Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Johnson county report indicates newspapers still viable

Apparently newspapers aren’t dead. At least according to a survey commissioned by the Johnson County government.
Johnson County residents were surveyed on ways to improve the quality of county communication with the public. The survey, administered by ETC Institute in Olathe, is conducted by phone with a random sample of 408 county residents. Ninety-two percent (92 percent) of those surveyed indicated they depend on traditional media either “frequently” or “occasionally” to stay informed about the county. The report did not appear to differentiate between online newspapers (website), traditional hard copy news print and a presence on social media.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Olathe wants your ideas on the future

Olathe officials continue to seek ideas from the public on how the city should look and function two decades from now. It’s part of a strategic planning process that will help Olathe plan for the future.

Residents, business owners, visitors and those who work in Olathe are encouraged to go to OlatheKS.org/Olathe2040 to share their thoughts or vote and comment on other people’s ideas.

Among suggestions mentioned so far: more bike paths and trails, pocket parks and recreational water features, shaded streets, late-night coffee shops and a rail line to downtown Kansas City.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Sales tax renewal easily passes in KCK

The renewal of the three-eighths-cent sales tax for public safety and infrastructure easily passed in Kansas City, Kansas, on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

The sales tax renewal was approved by 60 percent of the voters here, according to statistics from the Wyandotte County election office. The vote total was 10,226 “yes” and 6,594 “no,” according to a Wednesday vote total update on the election commissioner’s website.

“I think people realized it’s a critical tax with the community in terms of funding public safety and our neighborhood improvements,” said Mike Taylor, public relations director for the Unified Government.

“I think one of the selling points for it was that people from other communities from all over that come to The Legends and Village West are helping to pay for our police, fire and street and sidewalk improvements. For so many years, no one came to Wyandotte County, and Wyandotte County had to go outside the county to shop. Now we have people from all over the region coming, so they’re helping to contribute to pay for those services.”

(Read more: Welcome to Wyandotte Daily)

Wichita gets nearly $1 million grant for school security

The Wichita school district plans to use a nearly $1 million grant to improve security at its schools this year.

The improvements will include upgrading classroom doors that can lock from inside, adding cameras, and buying more metal detectors.

The Wichita Eagle reports a state grant earmarked for school security will finance many of the improvements.

Terri Moses, Wichita’s director of safety services, says other improvements include adding defibrillators in every district building. Moses says the district will buy eight metal detectors but there currently are no plans to place them permanently or regularly search students as they enter buildings.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of the school year.

(Read more: Government & Politics News |)

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2018-9: Duties of Chief Engineer responsibilities in proceedings for Local Enhanced Management Areas

Kansas law does not require any additional procedural steps to be taken when the Chief Engineer of the Division of Water Resources retires or resigns from that position during proceedings to designate a local enhanced management area.

‘If you don’t do that, you will die;’ seniors seek more county funding for centers

Sedgwick County senior citizens were out in force Thursday night to demand more money for senior centers that they say help them stay in their homes and stay alive.

Dozens came to the County Commission podium to tell their stories — three minutes at a time — of how senior centers have benefited them and to ask the commissioners to increase their support.

The occasion was the county government’s annual evening budget hearing. More than 60 seniors packed the commission chamber to standing room only and another 20 filled an overflow room watching on video.

The current county budget plan is to keep senior center funding level flat for 2019, said spokeswoman Kate Flavin. How much each center gets depends on tiers, based on the number of people served and services provided.

Several centers are hoping to move up in the tier structure this year, which would increase their budgets, Flavin said.

Commissioner Jim Howell, whose south-county district includes a high percentage of low-income seniors, has been pushing for more than a year for more money for the centers.

A parade of seniors came to the podium to testify on how the centers have helped them.

(Read more: Politics & Government News)

JoCo leaders support election official despite prolonged delay releasing vote results

Johnson County commissioners voiced full support Thursday for Election Commissioner Ronnie Metsker, despite an election marred by an overnight delay in releasing voting results.

“I have to compliment you and your team,” Commissioner Steve Klika told Metsker at Thursday’s commission meeting.

Klika said he knew many voters and observers were frustrated that it took until Wednesday morning to get the final tally from Tuesday’s primary election. But he didn’t blame Metsker for a delay that kept election watchers across the country waiting for results in several high-profile races, including the still-undecided Republican primary for governor.

Klika also credited the vendor of Johnson County’s new voting machine system, Election Systems & Software of Omaha, for taking responsibility for the failure in the system’s inaugural use. Commission Chair Ed Eilert and Commissioner Michael Ashcraft also told Metsker that they don’t hold him accountable for the poor outcome.

Topeka woman sues city over pothole injury

A Topeka woman is suing the city after claiming she fell and was injured by a pothole in the street.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Shawnee County District Court, says Amanda Counts notified the city of Topeka about a pothole in front of her home in the 1200 block of S.W. Hillsdale four times, starting in September 2016.

A crew responded in October 2016 and told her it would be repaired the following day.

On April 24, 2017, Counts fell and “suffered a serious and permanent injury,” the petition claims.

The pothole was repaired about a week after she fell.

The lawsuit says Counts was injured because of the city’s negligence. It seeks damages in excess of $75,000.

Marion County Commission splits on transfer station

Thursday’s special county commission meeting had one item on the agenda, the Marion’s transfer station for recyclables.

The project passed 2-1, but commissioner Randy Dallke had major reservations, he said. Commision chair Dianne Novak and commissioner Kent Becker voted in favor of the repairs, bringing about a majority.

Novak then moved to accept the engineering agreement from Kaw, pending approval by the county counselor. Dallke seconded and it passed unanimously.

According to Dallke, voting in favor of the agreement was about cutting losses and working together.

“I realize that, O.K., what good does it do me to vote against it,” Dallke said. “These people, they seem to have a very good plan and stuff of what they want to do here. So why not get with the vote and see if we can’t get things accomplished?”

(Read more: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin)

Tiny home village planned for Wichita is receiving opposition

Brady Sherman proudly walks next to land that could soon house dozens of tiny homes.

He’s the CEO and co-founder of MicroMansions, a community targeted for millennials and empty-nesters.

“They are luxurious, energy-efficient, affordable tiny homes with a Midwest flair,” he said. “So it’s more of the minimalistic lifestyle.”

The homes will start from $75,000 to $100,000, with five designs to choose from.

“The houses range from 400 to 600 square feet and there will be 90 in the first plat,” Sherman said.

But this tiny home idea is causing some huge concerns from nearby neighborhoods. There’s a petition trying to stop it.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Great Bend’s best possible outcomes for the problematic Great Bend Hotel

Among the Great Bend properties abated by the City Council Monday night was former Highland Hotel (now known as the Great Bend Hotel and Convention Center), a local landmark that has fallen into disrepair.

Located at 3017 10th St., trash cans around the site are over flowing, weeds have been allowed to grow and other maintenance has not been done, City Sanitarian Austin LaViolette said. Even after city personnel and volunteer private citizens have fought back the vegetation, it is still an eyesore.

A member of the meeting audience asked what could be done about it. Sadly, officials said, not much at this time.

“I hate to see it go to waste,” City Attorney Bob Suelter said. But, unless it deemed “unsafe and dangerous” the city can’t do anything about the problem.

Derby Historical Society Museum finally free of window, roof leaks

It’s been a lot of work, but the advances made by the city’s only museum are making its president smile.

“I’ve seen a lot of progress this year,” said John Rhodes, president of the executive board of directors of the Derby Historical Society Museum.

Much of that progress is simply protecting the exhibits from the elements in the decades-old building at 208 N. Westview. Recently, a windows replacement project was completed and a new roof added, cutting out leaks.

“We had real problems, but the contents are finally safe,” Rhodes said. “We’re getting the building in good shape.”

The museum, which is open for four hours on Saturdays from April to November, received 172 guests in July, more than double its June figure

of 84.

Visitors stopping by have home states as far away as Ohio, Arizona, California and Oregon. Among the museum’s collection is a locally built 1870 log cabin, an original two-horse covered wagon that traveled to the Derby area in the 1860s, a 40,000-piece button collection, and the largest displayed collection of arrowheads in Kansas, among numerous local items.

Salina, Clay Center housing projects get boost from state

Two north-central Kansas housing projects are among 11 initiatives across the state that will receive Kansas Housing Resources Corporation financing.

The awards, offered as deferred-payment loans, are funded through HUD’s Home Investment Partnerships Program and the National Housing Trust Fund, which provide federal funds to expand access to affordable rental housing.

Lee Hardware Lofts in Salina, being developed by Overland Property Group and Community Housing Development Corp. of Central Kansas, will receive $500,000 in HOME funds for its conversion of the historic Lee Mercantile building on North Santa Fe Avenue. The building will be converted to 53 apartments.

Parkview Plaza Apartments in Clay Center, being developed into 50 public housing units by Clay Center Housing Authority, will receive $500,000 in HTF funds.

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation is a public corporation that finances and develops affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Kansans.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

Miami County seeks federal funding for off-system bridges

Miami County officials are preparing to submit four proposed bridge replacement projects to the Kansas Department of Transportation in the hope that one of them will be selected for federal off-system bridge funds. If one of the submitted projects is selected, Oehlert said the bridge replacement project would take place in 2020. The federal off-system bridge grant would provide 80 percent of the project cost, with Miami County being required to cover the remaining 20 percent. The grants can be awarded up to $1 million.

The county has used federal off-system bridge funding for multiple projects in the past, including $1 million that was secured for the replacement of the Mill Street Bridge east of Osawatomie.

Most recently, the county received off-system bridge funding to replace a fracture critical bridge located on 263rd Street east of Somerset Road.

(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Roeland Park considers rezoning vacant Johnson Drive building for use as dry cleaner

The Roeland Park city council took up the issue of rezoning 5000 Johnson Drive from an office building district to a mixed use district at the governing body workshop Monday.

The long-vacant building was recently purchased by the owner of Pride Cleaners.

Kathleen Warman, of Warman Architects, spoke on behalf of Pride Cleaners and described the extensive exterior remodeling and parking lot reconfiguration planned for the site. Warman said the owner was also willing to add a public sidewalk to improve walkability.

While councilmembers generally agreed the plans significantly improved the look of the building, the updates do not comply with the Johnson Drive Design Guidelines adopted as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. These guidelines called for a reconfiguration of the building with parking in the rear and a common gathering space in the front.

Since the owner wants to update the existing building and not demolish and rebuild the city is limited in its ability to enforce the guidelines, according to city staff.

In 2040 planning project, Lenexa residents envision a future for city that’s ‘thriving, connected and livable’

Thriving, connected and livable: These are three recurring descriptors that have emerged from Lenexa residents who have taken part in Vision 2040, the city’s long-range visioning project.

Vision 2040 started on Feb. 21, when Mayor Michael Boehm called for volunteers during his state of the city speech for steering committee meetings, task forces and community forums. The process is about halfway completed. Organizers expect to finish their work in November and present their final findings to the City Council, Sheila Shockey of Lenexa-based Shockey Consulting, who is conducting the Vision 2040 effort, told the council at its Tuesday night meeting. The city is paying the company $139,000 for the project.

The guiding principles of the process and its resulting strategy, according to Shockey’s presentation to the council, are that the strategy is “progressive, inclusive, creative, forward-thinking, community-building, achievable, measurable, adaptive and distinctly Lenexa.” Vision 2040 focuses on four areas: economy, growth and revitalization; neighborhoods and housing; infrastructure and transportation; and sense of community.

Downtown Wichita developer says rental market might be under-supplied soon

Wichita rents are down slightly, according to a national report, but one developer says downtown is a hot market.

A recently-released Apartment List report shows that Wichita rents were down by a modest 0.6 percent in July and down 0.3 percent year-over-year.

While Apartment List describes the Wichita rental market as “cool with soft demand,” developer Jason Van Sickle says the downtown market is healthy.

“Things are really strong downtown right now,” Van Sickle says. “I know that the Colorado Derby Lofts and River Vista are leasing up nicely. I hear the same from other downtown apartment owners and managers.” “I think part of it is Cargill and what they’re doing and other things, like WSU being downtown,” Van Sickle says. “Downtown is becoming the place to live. I actually think that we might be getting close to being under-supplied again.”

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Harvey County Historical Society Museum adds ‘mule’ to collection

An old mule was reunited with an old friend and coworker Aug. 7 with help of a retired teacher, the county historical society and the Harvey County Road and Bridge Department.

Put into place using a county crane, the mule — an old tractor-type vehicle — was hitched up to a former railroad cart used as a luggage rack and more in the heyday of passenger rail at the Newton train station. According to Jim Meier, superintendent of the Harvey County Road and Bridge Department, a search of the mule’s serial number showed a manufacture date of 1949.

At the time, the mule still ran — though the clutch needed repairs. Mills put some work into the mule, including repainting it. His students at Newton High School ran the mule in the homecoming parade, pulling a trailer with a coffin labeled for the visiting team.

When the mule was in use by the railroad, there were passenger canopies over the tracks at the Newton station. The mule pulled a trailer, filled with whatever needed to get on, or off, a train while parked at the depot.

(Read more: Newton Kansan)

Sunday liquor sales pass by wide margin in Emporia

Emporians voted in favor of Sunday alcohol sales Tuesday, approving a measure passed by the Emporia City Commission in April.

A petition to put the ballot up to a city-wide vote received enough signatures, and residents living within city limits had the opportunity to let their voices be heard on the matter in Tuesday’s Kansas Primary Election. The measure passed with 1,954 (57.76 percent) “Yes” votes opposed to 1,352 (42.24 percent) “No.”

As a result, Emporians will be able to purchase liquor in the city on Sundays after the election results are certified. Emporia City Commissioner Rob Gilligan said he was satisfied with the results of the election.

“I’m glad it went to a vote,” he said. “I think that’s the best way to make the decision on something like this, since the community had voiced their opinion early on when the option was available. And, so, that’s probably the most fair way to make a decision like this.”

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Dickinson County voters OK courthouse renovation

Changes are on the horizon at the Dickinson County Courthouse after voters on Tuesday approved a $13.5 million bond issue for improvements.

The vote in favor of issuance of bonds was 1,851 to 1,800.

County Administrator Brad Homman said about 73 provisional ballots remain to be counted when Dickinson County commissioners canvass the election at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.

Just a year ago, voters rejected a proposal to issue $15.9 million in bonds for courthouse improvements, to be paid off over 34 years. The money would have been used to fix plumbing problems that caused a sewage odor, to expand the overcrowded jail and to deal with other issues.

Homman said earlier that the biggest issue with the previous vote was the amount of time it would have taken to pay off bonds.

This time, county voters reacted favorably. “Everyone that’s involved with this project on a daily basis sees it as a critical step forward,” Homman said. “It’s important to have a viable jail that will support the county for several decades to come.”

The project still includes new plumbing, renovation of county offices and a new jail and sheriff’s offices. Changes include renovating the existing courtroom rather than building a new one and not creating space in the building for the Abilene Police Department.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

Garden City commission approves developer’s agreement for brewery

The Garden City Commission approved a developer’s agreement with Fulton’s Founders Brewery, Inc., at its meeting Tuesday, shortly following a public hearing that classified the property as a community improvement district.

Commissioner Dan Fankhauser recused himself from voting since he’s an architect for the brewery project. He did not vote on any items regarding downtown development projects.

Following a public hearing led by Steve Cottrell, assistant to the city manager, the commission approved an ordinance that would create a community improvement district around the brewery’s property and allow the business to charge an additional 1 percent local sales tax on top of the 8.95 city sales tax. Through the tax, the city would contribute at least approximately $335,000 to the $1.1 million project, Cottrell said.

Cottrell said the tax would impact Fulton’s, but no other businesses in the area, and that should the property expand, the company would have to work with the city to expand the community improvement district. The accompanying tax would not affect any other community improvement districts now or in the future, he said.

Parsons OKs tax break for hotel project

As expected, the Parsons City Commission approved a 10-year property tax exemption for a hotel and conference center project.

The commissioners approved the resolution approving the exemption for the future Holiday Inn Express and conference center now being built near 16th Street and Cattle Drive. That action came after a public hearing for the industrial revenue bonds of up to $8.5 million that will be issued to Parsons Hospitality Holdings LLC, which is developing and will own and operate the hotel and conference center. The city commission originally had planned to incentivize the conference center project by allowing Parsons Hospitality Holdings to retain the hotel and sales tax generated at the hotel and conference center for several years. Later, the city and Robert Patel, owner of Parsons Hospitality Holdings, agreed the city could keep all of the hotel and sales tax in exchange for the issuance of bonds, which provide for the 10-year property tax exemption.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

City of Topeka tables College Hill dog park vote, votes to hear public opinion on Cyrus Hotel sales tax issue

Whether a lot meant for townhouses will now be the bastion of dogs was tabled, and the Topeka City Council voted to hear public opinion on raising sales tax at a soon-to-open downtown hotel.

The council tackled those issues during its regular meeting Tuesday.

Owners of the College Hill Apartments would like to turn a vacant lot into a dog park for its residents.

That plan passed the Topeka Planning Commission 6-2 in June, but council members unanimously voted Tuesday to table approval of the item until next week while staff members answer critical questions about the half-acre parcel.

In a passionate rebuke of the bark park, deputy mayor Brendan Jensen said the city promised to use the land for housing when it was seized through eminent domain. However, it was unclear whether the city actually took that section of land from private owners.

Jensen, who represents the College Hill neighborhood, said the bark park wasn’t appropriate for the area.

New development continues to add to Derby’s growth

The longtime mantra in the real estate business is location, location, location, and in that regard, marketing officials with Preferred Properties of Kansas Inc. believe they’ve followed that guideline with NorthBrook, a new single-family housing project.
The housing development is just east of Woodlawn and just south of 55th Street South, right under the north city limit.
“We’re in Derby, but just a few miles from McConnell and Spirit,” said David Lake, supervising broker and sales manager with Preferred Properties.

Prairie Village council sends home construction guidelines to planning commissioners

After more than two hours of debate, the Prairie Village City Council on Monday agreed to send a slate of proposed residential construction guidelines and restrictions to planning commissioners for their input.
The 8-2 vote represented just the latest step in the council’s effort to deal with a surge of property owners tearing down older, smaller homes across the city and replacing them with much larger structures that some residents complain are at odds with the character of their neighborhoods.
The discussion also highlighted some of the continuing divisions on the council itself on how best to protect the charm of the community and remain welcoming to growing families and new development.
“I want to make sure we’re not so restrictive that no one wants to build a house in Prairie Village,” said Councilman Ted Odell, who voted with Councilwoman Serena Schermoly against moving the proposal along.

Salina Parks and Recreation master plan complete

The City of Salina Parks and Recreation Master Plan is complete and available online. The comprehensive planning document provides a preferred future for the park system.
According to a news release from Salina Parks and Recreation, highly rated priorities for facilities include trails, indoor exercise opportunities, and passive natural areas. Highly rated priorities for programs include special events, fitness and wellness programs, and nature programs.

Reno County Commission dumps nuisance code

Reno County Commissioner Dan Deming said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of people who expressed an opinion on whether the county should adopt a property nuisance code, and asked for time to draft a targeted ordinance for the full county commission to consider.
His fellow commissioners, however, were less than impressed and said Tuesday they had no interest in pursuing the issue any further, effectively killing the effort.
“You’re not tilting at windmills, but it’s pretty close in my mind,” Commissioner Bob Bush said of Deming’s effort. “I don’t have a problem looking at it, Dan, but it’s an uphill battle for you.”
A handwritten petition with the signatures of 17 residents in a subdivision southwest of Hutchinson sought some zoning to force a landowner at 7302 Zolman Road to clean up their property, which is overgrown in weeds and trees, housed two abandoned vehicles and a deteriorating mobile home and had multiple piles of trash.

Renewal of public safety, neighborhood tax winning in Kansas City, Kan.

Kansas City, Kan., voters on Tuesday opted to renew a 3/8-cent sales tax to fund public safety and neighborhood infrastructure for another 10 years.

With all precincts counted, renewal of the tax was won 61 percent to 39 percent.

The sales tax generates $10 million from retail purchases within KCK. Of that $10 million, $7 million is split evenly between the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department and the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.

“I am very grateful to the citizens who got out the vote and expressed confidence that these revenues will be well used to always serve their needs and improve the quality of life for the citizens,” said David Alvey, mayor of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan.

(Read more: Government & Politics News |)

Johnson County election commissioner explains delay in election results

A combination of long lines and computer problems with new voting machines led to an all-night delay in Johnson County being able to release primary election results.

“I’m embarrassed for our county,” Johnson County election commissioner Ronnie Metsker said Wednesday morning. “Our county is not accustomed to having this kind of event. It’s embarrassing for our office, it’s embarrassing for me, for our team and for the vendor.”

Metsker said the engineers for the vendor had been working all night to try to identify the problem.

“We will dig into the bottom, get it corrected, resolve it and then make sure that it never happens again,” he said.

(Read more: Government & Politics News |)

Junction City Will Keep Ban on Pit Bulls

The Junction City Commission providing their response to the request to lift the ban on pit bull dogs.

By a consensus decision the Junction City Commission has decided to leave a ban on pit bull dogs in the city in place. That followed a second consecutive meeting where supporters of lifting the ban urged the governing body to take that action.

Commissioner Tim Brown cited examples where people had been killed by pit bulls. He stated that he loved dogs, “but there are bad owners and bad dogs, and there’s just nothing you can do about it.” He said he could not support changing the pit bull ordinance, and noted that it’s the responsibility of the city commission to protect the citizens of the community by whatever means necessary, no matter how unpopular that decision.

(Read more: Junction City Post)

County Commission hears discussion on planned building demolition at Fort Dodge

At Monday’s Ford County Commission meeting, the commission heard discussion about the planned demolition of the old officers’ barracks at Fort Dodge.
The building is currently under the authority of the Kansas Soldiers’ Home at Fort Dodge, which is under the authority of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs.
Kent Stehlik, president of the Ford County Historical Society, asked for the Ford County Commission to write a letter supporting the society’s effort to prevent the building’s demolition.
“We have a real concern (with the planned demolition) because Fort Dodge was here before there was a Ford County, before there was a Dodge City,” Stehlik said. “It’s a tourist attraction, it’s a one-of-a-kind institution and we wanted to make you aware of that situation.”

City courts in Johnson County offering ‘amnesty days’

For those who have forgotten their court dates and left fines unpaid, most municipal courts in Johnson County are scheduling “amnesty days” this month when defendants can take care of outstanding warrants without fear of being arrested.

People with a warrant may appear in their designated court at the appropriate time to have the warrants canceled and the warrant fee waived. They will not be arrested on warrants from other participating courts before that court’s amnesty event. Prosecutors can assist with the resolution of cases.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

City councilman: Don’t expect Towne West Square to close

On the heels of a foreclosure petition filed last week, a Wichita City Councilman says he doesn’t expect the Towne West Square mall to close.

“I don’t think you will see the mall closing, but I do see a needed change coming as it has pretty much remained the same as when it was built almost 40 years ago,” District 4 Councilman Jeff Blubaugh tells the WBJ. “As we see the retail landscape shift across the country, the widespread closure of malls opens up previously built infrastructure to redevelopment and new opportunities.”

“We look forward to see what’s in store for this area of the city.”

Washington Prime Group is a real estate investment trust based in Ohio that manages the mall. The trust is a spinoff of the Simon Property Group, which incorporated Towne West Square LLC in 2001, according to Kansas Secretary of State records.

Wells Fargo, which is representing the trust that holds the title to the property, is seeking nearly $47 million for the principal of the loan and accrued interest in the amount of more than $220,000.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

National website: Wichita a top city for ‘big home bargains’

According to a post Monday on the national website Realtor.com, Wichita is actually one of the most affordable places in the country to own a dream home.

In a piece written by Lance Lambert, the site ranked Wichita as the fifth-best city in the U.S. for “big home” bargains.

Nationwide, according to the piece, the typical home over 3,000 square feet costs $589,700, or about $147 per square foot. For homes featuring more than 3,000 square feet of space in Wichita, the median price per square foot drops to about $102.

The city with the cheapest big homes was Scranton, Pa., (fans of the hit TV show “The Office” might recognize this city) with McAllen, Texas, coming in second. Indianapolis was fourth and was followed by Youngstown, Ohio. Tulsa, Okla., and Little Rock, Ark., also made the top 10.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Garden City, Finney County discuss Jennie Barker Road project

Both the City and County Commissions during a joint meeting on Monday discussed the Jennie Barker Road project — which will be funded by a .3-cent sales tax increase approved by the public in November — which indicated that the project will be three-lanes, and will prepare the area for future expansions, if needed.

The City has already entered a task agreement with Wilson and Company to begin design work for the project, according to Sam Curran, the City’s Public Works Director.

“We need to have the design done by the end of 2019, for the construction in 2020,” Curran said.

According to Tyler Glissman, an engineer with Wilson and Co., his company is looking at designing at three-lane roadway section for the project, which will include urbanized improvements such as road improvements as well as sidewalks, walking trails, a storm sewer, and traffic signals at the intersection of Mary Street and Kansas Highway 156.

Waste not, want more; city of Pratt faces potential water issues

Pratt city officials face a water dilemma. In the past, a conservative approach to water usage has been prudent because saving the resource which comes from an ever-shrinking water table has been a necessary part of conserving resources. Now, the city finds itself in a challenging position due to a new plan by Kansas Water Resources set to decrease future water allocation based on past usage.

“With a recent extension until 2023, Pratt has some time to increase water usage but we can do so only in what is called beneficial and non-wasteful manner,” said city manager Roy Eckert. “That definition is open to interpretation based on water availability, quality, irrigation use, manufacturing opportunities (current and/or future opportunities) and population needs which varies from city to city, to name only a few of the numerous variables.”

The common sense approach of conserving water has served Pratt well in the past, yet that practice may end up in decreasing future water allocations, Eckert said.

Pratt City Water Superintendent Kelvin Clay, who has 32 years of water experience in addition to a Class IV Water Management and Treatment Certification, has a conservation plan, water emergency plan and drought plan in place for Pratt. He and city staff have been working directly with the District Water Resources Office in Stafford to plan for future water needs.

“With their assistance and advice, we are anticipating increasing usage of our water allocations in the near future,” Clay said.

Barton County closer to 800 megahertz communications system

Barton County 911 is in the final stages of making the switch to an 800 megahertz communications system. According to Barton County 911 Director Dena Popp, the new system is a blend of traditional two-way radio technology and computer-controlled transmitters. The system’s main advantage is that radio transmitters can be shared among various departments with the aid of computer programming. Popp requested the purchase of seven 800 megahertz radios, a combiner system and 12 recording licenses. There is also work that needs to be done to the antennae apparatus on the top of the 911 building. With a total replacement cost of just over $96,000, Commissioner Jennifer Schartz wanted to make sure that the county wasn’t buying equipment that would be replaced by a newer system in just a few years.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Shawnee leaders get first look at concepts for proposed $35 million community, indoor aquatics center

Shawnee city leaders got a first look Friday at concepts for the city’s proposed community center, including feasibility, site design and public input of residents’ wants and concerns.

The new community center, if approved by Shawnee voters, would be located somewhere on the 26 acres of land at 61st and Woodland, which the city purchased in 2005 for the center. The 2007 recession temporarily halted progress on a new community center, so Mayor Michelle Distler said she wants to make sure it is “100 percent funded” when it’s placed on the ballot, and that the mill levy increase put before voters can cover costs.

“It’s not if we have another recession; it’s when,” she said, adding that she hopes the user fees for the new community center will drop so that members don’t have to pick between paying utility bills and continuing their membership.

Nonetheless, Distler said she is “more optimistic than I’ve been in 12 years.”

Leavenworth city leaders take stage in lip sync contest

Community leaders and local business owners will showcase their on-stage talents next weekend to help raise funds for education.

The women’s division of the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lip Sync Battle Aug. 11 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 55, 300 S. 20th St.

“It’s going to be a great event,” said Mary Mack, organizer of the event.

Lansing Mayor Mike Smith, Leavenworth City Commissioner Nancy Bauder and Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson are among the 17 contestants who will be performing a wide variety of songs. Money raised at the event goes to the women’s division’s scholarship fund. Each year, the division awards scholarships to high school seniors and non-traditional students, women and people furthering their education.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Volunteer Rural Firefighter Honored at County Commission Meeting

A Geary County rural firefighter, Billy Crable, was presented with a plaque Monday at the county commission meeting recognizing him for his heroic actions on July 18th.

Crable saved the life of a motorist involved in a car accident and fire on U.S. 77 Highway south of Junction City on July 18th. Crable drove up on the scene after the accident and helped pull Micky Black, 23, Lost Springs, out of a burning vehicle.

(Read more: Junction City Post)

MFA awards grant to Americus Fire Department

The MFA Oil Foundation has awarded a grant to the Americus Fire Department to assist with purchasing an ATV, water tank, sprayer and trailer. The MFA Oil Foundation provides support to nonprofit organizations that are working to improve communities where MFA Oil has a significant concentration of members and employees. Since it was established in 1998, the MFA Oil Foundation has awarded more than one million dollars in grants.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Bourbon County Commissioners compare public works with other counties

Using data provided by the Kansas Department of Transportation, Bourbon County Commissioners on Tuesday determined the road and bridge department is working at the level it should based on population, valuation and county budget.

Second District Jeff Fischer led a presentation on the county’s ranking based on the 2016 Summary of County Engineer’s Annual Reports.

Public Works Director Jim Harris said he “briefly” looked at the presentation prior to Tuesday’s meeting and found it was not comparing “apples to apples.” He said Bourbon County includes noxious weed and landfill staff in the road and bridge budget. Some of the other counties used in the comparison do not.

Another difference, according to Harris, is the total miles of roads Bourbon County maintains. The report states Bourbon County maintains a total of 1,000 miles of roads. Harris said the actual number is closer to 1,040: 140 miles of hard surface roads and 36 miles of dirt roads, plus gravel roads.

After Fischer said the state used information provided by each county, Harris said he would make sure the correct information is in the future.

“But it’s a good report,” Harris said.

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

For downtown core in Topeka, big dreams mean big investments needed

Pat Doran would like to see downtown Topeka become the site of an organic grocery store, so people who live there wouldn’t have to go elsewhere for food.

But no one will open such a store there unless they’re convinced it will be profitable, he said.

That’s one reason a work group co-chaired by Doran and Frank Henderson has been working to create a marketing study for downtown Topeka, the Kansas riverfront and North Topeka’s NOTO district, while planning to later develop a master plan for that area.

“What we’re finding is that developers want a certain amount of information before they’ll invest, so the research is really important,” Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield said.

Doran, Henderson and Cuevas-Stubblefield are among 27 members of the Downtown/NOTO Work Group for Momentum 2022, a five-year campaign begun last year to address a range of factors that influence this community’s competitiveness.

The group is discussing strategies to develop and energize a dynamic “Downtown Regional Core” consisting of downtown Topeka, North Topeka’s NOTO district and the riverfront.

What’s next? City manager Brent Trout talks economic development

Brent Trout, Topeka’s city manager, sat down with The Capital-Journal to talk about economic development from the city’s perspective.

No game plan yet for needed courthouse repairs in Barton County

Have you ever faced a home improvement project that had to be done but because of its scope and cost you didn’t really know where to begin? In many ways that describes the Barton County Commission who face costly repairs to the 100-year old courthouse but have yet to reveal a plan to make those repairs. WDM Architects completed a structural analysis of the courthouse back in May that revealed the four outside corners of the structure are separating from the center of the building on the 4th floor. Commissioners have yet to provide a timeline for those repairs although County Administrator Phil Hathcock said last week that the board recently met with WDM to discuss options. No money has been allocated for any of the repairs in the 2019 budget, something that Hathcock says would be very difficult to do since they don’t know what the exact cost will be yet. He anticipated that money to make the repairs would come out of the capital improvement fund.

In May, Hathcock estimated the repair costs to be anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million dollars, but that estimate did not include a new roof.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)