Kansas Municipal News
Barber County Undersheriff Brewer put on leave without pay
Barber County Undersheriff Virgil “Dusty” Brewer was put on administrative leave without pay Friday, as he faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Brewer was in a Barber County courtroom Friday morning for his first appearance in the case involving the fatal shooting in October 2017 of Steven Myers. A condition of Brewer’s bond is that he cannot engage in law enforcement. Brewer was appointed undersheriff in 2017 by Sheriff Lonnie Small, who observed the court proceeding.
Brewer’s annual salary is $42,360, according to the Barber County Clerk’s office.
On Oct. 6, 2017, Brewer shot a beanbag round at an unarmed Myers at close range. Body camera video and audio recordings revealed the events that took place in a backyard at Sun City, where Myers died at the scene.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)
Haysville City Council considers exit interview policy
The Haysville City Council got its first look at a possible city employee exit interview process at its Aug. 27 meeting.
Council members had requested discussion of such a policy at their last meeting after a citizen raised concerns about turnover among police officers and the lack of exit interviews in that department.
Background information indicated the council had approved a motion in January 2005 to eliminate exit interviews from the personnel manual. The proposed procedure would call for the assistant city clerk to conduct all exit interviews by reading a set of questions to the employee and writing down the employee’s answers. The employee would review the answers, then sign and date the form. The interview form would be emailed to the employee’s department head and the chief administrative officer after the employee had terminated employment.
(Read more: Times-Sentinel Newspapers » Feed)
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas recognized for quality of care
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) has received national recognition from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for providing high-quality care. “We are proud to be recognized for the quality of care provided to our patients,” said Jason Wesco, Executive Vice-President. “It demonstrates the hard work of our staff as well as our commitment to providing high-quality patient care.”
Wesco added that the funding allows CHC/SEK to continue working to improve the health outcomes in southeast Kansas. The funding is part of $125 million in funding awarded by HRSA to health centers nationwide to further improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the health care delivered to the communities they serve. CHC/SEK was one of only 18 health centers in the state to receive the funding.
(Read more: News – Cherokee County News Advocate)
Time to rehab city manholes, clean out sewer lines in Hays
There are more than 2,000 manholes in the city of Hays and each one requires some rehabilitation about every 50 to 60 years.
The time has come for the city to repair an estimated 20 of its manholes that are showing signs of wear, like crumbling soft concrete or failure of the iron ring encircling the opening, according to Jeff Crispin, director of the city’s Department of Water Resources.
“It’s kind of hard to predict. We know that we have a lot of manholes that we need to do every single year,” said Crispin, speaking Thursday evening to the Hays City Commission during its regular work session at City Hall, 1507 Main St.
Failure can block a sewer line and cause overflows, or worse, people and vehicles can be harmed in the event of a manhole collapse, Crispin told the commissioners.
He recommended the city hire Wichita-based Utility Maintenance Contractors L.L.C., which submitted the lowest bid of $60,000 in response to a request for proposals from the city. The commissioners will vote on whether to award the contract at their regular meeting next Thursday, Sept. 13.
“The sewer would remain in service,” Crispin said. “We don’t foresee any situation where we’d have to have the sewer out of service.”
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
New stadium planned for Triple-A baseball in Wichita
Top-level minor league baseball likely will return to Wichita in 2020. Mayor Jeff Longwell said Thursday that the New Orleans Baby Cakes of the Pacific Coast League have filed an application to relocate to Wichita. The application must be approved by Minor League Baseball and the Pacific Coast League. It also must be reviewed by Major League Baseball.
City officials expect a decision later this year. The Baby Cakes are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.
Wichita has been without an affiliated baseball team since 2007 when the Wichita Wranglers — the Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals at the time — left for a new stadium built for them in Springdale, Arkansas. Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, built in 1934, will be torn down later this year. The new stadium complex is expected to cost between $60 million and $73 million. It will have 7,000 fixed seats and a total capacity of about 10,000.
City officials have said they hope it can be used for concerts, festivals and other events.
(Read more: Hays Post)
National League of Cities: New limits on local wireless would result in huge revenue losses for local govt
After more than a year of deliberation, the Federal Communications Commission has released its draft Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order, focusing on state and local management of small cell wireless infrastructure deployment. The document, if approved by a majority of commissioners at the FCC’s September 26 open meeting, would enact substantial new limits on local wireless siting review.
The proposal would result in huge revenue losses for local governments from small cell lease agreements, new unfunded mandates and a loss of local control over issues like undergrounding, negotiations for public benefits and the ability to fully control the appearance of city streets.
The proposal offers many of the benefits of utility status to wireless providers, without any resulting requirement to build out and provide service to all residents in a timely fashion. By removing the leverage that cities have in negotiations with wireless providers, this proposal threatens to widen the digital divide, allowing providers to cherry-pick the most marketable areas for infrastructure, while leaving rural and less-profitable places behind.
(Read more: CitiesSpeak)
Does Wichita have an anti-college attitude? Friends forum will explore why
Does Wichita have an anti-college attitude?
Russell Fox, a professor of political science at Friends University, has heard that theory — most recently in a report by economist James Chung — and wants to explore the issue further.
“In the row where I was sitting (during Chung’s presentation), people were nodding their heads and saying, ‘Oh yeah, that confirms everything,” Fox said. “Those nodding heads convinced me that I ought to see if there’s some way I could organize something where we can talk about this amongst ourselves.”
On Thursday, Fox will host a roundtable discussion about higher education in Wichita, exploring local perceptions and how to learn from them. The free event is 7 to 9 p.m. on the lower level of the Casado Campus Center at Friends University, 2100 W. University.
“Let’s talk about the impressions of college as an experience in general that we see in Wichita,” he said.
“Are negative feelings, to the extent they exist, more political or cultural? . . . And why would it be that maybe there’s more of this kind of attitude in Wichita than in other places?”
During a recent analysis of Wichita’s strengths and weaknesses, Chung pointed to a survey by the Pew Research Center, in which Americans were asked: “Would you say a college education is extremely important, very important, somewhat important or not too important in helping a young person succeed in the world today?”
Nationwide, about 77 percent of respondents said college is extremely or very important. In Wichita, only 54 percent said so.“I’ve never been in a city where people are so willing, proactively, to talk negatively about higher education institutions and about higher education in general,” Chung said during his presentation.
(Read more: Local News |)
After 8 years with Mission, John Belger steps down as director of public works
After eight years working for the Mission public works department, John Belger is stepping down.
Belger will work for Infrastructure Solutions in Lenexa, a job in which he will oversee construction of both private and public projects.
His last day as public works director is Sept. 21.
Councilmembers at their community development committee meeting Wednesday thanked Belger for his service to the city.
“It’s been really great working with you,” said member Kristin Inman.
Likewise, Belger thanked the city leaders for “taking on a 26-year-old” when he first started eight years ago.
“I hope I’ve left Mission a lot better than I found it, and I’m confident that I have, but I hope you’ll see it that way too,” he told the council.
John Belger
John Belger
Belger started working as superintendent for Mission public works in July 2010. He was promoted to public works director in 2013, right before “the Johnson Drive job.”Redeveloping the Johnson Drive corridor was among the public works director’s proudest accomplishments.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
Prairie Village homebuilder lobbying hard against design standards set to go before planning commission next week
A homebuilder and Prairie Village resident whose own teardown-rebuild project drew criticism from some of her neighbors two years ago is making an aggressive push to scuttle a new set of home design guidelines set to go before the Prairie Village planning commission next week.
Lynneah Gregory, who is president of Mission-based Reconstruct KC, sent emails to members of the Prairie Village city council on Wednesday that featured photos of the councilmembers’ homes and explanations of how the buildings might not meet the guidelines if they were built today. Some members of the governing body were put off by the emails.
Gregory also lent her name to a press release distributed by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City that argued the new guidelines would have “unintended consequences” for current homeowners. In the release, Gregory said that because the new restrictions would “impact new builds and remodels equally,” she believed they would discourage refreshing of the city’s housing stock.
“I fear current and potential residents will look elsewhere to meet their housing needs if these standards are approved,” Gregory said in the release.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post – Neighborhood news and events for Prairie Village, Fairway, Mission Hills)
🎥 New City of Hays employee pay plan would offer ‘more paid time off or more money’
A proposed new pay plan and job classification program for city of Hays employees was reviewed by city commissioners Thursday night.
Starting with the first payroll of 2019, the pay plan would provide two percent steps to all employees each year on their anniversary month, explained Erin Giebler, Director of Human Resources.
“Prior to 2019, the city did not provide consistent or predictable pay increases from year to year,” Giebler told commissioners.
To make the pay plan affordable, a volunteer committee of 15 employees made changes to the benefits offered, including lower Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals and capping the longevity bonus at four percent. “Basically, current employees get to decide whether they want more PTO or more money.”
(Read more: Hays Post)
Gardner plans mobile ‘parklet’ downtown
Gardner is seeking public feedback on the design of a proposed mini park, or “parklet,” to be built by the end of October along a downtown sidewalk. Citizens are asked to complete an online survey by 5 p.m. Sept. 12.
The city says Gardner is among 129 communities nationwide to receive an AARP Community Challenge grant to create vibrant public spaces for people of all ages.
Gardner will use the money to create the mobile parklet through a sidewalk extension that repurposes vehicle space as a spot for people to rest or socialize in the shade. The city will able to move the structure to other locations to provide accessible seating at events for people with disabilities.
The survey shows various layouts, furniture styles and shade structures for the parklet, so residents can communicate their preferences.
(Read more: KC Breaking News, Sports & Crime |)
People in Wichita upset about large, new power-line poles
Westar Energy is replacing old power lines with new ones in a northeast Wichita neighborhood, and they come with poles as tall as 105 feet.
If they’re going in your yard, Westar says it has already spoken with you.
You can find them from 17th street to the Mossman and Hillside area.
They’re also being replaced from around 9th and Volutsia to the Wichita State University campus.
Westar says the old polls are from the 1950s and need replaced, but some people in the community aren’t happy about it.
“I think it’s a disgrace I have to see this every morning when I look out my backyard, it’s right there,” said Treva Smith.
They range in size, but people in the neighborhood say they’re an eye sore.
A Westar representative says they’re sturdier, made to withstand weather and can carry more power.
Westar says it’s purchasing easement from property owners to put them in yards.
“What it’s going to do is help support things like the innovation campus at WSU, new industry, new business,” said Gina Penzig, the media relations manager with Westar.
(Read more: KWCH News)
Deal forming to extend Ark City outdoor trail
Westar Energy wants to build a new power line across property owned by Arkansas City and the city wants to expand its hike-bike trail. Both parties hope to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.
The City Commission listened to a report from City Manager Nick Hernandez during its regular meeting Tuesday that included preliminary talks about the deal.
Hernandez said Westar plans to rework its Paris Park substation. As part of that project, the company also wants to run a high-transmission line from the substation to KanPak and then on to ADM Milling, at 1200 S. Mill Road.
“We own all of the right-of-way that they will need,” Hernandez said. “Every last bit of it.”
Hernandez said he has been in negotiation with Westar to work out a trade that would lead to Westar providing funding to help expand the trail from its current end point to the Hafner Training Center.
“The cost estimate is $538,000, which includes a crossing on Madison,” he said. “We’ve thrown some numbers out there. We haven’t received any no’s yet.”
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2018-11: Retired school district employees receiving KPERS may serve as board members
Neither state statute nor the common law doctrine of incompatibility of offices precludes a retiree from serving as a member of the school board for the school district from which the retiree retired. Because benefits received by a retiree of a unified school district from the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System or the school district’s early retirement program are earned during the retiree’s employment with the school district and are not compensation for work or duties performed as a board member, K.S.A. 2018 Supp. 72-1137 does not preclude a retiree from receiving the benefits during the time the retiree is serving as a board member.
(Read more: Kansas Attorney General Opinions)
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2018-12: Townships derive their powers from the legislature. A township may not exercise a power not granted by the legislature.
As the township officers for Silver Lake Township, you ask our opinion on a matter related to the powers of townships. Specifically, you ask whether a township may solicit and receive donations. For the reasons discussed below, we conclude the answer to your question is “no.” The legislature granted townships the power to: sue and be sued; purchase and hold real and personal property; sell, convey and dispose of real and personal property; and “make all contracts that may be necessary and convenient.” The legislature has not granted townships the power to accept gifts and donations generally.
(Read more: Kansas Attorney General Opinions)
Sister city mayor, wife from Wagga Wagga wrap up visit in Leavenworth
The mayor of Wagga Wagga, Australia, says the people of Leavenworth have big hearts and deep, compassionate souls.
“The heart and soul of this city is the people,” Greg Conkey said.
Conkey and his wife, Jenny, were wrapping up a visit to Leavenworth on Wednesday.
Wagga Wagga is one of Leavenworth’s sister cities.
Jenny Conkey said she also will remember the people of Leavenworth.
Greg Conkey is the third Wagga Wagga mayor to visit Leavenworth since the two cities became affiliated in 1962.
The Conkeys have been visiting Leavenworth along with representatives of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest competition.
Greg Conkey said he and his wife had planned to visit another sister city in China with Miss Wagga Wagga Zoe Martin and Community Princess Maddie Smith. But plans for this trip did not work out and the representatives of the Australian city came to Leavenworth instead.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
City of Leavenworth files amended petition in lawsuit against Leavenworth County
The city of Leavenworth has filed an amended petition, laying out what city officials are seeking in a lawsuit against the Leavenworth County Commission.
At issue in the lawsuit are county plans for improvements at the intersection of 20th Street and Eisenhower Road.
The amended petition, which was filed Friday in Leavenworth County District Court, argues an agreement between the county and cities of Leavenworth and Lansing requires the county to pay for left turn lanes and traffic signals at the intersection.
A trial in the lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 23.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)
Firefighters union challenges proposed cut of engine from city budget; Fire Marshal: “We can’t put a station on every corner.”
The City of Wichita responds to a post on Facebook from the firefighters union, claiming a fire truck about to be cut from the budget was key to rescuing a man from a burning home.
That 65-year-old man was taken to the hospital in very critical condition, He later died, but would not have made it out had it not been for the availability of Engine No. 6, the union says. .
The union posted a statement on Facebook following the man’s rescue from the home.
The post addresses the city’s budget cuts, including getting rid of Engine 6. Fire Marshal Stuart Bevis said there are other stations on the city’s east side, but they don’t have optimal response times.
“What’s the best way to fill that gap, and what’s the most economical because it does sound bad when you talk about life and death or loss of property,” Bevis says. “But here’s the thing, we can’t put a fire station on every corner.”
(Read more: KWCH News)
After OP farmers’ market dust settled, upgrades and a name change get council support
This summer’s public forums on the future of Santa Fe Commons Park in downtown Overland Park generated one clear message from residents: Don’t move the Farmers’ Market to the park.
But the question remained, how could the city upgrade the space that is downtown’s central park and make it a more vibrant destination for residents, families and visitors?
On Wednesday night, the council’s community development committee voted unanimously for a plan that keeps the market where it is, at 7950 Marty St., but provides a new performance space, playground and enhanced green space within the park at 8045 Santa Fe Drive. The plan goes to the full council Oct. 1 for consideration.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Salina City Commission getting closer to advertising for city manager
The Salina City Commission took a step forward Wednesday afternoon in its search for a new city manager. Former City Manager Jason Gage left at the end of July.
Commissioners have hired the consulting firm of Springstead|Waters to help develop a brochure for the position. At a special study session Wednesday, commissioners met with Springstead|Waters via conference call.
Changes were minor, and the job description is similar to the one used to hire Gage, Mayor Karl Ryan said. The draft of the brochure is available on the city’s website, www.salina-ks.gov.
The commission will consider adopting the brochure at Monday’s regular meeting.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Dodge City officials given update on potential college
An update was given to city officials recently regarding the University Center for medical providers.
The University Center refers to any program that is not offered in area community colleges and not medical school.
Therefore the mid-level college will be coined as University Center which would possibly go into the Hennessy Hall facility in Dodge City.
The update stated that 30-39 percent of education attainment takes place in southwest Kansas which is for those who go beyond a high school education.
The partnership with the medical college will be with Fort Hays State University, Wichita State University and University of Kansas, as well as community colleges in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal.
“The areas we will be focusing on are what our paths would look like in western Kansas,” consultant Terri McLain who was hired by city officials to collect data, analysis and assessments said. “We want to make certain we don’t have any overlap between any programs the universities may offer.
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
Rebuilding of property on “Mother Road” Route 66 in Baxter Springs
Military Avenue has been abuzz lately, and not just from the construction taking place on the 1100 block north of the Ritz or the roar of the frequent car shows at Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain. Coltyn Seifert, his brother Casye, and wife Kelsey, have been hard at work on defining, refining, and bringing to fruition their dream of restoring an old building on Route 66.
A little over a year ago, in May 2018, the Seifert’s purchased the building at 1020 Military Ave., with the hopes of restoring it and owning a business on the Mother Road in Baxter. At the time they had big aspirations and several options. According to the GoFundMe page the Seifert’s started, their dreams for the building felt endless as they continually explored both the interior and exterior.
(Read more: News – Cherokee County News Advocate)
City of Augusta asked to allow artificial tree downtown
Shane Scott, owner of Sugar Shane’s Cafe, appeared before Council asking that a artificial tree be allowed to remain in a city planter located in front of the business in the 400 block of State Street. Scott explained that a city-owned tree at that location had died and an artificial palm tree was temporarily placed in a planter.
“It adds personality. The customers love it and I wanted to know what you think,” Scott said.
Councilor Crum asked if the issue wouldn’t be better going before the Downtown Inc. board.
City Manager Shaw explained that he wasn’t certain what code would apply to the situation.
“Would it be called signage? Landscaping? Tree sculpture?…Someone should approve something, but I’m not sure what to call it. It is in a streetscape location.“
(Read more: News – Butler County Times Gazette)
Pittsburg firefighters take steps to honor fallen heroes
Members of the Pittsburg Fire Department will honor fallen heroes during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday, September 8, in Wichita, Kansas. Firefighters will climb in honor of the 343 first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Hosted at the Epic Center in downtown Wichita, KS, firefighters will climb 110 floors in remembrance of fallen firefighters. Each participant will carry a badge containing the picture and name of a fallen first responder.
The annual Wichita Fire Department stair climb has taken place each year since 2015, and is a sanctioned event of the Association of Memorial Stair Climbs, a 501(c) 3 organization. Proceeds benefit the New York City Fire Department Fire Family Transport Foundation.
(Read more: City of Pittsburg)
Parsons City Commission OKs trail grant application; with reservations
With some expressed reservations, Parsons city commissioners agreed to apply for a grant to make improvements to the Tolen Creek Trail.
The commission agreed on Tuesday evening to submit an application for a Kansas Department of Transportation grant through the agency’s Transportation Alternatives Program for a project that would cost an estimated $986,200. The work would include removing the existing gravel from about 3/4 of a mile of the west portion of the trail and replacing it with concrete as well as adding lighting, bridge railing and signage. The city’s cost in the project would total $269,240, which represents 20 percent of construction plus all of the engineering costs. KDOT is expected to announce grant awards under the Transportation Alternatives Program in December. City Manager Debbie Lamb said if the commission decides to reject the grant, there would be no repercussions as long as a decision is made well before bid letting, which is anticipated for October 2020.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Grievance issue peaks with petition in Winfield
A group of Winfield citizens presented a petition to the city commission Tuesday asking that the grievance policy be reinstated so fired employees have a way to protest.
The petition was presented by Chris Jarvis, of Winfield. Jarvis told the commission that supporters of reinstating the policy have been assured the commission is working on a replacement, and they are grateful for the time given.
Grievance policies became a big issue for the city after former police officer Sean Skov was fired in May for instigating a traffic stop on Winfield resident Jeremy “Rudy” Samuel that led to accusations of racism and rights violations. The city did have a grievance policy for employees, but it was written out of the employee handbook earlier this year because it was rarely used.
At Tuesday’s meeting, several other citizens spoke up in support of the petition and iterated concerns voiced in earlier commission meetings about employee morale and other fallout from Skov’s firing.
Mayor Greg Thompson said the handbook is being redone, with more employee input than in previous versions.
(Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com – RSS Results)
City of Hays eyes three new trash trucks, adds one new recycle truck
Three new trash trucks could be rolling down alleys in the city of Hays as early as April 1, 2019, if Hays city commissioners approve the purchase.
The three proposed trucks are New Way Sidewinders with Peterbilt cab and chassis for $673,076 from Doonan Peterbilt of Hays, said Jesse Rohr, Director of Public Works for the city. They would replace three existing trash trucks, one of which was recently wrecked.
“The industry standard for trash trucks is six to eight years,” Rohr said. “We’ve had these for nearly 11 years. The trucks themselves are worn out. They’re in the shop far too much.”
A recommendation from city staff to buy the trucks is on the agenda for the regular Hays City Commission work session this evening evening at City Hall, 1507 Main St.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
Chetopa considers zoning for farm animals
In another matter the council also discussed a proposal to prohibit farm animals in a zoned area.
Some residents were concerned Charles Archer planned to move some of his alpacas that are housed near Chetopa School to some of the lots he bought in a recent Labette County Sheriff’s tax sale. At least one neighbor didn’t want the animals to be moved near her property.
Archer attended the council meeting to answer any questions about the properties he bought. He said he didn’t plan to move alpacas to any of the lots.
George Davis of Chetopa had asked about prohibiting farm animals in certain areas through zoning, and Shane Adamson, city attorney, said zoning could be accomplished by a simple ordinance. He was gathering examples from other cities.
Other residents, however, expressed their concerns with prohibiting farm animals, and Brenda Carter questioned if animals presently being kept within the zoned area would be grandfathered. She was told that is an option, and no decisions have been made on restrictions if the council proceeds with zoning. The council plans to discuss zoning in the news few meetings.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Transportation panel to meet in Pittsburg
A meeting to receive public input on the state’s transportation program for the next decade and more will take place Sept. 20 on the Pittsburg State University campus.
The Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force, consisting of 31 Kansas legislators, industry representatives and local officials, is tasked with evaluating current and future transportation needs, reviewing transportation funding and making recommendations on the needs of the transportation system over the next 10 years and beyond.
The task force will meet with local officials and interested citizens at nine visits across the state. The task force is set to hold its southeast area visit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Pittsburg State University, Overman Student Center, Ballroom A, 302 E. Cleveland, Pittsburg. The meetings are open to the public.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Hospital tax approved in Ark City
A permanent, one-cent sales tax for South Central Kansas Medical Center received strong support among voters during a mail-in vote counted on Thursday.
The unofficial results showed 66 percent of the votes cast were in support of the proposal set forth by city and hospital officials to establish a long-term funding source for the financially struggling hospital center, while at the same time lowering overall sales tax going to the medical center from 1.5 percent to 1 percent.
Cowley County Clerk Karen Madison reported Thursday afternoon that 1,320 votes, more than 66.3 percent were cast in support of the measure with 670 votes against.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Pride, history drive rural community of Alton in Osborne County
Folks who inhabit tiny towns like Alton, population 98, remain viable because of civic pride and a willingness to give back to their community. For this little village, whose greatest claim to fame remains that of being the birthplace of Russell Stover, civic responsibility is just that – an old, established concept that compels people to work, play and live together in harmony. “Our annual celebration affords us the opportunity to bring people of this community and the surrounding towns together,” says Deanna Roach, a lifetime native who farms with her husband, Stanley, south of Alton. “We’re proud of our heritage, and we want people to know about it and continue to be a part of it.”
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
KBI, FBI asked to investigate “preferential treatment” at Hutchinson Police Department
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation – and possibly the FBI – are investigating the Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder confirmed Thursday.
Schroeder said he sought the investigation after hearing “allegations and rumors of preferential treatment.”
He declined to go into details on who or what the preferential treatment involved, but said he sought an outside agency to look into the complaints due to “issues of integrity and trust that we need to have resolved.”
Schroeder said he didn’t know if the allegations rose to the level of a crime. But he said he wanted to resolved questions about the department because of U.S. Supreme Court rulings referred to as Brady/Giglio, requiring information that casts doubt on the credibility of testifying officers be revealed to the defense in a criminal case.
Schroeder said he asked the KBI to investigate and, after advised they may not have the staff to conduct an investigation, asked the FBI to join. He said, however, he doesn’t know who is handling the investigation.
“I’ve worked here 30 years, and this department has a legacy of being superior,” Schroeder said. “I still consider them to be superior. But I believed it was important enough to look into.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Moundridge finds winning formula for growth
Nearly 82% of Kansas cities lost people over the last decade. That’s according to a new report out of KU’s Institute for Policy and Social Research. The losses get even worse when looking at towns that started with fewer than 10,000 people. But one town in Central Kansas has found a successful formula when it comes to attracting newcomers. “We offer free land to new business development and investment in our community,” said Murray McGee, Economic Development Director for the City of Moundridge.
As jobs came, people followed. Unemployment fell to just 3.3% and the city said companies have many job openings, ranging from sales clerks to engineers.
McGee said getting people to Moundridge still isn’t the last step in the city’s population growth plan.
“They want a community that gives new residents opportunities to really become part of the community,” he said. “And we try to do that.”
City leaders hold regular Newcomer Meetings to make sure everything’s going smoothly and new folks have the help they need to settle in. Moundridge has the biggest population jump in Central Kansas, between April 2010 and July 2017, for towns with fewer than 10,000 people.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Split council approves increased paid holidays and vacation days for city employees
The City of Great Bend hired a firm from Kansas City to conduct a compensation study on all city employees. The study found that there were employees, mostly firefighters, which needed their salary increased to meet the market minimum. The Great Bend City Council approved a motion to improve compensation issues starting January 1, 2019.
The study also showed Great Bend was behind other comparable-sized cities for vacation days and paid holidays. Human Resources Director Randy Keasling recommended the City Council pass increases to both vacation days and holiday days for city employees.
Councilmember Jolene Biggs was against the motion, stating there are issues with underfunded or not funded at all projects within the capital improvement plan.
(Read more: Great Bend Post)
Hillsboro officials meet about options for internet
“We met with three people,” Hillsboro Economic Development Director Anthony Roy said. “One was from Star Point, and they manage fiber optics and operate them. He was there over the phone. And we had a gentleman from Graybar, which distributes and sells fiber optic equipment. And then the other guy was a representative of potential investors that invest in fiber networks. We knew the guy out of Graybar because he is from Wichita, but the other two we just talked about next steps. So they are just now going to put together a proposal or plan for a fiber build. Definitely nothing concrete by any means.”
Hillsboro only has a few options for Internet providers. A common complaint of Hillsboro residents is the lack of reliability and speed when it comes to the Internet.
“One of the things we would like is better options for Internet service,” Roy said. “Our biggest problem now is that we have areas in town that have fairly good Internet service. Like where I live gets very good, reliable service, but three blocks away someone may not be getting good service. So it is very spotty as to who is getting reliable service. We want everybody to have good service.”
This applies to both residential and business locations.
“As far as downtown, there is a need to have better service. I have spoken personally to several business owners downtown about their frustrations,” Roy said. “We just want to have good service [for Hillsboro] and see what our options are.”
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Saluting the forgotten lawn chairs of community festival
They’re the last standing reminders of another fun-filled Roots Festival weekend in Paola.
Long after the last act leaves the stage. After the last barbecue team RV pulls out of town. After the last piece of trash is picked up by the Square cleanup crew — they still remain.
Much like death and taxes, they’re a fact of life that will likely never go away. They’re the forgotten lawn chairs.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
Paola police department launches Take Me Home program
Sgt. Ryan Rayzor of the Paola Police Department wants to make sure all local residents are kept safe, especially those dealing with disorders that could potentially lead to misunderstandings with law enforcement.
That’s why he has spearheaded the creation of the Take Me Home program at the police department. The program is similar to others across the country that are based on the official Take Me Home program created in 2003 by officer Jimmy Donohoe in Florida. The program is endorsed by the Autism Society, and it was created so that children on the autism spectrum who wander will be returned safely and treated with understanding.
The concept is that police departments will develop a database of people who may need special assistance, which gives officers instant access to photos, emergency contacts and other information to reference if a youth is found wandering but is unresponsive with officers.
Rayzor said the program can be especially beneficial in a small-town community like Paola, because the officers likely will know all of the people registered in the program without even having to reference a database.
That’s why he is encouraging interested residents to schedule a time to come by the Paola Justice Center to pick up an enrollment form and meet the local police officers.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
Louisburg voters to decide fate of special sales tax in November
The sales tax in Louisburg could rise next year if residents approve its increase on the November ballot.
The Louisburg City Council voted Aug. 20 to ask voters to double the current infrastructure improvement sales tax from .25 to .5 of 1 percent, which would increase the total sales tax in the city from 9.25 percent to 9.5 percent. If approved, the sales tax increase would not go into effect until July 1, 2019.
The current infrastructure improvement city sales tax of .25 percent was approved by voters in 2010 to be collected for 10 years. That tax is set to sunset in 2020. “People see the work being done,” said Councilman Dave Maddax. “They see the progress and the sidewalks. I think they will go for it because they like their kids to be safe.”
City Administrator Nathan Law said city staff recommended increasing the special sales tax to .5 percent with no sunset and designated for general use.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
Miami County Commissioners decide fate of old jail
The graffiti was still legible.
But the splintered paint on the bars and walls of the empty cells were indications the 1960s-era building that once housed the sheriff’s office and jail had stood vacant for some months in the shadows of the three-story Miami County Detention Center across the street. The 96-bed center was dedicated in November 2017.
Miami County commissioners recently toured the old jail as they mulled options for the structure, designed to house 22 inmates. Commissioners discussed several options for the tired building, including renovation for office space or turning it into storage. Another possibility, commissioners said, was to raze the building and turn it into a parking lot to help alleviate a shortage of spaces around the courthouse, created in part by construction of the new detention center.
“We created the problem when we built that jail in our big parking lot,” Commissioner George Pretz said before taking the tour. “Now we need to solve it.”
During a follow-up discussion at the commission’s study session Aug. 29 County Administrator Shane Krull said the building was structurally sound but mechanically obsolete.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
Marion County Commission agrees to commission expansion proposal
Marion County Commission might grow by two members in January, depending on how the November election goes.
Commissioners at Friday’s meeting passed the decision unanimously, cancelling the need for chairman Dianne Novak to circulate a petition.
If the resolution passes in November, commissioners will have until Jan. 1 to restructure county districts with balanced populations.
“I believe the voters in the county want to decide that,” commissioner Kent Becker said.
If the county expands the commission, it cannot change district numbers for four years.
“It feels like the further away you get from Marion, the more you find people who want to go to a five-member board,” commissioner Randy Dallke said.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
Wichita is close to a deal with New Orleans Baby Cakes Triple-A baseball team
Wichita is in talks with the New Orleans Baby Cakes franchise, an affiliate of the Miami Marlins, to be Wichita’s new Triple-A team, several sources said Wednesday.
The deal is close to being finalized but is not yet done, sources say.
Mayor Jeff Longwell plans a baseball announcement of some sort at his regular Thursday briefing.
Longwell didn’t return a call for comment, nor did Augusto “Cookie” Rojas, the Baby Cakes senior vice president and general manager.
The Wichita Wingnuts, an independent baseball franchise, played its final game on Monday.
The city plans to tear down the 84-year-old Lawrence-Dumont Stadium downtown and build a new stadium that would accommodate baseball and other activities, possibly soccer.
The city has been working to lure a team that is affiliated with a Major League franchise. Financing for the Wichita project is expected to come from setting aside future sales and property taxes on commercial development expected to occur around the new stadium.
Wichita is planning to combine the stadium with significant retail, restaurant and drinking opportunities to create a more comprehensive entertainment experience that officials hope will attract patrons beyond the core baseball fans.
(Read more: KC Breaking News, Sports & Crime |)
Great Bend City Administrator to hold quarterly community chats
Taking over the job July 30, Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis is making an effort to make himself more accessible to the public.
Francis announced at Tuesday’s Great Bend City Council meeting that he would be holding “Kendal’s Coffee” on a quarterly basis. During the coffee sessions, community members can come to talk to Francis about concerns or thoughts on the City.
(Read more: Great Bend Post)
Great Bend moves forward with no Public Works Director
When Charlie Suchy resigned as Great Bend Public Works Director in June, no timeline or procedure to find his replacement was announced. Now it appears that for the time being, the city will operate without a Public Works Director in place. According to Great Bend City Attorney Bob Suelter, City Administrator Kendal Francis will oversee the Public Works Department with assistance from a newly hired Assistant Public Works Director. Suelter says Francis has a background in public works, serving for nearly 20 years in Beloit with the city’s water and wastewater department. That person will be Simon Wiley who began his duties as Assistant Public Works Director three weeks ago. Wiley came to Great Bend after serving in a supervisory position for the city of Greenwood, Arkansas. He also has 10 years experience with the Arkansas Department of Transportation. He also has an interest in water and drainage issue, something that he says is unique for Great Bend.
(Read more: Great Bend Post)
Attorney General, Sunshine Coalition to offer free training sessions on open government laws in Topeka
Free training sessions on Kansas open government laws will be offered next month in Topeka and Johnson County, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government announced today.
“Open access to the functions of government is important to self-government,” Schmidt said. “As our office investigates complaints of violations of open government laws, most often we find the violations were inadvertent and can be avoided through better education. I encourage public officials, candidates for public office, staff, members of the media and the public to participate in these training sessions to learn more about how these laws work.”
(Read more: WIBW News Now!)
Church fire mistake sparks new sharing agreement between city and county departments
Two months after a historic church suffered major fire damage and a Wichita fire truck was prematurely called back from the scene, the city and county have reached a new agreement on sharing resources to try to make sure it doesn’t happen again, officials said Wednesday.
The new agreement places the decision of whether to release equipment in the hands of the on-scene commander at an emergency, said County Manager Michael Scholes and City Manager Robert Layton.
The new accord on shared support was reached Aug. 30. The agreement rises from the ashes of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale.
A lightning strike on June 24 set fire to the church. It suffered an estimated $1 million in damage after a Wichita ladder truck was pulled off the fire line by someone in the chain of command at the city fire department.
The county doesn’t have that type of truck, and county officials say the damage would have been less extensive if the truck had stayed on the scene fighting the fire.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)