Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

New program helps paras become teachers

Scheduling, admittedly, was a big part of why Carla McConnell got into education in the first place.

While she volunteered with the booster club at Newton’s Sunset Elementary once her children started attending the school, she graduated to a bigger role when her youngest entered preschool — with the timing allowing her to take a position as an instructional aide at Sunset.

“When our youngest was going to preschool I wanted to go back to the workforce a little bit,” McConnell said. “I looked around and being a para or instructional aide fit perfectly with their school schedule. At that time, I did it because I could be in their school at the same time; I didn’t need any child care. That’s how it started, and then I just loved it so I’ve just stayed here.”

Artist hopes mural inspires others

Inspired by a similar painting in Nashville, Anita Pierce put her own spin on her latest mural creation.

“I saw the one they did in Nashville with Taylor Swift,” Pierce said. “I said, ‘Ottawa (needs one).’ I had the opportunity to do (a painting) on this wall.”

A crisp, white wall was the canvas for the mural, which is now displayed on the backside of the building at 106 S. Main St. The mural ties in to a plan to place even more similar painting throughout the city. The latest creation, which was commissioned by the Ottawa Main Street Association, depicts a similar painting near Fourth and Main streets by Ottawa artist Bill Howe.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

More than a hundred Corvettes roll into western Kansas

More than a hundred Corvettes spent the night in western Kansas on Sunday.

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office posted a photo a deputy captured of the sports cars parked outside the local Holiday Inn.

The cars are a part of the 2019 National Corvette Convention and heading to the 25th Anniversary of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Shawnee to decide on nondiscrimination ordinance

The Shawnee City Council is expected to vote Monday on a nondiscrimination ordinance that would protect sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnant women from discrimination.

So many residents packed the council’s chamber that seats had to be added. More than 40 people signed up to speak, allotted five minutes each.

Those in support of the law, said people should be protected regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation or familial status.

Opponents said Shawnee is already welcoming, the law is unnecessary, and opens up businesses for costly litigation.

(Read more: KMBC.com)

KDOT hosting local consult meetings

The Department of Transportation wants to know what you think about Kansas roads.

KDOT is holding a series of local consult meetings. Today they were in Topeka.

Transportation Deputy Secretary Maggie Doll said most people they’ve met with just want the current program maintained.

“One thing we keep hearing over and over again is that we need to take care of the system that we already have,” Doll said, “so maintaining, preserving the roads and the bridges that we already have is really important to folks.”

Officials make their way to Wichita tomorrow. They will be at the WSU Metroplex from 9 until noon. The meeting is open to the public.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Chanute deals with new costs for fiber optic

Chanute city commissioners contemplated the issue of fiber optic internet service to homes during Monday evening’s meeting after bids for the project came in higher than expected.

City Manager Jeff Cantrell previously brought the question to the commission about fiber service to two neighborhoods. An engineer estimated the project to total $551,000 for both neighborhoods, but new cost estimates come in at $777,000. Cantrell said by trimming some of the count, the project would cost $650,000.

Information Technology Manager Rick Willis said that part of the price increase is because the project originally planned on using one-gigabyte equipment, which suppliers are phasing out in favor of 10-gigabyte equipment.

City updates ordinances on CBD oil, guns, driver’s licenses, scooters

A few new laws will be on the books in Hays and around Kansas, with the annual updating of the city’s criminal code and traffic ordinances by the League of Kansas Municipalities.

The League’s update normally doesn’t make sweeping changes, but rather tweaks a few, fine-tunes others or works out kinks that have become apparent.

Hays City Commissioners on Thursday evening at their regular weekly meeting at City Hall unanimously adopted ordinances that accept the League’s updates for this year.

(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Strategic Doing meetings set for Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties

The Heartland Community Foundation, which serves Ellis, Rooks and Trego counties, has scheduled the next round of Strategic Doing meetings for each county.

Strategic Doing is an engaging process that actively helps residents implement their ideas for community improvement projects. Current working groups who attend will report on their progress and continue work to move their projects forward. New ideas and working groups are also encouraged to attend and start working through the Strategic Doing process.

(Read more: Hays Post)

Wichita Public Schools implementing new grading system

Wichita Public Schools will have a new grading system for kindergarten through 5th grade students this year, using numbers instead of letters.

The new grading system was tested out in elementary schools all across Wichita last year, but this school year is the first year it will become mandatory and it’ll begin in secondary education next year.

Washington Elementary students are joining kids all across the city, taking control of their own learning process. Leslie McEntire has been teaching at Washington elementary for seven years.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Inmate missing from work release in Cowley County

The Cowley County Sheriff’s Office is looking for an inmate missing from work release.

Deputies say Britton White was last seen Friday at the restaurant he is employed for work release.

White was serving time after a conviction of failing to comply with the district court. In the past, he was imprisoned after a forgery and theft conviction.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Brighthouse receives nearly $104,000 in grants from AG

BrightHouse Inc. of Hutchinson has been awarded nearly $104,000 in grants to provide services for victims of crime, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced in a news release today.

Grants offered by the Attorney General’s office are open for applications every year, but the grants are not guaranteed.

“We feel so fortunate to be granted, and hold our breath when submitting the grant application until we hear the verdict,” said Donna Davis, executive director of Brighthouse. “Without this funding, we would not be able to afford rent, we would have to cut back on staff, and keeping our Child Visitation & Exchange Center in operation would be impossible.”

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ambulance official guarantees move will boost response times in Shawnee County

A pilot program Shawnee County commissioners established Monday will enable ambulances in some circumstances to not carry paramedics, thus helping bring a quicker overall response to calls, an official with the county’s ambulance service provider said.

“I guarantee you we will see improvement in response times,” said Jon Antrim, regional director for Kansas for Colorado-based American Medical Response.

Commissioners Bob Archer, Bill Riphahn and Kevin Cook voted 3-0 Monday to revise the county’s contract with AMR to temporarily waive — for six months, from Sept. 1 through Feb. 29 — the requirement that AMR get a paramedic to the scenes of all its calls within specific amounts of time spelled out in its contract.

‘Mowing with Cops’ tour stops in Topeka, aims to counter negative police stereotypes

One lucky family just south of Ward-Meade Park now has a freshly mowed lawn thanks to Rodney Smith and Topeka police.

Smith is the founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Earlier this month, he embarked on a 50-state “Mowing with Cops” tour, in which he travels across the country mowing lawns for the elderly, the disabled, single parents and veterans. Each time he stops to mow a lawn for free, Smith invites police officers in that community to help.

Smith spent Monday afternoon in Topeka. He arrived in the capital city around 3 p.m. — following a morning spent mowing in Des Moines, Iowa, and a mid-day stop in Kansas City. Upon arrival, Smith met with Topeka Police Department officers. They chose to mow the overgrown lawn of a single mother of four whose lawn mower has been broken since the beginning of summer.

KDOT secretary urges Kansans to think of transportation in terms of 2045

Kansas’ secretary of transportation convened Monday a meeting in Topeka to draw input from local officials on immediate highway, airport and rail system needs while driving the conversation toward what that complex network might look like in a quarter of a century.

“We are in a time of great transformation in transportation,” aid Julie Lorenz, secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation. “There are a bunch of trends that are beginning to combine and collide.”

She said the challenge was to design a Kansas system for 2045 that accommodated a projected 11.6% growth in population, but dealt with the potential of having half of all residents living in Sedgwick and Johnson counties. Demand for a modern communications highway — broadband running under KDOT right-of-way — will intensify in rural areas, she said.

Shawnee businesses cite need for stronger workforce, government responsiveness

When it comes to the future of the city of Shawnee — and the growth of business and economy — workforce density and government responsiveness were two key elements identified as needs of the business community.

About 40 members of the business community in Shawnee met in a business focus group Aug. 20 to talk about the challenges and opportunities of growing and maintaining a business in the city. The focus group is part of the city’s first strategic visioning process, Imagine Shawnee.

Wichita, home of fatal ‘swatting’ case, launches alert system for gamers and police

Wichita police will begin placing alerts on addresses where potential swatting targets could be living, the department announced Friday.

The program is voluntary and open to any person who thinks they could fall victim to swatting, a false report to law enforcement meant to draw a large police presence to a particular address. The practice has been growing in popularity on the fringes of the online gaming community, including a case in Wichita that ended in tragedy.

In Wichita’s swatting case, police shot an unwitting and unarmed man on his front porch after Tyler Barriss, 26, called from California and reported a murder and hostage situation at 1033 W. McCormick, the former address of a gamer involved an online dispute.

Walmart, Gardner community offer ‘cool’ help to homebound couple (part of the Gardner Samaritan Project)

Gardner Mayor Steve Shute is collaborating with community leaders to form the Gardner Samaritan Project, an initiative he outlined in his State of the City address last May to assist people in need.

But after a local couple’s air-conditioner quit working as temperatures climbed, city officials tackled the problem in a way that served as a prototype for the larger initiative — which will connect those in need with volunteers and organizations in a position to help.

After the couple contacted the city because they couldn’t afford to replace their broken window unit, the city turned to the local Walmart Supercenter, where manager Albert Stutzman and claims manager Denise Hastings were willing to help.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Fire chiefs detail response to Tyson fire in Holcomb

Two weeks after a fire shut down one of the area’s top job creators, Holcomb and Garden City emergency officials are reflecting on what made their response a success.“The public around Holcomb comes through anytime we ask,” said Bill Knight. “It was the same thing here.”Knight is the chief of the Holcomb Community Fire Department, one of the entities responsible for combating a fire in the Tyson Fresh Meats plant earlier this month.

(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Leaders hope new park will stimulate growth in downtown Baldwin City

Construction will start next month on a new park in Baldwin City that local leaders hope will stimulate more development downtown.

Earlier this month, the Baldwin City Council approved the design for the so-called Lotatorium, as well as a construction contract not to exceed $670,000. The project will add sidewalks, a stage, a big-screen TV, a splash deck water feature and restrooms to the now-empty lot in the 700 block of High Street, which has long been a site of community events.
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The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce, the Lumberyard Arts Center, the Baldwin City Academy of Dance and Voice and the library have drawn residents and businesses to downtown, Simoneau and Simmons said, and Simmons is hopeful the Lotatorium will attract even more private developers.

“There are empty lots downtown,” he said. “Business people want to make money. When they see all those people, they will see the opportunities and invest in downtown.”

KCK/WyCo sales tax revenues continue downward trend

Sales tax revenues were down about 8 percent during the second quarter of 2019, according to a financial report Aug. 19 at the Unified Government Economic Development and Finance Committee meeting.

According to Debbie Jonscher, UG deputy chief financial officer, revenues were down six-tenths of a percent than the previous quarter primarily because of the sales tax coming in 8 percent below the target.

She said the UG now has adjusted the sales tax revenue target down in the amended budget.

(Read more: Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!)

Your mega guide to fall festivals: Middle of Map returns, along with beer, chili, art

If it seems that every town must have a fall celebration and every food product deserves its day in the sun, a look at the area’s autumn lineup of fairs and festivals will do little to dispel that belief.

Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Liberty and Raymore are just a handful of the region’s municipalities that will be dancing in the streets in the coming months. Meanwhile, there will be events celebrating products from the lowly hedge apple to spinach and chili.

And, of course, beer, wine and barbecue will be common themes.

City seeks citizens’ input as to Derby’s future

The planning of the city’s future continues. The next event in the Vision Derby 2040 process is what is known as the “design studios” and will be facilitated by city staff and urban planners from RDG Planning and Design, which is handling the project.

At the event, participants may have their ideas drawn up and designed for what is being called “the roadmap for the next 20 years.”

There will be a series of design studio meetings in September at The Venue at Madison Avenue Central Park.

More state funding means more raises for Great Bend teachers

Going inside the numbers from USD 428’s approved budget for the 2019-2020 school year, the charts show the Great Bend school district gave teachers an across the board raise of 4.5 percent. The district was able to give raises despite the mill levy remaining nearly flat from the previous year.

USD 428 Assistant Superintendent John Popp says Great Bend received more money from the state this school year.

“We have an increase in per-pupil funding from the state,” said Popp. “That should allow us to have more money to pay for raises. The issue always with that is if we have a decline in students, but Great Bend has been steady for a long time.”

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Butler Community College to offer Volvo curriculum — one of first in U.S.

Butler is expanding its curriculum to include luxury cars.

Volvo and Butler Community College officially collaborated in August in an effort to strengthen the auto mechanic workforce and develop a pipeline for the car company. The agreement was made possible in part by Eddy’s Volvo Cars of Wichita, serving as the sponsoring dealership, and Volvo’s Car University Program designed to embed Volvo system technology into top accredited auto tech programs in the country, according to a BCC news release.

The collaboration makes Butler Community College one of the first collegiate Volvo Training programs in the country. Butler’s faculty will be trained in the latest Volvo technologies, and Butler’s auto tech students will have hands-on access to training. The Volvo curriculum, to be launched this fall and embedded into the existing curriculum, will become standard for all auto tech students at Butler.

Police will start voluntary swatter alert system in Wichita

Wichita police will begin using a system that places alerts on addresses where potential swatting targets could be living.

Swatting involves someone making a hoax emergency call to send law enforcement officers, particularly SWAT teams, to a particular address.

The program announced Friday is voluntary and open to people who think they might be a victims of swatting.

(Read more: Little Apple Post)

Johnson County Library celebrates ten years of its award-winning early literacy program

Johnson County Library celebrates the tenth anniversary of 6 by 6, Ready to Read, its award-winning early literacy program, with a series of special programs and activities. The festivities kick off on September 16, 2019 with a Birthday Party at Oak Park Library, and activities continue throughout the week, including a concert by José-Luis Orozco on September 20 and workshops for caregivers and educators that include KDHE clock hour credits.

Money available: SCCF grant applications due soon

The deadline for South Central Community Foundation grant applications is just a week away on Aug. 31.

This year, all grant applications are being done online at sccfks.org than go to the grant applications tab. Applicants have to log on and create a user name and password. Once that is done, everything else is self explanatory. Its the same questions and format as last year, said Holly Rooks, SCCF director.

Grants are available for 501(c)(3) organizations including churches, schools, city and county government. There is a $1,000 limit for applications and there is a list online of things that cannot be applied for.

(Read more: Pratt, KS – Pratt Tribune)

School district contemplates property purchase to expand

The USD 470-Arkansas City School District is considering buying more property near the high school, after recently purchasing a former church building.

The school board is being asked approve purchasing the property and house at 2304 W. 15th St., an 1.8-acre parcel just west of Bulldog Stadium, formerly owned by Donna Avery. It is currently owned by the Bob and Patricia White Revocable Trust.

The district was given a first option on the property after being contacted by a representative of the trust. Information about the property was reviewed by the board in executive session during the Aug. 12 meeting.

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

OP may allow more public comment at meetings. But it won’t decide till after election

Overland Park officials have agreed to study whether to let the public speak at meetings about issues not on the agenda — something almost every other municipality in the area allows. But some City Council candidates worry that Johnson County’s largest city won’t decide on the matter until after the November election.

“It does not need to continue for two or more months,” said 5th Ward Councilman Faris Farassati, who is running for reelection and has spearheaded the push for an open public comment period. “Voters in November need this piece of information. They need to know how (council members) are going to vote about their First Amendment rights. I think it needs to be quite clear that voters have the right to know their reasoning.”

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Douglas County Commission approves six-month halt on applications to subdivide rural land

Rural residents of Douglas County who want to divide their land into residential lots may have to wait half a year before they can get that process started.

The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on the county’s processing of applications for certificates of survey outside of the county’s urban growth area. Submitting an application is the first step in the process of dividing a large parcel of land — in this case, one that’s 20 acres or larger — into smaller residential lots.

According to the county’s resolution outlining the moratorium, any new applications will not be processed until Feb. 21, 2020. But the resolution also says the commission has the authority to bring the moratorium to an end before that if it chooses to do so.

Douglas County Commission selects interim county administrator for permanent role

The Douglas County Commission will forgo a search to fill its vacant county administrator position and will instead appoint interim County Administrator Sarah Plinsky to the permanent position.

At their meeting Wednesday, commissioners unanimously approved directing the county counselor to begin contract negotiations with Plinsky.

Plinsky has been serving as the interim county administrator since December, when the previous administrator, Craig Weinaug, retired after working for the county for 26 years. When Weinaug left the position, he said the county would conduct a search to find his replacement.

Maize Schools bond issue up for vote now

Voters

Voters in the Maize school district can now vote on a bond issue to build two new intermediate schools. We first told you last spring about the district’s unexpected enrollment growth – almost twice what demographers had predicted.

Now it’s time for you to decide what happens next.

“We came out early to try to avoid the lines,” said Emery Bertrand after voting on the USD 266 bond proposal.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Summer reading program puts more than 1300 free books in Salina homes

RAWR volunteers Michael Gutierrez, Meaghan Roths, Makenna Roths, Ariana Cannon, and Leonie Harzman. Photo courtesy Salina Area United Way

Seventy-six adult and teen volunteers spent time this summer reading to children at four of Salina’s schools’ thanks to the Salina Area United Way.

The listeners — children from birth to 18 — each week got to pick out a book of their very own. During the seven-week program, 1308 free books were given to children for their home libraries.

Staff and volunteers of the five-year program, Raising Active Wild Readers (RAWR), distributed the free books one day a week at each of the four schools. RAWR was offered this year at Heusner, Sunset, and Schilling elementary schools, and Heartland Early Education Center. The Salina Area United Way partners with the Salina Public Library and USD 305’s summer lunch program. Library staff selects books for volunteers to read. Each week the books have a different theme.

(Read more: The Salina Post)

Miami, Linn counties in flash flood watch

Miami and Linn counties are in a flash flood watch until midday Thursday, Aug. 22.

A serve thunderstorm was located in the Linn Valley and La Cygne area about 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The weather service reported additional thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall are expected to develop Wednesday evening across Miami and Linn counties and continue overnight. Rainfall totals of up to 3 inches or more in some areas are possible, according to NWS.

Low-lying, flood-prone areas will be most susceptible to flash flooding, with areas near rivers, creeks, and streams likely to become flooded during and immediately after heavy rainfall, according to NWS.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Two established local businesses moving to downtown Wellington

Two new businesses are headed for downtown Wellington.

The Wellington H&R Block Tax Preparation Office is making the move from its old building at 517 North G St. to 119 S. Washington Ave. which is the former location of RCB Bank in downtown Wellington.

H&R Block officials confirmed the move and the new office will be open as soon as next month. In fact, the website is already sporting its new address (see here). The new RCB Bank is now on U.S. 160, east of the Wellington McDonalds.

Another business, Travelin’ Smoke Barbecue which has the popular food truck on U.S. 81 (not far from the H&R Block old location by the way), will be relocating at Barefoot Jerry’s Pub and Grill.

(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)

Divided county commission OKs move regarding pickleball courts

Issues regarding pickleball courts that will be built in southwest Topeka once again brought division Thursday among members of the Shawnee County Commission.

Commissioners voted 2-1 that morning to seek quotes from companies interested in contracting with the county to design and build those courts, which will be located in a planned “Family Park” on property the county owns just south of S.W. 21st and Urish Road.

Commissioner Kevin Cook voted “no,” saying commissioners before taking that step needed to provide more opportunity for public input, including consulting the county’s parks and recreation advisory board.

Campaign at Fort Hays State approaches $100 million donation goal

Fort Hays State University Thursday announced progress in its effort to reach a $100 million donation goal.

That $100 million goal is par of the Journey Campaign in which money raised will go tot scholarships, athletics, academics and student life.

Fort Hays State Thursday announced it’s ahead of schedule in its donation efforts with $88 million raised as of June 30.

“We’re feeling very jazzed and optimistic that we’ll not only meet our goal, but we’ll exceed it,” says Journey Campaign Co-Chair Stephen Shields.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Junction City one cent sales tax renewal will be on the ballot for voters in November

A one cent sales tax will be on the ballot in Junction City in November. It will continue the current sales tax that began January 1, 2011 but is due to expire on December 31, 2020.

City Manager Allen Dinkel said it collects approximately $3.5 million per year for city debt relief. ” It takes more than sales tax to pay off the debt level we’re paying, because we’re paying about $11 million a year in debt, or debt payments with interest included. ” Dinkel added in the past five years or four-and-a-half years that he has been in Junction City the city’s general debt has decreased from $114 million to about $76 million.

The sales tax issue will be on the ballot in November so a special election will not have to be held next summer to continue the tax.

(Read more: Junction City Post)

Annual Tumbleweed Festival begins Friday evening

The annual Tumbleweed Festival gets underway this weekend featuring food, music and children’s activities.

Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the great atmosphere of the West Green at Lee Richardson Zoo for the three day event August 23, 24 and 25.

Whether your musical preference is country, Americana, folk, bluegrass, jazz, funk, Latin or pop prepare your ears for some fantastic talent.

(Read more: Greater Garden City » Feed)

California philanthropists give $1M gift to McPherson College

McPherson College has announced a gift of $1 million from Richard and Melanie Lundquist, noted California philanthropists.

According to a media release, the gift recognizes the work of renowned car restorer, Paul Russell and Company, and was announced at a private event hosted by McPherson College at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Russell serves as president of the college’s national advisory board for automotive restoration.

“We are committed to McPherson’s automotive restoration program, particularly since it is the only four-year program like it in the country,” Melanie Lundquist said. “The college strives to provide the best student experiences. We really enjoy the collaborative partnership we have developed with the college.”

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Great Bend voters to decide fate of 2019 school bond

Residents in Great Bend received the 2019 school bond election ballot in their mailboxes Wednesday.

It is a two-question ballot and question one must pass in order for question 2 to pass.

“It would show the support we have in our community for our school district. We’re putting children first and we want to make sure that we’re reaching all the kids and giving them the best opportunity to be successful,” USD 428 superintendent Khris Thexton said.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

New Wichita police patrol: No guns, no badges; but golf carts, eyes and ears

The newest patrol in the Wichita Police Department doesn’t have guns, or badges, or Tasers, or Mace — just golf carts, polo shirts, ID cards, cell phones and, most importantly, their eyes and ears.

And they don’t get paid.

Meet the men and women of the Volunteers in Policing program — 11 concerned citizens who attended the WPD Citizens Police Academy and an extra three hours of extra training in observation, communication, personal safety and golf cart operation and maintenance.

(Read more: Local News |)

Do the small discount stores help or hurt communities?

As small discount stores proliferate across the state and country, some communities are taking a hard look at the economic and social impact of those businesses.

In February 2018, the Buhler City Council voted against rezoning an area across the street from the retirement community to allow for a Dollar General.

Mayor Daniel Friesen said he heard mostly negative feedback and a Dollar General didn’t fit into the future Buhler councilmembers envisioned, Hutchinson News reported.

Coffey County Hospital holds free Alzheimer’s education series

Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia affect nearly all families at some point.

Coffey County Hospital brings a free 12-session program for anyone who wants to learn more about memory disorders and caring for a loved one. Experts at the Alzheimer’s Association present the program in partnership with hospitals throughout the state.

“We know that working adults cannot attend daytime sessions, so we are offering the program in the evening,” Coffey Health System Director of Marketing Tracy Campbell said. “In our first series even families who have lived this journey for years learned new and valuable ways to make life easier — or at least understand better what the patient is feeling.”

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

New Great Bend Deputy Fire Chief settling in

The Great Bend Fire Department added a new position last month as Brent Smith was hired to be the Department’s first Deputy Fire Chief.

Smith comes to Great Bend after spending 16 years with the Sedgwick County Fire Department where he climbed his way up the ladder to Station Captain. The Kingman native first became a member of that town’s volunteer fire department soon after college where his grandfather served as Assistant Fire Chief and his father and uncle were both firefighters. He worked as a firefighter in Chanute before taking the position in Sedgwick County.

Smith talks about what interested him in the position in Great Bend.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)