Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Lenexa council approves $1.8 million tax abatement for expanded UPS facility

United Parcel Service Inc. will receive a 10-year, 55-percent property tax abatement valued by the city of Lenexa at $1.8 million for the company’s $40 million expansion of its sorting facility at 14650 Santa Fe Trail Drive.

The Lenexa City Council unanimously approved the abatement, to go into effect Jan. 1, as part of its consent agenda at its meeting Tuesday. The council also authorized the city’s issuance of up to $40 million in industrial revenue bonds (IRBs), to close by Dec. 31, for UPS subsidiary BT Property LLC for the expansion.

City asks Topeka residents to avoid putting leaves, twigs, limbs in street

Topeka’s city government asked in a news release this week that residents avoid putting leaves, twigs or limbs in the street.

While Topeka city ordinance enables the city government to take action against people who do that, the city would rather see residents comply voluntarily, said Jaci Vogel, the city’s deputy director of public works operations.

“It is a big job to maintain streets without piles of leaves being added to our workload,” she said in the release. “Help us help you and your neighborhood be clean and safe.”

Leaves falling from trees each autumn become a major source of litter, said the release issued Tuesday by Molly Hadfield, the city’s media relations coordinator.

She said twigs and larger limbs can damage the equipment the city uses to sweep Topeka’s streets, while residents putting items in the street can force a two-sweeper crew to have to make five or six passes to finish sweeping an area it normally might complete in one or two passes.

“The fewer limbs and twigs in the street, the less chance of a breakdown, which would only slow the leaf removal process,” Hadfield added.

She said rain or melting snow can wash leaves into stormwater inlets, which can create clogs in storm drains and pollute the water supply.

Parsons to take lead in eco devo efforts

The city of Parsons will represent the Great Plains Industrial Park and Labette County in a collaborative economic development effort called Grow Labette County.

The Parsons City Commission approved an agreement with the county and Great Plains Development Authority on Monday evening. The commissioners’ approval is contingent upon the other entities signing the agreement with no major changes. It also hinges on Great Plains receiving federal funding.

Jim Zaleski, economic development director for the city, said Wednesday the Labette County Commission has approved the agreement as well as the Great Plains Development Authority board, but it hasn’t been signed yet.

Great Plains will pay the city $60,000 annually under the agreement while the county will chip in $20,000 each year. The joint effort will begin in January. Great Plains’ contribution would come from the federal Office of Economic Adjustment, which helps fund the industrial park after it was converted from the former Kansas Army Ammunition Plant. The OEA hasn’t approved the funding for the agreement yet.

Zaleski will direct the new marketing effort, with help and input from the Labette County Commission and the Great Plains board and employees. Each entity will appoint up to two members to an advisory board that will oversee the collaboration. The board will meet at least four times a year for two years and then as needed, but at least once yearly.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

City of Parsons to trade property with First Baptist on intersection improvement project

First Baptist Church will swap land with the city of Parsons to facilitate an upcoming intersection improvement project.

Parsons city commissioners approved an agreement with the church on Monday that will allow the city to take possession of the church’s property at the northwest corner of 16th and Main. The city will get enough land to widen the intersection to add turn lanes.

In return, the church will receive land at the southwest corner of 16th and Washington. The city bought that land from Thomas Sprague for $12,500 in May 2017 as a potential right of way for the intersection project. The city had to demolish an abandoned house there.

Darrell Moyer, director of engineering and public works, said the properties being exchanged are about equal in size.

In addition to adding up to four left-turn lanes, the intersection project will include the resurfacing of 16th Street (U.S. 59) from Main to north of Clark Avenue, larger storm inlets and pipes and new sidewalks. The Kansas Department of Transportation will pay for all construction costs through the city’s corridor access management plan.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Park upgrades gain new life in Ark City

City commissioners took the next step toward major improvements of Wilson Park outlined in a master plan that has seen little momentum since last October.

The commission on Tuesday approved hiring LK Architecture of Wichita to perform design work for the next phase of that plan, which includes a splash-pad fountain, canopy for the farmers market, two new restrooms, and parking lot construction.

The architects will complete all of the architectural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and structural engineering for those improvements at a cost not to exceed $65,5000.

City Manager Nick Hernandez said on Tuesday during a commission meeting that the designs costs would be paid through the VJ Wilkins fund, an endowment that supports arts and culture for the community.

“City money will not be utilized for this portion of the project,” he said.

The city will apply for a grant from the state Land and Water Conservation fund to help offset costs for the splash pad.

After refurbishing the train engine fall of last year, this next phase would involve the southern half of the park.

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Humble named new Pratt Police Chief

Roy Eckert, Pratt City Manager, said Thursday that Sgt. Nathan Humble has been named Pratt Police Chief after administrative leave was ordered for Interim Police Chief Detective Jeff Ward.

Ward filled the position of Interium Police Chief following the recent retirement of Police Chief Gary Myers in September 2018. Ward was involved in the shooting incident in Pratt on November 13, 2018, which left Pratt resident Rene Prieto, 38, unresponsive and in critical condition for several days at a Wichita hospital. He died on November 21 from those injuries.

Ward and two other Pratt officers were placed on paid administrative leave per standard protocol for an undetermined amount of time. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the case.

“With much discussion on the safety of our community and our police officers, the decision was made to not delay the ap- pointment of a perma- nent Police Chief,” Eckert said. “We have appointed Sgt. Nathan Humble as new Police Chief for the City of Pratt as of November 14, 2018.”

A spokesman from city dispatch confirmed that Humble is a Pratt native and has been employed with the Pratt department as a police officer since 2003.

(Read more: Pratt, KS – Pratt Tribune)

City officials take part in national conference

Council members, the mayor and the city manager say they picked up numerous tips and operation methods during their attendance at a national conference.

Council members Jack Hezlep, John McIntosh, Rocky Cornejo, along with Mayor Randy White and City Manager Kathy Sexton, were delegates to the National League of Cities’ City Summit Nov. 7-10 in Los Angeles. Attending the NLC conference is planned every other year.

The summit is the largest gathering of elected leaders and city managers in the country. There were more than 3,800 mayors, council members and other delegates from all 50 states present.

It is billed as “the only event in the U.S. focused on helping municipal leaders and managers find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing American cities and towns.”

A motion to send the Derby delegation to the conference was approved at the Aug. 14 council meeting. Those who went say it was a worthwhile investment.

(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)

More growth for north Derby housing project

A contractor has been selected to provide water and sanitary sewer improvements to the next phase of the rapidly growing NorthBrook Addition. Low bidder Mies Construction Inc. won the project work from a field of other competitors, placing the cost at $168,490.

It will handle the infrastructure work for the development’s second phase, which has 38 lots.

NorthBrook is set at the southeast corner of Woodlawn Blvd. and 55th Street South. There are 65 acres at the site, and the first phase had 40 lots. Those have proven to be popular and sold quickly, hence the need to proceed with the next phase. There are 142 lots in all. The cost of the work will be paid for in full by the improvement district.

Paving design work for the next phase is underway. The sewer and water work comes next, followed by home construction.

The single-family housing project is being developed with Preferred Properties of Kansas Inc. and is on the very north edge of Derby, just inside the city limits.

The development has all city of Derby services except for water, as it is in a rural water district.

David Lake, supervising broker and sales manager with Preferred Properties, said the location is one of the main selling points as it is in Derby, but only a few miles from McConnell Air Force Base and Spirit AeroSystems, both area major employers.

(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)

Reno Commissioners seek input from Pratt, Kingman officials on wind farm

As it moves toward a decision whether to issue a moratorium or try to control the development of a proposed wind farm in Reno County through a contract, the Reno County Commission agreed Tuesday to quiz Kingman and Pratt county officials about their experiences.

Residents seeking a year-long moratorium, meanwhile, appeared before the commission for a fifth consecutive week, with nearly a dozen speakers offering additional arguments in their opposition to the development of the 220-megawatt Pretty Prairie Wind Farm by NextEra Energy in southeastern Reno County.

A chamber official, there for another reason, was the lone voice from the audience in favor of the development.

Reno County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan apparently advised the commission during a previous executive session against meeting with commissioners from Pratt and Kingman counties.

He noted during Tuesday’s discussion that it is really the purview of the Reno County Planning Commission, which is supposed to be developing a new countywide overlay zone to control commercial renewable energy projects, to do that research.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Reno County OKs incentives to small-engine maker planning to locate here

The Reno County Commission on Tuesday approved granting incentives to an Ohio company that makes small engines which run off LPG and natural gas, which is planning to set up an assembly and distribution shop in the former Bett’s Bakery at Third Avenue and Poplar Street.

The company, eNGines-LPG, will be paid up to $63,000 over five years if it creates a projected 56 jobs within that time which pay a minimum $15 per hour, County Administrator Gary Meagher advised the county commission.

The family-owned company plans to create up to 10 jobs its first year, garnering up to $8,000 in incentives, Meagher said.

Another 15 jobs are projected in year two, and 14 in year three, earning the company $13,500 each of those years. The final 17 jobs would be added by year four, for another $17,500.

If it creates all the jobs as projected, the company will earn a 20 percent bonus, or if only half the jobs, an extra 10 percent, Meagher said.

(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Wichita making major changes to free downtown shuttle service

Wichita Transit has reworked its Q-Line free downtown trolley service to make it easier to go farther on Douglas Avenue, while eliminating all other lines, officials said Tuesday.

The new routes will expand Q-line service to the west and to the east on Douglas. On weekends, it will run all the way from Seneca on the west to Edgemoor on the east.

Trolleys will run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes during service hours.

The changes will take effect Dec. 15.

“We think this is the next iteration of a very successful program that has been run so far,” said Mike Tann, director of Wichita Transit.

The current circuitous color-coded routes that now serve Old Town and the city/county government center will be eliminated, Tann said.

He said those lines were underused and “it’s more valuable to be on Douglas.”

Shifting to the Douglas-only route will allow for longer routes and will be much simpler and easier for riders use, he said.

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

Lansing City Council denounces commissioner’s comments

Lansing City Council members on Thursday joined a growing number of governmental agencies calling for the resignation of Leavenworth County Commission Chairman Louis Klemp.

Council members voted 7-0-1 to approve a proclamation requesting Klemp’s immediate resignation for “egregious and outrageous conduct steeped in racism and bigotry while acting in the capacity of a county official.”

Council member Dave Trinkle abstained, noting that he works for the Klemp Corporation. The council’s proclamation says the remarks are “unacceptable, exhibit an extreme lack of professional judgment, and simply are not representative of the values” held by local and all American residents.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

New director chosen to lead Riley County Police Department

Dennis Butler, the current Chief of the Ottawa Police Department, has been selected as the next Director of the Riley County Police Department. Butler was selected after an extensive nationwide search conducted by the Riley County Law Enforcement Agency Board in coordination with McGrath Human Resources Group.
According to a media release, Butler will begin serving the citizens of Riley County when current Director Brad Schoen retires at the end of December. Butler is the 5th Director since the RCPD was established in 1974.

“I am thrilled to be selected as the next Director of the Riley County Police Department. Once I was offered this position I have remained excited for this day and the years that will follow,” Butler said. “My commitment to the department’s employees and the citizens they serve was strengthened during my interactions with people involved with the selection process. My wife and I wish to express our sincerest gratitude to all of them for their belief in me.”

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Wichita making major changes to free downtown shuttle service

Wichita Transit has reworked its Q-Line free downtown trolley service to make it easier to go farther on Douglas Avenue, while eliminating all other lines, officials said Tuesday.

The new routes will expand Q-line service to the west and to the east on Douglas. On weekends, it will run all the way from Seneca on the west to Edgemoor on the east.

Trolleys will run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes during service hours.

The changes will take effect Dec. 15.

“We think this is the next iteration of a very successful program that has been run so far,” said Mike Tann, director of Wichita Transit.

The current circuitous color-coded routes that now serve Old Town and the city/county government center will be eliminated, Tann said.

He said those lines were underused and “it’s more valuable to be on Douglas.”

Shifting to the Douglas-only route will allow for longer routes and will be much simpler and easier for riders use, he said.

“The key to any of these systems is simplicity,” he said.

(Read more: Wichita Eagle)

Parsons OKs retail contract

The city of Parsons will pay a firm $25,000 annually for three years to try to boost retail recruitment efforts.

Parsons city commissioners on Monday evening approved a letter of engagement between the city and Retail Strategies to begin the contract on Jan. 1. The city negotiated the contract amount with Retail Strategies as a dual contract with Chanute Regional Development Authority. A sales tax approved in Chanute won’t go into effect until July, so CRDA decided to delay its contract with the company until late 2019, Zaleski said Monday. Still, Retail Strategies has decided to stick with the original contract amount with Parsons. Zaleski said that decision only confirmed his thoughts about Retail Strategies’ professionalism. Commissioner Bill Hogelin asked Zaleski how Retail Strategies differs from Retail Attractions. The city contracted with Retail Attractions in 2011 for a similar purpose but dropped the contract in late 2012 after paying $3,000 a month for nearly two years when the city staff and commission decided the firm wasn’t living up to expectations.

Zaleski said he trusts Retail Strategies after having “grilled” them on three different occasions at three trade shows.

“I think these are the guys who are going to get boots on the ground,” Zaleski said.

He said the firm isn’t making promises it can’t keep as Retail Attractions did. Retail Strategies will let the city know what type of retail shops should go where and what the good fits would be and then get Zaleski into discussions with the decision makers for those companies. It still will up to Zaleski to close the deal.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

City of Merriam Wins Prestigious National Award for Innovative and Effective Workplace Practices

With a culture of flexible workplace practices, the City of Merriam received the 2018 When Work Works Award for best practices of effective organizations by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).

The award recognizes organizations across the country that excel at offering a variety of employee initiatives such as work-life policies and flexible scheduling while also including learning opportunities and a culture of respect and trust. Two-thirds of Merriam’s winning score was based on a survey sent to its employees.

Merriam City Administrator Chris Engel said it’s an honor to receive this award and is committed to establishing a set of values to recruit, retain, and reward employees for their first-rate contributions to the City and its residents.

“We lead with a flexible management style and put emphasis on our employees and their work satisfaction,” Engel said. “We’re so dedicated to this that we recently started an employee-driven process to identify our organization’s core values. We think it’s important to examine, articulate, and reinforce what it is that drives us to continually and collectively do great work.”

There were 97 winning worksites from 35 states and the District of Columbia. View a complete list of winning organizations.

“These organizations developed human resources policies and programs to support and maintain this environment, and they are reaping the benefits with increased retention, productivity, and overall success for their investment,” said Lisa Horn, SHRM vice president of congressional affairs.

The City of Merriam was one of two organizations from the state of Kansas to receive the 2018 When Work Works Award.

Source: City of Merriam.

Sedgwick County’s top attorney leaving with $77,000 payment

Sedgwick County commissioners have agreed to pay County Counselor Eric Yost $77,000 to leave. The commission majority and Yost didn’t see eye-to-eye on the handling of an FBI investigation.

(Read more: Local News |)

Fight to save Starlite Drive-in not over, councilman says

A Wichita city councilman says the fight to save the Starlite Drive-in isn’t over. Monday, Wichita Council member James Clendenin posted a video on Facebook, encouraging supporters of the drive-in theater not to give up.

“We’re working hard on it. I wanted people to know even though they don’t see a headline, there is work being done to save the Starlite Drive-in,” Clendenin says.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Prairie Village Adopts Ordinance Barring LGBTQ Discrimination

Prairie Village City Council members debated the wisdom and scope of an LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinance and ultimately voted unanimously Monday night for a broader ordinance than it originally contemplated.

The suburban council took action where state and federal law hasn’t yet reached — barring discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by the city, landlords and any business offering services to the public.

After being formally adopted in a roll-call vote in December, the ordinance should take effect in January, said Tucker Poling, a co-sponsor of the ordinance.

“We made a statement about who we are as Prairie Village,” he said. “We made a very emphatic statement tonight that we are an inclusive community.”

(Read more: )

Chanute city commission wants to negotiate; proposes counter offer on city-owned building

Chanute city commissioners gave a counter offer Monday evening on the cash bid for the sale of an industrial building.

The commission approved a motion to ask for $350,000 for a city-owned building at 615 W. Cherry.

Todd Morris and Lamar Eby have offered $291,000 to buy the building that they would then lease to a so-far unnamed company. Chanute businessman Jim Caldwell of Bridgewood Custom Cabinetry has offered $500,000, but also seeks economic incentives including rebates for 20 jobs created and reimbursement for equipment investment.

The offer by Morris and Eby does not require incentives. Caldwell’s offer would rebate up to the $500,000 up-front payment.

The building is currently appraised at $451,000, and the city purchased it from Caldwell for $350,000 and put $1.1 million in improvements into it as an incentive for Spirit Aerosystems, which has since been purchased by Orizon Aerostructures.

Commissioner Randy Galemore made the initial proposal for a counter-offer, suggesting a price of $300,000. He said it would show that the city is interested in selling the property.

Commissioner Phil Chaney said people will know the city would like to negotiate.

No city code prevents semi-trucks from parking in old Kmart parking lot

A parking lot on S.W. Wanamaker once used by Kmart shoppers incurred damage from semi-trucks that used the lot overnight, but no city code expressly prevents trucks from parking in vacant lots.

A reader asked The Topeka Capital-Journal’s #TopCity What?, which answers reader-submitted questions, if there are any codes prohibiting semis from parking in the old Kmart parking lot overnight because they were tearing up the lot.

Patrick Lockett, of Topeka, said he first noticed semis parking in the lot when Kmart, 1740 S.W. Wanamaker, closed its doors in November 2017. He used to see several trucks parked there at a time, but now he doesn’t see as many. Molly Hadfield, city of Topeka media relations director, said the city does not have a code against semis parking in the lot. It is up to the property owners whether they want to let semis parking on their property.

Ann Marie Queen, spokeswoman for Equity Investment Group, said the parking lot is private property and the issue of semis parking in the lot was addressed when Kmart closed.

From a landlord’s perspective, semi-trucks parking on a lot can be problematic. They can do significant damage to the lot, Queen said.

“I was told by local police that I needed to order signs that said no overnight parking so we posted them at every entrance, Queen said. “Once that was posted, the police department could then enforce the overnight parking.”

Signs are posted around the parking lot on telephone poles.

Water, sewage rate increase proposed to help fund new treatment facility

Lawrence officials will consider whether to move forward with a new plaza and recreation area concept along the portion of the Kansas River that borders downtown.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that the city has budgeted $2 million this year to repair the Kansas River dam and address riverbank erosion south of the dam. The city could stabilize the riverbank by building a terraced stone plaza instead of rebuilding the existing retaining wall.

The plaza would create river entry points and extend slightly into the river, which would facilitate pools and whitewater for kayaking and other water activities.

Assistant City Manager Brandon McGuire says city officials are asking potential contractors for the most economical way to address both the dam and riverbank stabilization projects, while possibly integrating the recreational concept. According to public works officials, if the water treatment plant fails it could mean water outages for thousands of people.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Dreams of a Lawrence boardwalk on the Kansas River re-emerge in new development plans

There are new plans for multistory buildings with nearly 400 apartments and condos to overlook the Kansas River, and the iconic North Lawrence bar Johnny’s Tavern would get a bit of a facelift too.

Indeed, dreams of Lawrence’s own riverfront development are back in vogue.

A group that owns the property including and around Johnny’s Tavern at North Second and Locust streets has filed new plans at City Hall that would construct a series of buildings tall enough to peek above the Kansas River levee and create a new row of riverside dining and living options.

(Read more: LJWorld)

Parsons to consider hiring retail recruiter

In an effort to attract more businesses to the area near U.S. 59 and U.S. 400, the city of Parsons may hire a retail recruitment firm.

Parsons city commissioners will consider approval of a letter of engagement between the city and Retail Strategies to begin a three-year contract on Jan. 1. The contract would cost the city $25,000 per year.

Jim Zaleski, economic development director, told commissioners during a Thursday work session the company should help him “get in the door” to talk to national retail chains. With a hotel and conference center being built on Cattle Drive near North 16th Street (U.S. 59), the city also wants a full-service restaurant to locate near that intersection. Additionally, the city hopes to fill other empty spaces near the U.S. 59 and U.S. 400 junction with retail businesses.

Zaleski said he worked with Chanute’s economic development group to get a better deal with Retail Strategies. The Chanute group plans to sign a contract with the firm. The Montgomery County Action Council already works with Retail Strategies and recommended the group. Zaleski said he also has talked to four other firms over the last couple of years.

Zaleski goes to trade shows and sets up a booth representing the city, but he equates that with making cold calls. Retail Strategies should help him make more solid connections with decision makers for national retail companies.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Pop-up parks appear in Wichita, city calls them ‘experiments’

Small pop-up parks and playgrounds have appeared throughout Wichita.

One of the newest sites has created some buzz.

“When I first saw them, I thought to myself, ‘What was this?’ said Sabian Powers. “I was just very intrigued by it.”

“I was like, ‘What is this? What are they doing?'” explained Caitlin Herring. “It’s really chill. It’s just a really cool place to go.”

“I think it’s creative. I think it’s nice. I think it’s, like I said, it’s good for the city. It looks good,” said Wichita resident Sean Stewart.

The newest pop-up park is located on Douglas and 135 under the Douglas bridge. It includes several lounge chairs set on what appears to be a gravel and sand mix.

“For Open Streets, what we did was, we used this spot as a gathering spot, kind of a little pop-up park and we decided to keep it here to experiment to see if this would be a good location to put something a little bit more permanent,” said City of Wichita Park and Recreation Director Troy Houtman.

Houtman said the pop-up parks are meant to garner interest and community involvement.

“People want places to be. We want to make this place, Wichita, the best it can be. That’s part of our job as the park and rec department is to create community and we have a lot of different ideas on how we can create community and this is one of them,” Houtman said.

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

Lyon county commission agrees to republish separate budgets

Lyon County Commissioners approved a motion to republish 2018 budget expenditures for both the Road & Bridge and Noxious Weeds departments during a short action session at the courthouse Thursday morning.

Commissioner Dan Slater said the updated budgets — which are set to be published in The Emporia Gazette next week — accounted for recent weather events.

“The departments are both spending a little bit more money than we intended to spend, so with the weather doing weird things we decided to be safe and republish the budgets,” Slater said. “December can be a strange month for roads, especially when you start November out with snow storms, not to mention the floods we had recently. Hopefully we won’t use any of that extra money. The cash is there, it’s just about us getting the proper budgetary authority to spend it. Either way, it’s not set to be a huge chunk of money.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Governing bodies to discuss mental health crisis response

Mental health crisis response and paperless reports for liquid waste haulers are among topics local governing bodies plan to take up this coming week. Commissioners plan to consider entering into an agreement through which the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Police Department and Valeo Behavioral Health Care would team up to create and finance a job for a full-time employee who would assist sheriff’s and police officers during incidents involving people suffering mental health crises.

The cost to employ that person wouldn’t exceed $60,000 a year, commissioners learned in a recent joint memo from Sheriff Herman Jones and corrections department director Brian Cole. The sheriff’s office and corrections department would each pay $10,000 to help cover those costs, the memo said.

Health assessment shows uneasy feelings in Hutch

As part of their effort to determine where to direct efforts to improve community health, a Community Health Assessment Steering Committee made up of members from nine agencies conducted a recent scientific survey throughout the county.

They are still assessing the data collected, said Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti, but they found some 17 percent of those surveyed rated their overall health as unhealthy, and a third felt their health was being impacted by environmental issues.

Air and water quality were listed as the largest environmental concerns impacting health, he said.

“Some 76 percent felt their households were doing well, which I was a little surprised by,” Baldetti said. “I preface that with by the very nature my work, I usually hear more bad things than good. But responders were certainly positive and optimistic.”

On the other hand, Baldetti noted, that means 14 percent “don’t believe they’re doing well, which is a substantial number.”

One other finding he didn’t find too surprising but was still sobering, was the number of respondents that indicated they struggle with mental illness.

(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

National League of Cities Announces $100 Million in Partnerships to Support Entrepreneurship, STEM Education and Innovation in Communities Across America (including Hays and KCK)

Today, the National League of Cities (NLC) is announcing $100 million in local partnerships to expand America’s innovation economy. These investments come at a critical time when there is a growing need for resources to create startups and train the next generation of science and engineering talent in communities across America. Currently, 80 percent of venture capital goes to just five metropolitan areas, and computer science is not offered in 75 percent of American high schools.

Cities must lead on the nation’s most pressing issues in the absence of federal leadership. Over the past year, NLC, with support from Schmidt Futures, has worked with city leaders, universities, the business community and the social sector to design innovative partnerships that harness the power of science, technology and entrepreneurship to build stronger, more equitable local economies.

Today, over 50 cities, ranging from rural townships and college towns, to major metros, as well as over 200 local partners, are announcing new and specific partnerships that will be supporting young businesses, leveraging technology and ensuring STEM education and workforce training for all.

(Read more: NLC)

Century II Task Force Committee to give updates at Rotary Club meeting Monday

We’re getting closer to some answers about the future of Century II in downtown Wichita.

Since February, a task force committee has studied the options and challenges facing the nearly 50-year-old performing arts facility.

The years long debate weighs renovating the round building or building a new one.

The committee will present its findings during the Rotary Club of Wichita’s meeting Monday. Friday we caught up with the performing arts community in anticipation of the task force’s update.

“I think most of us who work here would very much welcome a new facility provided that it gave us the things that the old facility did,” said Wayne Bryan, Producing Artistic Director, Music Theatre Wichita.

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

Wichita firefighters complete new search and rescue training

Firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs, their training has to be realistic. That’s why the Wichita Fire Department created a new learning experience for all firefighters.

No, there wasn’t a trailer fire in Wichita Friday, but city firefighters got to practice for one, in a staged scenario.

“There is an adult and two children inside, unknown location.,” said one firefighter.

The training is to make sure they’re ready to navigate, during the real deal.

“Once we force that door everything that we hear that we learn, gets challenged,” said Capt. Carlos Rodriguez, Wichita Fire Department.

Firefighters have been practicing search and rescue skills inside this trailer for five weeks. The department uses theater smoke to create a realistic environment, that can test their judgment.

(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)

‘I cannot explain it’: Hand recount shows drop in votes in S.E. Kansas county commission race

The official results of a hand recount for the District 3 Crawford County Commission race show Democrat Jeremy Johnson defeating Republican Chad Ulepich by a margin of 25 votes.

It was a much different scene on Friday when the Crawford County Board of Canvassers met to carry out their duties on the results of Thursday’s hand recount of the District 3 Crawford County Commission and District 2 Kansas State Representative races, The Pittsburg Morning Sun reported.

The room that was packed to capacity for Tuesday’s canvass was practically empty and neither candidate was present.

“It was a lengthy process,” County Clerk Don Pyle said. “Counting by hand is not an exact science. We had to recount some precincts five or six times to settle on a number.”

These numbers settled the mercurial results of the District 3 Crawford County Commission race. After the hand recount and second canvass, the results found Johnson defeated Ulepich 1,648 to 1,623, a difference of 25 votes. The total recounted ballots were noticeably lower than those from the first canvass, which put Johnson up 1,652 votes to 1,630.

Vic Miller, an election lawyer hired by the commission to oversee the first canvass and subsequent recount, said he was perplexed by the drop in votes.

“That’s the one thing I can’t explain,” he said, “why both of them lost a handful of ballots. Without in depth research, I cannot explain it. The good news is that the margin was similar in both instances.”

Moody’s draws attention to Kansas’ positive economic indicators

The revised revenue forecast recently released for the state of Kansas, along with other positive economic indicators, led Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday to make a “credit positive” statement about the state.

Although a credit positive declaration doesn’t carry the weight of a rating or outlook change, it is indicative of the effect of a distinct event or development as one of many credit factors affecting the issuer, said David Jacobson, Moody’s spokesman.

The greater-than-expected revenue growth in Kansas, particularly from state income taxes, will reduce the burden of increasing education funding and also enable the state’s flexibility to improve reserves, according to Matthew Butler, a Moody’s analyst.

Derby sales tax dispute settled

Attorneys for the city of Derby and the Kansas Department of Revenue have reached an agreement on terms to settle a dispute over how the state has been distributing revenues from the half-cent Derby Difference sales and use tax.

The parties filed a request Nov. 15 in Shawnee County District Court for a consent judgment and final order to ensure the state begins in December 2018 to remit all revenues collected from the Derby tax to the city instead of remitting a considerable portion of those revenues to Sedgwick County.

In 2013, the 0.5 percent tax was approved by Derby voters to make park improvements and to supplement operations of the library and fire and rescue department. In late 2015, Derby officials learned that the state had implemented an automated system that distributed a portion of Derby’s tax revenues from certain vehicle sales to the county.

In 2016, Derby pointed out the error to KDOR, but after receiving no relief, turned to the judicial system for interpretation and enforcement of the law.

City of Humboldt, Ks hires a new Police Chief

The Humboldt City Council appoints Shannon Moore as the new Chief of Police. Moore grew up in Humboldt and has served in law enforcement for 23 years, including 13 years in an administrator capacity.

“I am extremely honored to be able to serve my hometown and look forward to leading our department into the future, alongside the community, schools, businesses and other law enforcement agencies. It takes all of us working together to succeed and provide the best law enforcement possible for this community,” says Moore.

Chief Moore graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in child psychology. Chief Moore started her law enforcement career in Iola, Kansas in 1995. She spent a few months as a dispatcher, often seen as the lifeline of police officers. She then served as a patrol officer for the Iola Police Department for 5 years and detective for the next 5 years.

In 2005, she became Undersheriff in Allen County, Kansas, where her father had previously served as Sheriff. She served under Sheriff Tom Williams.

In 2009, Chief Moore says she was elected as Sheriff in Woodson County, KS after being nominated by a republican committee.

She continued to get all-round experience in the field in 2012, when she moved to Coffee County, KS to become a jail administrator.

In November of 2017, she moved back to her hometown of Humboldt, where she has patrolled the streets as a Sergeant with the police department.

On November 13th, 2018, the Humboldt City Council hired her to become the town’s next Chief of Police. Congratulations Chief Moore.

(Read more: KOAM – Local News)

Draft affordable housing plan includes new ideas, including buy-back program for certain old rentals in Lawrence

Many older homes in Lawrence’s core neighborhoods have long since been converted to rental properties, with some physically divided into apartments. Now, the city could consider a program that would undo some of those changes.

The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board is reviewing the first draft of a plan to address specific deficiencies identified by a recent housing market study. The approximately 50-page draft plan, called the Lawrence Housing Toolkit, includes various options the board will consider to address the city’s housing issues, including zoning changes, funding assistance and a program to purchase and renovate certain rental properties and convert them back to owner-occupied, single-family homes.

Survey: Rural economy being hurt by tariffs, low prices

For the first time this year, a monthly survey of bankers in parts of 10 Plains and Western states indicates the regional rural economy is shrinking.

The overall index of the Rural Mainstreet survey for November sank to 49.9, the first time it’s dipped below 50 since January and down from October’s 54.3. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy in the months ahead, while a score below 50 indicates a shrinking economy.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the farm sector continues to be weakened by tariffs and low commodity prices.

(Read more: KOAM – Local News)

Marketing firm: Wichita should focus talent search on four U.S. metro areas

With a talent attraction and retention challenge continuing in Wichita, workforce leaders are attempting to take their efforts to the next level.

Earlier this year, the Greater Wichita Partnership, a regional economic development organization, began working with Development Counsellors International in an effort to begin work on the design of a multi-faceted marketing campaign to draw people to Wichita.

“Talent is the key commodity now,” says Andrew Nave, the GWP’s executive vice president of economic development. “I’ve been doing economic development for 15 years. Workforce promotion and talent promotion has always been a key criteria, but now it’s now not only at the top of the list, it’s almost in a category all its own.” Wichita, like many other cities, is looking for ways to bring workers here and, once they’re here, to keep them. That’s where DCI — the firm calls itself a “highly-specialized” company in the areas of tourism and economic development marketing — comes in. In short, it markets places.

What DCI has provided the partnership is basically a blueprint for a multi-year marketing plan to sell Wichita. Part of the plan that DCI presented includes marketing Wichita to residents in four specific metro areas — Los Angeles, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth. Additional markets could be added.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Gardner city council establishes land bank

The Gardner City Council has established a land bank in a renewed push to revitalize blighted parts of the city and give potential landowners a chance to purchase land without inheriting delinquent taxes on the properties.
The council, during its Nov. 5 meeting created the land bank which will allow the city to acquire property sold at tax sale without having to pay the delinquent taxes.
“If a city is a successful bidder at a tax sale, the city is required to pay delinquent taxes. In contrast, when a land bank acquires property, the county treasurer must remove from the tax roll all taxes, charges, penalties and interest,” said Larry Powel, director of economic development.
Powell said that through a land bank the city can abate or re-amortize delinquent special assessments.
“If there are tax and special delinquencies on properties that are impending development, a land bank provides a vehicle for taking title to the property and cleaning up these encumbrances so that the new owner starts with a clean slate,” he said.
Steve Shute, mayor, said the establishment of the bank should not be construed to mean the council is doling out corporate welfare.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is going to be lit for the holidays

Every year for the past 25 years, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park lights up for the holiday season.

Jeff Carlson, parks and recreation facility maintenance supervisor, said his crew decorates 80 to 90 trees in the park with dozens and dozens of stringed lights. Some of the trees are pretty large, about 70 feet tall, so they require tall lifts to hang up the lights.

And all of the lights are different: traditional C9 and C7 bulbs and modern LED, traditional Christmas colors of red and green and unique colors from all over the rainbow.

“There’s a big oak tree out here in the park that’s about 70 foot tall, and it has close to 600 lights just on that one tree,” he said. “It’s quite a few lights scattered throughout the park. Lots of different colors; we try to mix and match, we try to change some around every year so it doesn’t look exactly the same.”

Spring Hill hires Assistant City Administrator

At the Nov. 8 City Council meeting, the Governing Body approved Mayor Steven Ellis’ appointment of Jose Leon to Assistant City Administrator of Public Works, Community Development and Physical Plant.

“The City of Spring Hill is very excited to have Mr. Leon join the team,” Jim Hendershot, Spring Hill City Administrator, said. “His experience, knowledge and leadership will be an asset to this community, our residents and City staff.”

Leon previously worked for the City of Roeland Park as the Public Works Director and the City of Overland Park Public Works department. Leon also served seven years in the private sector as a structural engineering technician.

(Read more: City of Spring Hill news)

Wichita firefighters dressed as superheros rappel down Wesley Children’s Hospital

Children at a Wesley Healthcare hospital saw six superheroes through their windows on Thursday — heroes who are Wichita firefighters when they’re not rappelling down buildings.

The Wichita Fire Department tweeted photos of the superhero firefighters on the roof of Wesley Children’s Hospital. They included Batman, Captain America, the Hulk, Spider-man, Thor and the Green Lantern.

“Our local firefighters always seem to be on the lookout to give back to the community and you could tell they really enjoyed dressing up and visiting the kids today,” Wesley Healthcare said in a statement. “It’s a great day at Wesley Children’s Hospital when you can provide some fun for patients and take their minds off of their hospital stay for a while.”

The children’s hospital posted a video on Facebook of the superheroes rappelling down the side of the building.

(Read more: Local News |)

Hoxie hospital receives $2.25M federal loan for facility improvements

USDA Rural Development State Director Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing in health care infrastructure and services in rural Kansas.

“Ensuring that rural Kansans have access to quality medical care, close to home is a top priority for USDA Rural Development,” said Hinrichsen. “Several of our rural hospitals are aging, and we are committed to assisting communities with financing for innovative health care projects that meet the needs of rural Kansans.”

Today’s announcement is part of USDA’s commemoration of National Rural Health Day, which is held annually on the third Thursday of November to focus on the specific health care issues facing rural communities. The Department is investing $501 million in 60 projects nationally, through the Community Facilities direct loan program. These investments will expand access to health care for approximately 2 million people in 34 states.

In Kansas, the following projects are receiving financing, which totals more than $34 million:

(Read more: Hays Post)

Ark City makes cut for online TV show

Arkansas City’s long-shot odds of winning $500,000 in a TV show contest are getting stronger.

Word was received Tuesday that Ark City made the cut of 20 finalists from nearly 12,000 nominations for Small Business Revolution — Main Street, a TV show produced by the Deluxe Corporation.

Ark City Chamber CEO Paisley Howerton said on Wednesday she is excited by the news. She and her staff are looking for new ways to increase community involvement and support.

Businesses in the winning community apply for part of the $500,000, Howerton said. This is fourth season of the contest; season 3 winner was Alton, Ill. The series airs on smallbusinessrevolution.org, Hulu and YouTube, according to press release from Deluxe Corporation.

Howerton said the contest’s website encouraged the use of social media to get the word out and build support. The Ark City Ask and Answered Facebook page was a major tool used to encourage people to visit the show’s website and vote for Ark City, she added.

After learning that enough votes had been cast to attract the attention of show officials, a group of Ark City citizens gathered in the downtown area last month to take part in a promotional video.

Ellis Co. election canvass will determine winner of state rep seat

With the race for the Kansas House of Representative 111th District still too close to call, all eyes will be on the Ellis County election office and Clerk and Election Officer Donna Maskus on Thursday night as the vote tallies are finalized.

Just 40 votes separate incumbent Democratic State Rep. Eber Phelps and Republican challenger Barb Wasinger after the final votes were tallied on election night. Wasinger led Phelps 4,259 to 4,219 votes.

There are still approximately 200 provisional ballots and more than 30 advance ballots that still must be counted, a process Maskus said could take a significant amount of time Thursday.

The election canvass will be at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Ellis County Administrative Center in the commission chambers and a vault nearby.

During the canvass, the remaining provisional and advanced ballots are opened, counted and then added to the vote totals to determine the final tally, which is then approved by the canvassing board.

(Read more: Hays Post)