Kansas Municipal News
Uncertainty with aviation industry continues as Textron announces layoffs
Another round of layoffs highlights the impact of COVID-19 on Wichita’s aviation industry. Textron announced 250 layoffs nationwide for salaried, non-bargaining employees, 70 of which are from facilities in Wichita. This comes after other manufactures like Spirit AeroSystems announced more furloughs. It’s all a result of COVID-19’s impact on air travel and the halted production of the Boeing 737 MAX. Eyewitness News on Tuesday spoke with aviation consultant and analyst Scott Hamilton who says there are a lot of unknowns with both of these factors.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Dodge City Fire Department to Partner with Local Food Pantries
The Dodge City Fire Department has partnered with Manna House, Genesis Family Health, Salvation Army, Friendship Feast, and Seven Baskets Full Ministry to allow for donations of pantry items, bottled water, and hygiene products to be dropped off at Fire Station 1 at 201 Soule Street, or Fire Station 2 at 709 S. 14th Street. The Fire Department will work directly with the entities to get the donations delivered to them if community members are unable to drop off with them directly.
(Read more: Western Kansas News)
Reno County receiving few takers, city awards 11 businesses through COVID-19 grant program
Nearly three weeks since applications opened, Reno County has received only one request for grant assistance through a federal Community Development Block Grant program intended to aid small businesses impact by COVID-19. The deadline for applications is July 2, though that may be extended, Reno County Administrator Randy Partington advised the Reno County Commission. The Hutchinson City Council, meanwhile, approved awarding just under $90,000 to 11 businesses inside the city under the same program.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Johnson County libraries shift to virtual reading program during COVID-19
With the pandemic keeping all in-person activities and programming off the books at least through the end of 2020 at the Johnson County Public Library, the librarians who plan the annual summer reading program had to get a little creative. Melanie Fuemmeler, elementary coordinating librarian, said a lot of the regular library programming has been successful in a virtual-only format so making the switch to a virtual reading program was a no brainer. “I think we’re reaching a different set of patrons,” Fuemmeler said.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
USDA Invests in Community Infrastructure in Coffeyville, Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $8,300 for essential community development in the city of Coffeyville. “Modern, safe infrastructure is the bedrock of any community,” Hinrichsen said. “This project is unique in that it’s repurposing vacant infrastructure into something that the local community can use for years to come. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is dedicated to our partnerships with community organizations and their long-term commitments to economic prosperity; because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.” The Coffeyville Area Community Foundation, a nonprofit serving the local community since 2001, will use an $8,300 Community Facilities Grant to develop some vacant lots of land into a community garden and orchard. These sites require small infrastructure improvements to make the project viable. This project will help purchase equipment to maintain proper levels of water and soil and provide security fencing around each property.
(Read more: Rural Development – U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Topeka city manager proposes cutting 32.5 jobs
Topeka city manager Brent Trout’s proposed 2021 city budget will include eliminating 32.5 full-time jobs in an effort to make up a $5 million deficit. “The elimination of these positions will help to balance the budget during a difficult budgeting year caused by reduced sales tax revenues,” Trout said in a statement provided to The Capital-Journal. Trout is expected to soon put his proposed 2021 budget before the mayor and city council, who will consider making changes to that document before finalizing it in August. It wasn’t clear how many of the jobs proposed for elimination are currently vacant.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Ellis County hires new county administrator
The Ellis County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of J. D. Cox as the new county administrator. Cox brings 23 years of local government experience, including 16 years of day to day management. Cox was first City Administrator of Neodesha (in rural Southeast Kansas), followed then by City Manager of Alliance, Nebr. (rural western Nebraska); Bethany, Okla. (in the Oklahoma City metro); and most recently, Longwood, Fla., which is part of the Orlando metropolitan area. Cox and his wife Tonya have three children: Kierstyn of Tallahassee, Fla.; Cali of Phoenix; and son Collin who is attending the KUCIMAT public administration master’s program at the University of Kansas.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Atchison County slows reopening down a bit
Atchison County is engaging Phase 3.5 of its opening plan, effective at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 until one minute before midnight Tuesday, July 7. The new phase is in keeping within Governor Laura Kelly’s order to remain in Phase 3 of the statewide Ad Astra for another two weeks due to a spike of positive COVID-19 cases attributed to community spread, Atchison County health officials told county commissioners on Tuesday. County Health Officer Lori Forge, RN told commissioners there were 400 new cases and five deaths in Kansas associated with the pandemic throughout this past weekend. She attributed them all to community spread and not to any particular cluster.
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 23, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
The History of Water: Washington’s well was the result of a lucky strike decades ago
Jim Smart still remembers the day about 55 years ago when he learned the city of Washington hit the water jackpot. “I was dehorning cattle at the vet clinic and George Cox pulled up in his old Jeep with a trencher on the back and said, ‘I think I found you some water out at Bob Boston’s,’” said Smart, who is a retired veterinarian. Cox told Smart that the water was in ‘heavy gravel and down deep,’ and he was going to pump the water for a few days and see if it was as good as it appeared to be. At the time the city’s water was coming from Mill Creek, and Smart said all of the chlorine added to the water to meet health standards made it “taste terrible and smell strongly of chlorine.” Smart had recently moved back to Washington to work in a veterinary practice, and he got on the city council to help the community make some changes.
Read more: Washington County News.
Paine saying goodbye to administration role
A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. – Jackie Robinson. This quote sums up Hillsboro City Administrator Larry Paine, not just because it was said by a baseball player, but because it so accurately describes all of Paine’s professional life. Paine has spent all of his career serving others. Even in the very beginning. After growing up in Bakersfield, CA, Paine started out in the military. He started out in the state of Washington where he served for almost three years. He worked as a public information officer. “That experience has proved valuable in my line of work. As a journalist, I know you need to know five things who, what, why, where, when and how. Having gone through defense information school, I am not intimidated by press. So then if you aren’t intimidated by the press, then you can help them do their job and get the story out that you want to get out,” said Paine.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Labette County to get $3.9 million in pandemic relief help
Labette County will receive $3.9 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funding through the state, Labette County commissioners heard Monday. Charlie Morse, Labette County Emergency Preparedness director, updated commissioners on the federal money distributed by the Kansas Office of Recovery. The federal government allocated $1.25 billion to Kansas from the CARES Act. Counties with a population of more than 500,000 received a share of this pool directly. The rest of the counties will receive an apportioned share based on population. Gov. Laura Kelly formed SPARK, the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas Task Force, to help develop a way to distribute the money. SPARK came up with a three-phased approach. The first round will provide $400 million in direct aid to counties. The second phase will include $310 to $525 million for public and private entities in August. The third phase will provide $9 to $324 million to public and private entities in October, Morse told commissioners.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Facing millions in revenue shortfalls, Wichita looks to privatize Century II operations
Not unlike businesses and households across Wichita struggling with the financial fallout of Covid-19, the city is also considering ways to cut costs as it deals with millions in revenue losses as a result of the pandemic. City manager Robert Layton says Wichita is facing a $11.5-million deficit this year, and recommends a slate of measures to help balance the 2020-21 budget. That includes closing the city’s pools and splash pads through summer, decreasing the frequency of mowing and forestry services and a plan to privatize the operations of Century II.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Salina to host community forum on policing next week
The City of Salina is planning to host a discussion on policing policies next week after several weeks of comments from the public on the topic during City Commission meetings. A formal announcement will be made later this week, but during Monday’s meeting city commissioners reached a consensus on the format of the meeting, which is expected to be at 6 p.m. next Monday. While a venue has yet to be confirmed, City Manager Mike Schrage said Kansas Wesleyan University has offered the use of Sams Chapel on its campus for the event.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Hays: $700K in new sales tax for parks, sports complex, street projects
Hays City Commissioners for now want to sock away an expected $700,000 annual sales tax windfall the city will start to get in 2021. The commissioners at their regular work session last Thursday evening looked at a long wish list of city projects. Those ranged from expanding multi-use recreational paths to park amenities to street improvements. No one mentioned giving any money to Ellis County. Ellis County Commissioners in early May formally asked Hays to pitch in $750,000 of its sales tax proceeds over the next two years toward the county’s planned $10.8 million Northwest Business Corridor project. The 55-mph bypass around Hays for north-south US-183 highway is key to a planned $40 million private travel and shopping plaza development off Interstate 70.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
State making free masks available to businesses, venues
Free non-surgical masks and face shields will soon available to local businesses, institutions, or even protest groups from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, via the local emergency management office. Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar advised of the availability Tuesday during a weekly conference call on COVID-19. Forms should be available by next week for local entities to apply, Weishaar said. They’ll likely be available at the Reno County Health Department, which is open to the public.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)
Governor Laura Kelly recommends Kansas stay in Phase 3 of ‘Ad Astra’ plan
Governor Laura Kelly announced that her administration, as well as officials with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, recommend that communities do not move into Phase Out of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” which was originally planned to begin June 22, and instead stay in Phase 3 for at least two more weeks. “Though many Kansans and communities have been social distancing, wearing masks, and working hard over the past few weeks to mitigate the spread of the virus, we have unfortunately seen an increase in disease spread,” Governor Kelly said. “After consulting with Secretary Norman’s team at KDHE, I have decided that our state is not ready to move into the final phase of the ‘Ad Astra’ plan until July 6, 2020, at the earliest.” The emergency disaster declaration issued by the Governor on May 26 transfers reopening decisions back to local officials, which means counties continuing with Phase 3 of the plan is only a recommendation. However, the State continues to monitor health metrics daily, and remains committed to supporting local communities in a safe, gradual transition.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)
Southeast Kansas residents have made their decision on the new Pttsburg flag
Southeast Kansas residents have made their decision on the new Pttsburg flag. This flag was designed by Levi Weilert. This design was up against two other concepts and this one received the most votes. Weilert says this flag is inspired by the mining and farming history of Pittsburg. The red and yellow is of course paying homage to Pittsburg State University.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Dodge City cancels fireworks display
The effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt as the City of Dodge City announced the cancellation of the Dodge City Fourth of July Celebration fireworks display. According to city officials, the planning committee made up of city staff, community partners and volunteers, made the decision to cancel the display. Co-chair of the planning committee, Dodge City Fire Chief Ken Spencer, said there were two reasons for the cancellation.
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)
Riley County to receive around $15 million in CARES act funds
Riley County commissioners Monday approved a contract for advisory services for dispersing federal coronavirus relief funds. The county will contract with Witt O’Brien’s, a Risk Management and Emergency Response Consulting Firm. Budget and Finance Officer Tami Robison says Riley County’s portion of the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) spending plan is around $15 million. The county is working on a resolution to be signed by July 15. The county selected this firm based on the magnitude of the dispersal and the firm’s ongoing work with helping Sedgwick County. Robison says neither county administration, nor any entity in the county has the manpower to take this on 24/7. The county has till the end of the year to complete this process. This process needs a firm that is well versed in single audit requirements, because any slip up could affect the county’s future federal funding. The Flint Hills Regional Council reached out to the county clerk to see if they could help, but Robison says they would have to drop everything for this audit. However, they will not turn away local help. This will help identify areas of the county that need those funds and get them that money.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Shawnee County pools to open Monday; retail restrictions removed
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation pools and aquatic centers will reopen at noon Monday at 50% capacity. … Rossville Community Pool will remain closed for repairs. Pools received the OK on June 4 from Shawnee County commissioners to reopen effective immediately, but preparations and hiring of additional staff was needed before they could open. According to a news release Friday from parks and recreation spokesman Mike McLaughlin, all aquatic facilities will implement a safety break every hour in which staff will disinfect high-touch areas, such as railings, slides and diving boards. Restrooms will be cleaned every half hour. Staff will disinfect lounge chairs if requested to do so by guests, and all pools and aquatic centers will be cleaned every morning and evening. The new health order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Storms tore through Great Bend leaving one business picking up the pieces
The city of Great Bend felt the brunt of the winds brought in from Sunday night’s storms. On Monday, many community members were busy cleaning up the damage left behind. One business, in particular, was hit hard. The owners say all that’s left to do is clean up and get back to work.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Memorial tribute to Thayer fire chief
Despite rain Saturday morning, family, friends and fellow emergency responders gathered in Thayer city park to share tears, laughs and memories of former volunteer fire chief Larry Myers. Myers, 82, died June 16 and the Neosho County dispatcher called a “last page” at the end of the observance Saturday. Emergency vehicles surrounded the park and friends displayed a sign that will be installed at the Thayer fire station, which will be dedicated to him.
(Read more: www.chanute.com)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 22, 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.
Derby Vision 2040 plan focuses on connected community
Brought forward for review before the Planning Commission on June 18, Derby’s Vision 2040 comprehensive plan was unveiled as it enters its final stage of public comment — a key component in the eyes of the city. Vision 2040 is intended to be a comprehensive plan for growth and development in Derby over the next 20 years. Trying to figure out where Derby — all of Derby — wants to be is a big part of that, with feedback sought on key principles of the plan focused on land use, transportation, parks, health, the environment, housing and community facilities. City Planner Scott Knebel also noted that all of the plans from recent years (joint plans done with Wichita and Mulvane, the West End Development Plan, K-15 Area Plan, etc.) were factored into Vision 2040.
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
Riley County to issue more restrictions after increase in coronavirus cases
The Riley County Health Department will be issuing a new health order following 29 new positive cases over the weekend. Julie Gibbs, director of the Riley County Health Department said in a virtual news conference on Monday that the details are not prepared yet but they will have a new order out either Monday or Tuesday. Gibbs said the gathering number “will not rise” and that there will be “new restrictions” on businesses. Gibbs added that they were “a little shocked at the rise in cases” the department saw over the weekend. Gibbs said the restrictions will likely be to bars and restaurants. Gibbs said 18 to 34-year-olds is the hardest hit group in the past week.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Shawnee County pools, aquatic centers opening at half-capacity Monday
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation will open community pools and aquatic centers Monday with some restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Topeka’s three aquatic centers and three community pools will be open at half-capacity. Aquatic Supervisor David Allacher said restrooms will be cleaned every half hour. Each facility will also take a “safety break” every hour. This is when staff will disinfect highly touched and trafficked areas, like lounge chairs. “If they want to move them so there’s more distance apart they are more than welcome to,” Allacher said. “If they want them disinfected just let staff know. We’ll give you a towelette or we’ll disinfect them before you sit down.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
County to consider revising health officer’s pay arrangement
The Shawnee County Health Department is asking county commissioners to temporarily switch county health officer Gianfranco Pezzino from a salaried employee to an hourly one – which could potentially increase his pay – while making arrangements to have state and federal grant funding cover his compensation. Shawnee County Commissioners Bill Riphahn, Kevin Cook and Aaron Mays are to consider making an amendment to Pezzino’s contract when they meet Thursday, according to a news release put out Monday by the health department’s deputy public information officer, Amanda Monhollon. “This amendment proposes altering the pay of the health officer to $125.00 per hour for up to 60 hours per month through the end of the 2020 calendar year,” the release said. “The proposed restructuring of Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino’s compensation to an hourly rate is intended to ensure reimbursement to Shawnee County as an eligible expense through the CARES Act and the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) initiative.”
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Kansas jumps 406 cases, five deaths from COVID-19 over weekend
State public health officials reported 406 new coronavirus cases and five more deaths from COVID-19 over the weekend. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s coronavirus pandemic report for Monday showed increases of 406 new cases, 21 more hospitalizations, an additional five deaths and 6,958 more negative tests for COVID-19. The increases are from the last KDHE report, which came out on Friday. The state health department reported 12,465 cases have been identified in 92 of the state’s 105 counties. One new county was added to the list on Monday.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
One in three Kansas households hasn’t filled out Census
Amid a pandemic that has slowed efforts to count Americans, more than a third of Kansas households haven’t yet responded to the U.S. Census. In some counties, especially in rural areas, less than half of the population has filled out the forms that help steer billions in federal dollars and resources to the state each year. One recent, high-profile example: Medical supplies that Kansas received from the Strategic National Stockpile to combat COVID-19 went out to counties based on their 2010 Census counts.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)
Roadside sales not permitted on Kansas highway right of way
The Kansas Department of Transportation is reminding the public that according to state law, all rights of way on state highways are to be used exclusively for highway purposes. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system. The violation that occurs frequently is the placement of various signs that are removed and taken to local KDOT offices. However, it is also unlawful for any persons to display on highway right of way outside the city limits any goods, wares or merchandise for sale.
(Read more: Osage County Online)
Johnson County guidelines would allow visitors at long-term care facilities, with several caveats
After three long months of lockdown with visits from family members all but prohibited, there’s a flicker of hope for residents of long-term care facilities. Johnson County and state officials have created a pathway to reopening their quarters once again to a few more members of the outside world. The county plan, based on state guidelines, sets out a list of testing and screening requirements. It still limits gatherings and communal dining. But for the first time, visitors other than those going for “compassionate care” of a resident in rapidly failing health would be allowed inside the buildings.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Questions abound at Frankfort meeting on wind farm
The first meeting to discuss extraterritorial zoning around Frankfort drew a big crowd and featured a variety of speakers and questions from area residents. About 100 people attended the meeting Thursday evening in Frankfort City Park. … Frankfort Mayor Brian Smith… said the Frankfort City Council plans to work to try to make everybody happy. Earlier this week, the council opted to request bids from consultants to help the city consider extraterritorial zoning. The action was spurred by a Florida-based company’s plan to build a wind farm in the Frankfort area.
(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)
Paola Dog Park is officially open
Karla Vialle’s two yellow labs, Josephine and Savannah, leapt with joy at her feet as she bent down to pick up a tennis ball inside the new Paola Dog Park at Lake Miola on Friday, June 19. “It’s an exciting day for them,” she exclaimed as she tossed the ball into an open area of the park. The dogs scurried after the ball and returned it to their owner after taking a quick detour to climb a makeshift hill and sniff a fire hydrant, both of which were recently installed at the dog park by members of Paola Public Works. The dogs weren’t the only ones excited Friday, as Paola High School freshman Annabelle Shaw and her mother, Alexis, were thrilled to officially open the park they have worked so hard to create. The park was Annabelle’s brainchild, and during the past year she has successfully spearheaded a multifaceted fundraising and marketing campaign that has collected more than $20,000 in donations for the dog park.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
How the coronavirus could change the way Kansas students are taught for decades
When Kansas K-12 students head back to school in the fall, they may face an altered academic landscape as educators prepare districts for the possibility that the coronavirus will make in-person class time impossible for weeks on end. But a draft of statewide reopening guidance to schools, obtained by The Star, shows that educators preparing districts to navigate the pandemic see their work as an opportunity to advance changes that will affect how students are taught for decades. The document — under development by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) — gives districts the framework to adopt a competency-based approach, which has made inroads in some districts nationwide over the past decade.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Lawrence leaders take voluntary pay reductions to help offset revenue shortfalls from coronavirus pandemic
As the City of Lawrence anticipates revenue losses related to the coronavirus pandemic, some local leaders are voluntarily giving up a portion of their salaries to help the city’s bottom line. But they don’t expect those contributions to be antidotes, and they’re still preparing for the need to make significant budget cuts. At their most recent meeting, Lawrence city commissioners voted unanimously to forgo their salaries for two weeks, and the city’s top four officials will also be taking voluntary two-week furloughs. Read more: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for June 19, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Local businesses in Pittsburg have their annual sidewalk sales and promotions
June 20 marks ‘620 day’ in Pittsburg, a date that matches the area code for the Southeast Kansas town. Local businesses took time today to hold sidewalk sales and promotions to encourage customers to shop locally. Businesses enforced safety guidelines, encouraging shoppers to wear masks and social distance while shopping. Miners and Monroe say the days turn out has been great and the community is eager to support local businesses.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Main Street Chanute receives accreditation
Main Street Chanute has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and a proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™. “We are proud to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the character of their communities. During these challenging times, these Main Street programs will be key to bringing economic vitality back to commercial districts and improving quality of life during the recovery process.”
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)
Winfield talks crowd control
With the 2020 Walnut Valley Festival canceled due to the coronavirus, what happens if people just show up at the fairgrounds anyway? City officials discussed how to be prepared for this scenario during a budget work session on Thursday. The festival, held annually since 1971, attracts 10,000 to 12,000 attendees every year. Some people begin camping at the Winfield Fairgrounds weeks beforehand, and the camp life is as big a part of the festival as the concert lineup.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
JoCo Parks and Recreation begins partnership with RideKC for bike share program
The Johnson County Parks and Recreation District this month launched a partnership with RideKC Bike for a bike share program. RideKC bikes became available at several Johnson County parks on June 1, and the partnership features hybrid “dockless” bikes. RideKC Bike has enhanced sanitation to be completed “with every maintenance check, movement between hubs and repairs,” according to a release. Although the bikes are considered dockless, they must be returned to an authorized hub location.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Sedgwick County unemployment rate fell in May, but is well above year-ago numbers
The unemployment rate in Kansas fell nearly two percentage points in May from its April high and fell four percentage points in Sedgwick County, as the economy began a phased reopening in early May and full opening in some counties later in the month. Although the statewide and county unemployment rates fell, both remained unusually high. While the state saw an increase in most employment sectors compared to April, government employees saw job losses. Kansas’ unemployment rate in May was 10%, according to the state Department of Labor — down from a high of 11.9% in April. The unemployment rate in Kansas in May 2019, however, was 3.1%.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Reno County planning board agrees to amend wind farm regulations
The Reno County Planning Commission agreed after about a 90-minute public hearing on Thursday to amend county zoning regulations on commercial wind developments. A majority of the evening’s two dozen speakers asked the commission to adopt a 21-page draft document submitted by Reno County Citizens for Qualify of Life that included significant additions and modifications to current regulations. At least two planning commissions, however, after the commission unanimously voted to proceed to make changes, voiced a desire that it be “more of a clean-up than a total rewrite.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Fireworks planning underway at cities
Despite the recent pandemic, and with some changes, area fireworks shows will proceed. Edgerton fireworks show will be held July 3 at Martin Creek Park with updated daily activities and cook out. Currently, Gardner and Spring Hill have not announced a headliner or daily events planned for Independence Day, although fireworks are permitted.
(Read more: Gardner News)
Saving the old school will benefit the entire community
Current and former Chase County residents know the historic elementary school in Cottonwood Falls as a place of fond memories. From “first day of school” pictures with moms and dads to “last day of school” tears, and everything in between, the old school has a story to tell. “We are saving Chase County history,” says Lee Anne Coester, Chairman of the Chase County Old School Development District board. “Too often, old schools such as ours become a blight; we are working hard to prevent that from happening. With the support of our community, the four square blocks — 7-plus acres — of the 1904 school will, instead, become a vibrant community center.” “A series of meetings demonstrated the passion of locals to see this building preserved,” continued Coester. “Repurposing this beautiful old building will benefit everyone in our community — it will channel those feelings of nostalgia into a structure that will continue to be used for many generations.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)