Kansas Municipal News
City approves incentive compliance agreement with S&S Quality Meats, Smoots Enterprises
Emporia City Commissioners approved an incentive compliance agreement between the City of Emporia and S&S Quality Meats and Smoots Enterprises during a Wednesday afternoon action session. The agreement is related to plans to expand the Fanestil Meats facility at 4200 W. Highway 50. Owner Dan Smoots said the company plans to invest $8.42 million into the expansion, which will move all of its production from its current facility on S. Highway 99. “It’s been a long time getting here and we’re pretty excited about it,” he said, adding that once construction begins he was looking at a 12 month timeline. Mayor Danny Giefer said it was exciting to see the expansion coming to light. The flooding issues at the S.Highway 99 facility have been a longtime issue, he said, and this is a project he has been working on since he joined the city commission.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
City of Lawrence to create economic development plan to respond to pandemic, address other issues
As the COVID-19 pandemic causes financial hardships for both local governments and the general public, the City of Lawrence will soon create its first economic development strategic plan aimed at helping the city respond to the pandemic and improve the economy. The economic development plan, which will be developed with assistance from an outside consultant, will guide the city’s actions in cooperation with businesses and community partners, with the goal of responding to the negative effects of the pandemic and developing an action plan for increasing economic growth and prosperity, according to a city news release. Economic Development Administrator Britt Crum-Cano told the Journal-World that the city has been thinking of creating such a plan for the past couple of years, but that the pandemic necessitated a plan for now and for the future.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence dog park users voice opposition to city’s plan to build road along park
A group of Lawrence residents has come out against the city’s plan to build a road adjacent to the local dog park that would connect the Youth Sports Complex to the Clinton Lake spillway.
The project would install an approximately 1-mile paved roadway connecting existing segments of West 27th Street on both the east and west sides of the spillway, creating a continuous roadway from the Kansas Highway 10 and 27th Street intersection to East 902 Road at the city’s Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park. A group of 30 residents sent a letter to city commissioners and staff asking the city to delay the project and address their concerns.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for August 6, 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.
Closed hospital to become ER in Wellington
The city of Wellington’s recent agreement with Ascension Via Christi to place an emergency room in the vacated Sumner Community Hospital will make it possible to treat patients locally who would otherwise be transported, Wellington Fire/EMS Chief Tim Hay said. “There’s quite a few patients that could be treated and evaluated locally that wouldn’t have to be taken to Wichita, Winfield or Derby,” Hay said. “They get to choose what hospital they go to within reason.” The City of Wellington, which owns the approximately 50-year-old hospital facility, has approved $700K in the capital improvements needed to renovate the space that will house the ER and associated services.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Interns bring collaboration benefits to St. John
Waking up before dawn and biking 80 miles in the summer heat may sound extreme to some, but doing so is just a normal day for participants of Bike and Build, an affordable housing nonprofit that bikes cross country annually. In years past, Bike and Build teams have stopped in Stafford County, spending two nights in St. John to work with Stafford County Economic Development (Eco Devo). Due to COVID-19, the summer of 2020 is the first time in its 17-year history that Bike and Build has not sent riders across the country. Eco Devo and Bike and Build adapted quickly to this change of plans in the spring, and the two organizations collaborated to create a summer internship in St. John.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Destination Kansas: The OZ Museum in Wamego
Kansas is known for many things – being the Sunflower State, its role in the Civil War, the large agriculture industry. But for those outside the state, its perhaps best known as the home to Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz.” A trip to the OZ Museum, 511 Lincoln, Wamego, will put you right into the world L. Frank Baum created when he wrote “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” “We cover over 120 plus years,” said Chris Glasgow, curator, OZ Museum. “Everything from the birth of the author in 1856 to today.” A visit to the museum includes interesting tidbits about the classic Wizard of Oz books.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
City pursues outside study to inform ‘transformation’ of Lawrence police department
City leaders are pursuing an outside study to help inform potentially fundamental changes to the role of the Lawrence Police Department, including proposals to move some funding and duties from police to social services. All of the specific issues the study will tackle aren’t determined right now, but city leaders are expecting it to be broad in scope. In a recent request for proposals for a consultant to conduct the study, the city states that it wants a comprehensive report that will aid in the “transformation” of the police department in response to changing operational needs, community expectations and the national narrative around policing and race relations.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Muni Yields Hit Lowest Since 1952 as Fiscal Crisis Tests a Haven
America’s municipal bondholders have never been paid so little for taking on so much risk. The yields on state and local government bonds have steadily dwindled over the past month, even as the resurgent coronavirus pandemic is threatening to prolong the deep recession that’s dealing a financial setback to borrowers in virtually every corner of the $3.9 trillion market. The oldest gauge of municipal yields, the Bond Buyer index of those on 20-year general-obligation bonds, now stands at 2.09%, the lowest since 1952. The Bloomberg 10-year benchmark slipped below 0.6% on Wednesday, the least since at least 2011. And MMD’s measure of 30-year yields has dropped to the lowest since it was started in 1982, according to Greg Saulnier, a managing analyst at Refinitiv. The disappearing yields aren’t unique to the municipal market. With the Federal Reserve injecting cash into the financial markets to stoke the economy, those on corporate bonds, mortgages and U.S. Treasuries have tumbled, too.
Read more: Bloomberg.
Wichita city council to discuss proposal regarding decisions on Century II
Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple says a proposal is being developed for the city council that would call for a vote of the people on the future of the Century II Convention Center. Speaking Thursday at his weekly city hall news conference, the mayor said language is being drafted for a proposal that would meet the intent of the 17,000 people who signed petitions that were recently circulated by a citizens group. The petitions submitted by the group Save Century II call for an ordinance that would require a public vote before the city council could demolish any building of historic importance. The city is challenging the legality of the petitions in district court, and the citizens group is asking the court to dismiss the challenge.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)
Wichita hospital in need of plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients
A Wichita hospital is in need of donations that could help patients battling COVID-19. Ascension Via Christi said demand for convalescent plasma is outpacing supply and the needed plasma isn’t available. Angie Mooneyham has been in ICU at Via Christi since Monday. “It’s been a very unique battle,” said Mooneyham. Her battle started out as Pneumonia two weeks ago that landed her in the ER and that’s when she tested positive for Coronavirus. “It got to where it was so hard to breathe and a lot of body aches,” said Mooneyham. The virus has halted her health and her life. This mother of four is now having to miss sending her daughter off to college this week and unable to celebrate her son’s birthday who turned 22 on Wednesday.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Sedgwick County turns to the state for help with contact tracing
State and local health officials said they need more contact tracers. KDHE is now stepping up to help Sedgwick County to meet the demand. “It is the backbone to finding cases, isolating, and quarantine,” said KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman. With an increase in cases and very little staff, help is needed. “We’re so overwhelmed with the number of cases that we have and just having 18 active disease investigations that it’s a challenge enough,” said Sedgwick County Health Director Adrienne Byrne. Sedgwick County will be leaving it up to KDHE to contact trace each active case. “We’ve been looking a little bit in the rearview mirror and sometimes the data are 2-3 days older than we wanted,” said Dr. Norman. KDHE has hired about 50 contact tracers and plans to hire 50 more.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Kansas State Fair seeks alternate fund avenues
The Kansas State Fair’s interim general manager, David Tobias, explained to the Kansas State Board on Wednesday how, due to canceling the fair, the fair is trying to secure money through a variety of city, state and federal avenues. The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s chief fiscal officer, Kellen Liebsch, explained to the board that expenses will be larger than income this year. “We’re about half a million dollars in the hole in what we have to pay,” Liebsch said. Because contracts were already issued and several, including utilities, must be honored, the fair is in a deficit. Liebsch noted the fair should use less electricity this year as it is only open for specific events. This will save the fair money.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Top drone manufacturer moves from Neodesha to Wichita
The American drone industry is exploding. Since COVID-19 came ashore, more and more consumers desire U.S. built products. One of the largest publicly-traded, U.S. drone manufactures began in a town of less than 2,500 residents in far-eastern Kansas. On Aug. 4, AgEagle Aerial Systems, who manufactures drones in Neodesha, Kansas, decided to move their manufacturing operations from Wilson County to Wichita. The 12,000 square foot facility is located near the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. This warehouse, which will be ready in September, will house AgEagle’s drone and sub-component manufacturing and assembly, custom design, engineering and testing operations.
(Read more: News – Cherokee County News Advocate)
Lawrence to keep program in place into fall that allows downtown businesses to use parking stalls for seating and sales
City leaders have agreed to keep rule changes in place through October that allow downtown businesses to use city sidewalks and parking spaces to operate outdoors amid the coronavirus pandemic. As part of their meeting Tuesday, Lawrence city commissioners said they were supportive of the downtown right-of-way program in its current form and would like to stick with the city resolution that keeps the program in place until Oct. 31. The program was scaled back a few weeks ago to include more parking, and commissioners agreed those changes had addressed issues with the program.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence City Commission to consider creating review process for evaluation of historic markers
City leaders will soon consider setting up a new process for reevaluating historic markers and creating new ones. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider designating the Historic Resources Commission as the recommending body for reevaluation and consideration of historic markers. The topic is before the commission as cities across the U.S. have removed statues of historic figures that enslaved people or otherwise supported racist ideas, and the city itself is in receipt of its third request in the past year regarding a historic marker.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Global ag manufacturer anchored in rural Kansas
Tucked away off what used to be the main highway in a town of less than 1,200 residents is a global agricultural manufacturing plant. Kincaid Equipment Manufacturing is one of a handful of manufacturers of test seed combines. Last year, they developed a new consumer line for hemp growers. Half a century ago, Haven farmer and mechanic Delmar Kincaid was intrigued by a neighbor’s broken combine. After lots of tinkering, he got it working and soon went on to invent his own machines – eventually starting a new brand and painting them all Kincaid red. Last year, Delmar Kincaid sold the company to his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberley Kincaid-Warner and Todd Warner, who now run the business. By keeping the business family-owned, Delmar was assured that his small-town Kansas values will not leave the company. “We are continuing dad’s legacy,” Kimberley said. “We’re continuing to be a family-owned company that values its customers and employees.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Wichita OKs legal challenge to Save Century II petition
The city of Wichita is working to throw out a citizens’ petition and craft its own version of a ballot question about the future of Century II and the former downtown library, a move the petition organizers say could spoil months of work. City leaders said it’s a compromise that assures the public gets a say in the future of the buildings without limiting what can be done with other city-owned buildings. But Save Century II group leader Celeste Racette said the move threatens to undermine the democratic process.
(Read more: Politics & Government News |)
Prairie Village Homes Association deed restrictions could scuttle ordinance to allow backyard chickens
The Prairie Village Planning Commission moved this week toward allowing residents to keep backyard hens, though a homes association’s deed restrictions prohibiting chickens would override a city ordinance. The commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to amend the city’s zoning ordinance that had prohibited homeowners from keeping poultry on their residential properties. … to allow residents to keep backyard hens. The council could implement the new ordinance but only if the planning commission amends the zoning ordinance.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Urban Outfitters to bring 2K jobs to Kansas
Upward of 2,000 new jobs are on the way to Kansas, with Urban Outfitters announcing Wednesday they would be building a new e-commerce distribution center in Wyandotte County. Gov. Laura Kelly framed the move as a coup for the state’s economic development in light of COVID-19 and the resulting rise in unemployment, with the 880,000-square-foot facility set to be built near the Kansas Speedway. “We didn’t know when we first started this that we would be facing the worst public health crisis in a century,” Kelly said at a news conference announcing the move. “But despite COVID-19, today’s announcement has furthered our resolve that Kansas is on the right path. This is a transformational project for our state.”
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for August 5, 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.
Learning at home difficult for kids with no internet access. Olathe offers solution
The Olathe School District is purchasing 1,500 Wi-Fi hotspot devices that families can check out for free if they don’t have internet access at home. Bridging the so-called digital divide, in which some students can easily plug in to internet resources while others cannot, has become even more important during the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Laura Kelly’s school shutdown order forced districts to switch quickly to online learning last spring, and schools have been preparing for all kinds of contingencies before reopening this fall. In general, Johnson County parents can choose a remote-learning option this fall if they deem it unsafe for their children to be around others at school. Schools also have planned for in-person learning and a hybrid system with students alternating between home and school. Much will depend on the prevalence of the virus and government orders related to the pandemic.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
With new school year coming up, Micro school presents alternative.
Sherry Stavig runs the Kansas Learning Academy and Daycare. She got the idea to turn it into a Micro school after hearing from concerned parents about what in person schooling would look like this year. For those who don’t know what Micro-schooling is, Stavig describes it as “a hybrid between a home school and private school setting. It’s kinda your modern day one room school house.” Stavig will take in about 12 students from elementary and middle school age at the academy and depending on response, a second set of twelve at a separate location closer to Wichita. Each student will be enrolled in their school district’s online learning curriculum and will be taught by an academy staff member.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Wind farm discussion includes tax issues
…a Blue Rapids farmer and rancher and former county commissioner told commissioners Monday that he estimated the proposed 110-turbine wind farm would pay the county $109 million over 40 years if they did not receive a 10-year property tax break granted by the state. He also estimated that NextEra would pay more than $6 million per year if the wind farm were taxed at the same rate that farmers are taxed. NextEra project manager Dan Scheffler has said previously that the company is willing to pay up to $40 million to the county in taxes and payments-in-lieu-of-taxes over 30 years. Commissioners are currently in the process of negotiations with NextEra.
(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)
Russell City Council Approves Agreements to Accept Grant Funding for Airport Rehabilitation
The Russell City Council met Tuesday and approved agreements to accept grant funding for an airport runway, taxiway and apron rehabilitation project and the purchase of a new city transit bus. The city maintains a five-year Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP) on file with the FAA and KDOT. Items on the approved ACIP are eligible for FAA and KDOT grant funding as funds are available. The city received notice from the FAA they approved the project as part of the Airport Improvement Program. Project bids were solicited and one bid from GDS, LLC was received in the amount of $537,284.80.
(Read more: KRSL Russell Radio)
Deciding how to distribute coronavirus aid
Nobody didn’t like Kansas getting about $1.2 billion – that’s billion, not just those pesky millions – to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, to rebuild the damaged economy, to finance health care and the exceptional new expenditures that will be required to safely operate schools, colleges and public offices, and to get ready for the next time a pandemic explodes across the state. Practically, there’s not a Kansan who hasn’t felt the effects of the pandemic, even in western Kansas’ Rawlins and Wallace counties, the two in the state which have apparently had no known cases of the disease. But that $1.2 billion to meet the state’s costs and prepare for the future is proving to be pretty tricky for members of the State Finance Council to deal with. It’s just a whole different way to do business than the legislators who make up that panel have ever dealt with.
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
How converting a downtown Wichita street from one-way to two-way can spur development
The city of Wichita is preparing to convert another downtown street from a one-way road to two-way with a goal of improving traffic flow and driving future development along the street front. It’s a big win for advocates of downtown Wichita. The City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve the design concept and funding to reconfigure a half-mile section of Emporia Street from Second Street south to Waterman. With the vote, the city plans to spend $300,000 on the project, which includes the installation of signal poles, signage and pavement markings. If funding allows, the city is exploring the option to extend the two-way configuration even further, from Central Avenue south to Dewey Street, or just before Kellogg — a one-mile stretch.
(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)
Walmart sets dates for temporary drive-in theater
Topekans will get have two chances to see a movie at the parking lot of south Topeka Walmart, the site of a former drive-in theater, and free tickets will be available Wednesday afternoon. As part of its national pop-up theater campaign, Walmart announced it will show drive-in movies at 160 of its stores nationwide, with the Topeka location’s dates set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Wednesday, Aug. 26. Gates will open at 6 p.m., with movies starting at 7:30 p.m. Movies will vary by location, but Walmart lists “Wonder Woman,” “Spy Kids,” “Space Jam,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Ghostbusters,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Black Panther,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Friday Night Lights” as potential options.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Cities adopt representation flags across the state
The city of Newton is just the latest in a host of Kansas towns working to adopt a new flag this year and in years just past. “We received 65 entries from Newtonians of all stripes — from kids to seniors, amateurs to professional artists,” a Facebook post at Newton Flag Project reads. “Thank you for having fun with this and celebrating our community with us!”… In southeast Kansas, Pittsburg citizens just completed a city flag design contest last month. Their winning design incorporates a pickax to pay homage to the city’s mining history, wheat to represent farming traditions, a Balkans banner representing the community’s heritage, and the red and gold colors to reflect the spirit of Pitt State University. Last year, Topeka adopted this new city flag that features a sunflower and pays tribute to the Sunflower State. The nine petals of the flower represent the nine founders of the city.
(Read more: News – Butler County Times Gazette)
Merriam tree sale closes Aug. 10, available for residents only
The city of Merriam is hosting a tree sale that will take orders until Monday Aug. 10. The tree sale is available only to Merriam residents, who can choose from a number of trees including maples, oaks, elms and flowering crabapples. Residents will get a $15 subsidy on the first two trees, with a maximum of $30 off their tree order.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Municipal Bond Trends for August 4, 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.
Roeland Park begins second phase of Roe 2020 with curb, sidewalk, and driveway replacement
The city of Roeland Park on Monday entered a new phase for the largest infrastructure project in its history, Roe 2020. Crews will remove curbs, sidewalks and driveways along Roe Boulevard at Johnson Drive and then move north to 51st Street during the project’s second phase. Temporary driveway access for residents along Roe will be created using gravel until curb construction and driveway installation is complete. Vehicles cannot drive on the new curbs or driveways for at least seven days after concrete pours. The construction crew will try to pour the curbs one day and the driveways the following day in an effort to limit the number of days a resident cannot drive on the concrete.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Wichitans speak out about proposed city budget that includes police increases, cuts to the animal shelter
Several Wichitans spoke out Tuesday about the proposed city budget before the Wichita City Council. The total budget comes out to $630 million. The documents are available online at wichita.gov. The city says they are facing a revenue deficit of more than $11 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic. City of Wichita working on balancing budget amidst coronavirus pandemic Under the proposal, there is an increase for police to adjust for new hires, wages, pensions and IT costs. Century II operations would be based on contract management to put less burden on the city. The proposal also includes cutting the city’s animal shelter. Residents spoke out against several on the table.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
State board approves historic designation for Century II, former downtown library
The Century II center in Wichita got another layer of protection over the weekend when a state board voted it onto the Register of Historic Kansas Places. The state will now forward the building’s nomination to the National Park Service for possible inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review in a Saturday teleconference meeting also voted to grant historical status to the former Central Library building that shares the parking lot with Century II, the city’s convention and performing arts center since 1969.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Aguilera takes over as city administrator in Altamont
The city of Altamont has welcomed a new city administrator, Audree Aguilera. Aguilera holds associate degrees in business and technical accounting from Barton Community College. She earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Ottawa University in 2018 and a master’s in public administration from Wichita State University this year. She has received added education from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Institute, the certified public manager program at the University of Kansas and the Municipal Training Institute through the League of Kansas Municipalities. Prior to joining the city of Altamont, she was the community development coordinator for Lyons for more than four years.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Arkansas City could save more than $2 million with water loan refinancing
A proposal to refinance three loans related to water services in Arkansas City could save the city more than $2 million through next 15 years. Arkansas City commissioners will consider two resolutions today that would allow the city to refinance the loans at a lower rate. The outstanding balance for the three loans is $23,114,128, the bulk of which ($19,844,813) is for the water treatment plant that opened in 2018. If approved, the refinance could save the city $2,194,041 in interest and shorten the term of all three loans, City Manger Randy Frazer said. “Right now interest rates are extremely low,” he said. “Any time you can save the citizens that kind of money, it’s worth looking at.”
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Broadband upgrades go in south of Pratt
Improving broadband service in Pratt County has taken a step forward with an SC Telcom project south of Pratt, but it didn’t have anything to do with millions of dollars the USDA is purportedly funneling towards such projects. SC Telcom recently completed installing fiber for internet service upgrades that will connect 30 locations as part of the South Highway 281 Pratt project. Of those, 22 are existing customers who are converting from an inferior technology …
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)
U.S. long bond demand raises prospect of whole curve yielding below 1%
A decline in U.S. Treasury yields over recent weeks has investors eyeing the approach of an unusual phenomenon – the entire U.S. yield curve sinking below 1%. Policymakers are looking to position the country to recover once the COVID-19 pandemic eases and allows the Fed to raise interest rates again. But those steps look a long way off as the virus continues to spread and talks on a new aid bill in Washington drag out. “Everybody thinks the Fed is going to be running rates near zero indefinitely. That’s bringing down the 30-year bond yield to incredibly low rates,” said Brian Bethune, chief economist for Alpha Economic Foresights LLC.
Read more: Reuters.
Shawnee County budget public hearing draws only one speaker
A public hearing on next year’s requested Shawnee County budget drew only one speaker Thursday, after seven people spoke at last year’s budget hearing. Commission Chairman Bill Riphahn said afterward he felt a bit disappointed that more people hadn’t come to speak. Commissioner Kevin Cook said Monday’s low number of speakers wasn’t indicative of the amount of input commissioners receive from the public.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for August 3, 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.
Kansas Has Lost A Greater Share Of Revenue Than Many States Due To COVID-19
The massive layoffs and business closures caused by the coronavirus outbreak took Kansas from having nearly $1 billion in savings to being $650 million in the red. As the virus began to spread in March, state lawmakers ended their legislative session early and dispersed from the capital before they were able to fix the state budget to fit the new reality. That left Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to propose budget cuts to make up the difference. She has suggested trimming increases in agency spending, gathering up money that agencies have left unspent, taking a loan from a state investment pool and delaying some scheduled payments. Republicans have criticized the strategy as a series of one-time fixes, but Kelly has said the plan avoids cuts to critical state services, such as transportation and K-12 schools. So far, state revenues have outpaced gloomy projections.
(Read more: KMUW)
Wichita’s mayor planning to hold meeting to give local business owners access to resources
Wichita’s Mayor Brandon Whipple says he is trying to stay ahead in case business owners are being asked to close again. Since business owners that sell alcohol were asked to close at midnight last week, Mayor Whipple says he wants to make sure he hears from them and has resources available for the owners and employees if they are asked to shut down again. This includes federal assistance, available housing and job opportunities. “If the order comes down from the county level or the state level that bars need to shut down then I want to be prepared as Mayor by bringing folks to the table and having the best resources available,” said Mayor Brandon Whipple. Chris Arnold, the Owner of River City Brewery, appreciates the opportunity to speak but says more than anything he wants consistency from the local government, not constant changes.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Derby school district to purchase hotspots for students with limited internet access
The Derby Board of Education last week approved the purchase of 301 Verizon Jetpack mobile internet hotspots. The unlimited data devices are intended for students in need of assistance obtaining internet services for schoolwork and other school-related needs. The purchase will be funded by Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funds and donations, and is estimated to cost more than $20,000. The exact total cost is not yet finalized. The number of devices was determined by the district based upon the number of students who had spotty internet access or no internet access at all last spring.
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
Sedgwick County breaks ground on new fire station in Andale to replace current one
Leaders of Sedgwick County Fire District 1 broke ground Monday afternoon on a new fire station which will replace the current Station 31 in Andale. The new, approximately 10,000 square foot station will have four bays to hold public safety vehicles. It replaces the current station’s 2,400 square foot facility that only has one bay and requires some public safety vehicles to be stored outside unprotected from the elements. The new station will be more publicly accessible…
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Big Brutus attraction reopens to the public
After being closed since March 17, 2020 because of coronavirus shutdowns, the Big Brutus, Inc. museum at West Mineral, Kansas is open again for visitors. Face masks are required in the museum and social distancing recommended on the complex, but the monstrous mine tool attraction in Southeast Kansas is viewable, as of August 1, 2020, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Big Brutus is a mining excavator, Bucyrus Erie model 1850B, with the largest electric shovel in the world. It stands 16 stories tall (160 feet), weighs 11 million pounds and has boom 150 feet long.
(Read more: News – Cherokee County News Advocate)