Municipal News & Jobs

The Federal Reserve’s top regulator believes the central bank should shift its focus to protecting the job market, stressing that cutting interest rates in the near term should be considered to support employment and consumer spending. In a speech Saturday, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said concerns around inflation, specifically how tariffs might impact price stability, will have minimal impact on the economy, but that there are emerging “signs of fragility in the labor market,” that requires the Fed’s attention.
Read more: The Latest

The City of Coffeyville is proud to launch its first-ever “Coffeyville Proud” Beautification Initiative on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This new initiative reflects the City’s commitment to community pride and service, bringing together City employees and volunteers to make visible, impactful improvements across Coffeyville.
Read more: Coffeyville, KS – News Flash

Even after its previous workshop, the Sedgwick City Council couldn’t agree on an ordinance that would establish a common consumption area (CCA) in the city’s downtown corridor. The purpose of the CCA, according to Administrative Assistant Izaiah Chapman, is to allow the city to have alcohol in the area during special events, such as the Moonlight Market and Fall Festival, without having to get a special event permit. The resistance from council members came because the proposed ordinance did much more than that and because the area would be hard to control.
Read more: Harvey County Now

As part of its effort to review and evaluate its regulations, the Harvey County Planning and Zoning Department will launch an online survey by the end of the week, according to Karen Roth, P&Z director. The first survey will address accessory dwelling units, which are typically those small homes for kids or aging parents. The surveys allow Harvey County residents to provide feedback, and as such, the department will ask for addresses and other information, such as whether you own land. Rothe said the information will allow her to confirm survey takers’ own land in Harvey County. It will also help the planning commission to create a demographic.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Without any fanfare or adieu, Hesston City Administrator Gary Emry slowly slipped away very quietly. Emry alluded to his retirement during the annual joint meeting with the city council, USD-460 BOE and Hesston Recreation on March 28. Emry made it clear then-City Clerk Jason Thrasher was poised to take over as city administrator, and during the Aug. 11 city council meeting, Thrasher was formally appointed by Mayor David Kauffman.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Drones will soon be first on the scene of Olathe emergencies — carrying AEDs, spotting heat signatures in a fire, or providing a bird’s eye view of a crime scene. The Olathe City Council on Aug. 5 voted 5-0 to approve a three-year contract with BRINC Drones for the Olathe Police Department to start its own “Drones as First Responder” program. Mayor John Bacon and Councilmember Robyn Essex were absent. Olathe joins Lenexa and Prairie Village as communities with DFR programs.
Read more: Johnson County Post

The city of Prairie Village is stepping up its noise ordinance enforcement as the community grows fatigued with construction noise from teardown-rebuilds. Now, the Prairie Village City Council may require construction hour signage with a phone number to report violations at construction sites such as teardown-rebuilds in single-family neighborhoods — the source of noise complaint frustration among some residents.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Ernie Lujano addressed the Newton City Commission with a request: fix the Washington Park bathrooms so he would not have to keep plunging the toilets. Lujano spoke on behalf of the Newton Mexican-American Athletic Club, which uses the park as part of its annual softball tournament. He said between 200 and 300 people attend the park for the tournament. The bathrooms opened at 8 a.m. By 9 a.m., he was stuck having to plunge the toilets. Lujano said many of the event visitors are from out of town, and the bathroom situation results in a bad image for the city.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Ernie Lujano addressed the Newton City Commission with a request: fix the Washington Park bathrooms so he would not have to keep plunging the toilets. Lujano spoke on behalf of the Newton Mexican-American Athletic Club, which uses the park as part of its annual softball tournament. He said between 200 and 300 people attend the park for the tournament. The bathrooms opened at 8 a.m. By 9 a.m., he was stuck having to plunge the toilets. Lujano said many of the event visitors are from out of town, and the bathroom situation results in a bad image for the city.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Despite almost $18 million of dollars in taxpayer investment over the past ten years, the Sun Fresh grocery store in the Linwood Shopping center closed its doors Tuesday. “Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer, at this time, able to serve the residents of this important community,” the sign on the front door said. It was the only grocery store for miles.
Read more: News

In November 2024, Rose Hill voters passed a $20 million school bond. The district’s superintendent says it was to fund much-needed improvements to the decades-old infrastructure. A year later, the improvements are coming to fruition, and school staff are counting the days to the first morning bell of the semester.
Read more: KSN-TV

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company is celebrating the opening of its new $80 million manufacturing facility in Maize on Monday. The 134,000-square-foot plant, located on the 5801 block of 119th Street West produces polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes for plumbing and irrigation. Sen. Roger Marshall, Wichita Mayor Lily Wu and other officials were in attendance.
Read more: KSN-TV

Pitt State Gorillas are restoring a Pittsburg landmark and creating a new one. Pittsburg State University Gorillas and alumni are combining forces with Crossland Construction to complete the Gorilla Rising Project. 2024 Construction Management graduate, and now Crossland Field Engineer Dylan Halterman is transforming the Besse Hotel into student housing. He says it’s been an honor to work on the city landmark that’s stood for almost 100 years.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Plans for a cold storage facility on the southern fringe of Olathe faced a major setback Monday night. The Olathe Planning Commission denied recommendation for a cold storage facility at 175th Street and Lone Elm Road. The commission’s recommendation concluded a meeting that drew a packed house, including 30 residents who spoke against the measure, and ended just before midnight. A motion to recommend approval of the rezoning and preliminary site development plan failed 5-2, with commissioners citing safety and infrastructure concerns as reasons why they voted against the measure. Commissioners Taylor Breen and Ken Chapman cast the yes votes.
Read more: Johnson County Post

City commissioners heard a request Monday night to improve accessibility at the Rec Center. Senior Foundation of Eudora board member Annie Bryant spoke during public comment asking the commission to consider installing ADA compliant doors at the north doors of the Rec Center. Bryant said updates to these doors would allow more people to come to the center, and also more seniors to come to foundation events. She asked that the bathroom stall doors also be updated to be ADA compliant. 
Read more: The Eudora Times

Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday approved a package of tax incentives of up to $94.6 million for KU to develop its Gateway District. The Gateway Project’s first phase included renovating much of the KU football stadium and construction of a conference center. That’s on track to be completed this month and cost about $448 million. Phase 2 of the Gateway Project is proposed to finish the south and east sides of the football stadium, plus develop a large mixed-use district next to the stadium, including an outdoor plaza, hotel, student housing, parking, retail space and more. 
Read more: The Lawrence Times

Frankfort has filled the Chitty Subdivision, a housing development where free lots were offered beginning about a decade ago.
Read more: www.marysvilleonline.net – RSS Results in news,news/* of type article

The township of Ogden’s former treasurer will serve four years of probation after pleading guilty previously to misappropriation of public funds and submitting false expenses. Jimmy Bond, 71, was sentenced to 31 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections for the misuse of between $25,000 and $100,000 public funds and 13 months with the Kansas Department of Corrections for official misconduct by submitting false expenses over $25,000.
Read more: themercury.com – RSS Results in news of type article

Pottawatomie County commissioners on Monday took a step toward bringing a new fire station to Blue Township. The board unanimously approved a resolution, declaring the need for the facility in Fire District Number 5, which serves the southwestern area of the county, east of Manhattan. The resolution authorizes the county to issue up to $2 million in general obligation bonds to help fund construction.
Read more: themercury.com – RSS Results in news of type article

Manhattan-Ogden focused its hiring efforts on recruiting more bus drivers and para-educators for the upcoming school year. While the need for paras varies year to year based on how many students need their assistance, USD 383’s human resources director said the school district is hopeful about recruiting additional bus drivers.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

Synopsis: Because the membership of the joint recreation commission between Independence and U.S.D. 446 was consistent with state law when it was established in 1979, K.S.A. 12-1926(b) allows the commission to continue as constituted, provided the majority of commissioners have not voted to reorganize the commission. Cited herein: K.S.A. 12-1907 (1979); K.S.A. 12-1926.
Read more: Kansas Attorney General Opinions

Built in 1964, Marion’s odd-looking water plant is still going strong. Blocky, made of large bricks, and painted a stark light blue by a former operator in the early ’80s, it strongly resembles a giant ice cube. Compared to the industrial and fierce-looking Hillsboro plant, Marion’s is quainter, easier to digest.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Marion City Council members reviewed a proposed ordinance Monday that would set standards for customers with renewable energy systems. The ordinance says the city would pay for excess energy produced by a customer’s generator, but it doesn’t specify the rate. Instead, the customer would be paid the average monthly cost of electricity the city purchased wholesale from Kansas Power Pool.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

New PVC pipes soon will replace Peabody’s antiquated cast-iron mains, improving water quality significantly, Darin Neufeld, vice president of EBH Engineering, told city council members Monday.
“We’ve got problems in parts of town with chlorine residual and color,” Neufeld said. Peabody’s old pipes will be abandoned underground, Mayor Catherine Weems said.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

A new study estimates that a lack of investment in utility-level battery storage could increase prices by as much as 80% in the power grid of which Kansas is a part.
Read more: CJonline

It wasn’t patrons the BOE heard from at its Monday meeting, but Hesston students and their parents. Multiple Hesston parents, students, and state senator Stephen Owens addressed the Board of Education. Their parents and students asked that the BOE not end a cooperative agreement that allowed their children to participate in Newton sports.
Read more: Harvey County Now

The public will have its official say about a battery energy storage system (BESS) in town in November. Halstead’s city council voted 4-1 Monday evening to place a petition on the ballot submitted by Halstead resident Kevin Henderson with 331 signatures of registered voters. The council had a choice of either putting the petition to a vote by the people or passing it themselves.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Lawrence’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted 4-3 to make a stronger statement to the city commission against a proposal to implement fees for residents to use Lawrence’s recreation centers. The city’s rec centers are currently admission-free. Parks and Rec staff members presented a new proposal Monday for lower fees than what they’d previously proposed, which would’ve charged adult residents $25 per month to use Sports Pavilion Lawrence and the East Lawrence and Holcom Park recreation centers. The new proposal would instead charge adults $12 per month to have access to use all three of the rec centers. There would be reduced rates available for people who qualify based on their income.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

A melange of shadow boxes with seed heads, pressed flowers, prints and faerie doors is on display at the Lawrence Public Library to foster wonder and enthusiasm for native plants and ecosystem diversity. The installation, created by regional artist Lisa Nelick, can be viewed along the self-check wall at the library as part of their public art display program.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

As Lawrence city commissioners prepare to vote on a massive tax incentive package for KU’s Gateway Project, residents near the site said a required community input process was not completed, and an expert said STAR bonds can be a gamble for municipalities. Still, KU is continuing work on the project and is seeking $86 million in public funding. The city commission at its meeting Tuesday will discuss and vote on the incentives package. Approval of the plan will require at least a 4-1 supermajority vote. 
Read more: The Lawrence Times

The feline and canine shopkeeps of Mass Street businesses have long attracted customers like flies to honey, but it would appear that downtown now shares an unofficial, more odorous mammalian mascot: a skunk. The creatures appear to be striped skunks, or Mephitis mephitis. The adults — sometimes with kits toddling in tow — have been reported nosing around, and caught red-handed on security cameras, scampering past Jody’s Market. 
Read more: The Lawrence Times

Tuesday, Topeka city leaders will vote to adopt the 30th and Topeka TIF district project plan. Approval will lead the way for a potential restaurant and up to two commercial buildings. Last month, city leaders at a public hearing discussed a new tax increment financing district for 30th and Topeka Boulevard. This TIF-zone is currently home to the nearly 70-year-old Meadow Acres Inn. With hopes to spruce up the area, adopting the plan is expected to set up the building’s demolition, as well as construction for a quick service restaurant and up to two commercial buildings.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

The Topeka Fire Department (TFD) is reopening a local fire station after significant renovations. The TFD is reopening a newly renovated fire station on Friday, Aug. 8 at 2447 Southeast 29th Street. The city made key improvements to the fire station, including raising the roof height to accommodate larger apparatus, upgrading sleeping quarters and modernizing facilities.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

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.

The Emergency Historic Asset Lifeline (E-HEAL) funds will support five downtown revitalization projects for buildings facing likely demolition or collapse.
The E-HEAL projects include:
Burlington: $37,000 – Restoration of the Flint Hills Plaza Theatre, once a popular local movie theater. The revitalized venue is envisioned to host films, live performances, events, and community meetings.
Howard: $100,000 – Stabilization of the historic Howard National Bank building, constructed in 1888. This project preserves a key piece of the community’s architectural and economic heritage.
LeRoy: $25,000 – Stabilization of the historic 1908 Brownfield Building will ensure its structural integrity and safety. The restored space will house a community grocery store, providing fresh produce and essential goods to residents in LeRoy and the surrounding area.
Meriden: $100,000 – Structural repairs and a new roof will save a longstanding flower shop, improving weather resistance and preserving a mainstay of the community’s downtown.
Stockton: $100,000 – Renovation of the Historic Exchange Bank Building will bring three distinct businesses back to Main Street, including a restaurant and bar, retail store, and residential units.
Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce

The slow-moving vehicles are becoming street legal in one community after another, but the boom has come with a backlash.
Read more: Wall Street Journal

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.

Efforts by the Police and Community Together initiative, which consisted of 10 officers from across all bureaus and specialties of the police department, contributed to a 10% reduction in violent crime from the same time period the previous year. PACT focused on high-crime areas and violent offenders across the city, using a data-driven approach strengthened by daily engagement with residents and real-time responsiveness to community concerns.
Source: CJonline

Plaintiff alleges deputy tased her after she refused to exit a patrol vehicle, resulting in injuries. The lawsuit claims head trauma, nerve pain, and PTSD following the incident.
Source: Salina Journal

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 Laura Kelly on Friday directed flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on August 11, 2025, in honor of Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming who was killed in the line of duty on July 26, 2025.
Source: ks.gov

“Pepe” the robot dog is used in situations where officers would need to get more information and insight into a dangerous area, without putting an officer or a living K9 in danger. The robot dog has cameras, a microphone, and sensors to map out the room in front of it. Officers can speak through the speaker to talk to individuals from a safe distance.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

In preparation, local agencies formed a unified command, similar to what was used during the response to COVID-19. The unified command includes the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, eXplore Lawrence, the University of Kansas and other organizations throughout Douglas County.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

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.

Installation of payment kiosks at some downtown Wichita parking lots begins Monday. It’s part of a second phase of the city’s rollout for paid parking in the downtown area, the city said in a news release.
Read more: Homepage