Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Lenexa mayor, Kansas governor credit City Center vision with helping attract Kiewit investment in new headquarters

ansas Gov. Jeff Colyer was in Lenexa Thursday to celebrate the start of construction on a regional headquarters facility for Kiewit Corp., one of the largest construction and engineering firms in North America.

The project will include construction of a new six-story building on the vacant lot adjacent to the current Kiewit Corp. offices at 8900 Renner Blvd. The new building will be approximately 182,000 square feet. Combined with the existing facilities, the Kiewit campus will have about 385,000 square feet of office space housing around 1,300 employees. The project is schedule to be complete in January 2020.

What City Leaders Should Know about South Dakota v. Wayfair (Online Sales Tax Case)

On Thursday, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court handed down a major victory in South Dakota v. Wayfair, concluding that state and local governments can require remote retailers with no physical presence in the state to collect and remit sales taxes. After years of congressional inaction, the decision brings cities one significant step closer toward achieving Main Street fairness.

Every city leader should have questions about Wayfair‘s impact. These initial reactions and answers will help them catch up quick:

In deciding the case, Justice Kennedy wrote the majority opinions and was joined by four other justices: Ginsberg, Alito, Gorsuch (filed a concurring opinion) and Thomas (also filed a concurring opinion). Justice Roberts penned the dissenting opinion and was joined by three other justices: Breyer, Sotomayor and Kagan.
…
Going forward, having a substantial economic presence in a state will be sufficient grounds for a state and local government to require a retailer to collect and remit sales taxes. This is a huge step forward in our nearly three-decades-long fight to close the online sales tax loophole.

Despite some reports, however, this is not about imposing new taxes — but rather about closing an unfair tax loophole that has cost state and local governments billions in lost revenue each year. In fact, the International Council of Shopping Centers and the National Conference of State Legislatures have estimated that the loophole cost state and local governments $26 billion in lost revenue in 2015.

(Read more: CitiesSpeak)

Great Bend to announce finalists soon for City Administrator position

The City of Great Bend has been without a permanent city administrator since Howard Partington announced his early retirement on August 16, 2017. Interim City Administrator George Kolb was hired on a short-term basis only to fill the gap until a permanent candidate was found. The selection of the next Great Bend City Administrator is getting closer as the City plans to bring three finalists to town next week for interviews and meet and greets.

The City plans to release the names of the three finalists Monday morning, June 25. On Wednesday, June 27 the candidates will go through internal tours, official interviews, and interviews with the media. On Thursday, June 28 the public will have a chance to meet and interact with the candidates. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce is opening up a meet-and-greet for Chamber members at 10:30 a.m. at the Great Bend Events Center. The public will also have a chance later in the day starting at 4:30 p.m., also at the Events Center.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Great Bend City Council to start future meetings an hour earlier

Anyone interested in attending or watching the Great Bend City Council meetings live online will need to remember to prepare for an hour earlier start time. The City Council voted 6-1 this week to make a change in the ordinance to move future meetings’ start time to 6:30 p.m. from the previous 7:30 p.m. time.

Councilmember Jolene Biggs was in favor of the switch and felt it was a good move for city staff that has to attend the meetings.Councilmember Cory Urban touched on the family aspect as well, stating that starting meetings at 7:30 p.m. made it challenging to see their families on Monday nights. The Council experimented with the earlier start times this past month with regular meetings and budget sessions. The Council meets the first and third Monday each month at City Hall.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Wichita moves toward closing south-side golf course to clear land for commercial use

This could be the last round for Clapp Golf Course.

The city Park Board has called a special meeting Friday to vote on a proposal to close down the little course at the corner of Harry and Oliver in south Wichita.

A staff recommendation calls for the course to be shut down as soon as possible, with a goal of selling part of the land for commercial/housing development. Some other park use could go on the remainder of the land, which is in an unbuildable flood plain. Clapp would be the second public course to close in the last four years. In late 2014, Wichita State University razed its Braeburn Golf Course to clear space for development of the Innovation Campus, a mix of educational and business ventures at the east end of the university.

(Read more: Politics & Government News |)

Finney County Economic Development Corp. continues work on childcare issue

Lona DuVall, president and CEO of the Finney County Economic Development Corp., told city and county officials earlier this week that the FCEDC hopes to soon share details of its plans to open new facilities to help address the local childcare shortage.

“I think we’re getting really, really, close, and hopefully we’ll be able to share details and what that plan looks like very shortly,” DuVall said at Tuesday’s Garden City Commission meeting.

FCEDC officials have yet to announce specific plans, but have proposed establishing two large childcare facilities for 110 to 145 children, two midsized centers for 50 to 75 children, and four small centers for 30 to 45 children.

Lawrence, Douglas County planners want your feedback on bikeways

Lawrence and Douglas County residents will have a handful of opportunities to share their input on an update to the Countywide Bikeway Plan.

The purpose of the plan is to “develop a low-stress bicycle network that can make bicycling an attractive choice for transportation,” according to the city’s website, lawrenceks.org.

There are two ways to participate. First, there is a survey available at lawrenceks.org/mpo/tellus, which the website says takes about 10 minutes to complete. It will be available until Aug. 31. Those wishing to share their opinions with transportation planners and Bicycle Advisory Committee members face-to-face can find them at upcoming “mobile meetings”.

(Read more: LJWorld.com / Lawrence, Kansas)

Supreme Court: Online shoppers can be forced to pay sales tax

The Supreme Court says states can force online shoppers to pay sales tax. The 5-4 ruling Thursday is a win for states, who said they were losing out on billions of dollars annually under two decades-old Supreme Court decisions that impacted online sales tax collection.

The high court ruled Thursday to overturn those decisions. They had resulted in some companies not collecting sales tax on every online purchase. The cases the court overturned said that if a business was shipping a product to a state where it didn’t have a physical presence such as a warehouse or office, the business didn’t have to collect the state’s sales tax. Customers were generally supposed to pay the tax to the state themselves if they don’t get charged it, but the vast majority didn’t.

Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the previous decisions were flawed.

“Each year the physical presence rule becomes further removed from economic reality and results in significant revenue losses to the States. These critiques underscore that the physical presence rule, both as first formulated and as applied today, is an incorrect interpretation of the Commerce Clause,” he wrote.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Overland Park approves nearly $300,000 in improvements for 4 playgrounds

Four Overland Park playgrounds will get new equipment and/or resurfacing this year. The city council recently approved bids for upgrades at four parks that would replace the surfacing and current playground equipment. The new play gyms will replace equipment that is almost 20 years old, said Scott Shierk, manager of parks and forestry for the city’s park service.

El Dorado tables Lake Debt discussion

Waiting to confirm opinions from a financial and legal expert, the El Dorado City Commission tabled a discussion Monday night about paying off approximately $8.3 million in debt from the lake in the 2019 budget.

The debt of stages 2 and 3 is under a 50-year contract that started when El Dorado Lake combined with Bluestem Lake in 1981.

The contract is with the United States Army Corp of Engineers for access to water from 1,296 to 1,339 feet about sea level for city or industrial use. This is about 22 million gallons per day. The city currently uses about 9 million gallons per day.

The city has already paid $3.3 million in interest and is looking to save $8 million in future interest payment with the one time lump sum payment.

(Read more: El Dorado Times)

Derby Fire Chief calls for earlier truck replacement, more staff

Derby Fire Chief Brad Smith has proposed moving up the timetable for replacing one of the city’s fire trucks by a year. Engine 82 was set for replacement in 2020, and Smith said he would like to see that done next year.

Smith made the proposal in his report in the 2019 city budget, which is now in the process of being examined by the public and City Council members.

Engine 82 was purchased in 2001 and for four years was used by the city’s volunteer fire department. Since 2005, it has responded to all types of fires, emergency medical calls and vehicle accidents, he said, but it’s now reaching the end of its life as a main resource.

“Historically, 19 years is the limit on front line dependability for an engine,” he said.

While the engine may look fine to the casual observer, appearances don’t always provide the total picture, he said.

“It does looks new, but then our goal is to keep them up,” he said. “We don’t let them get beat up.”

Former Haysville Activity Center to become sports, entertainment venue

The City of Haysville leased the former Haysville Activity Center (HAC) at 7106 S. Broadway to a local couple that plans to re-open it as a sports and recreation venue called 060 Sports.

The building has been empty since 2017 when the HAC moved to a new location.

Kyle and Lindsey Brown, lifelong residents of south Wichita, began renovation this month, and hope to have the venue up and running before the end of July.

“There’s just not really a lot to do on the south side,” Lindsey Brown said. “Our kids play several sports, and there was nowhere for them to practice.”

After opening, 060 Sports will host a variety of activities for both entertainment and practice, including:

Derby Historical Society receives county assistance

On June 13, the Sedgwick County Commission voted on and approved assistance in the amount of $10,000 to the Derby Historical Museum to replace the windows. The museum is one of seven sites being recognized during the upcoming 150th anniversary celebration for Derby and submitted the proposal in hopes of moving closer to the completion of a window replacement project.

Butler County offering incentive program to retain detention officers

With the Butler Detention Center currently having 12 openings for staff, the Butler County Board of Commissioners reinstated a Detention Retention Policy Tuesday that gives incentives for officers that stay with the detention center.Once an officer passes the screening process, incentives begin paying at six months. After six months there is $1,000 in incentives. After nine months and 12 months another $500 is awarded. Positions currently pay $15.50 to start.

(Read more: andoveramerican.com)

Clay Center City Council supports dog park

A plan to place a dog park near the Clay County Animal Rescue and Education Center received a letter of support from the Clay Center city council last night.

Officials with CCARE asked for the endorsement in order to apply for a grant that would be available to dog owners who want to walk their dogs. The project would be funded entirely by grant funds and no city money will be involved.

Officials said the park would not be used by dogs being held at the Center’s facility even though it is on property owned by the Center.

Wichita promises fines for illegal fireworks. ‘This year, we are serious,’ mayor says

If you plan to shoot off fireworks in Wichita this year, you better make sure they’re legal.

If not, you could face a $250 fine from the city.

“This year, we are serious about making sure that people adhere to our policies and write tickets,” Mayor Jeff Longwell said Thursday. “In the past, we’ve had those tickets as high as $2,500. I know firemen that have worked for the city for 30 years and have never written a $2,500 ticket, so we’ve dropped that to $250, because we will write $250 tickets and we will enforce that.”

Firework sales start next Wednesday, and Longwell said most fireworks bought in Wichita have been checked and should be legal. Even if they were bought legally in other cities in the area, only fireworks tested and approved by the Wichita Fire Department are allowed.

(Read more: Politics & Government News |)

Residents turn out to ask about zoning code rewrite in KCK

Gravel driveways, AirBNBs and tiny homes were just a few of the topics that came up at the first Kansas City, Kansas, zoning code rewrite meeting today.

A lot of community interest was shown in the zoning code rewrite, with a packed meeting room today at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Village at 6723 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas. About 115 people attended the meeting.

Some residents had wide policy comments, while others who attended were concerned about how a zoning code rewrite would affect their own property.

(Read more: Welcome to Wyandotte Daily!)

Plans for a Sikh temple in Lenexa raise concerns, but also draw praise

The Lenexa City Council has endorsed plans for a new worship temple for a growing Sikh community, despite some concerns that the building is too big and doesn’t fit well with surrounding neighborhoods.

The Council voted 4-2 Tuesday night in favor of a preliminary plan for the Midwest Sikh worship space, also known as a gurdwara, at the northeast corner of 101st Street and Lone Elm Road.

“I think it’s a beautiful building,” Councilman Andy Huckaba said in support of the $4 million project. Council members Mandy Stuke, Corey Hunt and Steve Lemons also voted for the preliminary plan. But the building as conceived was not supported by Ward 2 council members Bill Nicks and Thomas Nolte, who represent the area where the temple will be built.

(Read more: Government & Politics News |)

Kobach’s office: Counties may continue to ‘track’ citizenship if they don’t ask

Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach’s office has told county election offices that they may no longer ask prospective voters for proof of citizenship but they can collect the documents if the voters provide them voluntarily.

Kobach’s office provided instructions Wednesday afternoon to the state’s 105 county election offices following a federal judge’s decision Monday to strike down the state’s requirement that people must provide proof of citizenship before they can register to vote.

Bryan Caskey, the state’s director of elections, instructed the county election officials to change the status of any voter registration record marked canceled or in suspense to “active” after the ruling.

Caskey said in an email that about 25,175 voter records would be changed to active status.

(Read more: Politics & Government News |)

Great Bend audit report a good one

It was welcome news for the Great Bend City Council Monday night as Vickie Dreiling of Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball presented the city’s 2017 annual audit. After the presentation, it adopted the audit as reported.

“Our opinion is an unmodified opinion,” Dreiling said. “It is the highest form of opinion we can use on a regulatory basis.” In more good news, Dreiling said this was the time in many years she has not had to bring up several recommendations from the previous year. “The staff has done a good job cleaning up any old, outstanding issues.”

The only remaining suggestion was the implementation of an ambulance write-off policy. The department should continue to utilize the new software to help with these processes.

A tour of the audit

Because there are several new council members, Dreiling took a little more time walking those present through the auditing process.

County attorney’s request for an assistant spurs negative reaction from county board

During a contentious county commissioners meeting that twice was called to order by Chairman Dave Baier, County Attorney Laura Johnson-McNish asked the board to consider what would happen if she was no longer the county attorney.

“Let me make a point right here,” said Commissioner Lynn Feldhausen. “No one is irreplaceable. No one. Not me, not (Commissioner Bob Connell), everybody. Not irreplaceable.”

The discussion began when Johnson-McNish, an elected official, requested $216,900 for 2019 for her office, which is an increase of $69,850 from this year.

The commissioners have added some funding to her office since the 2018 budget was set last year and the county attorney’s projected actual budget for 2018 is $165,252.

Johnson-McNish said she seeks additional funds for her office so that she can begin training an assistant county attorney to deal with a growing caseload of crimes.

(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)

Community Memorial Healthcare sales tax petitions presented to Marshall county officials

Marshall County Board of Commissioners met with representatives from Community Memorial Healthcare on Monday to discuss whether to allow a public vote on a proposed countywide, half-cent sales tax to help fund CMH.

Hospital representatives presented a petition with 456 signatures from people requesting an election on the issue. The commissioners tabled the matter until July 2 and gave CMH two options:

• Accept a public vote on a quarter-cent sales tax.

• Accept a public vote on a half-cent sales tax, with a quarter-cent for the hospital and a quarter-cent for other health services that the county funds such as ambulance services for Marysville, Axtell, Blue Rapids, Frankfort and Waterville; Twin Valley Developmental Services; and Pawnee Mental Health Services.

“Something is better than nothing,” said Commissioner Lynn Feldhausen.

(Read more: The Marysville Advocate)

Douglas County puts off decision on Baldwin City’s trail easement funding request

Douglas County commissioners indicated Wednesday that they were interested in helping Baldwin City with its purchase of a trail easement along the Midland Railway, but said they wanted to fold the request into their budget discussions for 2019 rather than approve it outright.

Baldwin City Administrator Glenn Rodden requested that the county provide $94,167 in annual installments of $18,833 over the next five years. The money would help the city recoup part of the $354,000 the Baldwin City Council approved in April to purchase 11 miles of hiking and biking trail easement along the railway. Rodden said the city had already received commitments of $25,000 each from Mid America Bank of Baldwin City and the Baldwin City Economic Development Corporation and $12,500 from the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation that would cover part of the easement cost. He also said he was making the same request of the Franklin County Commission that he was making of Douglas County leaders. If both counties were to approve Rodden’s request, Baldwin City’s total cost for the easement would be $94,167, the same as each county’s contribution.

(Read more: LJWorld.com / Lawrence, Kansas)

Lawrence City leaders question study results for bus transfer hub location

Some city leaders and neighbors are questioning the results of a consultant-led study that determined the two best locations for the city’s bus transfer hub.

One of the recommendations, on Stewart Avenue, is one block north of a site recommended by a 2014 location study. As was the case then, some residents of the nearby Schwegler Neighborhood oppose the location, citing concerns about noise, traffic and safety. Residents submitted a petition to the commission against the Stewart Avenue site and in favor of one on Bob Billings Parkway, and more than a dozen attended the commission’s meeting Tuesday.

Saline County approves policy giving preference to local bidders

The Saline County Commission approved a policy giving preference to local bidders Tuesday morning.

The policy states that a local bidder will be preferred if the local bid is within 1% of the low bid; the local bidder agrees to match the low bid by filing a written agreement within 72 hours of being notified; and the quality, suitability and usability of the materials or goods are equal.

Commissioners began considering giving preference to local bidders a few months ago.

(Read more: News – Salina Journal)

Hays to consider water park addition

The Hays City Commission on Thursday will discuss possible purchase of a new play feature at Hays Aquatic Park, 300 Main.

The proposed addition offers many features, including two small slides and a large bucket that will occasionally drop water, as well as other water play sprinklers. It would be located in the zero-depth entry pool, replacing a current starburst water sprayer.

The city commission in January spoke in favor of adding new features to the swimming pool, and directed staff to seek proposals with a price cap of $185,000.

There were three proposals received, and staff from the city and Hays Recreation Commission are recommending an “Elevations” water playground from RJR Enterprises, at a cost of $185,000.

(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Council recognizes first Tonganoxie Citizens Academy class

The first Tonganoxie Citizen Academy class officially graduated.
Members of the first academy class attended Monday’s City Council meeting. The academy was established to enhance citizen knowledge of operations and services, recruit informed and engaged residents to serve on city boards and commissions, encourage a unified community identity and increase in participation in city events and meetings.

The academy ran from February to May with four sessions lasting two to three hours each.

(Read more: TonganoxieMirror.com stories)

Manhattan City Commission approves economic incentives, rezoning ordinance

The commission approved the economic development package for Ultra Electronics I.C.E. Inc., an aerospace electronics business founded in Manhattan that was bought out by a U.K. holding company in 2014. The package was initially approved at commission’s first reading on June 6 and was not altered. Ultra Electronics is looking to expand and relocate some military aerospace programs to a facility in the U.S.

“This is an excellent project,” said Commissioner Wynn Butler. “I especially like it because it supports a local business and doesn’t necessarily bring out an outside business.”

The package offers the company up to $745,000 in economic development assistance for facility construction and hiring incentives to spur job growth. The company is seeking to create 33 new jobs making more than $14.25 per hour over the next 10 years.

“I think this is something we can’t turn away and it’s also very supportive of Kansas State University [and helps]to keep some of our graduates in Manhattan — they always said if they had a good job they would definitely stay in Manhattan,” said Commissioner Usha Reddi.

(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Prairie Village advances resolution to combat bias against women, though some on council object

Prairie Village’s city council will consider a series of steps to identify and eliminate potential discrimination against women after the governing body on Monday approved a measure directing city staff to draw up a resolution supporting the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Gail James, a retired University of Kansas professor, approached the city earlier this year about the idea of Prairie Village adopting a resolution aimed at having the city implement the principles of CEDAW at the local level.

The city of Kansas City, Mo, adopted a resolution in support of CEDAW a few years ago. It currently is the only city in the metro area to have taken the step, though James said her group has been in talks with the cities of Overland Park and Parkville, Mo., about the idea as well. At present, no municipalities in the state of Kansas have passed a CEDAW resolution.

Ellis Co. Health Department alters existing position to handle medical billing

The Ellis County Commission approved the creation the position of Medical Billing Specialist within the Health Services Department at Monday’s commission meeting.

Currently, Health Services has a person responsible for handling billing for EMS and an outside entity handles the billing for the Health Department.

Health Services Administrator Kerry McCue said the move will put one person in charge of all medical billing done for Health Services.

“This would do what I would call accounts payable through accounts receivable,” said McCue.

The position will be created by changing the current Public Health Billing Coordinator position to the Medical Billing Specialist and there is no addition financial impact, according to McCue.

(Read more: Hays Post)

Budget calls for new deputy city manager post in Derby

The city could be adding a new management level position – a deputy city manager – to its staff later this year.

The proposed job was included in the 2019 budget, which will need to be approved by the City Council.

City Manager Kathy Sexton said the addition is needed. Given the city’s continued growth, the time has come to increase management capacities, she said.

The new person would report directly to Sexton and supervise about half of the the departments.

Currently, 11 positions report directly to Sexton, which she said is “more than considered prudent or sustainable over a long time.”

Sexton said it is common in cities the size of Derby, which is just less than 25,000 residents, or larger to have a deputy or an assistant city manager. Some have both. Their responsibilities vary by city.

(Read more: Derby News | derbyinformer.com)

Lawrence City Commission approves police board, but concerns linger regarding access to police files and recordings

City leaders have voted to create a new community police review board, but discussion regarding limits on the board’s access to police files and recordings may not be over.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-1, with Commissioner Matthew Herbert in opposition, to create the new board. The vote came after the commission reviewed changes made by city attorneys to the ordinance establishing the new board. Commissioners previously delayed approving the ordinance because of concerns that it would have allowed the city to deny or limit the board’s access to the police investigation files and recordings. Assistant City Attorney Maria Garcia told the commission that maintaining the city’s ability to make redactions to investigative files and potentially withhold recordings was important in order to protect the city from liability. Garcia emphasized the importance of provisions that allow the city to decide on redactions on a case-by-case basis and that provide examples of information that could potentially be redacted — such as criminal history, medical records and information pertaining to victims of domestic violence or sex crimes — but that do not limit the city to the list.

Couple blames countys cameras for need to close business;County says releasing copy of camera video falls under Kansas Open Records Act

When closing the doors to The Shiney Studio at 123 S. National Ave. in May, the owners posted a statement on the business’ website and also on social media. The statement accused courthouse employees of using courthouse security cameras to spy on co-owner DandeLyon Vredenburg, who is involved in a civil lawsuit brought by her ex-husband.

Vredenburg and Carl Repp, co-owners of The Shiney Studio, say the alleged activity is an invasion of their and their customers’ privacy.

Although Bourbon County Commissioners and the county counselor would not comment on specifics, courthouse officials have said the county has done no wrong. Providing copies of surveillance videos falls under the Kansas Open Records Act. In 2016, Repp and Vredenburg purchased the St. Andrews Episcopal Church building, which had been vacant for a number of years. Repp and Vredenburg renovated the church building into a yoga studio and wellness center. It also became home to other businesses and Repp’s residence.
According to a document provided by the county to the Tribune, attorneys representing Vrendeburg’s ex-spouse “anticipated that the county’s clearly visible security camera on the northeast corner of the courthouse roof, pointing east of the courthouse, where the yoga studio was located, could contain evidence relevant to the case.”

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Augusta Council halts cemetery rule enforcement

Monday night’s Augusta City Council meeting turned emotional as residents voiced concerns over the enforcement of cemetery rules that were discussed, reviewed, and published in 2016. Weekend social media conversations indicated clean up efforts following the guidelines had begun in the older part of Elmwood Cemetery. Some residents were upset because they were unaware of the rules and felt notification was in order. The City sent out notices in utility bills, posted signs at Elmwood Cemetery, and shared information on social media reminding the public of existing cemetery regulations.
After years of lax enforcement and a widespread unfamiliarity with rules and regulations at the cemetery, the notification generated a backlash from the community.
The notice had indicated that the regulations would be enforced by removing prohibited items following the Memorial Day holiday.
That did not happen.
There is now a new cemetery sexton, along with new cemetery staff. A sexton wishing to enforce rules and the City’s failure to notify residents that enforcement would be taking place, caused weekend excitement on Facebook and at the cemetery.

(Read more: Augusta Gazette)

Topeka City Councilman: Proposal would basically outlaw gravel driveways

A proposal before Topeka’s governing body seeks to promote aesthetics and keep front yards from becoming “junk sites,” City Councilman Mike Lesser said Tuesday evening.
But Councilman Tony Emerson voiced concern that the measure would basically outlaw gravel driveways and “have a devastating effect on hundreds and hundreds of houses.”
The governing body, consisting of the nine council members and Mayor Michelle De La Isla, discussed but took no action on the proposal, which would amend city rules regarding parking on unpaved surfaces.
Those rules currently allow vehicles or machinery to be parked on a residential lot for “any period of time” only if the area used for parking is “improved with at least four inches of rock, gravel, paver brick, asphalt or concrete.”
The proposal before the governing body would replace the latter 14-word phrase with the word “paved.”

Twister rebuilding: 10 years after Chapman tornado

The day after Chapman was devastated by an EF-3 tornado on June 11, 2008, a town hall meeting was held in city park to inform residents what was going on and give them an opportunity to address concerns.
Destruction was evident all around, but one scene was both poignant and inspiring. Across the street stood a cross that had been inside the Chapman United Methodist Church.
“Every time I had the chance to speak to the citizens about the tornado and recovery efforts I would always point over to the cross that was still standing in what was left of the church,” Chapman attorney Doug Thompson recalled. “I’d say ‘Look at that! The walls are knocked down, everything around is down, but what do you see standing there?’

Drone footage of flooding in Scott City; Storms brought more than 5 inches of rain

Storms brought more than 5 inches of rain to the Scott City area Tuesday, causing flooding throughout the town.

By 6:10 p.m., reports from the National Weather Center in Dodge City estimated 5.5 inches of rain in parts of Scott City. Records Clerk and head dispatcher Barry Switzer said there had been flooding reported in several locations around town, including damage to residents’ basements. He said no residents had been injured due to the flooding.

‘Cock-A-Doodle Don’t’: Stray rooster in KCK prompts reminder of ordinances

It was a wakeup call, you could say, to anyone keeping a rooster as a pet in Kansas City, Kan. And the reminder came from the chief of police, no less.

“And the rooster crows at 27th & Wood!” Police Chief Terry Zeigler tweeted Tuesday morning with a picture of a rooster. “We try to control stray dogs & now we have stray chickens. City ordinance does not allow roosters, only hens!”According to the city ordinance updated in the fall of 2016, ducks and female chickens are permitted in non-agricultural zones of the city, but not roosters.

Wyandotte County Public Relations Director Mike Taylor explained the reason for this pecking order.

“Roosters start crowing at 5 o’clock every morning,” he said. The noise factor is one consideration. Additionally, roosters cannot lay eggs, and residents typically want chickens for the eggs.

The “urban chicken” fad came to the Kansas City area about 10 years ago.

OP Council reverses earlier vote, allows Brookridge rezoning despite protest

Over persistent neighborhood objections about traffic disruptions and density, the Overland Park City Council reversed an earlier vote Monday night and allowed a rezoning for the giant Brookridge redevelopment to move forward.

The council voted 7-4 to allow the Curtin Property Co. developers to rezone the northeast corner of 103rd Street and Antioch Road with a grocery, a few other buildings and apartments as a way to jump-start the massive mixed-use project.

That was a change from a May 7 vote in which council members voted 7-4 against the rezoning, primarily because of concerns about the phasing of road improvements and resulting traffic inconvenience.

Barton County Commission backs recycling efforts

Barton County’s recycling efforts and the need to extend the County Landfill’s lifespan were on the minds of Barton County commissioners Monday morning.

First, the commission awarded the county’s recycling grant to Sunflower Diversified Services of Great Bend.

In the 2018 operating budget, the commission allocated $15,000 under Solid Waste for recycling with an understanding that applications would be accepted locally for the funds, County Administrator Phil Hathcock said. Eligible are any county department, agency, organization, recycling center, city, school district or community college located in Barton County.

The applicant would need to demonstrate a positive economic and environmental impact in the county, be consistent with the Barton County Solid Waste Management Plan, benefit the County and its residents and increase recycling. Sunflower submitted the only application, Hathcock said.

Wichita City leaders eye project to improve North Junction

Wichita city leaders call it the most important thing to look into when it comes to its roads

The north junction interchange — where I-135, I-235, K-96 and K-254 meet — can get congested, especially during rush hour. Wichita City Engineer Gary Janzen says the interchange, built nearly 50 years ago, won’t be able to handle traffic demands as that daily congestion is only expected to worsen.

“We’ve known for some time that there’s a lot of issues with congestion and safety,” Janzen says. “It’s only going to get worse in the future with increased traffic counts, we’re expecting to see a lot more freight which means a lot more trucks which that interchange cannot currently accommodate.”

Tuesday, the Wichita City Council unanimously approved spending $80,000 to hire a consulting firm to help apply for federal money for the project expected to cost more than $100 million. The consulting firm will write a grant to try to get $25 million to fund the project.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Barton County working to extend the life of the Landfill

The Barton County Commission approved a larger hazardous waste building to be constructed at the Barton County Landfill to house hazardous waste, but the long-term question that Commissioner Kenny Schremmer was more concerned with was the longevity of the Landfill.

Barton County Administrator Phil Hathcock says the Landfill is permitted to last just over 30 more years, but the County is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to extend the permit.

(Read more: Great Bend Post)

Reno County Commission approves Sunday beer sales in unincorporated areas

The Reno County Commission, with little fanfare, approved the resolution that will allow the sale of cereal malt beverages in the unincorporated areas of the county on Sunday.

It’s not quite a done deal just yet. The resolution has to be published, then there’s a 60-day protest period. If the county does not receive a petition protesting the resolution, it would become effective on the 61st day. This would be only for beer in its original package, no draft beer.

If there is a protest petition received and all of the 433 signatures are valid, then there would need to be an election that would probably come as part of the November general election. Officials want to avoid a special election if at all possible.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Prairie Village council considers resolution aimed at combating gender bias

Prairie Village is hoping to become the first city in Kansas — and the second city in the Kansas City metro area — to formally recognize an international treaty aimed at combating bias against women and girls.

The City Council on Tuesday voted 6-3 to ask city staff to draft a resolution supporting the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, or CEDAW. The council would vote to adopt the resolution at a future meeting.

“This resolution is to say it is time to equal power,” said Councilman Ron Nelson, who made the motion to draft the resolution. “It is time to do away with implicit bias; It is time to be aware of the bias and take our heads out of the holes and say we look for it, not just that we ignore it.”

New dog park opens in Augusta

An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday evening at Augusta’s brand new dog park, located in the Meadowview Acres area, west of Garvin Park.
The new facility features an area for large dogs and an area for small dogs. The entire park is surrounded by coated chain link fencing, features benches, established shade trees and water fountains for dogs and people.
Augusta Mayor Mike Rawlings was absent but sent a special canine representative to help deliver the his message. Terri Rawlings, the mayor’s wife, also assisted.
“On behalf of the Augusta City Council I would like to welcome you all to the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for our brand new Dog Park Facility. In 2016, the City Council embarked on an initiative to overhaul our great community and make Augusta a more attractive, inviting, and exciting place to live and raise a family (including the furry ones).

(Read more: El Dorado Times)