Kansas Municipal News
Goessel City Council discusses water rates to attract valuable grant dollars
The council once again discussed the need to raise sewer rates in order to receive grant money for sewer system upgrades. Goessel’s sewer rates are too low; the city will not qualify for the grant if the rates are not raised to an appropriate amount.
City clerk Jennifer Whitehead reminded the council that the city currently charges $36.95 per month. It is possible that the city might need to raise the rates to $48.98 per month. However, the council decided to make several raises instead of one larger one. Therefore, the council proposed an incremental raise of $5 at this time, with additional raises in the future. The $5 rate increase will be presented to the council in an ordinance at next month’s meeting. The rate increase will not take effect until after the ordinance has been approved.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Hutchinson’s Westar Energy plant preparing for the future with $25M upgrade
The expansion of renewable energy in Kansas has led to a shift in the role of Westar’s Hutchinson Energy Center and a massive $25 million upgrade.
Most of the changes are not noticeable to motorists passing by the longtime electrical generation plant, since they involve primarily retrofitting diesel-powered turbines housed in relatively low-slung tan buildings near the back of the 144-acre property to run off natural gas and biofuels, The Hutchinson News reported.
However, they’ll become quite apparent in the coming months as the company works to demolish and remove the massive cooling towers and original steam generation plant closer to 30th Avenue. The Hutchinson plant, which first started in 1949, has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the decades. The current power units were installed in the 1970s. The center has served as a “peak energy” plant for years, only providing power during periods of highest electrical demand in the state.
Today, it serves as an instant-demand plant to provide power primarily when generation from Western Kansas wind farms is slowed, explained Casey Bough, senior director for Renewables, Gas and Oil Fleet for Westar Energy, during a ribbon-cutting last Wednesday, July 25, for new offices at the Hutchinson center.
Westar now draws about a third of its power from wind and solar.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
City of Newton releases full pool survey results
he official survey results are in and Newton residents want more features at the municipal pool.
A total of 1,100 residents responded to a City of Newton survey conducted June 27 through July 6 regarding the city pool. The final results, which the city released last week, will be discussed at a joint meeting at City Hall on Aug. 7, between the Newton Recreation Commission and Newton City Commission. The meeting is set for 7 p.m.
Of the 1,100 survey respondents, 58 percent said they used the Newton municipal pool. That was 21 percent lower than the number of respondents that said they visit pools or water parks in other cities, which was 79 percent.
The most popular water park was in Hesston with 434 responses. Another 416 said they visit McPherson, 395 visit Salina, 363 visit Derby and 329 visit Wichita.
A large majority of respondents, 91 percent said they would like to see more features at the pool as opposed to repairs.
(Read more: Newton Now)
Russell County farms eligible for industrial hemp pilot project
Russell County farmers Dean Haselhorst and Troy Waymaster are still trying to decide if they’ll participate in an industrial hemp pilot project led by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
“I am thinking about it. I’ve been attending the meetings,” said the 54-year-old Haselhorst, who grew up on a farm and has been a farmer all his life, growing wheat, milo and corn. “It’s all still very preliminary, but it’s potentially better than growing wheat. The price of wheat is so low.”
Waymaster, state representative for the 109th District, which includes Russell County, advocated before the Legislature for the pilot project research bill that was ultimately signed by Gov. Jeff Colyer in April.
The question of whether it will take new machinery is probably the biggest issue for Waymaster, who farms in Russell County with his father and uncle, growing wheat and milo and raising cattle. He’s heard differing opinions on whether the same planting and harvesting equipment for wheat will work for hemp.
(Read more: Kansas News – Topix)
University of Kansas Health System buys Great Bend Regional Hospital and affiliated clinics
The University of Kansas Health System announced Wednesday it had completed the purchase of Great Bend Regional Hospital and its affiliated clinics, including Central Kansas Family Practice and Heartland Regional.
Plans are to rename the hospital The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus, but the current workforce will be “substantially remaining in place,” and patients will continue to receive care from their current doctors and practices, according to a news release from KU.
Officials did not disclose terms of the sale. Great Bend Regional historically competed with HaysMed, St. Rose and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital for patients and market share, but will now be part of one system, with complementary services and providers, officials noted the release.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Council reaches agreement with owners of Louisburg farm to pay for decade old sewer line
Louisburg city officials reached an agreement with the owners of a nearly 150-acre farm to pay for the installation of a sewer line more than a decade ago.
Larry Barker, Teresa Barker Sturm and Bill Barker own LTB Farm, 147.8 acres that stretch from Metcalf Road on the west close to Summerfield Drive on the east and 274th Street on the north to the United Methodist Church property on the south. The farm was passed down to the siblings after their mother died in 1988.
In 2005, the housing market was booming and it looked like a good time to try to sell the property, so the Barkers and other surrounding property owners, including the Louisburg school district, petitioned the city to establish a benefit district to install a sewer line. The work on the sewer line was completed in 2008, right in time for the collapse of the housing market. With the recession hitting in 2008, the city granted LTB Farm a 10-year deferment on its share of the sewer line, which comes to more than $575,000 or about $193,000 for each sibling, according to Nathan Law, city administrator. Figures provided by Sturm were slightly lower.
Law said the total cost of the sewer line project was $1,364,969, shared by LTB Farm, other property owners such as the Summerfield Farms and Harvest Glen developments, and the school district for the Rockville Elementary School property. All the other parties have paid their share, leaving the amount owed by LTB Farm, which includes interest.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
Zoning board considers new towers for windfarm
The county zoning board is pursuing a plan for two new meteorological towers, which could lead to new wind turbines.
The proposed sites lie midway between Marion and Peabody, with one between 140th Rd. and Old Mill Rd., and the other between 100th and Mustang.
Even if the towers are constructed, it does not mean wind turbines will follow.
“A met tower itself is just a data collection tower,” zoning board assistant Sharon Omstead said. “It doesn’t collect wind, it doesn’t do any of that. It just takes readings.”
If approved, National Renewable Solutions will build the structures and collect data under the Expedition Wind project. After data analysis, NRS will decide whether the amount of warrants building turbines.
The company has towers across the country and many are not on wind farms, Jesse Hopkins-Hoel, director of development said.
“There are met towers scattered across the U.S. that don’t have turbines set up,” he said. Before they can put up towers, NRS must acquire conditional use permits for each of the sites.
County commission approval would be needed and sites must be deemed suitable for the proposed use, Omstead said.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
City raises a stink over silage on edge of town
A mountain of silage delivered to property owned by a county commission candidate resulted in a letter from the city of Marion telling him remove the pile or file a written request for a hearing within 10 days.
Marion police delivered the notice July 24, the same day silage began arriving on Mike Beneke’s Marion property at 601 W. Main St., the former Straub’s International location.
“We served it, but it was issued by city hall,” Police Chief Tyler Mermis said.
City attorney Susan Robson said the situation was for “a nuisance issue.” The property is zoned for commercial use, not agricultural.
Depending on what Beneke does, the city could end up taking action to resolve the nuisance, such as removing the silage and charging costs to Beneke, Robson said. He said he planned to cover the silage and let it remain there until needed in the winter. Beneke appeared at Monday’s city council meeting to ask when the 10 days to request a hearing began. Robson told him they began the date he got the letter.
After the meeting Beneke said he will request a hearing.
Beneke, who bought the building in February, attempted to rent it to Marion County Community Economic Development Corp., of which he is treasurer, for $1,000 a month. He now uses the building as headquarters for his Double B Cattle operation.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)
City offices to return to Civic Center this month in Spring Hill
After a stay in a historic downtown Spring Hill building, we’re returning to the Spring Hill Civic Center this month!
In the early months of 2017, construction to renovate the decades-old Civic Center — formerly an elementary school — began. Over the course of a year, the extensive renovation included a new City Council chamber and Municipal Courtroom, new rentable spaces including a completely-renovated gymnasium and performance stage paving the way for extended programming, new customer service areas, fresh landscaping and new City Hall offices.
While we’ve enjoyed our stay in the oldest building downtown, 102 S. Main St., with proximity to our police department and Public Works office and witnessed first-hand the enormous growth on Main Street, we’re eager to get back into our new digs.
(Read more: City of Spring Hill news)
Haysville residents oppose tiny home development
Around 40 people attended last week’s Haysville City Council meeting to express opposition to the idea of a tiny home development near Haysville or to support those expressing opposition.
Several speakers opposed the idea of a tiny home community for homeless people, many of whom presumably would come from Wichita or other surrounding areas.
Mayor Bruce Armstrong stressed at the meeting that while there are media reports about the idea of a tiny home committee, no plans have been presented to the City of Haysville. Armstrong noted at the meeting that the Haysville City Council would have no jurisdiction over a proposed development at Bergmann’s Corn Maze, which is outside of city limits near Meridian and 79th Street S.
Bergmann’s Corn Maze is currently for sale, with an asking price of $560,000. If able to raise the funds for the 78-acre field, Bob Johnson, founder of Let’s Rock & Roll and Change the Word, envisions a community of over 150 tiny homes, each with 200 to 400 square feet of floor space.
According to the Haysville Sun-Times, if there was a specific proposal, the Haysville Planning Commission would be responsible for considering it because the corn maze resides within the commission’s zone of influence. City planning commissions in Sedgwick County have a say in proposed development near their city limits.
Haysville resident Laura Adkins said she is working on a petition against any development and hopes to have it ready for the next Haysville City Council meeting.
(Read more: Area | derbyinformer.com)
Seven cool things about Johnson County’s newest library
Johnson County unveils its first new library of the 21st century, the Monticello branch in western Shawnee, at a grand opening from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The $18.1 million facility, designed by Clark Enersen Partners and built by McCownGordon Construction, aims to serve a booming western Johnson County area that has wanted a new library since the 1990s. As library director Sean Casserley surveyed crews putting the finishing touches Thursday on the first brand-new library built in the county since 2000, he said it reflects not the librarians’ wishes but the community’s vision. It’s designed to emphasize community gathering spaces, convenience and customer-friendly services.
“You get to see the library of the future,” Casserley said.
Here are seven cool features of the new facility at 22435 W. 66th St., just off Shawnee Mission Parkway and east of Kansas 7.
(Read more: Government & Politics News |)
Grant approved to help improve broadband coverage in Kansas
Plans for better broadband coverage across Kansas recently got a boost from the Information Network of Kansas.
The network has approved a $300,000 grant request from Gov. Jeff Colyer to complete a Statewide Broadband Mapping project. The map will be used by a state task force created by the Kansas legislature to identify and close broadband coverage gaps in Kansas.
A group called Connected Nation will produce the map in collaboration with the state’s broadband service providers.
(Read more: Government & Politics News |)
Spectacular new library set to open in JOCO
Johnson County’s new library has its grand opening from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in western Shawnee. It emphasizes community, convenience and customer-friendly features.
(Read more: KC Star Local News)
Fed leaves interest rates unchanged for now, increase is likely in September; upgrades view of the US economy to ‘strong’
The Federal Reserve upgraded its assessment of the U.S. economy Wednesday but decided to skip another interest rate increase for now.
In a widely expected move, the central bank’s policymaking Federal Open Market Committee voted unanimously to keep the target range for its benchmark rate at 1.75 percent to 2 percent.
However, the committee is widely expected to approve an increase at the September meeting and a tweak in the language from the post-meeting statement could be a nod toward more monetary policy normalization.
Read more: CNBC.
Temporary ambulance replacement necessary in Neosho County
The Neosho County ambulance department expects to have a temporary replacement later this week for a unit involved in a shooting incident Saturday.
Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center Ambulance Director Trace Hallack said he has not had a chance to assess the damage to the ambulance, which has been impounded by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He said he has contacted Osage Industries, a company that supplies the county’s ambulances, and they have volunteered a loaner vehicle.
Hallack said he expects it will be 30 days before the county’s ambulance is returned. He will get the temporary ambulance this week from Linn, Mo.
The KBI is investigating the Saturday incident, where a Chanute man allegedly stole the ambulance from the parking lot of Walmart and a Chanute police officer fired at the vehicle. Hallack said he has experienced one other ambulance threat in 39 years, and that was in Hutchinson. He told members of the Neosho County Commission Monday evening that he has investigated and is installing devices on other ambulances that would prevent an unauthorized person from putting them in gear.
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)
Town of Eureka works to prepare for school year following tornado
It’s been one month since a tornado ripped through the town of Eureka.
Along with more than a dozen homes, the towns high school was damaged.
Lots of progress has been made since the EF3 tornado ripped through Eureka in late June but with it being so close to the school year, many people are left wondering, what’s next? Residents, neighbors and volunteers have spent the last few weeks working tirelessly to clean up the town in preparation for the school year, and the superintendent says the school will be up and running right on time.
“That doesn’t mean all our repairs will be done, but we believe it will be complete enough to go ahead and begin school on time,” said USD 389 Superintendent Scott Hoyt.
The majority of the problem the school was facing is damage to their sports facilities. In order for them to be able to use the football field again, they’ll have to completely remove and redo the surface, rebuild the bleachers, and put in all new lights.
Because of this, the team will have to get creative on where to practice, and all their games will be away games, challenges that players like Zach Hare aren’t afraid of.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Baxter Springs Heritage Museum to host traveling exhibit of the Magna Carta
An enduring legacy indeed. After over 800 years, the Magna Carta is still considered a symbol, and pillar of democratic leadership recognized around the world. Initially drafted to make peace between the unpopular King John of England at Runnymede and a group of rebel barons in June 1215, this charter became part of English political life and went on to play a pivotal role in inspiring the America’s Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
To help the preservation of its legacy, the American Bar Association Standing Committee and the Law Library of Congress have collaborated to present a traveling exhibit to raise awareness about the Magna Carta and celebrate its enduring legacy. The ABA has generously donated a complete set of the traveling exhibit to the State of Kansas.
The exhibit will be making its way to Southeast Kansas, with an extended stay at the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum.
(Read more: News – Cherokee County News Advocate)
City of Newton budget a success for political process
That’s how a budgeting process should go.
We saw the Newton City Commission pass a budget last week after long debate, community feedback and compromise. It was truly a singular event. And we’re proud of all involved for the effort, and they deserve credit. All of this was done on the record, not at a service club or donut shop. You could tell because there was genuine debate, disagreement and eventually compromise. Motions passed. Motions failed.
But eventually the city passed a budget that included a small, 1 mill tax increase, cut some proposed staffing costs, cut back on proposed transfers out of utility and sales tax funds and made an attempt at planning for the future. That’s politics, and when it’s done right, no one leaves totally happy.
But when politics and open debate is done right, it sometimes yields more sensible solutions than either party had when they started. The commission proposed a budget. Citizens gave feedback. The commission debated the budget in a transparent manner, and they passed an improvement on their proposal. That, folks, is how it should be done.
(Read more: Newton Now)
Lenexa council OKs plan for Quivira Road focused on redevelopment of commercial areas
The Lenexa City Council has accepted a plan for Quivira Road that recommends redevelopment of key commercial areas, more transportation options and initiatives to develop a sense of place along the roadway from 79th to 99th streets.
The study identified three shopping areas for redevelopment that would meet the changing demographics, lifestyles and business needs in the area. The study noted that that the area was designed as an auto-related suburb where most reisdents worked in downtown Kansas City. Now, more people want to live work, work and play in a cohesive community.
Moreover, some of the older shopping areas were anchored by big box stores which have not done well in the internet age.
The transportation recommendations include multi-use paths, bike lanes and other improvements to make the area safer and more hospitable to walkers and cyclists. The study also identified spots for upgraded transit stops.“Placemaking” and beautification strategies include street trees, benches, decorative lighting and high-visibility decorative crosswalks.
The study process began in 2017 and included ideas from residents. The city will consider the recommendations during its planning activities, but no money has been earmarked specifically to implement the recommendations. Visit lenexa.com to see the entire plan.
(Read more: KC Breaking News, Sports & Crime |)
Saline County agrees to fund Salina Community Economic Development Organization for the next three years
Saline County commissioners Tuesday agreed to provide $20,000 annually for the next three years to fund the Salina Community Economic Development Organization.
SCEDO Executive Director Mitch Robinson had requested $50,000 annually for three years.
Commissioner Rodger Sparks said commissioners decided to contribute less because they already fund economic development through the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the Salina Airport Authority.
Robinson said he understands the decision.
“We understand $20,000 is workable and that’s what we are glad to be able to get from the commissioners today,” Robinson said.
Robinson said SCEDO will use its cash reserves to make up the difference.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Company plans 1,000 jobs over five years in new office building in Overland Park
Shamrock Trading Corp. announced Tuesday that it will build a $250 million office building across the street from its Overland Park location, creating 1,000 jobs over the next five years that will pay an average salary of $56,000.
The announcement came at the site where the new building will stand: the former Overland Park French Market. Shamrock bought the 30-acre property earlier in July. It’s now mostly a hilly parking lot overlooking the company’s current offices.
Shamrock is a freight brokerage and logistics firm whose subsidiaries include Ryan Transportation, RTS Financial and ProTransport.Shamrock will be able to lean on graduates of area universities and colleges, said Ed Eilert, Johnson County chairman.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)
Topeka to hold community improvment program in collaboration with NeighborWorks America
In September, the City of Topeka will host a community improvement program to encourage positive action in local neighborhoods.
The program, Topeka Neighborhood University, is a leadership training hosted by NeighborWorks America.
NeighborWorks America is an organization that trains and conducts assessments of nearly 250 NeighborWorks organizations nationwide to provide training to neighborhood leaders and community partners. It assists communities with affordable housing and community development initiatives through building skills and supplementing resources of the organizations they work with.
Read more: CJonline.
Salina Commissioners agree to STAR bonds for project
Salina city commissioners voted unanimously Monday to allow the developers of The Alley, FIB, to assign their rights to STAR Bond and Community Improvement District proceeds to American State Bank & Trust Company, as collateral for their financing.
FIB will complete project financing for The Alley entertainment center today and requested that commissioners consent to the agreement by a more formal means than previously provided in the Development Agreement and Transferee Agreement. STAR Bond funds would not be disbursed until the project is completed, and Community Improvement District Funds are disbursed on a pay-as-you-go-basis as the funds are generated and collected.
The Alley, a family entertainment center that will be constructed on Ash Street between North Santa Fe Avenue and North Fifth Street, should be completed by the end of July 2019, said Cathy Desocio, of FIB.
Construction on The Alley is expected to begin Wednesday.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
New Great Bend administrator settling in
As the City of Great Bend feted Interim City Administrator George Kolb Monday afternoon, his permanent replacement Kendel Francis had his first day on the job.
Kolb’s official last day is Aug. 17. But both he and Francis will be work in parallel as the transition is made.
Francis was anointed city administrator on July 16.
“It’s been pretty much nonstop since I got here this morning,” Francis said Monday afternoon. “That is what I expected. There is a lot going on and I am going to jump in feet first.”
He had meetings with city staff and community members about what is happening in the city. “There are a lot of on-going projects.”
Francis said he expects the changing of the guard to go much quicker than planned. “George has been very gracious to fill me in on the blanks. I couldn’t be more excited to get going.”
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune – Local News)
Great Bend says farewell to Interim Administrator Kolb
It was a time for The City of Great Bend to say farewell to Interim City Administrator George Kolb Monday afternoon. The reception at the Events Center recognized the veteran city official who stepped into the breach last fall following a summer of controversy within the community.
“I think you guys should be good,” Kolb told the group of city employees and civic leaders gathered for the event.
Kolb had to give the city 30 days notice and with the new administrator chosen he did so. So, his last day will be Aug. 17, but he has indicated he might leave sooner if recently hired new City Administrator Kendel Francis’ transition into the position goes smoothly.
Francis was named Great Bend’s next city administrator by the mayor and council July 16. Francis served as city manager in Coffeyville and city administrator in Lakin.
But, Monday’s event wasn’t about Francis, nor was it about past strife. It was about saying goodbye to the man who kept the city on an even keel as the seas calmed.
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune – Local News)
Topeka police officer contributes to neighborhood rejuvenation effort
As Topeka police officer Derek Parrett stands in the 700 block of S.W. Buchanan, he points to two homes on the west side of the street that are being spruced up.
Representatives from city departments have gone house by house, block by block, assessing neighborhood needs through the Team Up to Clean Up initiative, which launched in May.
“We’re out there shaking hands, talking to people,” said Parrett, who is the team liaison for the Topeka Police Department. The police department, fire department, code compliance and other departments contribute to Team Up to Clean Up.
Parrett, who is a community police officer in central Topeka, said the department is focused on five areas: contacting local businesses to carry out security assessments; developing public service announcements about public safety programs; identifying vacant houses and contacting their owners; removing abandoned vehicles; and passing along information at neighborhood improvement association meetings.
Home owners who aren’t in compliance are issued a warning and can give consent to the police so they can enter and address issues like squatters. Home owners are also given information about community resources like Habitat for Humanity.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Topeka’s third annual Clean Slate Day scheduled for Sept. 21
Topeka Municipal Court will hold its third annual Clean Slate Day to assist Topekans with issues like arrest warrants, payment plans and free legal advice.
This year’s event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, city of Topeka spokeswoman Molly Hadfield said. The event will take place at the Topeka Performing Arts Center located at 214 S.E. 8th Ave.
The event is not an attempt to arrest citizens, but rather give them assistance on various topics, according to a flyer from the city.
Read more: CJonline.
City urging Amtrak not to make changes to train route that runs through Lawrence
In her years as a volunteer caretaker at the Santa Fe train station in Lawrence, Carey Maynard-Moody witnessed firsthand the broad mix of people who use the train. She said they included travelers from near and far touring the country, but also patients headed to hospitals in Kansas City, Haskell Indian Nations University students headed to hometowns in the southwest, a man going home to western Kansas for a funeral.
And Maynard-Moody, who is president of Depot Redux, a local preservation group involved with a recent effort to rehabilitate the station, is worried the service is in danger. Amtrak is considering changes to the approximately 2,300-mile Southwest Chief route that runs through Lawrence, including discontinuing a portion of the route and replacing it with bus service. Maynard-Moody said she thinks even discussion of interrupting the train service is shameful.
Read more: LJWorld.
City of Olathe to start programs before and after school at Green Springs Elementary
More than 100 children and adults attended the event, held at the center’s amphitheater. It was part of an annual summer series launched more than 30 years ago. For the past five, Salmans has been teaching several of the center’s programs.
This animal-loving officer understands that, for many people, fear is connected to the species he displayed and discussed.
Meadors said the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, which runs after-school programs at dozens of sites across the metro area, was forced to drop some locations in Olathe. That led the Olathe School District last year to ask the city to take over the program in those schools. “They invited us to come in, and we chose to start with one school,” he said.The program specialists will coordinate games, clubs and other activities before school (7 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.) and after school (3:40 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at each school building during the school year and work with the city’s existing summer camp programs when school is out. The city’s camp and out-of-school programs are already licensed by the state.
Meadors stressed that the specialists will be funded through user fees. The exact costs to parents depend on the number of children they are enrolling and whether the students are attending the program every day or only part of the week. For a single student attending four or five days a week, before-school care will cost $33 a week, after-school care will cost $69 a week and attending both will cost $88 a week.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
At Olathe center in Ernie Miller Park, programs aim to cure ‘nature deficit disorder’
Many people don’t know that skunks are actually acrobats. Handstands are their forte. With tails fluffed and pointed straight up in the air, they perform this stunt when they sense an unwelcome audience has come on the scene.
“The skunk’s not trying to amuse or entertain you. He’s trying to get you to leave,” said Seth Salmans, Johnson County Parks & Rec police officer. “If you don’t leave, his next step will be to spray you.”
The truth about skunks was just one part Salman’s educational program, “The Good, The Bad, and The Smelly,” held on a recent evening at the Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center. During this entertaining and educational event, Salmans also shared information and facts about the evening’s other headliners, which included bull snakes, rose hair tarantulas and American toads. More than 100 children and adults attended the event, held at the center’s amphitheater. It was part of an annual summer series launched more than 30 years ago. For the past five, Salmans has been teaching several of the center’s programs.
This animal-loving officer understands that, for many people, fear is connected to the species he displayed and discussed.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Bus service in Salina will offer families rides to back-to-school fair
Salina CityGo will provide free rides to families attending the Back to School Fair on Friday.
The Back to School Fair will be from noon to 7 p.m. at Lakewood Middle School.
Passengers should tell the driver that they are going to the Back to School Fair. The best stop to use is stop 41 on the Red Route (North Ohio Street crosswalk). Buses will be at that stop at 46 minutes after each hour during regular hours, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and at 16 after each hour during peak hours, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Dodge City CVB announces webpage design update
The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the launch of the newly designed visitdodgecity.org website.
“We began working on the updates and design concepts several months ago, looking to freshen the look of our site,” said Jan Stevens, director of the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The site is much more vibrant, and has many features our old site couldn’t support. New elements such as an on-line version of our printed Visitors Guide, video streaming capabilities, up to the minute news capabilities and ‘quick link’ buttons throughout the site.”
The new design features a more user-friendly model, with a “less clicks” idea element incorporated in the scheme that will allow visitors planning their trip, and guests in the community to find information on the site, easily.
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
Special session held to discuss hospital sales tax in Marysville
Community Memorial Healthcare chief financial officer Dan Fehr told Marshall County commissioners Friday during a special session that the hospital has some tough choices to make.
The special session was held to discuss the proposed half-cent sales tax that CMH has requested for the Nov. 6 general election ballot.
Fehr and CMH board member Bryce Porter explained to the commissioners the financial hardships of the hospital. The commissioners expressed understanding of CMH’s situation but stressed the county’s financial situation as well.
Chairman Dave Baier said he liked the dialogue with Porter and Fehr more than past meetings with larger groups of CMH representatives.
“I felt like we had a positive and productive back and forth in the room,” Fehr said after the meeting.
Fehr also said if the hospital continues to operate in the same way it will deplete its reserves of about $6 million in fewer than ten years.
“When we run out, what then?” CMH board member Bryce Porter asked the commissioners at the meeting.
“We can’t keep doing what we are doing,” Fehr said before explaining to the commissioners that the sales tax is the hospital’s final option to avoid cutting services. “Once we cut a service it is not coming back.”
(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)
Neosho County approves solid waste plan
Neosho County Commissioners approved a five-year plan for solid waste at a 15-minute meeting Thursday evening.
No one made comments during the public hearing portion of the meeting on the plan prepared by committee at the end of June. The five-year plan will be revewed annually in May.
Neosho County owns and operates a drop-off station and landfill east of Erie for municipal solid waste and construction and demolition. Commissioners have discussed the fact its landfill operates at a loss, but said Thursday’s action was a separate issue. The plan mentions a possibility of closing the C and D landfill near Erie to only two days a week instead of the current five days, or closing it completely.
Chanute operates its own landfill. Green Environmental Services takes trash to the Allen County landfill near LaHarpe.
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)
Lawrence Fire Chief Mark Bradford remembered as ‘ultimate professional’
One indicator of how Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Chief Mark Bradford viewed his profession was in the theme of the emails he sent to his staff.
Former Division Chief Bill Stark, who retired last year, said Bradford would regularly send out “fire service pride” emails to the department, usually copying city management.
Stark said that in the emails Bradford would often relay thank-you letters — sometimes scanning them in — and other compliments from members of the public. Stark said that even if the message was just that someone’s grandmother had been well taken care of by fire and medical staff, the emails were important.
Read more: LJWorld.
Shawnee County commission to consider interim department head for public works
The Shawnee County Commission plans Monday to consider appointing Tom Flanagan, the county’s deputy public works director, as interim director for the public works and solid waste departments. County Commissioners Kevin Cook, Shelly Buhler and Bob Archer plan Monday to consider temporarily filling the public works/solid waste director’s job being vacated by Tom Vlach, 52, who submitted his resignation this month effective Sept. 7. Vlach is leaving to become deputy city engineer in charge of design and construction for Des Moines, Iowa.
Cook said Friday commissioners will consider appointing Flanagan to temporarily fill the position. Flanagan, 71, has served in the past as interim director of public works.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Gardner amends water restrictions
During the July 19 city council emergency meeting, the amended water restrictions that had been imposed July 17. The amended restrictions went into effect on July 20.
Outdoor water use will now be determined according to geographical location and applies to all homes, businesses and government agencies. (Map available at www.gardnerkansas.gov)
North of Main St. – Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
South of Main St. – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
No watering on Friday.
Any outdoor water use, including lawn watering and car washing, will be allowed before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m. on the assigned days.
Refilling of swimming pools will be allowed one day a week after sunset. Privately owned pools not filled prior to the declaration of a water warning may not be filled until after the water warning is lifted.
Bulk water sales will be allowed between 6 a.m. – 3 p.m. , Monday through Friday, not to exceed 10,000 gallons per day.
Waste of water will be prohibited.
(Read more: Gardner News)
Lawrence board to look at ban for plastic bags, straws, other plastic products
A local advisory board will be looking at whether the city can play a role in reducing the amount of disposable plastic products used in Lawrence.
The city’s Sustainability Advisory Board voted earlier this month to make the issue of single-use plastics one of its priorities. Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Director Jasmin Moore said the board is forming a community work group to study single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws and food containers, and potential ways to reduce their use.
Moore, who is the board’s staff liaison, said the board took up the issue in response to calls from several community groups for a plastic bag ban or other restriction. After hearing public comment on the issue, Moore said the board decided it wanted to look at the topic more broadly and consider all single-use plastic products and strategies to reduce waste.
Read more: LJWorld.
Wichita’s proposed budget includes adding more officers, repairing neighborhood streets
In Mayor Jeff Longwell’s weekly briefing says there won’t be as many cuts as initially proposed. He says continuing to enhance Wichita’s quality of life is top priority and that includes adding more personnel to the police department.
Wichita Police Department Deputy Chief Troy Livingston says he’s grateful the department will be getting to add more people to its staff. He said, “our call load has gone up within the last few years. It gives us the opportunity to do more community policing activities. Right now, police officers are going from call to call.”
In total, WPD will be adding 32 new positions, that includes civilian positions like crime analysts. He said, “we are looking at adding 21 new commissioned positions. Two of those will be sergeants, we need those in our traffic unit. Six will be detectives and 13 will be police officers.”
The proposed budget will also focus on something a lot of people complain about, neighborhood streets.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Limit fireworks, citizen suggests in city of Holton
At the request of a Holton resident who raised concerns on how fireworks affect pets and military veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Holton City Commission has pledged to look into possibly reducing the number of days that fireworks may be discharged within the city limits.
During the commission’s regular meeting on Monday, commissioners met with Diane Gruver, who had written commissioners prior to the meeting about cutting the number of days that firecrackers, shells and other Class C fireworks may be “shot off” in the city.
At present, the city’s window for fireworks discharge runs from June 27 to July 5, which is the same as the state’s window for Class C fireworks sales, Holton City Manager Kerwin McKee said. While cities can set dates and times for fireworks discharge by ordinance, the state’s sale window cannot be changed.
(Read more: Holton Recorder)
Unified Government of Wyandotte County brings in outside fire chief
The Unified Government today announced that Mike Callahan of Chicago will be the new Kansas City, Kansas, fire chief.
Callahan, 60, is deputy fire commissioner of the 5,000-employee Chicago Fire Department, and a 40-year veteran of that department, starting in 1980 as a firefighter, according to UG officials. For the past nine years, he has been the deputy fire commissioner in Chicago.
After a national search, Callahan was selected by UG Administrator Doug Bach from six finalists, including two finalists from the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department. The six finalists were introduced at a UG meeting on June 14, and included Jack Andrade, senior assistant chief of logistics, and John Droppelmann, fire marshal, both from the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department. Andrade served as acting fire chief for the past few weeks, after the retirement of interim fire chief Kevin Shirley on July 12.
“From what I have observed, the recruitment, assessment and selection process has been fair, systematic and rigorous, and brought forward six qualified candidates,” Mayor David Alvey said at a news conference today.
(Read more: Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!)
Pratt Solar Farm a result of teamwork, persistence
The city of Pratt hosted an official groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for the Pratt Solar Farm, which could be the largest municipal-owned solar farm in Kansas when operational. Members of the Pratt City Commission, the Pratt County Commission and Pratt Community College were joined by representatives of Inovateus Solar, Kenyon Energy, Tortoise Financial Advisors and several bystanders to celebrate the teamwork and persistence that culminated in the promised coming of 37 acres of solar panels to provide Pratt citizens with electricity by October 2018.
“Initially we were aiming for a completion date sometime in January 2019,” said Jamie Huber, Pratt Director of Electrical Utilities. “But the panels are ordered and probably on their way here already to get ahead of any tariff problems and things will be happening rapidly now.”
Standing at a podium in the middle of a former wheat field, currently sporting windrow grass, Pratt Mayor Doug Meyer said it was good to see the teamwork of so many and the persistence of those who started this project come to fruition.
“This might be the only place in America where you can stand in one place and see a solar farm, an ethanol plant, wind turbines, a community college, a thriving town and productive farm ground,” Meyer said. “We are doing something very special here. We are telling the world that here in Pratt we are open for business. We want to grow. And it is all possible because of the teamwork of everyone rep- resented here. Teamwork and a lot of persistence is paying off.”
(Read more: Pratt, KS – Pratt Tribune)
Several in Hodgeman County without power after overnight storms
Several residents in Hodgeman County woke up in the dark on Thursday.
Storms moved through overnight knocking down transmission lines and snapping power poles.
The Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office posted updates on its Facebook page showing the damage between Jetmore and Hanston.
The City of Jetmore asked residents to conserve water while its well was on a backup generator from Wichita.
Crews from Midwest Energy, Inc. finally arrived to restore power.
“Well 14 is working on filling the water tower, and the lift station is keeping the sewer flowing. Thank you to everyone for conserving the water! Because of your efforts, well 14 doesn’t have a great deal of work to do to refill the tower,” said the city in one of its posts.
Residents needing to use electricity for oxygen or charge their phones are invited to go to the courthouse which is running on a generator. There’s also a microwave available in the lounge.
The sheriff’s office says the Nusser’s have their pumps on a generator and are open for use for anyone who needs fuel.
(Read more: KWCH News)
New city manager discusses what’s next for Shawnee
It’s a new era for the city of Shawnee as Nolan Sunderman takes over the reins.
Without much of a breather, the good-natured 34-year-old has spent the past few weeks jumping into his duties as the new city manager ever since he was named Carol Gonzales’ successor last month.
Being in charge of the city’s operations, as well as implementing policies adopted by the council, are not easy tasks, but Sunderman, the former assistant city manager, loves the challenge.
After all, his passion for city government stems back nearly two decades when he was an ambitious high school student longing to be more involved in his community on a deeper level.
(Read more: The Dispatch stories)
Great Bend looking to switch to an entirely automated water meter system
The City of Great Bend has made recent efforts to be as transparent as possible with water bills and meter readings. At a Great Bend City Council meeting in April, the City outlined the entire process on how water rates are calculated. Interim City Administrator George Kolb mentioned at the July 10th budget session that the City plans to allocate money over the years to automate the entire water meter system. Kolb noted an automated system would reduce labor and benefit the customers. With over 6,000 water meters that the City operates, it takes the one trained employee roughly a month to manually read all the meters. The new automated system would allow the reader to drive by the meter or be in close proximity of it to receive the reading. Water is billed to the nearest 1,000 gallons used.
(Read more: Great Bend Post)