Municipal News & Jobs

Gary Scott retired from a long career serving as director of Parks and Rec to continue to serve the community in a different capacity – with lots of volunteering. “I think it’s because most people when they volunteer they get a lot back in return,” he said. Giving back to his community has always been important to him. When he worked with the Special Olympics, he saw the number of volunteers who made the event possible. Even though it was a paid job for him, it opened his eyes to how rewarding volunteer work was for everyone else.
Source: The Eudora Times

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Dirt is moving on a new $200-million development as part of the Crosswinds Casino and Resort in Park City, located north of Wichita. Officials from the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma broke ground Thursday on a new 15-story hotel and casino expansion, which will feature 238 new rooms with 32 suites, food and beverage offerings, a pool and bar, and an 8,500-square-foot ballroom.
Source: Wichita Business Journal – Local Wichita News

City and Riley County officials tried to find common ground in a meeting about RHIDs Thursday. After the county vetoed a resolution to create a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District on June 12, Manhattan officials asked for more specifics about what the county wants to see going forward. The RHID task force, composed of city, county and USD 383 officials, met again at the Lincoln Education Center. An RHID, or reinvestment housing incentive district, is a program to help communities support new housing by devoting the tax property revenue from a new development back to the developer to cover the cost of infrastructure. The city had planned on three RHID projects to address the housing need in Manhattan.
Source: themercury.com – RSS Results in news of type article

Wichita city officials are considering a cut to the city’s property tax rate for the first time in decades. But the cut is so small that the vast majority of homeowners would still see an increase on their city property tax bill as property valuations continue to soar. The proposal would lower the city’s mill levy from 32.816 mills to 32.316 mills.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Many towns in western Kansas lack gyms and fitness centers. Some small communities are building outdoor walking trails to encourage better health and attract new residents. Western Kansas towns are surrounded by land. Yet some communities have very few spaces to safely exercise and explore the outdoors. While most of the land in this region is used for agriculture, residents of the area want designated spaces to connect with the arid plains. Those spaces also can improve community health and help rural economies.
Source: The Iola Register

Northeast Kansas will be on the international stage next summer and preparations are already underway. Topeka has already started preparations this year ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Kansas City. Local officials and business owners are expecting a bump in traffic from the big event. The City of Topeka is in the process of planning attractions as well as getting local businesses and hotels ready for the expected arrival of new visitors. 27 News spoke with the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) about what locals can expect when the World Cup arrives in one year.
Source: KSNT 27 News

For five and a half years, rural residents along Gardner Road near Edgerton in southwestern Johnson County have fought a 2020 annexation that could bring millions of square feet of warehouses to their country neighborhood. Now that a three-day trial has ended, those residents are awaiting a judge’s decision about a boot-shaped piece of land at the center of it all. Is the boot — whose elongated toe reaches out to connect Edgerton city limits to a stack of potential warehouse lots — really the “narrow corridor” outlawed by state statute? Or is it more like a partially collapsed triangle whose corner touch would be a perfectly legal way to annex land under Kansas law?
Source: Johnson County Post

Plans for a $12 billion data center campus, Wyandotte County’s largest economic development project to date, scored initial approval from the Unified Government Thursday. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, approved a master plan amendment and request to rezone 550 acres for a six-building data center campus near the Kansas Speedway. Aaron Wolofsky of Red Wolf DCD Properties LLC plans to build three 330,000-square-foot data center buildings and a substation on each side of Parallel Parkway. The 600-megawatt campus would cover multiple land parcels generally located between 131st and 118th streets.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

A group opposed to a possible battery energy storage system has submitted a petition to force a vote on an ordinance banning certain kinds of the technology within the City of Halstead. Kevin Henderson stated that he and others delivered a 30-page petition with 252 signatures on Friday to City Hall and received a receipt for the submission. State law requires a City Council to vote on a submitted ordinance if it receives a petition with signatures of registered voters that equal 40 percent of the number of people who voted in the previous City election.
Source: Harvey County Now

The Kansas City Chiefs want Kansas to extend enhanced STAR bonds that could publicly finance a domed stadium and other team projects across the state line. Approved in June 2024, Kansas’ stadium offer would allow sales tax revenue bonds to be issued up to 70% of a $1 billion-plus stadium. The legislation is set to expire June 30, but the state’s Legislative Coordinating Council can retroactively extend it up to a year, until June 30, 2026. Senate President Ty Masterson on Thursday said that at the Chiefs’ request, the council would meet July 7 to discuss an extension, potentially to no later than the end of this year.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

Walmart hosted a grand opening for its $257 million case-ready beef packaging and distribution center on Friday in Olathe. The facility at 20200 W. 167th Street is the first case-ready facility fully owned and operated by Walmart. The debut of the roughly 330,000-square-foot plant follows the retail giant’s investment in Sustainable Beef LLC.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

The start of production at Panasonic’s $4 billion electric-vehicle battery plant in De Soto is nearing. Although the company hasn’t given a precise date, a ceremonial grand opening celebration is planned for July 14. It’s no secret Panasonic’s buildout has become a catalyst for economic development — in De Soto and well beyond — but as battery production looms even as construction pushes forward on other parts of the plant, opportunities for other companies to snag land neighboring the massive battery plant are filling up fast.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal – Local Kansas City News

The Kansas Supreme Court declined to hear a case about controversial petitions requesting to change the form of government in Prairie Village. The petitions sparked in 2023 after the city attempted to amend zoning laws to allow for more affordable housing. The situation transformed into a heated housing debate that bled into the 2023 city elections.
Source: Local Kansas City Missouri & Kansas News |

Kansas City, Kansas, fire officials held a press conference on June 27, 2025, to warn families about the risks of consumer fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Demonstrations included how hot sparklers can burn and safety reminders for using mortars, fountains, and other fireworks legally and responsibly.
Source: Local Kansas City Missouri & Kansas News |

A proposed hog farm in rural Ottawa County is drawing public attention ahead of a scheduled hearing next month. The facility, named Smoky Hills Pork, would house more than 45,000 pigs and be located near Minneapolis. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a public hearing on July 9 in Minneapolis to discuss a proposed water pollution control permit for the project.
Source: KCLY Radio

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2025-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document. The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov/about/publications-and-reports/state-transportation-improvement-program-stip. The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 10. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-3254.
Source: KDOT

Early this year, during the dead of winter, we spoke with Clay Center Zoo Curator Garett Payne on how they care for animals in the extreme cold and snow. Recently, we spoke to Payne on how the animals are cared for during the heat of summer. Payne said the addition of the new buildings makes it much easier for the animals and caretakers.  Most of the animals have full access to air conditioning when they get too hot. He spoke about the few animals that don’t have access to AC.
Source: KCLY Radio

A public library’s core services of allowing patrons to read and borrow books and media fit within these common and ordinary meanings of recreation. In fact, a brief internet search reveals the terms “recreational reading,” a.k.a. “leisure reading,” are in common use and many articles, studies, and books have been published on the subject. … Therefore, we decline Zaragoza’s request to narrowly interpret the term “recreational” in the statutory immunity exception to include only those recreational activities that “involve physical activity or any increased risk of injury.”
Source: Zaragoza v. Johnson County.

Local hosts expected to earn $3,500 per stay.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal

This Fitness Court® Studio was developed … to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. The Fitness Court® is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Source: The Sunflower State Radio Network

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Since May 27, kids in the northeast corner of the county have had the chance to swim free at the Arma Pool courtesy of numerous donations from community members.   
Source: – Latest Stories

Plans to renovate and convert a house in Holton into a duplex sparked conversation among members of the Holton City Commission about what property owners are — or could be — doing to solve the problem of available rental housing in the city.
Source: The Holton Recorder

A new collection of art is now on display in the Johnson County Administration Building, through the county’s partnership with InterUrban ArtHouse on a rotating art exhibition. This is the Administration Building’s third collection of art since the rotating exhibition began in Sept. 2024. The new art, created by Melanie Nolker, features oil paintings of birch and aspen trees, abstract acrylic paintings and more.
Source: Johnson County Kansas

Johnson County is developing a transportation connection plan for the rural, southwestern fringe, all in response to the new Panasonic Energy Electric Vehicle Battery Plant in De Soto about to come online at the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. The county’s transportation plan — the draft of which can be found here — seeks to connect the site of the former plant, now dubbed Astra Enterprise Park, to neighboring southwest communities Olathe, Gardner and Edgerton as well as Douglas County to the west.
Source: Johnson County Post

Residents may soon get a chance to tell the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, what they think about using added sales tax dollars to finance the rodent-logoed, multipurpose gas station and convenience store that’s making its way into KCK.
Source: Local Kansas City Missouri & Kansas News |

The countdown has officially begun to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across North America, including in Kansas City. Local officials on Monday morning unveiled a World Cup countdown clock in front of the fieldhouse at Overland Park’s Scheels Soccer Complex near 135th Street and Switzer Road. The event followed a weekend World Cup kickoff party at the Aspiria campus in Overland Park.
Source: News

The countdown to the World Cup is on, and cities throughout the Kansas City metro are eager to showcase their offerings while hosting visitors from around the world. Shawnee is considering hosting a music and beer festival to attract World Cup visitors as well as metro families to the heart of downtown Shawnee.
Source: KSN-TV

Firefighters in Columbus are taking advantage of this week’s summer heat to train in their newly constructed facility. They were out in the 90-degree heat today training in the department’s new “burn boxes” The containers simulate many of the conditions crews might face during a structure fire.
Source: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Blinking red lights on Sunflower Wind turbines have vexed some county residents since the wind farm was built, and the lights once again are in county commissioners’ crosshairs. Commissioner Clarke Dirks brought up Monday that Sunflower promised weeks ago to switch to aircraft-activated lights that blink only when an aircraft is in the vicinity.
Source: Marion County RECORD

An Iola city councilwoman wants to bring up discussions about doing away with voting wards in Iola, and filling the Council with all at-large seats. The size and makeup of the Iola City Council is once again under the microscope. On Monday, Councilwoman Kim Peterson said she’d like to see Iola take a closer at doing away with the city’s four voting wards, and instead look at an all at-large governing body.
Source: The Iola Register

After hearing feedback from members of the Design Review Board and a lengthy discussion, Fort Scott City Commissioners on June 17 approved a motion to establish a historic preservation commission and move toward a Certified Local Government.
Source: Fort Scott Tribune Headlines

The Kansas Sampler Foundation’s Big Kansas Road Trip (BKRT) is more than just a travel event—it’s a statewide effort to introduce Kansans and visitors to the heart of rural communities. Beginning in 2018, BKRT is designed to help the public learn about rural life by experiencing it firsthand.
Source: KCLY Radio

Within Clay Center city limits, four tornado sirens are located throughout the town – one for each direction. The county further maintains sirens in Wakefield, at Clay County Park, Longford, Morganville, Green, and Clifton.  Running off radio waves, the sirens are tested weekly between March and November to ensure they are working as they should. However, if there is a threat of inclement weather, the sirens are not deployed to avoid confusion. 
Source: KCLY Radio

Travelers hitting the road this summer in Kansas may come across a turtle or two trying to cross the street. But do they need any help from people? Turtles are on the move in Kansas as they look for mates or places to lay eggs. Drivers may occasionally spot one making slow progress across the road this summer and feel the need to lend a helping hand.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Very soon, fireworks can be legally bought and shot in the Emporia city limits. Emporia Fire Marshal Stephen Beemer joined KVOE’s Morning Show this week to discuss the run-up to the official sales and discharge window beginning at 10 am Friday, as well as the do’s and don’ts of Emporia’s fireworks ordinance. Beemer says this is a busy week as he and other inspectors take a look at the different fireworks stands to make sure everything is up to snuff.
Source: d2430

As of June 20, Goddard officially started fireworks sales for the Fourth of July — taking advantage of new state legislation. Fireworks will be sold in Goddard through July 5, with discharge allowed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on…
Source: www.derbyinformer.com – RSS Results in news,news/* of type article

Crosswinds Casino in Park City, off of Interstate 35 and 77th Street North, is expanding. On Thursday, a groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place, which will add a 15-story, Four Diamond hotel with 238 rooms. The hotel will have suites, a pool, an outdoor bar, a party area, private meeting rooms and a ballroom. The project will also add more space for gaming, including room for 1,400 slot machines, a high-limit room, a VIP lounge, a sports bar, a coffee shop, various lounges, and a gift shop.
Source: KSN-TV

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Kansas Tourism today announced that more than 230 tourism attractions across the state are participating in the 2025 Sunflower Summer program. The lineup includes something for every interest and region of the state —  museums and historic sites, zoos, arboretums, art centers and more. “With such a wide variety of exceptional attractions participating this year, Sunflower Summer continues to open doors for Kansas families to explore and connect with every corner of our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This program not only creates unforgettable memories for students and parents — it also fuels local economies by drawing visitors to main streets, museums and hidden gems across Kansas.”
Source: Press Releases – Kansas Department of Commerce

Certified divers will soon plunge into Arkansas City’s drinking water tanks. The Arkansas City Commission approved a $18,924 contract this week with Midco Diving & Marine Services, Inc. to clean and inspect several of the city’s water storage tanks while they remain fully in service. Instead of draining the tanks, professional divers in sealed dry suits will enter the active potable water system to carry out required maintenance. Their gear will be sanitized, and the divers themselves will be disinfected with a chlorine solution before entering the tanks to eliminate any risk of contamination.
Source: KSN-TV

At a town hall discussing the state of the Harvey County Jail, Sheriff Chad Gay mentioned that the department also houses Larned State Hospital patients. Brian Huntley, the detention center captain, gave more insight into the reasons for this. Huntley explained that when they receive people who have been arrested, some of them stand out as potentially needing a psychological evaluation. Huntley said this is normally up to the attorney assigned to the person to flag and ask for an evaluation in court.
Source: Harvey County Now