Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Commissioners table discussion on communications tower project

A request to construct a communications tower northwest of Emporia has been tabled for at least 30 days following a meeting of the Lyon County Commission Thursday morning.

The decision came after a request was presented to commissioners by AT&T and Network Real Estate LLC to erect a cell phone tower near a residential area located just west of the intersection of Road 190 and Road E. The request was approved by the Lyon County Board of Zoning and Appeals, according to Zoning Director Sam Seeley. “As of right now, the land is zoned as agriculture,” Seeley said. Homeowners in the area, including Russell Osborn, have also already filed a valid petition of protest against the construction on the grounds that it would decrease property values and create an eyesore.

“Four of our properties are within 1,000 feet of [the location],” Osborn said. “My concern is, I don’t think they took into consideration the existing neighborhood. We’ve all gone out there and built our houses and put investments into the properties, and the people that own the ground across from us don’t even live in this county.”

Osborn said he and the other petitioners were not objecting to the construction of a cell phone tower, but wanted to see a different location used instead.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Mayor says community facility, continued park development forthcoming for Edgerton

Downtown Edgerton will soon boast a new gathering place for residents if plans outlined by Don Roberts, mayor, during his state of the city address come to fruition. During his address on Feb. 21, Roberts said that downtown Edgerton holds a special place in his heart and that the Greenspace is the right place for the city to build a new gathering place.
“Both the Downtown Edgerton Plan and the Parks Master Plan confirm what residents have always known. The Greenspace is the right place for the city to build a new gathering place for our community,” he said.
Currently the Greenspace is used for such events as the Mayor’s Christmas tree and the popular auction during Edgerton Frontier Days event.
Roberts said the facility, when completed, would offer space to host community events such as Senior Lunch, Boy and Girl Scout meets, visits from Santa and serve as an emergency shelter during inclement weather.
He said the city plans to hold a public open house for residents to offer input on what types of amenities they would prefer in the facility.
“Please mark your calendar for Thursday, April 4. We invite all residents to come, bring your family and friends, your neighbors and community members of all ages and help plan the future of the Greenspace for the next generation of Edgerton residents,” he said.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Hutch City Council will be asked to reject park pavilion bids for second time

For a second time, the Hutchinson City Council will have to address the proposed pavilion at Rivers Banks Orchard Park during Tuesday’s agenda session.

It was back in August of last year when the council rejected bids for the pavilion when they came in more than $700,000 over estimated costs. At that time, Landmark Architects offered to go back to the drawing board on its own nickel and try to create something more financially sound.

But after putting the matter up for bid, three contractors came back with numbers more than $500,000 over the estimate. City Manager John Deardoff says the bids are disappointing because extra engineering work netted just $237,000 in savings. He’s recommending the council reject the bids for a second time.

Deardoff says he doesn’t know where the project will go from here.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Parsons City Commission eyes changing tobacco 21

At the request of a couple of local convenience store owners, city commissioners will considering repealing or more likely modifying an ordinance that pushes the legal age to buy tobacco and vaping liquid in Parsons to 21.

The tobacco 21 ordinance that was approved on April 2, 2018, includes a grandfather clause that allows anyone 18 and over at the time the law was approved to continue buying tobacco and vaping liquid. That means anyone born on or before April 2, 2000, can continue buying tobacco even if they’re not yet 21. Anyone who was born after that date must wait until they turn 21. The ordinance does allow anyone 18 and over who can show a military ID to buy tobacco.

It’s the grandfather clause that has caused problems for store owners.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Developer to ask Wichita City Council for $12 million to begin developing downtown buildings for possible medical school

Sudha Tokala’s idea of a medical school in downtown Wichita appears to be taking its first major step.

Tokala, who owns five downtown buildings in close proximity, including the former Finney State Office Building, will ask the City Council on Tuesday for $12 million in special assessments as part of the city’s facade improvement and asbestos remediation program.

The city’s Office of Economic Development is recommending approval of Tokala’s requests after a March 19 public hearing.

The city’s analysis of the proposal says the five buildings would be “part of an overall plan redevelop the area for a medical- and trade-school complex. The complex would include schools for various health professions in the former State Office Building and use the surrounding buildings for supporting services associated with health education and student housing.”

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Century II advisory plan gains Downtown Wichita approval

The board of nonprofit group Downtown Wichita has voted to support the recommendation for a new performing-arts facility in Wichita.

The group said in a press release that the vote puts the organization in agreement with the findings of the Century II citizens advisory group, which after a year-long process made its recommendation to the Wichita City Council that a new, $155 million venue be built downtown.

“The Downtown Wichita Board commended the work of the Century II citizens advisory committee in gathering information, input, exploring options, and thoughtful consideration regarding the future of our community and region when it comes to the importance of the performing-arts organizations located in Century II and community investment in a performing-arts facility,” said Don Sherman, chair of the Downtown Wichita board. “We look forward to working with the city of Wichita and other stakeholders within the timeline recommendations of the advisory committee in identifying the next steps toward a comprehensive master planning process of this very critical and valuable riverfront area.”

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

County approves emergency spending of $375K to seal crumbling taxiway at Johnson County Executive Airport

No doubt about it, February has been murder on all types of paved surfaces. And none more so than the runways at Johnson County Executive Airport, where the harsh weather has caused a crumbling “concrete cancer” that has made one taxiway too dangerous to use.

County Commissioners approved emergency spending of $375,000 out of the airport’s reserves Thursday to quickly seal up the surface of Taxiway Alpha. Not doing so could result in the entire airport eventually being shut down, said Larry Peet, deputy director of the airport commission.

First there were podcasts, now ‘Coffee and Chat’; City of Leavenworth reaching out to public in new ways

Local residents will have the opportunity to meet with Leavenworth’s mayor and city manager this weekend.

Mayor Jermaine Wilson and City Manager Paul Kramer will be available to answer questions during the city’s first Coffee and Chat program.

The event will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St.

Wilson said the event will allow people to meet with city leaders outside of a City Commission meeting.

“This is just providing the neutral ground,” he said.

He said there will be no agenda for the event. He said the discussion will be guided by people’s questions.

Kramer said city officials started producing podcasts last year as an initiative to reach members of the public. And the Coffee and Chat program is a new outreach initiative.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Leavenworth County rehires former public works director

A former public works director for Leavenworth County is getting ready to step back into his old job.

Mike Spickelmier has been hired as the county’s new public works director. He is scheduled to begin his new duties March 20, according to County Administrator Mark Loughry.

Spickelmier previously served as the county’s public works director, but he was terminated from the position in 2016 by a 2-1 vote of the Leavenworth County Commission.

The action later resulted in a finding by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office that commissioners had violated the state’s open meetings law.

None of the commissioners who were involved in the termination remains on the commission.

County Administrator Mark Loughry was not employed with the county at the time of Spickelmier’s termination. But Loughry acknowledged that he is aware of what happened.

Loughry said the termination did not give him pause when recently hiring Spickelmier as the new public works director.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Gardner’s mayor says future continues to be bright

This past year was a momentous time for the City of Gardner. We celebrated the start and completion of a number of significant projects that enhanced the quality of life for our residents and addressed the diverse needs of our community.
Our robust economic development strategy allowed us to strengthen Gardner’s economy, securing $105 million of private investments in 2018 alone. This is due to the addition of 13 new businesses that have opened or are in the development process. Some of the new establishments we welcomed include the Hampton Inn, Excelligence Learning Corporation, Scooters, First Point Urgent Care, Enterprise Leasing, Planet Sub, and CVS. And early this spring, we will celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Olathe Health Urgent Care & Multi-Specialty Center – an essential service to our residents that has been absent from Southwest Johnson County until now.
These new businesses also helped us take a big step in job creation last year. Approximately 460 new jobs were formed, helping to increase Gardner’s local workforce. These types of opportunities give many of our residents the convenience of living and working in Gardner while helping to boost our economy.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Salina residents concerned about North Ninth Street traffic

Several North Salina residents expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians, especially children, who cross North Ninth Street, during a meeting at the St. John’s Military School library Thursday evening.

Public Works Director Jim Kowach said Salina officials are considering adding crosswalks and lowering the speed limit on North Ninth Street from 40 to 35 miles per hour.

Kowach said a speed study determined most people generally drive 40 mph or less, but that some people go much faster during the early morning and late evening. About 7,500 vehicles drive along North Ninth Street on an average day.

In an interview after the meeting, Karen Humphries, who lives in the 1100 block of North Ninth Street, said the current speed limit of 40 mph is too high.

“I think it’s wrong in a residential area with a bunch of kids trying to get to and from school buses,” she said.

Her husband, Tom Humphries, said he supports lowering the speed limit to 30 mph because children have been hit by vehicles, and because people attempting to pull their vehicles in and out of driveways have been struck by oncoming traffic.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

Wichita plans to sell riverfront property near new ball park for $1 an acre

After agreeing to build a $75 million stadium to lure a minor-league baseball team to Wichita, city officials now plan to sell the land around the stadium to the team owners for $1 an acre.

Wichita Riverfront LP, a partnership that was created to develop the area around the stadium, would buy 24 acres west of downtown for $24, or a dollar less than a city parking ticket.

The sale would include 3.5 acres of riverfront property on the west bank of the Arkansas River that has not been appraised. The rest of the property is valued at $805,600, according to Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office records. The ballpark developers’ majority owner, Lou Schwechheimer, said the city will come out ahead in the deal. Schwechheimer, who is moving the Triple-A Baby Cakes from New Orleans to Wichita, said the ballpark and surrounding area will be a catalyst for economic growth across Wichita.

“We are absolutely going to give the fans and the residents of Wichita and the surrounding areas our very best effort every day, and we’re going to give so much more than we are going to take,” Schwechheimer said.

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

Property owners in northwest Lawrence must soon begin repairing sidewalks

Some property owners in northwest Lawrence will soon be getting notices from the city asking them to repair their sidewalks.

City staff estimates that millions of dollars in sidewalk repairs are needed throughout Lawrence, and the city was broken into eight zones to begin enforcing the city’s long-standing ordinance. The ordinance requires property owners to repair hazardous sidewalks adjacent to their properties, and certain homeowners could be eligible to have the city pay for all or part of their repair costs.

Municipal Services and Operations Program Specialist Mark Thiel said repair notices for the first zone will be sent out March 11. Property owners have 60 days to have repairs made themselves, or they can choose to have a city-hired contractor make the repairs and receive the same pricing as the city, according to the city’s sidewalk repair enforcement policy.

Transfer station’s future discussed in Labette county

City officials hope the expiration of a contract for the trash transfer station south of Parsons will result in lower rates.

City Attorney Ross Albertini spoke to commissioners about the issue briefly during a work session Thursday afternoon.

Waste Corporation of America owns and operates the trash transfer station under a contract with the Labette County Solid Waste Management Committee. The 15-year contract began in January 2005. WCA built the station that began operation in June 2007. After the contract ends, the transfer station will revert to Labette County.

Albertini said Labette County Commissioner Doug Allen brought the topic to the attention of city officials recently. Albertini and Derek Clevenger, director of utilities, met with Allen to discuss options, although the county solid waste committee will make the final decision on how to proceed in regard to operation of the transfer station.

“It’s up to the county sanitation committee to make that decision obviously, so we’re a long ways from that,” Albertini said.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Wind project foe balks on making survey public

An opponent of the Neosho Ridge Wind energy project wants some information about the project kept out of the public record.

Neosho County Commissioners, with Counselor Seth Jones and County Attorney Linus Thuston present, talked Thursday evening about information provided in open meeting being public record. One member of the audience accused Apex, the wind project developer, of using that information to hound residents.

Over the past two weeks, opponent Dustie Elsworth has contacted nearly 200 people, including those outside of the area of the Neosho Ridge project, and claimed that a high majority favor increased setbacks, holding the developer Apex Clean Energy accountable, and providing a guarantee against property value decreases. But Elsworth declined to provide information to the commissioners about his survey because that would become public record. A representative of Apex expressed interest in getting copies of the survey, which prompted the hounding accusation. Thuston said those names and addresses are public record.

Lawrence police document ‘ridiculous call’ in funny Twitter thread

The most ridiculous call of 2019 (so far)

A thread. pic.twitter.com/F2SKHqDdZV

— Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) February 28, 2019

Click here to read the full thread.

Mayor in talks with at least three groups to move to former downtown Wichita library

Plans for Wichita’s longtime downtown library are far from finalized, but Mayor Jeff Longwell has been in talks with several organizations about possibly relocating there.

“We’re excited about the possibility,” said KPTS, Channel 8, president and CEO Victor Hogstrom. “It’s a beautiful building.”

Longwell also has talked with the Kansas African American Museum and the Museum of World Treasures about locating there. The library closed last year when the new Advanced Learning Library — a $38 million downtown branch at Second and McLean Boulevard — opened in June.

Andover Police Department introduces new K9

The Andover Police Department Thursday introduced the newest member of its department, a German shepherd named Roko.

During Thursday’s ceremony, Andover police officially welcomed its newest K9 and Roko’s handler, Deshaun Smith. The department says the pair will help with missions like drug deterrence and search and rescue efforts.

Roko isn’t just a member of the Andover Police Department; he’s a constant companion for his handler.

“When you’re at work your’e with him, when you’re at home, you’re with him,” Smith says. “You take care of him. You take him to vet visits, you bathe him, you brush him. I’m with him more than my own family.”

(Read more: KWCH News)

Amtrak announces matching funds for Southwest Chief

Amtrak has informed federal, state and local officials along the daily Southwest Chief route that, with the enactment of the recent full-year funding bill by Congress, it will provide matching funds to enable a federal grant for safety and reliability upgrades on the train’s route in Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico.

Earlier this year, Congress passed and the president signed into law the fiscal year 2019 Appropriations Act, which included critical funding for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail service. The legislation set aside at least $50 million of its National Network grant for improvements to the Southwest Chief route that passes through Hutchinson.

Amtrak is using $3 million of these funds to match a $16 million grant successfully sought by these states, counties and cities. The grant and matching funds from the partners will result in an investment of more than $26 million.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Shawnee County restarts process to choose company to clean, repair courthouse

Shawnee County commissioners directed a county committee Thursday to restart its process of choosing a company to carry out exterior cleaning and repairs at the county courthouse, 200 S.E. 7th.

The county’s professional services selection committee had recommended the county enter into contract negotiations with Western Specialty Contractors.

But Commissioners Bob Archer, Bill Riphahn and Kevin Cook voted 3-0 Thursday to approve Archer’s motion calling for the committee to start over.

Archer said he had received additional information the committee didn’t have, though he didn’t share any further details. He said he saw no harm in having the committee begin again, considering the work doesn’t need to be done right away.

Cook asked that the committee also look at issues the county experienced during its last courthouse cleaning and repair project in 2007 to “make sure we don’t have a repeat.”

The county had to bring in companies later to fix leaks after that work was done, Cook said.

Zoning approved for assisted living center in Derby

An assisted living center developer wants to build in Derby.

NAK Development Wichita LLC, which has a facility in Andover, wants to build a similar facility at the northeast corner of Woodlawn and Meadowlark, just west of the Family Video store. As planned, it would have 25 to 40 studio-type apartments and perhaps some independent living.

The company got the lead on building a presence in Derby from its Andover workers. “A lot of our staff is familiar with Derby as they either worked or lived here,” said Chase Thornock, managing director. “We thought it was a beautiful location and it seemed to be a good fit.”

The company has a contract on the land, and the wheels are in motion to make the project happen.

Company officials asked for and received a zoning change from the Derby Planning Commission, which approved the request at its Feb. 21 meeting.

City Planner Justin Givens said the city received only two comments on the proposal from neighbors. One comment was positive, saying that “it would be a great fit” and the other individual asked questions about the rezoning and proposed use but did not state an objection to or support for the project.

Locals in Marion county voice concerns over county wind farm

Almost 30 people attended Tuesday’s Marion County Commission meeting to voice concerns about the setbacks associated with wind turbines in the area and across Kansas. Clarifying an earlier report, no wind turbines are planned in the area south of U.S. Highway 50 and east of U.S. Highway 77 in the tallgrass prairie preservation area. In addition, Pat Pelstring, representing Expedition Wind Project, based in Wayzata, Minn., is urging the commission to avoid a moratorium, noting that many people in that area have already signed agreements. The group, he said, wants to get started by fall if at all possible. For Jeremy Loewen, the idea of preserving farms and farming practices for the next generation of farmers was important to him, as it was for others, including Randy Eitzen.

As a farmer in the southeast part of Marion County, Eitzen said he doesn’t normally speak out in this type of setting.

“But we need to take a good strong look at what people before me said. I really think you as commissioners really need to take a look at a majority of the people who signed up [for these wind turbine agreements] so far,” Eitzen said.

One of the problems Eitzen said he sees is that a majority of the people signing up are getting ready to retire or they are absentee landowners.

(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)

Abilene pauses study on city building

The Abilene City Commission wasn’t ready to decide the fate of the Abilene City Hall and Auditorium at its regular meeting Monday.
City Engineer Mark Bachamp with Olsson Associates started a study of a renovation of the municipal court and Abilene Police Department. But he wasn’t sure if he should continue spending all of the $34,000 allocated….
They agreed to place the question on the City’s Roundtable at www.opentownhall.com/portals/299/Issue_7256 to solicit comments from the public.
City Manager Austin Gilley said in the Roundtable introduction that the city hall building was designed for a 1925 operation and has outgrown its ability to meet the needs of a 2025 operation. Over the years, the building has come to house city hall, municipal court, the fire station and the police department, and the public use side of the building has been closed.

Lawrence receives $480,000 grant to help complete 2 sections of citywide trail system

The city has received a grant to help complete two sections in the trail system that will someday encircle Lawrence.

Once complete, the Lawrence Loop will provide a continuous 22-mile concrete path around Lawrence, with connector trails linking it to neighborhoods. The city recently received a state transportation grant of nearly half a million dollars to help complete two sections of the trail in eastern Lawrence, but it will need to set aside additional funding as part of its upcoming budget process.

The $480,000 Kansas Department of Transportation grant is for 2020 and requires a 20 percent match and other funding from the city, most of which the city has included in tentative budget plans.

City of Marysville considers selling land to Kramer Oil

Marysville City Council spoke favorably Monday of an economic development opportunity posed by selling city-owned land for a local business expansion.

Kramer Oil is looking to expand its operations by purchasing 3.6 acres from the city. The property is directly south of CJ Express East at 11th Road and U.S. Highway 36. The potential sale was discussed during the council’s regular meeting.

Mayor Carla Grund said she would like to see Kramer Oil submit a cost-benefit analysis to the city with information about the expansion such as jobs added and property tax benefits. Grund said if owner Chad Kramer was willing to show the council how beneficial the expansion could be to the community, she would be willing to “make it easy for him to expand.”

“I’m glad his business is growing,” she said.

(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)

Project Wichita hopes young leaders will help propel regional growth

Project Wichita continues to take its findings and potential action plans to the community, this week with an intentional focus on engaging young community leaders in the process.

A panel of Project Wichita leaders spoke to the Wichita Business Journal’s Emerging Leaders on Wednesday morning at the Kansas Leadership Center, following a Tuesday evening with members of Young Professionals of Wichita, Connecting ICT, Urban Professionals, Young Latino Professionals and the United Way’s Young Leaders United program.

Evan Rosell, among the presenters at the WBJ event, said it is imperative that young leaders be involved in any initiative moving the city and region forward — especially one that is looking a decade down the road like Project Wichita.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Newton City Commissioner proposes forum following utility rate feedback

In response to complaints about utility rates from Newton residents, Commissioner Barth Hague said he instructed city management to put together a community forum to hear from residents about the issue.

Recently, residents have vented on social media about the high prices of utility rates, prompted by a graph released by the City of El Dorado showing Newton to have the highest rates in the area, as well as plans that would increase utility rates to pay for things like bulky item pick up or tree trimming.

“It’s quite possible, based on what transpired on Facebook, no one will come to the event,” Hague said at Tuesday night’s commission meeting. “But, I think it behooves us to have some discussion with the public about their ideas and the perception of why their rates are so high.”

Mayor Kathy Valentine said she didn’t have any problem with Hague’s idea, but also thought information explaining what utility rates are used to fund should go out with water bills.
For 2019, according to city numbers, the city budgeted transferring $3.55 million or 24 percent of projected utility revenues to its general fund.

Myers explained in a response from the city for why transfers are necessary that they offset property tax increases and make sure non-profit entities pay their fair share for services.

Valentine said, then, residents would be in charge for reading it for themselves and couldn’t say the city wasn’t informing its citizens.

(Read more: Newton Now)

After three decades, longtime Liberal solid waste director calls it a career

The Liberal City Commission began its most recent meeting Tuesday evening rather bittersweet as the commission said good-bye to a longtime employee.
Solid Waste Department Director Frank Holman will be retiring from his post at the end of the month and received his retirement plaque from the commission.
“Frank Holman will be retiring from the City of Liberal March 1, 2019 after 30 years of successful service,” Vice Mayor Taylor Harden said. “Frank has been a dedicated employee for many years and his hard work and dedication toward the betterment of the community is greatly appreciated. We at the City of Liberal would like to express our gratitude to Frank for his considerable contribution toward the community and the City of Liberal throughout the years. Congratulations on your retirement and we wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors.”

Lawyer for Hillsboro Community Hospital group quits

The latest casualty on the list of people and companies owed money by the owners of Hillsboro Community Hospital appears to be the lawyer hired to defend them in Marion County District Court.
Wichita lawyer Thomas Gilman filed motions Tuesday asking the court’s permission to withdraw from representing hospital owner CAH Acquisition Co. 5 and a related company, Health Acquisition Co., because they have not paid him as agreed.
In the case of HAC, for which Gilman last week filed a motion seeking to intervene in a Bank of Hays’ mortgage foreclosure lawsuit against CAH and 11 other defendants, his motion to withdraw states that not only has HAC not paid as agreed, they have failed to fill out and return an agreement for him to represent them.
[MORE]

(Read more: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin)

Harvey County reserve funds continue to grow; will pay cash for it’s portion of Law Enforcement Center project

The Board of Harvey County Commissioners learned Monday that the county’s ending fund balance increased by about $500,000 in 2018.

Finance Director Dan Bronson gave a comprehensive look at each budget line item, and the county ended the year with a fund balance of $4.9 million. He said the county would be able to pay for its share of the Law Enforcement Center remodeling project with cash instead of bonds.

“That’s a big deal,” Bronson said.

Currently, the county estimates that it will spend approximately $825,000 on a joint Law Enforcement Center remodel project with the city.

For context, should the county have bonded that amount out over 20 years at a 4 percent rate on a fixed rate loan, it would have paid $374,840 in interest. It skips the interest paying cash.

The costs of the remodel have also been cheaper than estimated.

(Read more: Newton Now)

Washington County Commissioners discuss snow day policy

The Board of County Commissioners has spent a couple hours over the past two weeks discussing a snow day policy for county employees. By the end of this week’s meeting commissioner David Willbrant said he would write a draft for a snow day policy based on the board’s discussion this week. Board members Raleigh Ordoyne and Scott Zabokrtsky said they don’t want to see the county close for snow or ice in the future unless the weather is significantly bad, and all three board members agreed on the “fairest and simplest” way to pay employees if county offices are closed for inclement weather in the future: If employees work, they get paid. If they don’t work, they will have to use earned time or go without pay.
The county currently has no policy in place for office closures due to inclement weather, which forced commissioners to make a spur-of-the-moment decision on employee compensation in January when all non-essential county employees were told to stay home due to weather.

(Read more: www.backroadsnews.com/rss.xml)

Shawnee, Lenexa revise liquor code to allow grocery stores to sell 6 percent alcohol by volume; pubs get longer hours to serve liquor

After the Kansas Legislature slightly relaxed the state’s liquor laws, Shawnee and Lenexa have updated their city codes to reflect the statewide changes.

The new Kansas laws, effective April 1 of this year, permit cereal malt beverage licensees — such as grocery stores and gas stations — to sell beer with up to 6 percent alcohol by volume. Under the old law, these vendors could only sell beer with up to 3.2 percent alcohol by volume.

Additionally, the new state laws will permit drinking establishments to serve alcoholic liquor between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. Previously, liquor could only be served between 9 a.m. and 2 a.m.

The Shawnee council on Monday adjusted its city code to mirror the new state laws. Shawnee also adjusted its city code to permit a retailer of alcoholic liquor to sell cereal malt beverages; all references to alcoholic liquor in the code now include cereal malt beverages. The Shawnee council had no discussion before unanimously approving the city’s new liquor code.

Bourbon County Commissioners ask for input prior to setting asphalt project plan

Nearly 20 Bourbon County residents packed into the Bourbon County Commission meeting room Tuesday for the first meeting planned to hash out this year’s hard surface road plan.

During the meeting, members of the public were invited to list five roads they consider high priority on a survey handed out prior to a presentation by Second District Commissioner Jeff Fischer. The commissioners would then consider those lists as they prioritize roads for asphalt or chip and seal, Fischer said.

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Andover annexing new residents and enforcing pit bull ban

You can already see signs of change near Highway 54 and Andover Road. Gerry and Diana McCann’s neighborhood could soon become part of the city of Andover, meaning they’ll also have to follow the city’s rules.

“We didn’t ask to be in the city,” says Diana McCann.

The McCann’s dog, Bailey, is a pit bull mix, but in Andover, it’s against the law to own a pit bull.

“I cried all morning. She’s our pet, she’s our baby. She’s our family. It’s just not right,” says McCann.

The city is offering options for people being annexed who own pit bulls, including putting up warning signs in their front yard.

“So, you want me to put up a sign saying that my dog is dangerous. Well, that’s a lie. So, you have to lie to live in Andover,” says McCann.

The mayor says city council is working with residents in the areas being annexed, but the ban isn’t going anywhere.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

New Manhattan city sales tax could be on November ballot

Bernie Hayen, the city’s finance director, said Manhattan residents could vote on a potential sales tax dedicated to city operations as soon as November.
Hayen told the Manhattan City Commission Tuesday that a new permanent sales tax would help the city generate more revenue, which would help reduce the reliance on other taxes to support the city budget.
“This reliance on transfers from utilities funds and the reliance on property taxes is obviously something we have to come to grips with at some point,” he said.

Former Marion county eco devo director gets jail, probation

Former county economic development director Teresa Huffman was sentenced Feb. 20 to time in jail and house arrest as well as probation for misuse of public funds.
Huffman pleaded guilty in December to draining $46,870.89 from bank accounts of two charitable groups she oversaw while economic development director, and later depositing the money into her personal bank account. She later used part of the money to purchase a mobile home at the county lake.
The charge is a level 7 felony. State sentencing guidelines suggest a sentence ranging from 24 months’ probation to 30 months in prison, depending on any previous convictions.
[MORE]

(Read more: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin)

Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce Attending Rural Opportunities Conference, Registration Open

Registration is open for this year’s Kansas Rural Opportunities Conference in Dodge City.
The Kansas Department of Commerce hosts this conference annually to provide useful information about rural Kansas living, as well as to engage in a dialogue with rural Kansans to determine how the Department can bolster its efforts to improve the well-being of rural communities in the state.
The Conference will take place at the Boot Hill Casino & Conference Center in Dodge City on April 2-3.
New Commerce Secretary David Toland will be kicking off the conference and Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers will discuss the Office of Rural Prosperity. Lt. Governor Rogers and Secretary Toland will provide insight to community development efforts.
“The Kelly Administration is committed to ensuring that all Kansans have a high quality of life, regardless of their zip code,” said David Toland, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. “The Rural Opportunities Conference is a forum for learning about programs that can support and enhance rural communities, as well as an opportunity for residents to tell us their vision for the new Office of Rural Prosperity, which will be headed by Lieutenant Governor Rogers. Whether a business owner, local official, or just an everyday resident concerned about their community, the Rural Opportunities Conference is the place to be in April.”

Signup for the conference can be done here: https://www.kansas.gov/ssrv-kanpayxpr/services/KDOC/KFROCREG96/additionalInformation.html

Harvey County sheriff partners with notification network

The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office announced its Detention Center has partnered with a victim notification network.

VINE, Victim Information Notification Everyday, provides victims and concerned citizens with valuable information.

The free service notifies users via phone, text or email when an offender’s status has been updated. Users can be notified when an offender makes a court appearance, is released or transferred. The online portal provides the most reliable information for custody status changes and criminal case information.

Sheriff’s officials hope this resource offers some peace of mind to victims and the community.

Learn more about VINELink or register at www.vinelink.com

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Kiowa County EMS uses flash mob and costumes to teach crowd CPR in Greensburg

Using Flintstones characters, Kiowa County Emergency Medical Services utilized a flash mob at a high school basketball game halftime to teach the importance of hands-only CPR to all who were present. With February being National Heart month it seemed a perfect opportunity for Kiowa County Emergency Medical Services to promote heart disease awareness, and they did it in a very memorable way. Fans at the Kiowa County vs Minneola basketball game on February 12 got to see more than just a game. During the halftime show, Kiowa County EMS held a prehistoric-focused flash mob to remind fans about chest compression, hands only CPR.
“The most important thing is to remember if someone collapses in front of you do chest compressions,” said local EMT Sdirector Rosa Spainhour. ” I got the idea back in December when I saw a tee-shirt that said ‘T-Rexs Hate CPR,” because of there short arms. Then I remembered that Scott and Jill Eller had the inflatable dinosaurs and it all just came together from there.”

(Read more: Kiowa County Signal)

Parks and recreation: Hutchinson master plan starts to take shape

Hutchinson officials heard a brief review of the hundreds of pages of data and survey information collected by Colorado-based Greenplay last fall to help the city shape its parks and recreation master plan.

Even in its condensed form, Tuesday’s presentation at city hall still took 90 minutes.

Greenplay Founder and CEO Dr. Teresa Penbrooke told the 15 or so city and elected officials the plan was to show them a chunk of the findings before whittling it down even more for a tentative April 23 public meeting.

Greenplay will have a parks and recreation master plan for the city to adopt by May.

Penbrooke said final recommendations would include possible uses for the mostly shuttered Memorial Hall and adequately maintaining current facilities. “We found low support for increased property or sales taxes,” Penbrooke said, adding she’s found communities where, despite what city officials believe, residents are willing to pay more for the parks and activities around them.

She said the final report would include collaborative opportunities and other funding streams to finance future projects.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Reno County appraisal notices – going out this week – will have new look

Taxpayers can expect a new look to their 2019 property valuation notices this year.

The Reno County Appraiser’s office will mail over 35,000 value notices to taxpayers on March 1.

The new notices are meant to provide more information and be easier to read, said Reno County Appraiser Brad Wright. The appraised values will now read left to right, with the prior year value listed on the left and the current value on the right. At the bottom of the front page, there will be a table with the assessment percentages for the different property types, as well as the PVD website with a guide to the appeals process.

The back will still contain the informal appeal form, but the parcel number, property address, quick reference number and the owner’s name will all be pre-filled for the convenience of both the taxpayer and the Appraiser’s Office staff. The back of the form will also contain some rules for the informal appeal process.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Sabetha City Commission hears Wellness Center progress report

Sabetha Health and Wellness Center Director Greta Heiman presented an update to the commissioners.

Heiman said construction is progressing, despite the poor weather. They are currently working on completing the gymnasium ceiling, she said.

She has been told that they are on schedule to finish in the beginning of June. She noted that she has a progress meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28, at which she will receive an updated progress report and timeline.

Heiman talked with commissioners about the layout, proposed hours, proposed membership prices, proposed workout class schedule and Kids Zone.

Heiman showed commissioners an interior layout, which includes a gymnasium with walking track, endless pool area, two fitness class rooms, and a weightlifting and cardio area. She told commissioners that the facility will be utilizing True brand cardio and weight equipment, which will all have a three year warranty that covers regular maintenance and repairs. The facility will include two endless pools, which are 13 feet by 14 feet — large enough for two people to do lap swimming at the same time. One of the pools will have a treadmill in it for resistance walking, she said.

(Read more: Sabetha Herald)

Committee recommends building new, state of the art performing arts center in Wichita

The Century II Citizens Committee presented findings Tuesday at a Wichita City Council workshop.

The future of the facility has been up in the air for years, and the committee has spent the past year figuring out what to do with the building.

During a presentation, Chairwoman Mary Beth Jarvis talked about the issues Century II faces for performing arts. They include lighting, technology, back stage and truck loading limitations.

“We believe the right answer to performing arts for our community’s future is build a new distinctive, customized performing arts center. We believe it belongs on the riverfront regional core,” said Jarvis. “We are not recommending that we have to take down Century II. There was tremendous amount of energy and good ideas to where Century II could be utilized.”

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

KDOT points new signage in Atchison county’s direction

Markers along the county roadways might soon become much clearer, thanks to some federal funding coming this way. Atchison County is one of 16 Kansas counties to receive federal funding for road safety improvement projects for a total of $4.5 million as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads program. KDOT announced the awards Feb. 21.Superintendent Seth Howard, of the Atchison County Road and Bridge Department, said the HRRR funding will cover 100 percent of the costs associated with the project that he expects will be let sometime in 2021.

Atchison County was awarded $238,000 for the systemic purpose to upgrade signage along 30 miles of major collectors, internal county thoroughfares, in compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

“Major collectors area a focus for the state to getting signs upgraded, which initiated funding through HRRR,” Howard communicated in an email to Atchison Globe. “Good signing helps reduce risk and hazards on all roadways.”

(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)

Shawnee moving to use eminent domain to build parks and rec operations facility on 20 acres of private property

Shawnee is taking first steps to claim eminent domain over 20 acres of private property in order to build a parks and recreation operations base facility.

The private property in question is located at 18750 Johnson Drive just west of I-435 and includes a 30,000-square-foot warehouse. Wayne Developer LLC bought the property in August 2018 for $3.5 million and has “expressed no interest” in selling the property to the city at a similar price, according to a city memo.

The Shawnee council last night unanimously agreed to acquire the property by claiming eminent domain. There was no council discussion.

Melissa Hoag Sherman, an attorney with Spencer Fane LLP who represents Republic Services and Wayne Development, the owner of the property, had urged the council to vote against claiming eminent domain or at least table the discussion pending further review.“From the start of Wayne Development’s meetings with the city, the message from the city was ‘We don’t want you here,’” Sherman said. “I think there was some concern about Republic being in the trash business and the area being identified as ‘the trash corridor.’”