Kansas Municipal News
The city of Wichita is selling its public housing. Where are tenants going?
On a lazy Sunday morning in July, the heat is creeping into the 90s before the clock hits noon. Danielle Lenz sits on her front porch in a lawn chair, keeping an eye on her mischievous six-year old. Two years ago, she didn’t know that this sunflower yellow rental home near downtown was where her family would end up. Lenz and her four kids were living in public housing in west Wichita when the news hit in 2022 that the city planned to sell their home – and the 351 other single-family public housing units scattered throughout town. Initially, she wanted to buy the house herself, but she says she later changed her mind due to its poor condition. Instead, last winter she found a private landlord to accept the housing voucher the city gave her as a form of rental assistance to replace public housing. “It’s probably a good thing that we moved from over there. Because they would only fix things … if it had to be fixed,” Lenz said. “Other than that, they didn’t fix it because they didn’t have the funding to do so. Renting to a regular landlord I think is a little bit better.” As of last December, 110 of the city’s single-family public housing units were occupied. By the end of June, about 60 of those households had been impacted by the city’s sale of public housing, according to the city of Wichita. Each had the option to receive a voucher to help with rent, and a city contractor recommends an available housing unit to tenants and also pays for moving assistance. “Our relocation coordinator is constantly working to reach out, stop by the house if they haven’t been able to make contact,” Sarah Gooding, who oversees public housing for Wichita, said in a presentation about the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. “And so it is designed to be a very warm handoff process. Tenants have the right to not engage, but nobody should find themselves homeless, if they engage in the process.”
Source: KLC Journal
Move Over Law isn’t just on Earth
While on patrol recently Kamass Highway Patrol Lt Brown made a rather unusual observation. During a routine traffic stop, he noticed an unidentified object passing by his stopped patrol car on I-70. Intrigued, he rewound his in-car camera footage and discovered what appeared to be a UFO flying saucer! “What’s noteworthy is that this ‘UFO’ slowed down and moved over, adhering to Kansas law by giving space to our law enforcement officers on the side of the highway. Apparently, the move over law is not just here on planet Earth, but in other solar systems far away as well!” Remember, whether you’re driving a car or a flying saucer, always move over and slow down for emergency vehicles!“
— Kansas Highway Patrol
Source: KOAM News
Archeologist digs up history beneath Polk-Quincy Viaduct
An archeologist with the Kansas Historical Society (KSHS) is helping uncover hidden pieces of Topeka’s history at the site of a major construction project. 27 News spoke with Shelby Beltz, a State Historic Preservation Office archeologist, about her work at the Polk-Quincy Viaduct site in Topeka. In a recent publication from the KSHS, Beltz describes the archeological findings being there amid the ongoing labors of construction crews on and beneath the viaduct. Beltz said she watches the workers in action, keeping an eye out for any interesting materials among the dirt while utilities are being relocated. By working closely with contractors on site, Beltz is able to locate and study relics left over from Topeka’s earlier residents. “The main thing we wanted to make sure that we were doing was documenting this early part of Topeka,” Beltz said. “This was part of ‘original town’.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
City of Emporia promotes Tayler Wash to Assistant City Manager during Civic Leadership Institute’s celebration
Tayler Wash’s hard work has paid off in her short time as the City of Emporia’s Director of Special Projects. During the closing moments of the celebration of the inaugural Civic Leadership Institute Tuesday evening, Wash was handed a key to the City of Emporia from City Manager Trey Cocking. On the key was the inscription, “Tayler Wash, Assistant City Manager.” Wash says she was excited about the key, however, it took her a moment to realize what just happened. Wash says she’s thankful for the support from City Commissioners and City of Emporia staff for believing in her putting together a new ‘staple’ to the community. Cocking says the timing was right to promote Wash. Cocking says with Wash as Assistant City Manager, this will help her take a step forward with the City of Emporia and her achievement. Cocking says Deputy City Manager Mark Detter’s job will stay the same.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Rawlins County school bond, sales tax passes
Voters in Rawlins County resoundingly voted yes to a $29.9 million school bond to rebuild the school that was destroyed by arson in June 2023. Out of 943 voters, 636 said yes to the bond issue, and 307 said no. They also voted 783-285 in favor of a 1% sales tax to help fund that school bond. Several members of the community told KSN they are rejoicing. They said they have been in desperate need of a new school since it was destroyed by two juveniles who were found guilty of arson. “It’s a great night for our community,” Eric Stoddard said. “It’s a great night for our school. The fire last summer was devastating for everybody; that building had been up for 100 years.”
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for August 6, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Wichita Firefighter Ty Voth
Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in honor of Wichita Firefighter Ty Voth, who passed away in the line of duty on Aug. 1, 2024. “Ty Voth made the ultimate sacrifice, and he was taken much too soon,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His dedication and selflessness will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Wichita community.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Municipal Bond Trends for August 5, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Cherokee Co. moves to have fallen City Marshal memorialized
Recently, it came to light that the name of Empire City Marshal Marion Thomas, along with his service and sacrifice to the community, was missing from the etched marble walls of the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. The omission was brought to the attention of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office according to Chief Deputy Nate Jones. Jones says with support from the Community Outreach Deputy and the Cherokee County Genealogical Society, they have spent the last few weeks collecting historical records. These documents included newspaper articles, and court documents from the era, detailing the events surrounding Marshal Thomas’s death. According to those historical records, on the afternoon of February 5, 1900, City Marshal Thomas responded to a saloon incident near Columbia and Main Street in what is now the City of Galena. Shots had been fired within the establishment, and when Marshal Thomas attempted to disarm the shooter, he was shot multiple times and died almost immediately. Marshal Thomas left behind his wife, Ollie Hopkins, and their three children. “Regardless of whether this lawman gave his life 124 years ago or today, his service and sacrifice are worthy of being memorialized at the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which is why following the research, an official application was made to have his name included and his selflessness honored,” said Chief Deputy Jones.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Family sues Topeka police over deadly shooting
The family of a man who was shot and killed by Topeka Police has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the officers involved. On Oct. 13, 2022, Taylor Lowery, 33, was killed following a domestic disturbance at his family’s southeast Topeka home. According to findings released by the Shawnee County Attorney’s Office on Jan. 25, 2023, Topeka police responded to a call from Lowery’s sister that he was armed with a knife and attempting to force his way into the her bedroom. After barricading himself inside the home, DA investigators said Lowery drove to a gas station where he tried to carjack a woman at knifepoint. There, police shot and killed Lowery after they said he charged at them with a knife. Following investigations by both the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, District Attorney Michael Kagay announced his office would not file criminal charges against the officers involved. Lowery’s family said they have submitted requests to the City of Topeka and KBI through the Kansas Open Records Act for copies of documents of evidence related to the shooting as well as police body camera video of the incident. They only received a two-page redacted standard offense report. The family alleges the officers lacked probable cause to kill Lowery because he did not pose a significant threat of death or serious injury to the officers or the public. They accuse police of using more force than was reasonably necessary and of violating Lowery’s 14th Amendment rights. The family is seeking a jury trial on the matter. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett released the following written statement in response to the lawsuit: “The city takes claims of this nature very seriously. The shooting in question was investigated by the KBI and their findings were reviewed by the District Attorney. The city will vigorously defend the suit and has full faith that the justice system will resolve this matter. Due to pending litigation, and in order to not further prejudice the process, the city has no additional comment.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
Live fire demonstration highlights Girard’s firefighter training
First responders in Kansas kicked off a day of training as a part of this month’s “Crawford County Fire School.” “Oh, it was just a reminder that instead of just doing, I got to slow down and coach him along,” said Ron Ewing, son and father fire school duo. Out of 45 firefighters, Kaiden and Ron Ewing are the father and son duo who chose to go through this month’s Crawford County Fire School together. “I was proud, you know, but humble also that he’s ever since he was little, he’s been coming around to the fire schools and stuff,” said Ron Ewing. Since he was little, Kaiden got to watch his father as firefighter of 20 years go through his own training. But before he goes off to college to play baseball, he’s turning his dream into a reality. “We’re making memories before I leave and great memories and dream. I’ve always had to run through a trailer with him or just a fire and get trained by him, especially for all he knows,” said Kaiden Ewing. Across Kansas, trainings are held each month, with this one being in Girard. Firefighters learned about extrication from vehicle wrecks, hose handling, and even a live fire demonstration. “We’re putting crews inside a burn trailer that’s got class-A fuels in it so they can simulate feel the heat coming down on them, being able to put water on a fire and make it go out as best they can,” said Steve Hirsch, Kansas State Firefighters Association treasurer. Making an eight-hour drive to this training, he says having the training is crucial. “When they’re called to duty there. It’s got to be a hard job. And so this is where they learn those skills that they can apply to help protect their neighbors,” said Hirsch. A job that without training wouldn’t get done properly and why Ron says he couldn’t be more honored for his son to follow in his footsteps. “A lot of communities depend on volunteer service recruitment, retention and getting them at a young age to start is where you gotta be,” said Ron Ewin.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Ashcraft notes 40th year with city
In the mid-1980s, Dennis Ashcraft, fresh out of Cloud County Community College where he majored in agricultural science, had come back to his native Holton to start a career — but what that career would be was yet to be determined. “I’d graduated from college and I wanted to stay in this area,” Ashcraft said. “A position came open at the city’s wastewater treatment plans, so I applied for it, thinking I could do that until I figured out what I wanted to do.” On July 1, 1984, Ashcraft began his tenure with the city. Forty years later, he smiles and says, “I’m still here.” Today, the primary goal for Ashcraft, who’s been the City of Holton’s water and wastewater superintendent since 1997, and the crew he works with remains ensuring that Holton’s water customers can turn on their kitchen faucet, pour a glass of water and drink it and have nothing to worry about while they’re quenching their thirst. He’s also in charge of the Public Wholesale Water Supply District 18 water treatment plant, which pulls water from Banner Creek Reservoir for treatment and sale to customers in Holton and in Jackson County Rural Water District 3. “The water running out of this plant goes to RWD 3 and the city, and that’s about 12,000 people — that’s 12,000 people that we’re responsible for the quality of their drinking water,” Ashcraft said. “It’s something the whole crew takes seriously. They understand that they’re responsible for every drop of water that comes out of there.” Over the past 40 years, Ashcraft has seen a number of changes that have affected his line of work, whether those changes have been mandated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or dictated by changes in technology and water filtration systems. “The number of things we’re required to test for in the water has obviously grown,” he said. “None of the rules ever get less stringent.” Those rules, Ashcraft said, include the federal Clean Water Act, with its changes in structure that trickle down to KDHE and to his departments, whether they involve water and wastewater treatment procedures or keeping an eye out for unwanted chemicals in treated water. Ashcraft has also borne witness to the changes in Holton city government in the past four decades, starting with his early years as a city employee. Holton’s utility departments were organized differently in those days, when the city’s main supply of water was Prairie Lake, he said. “Back then, the distribution crew handled the electric lines, the water lines and the sewer lines,” he noted. “Lyle Lee was my boss, and he was in charge of the light plant, the water plant and the sewer plant.”
Source: Holton Recorder
Logan Burns hired as Great Bend City Administrator
Great Bend Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns has been named the new City Administrator, effective Monday, Aug. 12. The decision was approved at the Aug. 5 City Council meeting with a 6-1 vote, following a 20-minute executive session where council members discussed the position. This Friday will be the last day for the current City Administration, Brandon Anderson, who announced his resignation in July. Councilman Davis Jimenez attended the meeting via telephone and was the only council member voting “no” to the appointment. Councilwoman Jolene Biggs was absent. During the meeting, Anderson mentioned a change of other department heads. Darren Doonan has been promoted in the utilities department to Utilities Supervisor. Jenna Pitchford, the previous utilities supervisor, has been named Street Superintendent. The new appointments went into effect on Aug. 5. Also at Monday’s meeting, Mayor Cody Schmidt appointed Dirk Becker to a position on the Airport Advisory Board. That was approved as part of a consent agenda that also included permits related to parking and other matters at upcoming events, and a door-to-door license for Venessa Favela with Quick & Right Roofing LLC, based in Great Bend. The consent agenda also included paying 2024 bills to date and paying the payroll register ending July 20, in the amount of $559,560.79.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Voters will decide the fate of Great Bend’s 1/2-cent sales tax
A half-cent sales tax that went into effect in 2020 is set to end in 2025 unless Great Bend residents vote for it to continue. At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, a resolution was passed that will place the question on the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election. As soon as the resolution was approved, the City was ready to post information about the sales tax on its website, greatbendks.net. Brandon Anderson, attending his final meeting as City Administrators, said the half-cent sales tax was set up by the City Council with input from the public to give 45% of the proceeds to Capital Improvements (Public Safety upgrades), 20% to Economic Development and 35% for property tax relief. The tax has not changed since its inception. City Attorney Allen Glendenning said the resolution approved by the City Council on Monday gives notice of the City’s intent to continue the tax and calls for a special election. He noted that the tax was reaffirmed by voters in 2004 and again in 2014. “If we didn’t have this, it probably would have raised property taxes,” he said. Anderson agreed, stressing the election will be to keep an existing tax, not create a new one. If the public votes “no” and the tax fails to continue, Anderson said, “We will need to make significant cuts for public safety upgrades/improvements and economic development projects. Without this sales tax, the City will have to significantly increase property tax or make cuts to public service. “A vote ‘yes’ will renew the current half-cent sales tax. The sales tax will NOT increase with this vote. It is 8.7% now and will stay 8.7%.” To check out the City’s online information at greatbendks.net, type in 2024 Sales Tax Renewal in the search bar. Anyone needing assistance or information may also send an email to City Hall at business@greatbendks.net.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
City Commission to vote Aug. 6 on new City Manager for Manhattan
The City of Manhattan is pleased to announce that the City Commission will vote on Tuesday, August 6 to appoint Danielle Dulin to serve as Manhattan’s ninth City Manager, with an anticipated start date of Monday, October 14. Dulin was selected following a nationwide search conducted by Strategic Government Resources (SGR) that produced a field of 50 candidates and an extensive interview process involving four finalists who visited Manhattan. “The process went smoothly, and we were very pleased with SGR’s services. The high quality of our candidate pool speaks to Manhattan’s tremendous appeal,” said Mayor Susan E. Adamchak. “Our community will benefit from Danielle’s extensive experience and dynamic leadership. I’m excited to work with her.” Dulin has more than 10 years of municipal leadership experience in the greater Kansas City area, including her current role as City Manager of Warrensburg, Missouri. Prior to her tenure with Warrensburg, she served as Assistant to the City Manager for the cities of Lenexa, Prairie Village, and Mission Hills.
Source: Manhattan – News Flash
Goessel Council hears strong opposition to wind turbines
Goessel city council met on July 14 and reviewed the survey the city had conducted about wind turbines. While many of the respondents do favor other forms of alternative energy, the overwhelming majority do not favor wind turbines. The survey asked about a buffer around the city, and most of the respondents would like a 10-mile buffer. Mayor Evan Esau said he has sent a letter to the other cities in the county to ask their opinion about wind turbines and a buffer. Council member Amanda Voth said the next county planning and zoning meeting is scheduled for Aug. 22. Community members are encouraged to attend that meeting and speak out about wind turbines.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
With journalists scarce, Wichita Documenters keep eyes on public meetings
The journalism industry is in crisis, and there aren’t nearly enough reporters around to cover all the public meetings they used to attend. So what if a small army of citizens could be recruited to attend and make a record of those meetings? That’s kind of the idea behind Wichita Documenters, a program launched earlier this year. Retired librarian Sharon Ailslieger is one of the Documenters. “I believe in civic engagement, and I think people should be aware of what’s going on in their government, especially at the local level,” Ailslieger said. Affiliated with the national Documenters Network, Wichita Documenters is funded by the Wichita Foundation and managed by the Kansas Leadership Center in partnership with members of the Wichita Journalism Collaborative (of which The Active Age is a member). The program’s initial funding is for three years. Ailslieger spent her career as a librarian for Boeing, Friends University, Garden City and McConnell Air Force Base. A friend told her about the Documenter program. After applying, she attended training at the leadership center. She was already familiar with the operations of many public bodies from her early years as a member of the League of Women Voters, when the organization routinely sent observers to public meetings. Like journalists, Documenters try to be accurate and objective. Unlike journalists, Documenters don’t ask follow-up questions, interview participants or incorporate other sources of information into what they write. Documenters are encouraged to take photographs and insert “hyper-links” — which are digital links to other sources of information — into their notes.
Source: KLC Journal
City of Bel Aire enacting water restrictions
Beginning Monday, the City of Bel Aire will join Derby and Wichita in enacting water restrictions. Bel Aire gets its water from Wichita and the Chisolm Creek Utility Authority. Because Bel Aire receives water from Wichita, the city will be enacting the same restrictions on water usage. The restrictions will be in place for the next two months, after which the restrictions will be reevaluated.
Source: KSN-TV
Haysville says its water supply is secure
The City of Haysville is addressing residents concerns about its water supply. The City says the public has been asking about the water supply following the announcement of water restrictions in Wichita and Derby. Both are now in Stage 2 of their drought response plan, with mandatory restrictions going into effect Monday. Haysville Public Works says the city’s water supply comes from five local wells and is stable and secure. Low water levels at Cheney Lake and other water sources do not affect the supply. However, the public works department says residents should still be mindful of their water usage and that water conservation is important for the future sustainability of the city’s water supply.
Source: KSN-TV
Derby enters phase 2 of water conservation
The City of Derby has moved to phase 2 of its water conservation plan following Wichita’s Thursday announcement of mandatory water restrictions beginning August 5. Mandatory restrictions will also go into effect Monday for Derby, which receives its water from the City of Wichita. The City of Derby will also take steps to conserve water, including monitoring its daily usage, repairing all leaks within 24 hours of detection, flushing hydrants and water mains, washing vehicles only in emergency situations, and making efforts to repurpose the water used in those instances. “Let’s all try and do our part to help the entire region by working together to be good stewards of our limited water resources during this time of drought,” said City Manager Kiel Mangus in a news release. “A reduction in outdoor lawn and landscape irrigation can make a huge impact at this time. The City as a whole averages over two times as much daily water use during the summer months due to irrigation compared to usage during the winter months.”
Source: KSN-TV