Municipal News & Jobs

The Kansas Department of Commerce will celebrate National Community Development Week (April 21-25) with the inaugural Community Impact Tour – a five-day, 26-stop tour highlighting transformative projects across Kansas. National Community Development Week was established in 1986 to recognize the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This year, Kansas is expanding the celebration to honor Community Development and Quality Place initiatives that are driving progress in housing, childcare, downtown revitalization and infrastructure.
Source: Press Releases – Kansas Department of Commerce

Florent Wagner — Overland Park’s unofficial city historian and beloved keeper of countless stories — died late last month at the age of 87. Wagner, who never actually lived in the city of Overland Park but in neighboring Leawood, was integral in forming what is now the Overland Park Historical Society and worked for decades at the former Overland Park State Bank and Trust Company downtown. “We are extremely saddened by Florent’s passing,” Mayor Curt Skoog said in a statement to the Post. “Florent was not just a devoted steward of Overland Park’s rich history, he was a part of it.”
Source: Johnson County Post

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has announced the results of the 2025 Kansas National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. The event took place on March 28 and 29 at the Kansas State Fair Grounds in Hutchinson. Nearly 400 students from across the state participated in the bullseye and 3D archery events for a chance to qualify for the national tournament, which will take place in June in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The KDWP says a record-setting $20,000 in scholarships was awarded to student archers at the tournament, thanks to contributions from the National Archery in the Schools Program, the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, the Kansas Bowhunters Association, and Scheels of Wichita.
Source: KSN-TV

The Pittsburg Police Department gets approval for safety improvements. At Tuesday’s meeting—city commissioners gave approved the purchase of 13 in-car cameras for patrol cars. Hardware, equipment and software will run the city about 114-thousand dollars—and is covered by the public safety sales tax. Deputy Police Chief Major Ben Henderson says this will help with transparency and earning public trust.
Source: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Thanks to Senate Bill 199, fireworks can now be sold year-round in Kansas, and retailers are deciding if it’s worth it or not. The law was signed on Wednesday, April 9, but retailers may be opting out. One retailer tells 27 News that shipments are now more expensive because of tariffs, and that some sellers have even stopped their shipments all together.
Source: KSNT 27 News

The City of Arkansas City is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Chad Gleason, who died Thursday morning while on duty—doing the work he cared deeply about and took great pride in every day.  Chad had been a valued member of the City’s Sanitation Division since January 2024. More than a colleague, he was a trusted friend and an essential part of the Public Services Department. His strong work ethic, positive attitude, and dedication to serving Arkansas City will be profoundly missed by all who had the honor of working  with him. 
Source: Local – Cowley Post

Concern over the behavior of an Ark City area man – who’s been seen taking walks in the nude in his neighborhood – has led to an effort to bolster the law against public nudity. The same issue involving the same person has come up before in the IXL neighborhood south of Ark City where the walks have occurred. Warmer weather seems to be more suitable for the displays which neighbors don’t care for and have tried to get stopped. Attempts have been made to speak with or otherwise confront the man, without success. Now, Pam Crain, a local woman known for her abilities to rally support for various issues, is spearheading the push for a tougher law.
Source: Local – Cowley Post

A three-judge panel from the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals appeared unconvinced Friday that five Sedgwick County juvenile detention officers should be immune from an excessive force lawsuit in the 2021 death of 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton. The county officers were appealing an Oct. 3 ruling by Eric Melgren, chief judge of the U.S. District Court of Kansas, who denied the officers’ petition to dismiss all claims against them, saying that a jury must decide who to believe about what happened inside a small cell at the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

The Coffey Health System Board of Trustees has voted to cease obstetrics care at Coffey County Hospital, according to a report from the health system’s marketing department published in the Coffey County Republican. Labor and delivery services incurred a $1.3 million annual loss for the health system in 2024, the report noted. In the last five years, the hospital averaged 65 births per year. Projections for 2025 are less than half that. The change aggravates a growing maternity desert in southeast Kansas. Only Neosho, Labette, Montgomery and Crawford counties have hospitals with obstetrics services. 
Source: The Iola Register

Manhattan may see more charging stations in the near future for electric vehicles as they become more common. At Monday’s meeting, Riley County’s MPO planning manager told officials to expect some changes in infrastructure to accommodate the gradual rise in EV use. Tremblay said drivers with electric vehicles tend to pass through the Manhattan area and having charging stations can accommodate those visitors. There are currently 12 EV charging stations in Manhattan. Tremblay said possible locations for new charging stations may be on privately owned parking lots such as the Westloop area or the Stratford village. He said people coming into Manhattan for K-State athletic events sometimes ask where to find chargers.
Source: themercury.com – RSS Results in news of type article

In reaction to the Kansas legislature capping property tax increases at the local level, the City of El Dorado is considering a sales tax increase to reduce the mill levy. The discussion was held at the April 2 El Dorado City Commission Workshop. City Manager David Dillner introduced the topic of the sales tax, saying it could lower the levy by 14 mills. The City already has a 1% sales tax that goes into the general fund and any excess funds special projects. The City would have to cap their sales tax at 2%, meaning a new tax couldn’t be higher than 1%.
Source: Butler County Times-Gazette

The Kansas Legislature overturned the governor’s veto of a bill that opens state and county health officials to civil action for decisions about quarantines and takes away their authority to ban public gatherings in situations of infectious disease. Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 29, but the veto was overridden April 10 by the Senate and House. There was little discussion in the Senate, but multiple representatives spoke out against the bill in the House.
Source: www.derbyinformer.com – RSS Results in news/area_news of type article

As an Army chaplain, Father Emil Kapaun didn’t carry a gun. But President Barack Obama, while awarding him a posthumous Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Korean War, said the Catholic priest from Kansas wielded the mightiest weapon of all. “A love for his brothers so pure,” Obama said during the 2013 ceremony, “that he was willing to die so that they might live.” Kapaun dragged injured soldiers to safety during the Battle of Unsan. And, as enemy forces closed in, he allowed himself to be captured so that he could continue to care for his men. He prayed not only for his fellow prisoners of war, but also for the guards who held them captive.
Source: www.derbyinformer.com – RSS Results in news/area_news of type article

Everyone is an intruder until we know differently. Superintendent Dr. Rae Niles told a crowd of more than a dozen patrons attending Monday’s meeting of the Board of Education that this perspective “is the only way we move forward” following an incident last week in which two individuals unfamiliar to the district made their way into the high school building past a number of teachers and students.
Source: Harvey County Now

The Newton Board of Education, like most educational entities in the United States, is facing many unknowns when it comes to federal dictates regarding education. During the regularly scheduled board meeting Monday evening, the board dug into some of those issues and how best they can respond. “At the federal level, everything is still a crapshoot,” Superintendent Fred Van Ranken said while providing the board with a legislative update. “We just don’t know things at a federal level.” Van Ranken advised there have been rumblings about funding cuts to Head Start services, but nothing has been confirmed. He did say he is relatively confident federal title funds will still be available next year. However, if that changes, it will cause problems for the district. Without the funding, the district would have to let seven interventionists go. Van Ranken encouraged board members and community members to communicate with legislators to express their concerns.
Source: Harvey County Now

After a joint meeting between the Hesston School District, recreation commission and city failed to finalize plans for the middle school, the district began to explore new options for the building. At the joint meeting Tim Sweigart, CEO of Kansas Electric, asked about a private entity taking over the building. After the meeting, Board President Layne Frick and Superintendent Kevin Logan met with Sweigart to find out more. Frick said Sweigart was serious about his interest in buying the building and liked Sweigart’s vision.
Source: Harvey County Now

Olathe is taking steps to determine the future of its mostly unused charitable community fund. Earlier this month, the Olathe City Council voted 7-0 to move ahead with a feasibility study for the Olathe Community Fund. The study — which will piggyback on an ongoing study with BPS Philanthropic Advisors on whether to set up a charitable fund to support the Olathe Animal Shelter — will cost $12,500 and be paid for with dollars in the community fund.
Source: Johnson County Post

A $32.5 million bond to finance capital improvements in Piper Unified School District failed among northwest Wyandotte County voters on Tuesday. The move would have pushed forward a two-phase plan for overhaul renovations in the growing rural school district. An overwhelming 1,489 voters denied the measure expected to raise the school district’s mill rate, or the amount of taxable dollars per every $1,000 of properties’ assessed value, by $2.41. Piper USD’s proposed, roughly $69 per $1,000 property valuation rate would have accounted for 38% of district residents’ property tax bills and would have taken effect July 1.
Source: Local Kansas City Missouri & Kansas News |

A new ordinance allowing the city of Wichita to fine landlords who retaliate against tenants has yet to be put to use. Landlord retaliation can include an eviction or rent increase within six months of a tenant’s complaint to the city’s inspections department about the quality of their housing, according to the ordinance. It was passed in January 2024 by the City Council after several council members said they heard complaints from tenants about retaliation. But between January 2024 and January 2025, the city received just nine complete complaints from tenants alleging retaliation, said city attorney Jennifer Magaña.
Source: KLC Journal

Local voters will soon weigh in on another school bond, this time in the Goddard School District. USD 265 is asking voters to approve a $196 million bond. Over the summer, the district commissioned a study to predict future population growth. The study by Davis Demographics suggests Goddard Public Schools will see a 30% increase over the next decade. That potential increase in students is prompting the bond vote. If approved, the district would build two new elementary schools, renovate Oak Street Elementary into a learning center to provide pre-K options, and make improvements to the fine arts and athletic facilities.
Source: KSN-TV

The McPherson County Commission has imposed a countywide burn ban due to dry and dangerous conditions. The action came during Monday’s regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, with the passage of a resolution declaring a state of local disaster emergency due to the elevated risk of wildfires. Officials say the combination of dry grasslands, cropland, and high winds has created hazardous fire conditions that threaten property and public safety.
Source: KSN-TV

Questions and concerns from city leaders about plans to increase parking rates downtown arise after the city council meeting on Tuesday, April 15. 27 News spoke to District 5 councilman Brett Kell and he said he doesn’t want to “over charge” just to bring in more money.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Topeka city leaders have approved of another funding request for a local hotel to keep it running this year. Topeka’s governing body gathered on Tuesday, April 15 to vote on a proposal to grant an additional $168,000 in funding for the Hotel Topeka at City Center. The money will come from the city’s General Fund and will go towards the continued operation and maintenance of the building. The funding request was approved by the governing body 7-3, with District 2 councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala, District 3 councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz and District 4 councilman David Banks opposed.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Ahead of an unofficial holiday Kansas law enforcement is ramping up patrols for potheads. April 20, otherwise known as 420 is this upcoming Sunday. The day is popular for those that partake of marijuana consumption. Increased enforcement will be seen across the Sunflower State starting Friday April 18, including sobriety checkpoints, concentrated patrols, drug sniffing canines and more. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) has a new method to catch marijuana users. Eight months ago, the agency began using an oral fluid instrument to conduct test roadside instead of having to wait for a blood test.
Source: KSNT 27 News

A bill approved by the Kansas Legislature and recently signed by the governor has ensured that Strother Field Airport and Industrial Park will retain its tax exempt status. Without the legislative fix, officials said, the cities of Winfield and Arkansas City faced a growing risk of needing to impose a property tax levy to support Strother operations — a tax burden that hasn’t existed for residents and businesses since 1952. The two cities jointly own and operate the industrial park and airfield located along U.S. 77. The passage and signing of Senate Bill 117, clarifies and reaffirms the property tax-exempt status of land and buildings owned by the two cities.
Source: Local – Cowley Post

Roughly 150 chickens perished in a fire Tuesday at a residence south of Valley Center. Authorities were originally called at 3:25 p.m. to a barn fire at a home in the 1300 block of South Meridian. Fire crews arrived at a residence and found a 20-by-40 foot chicken coop on fire behind the house, Valley Center fire chief Lonnie Tormey said in a phone call. Firefighters quickly put out the fire, with only one building near the coop getting heat damage.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

The city of Wichita will seek help from a consultant to find its next city manager in a nationwide search. Longtime City Manager Robert Layton announced his retirement earlier this month, sparking conversations on whether the mayor should have a stronger role in the city’s day-to-day operations. Even so, the council is moving ahead with a search for another manager. The city council will vote on issuing a request for proposals from search consultant firms at next week’s meeting.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Carl Slaugh, who served for five years as Iola’s city administrator and another five years as a city councilman, died last week at the age of 77. Funeral services are Friday. The Utah native embarked on a 20-year military service, a stint that put him in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. He retired from the Air Force in 1993, and eventually began a career in city administration. He served four years as city administrator in Hiawatha and three more in Basehor, before coming to Iola in 2011.
Source: The Iola Register

Iola City Council members are looking at presenting a distinguished citizen award each year, giving recipients an honorary key to the city. The proposal will be discussed further. Iola has an abundance of folks who go above and beyond, helping make the community a better place to live. Mayor Steve French would like to see some of that benevolence formally recognized.
Source: The Iola Register

Several factors are taken into account for a safe and controlled burning, Riley County fire officials said Monday. After a prescribed burn went out of control on Harmony Road April 7, Riley County’s emergency management department reminded the public of why certain regulations exist for burning in the Flint Hills. The fire jumped to the south to the Big Blue riverbed. Russel said there were 66 people, 40 apparatus and two planes from different counties involved in fighting the fire. An estimated 650 acres burned.
Source: themercury.com – RSS Results in news of type article

“Welcome to the theater.” As the smell of popcorn wafts in the air, movie-goers come in and take their seats – in a theater building that is more than a century old. Today we’ll learn about a group of volunteers who have restored their historic movie theater building and are operating it for their rural community.  Dan Brooks and his wife Kelsey Mai are volunteer managers of the Strand Theater in Sharon Springs. Dan grew up in Colorado Springs. He does carpentry and residential remodeling. Ten years ago, they moved back to Sharon Springs where Kelsey grew up.
Source: KCLY Radio

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.

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.

Nearly a year after the tornado, JT and Ashley VanGilder said they are pleased with how well the Westmoreland community has bounced back….. Westmoreland’s city government has chipped in by not requiring people whose homes were destroyed to pay for their building permit, Ashley VanGilder said.
Source: CJonline

The city of Prairie Village is once again thinking of sending funds to help its war-ravaged Ukrainian sister city, but the politics of the moment in the U.S. are creating local concerns that didn’t exist the first time Prairie Village tried to help three years ago.
Source: Johnson County Post

A public pet microchip scanning station, believed to be the first of its kind in Johnson County, is now up and running in Gardner. The Gardner Police Department installed the scanning device inside a portable station last week in the parking lot at the head of the popular Gardner Greenway trail off East Madison Street.
Source: Johnson County Post

Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2172, officially creating a water program task force aimed at developing a long-term investment strategy for Kansas’ water needs. Modeled after the state’s 10-year transportation programs, the initiative will focus on securing a dedicated funding source for water infrastructure and planning.
Source: KCLY Radio

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday 11 rural roadway projects will receive a total of $8.1 million in federal funds through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program.
Source: KCLY Radio

Governor Kelly signed a bill into law this week that allows for the year-round sale of fireworks in Kansas. While the law expands the sale of fireworks, it does not alter the times when fireworks can be discharged or how those times are determined.
Source: KWCH

Wichita is heading into spring still in stage two drought conditions, meaning water restrictions from the city have not been lifted.
Source: KWCH

The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has been testing gunshot detectors in some areas of the city since 2022. Now, the department is preparing to make them a permanent part of detecting gun violence. The new detectors use artificial intelligence to alert dispatch and officers when gunshots are detected.
Source: KWCH

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 state is finalizing potentially more than $150 million in Sales Tax and Revenue, or STAR, bonds to bolster the development, which it and developers predict will bring in more than two million visitors annually.
Source: Wichita Eagle

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.