Municipal News & Jobs

Marshall County voters will face a special question on the November 4 general election ballot regarding the sale of liquor by the drink in public establishments. The measure asks voters to decide whether to eliminate the current food sales requirement for venues that sell liquor by the drink. This change would allow establishments to sell alcoholic beverages without needing to meet a minimum percentage of revenue from food sales.
Read more: The Sunflower State Radio Network

The Riley County Jail has been operating close to its maximum capacity for several years, and this year has exceeded its population limit, with the average daily population increasing by 12% to 15% since 2019. Riley County Police Department Lt. Jason Deehr told the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board Monday that while the jail’s bed count for inmates is 147, its actual operational capacity according to the jail’s classification is 120. Deehr presented a graph showing the average daily population for 2025 as about 125 inmates. Though RCPD Director Brian Peete told the board Riley County enjoys a low crime rate and Maj. Brad Jager said crime is trending down, Deehr said the jail’s population trend is “exceeding national standards by far.”
Read more: themercury.com

While the sale of the Halstead Hospital, Halstead Inn, and Nun House was through a private transaction, Halstead city leadership, as well as representation from the Harvey County Economic Development Commission met with the new owners at certain points during negotiations while they were doing their due diligence regarding a potential purchase of the properties and provided background or other information related to the community or as requested, according to Halstead City Manager Ethan Reimer.
Read more: Harvey County Now

How should large, portable buildings, such as prefabricated sheds and workspaces, be valued and assessed for taxes in Jackson County? That question was discussed at a recent Jackson County Commission meeting with Kate Immenschuh, the county appraiser and zoning officer. More than 300 new agricultural structures in the county were identified from December 2021 to December 2024 through EagleView aerial imagery. Read more: The Holton Recorder

Community and municipal leaders, elected officials and water professionals from around Johnson County and the state of Kansas gathered Friday, Oct. 17, at the 2025 Johnson County Water Summit for a morning of learning and collaboration. The summit featured welcome remarks from Commissioner Becky Fast, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, and Whitney Wilson, WaterOne Board Chair. It took place from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., in Overland Park.
Read more: Johnson County Kansas

Cities across Johnson County have spent the last several years and millions of dollars removing doomed ash trees that were dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestations. Now, some local foresters and arborists are warning that another illness could pose a threat to mature trees that line streets and provide shade in local yards. Oak wilt is a fungal infection that can rapidly wipe out an oak tree after it becomes infected. It harms a tree’s vascular system, tricking it into blocking its own water vessels, and the disease can spread to other trees through insects or underground root connections.
Read more: Johnson County Post

A multibillion development pipeline could reshape Western Wyandotte County. Here’s a look at six major real estate developments planned around the Kansas Speedway.
Read more: Kansas City Business Journal

The Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, alongside city officials, is exploring the possibility of bringing a next-generation nuclear power facility to Hutchinson, which could boost local economic growth and infrastructure. This interest follows TerraPower’s September 23 announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce to build a Natrium nuclear reactor somewhere in Evergy’s Kansas service area.
Read more: KCLY Radio

Companies are racing to roll out nuclear reactor designs that would be faster to build and could meet rising demand for energy from AI data centers. Two nuclear companies have proposals for new reactors in Kansas. Plus: Data centers are fundamentally changing the landscape for electric utilities in Missouri and beyond.
Read more: KCUR

A town hall meeting held Wednesday evening brought together leaders from the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and Wichita Public Schools. The goal was to give government representatives a chance to hear from the public on how the three agencies can collaborate. In attendance was Vernette Chance, a retired teacher, who says her biggest concern is special education.
Red more: KSN-TV

A potential change in the way Fort Scott handles public sales tax could mean more resources for first responders. First responders and city officials in Fort Scott are pushing for a reallocation of public sales tax funds, which will be voted on in the upcoming November elections.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Two different generations of Pittsburg residents are helping the city grow. City officials say they’ve been making a push to attract younger working professionals to Pittsburg, with new construction projects and high-quality businesses. More recently, the city reported an uptick in retirees moving to the city from out of state.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

A discussion to control the noise surrounding a Bitcoin mining facility in Bourbon County is tabled for now. A representative from Evolution Tech, the company behind the facility, was scheduled to make an appearance at today’s Bourbon County Commissioners meeting after several recent noise complaints. However, Commissioner Samuel Tran told us the company postponed its appearance. Tran says Evolution Tech has sought legal counsel to prepare for any questions commissioners or the public might ask.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

The Topeka City Council gave the Chief of Police permission to let officers in the department wear their uniform while off-duty. This new ordinance only applies to officers who are working security assignments on other jobs. The Topeka Police Department believes that communities will be safer if law enforcement, while working for private companies, are able to show the public that they are trained officers with the department.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

Jackson County leaders are expressing their skepticism about the size of a proposed new solar facility in the local area. Jackson County’s Board of County Commissioners met on Monday, Oct. 20 to discuss plans for a new 500-megawatt renewable energy facility called Jeffrey Solar. The solar farm would be installed west of Holton and take up around 6,600 football fields of space. NextEra Energy Resources is the driving force behind the project, which promises to deliver a big investment into the county along with new jobs. However, NextEra’s plans are getting some pushback from county commissioners. “I have a trust issue,” said Jackson County Commissioner Keith Kelly. “You are talking about a large company, you’re talking about a small community, we don’t have a bank of attorneys, or funds, I don’t think any of us are in favor of anything larger than 2,000 acres.”
Read more: KSNT 27 News

After almost two years the Peabody City Council will start enforcing its rules on camping on owned properties. Scott Spunaugles and wife Kathy Crawley, received permission in January 2024, to live in a camper on their property in the 600 block of Sycamore St. for six months while remodeling their house. The council asked them to come back July 8 and provide an update.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Looking at economic data for Reno County, perhaps what’s surprising is that more people aren’t homeless. The latest data shows nearly 13% of households in the county—or more than 3,100 of them—were living at or below the federal poverty level last year. Other measures show an even larger number of people in our community who, while not classified as poor, don’t earn enough to feel economically secure.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

The Haven City Council discussed food truck permits and kids riding electric scooters through town at high speeds, among other items, during its Monday evening meeting. The city’s current food truck policy requires vendors to apply for a permit to operate at any time for one year from the date of application, if approved. Food truck employees have to pass a Police Department-run background check, and any employees the vendor adds throughout the year have to pass as well. The permit has a one-time $50 fee, and the pink paper permit has to be posted on the truck. Previously, the council addressed concerns about local restaurants with set hours being able to compete with food trucks that can operate at any time.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Mayor Michael Padilla has been named the 2025 Kansas Mayor of the Year by the League of Kansas Municipalities and the Kansas Mayors Association. The award is selected by fellow mayors, recognizing Padilla’s commitment to Topeka’s growth and well-being.
Read more: CJonline

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Provalus looks for small towns where incomes are low and people are eager for positions that will teach them 21st-century skills.
Read more: Wall Street Journal

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The tradition began in 2024, when a snow plow was given the name Taylor Drift following more than 650 contest entries.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

Earlier this summer Stafford County Economic Development (EcoDevo) was awarded $25,000 for an implementation grant as part of the Office of Rural Prosperity Rural Champions grant program announced last year in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation for Macksville. The current Rural Champions is addressing childcare challenges in Macksville and this funding will support the implementation of the day care project.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

McPherson County voters will see a proposal on the November 4 ballot for a ½ cent (0.5%) county-wide sales tax dedicated to funding Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If approved, the tax would begin April 1, 2026. The measure seeks to shift EMS funding from property taxes to a dedicated sales tax, creating the opportunity for county and city officials to reduce property taxes beginning in 2027.​
Read more: Butler County Times-Gazette

The Crawford County Commission met with a full house on Friday in response to Mulberry’s vote to annex land slated for solar development. A couple of the frequent attendees were present — Becky Williard and Judy Prince — raising familiar concerns over toxic fumes from battery fires and leaching poisons into the ground and water table. Landowners who live next to the proposed development offered some new concerns for the commission to consider.
Read more: – Morning Sun

Prairie Cottage Homes, operated by Devin Holloway, is on the verge of listing their first three homes in Americus next week. With the help of Paul Pinick, the new venture aims to bring affordable homes to local smaller towns, and eventually Emporia. The three homes began construction in April and will be listed next week. One is three bedrooms, 1,311 square feet, while the two measure in at 1,611 square feet and fit in four bedrooms. The buildings are designed to last and stand the test of time.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Bourbon County Commissioners on Monday discussed concerns such as setting precedence and the potential for litigation regarding a moratorium on the mining of cryptocurrency. The commission later approved the 12-month moratorium, which takes effect after its publication in the Tribune and only applies to new mining activity in the county. County Counselor Bob Johnson said the moratorium would stop future expansion of mining operations until the commission can adopt regulations.
Read more: Fort Scott Tribune Headlines

Sedgwick City Council asked Jimmy Sharbutt of Sharbutt Homes to pay a $5,000 obligation for not building five homes within sixty months of the city selling Sharbutt property just north of the industrial park. The obligation was stipulated in the original contract.
Read more: Harvey County Now

A squirrel is responsible for the power issues happening in town Friday morning. City Manager Zack Daniel said crews walked power lines and discovered a fried squirrel in the Ninth and Acorn area that is believed to be responsible for the blip.
Read more: The Eudora Times

Iola City Council members discussed this week a recent edict that the city must test more often for signs of lead in its water system. Toby Ross, Iola’s water plant superintendent, updated Iola Council members Tuesday evening on water sampling efforts to detect lead levels. A recent KDHE notification directed the city to ramp up its testing after three homes tested above the EPA threshold of lead in their drinking water.
Read more: The Iola Register

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The $539 million project on 180 acres, to be developed by Epic Resort Destinations, is expected to begin construction by October 2027 and open by May 2031.
Read more: KC Star

For about five years, the local government has offered incentives for developers – local and large alike – to build on and revitalize its vacant properties at a discounted rate. In that time, developers have built about 150 homes on those lots, according to government staff.
Read more: KC Star

The proposed ordinances outline a number of changes, including adopting a property maintenance code that requires sanitary conditions in rental units, prohibiting landlords from refusing applicants with Section 8 vouchers and requiring landlords with repeat offenses to register with the city.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

All seven candidates on the November ballot in Wichita City Council races have failed to follow the city’s campaign finance ordinance that was supposed to add transparency to elections, specifically about donations from business owners who “stack” contributions by giving the maximum amount to candidates multiple times using different limited liability companies, or LLCs.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

“Humboldt, you bring the fun to Allen County,” Camille Lavon told Humboldt Council members Monday night. At least that’s the impression Lavon has gained since her three months as Thrive Allen County’s new economic development director. Lavon described herself as a “boomerang” Kansan, who has returned to her native state after most recently living in Colorado as well as other states and countries.
Read more: The Iola Register

The commission authorized up to $125,000 via a reimbursement program, meaning Hoisington must do the work before receiving the money. This project is expected to bring 12 new homes to northern Barton County.
Read more: GB Tribune

Jerome H. Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, still sees labor market risks outweighing those posed by higher inflation tied to President Trump’s tariffs.
Read more: NYT > Business

Nearly two decades ago, a devastating tornado all but wiped out a town in eastern Kansas. But now, Greensburg has new life.
Read more: CBSNews.com

The Regional Development Association (RDA) has endorsed a Letter of Support to officially offer Lyon County as a potential site for a Natrium Reactor. Rep. Mark Schreiber said that he was motivated to list Lyon County among potential sites due to its possible economic benefit for the community.
Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Automated External Defibrillators, or AEDs, are used by ordinary people to perform an extraordinary task: bringing life-saving equipment to the side of a person whose heart has stopped beating. Beginning September 24, 2025, Reno County EMS staff are out in the community, ensuring local business, schools, churches, and the like, are prepared with public access AEDs. “As of July first,” says Connor Bounds, Education Coordinator for Reno County EMS, “state law requires registration of AEDs through the PulsePoint app. This allows EMS to ensure there are correct locations for community-based AEDs, all batteries and other critical equipment are not-expired and opens to the door for us to provide public education in CPR and first aid. We have already encountered some locations that have added other AEDs, and some that have expired supplies. And we have also had community members express interest in bystander CPR training.” Discussing the importance of bystander CPR and AED use, Bounds shared some shocking statistics, “For every one minute a person in cardiac arrest doesn’t get CPR and doesn’t get the AED applied and used, survivability drops by 10%. There are over 350,000 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital every year, and less than 10% of those survive. Getting this equipment and training out into the community can save lives.”
Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

Some neighborhoods will be seeing a bit more train traffic in the coming years. At its Tuesday meeting, the City of Newton approved a $3.7 million rail spur project. The project connects a stretch of the K&O railroad that ends at the Standridge Color Plant to the under-construction GAF Materials Facility. While the spur would be built southeast of Newton at the Kansas Logistics Park, the resulting train traffic would put into regular use a section of rail where trains are a rarity. Harvey County Now inquired with city staff, as well as Commissioner Rod Kreie on how many more trains the track would see once GAF is up and running. Kreie said, according to recent conversations with GAF they’d expect about 15 trains a day to initially service the facility.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Members of the Holton City Commission expressed agreement with Holton Community Hospital chief executive officer Carrie Lutz that a proposed quarter-percent sales tax at the county level would be a boon for the hospital in light of a reduction in revenues and reimbursements at the federal level. During the commission’s regular meeting on Monday, Lutz met with commissioners to explain the need for the quarter-percent sales tax, which will go before voters in the Tuesday, Nov. 4 general election, noting that at previous HCH-hosted town halls on the proposed sales tax, she had heard “a lot of speculation” on why taxpayer support is needed at this point in time. Commissioners noted that while there are public concerns about the proposed sales tax, an extra 25 cents on a $100 purchase would be a small price to pay in order to keep high-quality hospital services in the Holton community.
Read more: The Holton Recorder