Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Century II activist wants a better explanation for tax district expansion

In its first meeting after a contentious election, the Wichita City Council is being asked to approve millions of dollars in improvements and incentives for some of the mayor’s signature projects.

One community activist says the city should slow down …

The city’s proposing expanding a tax district west of the new baseball stadium, approving more than $100 million dollars in Industrial Revenue Bonds and signing a complicated development agreement for four downtown buildings that includes up to 500 city-owned parking spaces. The buildings are part of a new education complex that will include a medical school, a culinary arts school, hotel and student housing. About $90 million of the Industrial Revenue Bonds would support that education complex known as the Kansas Health Science Center.

(Read more: Local News |)

More than 200 people participate in Kansas City and Topeka local consult meetings this week

The more than 200 northeast Kansans who gathered in Topeka and Kansas City emphasized the importance of flexibility during the second round of Local Consult meetings this week.
KDOT used the input gathered at the first round of Local Consult meetings in August to shape not only the public input sessions that are underway now, but also the next major state transportation plan, known as FORWARD. The second round of meetings is designed to make sure we are on the right track with FORWARD’s design – and to make sure we better understand regional priorities for expansion and modernization projects.

(Read more: Kansas Transportation)

Kansas Gov. Kelly issues disaster declaration after grass fires rage in Cheyenne County

Governor Laura Kelly has issued a disaster declaration after multiple large grass fires broke out on Saturday in northwest Kansas.

The fires started in the morning on Nov. 9 near the Colorado border. Several homes were evacuated and other families were on standby, ready to leave if the fires grew out of control.

The fires, mainly two large ones, are now contained, but they first spread more than 19 miles along U.S. 36 Highway.

Picture from the National Weather Service out of Goodland, Kansas.

(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)

Library makes way for new apartments in Olathe. But a new branch is coming to downtown

An Indianapolis company wants to build apartments where the Olathe Downtown Library is now, but library director Emily Baker assures residents that a public/private partnership is in the works to create a bigger, more modern library downtown.

The Milhaus development company is proposing to replace the library and its parking lot with two four-story apartment buildings containing 170 market-rate units, ground-floor office space and on-site amenities, said Emily Carrillo, senior planner for the city of Olathe. That development, southeast of Chestnut and Park streets, is known as Chestnut South.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Wichita to operate the first electric buses in Kansas

The state’s first electric buses are coming to Wichita.

KCUR reports that the city’s first battery-powered bus will hit the roads this month, with 10 more expected to join the fleet next year.

The city’s transit director, Mike Tann, scored a nearly $2 million federal grant to purchase four low-emissions buses from ProTerra. He has also bought seven smaller electric buses to replace aging buses that look like old trolleys using another grant.

(Read more: KWCH News)

USDA provides loans to three rural Kansas Electric Cooperatives

Three rural electric cooperatives serving south-central and southwestern Kansas will receive more than $32 million in financing to build and improve rural electric infrastructure in their regions.

Nationally, USDA is providing $1.4 billion in financing to 27 projects through its Electric Loan Program.

In Kansas, the following electric cooperatives received financing:

• Ark Valley Electric Cooperative Association Inc. will receive a $5.74 million loan.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Mayor, council to consider adopting new Topeka flag

A white, five-pointed star at Topeka’s site on the state map is among features of a proposed new city flag put forth last spring by Forge, the city’s young professionals association.

Topeka’s mayor and city council will consider adopting that flag when they meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in their chambers at 214 S.E. 8th.

The Shawnee County Commission won’t meet Monday because of the Veterans Day holiday.

Kansas’ annual tax revenue projection surges $207 million

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican leaders of the Legislature offered conflicting interpretations Friday of new tax revenue projections placing an extra $207 million in the state government’s treasury during the current fiscal year.

If the assessment by university economists and executive and legislative branch analysts holds, state lawmakers would end the 12-month budget cycle in June 2020 with more than $900 million on deposit.

Pressure by the governor to deepen public investment in education, Medicaid expansion, transportation, child welfare and other programs during the 2020 legislative session would influence the bottom line, just as GOP demands for tax cuts would diminish cash reserves.

With Brookridge package on the table in Overland Park, county commission debates its role in tax incentive proposals

Increased public pressure about tax incentives and the Brookridge development briefly caused county commissioners to debate their role in the project’s future Thursday.

The commission was getting an update about the Dec. 2 public hearing scheduled for the Overland Park golf course redevelopment when Commissioner Michael Ashcraft suggested commissioners “remand it back.” The package requested by the developer includes more than $200 million in incentives through tax increment financing and a community improvement district.

Although it’s too late for the commission to veto a tax increment financing district for the project, commissioners took the opportunity to express some frustration that information on how public financing could affect the county comes later than they would like.

Fairway committee will review proposed changes to non-discrimination ordinance language before it heads to council

City Administrator Nathan Nogelmeier told the Post this morning that, following Wednesday’s meeting, the administration had decided against putting the NDO on next week’s council agenda. “Given the number of suggested changes, it was determined that it would be more appropriate for the Committee to continue to work on the draft rather than conduct committee work at the City Council level,” Nogelmeier said.

The Fairway administration committee on Wednesday decided to advance a non-discrimination ordinance draft to the city council for consideration at its Nov. 12 meeting — but the committee is making no recommendation about whether to adopt or not adopt the ordinance.

Council approves permit for Louisburg treatment center

Gold Bridge Treatment Center LLC, a 24-hour chemical and alcohol rehabilitation center, has received the green light to open a facility in Louisburg.

The Louisburg City Council voted 4-0 Monday, Nov. 4, to approve a special-use permit required for the business to operate, after the Planning Commission on Oct. 30 added another condition to the SUP that prohibits the center from accepting court-ordered patients.

The SUP previously had 20 conditions covering a variety of topics, but none prohibited court-ordered patients at the 16-bed center until the new condition was just added.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Libertarian law firm asks SCOTUS to consider Colorado eminent domain case

A libertarian public interest law firm is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to end what it says is an abusive eminent domain practice in Colorado.

The Arlington, Virg.-based Institute for Justice filed a petition with the court Thursday asking it to review a Colorado Supreme Court ruling and decide if private companies can use eminent domain for their own benefit.

The case involves developer Woodcrest Homes, which in 2006 purchased a plot of land to develop near Parker, Colo. The company’s development plans stalled, however, due to the 2008 housing market crisis.

How does Arkansas City look to outsiders?

The flowers and murals downtown are a plus, so is the active business scene on North Summit. The college is a crown jewel.

But downtown signage is lacking, entrances signs are in disrepair, and parks seem to lack playground equipment.

These are some of the observations that outside residents made as part of a First Impressions program to help communities see themselves through the eyes of others.

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

City receives donation for Eastside Memorial Park

Emporia City Commissioners accepted a $17,000 donation from the Emporia Eastside Community Group during an action section Wednesday afternoon in the Municipal Courtroom.

The funds, which were awarded to the group by the Jones Trust, are designated to be used toward improvements at Eastside Memorial Park, located at Ninth Avenue and East Street. The Jones Trust awarded $90,000 toward a $135,000 upgrade project at the park in July, with work on basketball courts and sidewalks already underway.

Al Slappy, a longtime member of the group, said the organization has been working for more than 20 years to bring improvements to the park. The group raises money through various fundraisers and activities throughout the year.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Atchison offers plan to remake downtown

The City of Atchison is keying up a seven-figure investment in its downtown district, which could result in the removal of the Commercial Street Mall as we know it, and a complete renovative facelift for the community.

Joe Warren, chief spokesman for the municipal government in his capacity as director of administrative services, announced on Wednesday morning via a news release that a grant will award $1.5 million of a $2 million streetscape project. The grant is being enabled by funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), via its Cost Share Program.

In the main, the project is meant to convert the 500 and 600 blocks of Commercial Street into a regular city street which will allow vehicles to drive through the center of downtown and park in front of businesses on an area currently reserved for foot traffic. City Manager Becky Berger, as quoted in the news release, said the resulting improvements will mirror the 700 and 800 blocks of Commercial Street, west of the mall. In recent years, that area has shown the most rapid economic growth in town.

(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)

USD 253 Emporia bond issue receives overwhelming support

After almost two years of study, preparation and campaigning, the USD 253 Bond Issue passed by a significant margin Tuesday evening with a total of 2,514 votes in favor and 1,450 against.

“We’re extremely grateful for all the support we received from the community,” Emporia Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Case said. “We felt really good about our needs-assessment process and all the involvement we had from all of the stakeholders. I think the fact that our community is very supportive of what we’re doing just validates what that needs committee said. It’s exciting for all our students and staff that attend school here in Emporia.”

The district is scheduling the $78 million bond to be paid over the next 28 years, addressing major areas of need in all area public schools such as safety and security; additions and renovations to academic spaces; a new early childhood learning facility; up-to-date building systems; and projects to improve parking and traffic flow.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Voters chose three new city commissioners in Fort Scott

The city of Fort Scott will have three new commissioners, according to results from Tuesdays election. But the names of who those three won’t be a sure thing until after provisional ballots are counted at 10am Thursday.

The unofficial top vote-getters for the three spots on the Fort Scott City Commission are Harold ” Pete Allen with 714 votes, Kevin “Skitch” Allen with 688 votes, and Lindsay Watts with 661 votes.

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Local organization holding 2 events to giveaway free flu shots, turkeys and coats

A local organization has a busy weekend ahead as they plan to give away 400 turkeys , coats and flu shots to metro families.

According to staff for Mercy and Truth, families needing assistance in any of these departments do not need to bring anything. They just need to show up at one of two locations.

The first giveaway runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the KCK Mercy and Truth, 721 N. 31st Street, Saturday, Nov. 9.

(Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF)

Reno County Commission approves bonds for 2 major bridge projects

The Reno County Commission approved the resolutions for replacing the 43rd Avenue bridge just east of Old K-61 Highway Tuesday. Another bridge over the Arkansas River, along Nickerson Road south of Nickerson, is also included in this bond issue.

The county will use bond financing to cover the cost of the work. The county will finance $6.2 million using general obligation temporary notes for the two projects.

The total cost of the two projects is estimated now at $5,901,485. The additional amount with the bonds is for any added cost that might arise.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Wichita Festivals Inc. names new president and CEO

The non-profit organization responsible for the Wichita River Festival has named their new president and CEO.

Ty Tabing will start his position with Wichita Festivals Inc. November 20. Tabing is a Wichita native who graduated from North High School and Wichita State University.

He received a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago and went on to work at the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, where he led downtown development projects that involved zoning, financial incentives and urban planning. He went on to lead the Chicago Loop Alliance where he created economic development strategies, place-making projects, and public programs and also launched the Chicago Architecture Biennial.

(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Towanda museum needs volunteers to help complete renovations

The Towanda Area Historical Museum is racing against the clock to get the museum up and running in time for the town’s 150th anniversary next year.

Tricia Lee shares her vision for the new look of the Towanda Area Historical Museum once the museum board finishes renovating the 115 year old building.

“We’ve got this long wall right here that’s eventually going to become a timeline wall that will start with the date the town began until today,” said Tricia Lee, President Towanda Area Historical Museum.

The museum, originally built as a Masonic lodge in 1904, has been closed for about a year and a half to give it a makeover and bring it up to code.

“We’ve put in a lot of hours and a lot of sweat equity into this building,” said Lee.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Moundridge City Council looking at keeping pool at the current location

With public support in favor of building a new municipal [pool], members of the Moundridge City Council need to find a location community members will support.

Community members seemed to like the idea of building a new pool in the same area as the existing pool, on south Washington Ave. in Wheatridge Park. The council meeting room was full for a special meeting to discuss the $1 million grant the city received to construct a new pool. There were 15 people who attended the meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 30 to give their input on the pool.

“We want to make sure it’s done right the first time,” Mayor Kevin Schmidt said.

(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)

Great Bend elects write-in candidate for mayor

An overwhelming amount of people in Great Bend voted their next mayor by writing him in on the ballot. Cody Schmidt will take over in 2020 and he’s focused on growing the community.

“I want to work together with the people that are currently in place for our future today so we can plan for tomorrow. One of my slogans this year and this campaign was “I’m a man that gets up every morning and goes to work just like you,” says Mayor-Elect Schmidt.

Schmidt won his campaign by a landslide against three other opponents who were named on the ballot. After some hesitation, the father of two started his write-in campaign. He looks at his kids as motivation. “I’m willing to give up my time and sacrifices to make this community better,” says Schmidt.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Wichita’s mayor-elect already planning changes for City Hall

“It’s going to be a big task. We didn’t go into this thinking that this was going to be an easy gig,” Brandon Whipple, Wichita’s new mayor-elect, said Wednesday morning.

Whipple says he knows being mayor of one of the country’s largest cities is a far cry from being one of more than a hundred state lawmakers in Topeka.

But he’s eager to move forward on his ideas for making Wichita a better place for all.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Mere 14 votes separate Topeka City Council candidates Duncan, Coen

Topeka City Councilman Jeff Coen has received 67 more votes in this year’s election for the District 8 council seat than he did in 2015.

But that year, he won decisively. This year, Coen trails opponent Spencer Duncan by a mere 14 votes in an election characterized by above-average voter turnout.

Duncan has 1,079 votes compared to 1,065 for Coen, according to final, unofficial figures provided by Shawnee County Election Commissioner Andrew Howell’s office.

Sedgwick County signs off on extending Union Station taxing district for expansion

The Union Station tax increment financing district expanding to include a 1901 building to the southeast of the vacant building got the go-ahead Tuesday from the Sedgwick County Commission.

The Wichita City Council approved the expansion last month.

Occidental Management is the developer of the $54 million Union Station project and will also develop and eventually move into the building included in the expansion. The 20-year district was originally approved in 2014. Occidental president Chad Stafford said they would invest another $9-plus million in the building included in the expansion, which is Union Station’s former icehouse at 155 S. Rock Island.

(Read more: Local News |)

Public expresses support for keeping Newton library downtown

The votes are in. The Newton public, at least those that attended library site selection meetings, want any new library to stay in the same location.

The feedback followed two public input sessions held this week at the library as part of the initial process of coming up with a plan for a new library.

More than 100 area residents helped select criteria and vote on five provided library locations.

With the crowd listing accessibility as one of their top criteria, it perhaps should be no surprise that the current library spot was selected as top choice.

(Read more: Newton Now)

County considering repeal of recycling requirements

Swartzendruber updated commissioners on the status of the ongoing recycling situation. He said he didn’t receive a proposal from Waste Connections about going forward, even though a company employee had promised to send him one Oct. 29.

Swartzendruber said he reached out to two other haulers with routes in the rural part of the county. Combined, the two have 1,137 accounts, and only 207, or 18 percent, have recycling.

Swartzendruber said he spoke with all the municipalities, and Hesston is interested in the county moving quickly on making a decision as to whether mandatory recycling would continue. He said Hesston would like to see a policy change so that its customers could get a cheaper rate. He noted that the topic would be discussed Wednesday at a Council of Governments meeting.

(Read more: Newton Now)

Voters back redistricting amendment to Kansas Constitution

Kansas has ended an unusual practice for redrawing the lines of legislative districts that has cost university communities political clout.

Voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to the Kansas Constitution eliminating a requirement for the state to adjust federal census figures when the Legislature redistricts itself every 10 years.

The adjustment counts college students and military personnel not where they’re living but in a “permanent” home elsewhere. For thousands of people, that’s outside Kansas.

(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

USD 378 Riley County voters approve $15 million bond to upgrade facilities

USD 378 voters have approved a $15 million school bond that will see some much anticipated upgrades to facilities in the district.

The issue passed by a margin of 810 to 505 during Tuesday’s election. Riley County Schools Citizens Advisory Committee Treasurer Karen Schroeder says they appreciate the voters supporting them in this matter.

“We’re very excited. I’ve gotten all kinds of emails and texts from people and the main word has been ‘thankful.’ Everybody is very thankful that this has passed and we can move forward and fix our schools,” she said.

(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

New mayor for Andover could mean change in pit bull ban

Ronnie Price was elected as mayor in Tuesday’s election. When he takes office in January, changes could come to the city’s current ban on pit bulls.

It’s been illegal to own a pit bull in Andover city limits for the last 19 years. Mayor Ben Lawrence has defended the law since he took office in 2003.

With new leadership moving in, the controversial ban may come to an end.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Olathe events range from books sales to Bass Summit

New, modern scoreboards are coming to stadiums in the Olathe School District, and they will be financed by sponsors in the business community.

The boards are to be installed next spring at the Olathe District Activity and College Boulevard Activity centers, replacing scoreboards that are at the end of their life expectancy.

Patrons will experience events and athletic contests with LED video, improved sound and animation, Tim Brady, activity director for the school district, said in a news release.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

‘It’s a mess’: JoCo intersection one of most dangerous in KC area. $10M should help

Johnson County commuters could eventually get some relief while traveling on one of the worst bottlenecks in the Kansas City area — an intersection with a crash rate 11 times higher than the national average.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the city of Olathe a $10 million grant to reconfigure and expand the interchange at Interstate 35 and 119th Street, where the traffic volume is among the highest in the state.

“It’s a mess,” said Tim Danneberg, a city spokesman. “It is at capacity now, and traffic will stack a mile or two back during peak hours. It’s our No. 1 traffic priority.”

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Food truck rules a topic in Winfield

The City of Winfield may consider changes to the city code regarding mobile food trucks as the mobile restaurants continue to increase in numbers and popularity locally. The issue came up for discussion at Thursday’s Winfield city commission work session.

Although food trucks have been in Winfield for the past few years, the city does not have any specific ordinances governing food truck operations and permits. Currently, food trucks are regulated under the city’s ordinance for peddlers. The ordinance, contained in chapter 66 of the city code, says anyone who sells goods mainly through traveling must purchase a $50 permit, which is good for five days. However, Winfield city staff are looking for a better way to handle food truck permits and regulations.

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ellis County receives $6.5 million for business corridor

Ellis County’s proposed Northwest Business Corridor got a big boost Wednesday with a $6.5 million BUILD discretionary grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to a release from Sen. Jerry Moran’s office.

The proposed $11 million Northwest Business Corridor north and west of Hays would improve three heavily traveled county roads in a busy industrial area, as well as the Exit 157 intersection where on- and off-ramps to Interstate 70 converge with 230th Avenue.

That would complement the City of Hays’ north Vine Street project, which was approved in last year’s BUILD grant cycle, providing an alternate route for large loads that cannot pass safely under the I-70 overpass.

GCCC and Finney County Economic Development Offering Workforce Challenge Seminar

Garden City Community College is partnering with the Finney County Economic Development Corporation to host a one-day seminar for employers, helping them to tackle the toughest challenges they face. The Western Kansas Workforce Challenge will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Garden City Community College.

The seminar will feature guest speaker Josh Davies, CEO for the Center for Work Ethic Development, for an introductory presentation and crash course on the “Bring your ‘A’ Game” curriculum. The seminar will also include a panel discussion on issues facing today’s workforce, a presentation by Tucky Allen of Kansas WorkforceOne on apprenticeships, a discussion on education and workforce alignment with Bob Kreutzer of Business Management Services, Inc., and presentations from Lonnie Geiman of Bandura Plus on Investing in employees, and a closing presentation entitled “Working with my Disability” by David Powell.

(Read more: Greater Garden City » Feed)

Newton approves Sunday alcohol sales, S. Hutchinson votes it down

A Sunday alcohol sales ordinance was on the ballot in two Kansas communities on Tuesday, but the outcomes were very different.

Newton residents approved the measure 64 to 36 percent or 2,296 to 1,293 votes. The vote comes months after city commissioners also approved the ordinance. It was placed on the ballot after a petition was filed requiring voters to make the final decision.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Pit bull vote hangs in balance

The outcome of the vote regarding a ban on possessing pit bull dogs in the city of Dighton will not be known until canvassing Monday in Lane County. In unofficial results Tuesday, 131 voters favored lifting the ban, and 124 voted no. There are 23 provisional ballots, according to the Lane County Clerk’s office. The ballot was advisory, leaving the decision on removing the prohibition up to the Dighton City Council. /blockquote>

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Wichita approves faster process to apply for alcohol consumption at parks

The Wichita City Council approved an amendment to a city ordinance for the consumption of alcohol in parks for special events that aren’t community events.

The change to the ordinance will streamline the event request process, making it easier for residents to receive approval to hold special events in parks where alcohol will be served or sold.

Residents can now get approvals for these events more conveniently with written approval by the Park and Recreation Director.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Manhattan City Commissioners approve changes to public nudity ordinance

Manhattan City Commissioners, on Tuesday night, unanimously approved changes to its public nudity ordinance — decriminalizing female toplessness.

The amendment removes the female breast from the definition of public nudity — the change was prompted by a recent court case.

City officials stress it does not fully legalize female toplessness. Private business owners may still refuse service to patrons not wearing a shirt.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Despite concerns, former Sears site in Overland Park to get apartments, food, retail

After a year of reworking plans and meeting with neighbors, a developer can finally start revitalizing the shuttered Sears property in Overland Park.

New York-based Seritage Growth Properties — a spinoff of Sears that has been renovating its former stores across the country — has been seeking approval to revamp the southeast corner of 97th Street and Metcalf Avenue. And on Monday night, the Overland Park City Council put the project back on track by approving a rezoning request.

This time, plans for the 19-acre site include a 300-unit apartment complex, stores, restaurants, gas station and 350-stall parking garage on the land surrounding the former Sears store. Seritage developer Jeff Martin said he also will revamp the Sears building, but did not specify plans. The two-story building could be refaced and expanded.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Former Marshall County Clerk convicted of felony misuse of public funds

The former Marshall County Clerk has been convicted of felony misuse of public funds, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.

Sonya L. Stohs, 44, of Marysville, today pleaded guilty in Marshall County District Court to one count of felony misuse of public funds. District Judge John L. Weingart accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for January 7 at 11 a.m.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service that showed between May 2013 and April 2019, Stohs used funds belonging to Marshall County to pay for various personal items, in excess of $100,000.

USMCA ratification would benefit Kansas farmers, families, and factory workers

As an American-born company with offices right here in Kansas, AGCO Corporation understands how much trade matters to the prosperity of Kansans and to Americans across the country.

For example, more than 12 million American working families are able to put food on the table thanks to the United States’ ability to trade with Canada and Mexico alone. Farmers especially know just how important trade with our northern and southern neighbors is. Canada and Mexico account for nearly one-third of U.S. agricultural exports every year.

It’s why we need a strong trade agreement here in North America. And we need a version of the agreement that works for a 21st century global economy. That’s exactly what the USMCA, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, does. However, politics in Washington, D.C., is getting in the way of its ratification.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Challengers defeat incumbents in many Johnson County races, but not JCCC board

A wave of newcomers defeated incumbents in Johnson County elections Tuesday — but not in the most contested and closely watched race.

Challengers ousted elected officials in Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee and Fairway and on the Johnson County water board. But incumbents on the Johnson County Community College Board of Trustees held on to their seats despite an unusually crowded field.

With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, incumbent Greg Musil led with 18.4% of the votes, followed by incumbent Nancy Ingram who tied with newcomer Laura Smith-Everett with 17.8% each. They defeated challengers Lori Bell, 16.3%, Colleen Cunningham, 15.4%, and Jameia Haines, 14.2%.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Commission supports outside agency transporation funding application

The Reno County Commission approved a letter of support Tuesday for efforts by Disability Supports of the Great Plains-Hutchinson to secure funding for its transportation costs through reimbursement from the state.

Not, however, before commissioners present questioned the accuracy of statements in the letter they were being asked to sign.

Rachael Grubbs, administrative support staff at the agency which assists the developmentally disabled in Hutchinson with day services, explained that they are seeking about a $5,000 annual reimbursement.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)