Municipal News & Jobs

BBQ served up fresh, all for a good cause. It’s the annual “Back the Badge” event this morning, outside the American Bank in Baxter Springs. The fundraiser helps to raise money for needed purchases like equipment, uniforms, and gear for Reserve Law Enforcement Officers in Baxter Springs and Cherokee County. It’s also a way for these officers and the community to get to know each other.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Allen County Regional Hospital administrator Pat Patton sees a strong case for voters’ renewal of a quarter-cent sales tax extension in the November election. Proceeds would go towards support of the hospital It’s a perfect time for William “Pat” Patton to reflect on the state of Allen County Regional Hospital.  Just over a year ago, Patton was named administrator of both Allen County Regional Hospital and Anderson County Hospital in Garnett. He’s seen enough to know what Allen County Regional does well, and how it can improve. But there’s another reason to examine our local hospital. In a month, voters will decide whether to extend a quarter-cent sales tax used to support Allen County Regional Hospital. In place since 2010, the sales tax comes before voters for renewal every five years.
Read more: The Iola Register

From afar, they can look like large collections of plants, growing out of the lake and shooting toward the sky, but there’s a little more to the flora popping up on some Overland Park lakes. Called floating wetlands, these man-made mini islands of native Kansas plants are intended to balance the water’s ecosystem and keep harmful algae blooms at bay. Overland Park is now adding more of them to lakes at city parks.
Read more: Johnson County Post

A go-cart driver, traveling illegally on Atchison streets, now faces a number of charges, including that related to his alleged escape from police. Early this year, the Atchison approved the use of certain UTVs but the ordinance, though, does not allow other, similar vehicles, to be ridden on streets, including golf carts, atv’s, and go-carts.
Read more: MSC News

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 district court correctly concluded that the Code does not regulate the number of residential structures per lot through its definitions section. … our construction of the “duplex” definition aligns with that of the district court; we concur that the Code does not restrict the development of such structures to one per lot.
Read the decision: KS Court of Appeals: First Presbyterian Church v. City of Lawrence

K.S.A. 21-6002(b)(2) provides that "[u]pon conviction of official misconduct a public officer or employee shall forfeit such officer or employee’s office or employment." Because the forfeiture is tied to the offense, and the offense is tied to the abuse of a specific position, the forfeiture is limited to the position held when the offense was committed. Cited herein: K.S.A. 21-6001; 21-6002.
Read more: Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2025-23

Zack Daniel said his top goals are encouraging intentional commercial development and supporting residential growth as he takes over as city manager. Last month, the commission announced it had selected Daniel as the new city manager. His contract will be finalized in the next few weeks. 
Read more: The Eudora Times
He said the city has seen its “baked in advantages” help make it attractive to development. It has easy access along K-10 and swaths of developable land are available in the city and just outside the city limits. Those assets, along with the city’s strong community character, made developers take notice, and Daniel believes the regional spotlight is something Eudora can capitalize on.
Read more: LJWorld

The city of Pittsburg held its State of the City event … Mayor Dawn McNay spoke at the event, sharing many new projects, buildings, and initiatives happening within the community, which include a new KBI crime lab, street improvements like lighting and asphalt renovations, and housing developments for residents of all income levels—especially those in lower economic brackets.
Read more: KSNF/KODE

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 State of Kansas initiated an application for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RFT) Program, which was created in the Reconciliation Bill to direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to work with states to identify the root challenges facing rural health providers and invest in solutions to improve outcomes for struggling providers. Kansas providers are estimated to receive approximately $1 billion over the next five years.
Read more: The Sunflower State Radio Network

Large-scale facility matters have been a significant talking point for USD 251 North Lyon County for well over a decade, and the district has started a patron survey as part of its latest round of community conversations. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Monday, Superintendent Bob Blair says the overall goal is to ensure the district’s sustainability well into the future.
Read more: KVOE

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation raided multiple locations across the state Wednesday, including at least two businesses in Great Bend, as part of a crackdown on businesses selling hemp products containing THC. Search warrants were served at multiple businesses within city limits.
Read more: Great Bend Tribune

Munis were a touch firmer out long in Wednesday’s trading, as U.S. Treasury yields fell and equities ended up. The two-year muni-UST ratio Tuesday was at 65%, the five-year at 63%, the 10-year at 71% and the 30-year at 89%, according to Municipal Market Data’s 3 p.m. EDT read. ICE Data Services had the two-year at 62%, the five-year at 61%, the 10-year at 70% and the 30-year at 89% at a 3 p.m. read. The Investment Company Institute Wednesday reported inflows of $1.114 billion for the week ending Sept. 24, following $1.138 billion of inflows the previous week. This is the third consecutive week that inflows topped $1 billion.
Read more: Bond Buyer

If any doubts remained about whether the Federal Reserve will be lowering its key interest rate later this month, the budget loggerheads a few blocks away in the nation’s capital may have cemented the move. Particularly if the impasse stretches out past a few days, Chair Jerome Powell and his fellow central bankers likely will err on the side of caution, which in this case would be a bias towards easing, Wall Street experts say.
Read more: CNBC

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $23 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. Grants up to $1 million will be awarded to offset the capital expenses providers need to deploy service in unserved areas of Kansas. In its fifth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need.
Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce

In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, October 3, 2025, in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty on September 28, 2025. “For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state’s fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”
Read more: Ad Astra Radio

After weeks of waiting for answers, the City of Newton received a summary of test results for the mystery gas emissions at the Fox Ridge Development. In August, Kansas Gas Service detected a flammable gas in the soil while conducting testing at the new development situated on top of the former Fox Ridge Golf Course. The detection of the gas prompted county and state emergency declarations, evacuations, as well as gas service being shut off to 30 households. KDHE contracted a service to test the gas, and after weeks, the city has an answer as to what it is: methane.
“They state that there is no hazard to human health,” City Director of Communications Erin McDaniel said. “The primary source of the methane is from the breakdown of plant material in the soil.”
Read more: Harvey County Now

Flock cameras have returned to Harvey County. Halstead, Bentley and Sedgwick all tried and moved on from flock cameras. Now the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department has picked up the mantle and installed four units of what Sheriff Chad Gay calls an “awesome” crime-fighting tool. Flock cameras are stationary units that take pictures of the back license plate of passing vehicles. They store vehicle information, along with location, date and time, in a nationwide database that law enforcement agencies can search to assist investigations.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Sedgwick City Administrator Kyle Nordick proposed using a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for new housing on South Commercial to the USD-440 Board of Education members Monday evening. Nordick said that an RHID is used to stimulate the construction or rehabilitation of housing in communities where there is a lack of quality housing options. He said it can make it more financially viable for developers to build new houses in areas where cost burdens may present a barrier to entry. In short, what an RHID would do is allow the property taxes from new housing to be used to pay for the special assessments for the new development.
Read more: Harvey County Now

After years of deliberations, work sessions, presentations and indecision, Leawood city councilmembers finally arrived at a consensus on what a future park should look like on the grounds of its original city hall and fire station. Their decision: The fire station will stay, but the old city hall will be demolished, despite some citizen-led efforts to save it. Their vision supports renovation of the fire station with an eye toward creating a future meeting and gathering space. A green space on the site would include play areas and perhaps a demonstration garden.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Overland Park officially opened its 84th city park this week, nodding to the city’s longtime connection to its sister city, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany. On Monday, Overland Park, joined by officials from Bietigheim-Bissingen, dedicated the park, formally opening it for the community. They also sealed a time capsule filled with items representing the connection between the two cities, which is scheduled to be reopened in 25 years. Dozens of people attended the ceremony, and several children took advantage of the brand new playground throughout the festivities.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Shawnee’s governing body is looking into new safety regulations for motorized scooters in the city. On Sept. 22, the Shawnee Council Committee updating the city’s Municipal Code to include regulations for motorized scooters within the city limits, including new helmet requirements and providing more education for younger riders. The discussion comes as other cities in Johnson County, like Prairie Village and Fairway, discussed restrictions on motorized bikes and scooters, as well as shopping centers in Prairie Village and other parts of Johnson County cracking down on them.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Two of Kansas’ top law enforcement officials talked about recent marijuana raids across the state. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi held a press conference Wednesday, Oct. 1 on recent KBI investigations into illegal THC and marijuana products. Kobach said that KBI agents, alongside local law enforcement agencies, conducted 10 raids across the state at businesses, like CBD dispensaries and vape shops, that were allegedly selling illegal THC or marijuana products on Oct. 1.
Read more: KSN-TV

Dodge City police say they are adding a new tool to help fight crime in the community. The department has announced the installation of Flock camera systems. The cameras are capable of reading license plates and recording the make, model, and color of a vehicle. That data is then compared against law enforcement databases to identify stolen vehicles, wanted persons, Amber Alerts, and missing persons. According to the company, Flock license plate camera systems are in use by over 4,800 law enforcement agencies in 49 states.
Read more: KSN-TV

People in Emporia will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of having a local ice rink in the city. A new holiday attraction is set to open in downtown Emporia later this year in time for the winter season. The ice rink, named the ESB Financial Holiday Plaza, comes courtesy of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Emporia.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

Arkansas City Public Schools says its new phone policy is already paying off, with administrators, teachers and students reporting calmer classrooms, stronger connections and more focused learning. The “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative, launched in August, requires students to secure their phones in Yondr pouches during the school day. High school principal Ryan Taylor said the change has created “livelier” classrooms and boosted morale among staff.
Read more: Local Archives – Cowley Post

Tom Roush spoke about his 37 years as an Iola police officer, including a lengthy stint as community resource officer. Roush retired Sunday. It was a match made in heaven. The term community policing, where law enforcement organizations work in league with community groups and citizens to provide safety and security, was taking root in the early 1990s, just as Tom Roush was finding his niche with the Iola Police Department. It wasn’t long after he started with the IPD that Roush agreed to take on the role of community resource officer.
Read more: The Iola Register

Douglas County commissioners have requested that staff complete more research over the next month or two toward implementing tenant right to counsel, though dozens of advocates called for a vote to launch a program this month. The city and county strategic plan to end chronic homelessness, approved in March 2024, includes a goal of establishing “the tenant’s right to legal representation in Douglas County.”
Read more: The Lawrence Times

The City of Salina is proud to announce that Lauren Driscoll, AICP, Director of Community and Development Services, has been elected President-Elect of the American Planning Association (APA), the nation’s leading organization for professional planners with nearly 40,000 members. Driscoll has served Salina since 2017, leading a department responsible for planning, housing, building services, property maintenance, and civil rights enforcement.
Read more: City of Salina

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 HEAL grant program helps communities revitalize downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities. Submitted projects must show potential to become economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. There must be proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner that will be required at the time of application.
Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce

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.

In the “breadbasket of America,” the grocery store shelves in Moran will now sit bare. With the closing of Marmaton Market, the town’s only grocery store, residents are left without a place to buy fresh milk, vegetables, or meat — a stark irony in a state that feeds much of the world. The loss pushes the Moran community closer to what experts call a food desert, where access to healthy, affordable food is measured not in minutes but in miles. Food deserts are low-income areas where residents have limited access to supermarkets — defined by the USDA as more than one mile away in urban areas or over 10 miles in rural regions. The Mildred Store, about eight miles north of Moran, is now Moran’s closest source of fresh foods. About 19 million Americans, roughly 6% of the U.S. population, live in food deserts.
Read more: The Iola Register

Danny McKarnin, who has worked in the City of Iola’s power plant for 30 of his 34 years as a city employee, appreciates the knowledge he’s gained through the years. McKarnin, 62, retired earlier this month. If there’s one thing Danny McKarnin learned as a longtime City of Iola employee, it’s that he couldn’t help but learn something new every day. “I think anybody out there would agree with me,” McKarnin said. “You learn something new every day. There are so many variations of what you might be working on. And that’s what I liked most about it,” he continued. “There was something different every day.” McKarnin, 62, retired Sept. 19 after a 34-year career with the city, the last 30 as a power plant technician.
Read more: The Iola Register

Shopping carts of belongings abandoned on the street. Tents pitched on trails and in tunnels. Liquor bottles left on park tables. More people facing homelessness are coming to Manhattan, some local officials say, but when they get here they may face higher housing costs and find that they don’t qualify for services. That can leave already desperate folks with even fewer choices. When people can’t find housing, many turn to public spaces, which creates additional challenges for local businesses.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

The Buhler Frolic is an annual event where people make good memories each year, and the community comes together. At the Buhler Frolic, the weather was perfect, and a pleasant atmosphere and laughter prevailed. The day kicked off with a pancake feed breakfast. Then, a bit later, there was the parade down Main Street—the parade along with the middle school and high school bands. The firefighters and police also participated in the parade. Many other businesses also participated in the parade.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

Leavenworth officials aren’t backing down from holding private prison company CoreCivic accountable to development regulations even after the U.S. Department of Justice jumped into the case Tuesday. The DOJ filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court case between Nashville-based CoreCivic and Leavenworth, arguing the city was violating the supremacy clause in the U.S. Constitution. “The federal government’s filing does not change our view of the case or the approach we plan to take,” said W. Joseph Hatley, a Kansas City, Missouri, attorney representing the city of Leavenworth. “The arguments in that filing mirror arguments CoreCivic has previously made, without success.”
Read more: Butler County Times-Gazette

“I always felt like our facilities in certain aspects were really holding the kids back.” In 2023 Bluestem Public Schools USD 205 passed a $13.5 million bond that improved classrooms, athletic facilities and gave students what Superintendent Joel Lovesee describes as more opportunities that have been a long time coming. After trying to pass a bond to improve the school district several times in past years, Lovesee says he’s relieved to have it passed once and for all. He says with these improvements, USD 205 can finally be on the same playing field as other schools after decades of being overlooked.
Read more: Butler County Times-Gazette

On Saturday, September 13, the Andover Police Department set up patrol vehicles outside of Dillons Marketplace to collect food donations for the Andover Community Food Bank. In doing so, they raised a ton of food – literally. This year was the 11th year of the food drive, bringing in pounds and pounds of food each year for the Andover Community Food Bank. The local food bank is organized and run by the Andover United Methodist Church with the intention of providing food assistance to Andover residents in a caring and respecting manner, according to their website.
Read more: Butler County Times-Gazette

A fight over money designed to help cut crime has the two largest counties in Kansas on opposite sides. The issue is how much money each county will get for programs designed to keep criminals from breaking the law again. One county benefiting from the change is Johnson County, Kansas. Johnson County wouldn’t talk with FOX4 on camera Friday, but they did have a member on the committee that decided how the funding would be allocated. Also of note, the person who developed the formula for this funding was a county employee. On Thursday morning, the Sedgwick County Commission held a special meeting to approve a letter being sent to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, asking her to stop these Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) funding changes.
Read more: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

Progress on proposed updates to the city of Garden City Neighborhood Revitalization Program was given at a joint Garden City Commission, Finney County Commission and Holcomb City Council meeting on Sept. 16. Danielle Burke, Garden City Assistant City Manager, said for the past several years staff from the city of Garden City and Finney County have been working through updating the NRP, a tax rebate program that’s intended to help revitalize portions of the community.
Read more: Garden City Telegram

Johnson County Government today announced it will receive a $21 million Federal Aviation Administration infrastructure grant to support the full reconstruction of Runway 18-36 at New Century AirCenter. The 7,300-foot runway is a critical piece of aviation infrastructure serving corporate, military and general aviation operations across the region.
Read more: Johnson County Kansas

When you think of Kansas, you probably don’t think of mountains — or mountain lions. But in recent years, the number of sightings of mountain lions in the state has skyrocketed. In the past two years, there have been 117 sightings of the big cats in the state, more than the previous 15 years combined, said Jon Beckmann, a wildlife supervisor for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. As mountain lion populations continue to become reestablished in the Great Plains, increasing across the four states that border Kansas, it’s likely that they will rise in this state as well, he said.
Read more: KPR News