Kansas Municipal News
Sedgwick takes a step toward better walkways
At last week’s City Council meeting, City Adminstrator Joe Turner presented the council with a bicycle/pedestrian master plan that a dozen residents helped put together by walking every street in town. In his analysis, Turner stated that Sedgwick must approve a master plan for bicycle/pedestrian pathways to be eligible for funding from BCBSKS to implement the improvements. The city’s grant application is for $50,000. The city is working with Walk & Roll Harvey, a leadership team within the Healthy Harvey Coalition that focuses on non-motorized transportation.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
Team of firefighters, school nurses take to the road to help Olathe families in need
The sudden shift to distance learning in light of the pandemic has left many families adrift without their usual resources. The Olathe School District and Olathe Fire Department have been trying to right that ship with the Mobile Integrated Healthcare for Students Unit. The fire department already operates a mobile health unit serving the general community of Olathe, but this one paired firefighter Chris Curtis, fire resource coordinator for the district, with a group of volunteer school nurses.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development Block Grants to support coronavirus response
Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.
“Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.”
Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.
“The COVID-19 crisis has left many communities searching for resources to support their residents and businesses,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG-CV award provides cities and counties the ability to determine where the greatest need in their community lies and to provide some relief as we move into the recovery phase of the crisis.”
CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.
The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.
| Recipient | Award Amount |
| Abilene | $132,000 |
| Allen County | $132,000 |
| Anderson County | $132,000 |
| Atchison | $132,000 |
| Baldwin City | $132,000 |
| Beloit | $132,000 |
| Bourbon County | $132,000 |
| Chanute | $132,000 |
| Cherokee County | $169,200 |
| Cimarron | $132,000 |
| Clay County | $132,000 |
| Cloud County | $132,000 |
| Coffeyville | $167,000 |
| Crawford County | $132,000 |
| Derby | $132,000 |
| Dodge City | $132,000 |
| Ellsworth | $132,000 |
| Ellsworth County | $132,000 |
| Emporia | $167,000 |
| Eudora | $132,000 |
| Eureka | $167,000 |
| Fort Scott | $132,000 |
| Franklin County | $132,000 |
| Garden City | $132,000 |
| Garnett | $132,000 |
| Girard | $169,200 |
| Gove County | $132,000 |
| Graham County | $167,000 |
| Harper | $152,000 |
| Horton | $167,000 |
| Hoxie | $173,600 |
| Hutchinson | $132,000 |
| Independence | $167,000 |
| Jackson County | $132,000 |
| Jewell County | $132,000 |
| Junction City | $167,000 |
| Labette County | $132,000 |
| Liberal | $132,000 |
| Linn County | $132,000 |
| Louisburg | $132,000 |
| Marion County | $167,000 |
| Marquette | $66,000 |
| Marshall County | $132,000 |
| McPherson | $132,000 |
| Mitchell County | $132,000 |
| Montgomery County | $132,000 |
| Mulvane | $132,000 |
| Neosho County | $169,200 |
| Oberlin | $80,600 |
| Osborne County | $132,000 |
| Ottawa | $132,000 |
| Parsons | $132,000 |
| Phillips County | $132,000 |
| Pittsburg | $170,300 |
| Pleasanton | $132,000 |
| Reno County | $132,000 |
| Russell County | $173,600 |
| Scott County | $132,000 |
| Sheridan County | $132,000 |
| Sherman County | $132,000 |
| Smith County | $132,000 |
| Thomas County | $132,000 |
| Unified Greeley County | $55,000 |
| Wallace County | $132,000 |
| Wilson | $77,000 |
| Wilson County | $132,000 |
To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act. More information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
City of Topeka sales tax revenues down
City of Topeka sales tax and use tax revenues were down 8.3% for the month of March, city manager Brent Trout told the mayor and city council at their meeting Tuesday evening. “We’re looking at that and doing some analysis,” Trout said. Tuesday’s announcement came at a time when city officials have been dealing with budget challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Topeka YMCA files for bankruptcy protection
Topeka YMCA announced Wednesday it has filed for bankruptcy protection. According to a news release from president and CEO John Mugler, the measure was necessary because of the budget shortfalls experienced by the organization during the coronavirus pandemic. “Like many not-for-profits the Y’s finances have been a challenge,” Mugler said.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
ATVs a problem at busy lake
ATV drivers caused issues on a crowded Memorial Day weekend at Marion County Lake, according to Lake superintendent Isaac Hett. Drivers had children and open bottles of alcohol in ATVs, Hett said, and ATVs not licensed for on-road use reportedly were driven on Upland Rd. and US-256 to Marion. Hearing of the problems, county commissioners decided at a meeting Monday to look into whether Hett could be deputized to enforce ATV ordinances and write tickets.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Residents petition to have city pool opened
Chanute’s decision to close the Maring Aquatic Center for the summer has not gone over well. Other area pools are open, closed, or still deciding what to do. A previous lifeguard has sent messages to city commissioners and members of the Chanute Recreation Commission urging the decision be reconsidered. There is also an online petition. All five city commissioners voted May 26 to keep the pool closed rather than try to partially open it or open for a shortened season.
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)
Two Arkansas City police officers lauded as lifesavers
Two Arkansas City police officers were presented with a special life-saving award Tuesday during the City Commission meeting. Officer Michael Yzquierdo and Master Police Officer Ted Shinneman were honored for saving the life of a 2-year-old boy. Capt. Eric Burr said that on May 24 the officers were on a routine patrol in the 300 block of North First Street when they were flagged down by a motorist.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
JoCo health department reports ‘some spikes’ in COVID-19 cases after reopening
Johnson County is experiencing an expected spike in COVID-19 cases following phased reopening plans, said Sanmi Areola, PhD, director of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. “But in terms of the trend, on the average, we’re still doing pretty well,” Areola said Monday.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Kansas task force shapes plan allocating $400 million in federal aid to counties
The coronavirus task force appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly adopted a plan Tuesday during its first meeting for distribution of $400 million in federal disaster aid to county governments for economic and health costs of the lingering pandemic. The executive committee of SPARK, otherwise known as Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas, carved a chunk from $1 billion in CARES Act assistance sent to Kansas. The cash can’t be used to fill city or county tax revenue shortfalls, but must be applied to expenses incurred during the pandemic and spent by end of the year. “We need to provide local governments with all the resources we can to mitigate the virus and revitalize our economy,” Kelly said. “We want to make these funds available, so communities can address current challenges and jump start our economic recovery.”
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Wichita police get $875,000 grant to hire seven officers for three years
Wichita police are getting a federal grant for $875,000 to hire seven officers. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister announced the Justice Department grant on Tuesday. Wichita is one of 15 law enforcement agencies in Kansas to receive grant money. “These grants put the money where it is needed — on the streets,” McAllister said in a news release. “Kansans will be safer because of this federal spending.”
(Read more: Local News |)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 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.
Changing traffic ticket rules in Wichita
Kansas demonstrators are demanding change in how police treat African Americans. Wichita Police say they have programs already in the works to do just that. At least one of those programs could also help reduce Kansas’ problems with suspended driver’s licenses. From Minnesota to New York to right here in Kansas, demonstrators want change. On Saturday, Chief Gordon Ramsay hinted at a change he says the Wichita Police have been working on for months now. Instead of giving drivers a ticket with a fine for having a problem with their car, like a busted taillight, officers will give them a voucher to get it fixed.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
‘SPARK’ task force works to distribute $1 billion to Kansas counties
Governor Kelly’s ‘Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas’ (SPARK) Task Force met for the first time on Tuesday to determine the best way to distribute more than one billion dollars in federal funding.The committee is made up of local and state leaders from across Kansas. The federal money will be passed out based on population size and need, depending on the number of coronavirus cases and the economic impact in each county. The committee chose to distribute the money in phases. “This fair, impactful and timely distribution of funds to county governments will strengthen our health, speed the reopening of our economy and help our state remain open for business,” said Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Executive Director of the Recovery Office.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Roundabout done near St. John
The safety factor when traveling on U.S. 281 and U.S. 50 has increased where those highways intersect in Stafford County three miles south of St. John. After months of work starting in 2019, a new $5.2 million roundabout is completed and traffic is flowing through this intersection that had a history of injury and fatal accidents.The roundabout features an inner circle for regular traffic and a permanent detour outer diamond shape to accommodate oversize loads.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)
Ark City, Winfield announce resumption of recycling program
The City of Arkansas City and City of Winfield implemented new changes to the recycling programs in each community which began Monday as recycling service resumed. As has been publicized, Ark City and Winfield recently agreed to changes in the way the two cities provide recycling efforts. In response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, both cities recently put a pause on their recycling collection efforts until the new program that began Monday. For both communities, the shared Arkansas City/Winfield Recycling Center, at Seventh Avenue and D Street in Strother Field, will be open for community drive-through drop-off from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays and Saturdays, starting Friday.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
After 15-year delay, Mission Gateway in Johnson County on hold again due to financing
After 15 years of delays, it seemed that progress was finally being made on the long-vacant site of the former Mission Mall in Johnson County. But just as the Mission Gateway development was taking shape, the coronavirus pandemic brought it to yet another halt. Now leaders in Mission expect to see construction equipment leaving the site, as developers continue to face financial challenges. Construction on the $225 million project, highly visible for commuters along Shawnee Mission Parkway, will not resume as planned this summer. “The development team has been transparent about their challenges with the project,” Mission Mayor Ron Appletoft said in a news release. “This is not where we hoped to be, but we have to respond to the realities in front of us. The city team is committed to exploring options, while continuing to protect the city’s financial interest in the project.”
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Which Wichita area pools are open this summer?
Want to go swimming this summer but not sure what pools are open? Here’s your guide to what pools are and aren’t planning on opening. Rock River Rapids plans to open June 8. The park will be limited to 750 guests per day – a third of its normal maximum capacity. Tickets are only available for purchase online. Lounge chairs won’t be available, concession stands are closed, and there will be no complimentary tubes or lifejackets throughout the park. Some slides will be closed. There will be no shower curtains in bathrooms, so guests are asked to come dressed in their swimsuit. Staff members will have their temperatures taken.
(Read more: Area | derbyinformer.com)
Derby STAR bond goals readdressed with new amendment
If you build it, will they come? That seemed to be a prevailing question among the Derby City Council at a special meeting May 28 focused on further expansion of the city’s STAR bond project. Primarily, the council questioned if a new project phase (including construction of a proposed rock climbing gym) would bring Derby closer to meeting the original goal of expanding regional tourism numbers and additional business development. “For Derby, it was more about trying to get attractions here that are family fun so our residents can enjoy them, and it adds to the quality of life for people who are thinking about the metro area,” said city manager Kathy Sexton.
(Read more: DerbyInformer.com – news,news/)
Cooped up by COVID-19, residents of this Johnson County city want backyard chickens
Prairie Village could become the latest city in the Kansas City metro to let residents keep backyard chickens. “In the current environment that we find ourselves in right now, there’s a growing feel for people wanting to be more self-sufficient,” said Councilwoman Inga Selders, who proposed the idea, she said, after receiving about 100 messages from residents wanting their own chickens. “This year, we’ve seen a renaissance of people planting their victory gardens, keeping bees, composting their food waste and wanting the ability to raise hens for fresh eggs.”
(Read more: KC Star Local News)
Circle USD 375 partners with Farms to Families to provide boxes of food to communities
Circle USD 375 has partnered with Farms to Families to provide boxes of food to communities. The distribution will be Wednesday, June 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Circle High School located at 905 Main Street in Towanta. There will be a drive-through pickup, and it is free for anyone who needs it. Food boxes will be first come, first serve.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Police in riot gear clash with demonstrators overnight in north Wichita
The Wichita Police Department says two people were arrested and three officers suffered minor injuries after a protest turned violent Monday night. Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay says when the disruption occurred Monday night near 21st Street and Arkansas, people were told to clear the area, but 50 to 70 people refused to leave and began throwing rocks, cinder blocks, water bottles and other debris. Police say people began to gather for a demonstration near 21st and Arkansas at about 7 p.m. Monday. At about 11:30 p.m., the front glass of the Metro PCS store in the 700 block of West 21st Street was vandalized after police say “random shots began to occur.”
(Read more: KWCH News)
Baldwin City, Eudora collecting more in local sales taxes during pandemic
Residents of Baldwin City and Eudora appear to have done more of their shopping close to home since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the latest sales tax figures from the Kansas Department of Revenue suggest. Both communities collected more revenue from their local sales taxes in March of this year than in March 2019. And Baldwin City Administrator Glenn Rodden and Eudora City Manager Barack Matite say that’s because many people were staying put in the bedroom communities during the pandemic. Many Baldwin City and Eudora residents who work in larger urban areas like Lawrence and Johnson County either lost their jobs or started working from home in March, the two city leaders said. That and safety concerns provided an incentive to shop at the local businesses that traditionally provide the city governments with most of their sales tax revenue.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Unlike Lawrence, two Douglas County towns plan to open their outdoor swimming pools for the summer
In contrast to the city of Lawrence, Baldwin City and Eudora are planning to open their municipal swimming pools this month with modifications designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Although the two cities are taking different approaches to opening their pools, officials in Baldwin City and Eudora said safety was the foremost planning consideration. “We know everybody is itching to get out, but at the end of the day everything we have planned is for the overall good health of the people and families of Eudora” said Eudora Parks and Recreation Department Director Sally Pennington. “We know with our square footage, we can’t have more than 90 people at the pool at a time.”
Read more: LJWorld.com.
‘We are ready to listen:’ Wichita mayor announces new civil rights advisory council
Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said he is forming a new advisory council on civil rights after a weekend of peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minnesota. “I want to thank you for keeping the protests this weekend both peaceful and productive,” Whipple said in a video posted to Twitter. “At City Hall, we are ready to listen and to work with the community towards a better Wichita. And that’s why tomorrow I plan to appoint an advisory council to the mayor that is focused on inclusion, diversity and civil rights so that we can have more people at the table and more voices as we move our city forward.”
(Read more: Local News |)
Great Bend moves to 800 MHz radios
The City of Great Bend took the next step towards improved communications for its first responders as the City Council approved the purchase of 800 MHz radio for the police and fire departments, the costs of which was over $550,000. “As we dove into this project, we knew it would take a few years to set the money aside,” said Fire Chief Luke McCormick. The project itself has been a few years in the make as well.
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune)
Overland Park proposed budget calls for city to spend into reserves as leaders brace for revenue drop
The Overland Park City Council will have major decisions ahead to keep spending in line with big drops in revenues. But City Manager Bill Ebel believes it can be done without increasing the tax rate. Ebel proposed keeping the mill levy steady at 13.557 and no increase in the stormwater utility fee for the 2021 budget. But the budget he proposed to a council committee Monday called for the city to spend down its reserve funds to meet operating expenses – something it hasn’t done since the last recession.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Roeland Park becomes first city in Kansas with conversion therapy ban
The Roeland Park City Council Monday evening became the first city in the state to approve an ordinance banning conversion therapy. Roeland Park was at the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in the state in 2014 when it passed a non-discrimination ordinance. In the years that followed, more than a dozen Johnson County cities followed suit. Councilmember Benjamin Dickens, one of the ordinance’s three sponsors, said the conversion therapy ban has this same potential.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Reno County explores assuming Harvey County childcare licensing
The Reno County Commission on Tuesday will be asked to consider a request from the state that the local health department take over child care licensing for facilities in Harvey County as well as Reno County. Reno County has operated a licensing and inspection program within the county, on behalf of the state, for years. Its purpose is to ensure the operational quality of licensed childcare facilities in the county, in addition to providing “education and recruitment for new childcare providers.” In early 2020 the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reached out to Reno County about absorbing the Harvey County CCL program, according to a memo in the county’s agenda packet.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 1, 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.
Gov. Laura Kelly vetoes three bills crafted by Legislature in 24-hour marathon session
Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed three bills Monday related to forming a $60 million business loan program tied to the pandemic, developing a new college scholarship initiative and allowing for delayed property tax payments to local units of government. Kelly, a Democrat, signed less-controversial legislation, including bills on wireless communications, restitution requirements of criminals and dropping a mandate on scrap-metal dealers to photograph junk vehicles. The package was adopted a week ago by the Legislature during a 24-hour session.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Southeast Kansas company is helping to outfit the Frontenac Fire Department’s new engine
A Southeast Kansas company is helping to outfit the Frontenac Fire Department’s new engine. The Frontenac Fire Department purchased a new ladder truck for about $400,000. … Sugar Creek Packing Company donated more than $20,000 to help equip the engine with a hose, nozzles, and oxygen tanks for the fire fighters. … Andrew Alexander, Sugar Creek Factory, said, “It’s a great thing because the roof on our building is a lot higher than a lot of the other places in town. This truck will be of great use if anything would come up at Sugar Creek and anywhere else in the community.”
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)
‘We are going to see some evictions.’ Kansas ban shielding tenants, homeowners expires
As Kansas locked down to fight the coronavirus and tens of thousands of residents lost their jobs, they could still take comfort in a state-imposed pause on evictions and foreclosures tied to the pandemic. No longer. Last week, Gov. Laura Kelly allowed an executive order that had shielded renters and homeowners since March to expire. The governor didn’t publicly announce the change, but the order wasn’t included in a list of directives re-issued in recent days. Her office confirmed the expiration on Monday.
(Read more: Kansas City Government & Politics News |)
Just like that, Wichita’s bike share program is gone
Just like that, Wichita’s brief time as a city with a ride share bike program is over. Zagster, the Boston-based company the city of Wichita contracted with to provide bikes through stations around the city, informed bike users through a Monday e-mail that it’s ending the program. “Sadly, the pandemic has also adversely impacted Zagster’s business, and we regret to inform you that we will be shutting down the bikeshare effective immediately.”
(Read more: Carrie Rengers: Business Columns & Blogs |)
Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest
It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with harvest underway and hay season in full swing. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines and other implements. “As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Lieutenant Adam Winters, KHP Public Information Officer. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.” Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)
Spirit of Kansas fireworks show to go on, officials say
The Spirit of Kansas fireworks show will still go on as planned, Shawnee County Parks & Recreation officials announced Monday. Officials said after thoughtful consideration and consultation with county officials, they decided to go ahead with the Spirit of Kansas Capitol Federal Fireworks Display July 4 at Lake Shawnee. Spirit of Kansas Golf Tournaments will start at 10 a.m. at Lake Shawnee Golf Course and Cypress Ridge Golf Course, according to a news release. Other details of the day’s events are to be determined.
(Read more: KSNT News)
USD 373 meal program adding ‘Farmers to Families’
The USDA program has begun sending boxes to Newton USD 373 to be distributed by the summer lunch program for the month of June. As part of this program, Newton USD 373 has received boxes of various fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and dairy products to hand out with the drive up meals this summer. Contents vary per box. A sample box on Monday contained potatoes, apples, pears, carrots, celery, oranges and lettuce. One box per car will be provided in addition to Monday meals. Provided deliveries are on schedule, food boxes will be distributed each Monday through the month of June.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)
Johnson County voters will decide future of liquor-by-the-drink rule in November
ohnson County voters in November will decide whether they want to end the last vestiges of the county’s dry liquor laws and allow businesses to sell alcoholic drinks without also having to sell food. The county commission unanimously voted to put a ballot question in the general election that will lift a three-decade restriction – a move much sought by the new micro-brewers who have begun to open around the county. Brewery owners have been on a campaign since last year to get the law changed that requires them to make at least 30% of their gross sales in food in order to also sell alcoholic drinks. They’ve said the food sales add a layer of difficulty to their small operations, and lifting the rule would even the playing field.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Amazon to enter the Wichita market within months
For the better part of two years, there’s been talk in certain circles that Amazon is coming to the Wichita market. Now, sources say it’s finally happening in the form of a distribution center, though it doesn’t seem to be a typical warehouse for all the products Amazon sells. Instead, it sounds like the warehouse — at 4044 N. Toben, near 37th and Rock in northeast Wichita — will be mostly for larger products. Think of big appliances, such as refrigerators and washers and dryers, and sporting goods such as bicycles and kayaks.
(Read more: Carrie Rengers: Business Columns & Blogs |)
Demonstrations continue throughout Kansas communities
Protests and rallies continue across the state after the death of George Floyd. So far, each demonstration in the area has remained peaceful. Miranda Bachman organized a rally Sunday in Salina, and says the turnout was good. … Hutchinson held a rally Sunday as well. … Saturday, Wichita held two rallies: one at the Patrol North building, and another at Century II. Community activists say the one thing that makes these demonstrations stand out is the passionate yet peaceful behavior of attendees.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 29, 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.
To respond to COVID-19, proposed downtown Lawrence layout would have less space for cars, more for pedestrians and outdoor dining
If downtown businesses are going to safely operate during the coronavirus pandemic, cars are going to have to give people more room. At least that’s the premise of a temporary layout proposed for downtown Lawrence, which downtown leaders and city officials hope to see put in place soon. Downtown Lawrence Inc., the architecture and design firm Gould Evans and other local partners helped create the proposal, which reconfigures the downtown street layout to provide more room for pedestrians and outdoor sales and dining.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
‘Johnson County Museum tells the story of suburbia.’ Its new director embraces history
Starting a new job during a pandemic didn’t daunt Mary McMurray. In fact, McMurray believes historic times like these are perfect for starting a new collection. McMurray became director of the Johnson County Museum in Overland Park on April 6…. “In many ways, the Johnson County Museum tells the story of suburbia,” McMurray says. “It is a story that resonates with suburban experiences across the United States. As impressive as that story is, what impresses me most about the museum is the way it collects and shares stories of individuals who contributed to our shared history and identity in their own unique ways.”
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
$3.5M settlement for family of Barber County man killed in 2017 beanbag shooting
Barber County officials have agreed to pay $3.5 million to the family of an unarmed Sun City man killed with a homemade beanbag round fired by the undersheriff at close range in 2017. The settlement, reached in a federal civil rights case filed by the widow of Steven P. Myers, is thought to be the largest to date in any officer-involved shooting death in Kansas, an attorney for the family said following the expiration of a gag order Sunday.
(Read more: Local News |)
Guns, drugs and roughly $145K missing from Sedgwick County evidence area, sheriff says
An audit showed that roughly $145,000, guns and drugs were missing from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office property and evidence storage but more could still be missing, Sheriff Jeff Easter said Friday. Easter said a former property and evidence technician and supervisor started being investigated for the missing items after an employee noticed the storage area in disarray on Jan. 24. Both employees no longer worked with the sheriff’s office as of Feb. 27, Easter said. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said the missing evidence, most of which was supposed to be destroyed, has led to some cases being dismissed.
(Read more: Local News |)