Kansas Municipal News
Former Oswego hospital managers charged in $1.4 billion scheme
Several people tied to the rural healthcare management company EmpowerHMS, which operated Oswego Community Hospital in Labette County until last year, when the medical facility closed after failing to pay employees for weeks, were indicted this week on conspiracy charges involving an alleged $1.4 billion criminal scheme. “This was allegedly a massive, multi-state scheme to use small, rural hospitals as a hub for millions of dollars in fraudulent billings of private insurers,” Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said in a press release. “The charges announced today make clear that the department is committed to dismantling fraud schemes that target our health care system, however complex or elaborate.”
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
Baldwin City’s Maple Leaf Festival canceled; organizers plan virtual event
Because of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the annual Baldwin City Maple Leaf Festival has been canceled for this year. Mike Curran, Maple Leaf Festival Committee chairman, said the Maple Leaf Festival Committee last week voted to call off the festival, which annually draws more than 30,000 visitors to Baldwin City during its two-day run. This year’s festival was scheduled for Oct. 17-18. …
Curran said Sunday that the decision to cancel was made in light of the alarming spread of the pandemic in recent weeks.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence City Commission to consider review and reform of police use-of-force policies
City leaders will soon consider whether to commit to a public review of the Lawrence Police Department’s use-of-force policies, including the department’s policies regarding deadly force. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting a resolution committing the city to reviewing and as necessary revising police use-of-force policies, according to a city staff memo to the commission. The topic comes to the commission after Mayor Jennifer Ananda, in the wake of protests against police killings of Black people and calls for reform, requested that the commission consider various changes related to use of force, systemic racism and other social equity issues.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Emporia Main Street’s Grand Reopening kicks off Monday
Main Street members are inviting the community back into their doors with the Emporia Main Street Grand Reopening event next week. Community Development Coordinator Jessica Buchholz said community members are invited to pick up a Main Street Passport and visit any Main Street office or participating business, located anywhere in Emporia, Monday – Friday. Make a purchase or receive a service during your visit to the business and get your passport stamped throughout the week. “The idea is to encourage people to come out and shop safely, shop locally and let them know that Emporia is reopening back up,” Buchholz said. “We are wanting to do that on a scale that makes folks comfortable.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Mask mandate approved for Shawnee County
A proposal Shawnee County commissioners plan to consider at 3 p.m. Monday would in many circumstances require people to wear masks in public spaces in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. But the measure would not require masks in some situations, including when people are more than six feet from others or are involved in incidental, infrequent moments of closer proximity.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Salina passes city mask ordinance
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 the wearing of facial coverings will be mandated in public places in Salina soon, after the City Commission passed an ordinance on the topic Monday night. After the Saline County Commission opted out of Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order on masks last week in favor of its own county health order, the city ordinance mirrors the governor’s order, with a few exceptions.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 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.
‘It’s gorgeous.’ Shawnee honors its Belgium past in this park’s cottage garden
When Belgian immigrants came to America, many of them found their way to the Shawnee area in the late 1800s and after. They settled on family farms of 10 to 40 acres, grew vegetables as they had done back home and sold the produce at market in Kansas City. By 1930, Belgian-born immigrants made up 28% of Shawnee’s population, and many more residents were children of those immigrants. Shawnee celebrates its Belgian heritage in West Flanders Park at 55th Street and Nieman Road, where poppies grow in the spring near a marker that highlights the immigration story, Belgium’s role in World War I and Shawnee’s sister city relationship with the West Flanders town of Pittem.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Masks not mandated, but encouraged in Ellis County
Thursday afternoon, the Board of Ellis County Commissioners consulted with the local health officer of Ellis County. Following this consultation, it was determined the implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-52 mandating the use of face masks in all public spaces will not be mandatory to protect the public in Ellis County. In making his recommendation, the Ellis County Health Officer (Jason Kennedy) cited the three different metrics …
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Wichita passes ordinance requiring masks
The measure requires masks or any face covering to be worn in public spaces where 6 feet of social distancing “at all times is not possible” and at businesses. Employees in a closed room must wear a mask if social distancing can’t be maintained. Exemptions are for children under the age of 5 and people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask. People do not need a mask while eating or drinking at a restaurant or similar business as long as social distancing is met with “only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.” The social distancing does not apply to people who live together.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 2, 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.
Elected officials to discuss use of force policies, COVID-19 rules
Topeka police use of force policies and Shawnee County COVID-19 restrictions are among topics local elected officials plan to take up this coming week. … The mayor and council will hear a report from the Topeka Police Department about its policies regarding the use of force and its processes for reviewing situations in which officers use force. They will also hear a report from Ed Collazo, the city’s civilian independent police auditor, who took that position last August; and discuss but take no action regarding Councilman Spencer Duncan’s proposal to ban the execution of no-knock warrants by Topeka police.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Mission to enact five-step plan addressing racial justice, equity and inclusion
Following an emotional debate about a Black Lives Matter resolution in June, the Mission City Council intends to enact a five-step action plan addressing racial justice, equity and inclusion. The city council moved the resolution discussion to the July finance and administration committee meeting, and rather than rework the draft as intended, City Administrator Laura Smith presented a plan “for education, review and action.” Smith said conversations about racial inequities and police policy reviews are not intended to condemn the city’s police department, but are integral for education.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Sumner County Commissioners vote 3-0 not to require the use of face masks in public
The Sumner County Commissioners voted 3-0 to “recommend” but not “enforce” Governor Laura Kelley’s executive order to mandatory wear masks during a special meeting held at the courthouse late this afternoon. Using the recommendation of Sumner County Health Officer Laura Rettig’s suggestion, the commissioners signed an order that states (see full order here):”The Board of Commissioners of Sumner County, Kansas, sitting both as the Board of County Commissioners and as the Board of Health of the County, that the use of face masks in public is not required in Sumner County.
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)
Harvey County commission exempts county from public mask requirement
County Commissioners Randy Hague, Ron Krehbiel and Chip Westfall rejected the advice of both the health department director and the county health officer and exempted Harvey County from a public mask requirement previously issued by Gov. Laura Kelly. The governor issued the order following a growing spike in COVID-19 cases in Kansas after the state’s re-opening. Nationally, the United States had the highest total of new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, surpassing 50,000. “I said I’m going to make a lot of people mad today,” Hague said of his decision. “It’s just the way it is. It’s one of those controversial decisions, and hopefully things work out.”
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
Hospital’s absence leaves mark on Halstead economy
There was a time when Halstead Hospital was known as the Little Mayo Clinic of the Great Plains. It boasted a rich tradition of excellence in health care and medicine, dating back a hundred years to the days of Dr. Arthur Herztler. Those days are long gone, however, overshadowed by a vacant building looming in the center of town that serves as a painful reminder to many residents every time they pass by. This week, the Independent takes a look at what the closure of Halstead Hospital has meant for the local economy in the 18 years since it closed in 2002.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
Sedgwick has few options for housing needs
The city of Sedgwick is landlocked and underwater. Well, not literally. But when it comes to building new houses, Sedgwick doesn’t have many options outside of the town’s vacant lots. The town is nestled against the Little Arkansas River, which borders Sedgwick on the west and on the north. The presence of the river also means that part of the town sits in a floodplain and would require additional work and expense to build. The town is also landlocked by agricultural farmland, the bread and butter for the country but not for local housing developers. The last two housing developments in Sedgwick were the Highlands, started in January, 1996, and the Reserves, which began in 2005.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
Gardner PD issues statement regarding use of force
In the interest of transparency, the Gardner Police Department recently released a statement comparing their use of force policy to Campaign Zero’s 8 Can’t Wait campaign. “I have had several citizens ask about it, so we thought it would be a great idea to be transparent about how we operate,” said Jay Belcher, GPD chief. Interest in police use of force policy has grown since the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minnesota, who’s death while in police custody has led to nationwide protests, including a peaceful march in Gardner earlier this month. … Belcher said GPD has done some review of policies and are always looking for ways to improve how things are done. The chokehold and stranglehold, are banned in Gardner. “We have suspended the use of the LVNR (Lateral Vascular Neck Restraint) to do some further research on other options,” Belcher said.
(Read more: Gardner News)
Wichita police and fire department are cracking down on firework regulations
The Fourth of July is Saturday and Wichita’s police and fire department are teaming up to make sure everyone is staying safe this holiday weekend. Wichita firemen and police are cracking down on firework regulations, only allowing fireworks tested and approved by the Wichita fire department to be shot within city limits. The Fourth of July is off to a bang. “My favorite memory of the Fourth of July is being a kid and watching my father light fireworks in the backyard,” said the People’s family, local visitors of Wichita. Fireworks, although can be beautiful and exciting, can also be dangerous.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Local town hosts 50th anniversary of an annual event
Hepler, Kansas, rang in the 4th of July by celebrating its 50th annual Rodeo and Fireworks this weekend. A parade kick started the day filled with community members handing out candy and walking through the downtown area. Games and a rodeo followed the procession. Candidate for Crawford County Sheriff, JJ Karlinger, said it’s an annual event you just have to experience for yourself. To Karlinger, it’s as American as apple pie.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Cimarron Bend wind farm expansion begins
Enel Green Power started construction on the 199-Megawatt expansion of the Cimarron Bend wind farm, on June 18. At an investment of over $281 million, the 74 turbines expansion is set to increase the wind farm’s capacity from 400 MW to 599 MW, making it the largest wind farm in Enel’s North American portfolio. “As Kansas’ wind leader, Enel Green Power is proud to step forward to generate new jobs and economic growth for Kansas during this challenging time,” said Georgios Papadimitriou, Head of Enel Green Power in the U.S. and Canada. “Most importantly, we remain firm in our commitment to protect the health and safety of our workers and host communities as we execute this expansion safely and sustainably.” Construction on the expansion, is slated to be completed by the end of 2020.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Northern Johnson County cities agree to comply with state, county mandate to wear face masks in public
The bigger cities of northern Johnson County have all agreed to adhere to Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mandate requiring face masks to be worn in public. Starting Friday, July 3, Kansans must wear a face mask in public indoor and outdoor spaces when 6 feet of distancing cannot be maintained. There are exceptions for Kansans who have medical conditions or mental health disabilities, Kansans younger than 5 and athletes in training. Following the governor’s order Thursday, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners also voted 4-2 to adhere to the statewide mandate. The orders come as local positive cases of COVID-19 are on the rise.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
City of Dodge City Reopening of City Hall
The City of Dodge City is set to reopen City Hall to the public on Monday, July 6, 2020. This reopening comes after City administration chose to close the facility to public access on June 11 when an employee tested positive for COVID-19. “We had already implemented health and safety procedures for cleaning public areas when one of our employees was confirmed positive for the disease,” said City Manager Nick Hernandez. “For the safety of not only the staff but the public as well, I felt it was best to close while staff recovered and additional deep cleaning could take place again.” An additional item that has been added to cleaning procedures is the implementation of ultra-violet light sanitizers that are run after business hours in the public lobbies, bathrooms, and other common use areas. An increased supply of hand sanitizer dispensers has also been placed at all building entrances.
(Read more: Western Kansas News)
AG Derek Schmidt provides updated guidance to law enforcement and prosecutors on enforcement of emergency orders
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today provided updated guidance to law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors statewide on the enforcement of emergency orders, following the passage of House Bill 2016 last month and the issuance of Executive Order 20-52 earlier today. The guidance, in the form of a memorandum, updates previous guidance provided by the attorney general on March 24, April 8 and May 28. The memo reflects changes to the Kansas Emergency Management Act adopted by the Kansas Legislature on June 4, and signed into law by the governor on June 8. Those amendments included changing the violation of an emergency order issued by the governor from a Class A misdemeanor to a civil violation, which may be enforced by a lawsuit filed by the county or district attorney. As such, law enforcement officers may no longer arrest or detain individuals for violations of an emergency order.
(Read more: Kansas Attorney General News Releases)
Hays CVB keeping busy with projects
Despite visitors few and far between in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau has kept busy. Director Melissa Dixon and her staff have worked on projects they normally have not had time to attend to at the Welcome Center at 2700 Vine. "It was very different for a few weeks because we’re so focused on events and supporting events, then all of a sudden those events disappeared," Dixon said.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Municipal Bond Trends for July1, 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.
Northern Johnson County cities provide guidance on Phase 3 recommendations
As new COVID-19 cases spike in Johnson County and across the state of Kansas, the cities of Prairie Village, Merriam, Westwood and Roeland Park have publicly posted their plans to stay in Phase 3 of Gov. Laura Kelly’s reopening plan. Phase 3, though only a recommendation framework, limits gathering sizes to 45 and permits the reopening of playgrounds provided physical distancing signs are posted. Prairie Village, Merriam, Westwood and Roeland Park’s individual announcements come on the heels of Gov. Kelly’s recommendation to halt progression in the reopening process. The recommendation does not have the teeth of enforcement, as Gov. Kelly relinquished her authority to formally require this request. The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners has voted to follow the voluntary recommendations from Kelly’s administration. Now, Phase 3 in Kansas will end no sooner than July 6.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Roeland Park to consider adopting ad hoc committee tasked with police policy review
The Roeland Park City Council last month agreed to consider adopting an ad hoc committee to work with Lexipol, a public safety policy service, to conduct a police policy review. City staff normally conducts periodic reviews of Roeland Park Police Department’s operating procedures, which have historically been developed and maintained in house. Although there is an option for a Lexipol annual review, an ad hoc committee would work with Lexipol’s expert staff for a one-time fee of $11,000.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Johnson County Commission will hold special meeting to consider Gov. Kelly’s order on face masks
The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners will convene for a special meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday to discuss Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order requiring people across the state to wear a face mask in public places starting Friday. Johnson County officials had been facing growing pressure from some in the community to issue a local face mask mandate following orders from neighboring Wyandotte and Jackson Counties. A petition started over the weekend asking the Johnson County Commission to issue its own face mask order is now up to nearly 3,700 signatures. As of Monday, however, the county’s health officials were saying they would rely on a “shared sense of responsibility” and encourage people to adhere to voluntary face mask recommendations.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Reception sees off retiring Hillsboro city administrator Larry Paine
Thirty-five people wished retiring Hillsboro city administrator Larry Paine a warm farewell at a reception Monday at Hillsboro city hall. Others online joined the celebration.
“We’re here to celebrate a lifetime, not just 12 years of public service,” mayor Lou Thurston said.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Hillsboro’s loss, Peabody’s gain
Peabody is finding ways to capitalize on a shifting environment of recreation activities, in part by purchasing unused pool cleaner from Hillsboro. Since Hillsboro isn’t opening its pool this year and won’t need its two pallets of pool cleaner, Peabody city council decided Monday to purchase a pallet of 24 containers of cleaner from Hillsboro. They will cost $151 a container.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
New Shawnee County COVID-19 rules will require bars to close by 10 p.m.
Bars and nightclubs in Shawnee County will need to close by 10 p.m. to comply with an emergency order health officer Gianfranco Pezzino issued Tuesday afternoon in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release put out by Amanda Monhollon, deputy public information officer for the Shawnee County Health Department. Bars and nightclubs will be the only businesses affected by the order, which Pezzino said he issued after a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases here was linked to those types of businesses.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Leavenworth hospital closing because of coronavirus costs
The owners of Saint Luke’s Cushing Hospital in Leavenworth said the hospital will close this fall because of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Saint Luke’s inpatient unit will close July 17 and the rest of the hospital will close Oct. 1. About 70 employees at the hospital will be able to apply for other positions in the Saint Luke’s Health System. Hospital CEO Adele Ducharme said in a news release Tuesday the hospital transitioned to emergency services last year to make it financially viable but was only a few months into the effort when the costs of the virus pandemic hit.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Emporia Zoo begins $4.3 million renovation
The Emporia Zoo is in the early stages of a $4.3 million renovation project. The zoo has opened a temporary entrance on the west end while the zoo’s main entrance undergoes reconstruction. The pond near the main entrance has been drained and dredged. Zoo Director Lisa Keith said the it is getting new rocks and landscaping, as well as an island for ducks and turtles. It’s also being reworked to incorporate a new memorial area. “It’s going to be a nice beautiful area for loved ones to come and remember those that passed on,” Keith said. “The entrance will be a beautiful new entrance. Before it looked like a maintenance gate. Now it will be obvious it’s the entrance to the zoo.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
Wichita Wind Surge owner weighs in on 2020 Minor League Baseball season cancellation
Wichita Wind Surge team owner Lou Schwechheimer says they were ready to play ball. When asked how soon they could be on the field if the season was not canceled. “It could be tomorrow,” says Schwechheimer. But without players which the MLB announced Tuesday. “It was a difficult call but at the end of the day our time will come,” says Schwechheimer. “I was pretty shocked,” said Wichitan Abigail Secondine Secondine is among others who admit they are casual fans of the sport. “Yeah, I think it something that a lot of people were looking forward to,” Krista Phillips.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Medical center plans to repay $1 million loan from Arkansas City
The City of Arkansas City’s budget may soon receive a much-needed boost if the $1 million it loaned to South Central Kansas Medical Center is paid back. That might happened soon, according to city and hospital officials. The funds were used to help cover medical centers payroll expenses for April, Many and June as revenue dropped due to the coronavirus fallout. When the loan was made in early April, officials were unsure whether the hospital would be able to repay it. City Manager Randy Frazer said that he had visited with CEO Jeff Bowman last week about the possibility of repayment.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Wichita school district gives 3 scenarios on upcoming school year, parents weigh in
The Wichita public school district is one step closer to having a plan for the upcoming school year. The district is putting together what it’s calling a future ready return plan. The academic task force is focusing on 3 scenarios: completely on site at school, a blended or hybrid model, with students alternating days on campus throughout the week, and exclusively online.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Kansas counties could make governor’s mask order toothless
Gov. Laura Kelly’s planned order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus could be toothless in many parts of the state because counties can exempt themselves and even those that don’t might not enforce it. Officials in some counties already were signalling Tuesday that they planned to opt out of Kelly’s mandate. The order, which Kelly is expected to issue Thursday ahead of it taking effect Friday, was to make masks mandatory in stores, restaurants and in any situation where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Five police chiefs and sheriffs say they won’t enforce mask order from Kansas governor
Five police chiefs and sheriffs in Kansas have announced that they will not enforce a face mask order that will be issued by the governor later this week. The police chiefs in Sterling, Norton and St. Marys and the sheriffs in Comanche and Bourbon counties said in Facebook posts on Tuesday that their agencies will not enforce Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order. “There is no law in the State of Kansas that states that you will/shall wear a mask, therefore there will be absolutely no lawful enforcement within Comanche County,” Sheriff Mike Lehl said in a statement.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
New county COVID-19 rules will require bars to close by 10 p.m.
Bars and nightclubs in Shawnee County will need to close by 10 p.m. to comply with an emergency order health officer Gianfranco Pezzino issued Tuesday afternoon in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release put out by Amanda Monhollon, deputy public information officer for the Shawnee County Health Department. Bars and nightclubs will be the only businesses affected by the order, which Pezzino said he issued after a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases here was linked to those types of businesses.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 30, 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 State Fair a “go”
Despite a recommendation from the state’s top health officer that it cancel, the Kansas State Fair Board on Tuesday voted to proceed with the 10-day state fair in September. The 8-to-5 vote came about 4:14, after about a 35-minute discussion. The board heard from Secretary of Health Lee Norman early in the meeting but then went into executive session for nearly an hour for continuing discussion on changing the Fair Foundation.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Lights On! partners with Wichita Police Department to ‘heal community relationships’
The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has launched a community-driven program “with the mission to heal relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies.”The program, called “Lights On!” means WPD officers, on traffic stops, can provide a voucher for a free repair on mechanical problems with the vehicle rather than citing the driver. Some common mechanical violations include burned-out light bulbs, broken turn signals, etc.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Court dismisses Topeka officer’s appeal in lawsuit over excessive force
A federal appeals court said Monday it does not have jurisdiction to grant a Topeka police officer immunity after a man sued him for excessive force. The legal team of Officer Christopher Janes requested qualified immunity in a lawsuit that claims he used excessive force when arresting Timothy Harris in January of 2018. The measure gives government officials special protection. The arrest happened when Officer Janes said Harris’s car was parked in the wrong direction on the street and arrested him for an outstanding warrant and for reports of wrongful possession of his girlfriend’s things. After Officer Janes put Harris in handcuffs things turned violent, according to the lawsuit. “According to Harris, Janes threw him down onto the curb and street. Because Harris was handcuffed, he could not break his fall and landed face-first on the curb, leaving “blood in the street,” the lawsuit said, ” Janes sprayed Harris with pepper spray and punched him several times.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
City of Topeka receives silver ranking recognition for response to local challenges
The City of Topeka is being recognized nationally as a new silver level city. The 2020 What Works Cities Certification celebrates the strength a city has in effectively managing a city. The certification measures the city leaders and their decision-making. Topeka is the 16th city to be awarded at this silver level. “Even though we are a political institution, that we take feedback from our constituency,” said Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “It is also extremely important for us to have access to proper data so that we are able to serve our citizens better. By doing that, it improves the information that our governing bodies are able to receive.”
(Read more: KSNT News)