Kansas Municipal News
KDOT seeks input on EV charging in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Transportation is looking for input from the public to determine what’s next for the Charge Up Kansas National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Plan. … KDOT is requesting public feedback on EV charging to help create next year’s plan. Go to
KDOT to complete a short survey.
Source: KDOT
Governor vetoes government competition bill
Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed a bill requiring cities and counties to rebate property taxes if they compete against certain businesses such as fitness centers, day care facilities and restaurants. Kelly vetoed a bill that was packaged with a child and dependent care tax credit that the governor supports along with an expanded property tax refund for seniors and property tax rebates for veterans with disabilities.
Source: Sunflower State Journal
Wichitans want solutions for homelessness. Can they accept them in their backyard?
As Wichita struggles to address a growing homeless population with uncertain funding, crucial details surrounding a future city-operated homeless shelter or resource center remain unresolved. Among several homelessness-related initiatives promoted by the city is a multiagency campus and center, often referred to as the MAC – a one-stop resource center that would house supportive low-income housing and two 24/7, low-barrier homeless shelters; one communal, one not.
Court confirms how Prairiefire’s available funds should be applied to defaulted STAR bonds
The bank overseeing Prairiefire’s nearly $65 million in defaulted sales tax revenue (STAR) bonds now has a clearer path forward as to how it should apply available funds from the Overland Park development to its first portion of outstanding debt. A judge in Minnesota’s Hennepin County District Court on Thursday issued an order confirming that UMB Bank, the trustee for Prairiefire’s STAR bonds, should proportionately split about $4.2 million across $14.9 million in principal and $1.75 million in interest that came due in mid-December. The order also clarifies that future interest will accrue on delinquent interest at the retail and entertainment project, on top of its three tranches of STAR bond principal.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Fed Gov. Waller wants ‘several months’ of good inflation data before lowering rates
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, citing a string of data showing that inflation appears to be easing, said Tuesday that he does not think further interest rate increases will be necessary. However, the policymaker added he will need some convincing before he backs cuts anytime soon. “Central bankers should never say never, but the data suggests that inflation isn’t accelerating, and I believe that further increases in the policy rate are probably unnecessary,” said Waller, who has been generally hawkish in his recent views, meaning he supports tighter monetary policy.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Abilene reinstates water fluoridation
The persistence of oral health experts succeeded as they swayed one Abilene City Commissioner to change her vote during Monday’s commission meeting, ending in a 3-2 result to reintroduce fluoride into the city’s water. Before the commission voted, several local and Topeka experts made comments to the commission.
Source: Abilene RC
Schools closed, power still out for thousands in JoCo following severe storms
A line of thunderstorms packing gusty winds caused damage to numerous Johnson County neighborhoods late Sunday night, and at least three schools in the area were closed Monday due to the storms’ lingering impacts. The National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Johnson County at about 10 p.m. The warning said there was the risk of wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and hail up to the size of quarters. Wind gusts ended up damaging trees throughout the area. Large tree branches crashed down onto several homes’ roofs, and even more fallen tree branches damaged power lines. Falling trees and branches damaged several homes in Overland Park, Prairie Village, Shawnee and Lenexa, according to recorded radio traffic and social media posts. On Monday, multiple schools in Johnson County were closed due to the impacts of the storm, including Mill Valley High School in USD 232, where officials said they were investigating a possible gas leak. There were no immediate reports of storm-related injuries in Johnson County.
Source: Johnson County Post
Lenexa unveils renovated Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center, which will open later this month
After years of planning and renovations, Lenexa’s “flagship outdoor pool” is ready to reopen to the public. Following a two-year, $15-million redesign, Sar-Ko-Par Aquatic Center — formerly Indian Trails Aquatic Center — will open for the summer swim season on Saturday, May 25, with a new look and bevy of new amenities. “The community was the one wanting something that had way more features to it,” said Mandy Danler, project manager and assistant director of Lenexa Parks and Recreation. “While it can be costly, that’s what they wanted. So we brought it all under here and did what we could to assure that we met those needs.” One of the big changes was adding zero-depth entry to the pool and a splash pad for children. These are important additions for families with small children and people with disabilities, Danler said. “It will be more interactive for kids to play and run through,” she said. During the pool renovation’s two-year planning phase, a repeated complaint parks and recreation staff heard was people were tired of having to exit the water to navigate between amenities.
Source: Johnson County Post
Golf cart users request more latitude on Great Bend streets
The Great Bend City Council will consider an ordinance permitting and regulating the use of golf carts, micro-utility trucks and work-site utility vehicles on certain streets in town when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, at City Hall, 1209 Williams St. The meeting in the Council Chambers is open to the public and will also be livestreamed for the public to view on the City Council Facebook page. According to agenda materials, the current Standard Traffic Ordinances adopted by the city prohibit the use of these vehicles on city streets. However, by separate ordinance, the use of micro-utility trucks are authorized and regulated. Citizens have approached the administration requesting that the city allow golf carts as well. Several other cities in the area have ordinances allowing and regulating such vehicles.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Evel Knievel Museum to move from Topeka to Las Vegas
A museum dedicated to famous motorcycle stunt performer Evel Knievel is heading west later this year. The Evel Knievel Museum, which has been located in Topeka since its founding in 2017, will move to Las Vegas after the final day of business, according to museum co-founder Matt Patterson. A new museum is already under construction in Nevada. The move comes after months of speculation for the future of the museum’s property, which it shares with a Harley-Davidson store. KSNT-TV reported in December 2023 that the property at SW 21st Street and Topeka Boulevard was sold to Shawnee County. The museum will remain open in Topeka until November 2.
Source: KAKE – News
Lawrence is short a fire engine because of staffing shortages, union says
Lawrence has been short a fire engine most of the day Thursday, and firefighters expect that to happen again — maybe as soon as this weekend — because of staffing shortages and overtime cuts. Seamus Albritton, president of IAFF Local 1596, the firefighters union, said normal daily staffing for Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical operations is 39 firefighter-paramedics, but that minimum has been cut to 36. “Usually if we did not have 39 people available to work due to various reasons such as leave, we would call firefighters back for overtime to fill those vacancies allowing us to keep all units in service for the shift,” Albritton said via email. “The City is no longer calling back firefighters for overtime to fill these vacancies until we drop below 36 employees.” The result of that? Engine 5, the fire engine for Station No. 5 at 1911 Stewart Ave., will go out of service for a shift, Albritton said. Engine 5 is out from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, and “is likely to be out of service more frequently as the summer goes on and for entire 24 hours shift routinely,” Albritton said. “This may be happening again as soon as this Saturday.”
Source: The Lawrence Times
Westmoreland Mayor says $105,000 has been raised for tornado relief
Westmoreland Mayor Mark Jack recently updated the relief efforts taking place in Pottawatomie County. He said that city council has not yet decided on how to disperse the raised funds, but noted the council will soon be meeting with local groups and individuals for input. Jack also updated the total amount raised. The next steps for the city, he says, are for residents to reach out to the local government or one of the humanitarian organizations set up if they have major needs. Sen. Jerry Moran hinted last week that Westmoreland wouldn’t qualify for FEMA money, but Jack says they’re not done trying and hopes that won’t be the case in the near future. If you have been affected by the tornado and need financial assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS to share your information and start an application.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Rural Kansas needs health care providers. K-State’s first PA cohort is stepping up
They all came for different reasons and from different sources of inspiration, but the end goal was the same — to help people with broken noses, bacterial infections and any other number of medical maladies. As the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University’s physician assistant studies program finishes 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages. “Our first cohort set the standard for the program,” said Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob, director of the program and a physician assistant herself. “They helped us learn how to best teach students and prepare them for jobs as physician assistants.” K-State’s physician assistant graduates are trained to meet common medical needs. K-State’s physician assistant program began as a concept several years ago when the university saw a statewide need for more health care providers. Out of Kansas’ 105 counties, more than 60 are medically underserved under the state’s standard for primary medical care, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s latest certification.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
City of Russell hit with golf-ball sized hail, 82 mph winds; homes and vehicles damaged
The City of Russell says they have been hit with extensive damage caused by severe weather on Sunday afternoon. “The damage to our community is extensive,” the City said in a Facebook post. “Numerous power poles and lines are down and trees block roadways. Buildings are damaged, including a garage that is flattened. We have requested mutual aid from other utilities. We do not have an ETA on power restoration. When we can estimate the restoration time, we will update.” In a release Sunday afternoon, the city says they were hit with golf ball-sized hail and 82 mph wind gusts as a tornado-warned storm passed through the area. City staff opened up their Emergency Operations Center in response to the severe weather event. City crews are surveying the damage. Current reports include downed trees, broken power poles, downed power lines and a large portion of the city and rural customers remain without power. Emergency crews are working to clear roadways. Electric crews are assessing the damage and working to make repairs. Several reports of damage to property have been received, including damage to both homes and vehicles.
Source: KAKE – News
Gearhead Curios in Galena wins award and grant for roadside attraction
The souvenir shop Gearhead Curios in Galena has received an award and grant. The Jefferson Highway Association recently presented Gearhead Curios the first-ever Roadside Attraction Award. The Galena attraction is the first Jefferson Highway Information Center, with souvenirs. Aaron Perry bought the establishment in 2018, and began to transform it into what it is today. One of the next additions to the souvenir shop will be a 22-foot muffler man. Kansas Tourism awarded a $12,500 tourism attraction grant to cover a third of the cost. “When you take the trip on roadside America, for that weekend, that week, that month, you’re going back to nostalgia America. I’m offering people an escape almost to a fantasy make-believe world that I get to live in every day. I get people from all over the world, my oldest honeymooner was 80 years old,” said Aaron Perry. The total cost of the muffler man will be $35,000.
Source: KSNF/KODE
ATV vs UTV: What’s the difference?
Warmer weather means more people are beginning to head outside, and one popular way to travel off-road is by using ATVs and UTVs. But what is the difference between an ATV and a UTV? All-terrain vehicles, better known as ATVs, quads or four-wheelers, are typically designed to seat one rider, but some have a second seat for another rider. The vehicles are compact and maneuverable, making them ideal for a variety of riders. There are many types of ATVs on the market, including those used for trail riding, mudding (driving on muddy terrain) and even small utility uses. Another distinctive feature of ATVs is the seating position. Much like riding a motorcycle, the operator straddles the seat and uses handlebars for steering. While utility task vehicles, better known as UTVs, are similar to ATVs, especially in name, there are major differences. When thinking about UTVs, the closest visual comparison is a golf cart. The UTV often features a roll cage, with some also sporting a roof. Unlike an ATV, which is controlled more like a motorcycle, UTVs are operated like a car, using a steering wheel and foot pedals. Most UTVs also are equipped with seatbelts, which ATVs do not have. UTVs are highly customizable; some feature an open tailgate with no doors, while others have doors and an enclosed trunk. They can also seat more people, from 1-3 riders with one row of seats and 4-6 with a second row.
Source: KSN-TV
Florence Grand Prix riding again Memorial Day weekend
Hundreds of riders from across the U.S. will descend on Florence in Marion County Memorial Day weekend. The Florence Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, May 26. The original Florence Grand Prix was held from 1972 to 1978 and saw hundreds or riders and thousands of spectators during its original six-year run. The race was revived in 2022 for its 50th anniversary. This is now the third Florence Grand Prix since its revival. The race begins at 10 a.m. with vintage motorcycles racing across the Flint Hills, followed by the 100-mile modern-bike Enduro race, which kicks off at 1 p.m. It will feature both men’s and women’s classes along with age classes, pro and amateur.
Source: KSN-TV
Wichita Fire Department hosting Summer Kids Camp
The Wichita Fire Department is hosting Summer Kids Camp. The summer camp will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, at Wichita Sports Forum & Aviate Jump Park, 2668 N. Greenwich Rd. The WFD says the camp is designed to introduce kids to roles and responsibilities of the WFD with hands-on experiences. “Through education, demonstration, and participation, campers will gain a unique perspective of firefighting tasks,” said the WFD. “Daily activities include exciting team exercises crafted to demonstrate a day in the life of a Wichita Firefighter.” Summer Kids Camp is for 8 to 13 year olds and is free to attend. Attendees will get a free lunch box and t-shirt. Registration is now open. For questions, email wichitafire@wichita.gov.
Source: KSN-TV
New coloring book showcases Southeast Kansas attractions
There’s a new coloring book highlighting attractions in Southeast Kansas. The unique project was completely designed by art students at Pitt State, with Gus as the tour guide. The first installment of the coloring book was created and released in the spring of 2022. Tourism officials say the demand for it every year continues to grow. It won first place in the Small Budget Print category at the Kansas Tourism Conference – and was so popular with residents and visitors, the decision was made to do a reprint. “We wanted something that the hotels in particular could give to kids when they walk through the door. It’s for us, it’s been better than a travel guide sort of speak. Because it’s something that the kids can actually do, it’s something the kids can actually look at, mom and dad can read it to them,” said Chris Wilson, Explore Crawford County Marketing & Communications Manager. Copies will be distributed to libraries, government buildings, the campus of Pitt State, hotels, and many other places across the county.
Source: KSNF/KODE
City of Emporia reveals $500,000 skate park design
The City of Emporia has released design images for the new skate park that will be built in Emporia. The project started after an anonymous donation of $250,000 was given to the city for a skate park. The city matched the funds and hired American Ramp Company to make the final designs. The City of Emporia took feedback from an advisory committee and reviewed designs. City staff will present the design to the City Commission on May 15. The skatepark design features a bowl, a hip, a bump to rail, a down rail, a manual pad, two handrails, a double stair set and more. In 2021, 13-year-old Maddox Gutierrez started a petition asking for improvements to be made to the Santa Fe Skateboard Park in Emporia. After 27 News covered the story, an anonymous local family made a quarter-million-dollar donation to the Kahola Lake Park Fund with the Emporia Community Foundation. Since then, the project ran into a problem with the lease on the land. According to the city, BNSF owns the land and leases the property to the city. The lease specified the land only be used for ballparks. Due to this development, the city found a new location for the project. The skate park construction is expected to begin in late summer 2024 with construction contingent on weather conditions.
Source: KSNT 27 News