Kansas Municipal News
Lawrence inspected less than 1% of rental properties last year; commissioner calls for city to reassess program
There are more than 20,000 rental properties in the City of Lawrence, but there is very little chance any one of them will be inspected. Last year, of the 21,174 rental units that were licensed by the city, only 206 were inspected, or less than 1%, according to the city’s annual rental licensing and inspection report. After Commissioner Courtney Shipley pointed out that the regulations the city is developing for Airbnbs and other short-term rentals seem stiffer than regulations for long-term rentals — where more than half of Lawrence residents live — the commission will soon receive a report on the overall program.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Kansas stocks up on PPE to prepare election workers, voters
Kansas voters will encounter masked election workers seated behind plastic panels when they head to the polls this fall and use disposable stylus pens to cast their ballots. Secretary of State Scott Schwab said in a news release Thursday that the state is receiving $4.6 million in federal aid to prepare for the election, with $2.6 million going to county election officials. The state also plans to spend $1 million on personal protective equipment, including hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, face masks and disposable gloves. Each polling site also will receive two plexiglass shields to protect election workers and voters, as well as disposable stylus pens for voters.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Shawnee to reopen city offices May 11 with limited staffing
The city of Shawnee is planning to reopen city offices on Monday, May 11. In a memo to the governing body, City Manager Nolan Sunderman said the reopening of offices will occur with limited staffing, social distancing requirements and other preventative measures. City staff will provide an update on the COVID-19 situation during Monday’s city council meeting. The reopening of Shawnee public buildings coincides with Johnson County’s stay-at-home order, which is set to expire May 10. Without an extension, the county remains on track to begin gradually reopening businesses Monday with distancing and capacity restrictions in place.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
City of Wichita facing potential loss of revenue with empty Riverfront Stadium
…the City of Wichita could lose up to a million dollars if Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wind Surge remains empty for the rest of the year. “You know we have these incentives it pays for itself or should be paid back, debt by sales tax and businesses up and around that area,” Brandon Whipple, the Mayor of Wichita said. “We have no one going out right now with that sales tax. That’s something that wasn’t thought of.” Local restaurants and bars in the Delano neighborhood, where the stadium is located, were preparing for an uptick in business once the Wind Surge started playing games back in April.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 7, 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.
Possible cuts could be made to USD 383 budget at state level
State revenues are projected to be halved due to the pandemic, leaving possible cuts to Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 for 2021. Preliminary numbers related to the 2021 budget planning process were presented Wednesday to the USD 383 school board. Business Services Director Lew Faust says overall, their general fund and local option funds are down around $300,000. However, since they are not over the budget authority, this is good. Recent spring state revenue estimates from the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group show an estimated $827 million decrease for this year, with an additional $445 million next year for a total of $1.3 billion. Faust says the ending balance for next year is over 600 million in the hole, which the state cannot be in. A fix may include an allotment from the governor, which is a cut across the state. “An allotment of 1% for each student in the funding formula would equal $46. We have about 10,200 FTE, which would amount to over $469,000. If the entire 9.8% was covered through allotments, it would equal almost $4.6 million dollars for the district,” says Faust.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Kansas Legislature to return for 1-day virus-focused talks
The Kansas Legislature will focus on the fallout from the coronavirus when it reconvenes for a single day later this month to wrap up the 2020 session, a leading lawmaker said. A panel of legislative leaders on Wednesday decided that lawmakers will return May 21. The truncated session is aimed at limiting exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. House Speaker Ron Ryckman, a Republican from Olathe, told the Topeka Capital-Journal that it appears no vote will take place on a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion. Ryckman said expansion of Medicaid will likely be discussed, but “we really need to work on what’s a want versus a need.”
(Read more: DerbyInformer.com – news,news/)
Lyon County roads to see reimbursement for 2019 flood damage
Lyon County Commissioners approved a near-$50,000 agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for emergency-relief roadway repair during a regularly-scheduled meeting Thursday morning. The funds will be used in the maintenance of “federal aid roads” within Lyon County, some of which suffered damage during last spring’s flooding events. According to County Engineer Chip Woods, federal aid roads — such as Americus Road — are classified by KDOT and the Federal Highway Administration as “major collectors,” making them eligible for federal aid. “Being through KDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, this won’t have anything to do with our non-federal aid routes,” Woods said, referring to other area road projects currently overseen by FEMA and local emergency management groups. “They’re not eligible for reimbursement through FEMA since they were constructed by the federal government years back, but they’re still eligible through the highway administration.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
WSU announces plan for reopening
Wichita State University officials have announced a plan that will allow for some access to the campus starting in late May. Seven working groups across the campus have developed a plan called Shockers United. The first phase of the plan still has classes offered online or by remote and the campus is closed to students, faculty and staff. Crews will continue to disinfect facilities across campus. The second phase begins May 26th with some campus access. Students, faculty and staff will be encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing, and gatherings would be limited to 30 people or less. Classes will still be offered online or by remote, with faculty and staff still encouraged to work remotely. This phase runs through July 31st.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)
Amtrak will soon require face masks for passengers
Amtrak will soon require passengers to wear face masks, joining numerous travel companies that have recently put similar policies in place. According to Amtrak’s website, the company is still operating as an essential service for those who must travel and has suspended certain services due to reduced demand, but will require facial coverings for passengers beginning May 11. “Facial coverings can be removed when customers are eating in designated areas, in their private rooms, or seated alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats,” Amtrak’s policy says. “Service will be denied to customers not wearing facial coverings.” Customers must supply their own face masks. Small children who are not able to maintain facial coverings are exempt from the requirement. Amtrak is advising passengers to take precautions when traveling to other states, as each state may have different policies for face masks.
(Read more: KMBC.com)
Cloud County Community College offers discounted tuition for summer courses
As Cloud County Community College continues remote courses, it announced it will offer a reduced rate for summer courses. The college said Thursday that courses during its summer term, June 1 through July 30, will have the comprehensive fee waived. According to the college, this results in a $19 per credit hour savings for students or $57 savings on a three-credit hour course. This rate will apply to all Cloud County students taking summer courses, both via Zoom and online. The college said the rate will also apply to students attending other institutions who take summer classes at CCCC for transfer to their current college or university.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Virtual basketball practices a regional hit
Kenny Eddy, head boys basketball coach at Skyline, recently started a virtual ball handling drill to help athletes get better while stuck at home. The program has doubled and tripled in area-athlete participation each week. These meetings are at 7 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Players need only their phone or laptop, and a ball to participate. “Right after all of this quarantine stuff started, I created a ball-handling zoom meeting for our Skyline guys.” Eddy said. “It was just a way for them to stay sharp for this summer or next year and for us to connect still.”
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Support builds for direct federal aid to counties, municipalities
Support is building in the House and Senate for direct federal aid to counties and municipalities in addition to separate funding for states to address their revenue shortfalls. A bipartisan group of New York lawmakers announced Wednesday plans to introduce the Direct Support for Communities Act that would evenly split federal emergency aid between counties and municipalities. The bill authored by freshman Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado of New York’s Hudson Valley would create a new federal aid formula for counties and municipalities. The county fund would go directly to all counties based on their population. The “municipality fund” would use a modified Community Development Block Grant formula with 70% going to cities, towns and villages with a population of over 50,000 and the remaining 30% to municipalities under 50,000 in population. That’s identical to the plan announced Monday by House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., for a new round of federal emergency aid.
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)
There’s not much city can do with trains blocking crossings
Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said told the City Council Monday night that he has fielded questions from the public and council members about railroad crossings, and trains sitting across the tracks. One instance included a train blocking South Main for at least a couple hours. But, as it turns out, such delays are out of the city’s hands, he said. “We do have city ordinances in place that limit the timing of that,” he said. However, in 2018, Kansas Court of Appeals said that it infringed on federal law.
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune)
The COVID-19 effects hospitals didn’t foresee: Financial distress
Dr. Bill O’Callahan, an emergency physician, rested his elbows on his desk, his head in his hands. Despite his whirlwind thoughts — a recent COVID-19 patient with failing lungs, a 30% pay cut, the dangers he faced on a daily basis — he still counted himself among the fortunate. He was healthy, and he still had a job — for now. A staggering number of hospital employees have been laid off or furloughed — sent home without pay, waiting to hear whether they can return to work. Now, a fresh look at what lies ahead for hospitals post-pandemic reveals some may not recover from a COVID-19 patient surge that never came. Toward the beginning of the pandemic, initial worries included health systems being overwhelmed. But for most hospitals, novel coronavirus-related admissions have been more than offset by declines in unexpected areas. While fewer outpatient services and elective surgeries were expected, few hospitals anticipated steep declines in emergency room visits and in-hospital stays.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
City of Wichita launches emergency assistance program to help those struggling to pay rent, utilities
The coronavirus pandemic is more than a health crisis—it’s a financial crisis too. The City of Wichita announced Thursday that it had launched an emergency assistance program to help those who live in Sedgwick County and have a financial hardship due to COVID-19. “If you qualify, then we’ll be able to hopefully be able to give you a helping hand when it comes to your rent or utility bills when you fall behind,” Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said. If you need help with rental and utility payment assistance or foreclosure counseling, and you meet certain income guidelines, you can receive financial assistance from the city.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library announces phased reopening
In less than two weeks, the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will begin a phased reopening of its facilities. Phase one of the library’s reopening plan will begin on May 18, according to a news release Thursday from the library’s communications director. Though the library will not open to the public on that date, it will begin accepting book returns, and the Engroff Eats food truck will be in the library’s parking lot to offer food normally served at the in-house Millennium Cafe. According to the news release, the library also won’t charge late fees on any items checked out in 2020. Phase two of the library’s reopening is scheduled to begin on May 26. At that point, the library will offer curbside pickup of books and DVDs. Library patrons will be able to pick up reserved items 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Playgrounds, dog parks and bathrooms: What to expect at Wichita parks in the coming weeks
Wichita parks are open but several of the amenities people enjoy in them have been closed since the coronavirus shutdown in March. There are still a lot of unknowns about when all activities overseen by the city’s park and recreation department will resume. But Parks and Recreation director Troy Houtman, in a Thursday afternoon Facebook live chat with council member Bryan Frye, gave a loose outline of what you can do now and what will — and won’t — be opening in the coming weeks.
(Read more: Local News |)
JoCo residents owing property taxes May 11 can take advantage of partial payments, but will accrue interest
Johnson County residents who did not pay the full amount on their 2019 real estate and personal property taxes can take advantage of a partial payment option for the second installment of the tax payments — which are due on or before Monday, May 11. The Board of County Commissioners last month approved to accept partial payments following the economic impact of COVID-19, though residents can expect to see interest accrue daily on any unpaid balance starting May 12. The county does not have jurisdiction to change the property tax due date nor to defer payments, Director of Financial Management Tom Franzen said.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Shawnee will direct federal COVID-19 funding at small businesses, public service providers
The city of Shawnee was awarded $168,955 in federal funds to mitigate the growing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. City leaders Tuesday debated how they wanted to spend the funds — whether to support small businesses or public service providers — but ultimately went with city staff’s recommendation to allocate $56,955 toward public service provider assistance and the remaining $112,000 toward business assistance. The council also supported matching the federal funding with city dollars. The federal funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which made available $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funds. Shawnee already receives federal Community Development Block Grant funding and has allocated about $294,000 to eligible projects this year.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Kansans paint their town to spread joy
Residents in one Kansas town are using their creativity to spread cheer during the COVID-19 pandemic. “With all of the residents who have been having to stay home, we thought let’s make a cool project for the town and let’s paint all of the fire hydrants in town,” said Kechi Mayor John Speer. In a matter of weeks, Kechi’s fire hydrants went from drab to fab. “Oh, we have got Pacman down the street. We have got sunflowers and Spongebob. We’ve got the character from The Office, geometric designs, KState, KU, Wichita State,” Speer explained. The creations are a community effort. People of all ages have pitched in.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
KDHE and KU undertake study for COVID-19 detection in wastewater
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recently teamed up with the University of Kansas School of Engineering (KU) to determine if genetic remnants of COVID-19 can be detected in wastewater. The concept originally tested in Massachusetts and the Netherlands, and now throughout the United States, is that people infected with the virus shed it through their urine and feces. The genetic material can be extracted from wastewater and matched against genetic markers keyed to COVID-19. The virus itself does not survive in wastewater, and therefore wastewater is not a significant means of disease transmission. Detecting the genetic material in wastewater is indicative of COVID-19 being present and may give local health officials knowledge of how widespread it is in their community, allowing them to take proactive measures to mitigate its spread. While drinking water is not part of this ongoing study, they said it’s important to note disinfection by all Kansas public water suppliers inactivates the virus and drinking water remains safe for consumption.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Wichita Public Library begins curbside service May 11
The Wichita Public Library will begin curbside and drive up window service on Monday, May 11. Customers who had holds placed on items before the library closed in March, and any holds in queue that was initiated during the closure, will receive notifications to pick those up beginning Monday. If customers would like to check materials out, they’ll be able to place holds on items through the online catalog at catalog.wichitalibrary.org beginning Monday, May 18. They can also call 261-8500 during regular business hours for staff assistance. Notifications will be sent to customers once their holds are available for pick up. When customers arrive to their designated library branch to pick up materials, they will check-in by calling the phone number on the outdoor signs or proceed to the drive-up window. Library staff will ask for their name and library card number to verify their materials. Staff will bring materials to customers’ vehicles in plastic bags.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Area cities weigh options of opening public pools
Many Kansas communities are weighing when it comes to public swimming pools this summer. Under Governor Kelly’s plan, they can open in Phase II. Taking a dip in the Augusta Municipal Swimming Pool is a big part of things to do for kids in the community. “We’re far enough away from Wichita and Andover that the kids don’t have anywhere that they can just walk and like go to the YMCA or whatever,” said Mike Rawlings, Mayor of Augusta. Rawlings said that was a big reason the city council voted to open the pool this season. He said staff is using the delayed start to finalize social distancing and safety guidelines. Rawlings said he expects the pool to open by mid June. “There’s just so many moving pieces right now it’s hard to put a definite date,” said Rawlings. “We’ll do it as quickly as possible and still be safe.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
USDA brings broadband to two rural Kansas counties
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on Thursday the USDA is investing $71 million to provide broadband service in unserved and underserved rural areas in Kansas and Oklahoma. This funding is part of USDA’s round one investments through the ReConnect Pilot Program. Just under 60 farms in Kansas and Oklahoma will be affected by this broadband service. “The need for rural broadband has never been more apparent than it is now – as our nation manages the coronavirus national emergency. Access to telehealth services, remote learning for school children, and remote business operations all require access to broadband,” said Secretary Perdue. “When rural America thrives, we all thrive.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Florence approves plan for employees
Florence city council made a commitment to city employees Monday, approving a plan to pay employees’ salaries if they contract COVID-19 or another pandemic in the future. “It’s a good thing for the employees,” councilman Matt Williams said. “It shows our employees that we’re looking after them.”
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Shawnee will direct federal COVID-19 funding at small businesses, public service providers
The city of Shawnee was awarded $168,955 in federal funds to mitigate the growing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. City leaders Tuesday debated how they wanted to spend the funds — whether to support small businesses or public service providers — but ultimately went with city staff’s recommendation to allocate $56,955 toward public service provider assistance and the remaining $112,000 toward business assistance. The council also supported matching the federal funding with city dollars.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Roeland Park residents can apply for property tax assistance program through May 22
The city of Roeland Park’s property tax assistance program is accepting applications from residents who qualify for a full reimbursement of the city’s property tax, with exclusions for special assessments. The program has $15,000 budgeted from the city’s general fund that can be used for the most recent tax year, and refunds are “issued per household on owner-occupied homes only,” according to city documents.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Overland Park committee recommends keeping pools closed for the season
After weighing the prospects of a shortened season, face masks, restrictions on distancing and the future uncertainties of the pandemic, an Overland Park City Council Committee has reluctantly recommended that the city not open its outdoor pools this summer. The Community Development Committee considered the possibility Wednesday of only opening one of its five pools, the Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center. But that could only happen with a long list of restrictions on staff and patrons due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Training the staff for the new procedures would delay the opening to July 1, meaning that the pool would only be open for about 45 days.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 6, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Cowley County might open facilities next week
Cowley County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to keep all county buildings closed to the general public until May 10 or until it is appropriate to open. The decision was made Tuesday morning at during a virtual meeting on Zoom. Because of the coronavirus, the buildings have been closed to the public for several weeks unless someone calls in and makes an appointment at a particular office. “People can’t just walk in and out of the buildings,” said county administrator Lucas Goff. But he also said many people have taken advantage of the appointments policy and have taken care of business in certain offices. “I had about a dozen people in my office today,” Goff said.
(Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com)
Emporia State to receive roughly $1.7 million in CARES Act funds
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with bipartisan support and signed into law by President Trump on March 27 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since impacted communities across the nation. While the more than $2 trillion economic package mainly strives “to protect the American people from the public health and economic impacts” of the virus, it has also been used during this time to support numerous businesses, organizations and educational entities. In an online forum Monday, Emporia State University President Allison Garrett announced initial details of what the CARES Act could mean for the campus’ students, faculty and staff heading into the fall semester.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Roeland Park begins phase one improvements to R Park, on track to complete phase two by late 2020
The city of Roeland Park on Monday began site work for phase one of improvements to R Park, 5535 Juniper Street. After approving the three-phased, multi-year plan in March 2019, city councilmembers and city staff celebrated the beginning of construction with a socially-distanced groundbreaking last week. Mayor Mike Kelly said times like these make it clear as to why resources are dedicated to outdoor spaces, and that he thinks it’s a great time to improve the park. “Given the challenges of today, it’s nice to have some good news to report to Roeland Park residents,” Kelly said. “This park’s plan was made through the consideration and hard work of a lot of different people — elected, volunteers, residents — and I am proud of the plan that we put together, I think it will help make our community more vibrant and improve the quality of life for Roeland Park residents.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Pandemic poses new troubles for election planners in Kansas and Missouri
While Chely Scarbrough signed up to work as an election judge in Kansas City this year, she isn’t crazy about the prospect of being in close contact with people in the midst of uncertainty over the COVID-19 virus. “I am worried,” Scarbrough said. “I haven’t been able to hug or kiss my grandson since all this started.” Still, she plans to report for duty for the June 2 municipal election in Missouri. Scarbrough also intends to work Aug. 4 when Missouri holds its primary election, and Nov. 3 when Missourians vote for offices as essential as governor and U.S. president. “I’ll be wearing my mask and I guess wiping down the pens and all the things they need me to do,” she said.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Hillsboro hires new city administrator
Goessel resident Matt Stiles will begin duties as Hillsboro city administrator June 15. The timing will give him two weeks to work with retiring city administrator of 12 years Larry Paine, whose last day on the job will be June 30. Stiles said city inancial planning is at the top of his punch list. “We’re going to have to address the inancial impact of the pandemic irst,” he said. “That will be the top priority right away.” The city’s strategic plan is also high on his list. He also wants to emphasize economic development, growth of new businesses, and expansion of existing businesses. Stiles has been program manager and instructor at Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center for two years. He was city administrator of South Hutchinson for more than seven years, and assistant city manager at Bel Aire for nearly three years.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Shawnee County ‘counting on public’ to follow coronavirus safety guidelines during reopening
The Shawnee County COVID-19 Response Team reminded the public the community is counting on everyone to follow all of the guidelines issued by the state for coronavirus prevention. Shawnee County will follow Governor Laura Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A guide to open Kansas,” enacted through Executive Order 20-29, in full. While in phase one of reopening, the county response team reminded the public to practice the follow coronavirus safety measures.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Christina Lucas appointed to Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee
The Kansas Supreme Court appointed Christina Lucas, municipal court administrator for the city of Pittsburg, to fill an unexpired term on the Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee. Lucas will serve until June 30, 2021. Lucas has been the municipal court administrator for the city of Pittsburg since 2015. She previously was office manager for the Crawford County Attorney’s office, where she was instrumental in establishing the victim/witness protection program. Lucas is secretary for the Kansas Association of Court Management and will become vice president in October. The Municipal Court Clerks Education Committee recommends and organizes education and training programs for municipal court clerks and reviews and updates the Municipal Court Clerks Manual.
(Read more: City of Pittsburg)
Riley County reports three days without a positive COVID-19 test
Riley County has gone three days without a new positive COVID-19 test as of Wednesday afternoon. Health and safety officials updated the public online Wednesday. 20 of a total of 55 positive COVID cases remain active and one Riley County resident remains hospitalized. Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says the re-opening process has started smoothly, with most businesses adhering to occupancy, distance and other requirements. “Please keep in mind, those businesses who are following the best practices are far less likely to have a COVID positive case associated with their business,” Gibbs says. “And, therefore, are more likely to stay open.” She encourages the public to continue mitigation efforts, including wearing cloth masks, throughout the re-opening as well. Gibbs says the re-opening process will progress based on local data and following the governor’s guidance, adding that the process could last longer than the minimum 14 day period for some phases. Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Andrew Adams also says they’ve received 4,300 responses to their community survey, 4,100 of who were county residents. The goal of the survey is to get a full picture of the impact of the pandemic on the local community.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Manhattan approves $2.1 million grant for Manhattan Regional Airport
Manhattan city commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a $2.1 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Manhattan Regional Airport to provide economic relief during the coronavirus pandemic. This grant is a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed by President Donald Trump in March. The grant provides about $10 billion in funds to airports across the United States. The commission also approved tenant agreements to provide three months of free rent in 2020 for Bandit Coffee and Café, Hertz, Enterprise Holdings and American Eagle.
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
Grant program introduced for Kansas arts organizations
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced today that nearly $500,000 in grant funding is being made available to provide operational support to Kansas arts organizations experiencing financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. The Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Creative Industries Arts Commission will distribute CARES Act arts funding through the Short-Term Operational Support (SOS) Program, a grant program developed to assist with immediate financial needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 4, through May 15, 2020. “COVID-19 has placed unexpected strain on all facets of our economy, including the arts,” Kelly said. “Together, we will ensure no organization is left behind in this emergency.”
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
Hiawatha announces wastewater testing reveals COVID-19
The City of Hiawatha issued a press release on Wednesday announcing that COVID-19 coronavirus was detected in the wastewater systems of Hiawatha. This does not affect the drinking water, city officials say. On April 24, the University of Kansas School of Engineering and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) collected samples from 12 wastewater plants, one of which was the City of Hiawatha’s, to determine if the COVID-19 virus can be detected in the wastewater systems of local communities.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)
“Operation America Strong” flies over Wichita, surrounding areas
The Wichita area was treated to numerous flyovers Wednesday. Four massive aircraft zoomed overhead as a part of “Operation America Strong.” The flyover salute from McConnell Air Force Base was a way to say thank-you to all of the healthcare workers and first responders battling COVID-19. “Operation America Strong” started at McConnell Air Force Base and aircraft spent the next hour flying over Wichita and the surrounding cities. The flightpath went above 11 hospitals to show appreciation to all of the healthcare workers and first responders fighting COVID-19.”It just shows that we have a lot of support out here for what we’re doing for not only us but for the community,” said Victoria Arnce, VA Hospital Pharmacy Administrative Officer. “It’s definitely re-energizing. Sometimes it gets kind of tedious and kind of down when you see everything that’s going on and when you see something like this, especially on a beautiful day it makes you feel good.”
(Read more: KAKE – News)
As a new stadium sits empty, the full effect of a lost baseball season reaches close to $1 million
Wichita was counting on the debut of the Wind Surge baseball team in many ways. For example, nearby businesses in the Delano district were gearing up for an uptick in foot traffic this spring that would translate to more spending by consumers. Hotels surrounding the ballpark were also excited. They had many rooms booked for visiting teams and spectators. And the city is approaching losses of as much as $932,000 if the Wind Surge doesn’t play this season — money that was expected to help pay for the new stadium’s construction, which cost nearly $75 million.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
McPherson County Old Mill Museum receives Humanities Kansas grant
Humanities Kansas recently awarded $9,985 to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum in support of ‘Not the Same Old Grind: Mills & Milling in McPherson County’ a new permanent exhibit exploring the milling industry in the county from past to present. Lorna Nelson serves as project director. “We are excited to add a new permanent exhibit that showcases both artifacts and archival material to tell the evolving story of milling and its impact in our county,” she said. “In addition to explaining more of our county’s story, it will help visitors better understand the historic mill on site. We hope the new exhibit will provoke thoughts/conversation about change over time in our rural way of life, our industries, our food production, and even our food consumption.”
(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)