Kansas Municipal News
JCDHE has the authority to order businesses closed, but seeks outbreak control with focus on individuals
Kansas law gives local health departments and health officers the authority to slow the spread of infectious diseases in their jurisdictions by any means known to be effective, Kristi Zears, director of communications for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said. This includes the power to instruct businesses to close if they are the location of a known outbreak or associated with high-risk behaviors. In Sedgwick County, for instance, the local health officer ordered the closure of bars until at least September as the area teeters close to an overwhelmed healthcare system. In Johnson County, however, where the cases per 100,000 people rate is higher, Barbara Mitchell, public information officer for the community health division, said the health department has not required any individual businesses to close since the initial orders from Local Health Officer Dr. Joseph LeMaster shutdown nonessential businesses in March. [The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s] approach is to focus on individual cases and work with them to trace their contacts in order to prevent the spread of the virus,” Mitchell said in an email.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
‘We’ve waited so long’: Future of Johnson County project in question, funds in limbo
The property has the hallmarks of an active construction project: a yellow crane, orange cones and temporary chain link fencing. But there are no sounds of dirt moving or concrete being poured. And no workers in sight. After 15 years of delays and tempered expectations, work has once again halted at the ill-fated $225 million Mission Gateway development in Johnson County. And it’s unclear if or when it might start back up. For now, the site of the former Mission Center Mall, at Shawnee Mission Parkway, Johnson Drive and Roe Avenue, is home to an incomplete parking garage with exposed staircases. A structure has risen with bright, white walls. But nearby, support columns jut out of the ground, bearing no weight.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Wichita mayor pleased with decision on county health order, businesses now dealing with change
The Mayor of Wichita is pleased with the new changes made to the Sedgwick County Emergency Health Order. He says he hopes the city can find a balance between supporting business owners and also slowing the spread of the Coronavirus. “You really make your money on entertainment more than the food side,” said Mike Mansor, Owner and General Manager of Hereos Bar and Grill. Mansor believes that will be harder to do now that county isn’t allowing venues like his to stay open past midnight.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
No masks, just questions, in 2 Kansas counties with no cases
Some businesses in two western Kansas counties that have yet to report a single positive coronavirus case aren’t requiring customers to wear face masks — but they are asking whether they have traveled outside the county. Business owners in Rawlins and Wallace counties say they agree with local officials’ decisions to opt out of an order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly requiring people to wear masks in public. In Wallace County, which borders Colorado, one restaurant posted on social media a graphic of a crossed out man with a face mask.
Read more: Yahoo News.
56 Kansas Cities and Counties to Receive CDBG Grants to Support Coronavirus Response
Governor Laura Kelly announced [yesterday] a second round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 56 Kansas communities. A total of more than $7.2 million is being disbursed to assist communities affected by the pandemic and its economic effects.
“I’m pleased to announce this additional round of resources for our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is vital assistance that will strengthen local economies, improve the lives of Kansas residents, and keep our economy open for business.”
These grants are available in two categories: Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages, and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks, or to support organizations providing meals for children impacted by the loss of school meal programs.
“This crisis is still happening, and communities throughout our state are still in need,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These CDBG-CV awards provide a way for these cities and counties to support our businesses, and our most vulnerable residents, as we rebuild our state’s economy.”
CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.
The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.
| Alma | $132,000.00 |
| Andover | $132,000.00 |
| Augusta | $132,000.00 |
| Barber County | $110,000.00 |
| Blue Rapids | $132,000.00 |
| Burlingame | $132,000.00 |
| Burlington | $132,000.00 |
| Caney | $38,500.00 |
| Cherryvale | $167,000.00 |
| Council Grove | $132,000.00 |
| Cowley County | $132,000.00 |
| Damar | $38,500.00 |
| Dickinson County | $132,000.00 |
| El Dorado | $132,000.00 |
| Ellis | $168,000.00 |
| Ellis County | $132,000.00 |
| Frontenac | $132,000.00 |
| Goddard | $132,000.00 |
| Greenwood County | $167,000.00 |
| Haysville | $132,000.00 |
| Highland | $132,000.00 |
| Hillsboro | $132,000.00 |
| Inman | $132,000.00 |
| Kingman County | $132,000.00 |
| LaCygne | $22,000.00 |
| Lindsborg | $132,000.00 |
| Lyndon | $167,000.00 |
| Madison | $66,000.00 |
| Mankato | $132,000.00 |
| Marion | $167,000.00 |
| Marysville | $171,400.00 |
| Medicine Lodge | $114,400.00 |
| Miami County | $132,000.00 |
| Norton County | $173,600.00 |
| Oakley | $44,000.00 |
| Osage City | $173,600.00 |
| Osawatomie | $167,000.00 |
| Overbrook | $167,000.00 |
| Peabody | $88,000.00 |
| Phillipsburg | $167,000.00 |
| Pottawatomie County | $132,000.00 |
| Rice County | $132,000.00 |
| Riley County | $167,000.00 |
| Rooks County | $132,000.00 |
| Rose Hill | $66,000.00 |
| Salina | $169,200.00 |
| Saline County | $132,000.00 |
| Scranton | $125,400.00 |
| Sedan | $167,000.00 |
| St. Francis | $173,600.00 |
| Stafford County | $79,200.00 |
| Stockton | $132,000.00 |
| Sumner County | $138,600.00 |
| Tonganoxie | $59,400.00 |
| Winchester | $128,400.00 |
| Yates Center | $132,000.00 |
This second round of grant funding was made possible by the Department of Commerce receiving additional CARES Act funds. If a decision is made for another (third) round, information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
Rural Hospitals Hang on as Pandemic Reaches Smaller Communities
As the COVID-19 pandemic battered large, metropolitan areas this spring, rural hospitals prepared to be next on the frontlines. But in order to ready their facilities for a potential surge in patients, those small hospitals had to forgo many of their most profitable operations. Months later, a few rural hospitals are fighting outbreaks. But others have empty beds, further threatening their viability in an era of shrinking health care options for people living in rural communities.
(Read more: Stateline)
Discover the hidden treasures in Finney County
When thinking of exciting things to do across the state, many may not turn to southwest Kansas, but Destination Kansas has found a few hidden treasures that are sure to keep you and your family entertained. What do you think of when you drive through southwest Kansas? Do you think of a giraffe, a waterslide, or how about a nursery full of unique plants and trees? No? Well, southwest Kansas is far from boring and Finney County wants to prove it.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Dodge City Days will stampede on
Dodge City Days is an annual festival that brings thousands of tourists to western Kansas, but due to COVID-19, it looks a bit different this year. Sixty years of bull riding, street dances, and cowboy hats. What is normally a two-week period packed full of events, is now limited due to safety concerns surrounding the pandemic. Dodge City Days has been scaled back.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
It’s not open yet, but new JoCo Courthouse already installing new public art
The new Johnson County courthouse isn’t expected to open until early next year, but installation already has begun on the public art to be displayed there. The work is “Open Prairie,” by Benjamin Ball with Ball-Nogues Studio in Los Angeles. His work was chosen from among 130 submissions. He’s using enamel paint plus more than 20,000 segments of stainless-steel ball chain to create an array of color above the courthouse entryway. “While the county and artists have partnered on several public art installations in Johnson County government buildings, this project is unique,” Dan Wehmueller, project manager for the new courthouse, said in a news release. “This is the first time the installation of public art has happened this early in the construction process and has been so integrated into the design of a portion of the building in such a collaborative way.”
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Disc golf course coming to Ark City
Watch out for flying saucers — Frisbee golf is coming to Arkansas City. The city commission unanimously passed a recommendation Tuesday to allow the Walnut Valley Disc Golf Association to establish a course at the Robert Cox Memorial Park. Club member Arty Hicks, an avid disc golfer, told the commission that the sport has rapidly increased in popularity over the past few years. He said a disc golf league plays each Thursday evening and will typically see eight to 20 participants.
(Read more: Cowley CourierTraveler)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 23, 2020
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.
Minibikes and motocross add to Inman economy
The Inman Motocross Track will be roaring to life Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8 and 9, with one of the first races of the year. The KMCS Race will feature a variety of classes and dozens of riders. “We have some 80-foot jumps …”
(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)
Local control downs governor’s attempt to delay the start of school
The specific date when your children return to school is now up to your local school board. “The timeline is different for every community and every school board to address this,” said Ben Jones from Sterling. “And this executive order does not give that flexibility to our local districts. Jones voted against endorsing the governor’s order. “It was all about flexibility and local control for me,” said Ann Mah, Topeka. Then she added, “But this isn’t about me. And in the time of a pandemic, it’s not about local control either. If Kansans wanted local control over all aspects of education, we wouldn’t even have a State Board of Education.” Mah voted for endorsing the governor’s order.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Andover librarian makes over 1,700 face masks, donates to community and first responders
The Andover Fire-Rescue is one of many organizations excited to receive an unexpected surprise in the form of handmade reusable face masks from a local seamstress. Retired librarian Cheri Nienke is an avid quilter who shifted her focus to mask making in March when she saw a need for those with extra materials. While many were asking how they could help, Nienke, who has been sewing since she was 8-years-old said she was happy to use her skills and surplus of fabric to help her neighbors and community. Neinke has made over 1700 masks but as never sold one. Instead, she donates them to anyone that needs or requests them in her community.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Local school districts tackle rising costs as they make plans to reopen safely
Local school districts are working on reopening plans and one of their major challenges is finances. As districts work to implement new safety measures, the costs are piling up. Local mom Brandy Nelson has got her hands full with two kids, one who’s going into first grade. “I want to send him to school,” Nelson said. “I tried homeschooling for a couple of months when the whole thing started and I can not do homeschooling.” Schools want students back too, but they’re trying to figure out how to do it safely. Lew Faust is the Director of Business Services for the Manhattan-Ogden School District. He said there’s a whole list of safety supplies they’re stocking up on. “Hand sanitizers and bottles for buses to have hand sanitizer on every bus, classrooms cleaning supplies, all the various things that are a part of it, masks for students and staff,” Faust listed.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Lindsborg’s first house undergoes renovation
When James Prugh bought the oldest house in Lindsborg, he had an idea — renovate the old stone house and open a guest house. “My contractor stripped everything away to its ‘bare stones,‘” Prugh said.” It was rebuilt to take full advantage of its historic features with every modern amenity seamlessly integrated into the structure. My vacation rental is called ‘Stenhuset,’ Swedish for ‘the stone house.’” There was a big challenge to overcome in the project — because of its age, the house lacked plumbing and electrical wiring. To create a vacation rental that had to change. Non-historic additions to the house were demolished and hauled away. Stripping away the plaster on revealed its original dark Dakota sandstone blocks, foot-thick walls and carved stone lintels, horizontal supports above each window.
(Read more: McPherson Sentinel)
McPherson County Fair goes on despite COVID-19
An event like a county fair takes months of preparation by dozens of volunteers. With the uncertainty of mandates for closures due to the COVID-19 virus, the McPherson County Fair Board decided to proceed with caution and take advantage of the open-air setting for participants and fairgoers to spread out and social distance. A few events like the Pedal Tractor Pull and free BBQ and ice cream dinner were cancelled, but the competitions went on, including the Junior Rodeo, CPA Rodeo and Demolition Derby. “Some departments were down on entries, but we were pleased overall with participation,” Vaughn Ingram, one of the fair organizers, said. Ingram organizes the floriculture division competition and there were 116 entries this year.
(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)
Roeland Park sees positive property, sales and use taxes despite COVID-19 shutdowns
The Roeland Park City Council on Monday evening heard a second quarter financial report that included the impact COVID-19 shutdowns had on sales taxes. Although the city of Roeland Park anticipated sales and use taxes to be negatively impacted due to the shutdowns, Assistant City Administrator Jennifer Jones-Lacy said the city’s overall sales taxes are up by 4% compared to 2019. The city’s larger businesses — including grocery stores, a hardware store and a general purpose store — remained open, causing the sales tax figures to “come in quite well,” Jones-Lacy said. “The good news is that Roeland Park is doing really well when it comes to sales tax,” Jones-Lacy said. “Our projections were much more bleak like all of our neighboring communities in Johnson County and the county itself. Everyone had anticipated a significant drop.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
City of Wellington and Ascension Via Christi- St. Francis enters into lease agreement to build E.R. in early 2021
While most of the discussion was about mask mandates, perhaps, the biggest story of the night was the one that received little discussion of all. The City of Wellington entered into a lease agreement for a portion of the former Sumner Regional Medical Center so that Ascension Via Christi in Wichita can build an emergency care center. Under the agreement approved by the Wellington City Council at its meeting yesterday, the ER will re-open in early 2021 as a department of Ascension which is the legal entity that operates Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph. The lease provides Ascension approximately 8,600 square feet of the building for the operation of an emergency department. The lease also addresses the improvements to be made by Ascension and the City’s contribution towards those improvements.
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 22, 2020
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.