Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Wichita City Council could put term limit changes, pay raises on future ballot

Wichita’s City Council members decided not to vote Tuesday to increase their own term limits, citing a strong negative reaction from voters.

But that doesn’t mean the issue is dead. In February, the term-limit extension for the mayor and City Council members could come back to the bench, and it could likely include other historically unpopular proposed changes.

Like City Council pay raises.

(Read more: Local News |)

Building permits down due to nice weather

McPherson City Commissioners learned Monday building permits in the city are down markedly from 2018.

Ryan Rank, city building inspector, presented the November 2019 building inspection report to commissioners. His report highlighted the decrease in building permits issued in 2019 versus 2018. By November of 2018, there had been 704 building permits issued. This year only 524 building permits have been issued so far.

The decline in the number of building permits issued relates directly to the nice weather conditions McPherson has seen this year. In 2018, a large hail storm caused considerable property damage in town. As a result of the damage, building permits were issued for repairs to be completed to homes and businesses. No major storms have impacted the area this year.

(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)

Santa’s helpers — PSU students, Bone Creek 4H children make toys for tots

“Elves,” big and small, have spent the past few weeks creating and assembling wooden toys for tots.

For the second year in a row, Pittsburg State University students in Society of Architectural Woodworkers (SAW) club are creating wooden toys to send to Toys for Tots, which will then be used in the Crawford County Christmas Distribution next week. Last year’s toys were a “resounding success,” Toys for Tots Crawford County Coordinator Lynden Lawson said. The toys were quickly picked up.

The idea of creating wooden toys for children in the community was brought to PSU last year by Chris Wernimont. This year, Bone Creek 4H children helped make the toys, which Wernimont said he hopes “leaves a lasting impact” on the children.

(Read more: Pittsburg, KS – Morning Sun)

Sedgwick County Zoo Begins $10 Million Entry Complex Project

The Sedgwick County Zoo will soon demolish its original main entrance building to make way for a new updated entry plaza.

Construction fences block the entrance area and new signs are posted to direct visitors to a temporary entrance and exit north of the zoo’s Cargill Learning Center.

The $10 million entry and administration complex will be the first major project in the zoo’s updated master plan.

(Read more: RSS Feed)

JoCo Election Commissioner job is open again. And, again, JoCo residents have little authority over who gets hired

On Primary Election night 2018, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach spoke twice on the phone with Johnson County Election Commissioner Ronnie Metsker.

It’s not surprising that the Secretary of State was seeking an update on the status of the vote count. It was, after all, the second major election in a row in which Johnson County, the state’s most populous county, had been unable to post vote tallies in a timely manner. And as Secretary of State, Kobach was in charge of reporting the statewide vote total.

The software failure that led to the long delay in vote totals being reported has been well documented. But for some Johnson County voters, it was the political ties between Kobach and Metsker that raised the most concerns as uncertainty surrounded the outcome of such a close race. Kobach, a former chair of the state Republican party, had appointed Metsker, then the sitting chair of the Johnson County Republican Party, to the six-figure position in 2016, and then reappointed him just weeks after Kobach emerged with a narrow victory over Gov. Jeff Colyer in the primary.

Local Teamsters union leader to meet with Lawrence City Commission, says some city employees want to unionize

City leaders will soon hear from an area union that would like the city to make changes to its local resolution governing employee unions.

As part of its study session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive a report from Teamsters Local 696 regarding Resolution No. 6817, which the commission can amend at its discretion. Representatives of the union say there is a group of city employees interested in unionizing, but that resolution limits employees’ ability to do so.

Wichita city council will study potential of extending term limits.

Wichita city council members will look at potentially adding a third term for council members on Tuesday.

In 1991 voters agreed to limit city council members to two terms.

Some this week say it’s a good idea while others are not sold.

“I’m still considering my vote on this, if it comes to a vote,” said council member James Clendenin.

Another term would mean another four years.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Leavenworth may adopt new burning restrictions

Regulations that allow burning inside the city of Leavenworth could change.

As part of an update of city fire codes, Leavenworth Fire Chief Gary Birch is recommending amending the city’s open burning regulation.

Currently, people can burn tree branches and brush piles on their properties if they obtain permits through the Leavenworth Fire Department. And people can burn in screen-covered barrels without obtaining permits.

Birch said allowing people to burn in barrels inside a city is “really kind of unheard of” today.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

USD 450 seeks candidates for policy and community task force

Unified School District 450 has released an application for its new policy and community task force, and is encouraging Shawnee Heights community members to apply.

The application, which will close at 5 p.m. Friday, comes after a Dec. 2 board meeting where members voted to create the task force in light of recent violence at Shawnee Heights High School.

Those applying are asked to identify which position they are applying for, if they are currently involved with the district in another capacity and why they want to serve on the task force.

Proposal would ban panhandling at specific intersections

Banning panhandling at 23 of Topeka’s most dangerous intersections — but not at any others — is the focus of a proposal recommended for approval Monday by a special committee of city officials and community leaders.

Committee members voted 5-0 to recommend the mayor and city council adopt restrictions that would generally prohibit pedestrian interaction with people in vehicles at 23 specific intersections.

Such interaction would continue to be allowed at all other crossings, said assistant Topeka city attorney Luther Ganieany.

Study: Eliminating most flooding on Buhler Road could cost $4.5 million

A study by a Wichita engineering firm tasked with looking at how to reduce flooding on Buhler Road from the Little Arkansas River pegged the cost at nearly $4.5 million.

That figure includes both raising the roadway by several feet over nearly half a mile in length and rebuilding the river bridge just south of Buhler.

Just raising the road itself would prevent floodwater from a “100-year-storm” overtopping the road, but without replacing the bridge it would also cause floodwaters to back up and potentially impact residences upstream of the bridge, the study by WSP found.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Louisburg considers concept for downtown pavilion

The community might be getting a new downtown public venue.

The Louisburg City Council voted 5-0 on Nov. 18 to move forward with the design of a downtown pavilion that would be built on the empty lot next to the water tower downtown.

The move would advance the proposed steel-topped structure from the conceptual phase to an engineered plan which could be put out for construction bid if the council opts to do so. If the project moves forward, it would be budgeted for 2021.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Affordable Housing board asks whether portion of sales tax revenue should fund housing vouchers, other social services

The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board is asking whether part of the money from the city’s affordable housing sales tax should be earmarked for social services such as housing vouchers.

The board had the discussion at its meeting Monday, following its most recent round of funding. None of the funding, which was the first to use dollars generated from a citywide sales tax for affordable housing efforts, went to fund social services. A few board members asked whether the board should divide the approximately $1 million of annual affordable housing funding into two pots, one for construction or renovation projects and one for social services.

Hutch buys 3 properties for flood control

The city of Hutchinson is buying two houses and one vacant lot in an area east of South Plum Street as part of its strategy to reduce flooding.

The Hutchinson City Council approved negotiated contracts to buy:

• A three-room house in the area of South Plum Street and East Avenue D, owned by Joe and Melinda Richardson. The land and building were appraised by the Reno County Appraiser at $12,430 for 2019. The city agreed to pay $15,000. The house will be demolished.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Topeka group opposes reducing stretch of S.W. 12th to one lane

By planning to rebuild the two-lane S.W. 12th Street as a one-lane street between S.W. Topeka and Gage boulevards, Topeka’s city government is clearly going against the will of most people who would be affected, members of a recently formed grassroots organization said Saturday afternoon.

The 12th Street Reality Coalition revealed at a news conference that among those who responded to a recent unscientific poll conducted on the “Nextdoor” neighborhood social network website, 123 said they opposed that move while only 16 supported it.

“Arrogance and hubris are driving the City’s bulldozer down S.W. 12th and over the wishes of residents and voters,” the coalition said in a news release.

Wichita proposes longer term limits for mayor and city council

Wichita’s mayor and city council members could decide Tuesday whether they should be able to serve an extra four years.

Under a city law passed by voters in 1991, Wichita’s mayor and council members are limited to two consecutive four-year terms.

The City Council can put the question on the ballot again, if they so choose. But a proposed chartered ordinance on Tuesday’s city council agenda would allow the mayor and city council members themselves to vote on whether to extend that to three terms.

(Read more: Local News |)

‘Hurt our hearts’: Kansas town grieves 4 children killed in Thanksgiving Day wreck

A small town in north-central Kansas is grieving the loss of four children who died Thanksgiving Day when the vehicle they were in overturned and became submerged in a pond.

They were headed with their mother and her boyfriend to a nearby relative’s house when their sport utility vehicle lost control on 30 Road, a gravel route north of U.S. 36 in Republic County.

The SUV rolled upside down. The mother’s boyfriend pulled her out, but they couldn’t get to the children, according to Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner.

(Read more: Local News |)

Mission gears up for change in trash collection provider, with WCA to take over Jan. 1

Be on the lookout, Mission residents: soon enough, garbage bins and trucks with a new logo will be on the streets.

WCA, a Houston-based waste management company, will start as Mission’s new solid waste collection provider starting Jan. 1, 2020. The city’s contract with Waste Management ends Dec. 31, and the city council recently chose to award a new contract to WCA after a competitive bid process.

“We’re looking forward to a relationship with WCA and being able to continue to provide comprehensive solid waste services to all of our residents,” City Administrator Laura Smith said.

Wichita area’s second-biggest employer announces layoffs

One of Wichita’s largest employers will reduce its staff but the company isn’t saying by how many.

On Thursday, Textron Aviation announced it would lay off “some professional positions” effective Dec. 31.

A Textron spokesperson wouldn’t release any additional information other than the two-paragraph statement.

(Read more: Local News |)

Wind farm opponent arrested in alleged shooting incident

An Expedition Wind Farm opponent was arrested Thursday after surveyors staking property in preparation for wind farm construction were reportedly greeted with gunshots.

Amy D. Stutzman, 46, Peabody, was jailed at 3:23 p.m. Thursday afternoon on suspicion of three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She was released from jail on $50,000 surety bond shortly before 10 p.m.

Undersheriff Dave Huntley said Stutzman was yelling at surveyors for Westwood Professional Services and approaching the surveyors while shooting at the ground in their direction.

(Read more: Marion County RECORD)

Goessel mayor leads $2.5M sewer project

Dave Schrag has retired from Marion Die and Fixture after 34 years, but Goessel’s mayor still has plenty on his plate.

Schrag is heading up a $2.5 million project to fix and renovate the city’s sewer lines.

Schrag said the sewer pipes had numerous cracks, which allowed rainwater to run into them, causing a buildup of water in the lagoons.

(Read more: Marion County RECORD)

Downtown Garden City thrives through camaraderie

Several Garden City downtown businesses buy goods from one another. They use these items from other merchants to make food, soap and beer to resell. By helping each other, these merchants are helping the downtown to thrive. They are revitalizing their community.

“When our neighbors are doing well, we are all doing well,” said Alicia Gian-Maciulis, the owner of Roots Juice Co. & Wellness Studio. “We don’t want empty store fronts. We want unique stores and restaurants so people come here for a unique experience. We want it to be experiential.”

There are 140 businesses in the Garden City downtown corridor, with 10 new businesses opening last year and five more in 2019.

Imagine Pittsburg 2030 committee gives update

PITTSBURG — At an event hosted Thursday evening to discuss future infrastructure and economic development, Deputy City Manager Jay Byers used an analogy from “Alice in Wonderland” to explain the city’s need for long-term planning.

“We know about the Cheshire Cat in ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ right?” Byers said. “The Cheshire Cat asks Alice where she’s going and she doesn’t really know, and he says ‘Well it doesn’t really matter which path you take, then.’ I want to avoid the Cheshire Cat situation. If we have a plan, we need to know where we’re headed with that and where we want to be as a community 5, 10, 20 years from now.”

The event, titled “Imagine Pittsburg 2030: A Community Conversation” and held at Block22 in downtown Pittsburg, also featured other speakers including Brian Coomes, a civil engineer with Olsson Associates, as well as Blake Benson and Susan Cook, co-chairs of the Imagine Pittsburg 2030 (IP2030) Economic Development Task Force.

Election commissioner in Kansas’ most populous county calls it quits

The top election officer of Johnson County resigned Thursday to close a nearly four-year period clouded by delays in reporting results of voting, the botched rollout of a new election computer system and a violation of the state’s open record law regarding rejection of nearly 1,000 ballots.

Ronnie Metsker, former state legislator and Republican Party official, was appointed in 2016 and reappointed last year. He submitted his resignation effective immediately rather than complete a term due to expire in September 2022.

Secretary of State Scott Schwab accepted the resignation, assumed supervision of the Johnson County Elections Office and opened the application process to identify a replacement for Metsker. In a statement, Schwab didn’t explain why Metsker quit.

In attempt to revamp property on Troost, Overland Park councilman Farassati experiences other side of development criticism

Overland Park Councilmember Faris Farassati, who announced this week he is considering running for Overland Park mayor in 2021, has often been at odds with the developers who come asking for tax incentives. It happened just Monday night, in fact, in a lengthy exchange with lawyer John Petersen about the Brookridge project. That conversation ended with a not-quite-convincing, “Thank you councilman. Always enjoy talking to you,” from Petersen.

But across the state line, Farassati is beginning to get an idea of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of some of that skepticism. In Kansas City, Mo., cancer doctor Farassati himself is a developer – though on a much smaller scale than Brookridge. Farassati has a project that he says will help revitalized a troubled stretch of Troost Avenue.

So far it has not been completely smooth sailing.

City of Dodge City Names New Convention and Visitors Bureau Manager

DODGE CITY, Kansas — The City of Dodge City Human Resources Office has announced that Megan Welsh has been selected as the next Convention and Visitors Bureau Manager to follow the retirement of current CVB Director, Jan Stevens.

Welsh has worked for the Dodge City CVB as a tourism Coordinator since 2017.

“I’m excited for Megan to move into this new role,” Stevens said. “She has done a great job for us in the two and a half years she has been with us, and based on all her qualifications along with her drive, and I believe she will excel.”

(Read more: Western Kansas News)

City discusses having FOTZ manage Topeka Zoo

Deputy city manager Doug Gerber told the Topeka City Council this past Tuesday he hoped to “take its temperature” regarding whether it wanted to continue to move toward potentially having the Topeka Zoo be managed by the nonprofit Friends of the Topeka Zoo.

Councilmen Tony Emerson, Neil Dobler, Mike Lesser and Brendan Jensen replied by indicating they were warming up to that concept. The council had just heard support for it voiced by FOTZ President Fred Patton and Topeka Zoo director Brendan Wiley, who would continue to hold his position under the proposed arrangement.

“I don’t know how to run a zoo, but I have the utmost confidence in these two gentlemen, not only in their abilities but also in where their hearts are at,” Lesser said.

Passing of torch: New mayor talks quality of life

EL DORADO — After a touching rendition of the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance led by the Flint Hills Rock and Rollers, outgoing Mayor Vince Haines was recognized for his two terms as mayor of El Dorado. He was presented with gifts from city staff and his fellow commissioners, before handing the gavel to incoming mayor, Bill Young.

In one of his last statements as Mayor, Haines shared his underlying vision when he took office four years ago.

“Collaboration and communication with staff and the Commission, along with having trust and spirited dialog, and then being able to leave each meeting with respect for one another was my underlying goal as mayor.”

(Read more: andoveramerican.com)

Young leaders make Atchison home

Justin Pregont is eager to show off his town to visitors, and quickly navigates downtown streets surrounding the city building where he works, in spite of the slow but steady stream of traffic.

He grew up here in Atchison, and after a time away earning his master’s degree at the University of Kansas and working in a suburb of Kansas City, he returned. He’s now the assistant city manager and raising his family in the northeast Kansas town of 11,000.

While he was pleased to return, his wife Melinda Pregont, freely admits that moving back to Atchison was not an easy decision to make. “I really wanted to stay in Kansas City,” she said. “It was very challenging for me to come back here.”

(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)

ELC-Z workshops conclude with residential discussion

The ELC-Z zoning workshop series concluded Thursday evening at the Civic Building with a discussion on residential and other personal property topics.

City of Emporia Planning and Zoning Officer Joe Foster and Lyon County Planning and Zoning Officer Sam Seeley took turns fielding questions from concerned parties, many of whom took issue not so much with proposed zoning regulations, but aspects of the comprehensive plan.

In Nov. 2017, Lyon County and City of Emporia officials completed and unanimously adopted a joint zoning regulations draft known as PlanELC. Since then, both have been working to update their zoning regulations for its support in implementation. PlanELC includes diagrams and proposed concepts for future growth, including drawings of what streets could look like in a more modern downtown area and more. Addressing issues with some of the possible design choices, Seeley reminded those in attendance that the comprehensive plan would never supersede existing zoning regulations.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

County commission rejects jail project bid for second time

Lyon County Commissioners rejected a project bid for a hot water system replacement at the county jail during a brief action session Thursday morning.

Offered by SGI of Liberty, Missouri, the proposed bid came in at a higher rate than engineers anticipated, forcing a unanimous “no” vote. The meeting marked the second time commissioners were forced to reject a bid on the project due to cost.

“It’s frustrating, being that this is the second time we’ve had to put it out for bid,” Commissioner Dan Slater said. “The first time, we only got one bid from a single company, and a lot of the local merchants were interested but didn’t bid on it. The first bid was too high, so we put it out for bid again … The same company was the only one to bid on it again this time, but the price was even higher than it was the first time.”

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Lake Fort Scott residents will pay more for sewer service

Sewer customers in the Lake Sewer District No. 1 at Lake Fort Scott will see rate hikes next year.

After hearing remarks from City Manager Dave Martin Tuesday, Fort Scott City commissioners approved increasing the user rate for lake sewer customers from $15.77 per month based on 3,000 gallons for each residence, to a base rate of $22.79 per month per 2,300 gallons of water metered, and $2.12 for water metered beyond the base rate per 750 gallons.

See the print or online edition of the Tribune for complete story.

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Energy audit completed, city signs contract to begin money-saving projects

Fort Scott City Commissioners took another step Tuesday in saving money for the city on energy costs.

Commissioners approved a resolution for an energy services contract with Schneider Electric as well as an ordinance establishing a lease purchase transaction with the company. According to a Dec. 4 news release from Schneider Electric, the city-wide infrastructure revitalization project will “drive economic development and enhance city buildings.”

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

What’s the future for Century II?

It’s something that’s been a hot topic around town for years now… What is the future for Century II?

“It really is a once in 100 year moment for us to look at this part of our city and figure it out,” said Jon Rolph, member of the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan.

All kinds of suggestions and ideas have been flying around on social media, everything from the infamous aquarium idea that went viral, to Bill Warren offering to step in and help.

“I’ve had conversations with Bill. We reached out and are setting up a meeting with him to see if there’s really any ideas for a good new use of Century II,” said Rolph.

But… What does all this actually mean?

(Read more: KAKE – News)

City Council to vote on new union contract that includes pay raise for Wichita Firefighters

Hundreds of Wichita firefighters may soon get a bump in their paychecks.

Next week the Wichita City Council is expected to vote on a new contract with IAFF Local 135, the Wichita Firefighters Union.

The three-year contract calls for 2.5% raise plus a 1.5% general pay adjustment.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Sidewalk Reimbursement Available in Lakin & Deerfield

Replacing or adding sidewalks in front or on the side of your house has never been easier in Kearny County. Thanks to the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant, the sidewalk reimbursement rate has doubled and is now $8.00 per linear foot.

(Source: Lakin Independent)

Cheney is the first municipality to pass a T21 policy in Sedgwick County and the 24th T21 policy to pass in Kansas

On November 14th, City Council adopted a Tobacco 21 Ordinance raising the age from 18 to 21 for anyone to possess or purchase electronic cigarettes, cigarettes or tobacco in the City of Cheney.

Our Council was presented information in October from our School District about the growing number students vaping and using other tobacco products and also received facts from the Tobacco Control Coordinator including “85% of daily adult smokers are smoking daily before the age of 21”.

Police Chief Ken Winter, who also serves on the Executive Law Enforcement Advisory Board for DARE America stated, “I’m pleased that the Cheney City Council has made the Tobacco 21 a priority. The Cheney Police Department plans to continue their partnership with USD 268 and other community partners as we work to educate youth on the dangers of any type of tobacco use.”

Cheney is the first municipality to pass a T21 policy in Sedgwick County and the 24th T21 policy to pass in Kansas.

The change is effective Jan 1, 2020. The complete ordinance can be viewed at http://cheneyks.org/images/924.pdf

(Source: City of Cheney)

Neighbors lose one fight against proposed events center, battle continues

Wichitans who live near 37th and Woodlawn are saying “not in my neighborhood” about a proposed event center. Thursday they had a chance ask the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission to stop the development before it begins.

Developers Levi Bond and Jake Hartman want to build what they call a wedding venue on the property along 37th St. The location backs up to natural wetlands and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Tax fund that hasn’t been used since 2003 would reduce property taxes

The Governor’s Council on Tax Reform met Tuesday to make recommendations to Governor Kelly ahead of the 2020 legislative session.

The council is recommending that a tax reduction fund be restarted after not being used for nearly 17 years. The Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund has been in place for years, a percentage of the state sales tax is supposed to be distributed across the state.

“That goes to the local governments in order for them to reduce mill levies and reduce the property tax in local governments, whether they’re cities or counties,” explained Senator Steve Morris, Chair of the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Shawnee to draft Tobacco 21 ordinance, regulate locations of future vape stores within city limits

The Shawnee city council has directed city staff to draft a Tobacco 21 ordinance that would raise the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.

Shawnee is one of the last cities in northeast Johnson County not to have passed a Tobacco 21 ordinance. Proponents and opponents alike noted that as a result, Shawnee has become a safe haven for tobacco and vape users between the age of 18 and 21 and the businesses that cater to this age group.

(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

A Shrinking Kansas Town Pins Its Hopes For Growth On The Promise Of Free Tuition

The Emporia Community Foundation and staff at What’s In Outdoors understand that college can be expensive – that’s why they’re inviting high school seniors to apply for the What’s In Outdoors Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship is available to any graduating high school senior in the state of Kansas planning to attend a Kansas college or university. Applicants must plan to make a career in conservation in some capacity and take classes pertaining to wildlife, nature, photography, journalism, communications, or any other related fields.

Successful applicants will receive $500 per semester after showing proof of full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 credit hours). The second semester payment will be sent after grades from the first semester are received.

(Read more: Rural Messenger)

Junction City hires new chief of police from Florida

A new police chief is taking over in Junction City.

It was announced at Wednesday’s city commission meeting that John Lamb is replacing the recently retired Dan Breci. For 26 years, Lamb has served the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff’s Department. He most recently served as Police Lieutenant over the Patrol and Community Affairs Unit and was an Assistant Chief in the department.

Lamb said in a release it’s been a long-term goal of his to serve as Police Chief in a community like Junction City, committed to its police department.

A start date for Chief Lamb has not been announced.

(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Wichita approves contract for new water treatment facility

Wichita is on track to develop a second water treatment facility after the city council approved a $500 million contract.

The council voted unanimously on Tuesday to give the biggest contract in the city’s history to Wichita Water Partners. The group’s relationship with Mayor Jeff Longwell came under scrutiny after a report by The Wichita Eagle alleged he steered the water contract toward the group to benefit his friends and political donors.

City officials wanted to continue to work with Wichita Water Partners out of fear of losing federal funding or not finding another company to bid on the project, The Eagle reported.

(Read more: Area | derbyinformer.com)

Seward County approves communications project

Seward County commissioners unanimously approved three agreements and a resolution Monday in an effort to move forward with a cooperative project with the City of Liberal with a new radio system.

A memo from the Joint 911 Communications Board to the commission said the county and the city have worked together to bring this project together in the most cost effective means possible.

“This new system will allow us an effective and interoperable radio system for our community into the future,” the memo said.

The memo added Monday’s vote came after work by the communications board, a heroic effort from Liberal City Counselor Lynn Koehn and Seward County Counselor Nathan Foreman and support of both the city and county commissions, which made a complete proposal to the county commission possible at Monday’s meeting.

(Read more: Liberal First)

City of Topeka receives over $70,000 in grant money

The City of Topeka has received more than $70,000 in grant money from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program, and will split up between the city and Shawnee County.

The money is part of more than $376 million in awards announced Wednesday by the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, according to a news release.

The City of Topeka received $71,199, and according to city spokeswoman Molly Hadfield, the money will be divided up among the city and county.