Municipal News & Jobs

More than a decade ago, a study by a Kansas Forest Service fire prevention specialist identified several areas in Reno County as “high hazard” areas for wildfires because of the number of cedar trees and other accumulated deadwood. … There have been fire mitigation efforts in recent years, including controlled burns along road rights-of-way and efforts to educate the public about how to protect their homes. But the results have been limited, due to the continuing spread of invasive red cedars and widespread public apathy, officials said. “Reno County is losing a battle against woody plant encroachment, causing high fire danger,” Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar advised the Reno County Commission during a study session Tuesday on wildfire mitigation. “While there are many ways to mitigate the risk of wildfire, the most successful would be the prioritization of fuel reduction.”
Source: Hutch News

The Pittsburg Fire Department participated in an old tradition dating back to the days of horsedrawn fire engines on Friday. Known as a “push in ceremony,” it recreates the task of returning fire wagons to the station. According to Fire Chief Dennis Reilly, “horses cannot walk backwards under a load, so firefighters had to manually push the apparatus back into the station.” … the truck was backed into its bay under its own power as city firefighters ceremoniously “pushed” it into the fire station. Once in place, Chief Reilly made the traditional radio call to dispatch, “Rescue Seven is now in service.”
Source: Morning Sun

Obviously, police methods and investigative tools of a half century ago pale in comparison to today’s vast array of computers, forensic techniques, and even 911; fingerprints had to be manually examined and classified. PPD, like most PDs in the U.S, (the majority of which had fewer than 10 officers), did not have police- package patrol vehicles; some of you will remember the unmarked (red lights only) pastel-colored Plymouth Fury vehicles we drove (bought from/serviced by Dick Butler motors) that were operated virtually 24/7; we got a new fleet each year, but due to their wear and tear they were frequently taken out of service for repairs, and had to be taken out to the bypass often to “blow out the cobs (carbs).” Information concerning wanted people, stolen vehicles, and anything else that was identifiable was requested and received via our teletype machine (which was also out of service often for maintenance)…
Source: Morning Sun

The Kansas Public Employee Retirement System Board of Trustees voted Friday to halt future investments in Russian assets amid the country’s invasion of Ukraine, following in the footsteps of pension systems across the country. While some members initially pushed for a full divestment, others said they would rather focus on the future, with the fund’s current holdings in the country largely liquidated anyway. KPERS staff termed the move as historic, as it was the first time the board unilaterally acted for external reasons, with past instructions to remove investments from Sudan and other politically objectionable regimes coming from the legislature.
Source: CJonline

Several local government and community leaders will form a refugee task force to determine how Topeka can best situate itself to help Ukrainians fleeing violence in their country, the Greater Topeka Partnership announced Friday morning. Yana Ross, a Farm Bureau financial services agent who moved to Topeka from Ukraine 16 years ago, will lead the task force. Topeka City Council member Karen Hiller and Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce president Curtis Sneden will also join other business leaders and representatives, with more members potentially added as the task force begins its work. Yana Ross, a local insurance agent originally from Ukraine, shows her countries pride during a press conference at Evergy Plaza in February. In the partnership’s statement, Ross said she was grateful for the support the community has already shown Ukraine, and that others would also come to know Topeka as “a loving and welcoming city.”
Source: CJonline

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office put its new muscle car on parade recently as Lawrence celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. The new car, which made its debut — with an assortment of bells and whistles — in the March 17 parade, is a 2021 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Edition, “Super Bee,” and it was purchased to serve as a recruiting tool for the office, said Sheriff Jay Armbrister. The car cost $48,000 and was bought using drug forfeiture funds, approved by the county administrator, he said. “We decided to purchase it not only for recruitment and special events, but also as a backup patrol vehicle,” Armbrister said. The sheriff can make purchases up to $25,000 out of the drug forfeiture fund and up to $50,000 with the approval of the county administrator, he said.
Source: LJWorld.com

Like many organizations, agencies and individuals across the globe, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is contributing to Ukraine’s effort to defend itself against Russia’s deadly invasion. The office has donated bulletproof body armor — specifically 20 ballistic vests — to help Ukraine in its fight against President Vladimir Putin’s military, which invaded the country on Feb. 24. “In law enforcement we seek to help however we can and when we can,” Sheriff Jay Armbrister told the Journal-World Friday. “Like the rest of this community, we have felt very helpless and have wanted a way to help the people of Ukraine.” That opportunity arrived when the National Guard asked Kansas law enforcement agencies if they could contribute to the effort.
Source: LJWorld.com