Kansas Municipal News
Former utility worker with digestive disease sues City of Lawrence for alleged discrimination; city says he was fired for just cause
A former utility worker is suing the City of Lawrence for allegedly discriminating against him because of his disability, but the city says that he was fired for legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons and that awarding him damages would be “unjust enrichment.” … In the lawsuit, filed in April in U.S. District Court, Simmons claims his inflammatory bowel disease qualified him as disabled and that in response to related absences and requests for leave due to required surgeries the city discriminated and retaliated against him in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Open Range riders take on wind, sand and scenery in Barber County
While an unanticipated windy start to the 2020 Open Range Gravel Race added to its challenge, most participants just kept on pedaling through Pratt and Barber counties last weekend, doing their best to stay upright amid strong blasts of wind. The number of tour participants, 18, was only a fraction of the 322 who signed up for the Open Range race option, but the two-day noncompetitive Open Range Gravel Tour will likely see increased numbers in the years ahead, if comments from tour riders are any indication. The tour route exactly mirrored that of racers in the 200K Open Range Gravel Race, who completed the course in one day. Since the Gravel Tour was no race, participants had ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Red Hills without worrying that someone might catch up with and overtake them as they stood on the side of the road snapping photographs or perhaps taking a cool nap in the shade.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Kansas starts spending $1B in coronavirus aid, but leaders differ on where it’s needed most
Kansas officials will distribute $1 billion of federal aid to help cope with the fallout caused by the coronavirus, but Republicans and the Democratic governor disagreed on where some of the initial funding should go — to the unemployed? to businesses? to private universities? Gov. Laura Kelly and the legislative leaders that make up the State Finance Council met this week and are targeting local governments with the first $400 million going toward health care needs, like county health departments, protective equipment or other coronavirus-related costs. The money will be distributed on the county level based on population, about $200 per Kansas resident, though about $50 million of this round will be set aside for areas that saw high COVID-19 case numbers or unemployment, like counties in southwest Kansas that are home to meatpacking plants.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 18, 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.
Political signs not allowed on highway right of way
It’s a sign of the season – campaign signs all over the place. Political signs are prohibited on state highway right-of-ways, Department of Transportation (KDOT), officials said earlier this week in a press release. By law, all right-of-way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes, officials said. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs are allowed on the state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Governor Laura Kelly Announced Kansas Wind Farm Construction in Clark County
Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Enel Green Power has begun construction work on a new 199 MW addition to the Cimarron Bend wind farm in Clark County, Kansas. The $281.4 million expansion will consist of 74 wind turbines, will be responsible for over 250 temporary jobs and add 5-10 permanent operations and maintenance positions. “Wind energy production has been an absolute win for our state, in terms of its benefits for the environment, Kansas business and residential consumers,” Governor Kelly said. “The Enel Green Power expansion is even more proof of Kansas’ appeal as one of the nation’s top wind energy producers. During this economic challenge, it’s important to recognize the value in the wind energy sector, which employs thousands of Kansans and contributes significant capital investment in our state each year.”
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
Plans for 620 Day move forward despite COVID-19 outbreak
Despite the recent local coronavirus outbreak, plans are moving forward for Pittsburg’s “620 Day” celebration this Saturday. Pittsburg began celebrating 620 Day — named for the city’s area code and held on June 20 — last year. Citizens are encouraged to shop local this Saturday as several downtown retailers and restaurants will be offering special discounts. The health and safety of participants is the priority of the Downtown Advisory Board, which is organizing the celebration, the city noted in a press release. This year’s event has been modified to align with public health guidelines. Businesses are prepared to monitor social distancing and capacity requirements, as well as clean surfaces frequently throughout the day.
(Read more: Community – Morning Sun)
Sunday liquor sales approved in Winfield
Winfield city commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance allowing packaged liquor sales on Sundays and some holidays during their Monday meeting. The new ordinance allows packaged liquor sales between noon and 8 p.m. on Sundays, and on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Sales will still be barred on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sales will also not be allowed on Easter Sunday. The ordinance goes into effect 60 days following its publication in the newspaper or on Aug. 20, 2020, whichever is later. It repeals the current Section 6-194 of the municipal code, which bars Sunday and holiday liquor sales, and replaces it with a new section containing the revised laws.
(Read more: Cowley CourierTraveler)
Cowley County fair deemed too risky amid pandemic
The Cowley County Fair Association has canceled this year’s Cowley County Fair due to the coronavirus pandemic, with COVID-19 cases rising sharply in Cowley County in recent weeks. The announcement, made around 10:30 p.m., on social media, said the decision was made after consulting representatives from the City-Cowley County Health Department and the City of Winfield. “We know that everyone is ready to get out of the house and start attending events after being restricted due to COVID-19,” the statement read. “The Cowley County Fair Association understands the continued risk that can occur with large gatherings. Therefore, for the safety of the community, friends and family, the Cowley County Fair will not be held this year. We will begin plans for the 2021 fair.”
(Read more: Cowley CourierTraveler)
Leavenworth city commissioners discuss new prison project
When they met this week, Leavenworth city commissioners were celebrating news of a new federal prison facility that will be constructed in the community. City officials have long been advocating for a new federal prison in Leavenworth. But the Federal Bureau of Prisons is moving forward with the project now that Congress has allocated $356 million for the facility’s construction. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran discussed the project with Leavenworth Mayor Mike Griswold and City Manager Paul Kramer as well as BOP officials Monday during a conference call.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
City of Pratt approves open-air prom plans
Pratt City commissioners unanimously approved requests from Pratt and Skyline schools to hold at their postponed proms at Merchants Park, during a regular meeting Monday, June 16, at Pratt City Hall. Both Pratt and Skyline High School Prom Nights have exchanged tradition prom activities (which were canceled due to the coronavirus this year) for open-air affairs, and school officials presented their requests to the commission. Prom night for Pratt High School is set for Saturday, June 20, and Skyline High Prom is set for Saturday, June 27. “At least, they’ll have a prom event for pictures,” said City Manager Bruce Pinkall, supporting the requests for both schools.
(Read more: News – PrattTribune – Pratt, KS)
Ellis County to get $5.5M windfall
Ellis County will get an estimated windfall of $5.5 million from federal CARES Act COVID-19 relief money. Interim county administrator Darin Myers broke the news to the Ellis County Commissioners at their regular meeting Monday evening. “I’m going to save the best news for last,” Myers said, taking his turn to give his weekly report as the nearly three-hour meeting neared its close. “I still find it kind of hard to believe, but they’re looking at a per-person amount,” Myers said. “I really hate to say the amount because, like I say, it’s just too hard to believe, $194 a person, which would mean roughly Ellis County would get about a $5.5 million payment.”
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
City leaders approve code changes to allow for new downtown Lawrence layout; parking details still up for discussion
City leaders have voted to approve code changes that would allow downtown businesses to expand their operations into what are currently angled parking spots, but exactly what that downtown layout will look like and how much parking will be retained is not yet decided. Late Tuesday, during a meeting that stretched into early Wednesday morning, the Lawrence City Commission voted 3-2, with commissioners Lisa Larsen and Stuart Boley opposed, to approve a resolution that allows businesses to use the city right-of-way that is currently angled parking spots along Massachusetts Street. The resolution is needed for the city to put in place a new, temporary layout for downtown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is meant to provide more room for pedestrians to practice social distancing and for businesses to serve customers outdoors.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Lawrence City Commission approves changes to no-camping ordinance, making some exceptions for homeless people
City leaders have approved changes to the city’s no-camping rules to be more accommodating to homeless people when local shelters are full. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-1, with Mayor Jennifer Ananda opposed, to add an exemption to the city ordinance that currently makes it illegal to camp on public right-of-way. The exemption, aimed at decriminalizing homelessness, would allow people to camp on any public right-of-way or public property downtown when there is no available space at the overnight homeless shelters, according to a city staff memo to the commission.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Biting dogs must get microchips in Parsons
Dog owners in Parsons will have to pay for an identifying microchip implant if their dogs bite someone. City commissioners on Monday evening approved an ordinance that will make dog owners liable for the charge of nearly $30. If the dog is later declared not vicious by a municipal court judge, the owner will be reimbursed for the fee. If, however, the judge rules the dog is vicious, the city could easily identify the dog in the future and fine the owner for keeping a vicious dog in the city if already ordered to remove the dog.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 17, 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.
Prairie Village takes steps toward allowing residents to keep hens — though home owners associations still have their own prohibitions
Prairie Village took a step this week toward allowing residents to keep chickens — though individual homes associations may have their own restrictions that would prevent people from taking advantage of the city relaxing its regulations. The City Council … voted 9 to 3 Monday night to approve amending the city’s animal control regulations to allow residents to keep hens but not roosters.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Merriam sends solar installation ordinance to Planning Commission for review
The Merriam City Council last week directed the planning commission to review the current zoning ordinance related to solar installation, in an effort to ease up on resident requirements. Community Development Director Bryan Dyer said the city consistently receives resident comments that some solar installation requirements are cumbersome and can increase costs — specifically the requirement to go through the planning commission for approval if solar panels have to face the right-of-way.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Parsons makes licensing easier for plumbers
The city of Parsons will make it easier for plumbers to get licensed to do local work. City commissioners on Monday approved a charter ordinance that will lower the score on standardized testing required to get a permit for plumbing work within city limits. The city, based on a state statute, now requires plumbers to score at least a 75% on the test to be licensed. The charter ordinance will lower the minimum score to 70%.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Old schools find new uses – as homes
A former country school moved to Marion in the 1940s still stands on Lincoln St. where it is used as a home. The former Bixler School, originally located three and a half miles northwest of Marion, was purchased by Lonnie and Betty Tidwell in the 1940s and moved to 110 N. Lincoln St. in Marion to serve as a home, which it does to this day. The Tidwells added an attached garage, two bedrooms, and a bathroom.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Cities willing to pony up for recycling
Both Marion and Hillsboro are likely to help fill the budget hole caused by rising costs of recycling. Although the $120-a-ton cost of taking recyclable material to a privately owned South Hutchinson recycling facility is $82 more than the $38-per-ton cost of taking it to a landfill, both cities seem willing to pay the difference. In January, the county planned to switch recyclable deliveries to Fort Riley, which accepted recyclable materials for free. Before the county delivered a load there, however, that facility stopped recycling because of COVID-19 concerns. It has not resumed operations.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
City of Burden: Thieves steal sand digger from local park
The City of Burden is asking for the public’s help to identify the people who stole a sand digger from Burden Park. The city said the theft happened on June 6 around 9 p.m. Video posted to Burden’s Facebook page shows three people – a man, a woman and a child – pull up to the park in a white truck and get out.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Judge rules on issue in Pretty Prairie Wind lawsuit
A Reno County judge recently ruled on a key element in a lawsuit filed by NextEra Energy over the denial of a permit for its proposed wind farm in the southeast quadrant of Reno County, finding in favor of the county and wind farm opponents. It was not the only issue in the suit, however, so the lawsuit continues, though the court has not set any new hearings or filing deadlines.One of the main contentions in the suit filed last fall by Pretty Prairie Wind LLC…
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Frankfort neighbors upset over company installing wind turbines
A group of neighbors in Frankfort are trying to bring attention to what they said is an eye sore for many. They’re concerned about a company called NextEra installing more than 100 wind turbines near their city. Gayla Randel said they weren’t informed the company was looking to build in their area, and only heard through the talk of the town. “We’re considered a non-participating land owner that means we don’t have enough land to be considered so we are not seen as people that need the information – even though we will be impacted,” Randel said.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Lenexa employee in self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 virus
A Lenexa city employee is self-quarantined after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. Denise Rendina, city spokeswoman, said the city was informed Sunday morning that an employee who works out of Lenexa City Hall tested positive for the coronavirus. “The employee does not have a role that interfaces with the public,” Rendina said. “The employee began feeling symptoms last Wednesday and has been quarantined since then.”
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
K-State announces another round of emergency furloughs
Kansas State University says eight employees in Information Technology Services will be furloughed beginning June 28. Doing so will save the university more than $100,000. The emergency action comes following 430 employee furloughs since May due COVID-19 impacts. The university estimates in total, it has saved nearly $2.75 million. K-State’s Division of Human Capital Services is working with affected employees on federal and state health benefit options. Furloughed employees may qualify for state unemployment benefits.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Sedgwick County Commission considers township road maintenance policy
While Sedgwick County Commissioners agreed local township roads are generally well maintained, discussion at a June 3 staff meeting and June 10 commission meeting addressed what could be done in the rare scenarios where that is not the case. Typically, townships are responsible for their own road maintenance, but a statute does exist (K.S.A. 68-124) that allows counties to take over maintenance work – to be billed to the township in question – if those roads are not being maintained. As it stands, the county can get involved if a township board neglects, refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of the statute to repair, place and keep in “condition for travel” any public roads or highways under the township’s jurisdiction. County Commissioner Jim Howell, representing District 5 (including Derby and Mulvane), brought forth a draft policy at the June 3 staff meeting which laid out a more official way for the county to implement K.S.A. 68-124. The policy included measures for official county review of the road in question, methods to notify the townships and channels for official action by the county commission (including a billing timeframe).
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)
Wichita asking businesses to sign up for free program giving teens summer work
The Wichita Sedgwick County Community Action Partnership is hosting its 9th annual Way To Work program this summer, giving jobs to teens. But they’re facing extra challenges this year. It works by businesses partnering with the city and agreeing to have the kids work for them over the summer. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, they need extra help to make it happen. “My true passion in life is always to remind a kid that you are somebody,” said Na’shell Williams, WSCCAP Program Coordinator. Williams oversees the Way To Work program. She said this year’s been tough. “Due to the COVID, we had a lot of youth who were looking for jobs who have not been able to find jobs because a lot of businesses have been closed,” said Williams. The city pays their wages, so all the business has to do is agree to give them the opportunity to learn important skills. Usually, it’s things like answering phones, organizing, and cleaning. But this year, for the first time in Wichita, some of the kids will be learning a unique skill.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
State and local impact if Kansas State fair is canceled
Plans are underway at the Kansas State Fairgrounds to continue work as usual for the upcoming 2020 season. Along with the fair being a fun place to take the family it also brings in huge revenue for Reno county. Right now, the Kansas State Fair is still waiting on the final decision on whether or not it will go on this year because of COVID-19. “Everything else is in place for the Kansas state fair, with the exception of the final decision which will be up to our board,” said Robin Jennison, General Manager for the Kansas State Fair. Fair organizers start planning for this year’s fair almost a year in advance, getting sponsors and selling tickets.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
KC construction firm could receive millions to relocate to Kansas
Kansas City-based BlueScope Construction Inc. is among grandfathered companies in the economic border war and could receive more than $20 million to relocate to Kansas. Negotiations on potential incentives started before Kansas and Missouri signed a truce in August to end the use of state incentives to lure businesses from one side of the metro to the other without a sizable net increase in the metro’s workforce. Missouri could contribute as much as $5.6 million if BlueScope Construction opts to keep its West Bottoms facility at 1540 Genessee St. and add 90 jobs over six years, The Kansas City Star reports. The company is part of BlueScope, a Australian-based supplier of steel products that employs more than 14,000 people throughout 18 countries.
(Read more: Kansas City Business Journal – The Business Journals)
Kansas lawmakers approve more than $400 million in funding for counties
Lawmakers on the Kansas State Finance Council approved more than $400 million in federal coronavirus funding. Kansas was given more than one billion dollars in federal funding to be used for coronavirus-related expenses, but the distribution of that money must be approved by the State Finance Council. The Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Task Force was formed by Governor Kelly to come up with a plan to distribute federal money to Kansas counties. The task force decided to send the money to counties based on population size, coronavirus cases and unemployment numbers. The money must be spent by December 30, 2020, otherwise it will be taken back by the Federal Government.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Regal reopening its Wichita theaters next month
Regal has announced plans to reopen its move theaters next month, including its Wichita locations. The company says on its website that reopening will begin July 10 and will come with a host of safety measures that include contactless payment options, including for concessions, social distancing and occupancy restrictions in line with any state or county regulation still in place. Staff will also increase sanitization of “high-contact points” and will use ULV foggers to treat each auditorium after every showing.
(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)
Kansas site gets $180M defense job
The Kansas operations of General Electric Co.’s aviation division are getting a new corporate boss fresh on the heels of a major defense award that will help support work in Winfield. GE Aviation earlier this month was awarded a $180.6 million contract through the U.S. Navy that, according to a notice of the award from the Department of Defense, will cover engine repair and overhaul on multiple helicopter models. The work will be done at the Kansas facility, with funds obligated at the time of individual orders through June 2025. The GE (NYSE: GE) division employed around 750 people in Winfield and Arkansas City in Cowley County prior to the impact of Covid-19, but the company, like most of its counterparts in aerospace, has been shedding jobs due to the virus.
(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)
Prairie Village takes steps toward allowing residents to keep hens — though home owners associations still have their own prohibitions
Prairie Village took a step this week toward allowing residents to keep chickens — though individual homes associations may have their own restrictions that would prevent people from taking advantage of the city relaxing its regulations. The City Council, meeting as a committee of the whole, voted 9 to 3 Monday night to approve amending the city’s animal control regulations to allow residents to keep hens but not roosters. … The city’s zoning code also prohibits residents from keeping chickens.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
New Kansas court record system could expand access to hard-to-reach documents
For anyone who’s not a lawyer, accessing court records in Kansas is a headache. Depending on the type of court, successfully obtaining records can involve an endless list of obstacles — from fees and outdated systems to having to physically go to the courthouse. To solve the constant runaround, the Kansas Judicial Branch is developing a new, centralized computer filing system with the hopes of streamlining what many currently see as a confusing and cumbersome process.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Wichita approves ‘eye in the sky’ over riverfront to prevent crime, police brutality
Soon, police will be watching over you when you stroll or bike down the pathways along the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. The Wichita City Council approved a project to bring full camera coverage over the riverfront, despite some privacy concerns and suspicions that the system might be used to shoo the homeless away from the business districts planned around the new downtown baseball stadium. “Between the riverfront development going on on the east bank — or potential riverfront development — and the development on the west bank, these cameras were brought to our attention to make sure the area was safe,” said council member Brandon Johnson. “As we plan to see 200 events from baseball, other developments going on, this is an opportunity to keep everyone safe.”
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
New library will go into former South Wichita tire store, City Council decides
Wichita’s Linwood Branch Library will be moving into a larger space that was formerly a tire store at the Wichita Mall, the City Council decided Tuesday. The move will nearly double the size of the library, from 3,752 square feet to 6,904, said Library Director Cynthia Berner. It will also more than double the number of public computers from seven to 16, Berner said.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Why the 2020 Census is Essential to Municipalities
While the decennial census is always important for its allocation of over $1.5 trillion (with a ‘T’!) in federal funding across 316 federal programs, the 2020 census is perhaps the most consequential in generations. Getting the count wrong right now will have impacts for the next 10 years on how well-resourced cities, towns and villages are to recover from COVID-19 and in shaping the systems that respond to and rectify institutional and structural racism. The events of 2020 mean that the implications of a fair and accurate 2020 Census have gone from important, to urgent, to emergency levels for municipalities’ abilities to address their communities’ needs in the coming decade.
(Read more: CitiesSpeak)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 16, 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.
‘Unbelievably dark’: Merriam officials say inner-workings of 60-year-old Merriam Drainage District aren’t transparent
Flooding issues may have gotten more pronounced in the Shawnee Mission area in recent years, but they’re nothing new. More than six decades ago, flooding concerns along a stretch of Turkey Creek that runs through Merriam, Shawnee and Overland Park prompted the creation of an organization called the Merriam Drainage District. The body has the authority to levy property taxes, just like a city or other public entity, and currently takes in about $200,000 per year from property owners. Its charge is to use those funds on upkeep of Turkey Creek — things like channel maintenance, erosion control and mowing along the banks.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Shawnee announces it won’t open municipal pools for the 2020 season
The city of Shawnee this morning announced it would not be opening any of its public pools in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A statement posted by the city on its website and social media platforms says that with the Centers for Disease Control’s social distancing guidelines still in place, the city could not have staff complete the needed preseason certifications. Moreover, they would not be able to participate in in-service training during the pool season. “As a result, we are disappointed to announce the City of Shawnee will not be opening its Aquatic Centers for the 2020 season,” reads the city’s statement. ‘This decision did not come lightly. The safety of our employees and community will always be our utmost priority. Shawnee Parks and Recreation will continue to focus on providing safe, fun and quality recreational opportunities as we all adapt to the changing conditions.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Pott. County jobs expert talks impact of COVID-19 on local businesses
Jack Allston, executive director of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, presented to the Pottawatomie County Commission Monday the results of a survey showing how COVID-19 has impacted local businesses. Of the businesses that responded to the survey, about 15 percent closed and are now open, about 4 percent closed and are still closed and the rest have remained open. As for how job numbers have changed, Allston says there is good news. According to Allston, event-based companies have been negatively impacted the most while those involved in food service and childcare are also seeing cash-flow problems. Pottawatomie County has a 7.6 percent unemployment rate while Riley County currently sits at 8.6 percent, which Allston says came as a surprise.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Sedgwick County Commission considers township road maintenance policy
While Sedgwick County Commissioners agreed local township roads are generally well maintained, discussion at a June 3 staff meeting and June 10 commission meeting addressed what could be done in the rare scenarios where that is not the case. Typically, townships are responsible for their own road maintenance, but a statute does exist (K.S.A. 68-124) that allows counties to take over maintenance work – to be billed to the township in question – if those roads are not being maintained. As it stands, the county can get involved if a township board neglects, refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of the statute to repair, place and keep in “condition for travel” any public roads or highways under the township’s jurisdiction.
(Read more: Derby Informer | Area)
Harvey County moving to Phase Out reopening stage
Harvey County is moving into the Phase Out stage of its reopening plan tomorrow. This means there will not be any recommended limits on gatherings. Nursing home visits will not be allowed until June 24. “These past few months have been challenging for everyone in our communities. We appreciate the patience and understanding the people of Harvey County have shown,” said Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “COVID-19 will continue to remain a concern for the foreseeable future. We will be intently watching and ready to react if our circumstances change.” Individuals and business owners are encouraged to continue to follow national social distancing guidelines. Anyone who comes down with COVID-19 symptoms is urged to stay home and seek medical care.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)
USD 259 Schools to spend $24 million to get laptops and devices to every student
Next year USD 259 schools wants to give every student in the district a laptop or electronic device with internet service. On Monday the school board voted unanimously to pay $24 Million to make it happen in the first semester of the next school year. “They will supply always-on internet capability,” said Chief Information Officer Rob Dickson. “We’ve worked closely with the vendor of choice and they have assured that they will have the right supply chain to get those in place.” Dickson talked with school board members in a special session of the board on Monday. When it came time to vote, it was unanimous. “A significant amount of the money is going to come from CARES ACT dollars,” said Dickson. “And we will also supplement that through a lease/purchase strategy that will be funded through capital outlay.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)