Kansas Municipal News
Adding a wind farm to Marion County still concerns landowners
A fight against a wind farm in Marion County continues after some residents said they were not notified of changes to the zoning or updates on the project.
Amy Stutzman built her log cabin in 2016 just feet away from where a potential wind turbine could be installed. At the time of building, she was unaware of zoning changes. Stutzman said a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) overlay map was changed to include the entire county.
“Had those maps of been updated when I walked int he planning and zoning office in 2016 for my building permit, I would’ve seen on those maps the WECS overlay,” said Stutzman. “I would’v walked out of there and never built.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Nickerson hires new city clerk
Nickerson City Clerk Robin Schmitt is resigning after working at City Hall for more than eight years, to take a job in the Rice County Treasurer Rita Smith’s office.
The Nickerson City Council accepted Schmitt’s resignation Monday night and hired Deputy City Clerk April Beshears as city clerk. The council also raised the salary of the full-time job to approximately $20 an hour.
The city is seeking applicants for utility clerk and the person hired potentially could become deputy clerk. Beshears held the title of utility clerk before becoming deputy clerk and handling utilities. There is no utility clerk currently.
A resignation also left the city with an opening for maintenance tech II. City Councilman Jon Rohling was among the applicants, and he did not participate in the executive session where the council considered applicants. In open session, the council hired Joe Keffer for the job, which will pay approximately $17 an hour.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Conference to promote Kansas tourism, showcase Sumner County
Representatives from communities throughout Kansas have been in Sumner County this week to see how tourism is promoted here, share ideas and take that information to their own local economies.
The TIAK (Tourism Industry Association of Kansas) conference started Aug. 21 and runs through Aug. 23 at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane. The conference will draw in representatives from chambers of commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus and DMOs (Designated Marketing Organizations), Stacy Davis, director of the Sumner Economic Development Commission, said before the conference started.
″This big event will give our counterparts across the state a chance to see how we do tourism and business because retail is big,” Davis said.” It’s destination retail.”
(Read more: News – Wellington Daily News – Wellington, KS)
Sedgwick County Hires New President For Exploration Place
Sedgwick County hired a new president and CEO for Exploration Place Wednesday.
Adam Smith starts his job at the nonprofit Wichita science center Nov. 11.
Smith has worked in the museum field for more than 20 years and most recently served as executive director for Comic-Con Museum in San Diego.
Deputy County Manager Tim Kaufman says Smith’s museum leadership experience put him at the top of more than 70 applicants.
(Read more: RSS Feed)
Corinth, Clear Creek elementaries among 6 in Kansas named Blue Ribbon Schools
Three elementary schools in Johnson County were named Blue Ribbon Schools this year as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s recognition of school excellence.
Clear Creek Elementary in USD 232, Corinth Elementary in the Shawnee Mission School District and Lakewood Elementary in the Blue Valley School District were recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools. Exemplary High Performing Schools have their state’s highest high school graduation rates and the highest achieving students — the top 15% — in English and mathematics, measured by state assessments. The three elementary schools are among six schools in Kansas to receive the Blue Ribbon recognition this year.
Located in Shawnee, Clear Creek Elementary serves about 570 students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)
History Guy: ‘Birdman’ made Kansas aviation history in Shawnee County
As he built a biplane from scratch in 1911 in Topeka, Albin K. Longren kept the project secret in case it failed.
Longren, his brother, E.J. Longren, and their mechanic, William Janicke, waited until nearly dark on Sept. 2, 1911, before revving up the engine of that plane, which Alvin Longren then piloted as it stayed airborne — 2 feet above the ground — for about 200 feet in southeast Shawnee County.
This week’s History Guy video at CJOnline tells of how Longren accomplished a milestone in Kansas aviation history that day by making the first successful flight of a plane built in this state. Clyde Cessna in May 1911 had become the first Kansan to build and fly a plane, but he did that in Oklahoma.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Transfer station director retires after 32 1/2 years with county
Bud Druse, the county noxious weed, household hazardous waste, transfer station, and recycling director, will retire Nov. 20 after a total of 32½ years with the county.
Druse has worked for the county twice. He spent 22½ years in the road and bridge department, from 1973 to 1995. He returned to work for the county in 2010, starting in the road and bridge department before being promoted to director of the transfer station in 2015.
(Read more: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin)
From driverless trolleys to free hot spots, Wichita looks to technology to help residents
Fans who take a trolley from a downtown parking garage to Wichita’s new baseball stadium next season may notice something unique about their journey.
There’s no driver.
City officials want to use autonomous trolleys downtown next year as part of a concerted effort to increase the use of machine-learning, or “smart,” technology across Wichita.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)
Wichita City Council approves funding to help speed up drivers’ commutes
he Wichita City Council Tuesday approved funding to help speed up drivers’ commutes across town.
The council voted to approve $250,000 that will lead to synchronizing stoplights. The technology is already in use along Maple from Maize Road to McLean.
With the tech upgrade, drivers along Maple may have noticed a recent change.
“Ultimately we’re looking to save time. We’re looking to minimize stops, to minimize delays, Wichita City Engineer Gary Janzen says.
(Read more: KWCH News)
100% of Kansas schools now meet FCC minimum Wi-Fi guideline
Every school in the state of Kansas now meets the FCC’s minimum recommendation for Wi-Fi bandwidth.
Across the United States, 99% of schools use some form of digital learning during the school day. Around 70% use computers all day.
With so many schools using online courses, the more devices need to use the internet, the more powerful the bandwidth must be.
Education Super Highway is a non-profit organization that focuses on getting students connected to the internet.
(Read more: KWCH News)
KDOT’s new Cost Share Program in high demand
With nearly 100 applications in the first round, the new Cost Share Program from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is off to a strong start.
In total, KDOT received 92 applications with more than $92 million in local investment. In return, the applications requested nearly $242 million from KDOT funds.
“While we knew there’s pent up demand for transportation investment, we’re overwhelmed with the level of interest this new program is garnering,” said Lindsey Douglas, Deputy Secretary of Policy and Fiscal Affairs.
(Read more: Kansas Transportation)
New bus-tracking app gaining popularity in USD 437
A new bus-tracking app debuts Tuesday for parents and students in the Auburn-Washburn district, transportation supervisor Mike Lopez told the USD 437 Board of Education at Monday night’s meeting.
The app, Lopez explained, will allow parents and guardians to track district buses in real time to minimize waiting, reduce kids’ exposure to cold temperatures and inclement weather, and head off parents’ questions and concerns.
“The number one question we get is, ‘When is the bus going to be here?’ ” Lopez said.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Sedgwick County to pay more than $450,000 to woman hurt in crash with dump truck
Sedgwick County will pay more than $450,000 to a woman who suffered serious injuries when her car was hit by a county dump truck, officials said Tuesday.
County government won’t appeal the damages awarded by a federal jury earlier this month to Karrie Oxford.
Her lawsuit, filed in June 2018, stemmed from a March 14, 2016, wreck on West Street south of I-235 where a county dump truck driven by Jacob Riddle crashed into Oxford’s vehicle.
(Read more: Local News |)
County fire chief named interim Ellis County administrator
Ellis County Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers was named interim county administrator Monday evening by the Ellis County Commission at their regular weekly meeting.
The appointment is effective Thursday, Nov. 28, but Myers will work with departing county administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes to assure a smooth transition.
“We will miss Phil, but as he pointed out in his letter to us, we have excellent department heads,” said County Commission Chair Dean Haselhorst. “I know Darin will do a great job for us during this transition and getting him to work with Phil on knowledge transfer is a huge benefit.”
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
European firm looks to develop wind farm in Labette County
A European energy company is looking to develop a wind farm in Labette County.
The county, and a Labette County commissioner, received letters on RWE letterhead dated Oct. 11 from Brandon Hernandez, wind development manager for E.ON and RWE, Essen, Germany-based companies that recently merged operations.
In the letter, Hernandez, who works in Austin, Texas, writes that RWE is in the early stages of evaluating “an opportunity for a wind energy project in Labette County.”
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
New Reno County EMS Chief applauds local emergency response
The Reno County Commission met the county’s new EMS Chief on Tuesday as he sought to have a non-operating ambulance declared as surplus. After introducing himself as the new chief to replace retired chief Terry David, Dave Johnston said he was impressed by the professionalism of both EMS and area firefighters. He cited an incident last week in South Hutchinson to emphasize it, noting the victim allowed sharing his story. …
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Douglas County Commission to discuss plans to stop graffiti on underpasses
Underpasses in southern Lawrence have recently been marked with graffiti, which may lead to action from the Douglas County Commission.
During their Wednesday meeting, commissioners will discuss ways to hinder future graffiti, possibly by adding murals to the underpasses.
In a memo to the commissioners, County Administrator Sarah Plinsky said underpasses carrying 31st Street and Kansas Highway 10 over shared-use paths were marked with graffiti in September. County staff cleaned off the graffiti from one of the underpasses at a cost of $1,300 but couldn’t clean the other two underpasses because water on the path made it difficult to access.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Garden City Community College Esports Team Starts off Strong in Inaugural Season
Garden City Community College has joined the ranks of 29 other two-years schools across the country to host its very own esports team.
Broncbuster esports – led by GCCC’s David Larsen from the Information Technology Department – has already boasted a handful of wins in its first week of competition, which began at the start of October.
With four official team members and an opportunity to continue growing the team in the spring season, Larsen said interest in the now National Junior College Athletic Association-sanctioned program is spreading across campus.
(Read more: Greater Garden City » Feed)
Possible water regulations cause concern for some in Stafford County
Some in Stafford County express concern about possible water regulations by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
This would involve getting additional water to the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge which, officials say, isn’t getting enough water down its creeks. The department of agriculture says regulating water for people around the county would help Quivira get the water it needs, but proposed restrictions would reduce water usage to irrigatators, businesses and communities elsewhere in the county.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Local emergency manager participates in test program
The director of Leavenworth County Emergency Management recently had the opportunity to see the possible future of severe weather warning technology.
Chuck Magaha was one of four emergency managers from across the country to participate in a weeklong testbed program at the National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
Magaha said he was invited to the testbed to help with research for National Weather Service technological tools that are under development.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
Large crowds attend junior water rights meeting in St. John
The fate of junior water rights in a five county area covering the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge Impairment Administration Zones has been delayed so more work can be done to solve the issue of agriculture water usage and water needs for Quivira.
Area producers and other interested parties packed the Stafford County Annex in St. John to overflowing at 3 p.m. on Oct 21 as representatives from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the KDA Division of Water Resources came together to present information and answer questions.
(Read more: Kiowa County Signal)
Chanute schools not immune to vaping crisis
The national trend of teenager vaping hasn’t left Chanute untouched, with both Royster Middle School Principal Don Epps and Chanute High School Principal Brian Campbell reporting that it is an issue in their respective schools. Epps has confiscated one vaping device so far this year, but Campbell said he has had about 12 at CHS.
Guidelines and rules for USD 413 are catching up with the times, as the school board just reviewed its tobacco policy that now includes a more precise statement regarding vape pens. Superintendent Dr. Kellen Adams said that 413 is one of several districts updating the language of their policies.
(Read more: www.chanute.com – RSS Results in news,news/* of type article)
New road funding program draws lots of interest
State transportation officials advised Monday that a new cost-share program that Reno County officials hope will pay for half the cost of replacing the 43rd Avenue bridge has drawn close to 100 competing applications. In total, the Kansas Department of Transportation received 92 applications, seeking nearly $242 million in KDOT funds. KDOT, however, has allocated only $50 million in funding for the first year of the program.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Colorful Wamego water tank wins People’s Choice award
A colorful water tank just west of the Pottawatomie County town of Wamego has come in first place in a national contest that generated nearly 20,000 online votes. The tank, painted in various shades of red, yellow and green with the word "Wamego" in black lettering, came out on top of voting that included more than 300 water tanks. According to the www.tankoftheyear.com website, the "People’s Choice" portion of the contest that the Wamego tank won was conducted …
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Farmers face water right issues in Central Kansas
Three local counties are facing water right issues in Central Kansas and it has young farmers worried about their future.
“It’s not right,” said farmer Darrell Wood.
Fourth-generation farmer Darrell Wood is worried about the future for his sons.
“I will survive, but these two boys won’t because they both bought land assuming things would be okay and uh they’ve got land payments,” he said.
Pratt, Stafford, and Kiowa counties discussed water rights on Monday from the Rattlesnake River Basin and farmers said it could impact the economy if they lower their usage.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Ten Ways to Protect Your City from Cyberattacks
Every hour, 26% of local governments report a cyberattack. But according to a new NLC analysis, done in partnership with the Public Technology Institute, nearly a quarter don’t have a cybersecurity plan that is designed to protect government information systems from attack/provide steps for recovery in case of attack.
[NLC has] recommendations for how you can keep your data secure…
(Read more: CitiesSpeak)
Kansas schools receive federal grants for student safety
Three Kansas school systems have received federal grants to help make students safer, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
The money for Kansas is part of more than $85 million the Department of Justice has awarded nationally to bolster school security – including funding to educate and train faculty – and support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident.
“Schools should be safe places to learn and grow,” McAllister said. “We’re listening to students, parents, teachers and law enforcement officers throughout Kansas who told us they need help.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Hays Symphony Orchestra presents 4th annual Halloween concert
Looking for a fun, free and educational Halloween celebration that people of all ages will enjoy? Join the Hays Symphony Orchestra at the upcoming Halloween Children’s Concert at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Fort Hays State University’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
This year’s program is titled “Beethoven Lives Upstairs” and features a delightful combination of music, story and theatre.
The story begins when young Christoph writes to his uncle about a wild-haired, cranky stranger who has moved into the apartment upstairs. Who could it be? None other than Ludwig van Beethoven! Christoph comes to understand the genius of Beethoven, the beauty of his music and the torment of his deafness.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Liberal School District copes with losses, plans to rebuild in wake of arson fires
The Liberal School District is working to return to normalcy and plans to rebuild after two arson fires destroyed its bus barn, elementary gymnasium and former high school building last month.
Liberal students came back to school on Oct. 8 after being out for 11 days. Bill Harvey, superintendent of schools, said faculty and staff are continuing to push through as best they can and are keeping their morale up, despite the situation.
“All of the debris from the fire has been cleaned up, as of last week,” Harvey told the Globe last week. “Our kids have been back in school. We had to put all of our students in the high school building for two days last week, but since last Thursday, we’ve been back to school as normal.”
(Read more: www.joplinglobe.com)
Accreditation team set to visit Derby police
Not many Kansas police departments are accredited, but Derby’s police are hoping to gain that status.
There’s been a lot of work to get to the point of having an accreditation team visit town – and it will be here soon. Assessors will be in Derby from Nov. 4-6 reviewing policies and procedures and talking with community members, making sure the department is on the right track.
It’s about taking the department to the next level, said Police Chief Robert Lee.
(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)
Sedgwick County starts Red Ribbon Week to combat drug abuse
The Drug Enforcement Administration introduced Red Ribbon Week to Wichita with a flag raising ceremony on Monday, Oct. 21.
The ceremony started with the president of the Wichita Metro Crime Commission declaring Oct. 23-Oct. 31 as Red Ribbon Week.
All Sedgwick County law enforcement will start to spread awareness about the dangers of drugs within the community this week.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Lanes dedicated to bikes and scooters in downtown Wichita
Downtown Wichita is going to continue seeing changes, this time with safety in mind.
The Wichita city council is expected to accept a $25,000 grant on Tuesday morning. The money will help launch a pilot project, adding lanes for bikes and scooters. Some residents are concerned about what this could mean for traffic.
“It just seems like it can get congested pretty easy, so I think if they limit the lanes, then it’s just going to get really backed up,” says Jeff Walden, Wichita resident.
The trial will run on Douglas, from Main Street to the railroad tracks. The outside lanes will be painted, adding a lane dedicated to bikes and scooters.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Johnson County Community College awarded Top 10 Sustainable Community College recognition
What happens when you save $3.6 million in utility costs over eight years, compost 659,857 pounds of food waste and divert 60% of your waste stream from landfills in a single year? Not only do you make Mother Nature smile, but one of North America’s most prestigious collegiate sustainability advocate groups takes notice!
Johnson County Community College has been named a Top Performer in the 2019 Sustainable Campus Index, provided by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). JCCC boasts the No. 10 spot among associate college institutions and No. 6 in the United States overall.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
KanCap Elected Officials Training (Osawatomie) on October 23
Water is a business! City Council and rural water district boards have a lot to consider: water pressure, meeting all federal and state regulations and standards, and making rates affordable. In fact, their job is making the right choices about complex managerial, financial, and technical aspects of running a high quality water utility. Yes, it takes time to keep up on the laws, regulations, and rules. However, as a board/council member, you are personally responsible. Water is the foundation of your community’s jobs and future.
Like any business, there are risks and options, but is your board/council keeping them in mind? Boards/Councils need to know the pros and cons concerning your managerial, financial, and technical decision about water. That is why KanCap, a component of the Kansas Capacity Development Program, was established by the state of Kansas. KanCap is designed to be an educational tool to assist board/council members in operating their water business.
‘Get Big Or Get Out’ Farming Has Left Kansas Towns Struggling For Survival
A billboard along Interstate 70 boasting about the productivity of Kansas farmers may say more about what’s happening in agriculture than those who put it there realize. The message seems simple and straightforward: “1 Kansas Farmer Feeds 155 People + You!” A closer look reveals it’s been crudely updated — an indication that the tally changes with some frequency. The steady escalation of the number of people fed by a single Kansas farmer — from 73 in the 1970s to 155 today — reveals how lots of small farmers have been replaced by large farmers intent on getting even bigger. That trend threatens scores of small towns that sprouted on the prairie in a different time, when larger numbers of small farmers depended on them. Many of Kansas’ small towns look weathered, worn and neglected after more than a century of exodus.
(Read more: KCUR)
What Rural Kansas Child Care And Cafes Say About Shrinking Smart, Rather Than Withering
The opening of a child care center attracts little notice in a city or suburb. In rural Kansas, it’s cause for celebration. The focus on young families, and the hope that represents, is remarkably rare in small towns fighting for survival against forces largely beyond their control. No matter how scarce, said Iowa State University social scientist Dave Peters, it’s an essential ingredient in what he and his research team refer to as a “shrink smart” town. A place residents remain committed to improving even as it gets smaller. “Shrink smart communities are those that saw faster than average declines in population but also had above-average gains in quality of life,” Peters said. Small, rural communities can do little to reverse decades-long population trends, Peters said. But they can improve the quality of life for the people who stay.
(Read more: KCUR)
Reno County zoning debate not imminent
The Reno County Planning Commission wants to know more before it dives into discussing the expansion of zoning beyond portions in the eastern third of the county. Commissioners on Thursday asked county staff to reach out to nearby counties that have adopted countywide zoning, to glean what they learned. Also, commissioners want to schedule meetings to get input from Reno County residents.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Wichita prepares to reduce lanes on Douglas for bike, scooter experiment
Wichita City Hall is poised to take the first steps toward skinnying Douglas Avenue down to two lanes through downtown, to make the street more friendly for bicycles and electric scooters.
Called the “better block” concept, the plan also appears to be contemplating speed bumps at corners that would allow enough space for trucks to turn, while keeping car turns slow.
“I feel like city leaders and people who are really engaged in the community already know about things like this, but it’s still going to come as a big surprise because most people are not engaged, including most people who drive through Douglas,” said Chase Billingham, a Wichita State University sociologist who has followed the process closely for several months.
(Read more: Local News |)
Man shot by Lawrence police officer in 2018 sues department, city in federal court
A Lawrence man shot by a police officer during a traffic stop for a seat belt violation last summer is suing the city and police department in federal court.
The suit, which was originally filed in Douglas County District Court last month, was removed to federal court this week.
Akira Lewis claims officers from the Lawrence Police Department used excessive force when attempting to take him into custody after he asked to speak to a supervisor when he was pulled over in the 100 block of West Sixth Street in May 2018.
(Read more: KC Star Local News)
Group trying to get Century II on National Registry
Save Century II leaders are meeting on Tuesday of next week. They will be talking about the latest move by the group of make sure it is a part of the future of downtown.
“We have already filed the preliminary site assessment for National Registry status,” said Celeste Racette with Save Century II. “And we are now moving on to phase II which is to get it nominated.”
Racette says if the building is on the National Register of Historic Places, it will make it difficult to tear it down and build something new.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Pittsburg fire department holds fire safety demonstration
A local fire department uses their equipment to teach people about fire safety.
The Pittsburg Fire Department held their annual fire safety demo in conjunction with Fire Safety Week.
Kids participated in the mini combat challenge, using hoses to put out fires, while learning how to safely extinguish a grease fire.
This event helps community members get to know the fire department, as well as, take away important safety tips.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)
South Hutch could join Haven in Sunday sales
Most Kansas counties and cities do not permit retail sales of packaged alcohol on Sunday. In Reno County, the only place where Sunday sales are allowed is in the city of Haven.
That could change after the Nov. 5 general election …
This spring, Greg Dovel, part-owner of 505 Tobacco & Liquor … asked the South Hutchinson City Council to authorize Sunday sales. When the council didn’t, Dovel spearheaded a petition drive to put the issue on the ballot.
Dovel had to collect 50 signatures of registered voters for the ballot question. He collected more than twice that number.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Ellis County dips below 2 percent as jobless rates fall across NW Kan.
Preliminary estimates reported by the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.2 percent in September. This was unchanged from 3.2 percent in August and down from 3.3 percent in September 2018.
“Kansas job growth shows a 1.5 percent gain over the last year which is on par with the national job growth,” said Secretary Delía García. “Additionally, Kansas posted a significant gain in the size of the labor force adding 3,525 people in September.”
Jobless rates fell precipitously across northwest Kansas, with Ellis, Rawlins, Thomas, Wichita, Scott, Osborne, Gove, Norton and Lane counties all below 2 percent.
(Read more: Hays Post)
Pratt County honored for county lake work
Pratt County has won the 2019 Kansas Public Improvement Award (PIA) for counties in the 10,000 and Under population category. The PIA competition, sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Kansas for 58 years, is unique because it recognizes engineering projects for their benefit to the citizens of a community and not for engineering design. Pratt County won for the Pratt County Lake Improvements project.
(Read more: News – PrattTribune – Pratt, KS)
Century II in limbo as planners craft riverfront proposals for apartments, offices
Planners working on redevelopment scenarios for the east bank of the Arkansas River say they will present some proposals that preserve the roundhouse at Century II, and some where it will be torn down.
But none of those proposals will recommend continuing to use it as the city’s performing arts center.
Planners expect to recommend that the city build a new convention center and a new performance center and maybe convert Century II, which now serves both functions, for some other use.
(Read more: Local News |)