ sake. The Puchallas have a total of six adopted and foster children. Some of them have IEPs (Individual Education Programs) because they have special education needs.Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Trustee won’t drop litigation in Platte County, Missouri, default
The trustee for $32 million of defaulted bonds that Platte County, Missouri put its appropriation pledge behind wants the Missouri Supreme Court to have the last word on whether the county bears legal responsibility for repayment. UMB Bank NA has so far failed to persuade courts of its position that the financing agreement tied to the bonds require the county to make up pledged revenue shortfalls. The trustee on Wednesday filed a motion seeking a rehearing with the Court of Appeals and also asked for transfer of the case to state’s high court, according to court filings.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Revitalize Russell Continues to Gain Momentum
The Downtown Streetscape Committee and Revitalize Russell experienced a recent big win. One of the committee partners, the Russell County Historical Society, was awarded an $80,000 grant from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, resulting in a nearly funded Outdoor Restroom and Visitors Center Facility. As momentum continues to build, the project is undergoing beginning stage progress.
Source: KRSL Russell Radio
Wichita receives $21 million grant to improve North Junction
“Today’s award is a great benefit to Kansans, as the North Junction serves as a major crossroads in our state,” said Rep. Estes. “Transforming this area has been a top priority for the State of Kansas. This project will have a travel-time savings of $127 million and a safety savings of $4.6 million resulting from reduced crashes. The interchange connects rural and urban parts of our state, but years of vehicle traffic, congestion and crashes have diminished the efficiency of the current interchange and threatens the long-term prosperity of the region. Correcting this decades-old design is great news for south central Kansas.”
Source: KAKE – News
Pittsburg considering loan forgiveness for local business
Pittsburg city leaders will discuss loan forgiveness for a local business. If approved, a $700,000 loan would be forgiven for Riggs Chiropractic. It’s part for a loan forgiveness plan that some businesses can apply for. The city would pay for it from the economic development fund. That money comes from a sales tax in place since the 80s. Dr. Kayla Riggs, Owner of Riggs Chiropractic says without this opportunity, getting her business up and running would have been a lot more difficult.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Economic leaders looking to pay remote workers to move to Topeka
The Greater Topeka Partnership is looking to pay people who work from home to move to Topeka. The proposal is a part of the economic group’s Choose Topeka program, which received national attention when it was announced. Originally, the program was used to pay people to move to and work in Topeka full-time. People could get $10,000 for renting and $15,000 if they bought a home. Employers had to agree to match 50 percent of the incentive.
Source: KSNT News
‘Ghost sign’ restoration recalls Wellington history
For more than 100 years, a sign advertising an early cornerstone business in Wellington had been hidden. Today, through the magic of modern technology, people in other countries have been watching the restoration of the sign on YouTube. The “ghost sign” — 15 feet high, 50 feet long and 36 feet above the ground — on the now vacant building at 120 S. Washington advertised the Jacob Engle Dry Goods Store, opened in 1892 by Jacob Engle, a German immigrant.
Source: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS
Oktoberfest Hays 2020 revision
Members of the Volga German Centennial Association and organizers of Oktoberfest Hays, announced their 2020 Oktoberfest Hays REVISION plan. Even though the traditional Oktoberfest Hays event in Frontier Park will not occur this year, the format for 2020 will still offer the community some German traditions without the crowds. “I cannot say without a doubt that having a traditional Oktoberfest would be in the best interest of the city of Hays, the Volga German Centennial Association, and for our local community,” said Philip Kuhn, President of Oktoberfest Board.
Source: News – The Hays Daily News
Celebrating El Dorado’s History
The city of El Dorado is marking the 150th anniversary of Eldorado’s incorporation as a city. El Dorado incorporated as a city of the third class on Sept.12, 1871. In celebration of this historic occasion, many events are being planned throughout the 150th year which officially begins on Sept. 12, 2020 and extends through Sept. 12, 2021. As part of this year-long event, Everyday El Dorado will be turning back the clock of time on a hunt for history through a podcast series with host Deanna Bonn and co-host Suzanne Walenta. Walenta is the Curator of the Butler County Historical Society Home of the Kansas Oil Museum.
Source: Newton Kansan
Affordable housing a top concern as Prairie Village drafts new 20-year plan
Prairie Village officials are seeking more feedback on the draft of the city’s comprehensive long-term plan, Village Vision 2.0, that the city council may take up as early as mid-October. It’s been a nearly two-year process developing Village Vision 2.0, but Mayor Erik Mikkelson said Wednesday night during a public meeting that the process, as well as the guiding document itself, are both valuable. The original Village Vision, created in 2007, brought Prairie Village to the place it is at today, he said, including the addition of two brand new parks.
Source: Prairie Village Post
‘Open Prairie’ — $500,000 public artwork unveiled at new Johnson County Courthouse
After four years of planning and construction — and having recently reached “substantial completion” after 26 months — officials unveiled a $500,000 piece of public art inside the new Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Olathe Wednesday. The work, entitled “Open Prairie,” hangs in the entryway of the new $193 million courthouse at 150 West Santa Fe Street. Larry Meeker, chairman of the county’s public art commission, said the piece allows each individual who walks beneath it to bring their own story and background to it.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Prairie Village city council tamps down on hours allowed for private construction
As the trend of older homes throughout Prairie Village being torn down and replaced with newly-built construction continues, the city council Tuesday worked to address noise concerns stemming from the activity of private construction. The Prairie Village City Council on Tuesday night voted 10 to 1 to decrease the hours private property construction is allowed, with restrictions differing for summer months to accommodate work during cooler periods of the day. The restrictions pertain to work done by homeowners themselves and by construction contractors.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Roeland Park to add solar array installations on community center, city hall
Solar power installations are being added to the Roeland Park Community Center and City Hall, following the city council’s Tuesday decision to approve a solar services agreement with Evergy, the electricity company formerly known as Kansas City Power and Light. Roeland Park began discussing solar voltaic energy system installations at the community center and City Hall back in March. The approved agreement opts for solar array installations mounted on the community center and City Hall roofs, as well as on top of a carport to be built and located at City Hall.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Strained Rural Water Utilities Buckle Under Pandemic Pressure
Rural water and wastewater systems have largely been left out of federal and state pandemic relief, and yet they play critical roles in local economies. Homes rely on them, of course, but so do small businesses such as eateries and large companies such as manufacturers and processing plants. As the virus stretches further into smaller communities, these systems are fighting for their survival under long-standing economic and structural weights. Of 150,000 public water systems, 97% are in communities of 10,000 residents or fewer, according to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, a national network of nonprofits whose work includes assistance to and training for water and wastewater systems.
Source: Route Fifty – All Content
Kansas audit peels away thin layers of publicly financed lobbying
School districts, cities and counties in Kansas each invested about $250,000 last year in public tax dollars for deployment of registered lobbyists to influence the state’s political process. Sixty-three of the state’s 550 registered lobbyists reported receiving public funding from state agencies, local governments or associations tied to government activities. This cadre of lobbyists disclosed this universe of clients bankrolled by taxpayers paid them nearly $1.3 million in tax dollars during 2019. The Legislature’s division of post audit says the assessment of lobbying with publicly funding was “incomplete” due to limitations of state lobbying law and of requirements to disclose information.
Source: Kansas Reflector
KS Court of Appeals: Lambert v. City of Leawood
PER CURIAM: After Joseph and Sharon Lambert lost their house to a fire in December 2017, they sought permission from the City of Leawood to build a significantly larger replacement home on their lot. The City refused because the dwelling would not comply with the residential zoning restrictions. The Lamberts filed a declaratory judgment action in Johnson County District Court on the grounds that their original house was a protected nonconforming use under zoning changes adopted in 2010 and 2017, so they should be able to apply that protection to their proposed replacement. They also submitted the City improperly enacted the restrictions, rendering them unenforceable. On cross-motions for summary judgment, the district court sided with the City, and the Lamberts have appealed. Cutting through various procedural thickets to the Lamberts’ advantage, we find the district court ruled correctly on the merits and, therefore, affirm.
Read the Opinion.
Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown Half-staff for Patriot Day
In accordance with Executive Order 20-30, in recognition of Patriot Day, September 11, 2020, and in accordance with a proclamation from the White House, Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff for the entire day on September 11. “Nineteen years ago, today, our country experienced a tragedy that took the lives of so many of our fellow countrymen and women. My thoughts are with our friends, family members, and first responders who lost their lives on this infamous day,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Each year, we are reminded of the true bravery of those first responders and emergency workers who arrived at on the scenes of these terrorist attacks and gave everything to help others. We are reminded of the strength of our nation when we come together to support one another in times of crisis.”
New WSU smart factory to have artificial intelligence, robotics as it looks to future
Wichita State University next year will have a new smart factory, a highly digitized production facility that uses artificial intelligence and robotics in manufacturing to increase productivity. The new construction on the Innovation Campus at WSU is a partnership with Deloitte, an international consulting firm. The smart factory will offer students an “immersive experiential learning environment that will accelerate the future of manufacturing,” according to a news release.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Shawnee Mission changes course: Sports allowed, some students to return to classrooms
Following the lead of every other district in Johnson County, the Shawnee Mission school board agreed Wednesday to immediately allow fall sports, despite surging coronavirus cases. With protesters shouting “Let them play” in the background, the board voted 5-2 to let sports resume. Superintendent Mike Fulton also announced plans to slowly bring elementary students back into classrooms next month. Before the vote, Shawnee Mission was the only district in Johnson County that had still suspended sports and also required all students to begin the school year online on Tuesday. Other districts, like Olathe and Blue Valley, are having older students learn online but have allowed elementary students to return to class part-time, in a hybrid model.
Source: Joco 913 News
Municipal Bond Trends for September 10, 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.
Topeka companies look to expand operations, create 50 new full-time jobs
Hill’s Pet Nutrition and sister companies Midwestern Metals and Custom Dredge Works will soon be expanding their operations in Shawnee County. The board of Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization voted unanimously Wednesday to approve incentive contracts between those companies and GO Topeka, the economic arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership. The contracts are expected to result in multi-million-dollar investments in the area, as the companies expand their operational capacities and look to create a combined 50 new full-time jobs.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
Sedgwick County ditches Gov. Kelly order requiring masks in schools to fight COVID
Sedgwick County commissioners on Wednesday overruled an order by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly mandating protective face masks in schools to control the spread of the coronavirus. The action lets schools within Sedgwick County allow students and teachers to wear clear plastic face shields as face coverings, instead of the cloth or surgical paper masks the governor’s order requires, officials said. The action also revokes the governor’s requirement for fever checks to enter school buildings and a directive that students and educators disinfect their hands on an hourly basis.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
USDA Invests Over $42,000 in Community Infrastructure in Yates Center, Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $42,200 to purchase emergency response equipment for the city’s fire and law enforcement departments in the city of Yates Center, Kan. … The city of Yates Center will use a $42,200 Community Facilities Grant to purchase emergency response equipment for the city’s fire and police departments. This project will enable the city to purchase safe, up-to-date equipment to ensure the continued safety of its emergency and first responders and the nearly 1,500 community members that they serve. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with Yates Center, which is contributing $14,152. ….View the complete list of designated communities in Kansas.
USDA Invests Over $19,000 in Community Infrastructure in Neosho, Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $19,500 to purchase kitchen equipment for the new exhibit building of the Neosho County Fair in the city of Neosho, Kan. …. The Neosho County Fair Association will use a $19,500 Community Facilities Grant to purchase kitchen equipment for the county fair. The kitchen provides meals during the Neosho County Fair and can be rented for public and private events. The kitchen will also be registered with the USDA as an incubator kitchen for entrepreneurs to use while they are starting a new business. Project funds will also help purchase new folding chairs and tables. This project will ensure the continued viability of the Neosho County Fair and its efficient service for the nearly 17,000 community members served. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with the Fair Association, which is contributing $36,276.
Citing safety concerns, Baldwin City buys old motel property; several tenants to be evicted
A number of residents and two businesses face eviction in a month after Baldwin City recently purchased a site on U.S. Highway 56. At its Sept. 1 meeting, the Baldwin City Council approved the purchase of the property at 109 U.S. 56 from Les Foster for $250,096. The property, which fronts the south side of the highway east of First Street, is currently the site of an old motel and a mobile home park that currently houses two recreational vehicles.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence-Douglas County public health officials say plan is in the works to enforce new order regarding alcohol service at bars, restaurants
Local public health officials say they are creating a plan to step up enforcement of health orders put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, including a recent order that prohibits businesses from serving alcohol after 9 p.m. As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received a report and presentation from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health regarding local COVID-19 cases and the community’s response to the pandemic. Some commissioners said they are frequently contacted by members of the public who are concerned about violations of health orders regarding mask use, social distancing or gathering limits.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence increases occupancy limits for temporary cold-weather shelters
Temporary shelters for homeless people can now house up to 40 occupants as long as the building has adequate space to do so. As part of its consent agenda Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission approved new occupancy limits for temporary shelters that typically house homeless people during the winter months. The new occupancy limits are tied to square footage of the building, and they replace the previous rules that set one limit across the board.
Source: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for September 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.
Mask mandate, COVID campaign again Reno County topics
The Reno County Commission indicated it will likely take up a mask mandate again at next week’s regular meeting since the existing state mandate is set to expire that day. The commission Tuesday also received an update on its contract with BowerComm for a COVID-19 education campaign. Interim Reno County Health Officer Karen Hammersmith advised the commission she supports keeping a mandate in place and will propose that if the governor’s mandate is allowed to expire a county mandate replace it.
Source: Local – The Hutchinson News
Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran to retire Jan. 1
Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran has decided to retire effective Jan. 1, city manager Brent Trout announced at Tuesday evening’s Topeka City Council meeting. “We’ll have more details in the future regarding how to move forward without his presence,” Trout said. “Obviously I will miss Chief Cochran.” Cochran has been a Topeka police officer since 1987. He has run the department since November 2017, first as interim chief, then as chief.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
$290 million in federal funding still up for grabs
The federal government sent more than $1 billion to Kansas for coronavirus relief through the CARES Act. That money must be spent by the end of the year. The SPARK Task Force was created to assist in making recommendations on how the money should be distributed and spent. Two rounds of funding have already been sent to Kansas counties and now the third and final round of money needs to go out. There is approximately $290 million in CARES Act funding left to be distributed. The Kansas Office of Recovery held a virtual webinar on Friday with members of the SPARK Task Force. Suggestions and proposals were presented on how to potentially spent the remaining money.
Source: KSN-TV
Will Shawnee Mission OK fall sports, kids in classrooms? Board sets special meeting
A couple of days into the fall semester, the Shawnee Mission school board will hold a special meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss its reopening plan and whether to allow fall sports. The other two largest districts in Johnson County, Olathe and Blue Valley, decided last week to allow high school sports and activities to resume. Shawnee Mission is the only district in the county that continues to suspend sports. Four high school golfers sued Shawnee Mission over that decision. The school board will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, with an agenda of two discussion items: a remote learning update, and activities and athletics.
Source: KC Star Local News
‘It’s 2020. Let’s fix it.’ Black men share stories on racism, policing in Johnson County
One of Ron Lackey’s earliest memories is of the KKK burning a cross in his yard. Lackey, a worship leader at Legacy Christian Church, shared the story during the “I Am George Floyd” DocuSeries Live Interactive Panel Discussion held by the Advocacy and Awareness Group of Johnson County. Six panelists discussed fighting systemic racism and being Black men in Johnson County during a Tuesday night event. During the panel, they took on topics including racism, police accountability, their personal interactions with police and what has changed after the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Source: KC Star Local News
Grant cycle for nonprofit, private school SPARK aid starting next week
Nonprofits and K-12 private schools will be able to apply for COVID-19 relief through rallyreno.org beginning Sept. 15. Reno County SPARK Grants will be funded from a $1.089 million portion of the $12 million in federal CARES Act money allocated to Reno County from Gov. Laura Kelly’s SPARK Task Force. Reno County organizations with IRS nonprofit status and K-12 private schools may apply for aid to offset incurred and planned future expenses or revenue losses related to COVID-19.
Source: Local – The Hutchinson News
Do you want a second dog park in Shawnee County? Parks and Recreation wants citizen input.
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation is looking for input from community members on whether or not they would like to see another dog park in the county. Residents are being asked to fill out a survey that can be found at parks.snco.us and on the parks and recreation’s Facebook page. According to a news release from the parks and recreation department, survey respondents will choose from a list of parks as their preferred location for a new dog park.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
40,000 Topekans haven’t responded to Census
An estimated 40,726 Topekans have not yet responded to the 2020 U.S. Census, with 22 days remaining in which to count residents, the Topeka City Council learned Tuesday. Council members and Mayor Michelle De La Isla heard a presentation at their evening meeting from three Census Bureau employees, one of whom acknowledged that unprecedented challenges and operational disruptions have hampered the Census Bureau’s ability to effectively count everyone. Some residents, particularly racial minorities, don’t understand what the Census is and are afraid to share information with the government, Census Bureau staff members added. They encouraged city officials to team up with local organizations – including those residents trust most, such as schools and churches – to get the word out and encourage Topekans to be counted.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
‘It just takes one person’: KU student tension grows as parties continue amid COVID-19
Some University of Kansas students are taking bets on how many more weeks they’ll be on campus. Junior Derek Dunn said he doubts in-person classes will make it past mid-October. But Dunn, chair of Student Rights and Responsibilities at KU, said he thinks even this is optimistic. As of Sept. 1, 546 members of the campus community had tested positive for COVID-19. The majority are students, with 332 cases coming from Greek life alone. In a video update last week, KU Chancellor Douglas Girod said the Greek community was testing positive at a rate of about 10%.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
USDA Invests $14,000 in Community Infrastructure in Effingham, Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $14,000 to replace the roof of a senior citizens center in the city of Effingham, Kan. … The city of Effingham will use a $14,000 Community Facilities Grant to replace the roof of the senior citizens center. The Effingham senior center provides a hub for public transportation, meals on wheels service and a place for congregate meals for nearly 600 people in Effingham and surrounding townships. This project will ensure the continued viability of the senior center and its efficient service for the community. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with Project Concern Inc. of Atchison County, which is contributing $26,000.
Municipal Bond Trends for September 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.
USDA Invests Over $41,000 in Community Infrastructure in Washington, Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $41,400 to renovate the public library in the city of Washington, Kan. “Modern, safe community infrastructure is essential for rural communities to thrive,” Hinrichsen said. … The city of Washington will use a $41,400 Community Facilities Grant to replace the roof and guttering of the public library facility and make other repairs. The Washington Public Library provides educational and public resources to nearly 1,200 people in Washington and surrounding townships. This project will ensure the continued viability of the public library and its efficient service for the community. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with the city, which is contributing $29,510, and the community, which is contributing $47,486 in total donations.