Kansas Municipal News
Court dismisses Topeka officer’s appeal in lawsuit over excessive force
A federal appeals court said Monday it does not have jurisdiction to grant a Topeka police officer immunity after a man sued him for excessive force. The legal team of Officer Christopher Janes requested qualified immunity in a lawsuit that claims he used excessive force when arresting Timothy Harris in January of 2018. The measure gives government officials special protection. The arrest happened when Officer Janes said Harris’s car was parked in the wrong direction on the street and arrested him for an outstanding warrant and for reports of wrongful possession of his girlfriend’s things. After Officer Janes put Harris in handcuffs things turned violent, according to the lawsuit. “According to Harris, Janes threw him down onto the curb and street. Because Harris was handcuffed, he could not break his fall and landed face-first on the curb, leaving “blood in the street,” the lawsuit said, ” Janes sprayed Harris with pepper spray and punched him several times.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
City of Topeka receives silver ranking recognition for response to local challenges
The City of Topeka is being recognized nationally as a new silver level city. The 2020 What Works Cities Certification celebrates the strength a city has in effectively managing a city. The certification measures the city leaders and their decision-making. Topeka is the 16th city to be awarded at this silver level. “Even though we are a political institution, that we take feedback from our constituency,” said Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “It is also extremely important for us to have access to proper data so that we are able to serve our citizens better. By doing that, it improves the information that our governing bodies are able to receive.”
(Read more: KSNT News)
Sedgwick County health officer urges use of masks, ban on large sports tournaments
With the Wichita area’s COVID-19 rate on the rise, Sedgwick County’s top medical official is recommending a partial travel ban, limits on restaurant occupancy and more widespread use of protective face masks. The county health officer, Dr. Garold Minns told commissioners he didn’t have current exact numbers on hospitalizations for COVID, but has spoken with hospital officials in the county and it’s not looking good. One told him: “Our numbers are up significantly and I am concerned … we can still handle where we’re at, but I don’t like the trajectory of that curve,” Minns said.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Kansas COVID mask order may last at least through July 4 weekend in Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County commissioners may have to wait until next week — after the Fourth of July holiday weekend — to decide whether to overturn or alter an order expected from the governor to mandate masks to combat the coronavirus. Gov. Laura Kelly has announced she plans to issue an executive order requiring protective facemasks when people shop or gather in public, to take effect on Friday morning just after midnight. That puts the commissioners in a conundrum. A law passed in a recent special session of the Legislature gives the County Commission the authority to locally overrule any restrictive orders the governor issues in connection with the COVID pandemic
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Topeka mayor stresses importance of honoring mask mandate
It is “extremely important” for Topekans to show they care for their neighbor by honoring a requirement expected to take effect Friday that masks be worn in public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained, Mayor Michelle De La Isla said Tuesday. The wearing of masks is a public health issue, not a political one, the mayor said. “It’s not about fear,” she said. “It’s about the science, and making sure that we take care of each other.” De La Isla and city manager Brent Trout spoke at their monthly news conference about Gov. Laura Kelly’s announcement Monday that she plans to sign an executive order this week, taking effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Shawnee County to celebrate Parks and Recreation Month
The COVID-19 pandemic has given people a greater appreciation for many of life’s little gifts — things many took for granted not so long ago. Parks and recreation facilities are among those, primarily because they provided relief and space for people to focus on their own mental, physical and emotional needs during safer-at-home periods. Beginning Wednesday and throughout July, people are invited to celebrate those recreational spots during national Parks and Recreation Month, which since 1985 has recognized the importance parks and recreation play in health and overall well-being. “During July, we’re calling attention to the important role that parks and recreation plays in the economic, physical and environmental well-being of our community,” Tim Laurent, director of Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, said Tuesday in a news release.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Mulvane lifting spirits with Positivity American Flag
People in Mulvane are coming together to put out a little positivity. City leaders came up with the idea to try and make something good during this COVID-19 pandemic. “This one says be kind, you never know how bad someones day might be,” said Amanda Ford. Amanda Ford, the Director of the Mulvane Chamber of Commerce thought of the idea to lift of spirits, so she pulled out the chicken wire from last year’s float and put together the positivity flag made of red, white and blue tags. “We kinda started spreading the message about it and a lot of customers really enjoyed the idea of it,” said Sam Conrad, the night shift manager at Lil’ Deuce Scoop a local ice cream shop. “And we would say hey fill out a positivity tag before you leave and they would be all about it.”
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Merck plans $100M expansion at De Soto manufacturing facility
Merck Animal Health said it plans to invest $100 million to expand and enhance its manufacturing facility in DeSoto, Kansas. The company is a division of Merck & Co. based in Kenilworth, New Jersey. It announced Monday in a news release that it plans a technology expansion of its vaccine production facility this year plus an additional $66 million investment in the coming years. The site develops vaccines for swine, cattle and horses. The post Merck plans $100M expansion at Kansas manufacturing facility appeared first on News Radio KMAN.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
Gov. Laura Kelly mandates mask use in public spaces
Beginning Friday, Kansans in public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained will be required to wear masks. Gov. Laura Kelly announced at a news conference Monday she plans to sign an executive order this week that would mandate mask use in public spaces statewide. She said the order would go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, in advance of the Fourth of July weekend. “If we want a healthy Kansas economy, we need healthy businesses and healthy Kansans,” Kelly said. “Therefore, I’m announcing that beginning 12:01 a.m. July 3 every Kansan in a public space must wear a mask. “This doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. It just means if you’re around other people, you must wear a mask.” Kelly said enforcement should occur at the local level, and she encouraged city and county officials to take the order seriously.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Park City addresses rumors about Amazon distribution center coming to area
Is Amazon coming to the Wichita area? It’s a question some continue to ask as rumors circulate about possible interest from the company in building a warehouse in south central Kansas. In May, the Wichita Eagle reported that Amazon would create a new distribution center near 39th North and Webb Road… but no one from Amazon has confirmed if this is part of the company’s expansion plans. Another possibility surrounding the rumors for an Amazon warehouse is in Park City. Park City Assistant City Administrator Dana Walden said for now, the rumors are just that, and nothing has been confirmed. “Everybody is excited about the prospects of the potential for someone that is a big player coming to the Wichita area, Sedgwick County area,” Walden said. “If we had some facts about someone coming our direction, and working in our community, we would be very much onboard with working with them and getting that information out.”
(Read more: KWCH News)
Topeka Metro Bikes program to end July 30
The Topeka Metro Bikes program will be discontinued effective July 30. The board of directors of the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority voted 7-0 Monday afternoon to make that move. The TMTA board last June had approved cuts that included discontinuing Topeka Metro Bikes effective last December. But board members voted last October to give Topeka Metro Bikes an extension through June 30, which will be Tuesday. On Monday, Topeka Metro general manager Bob Nugent told TMTA board members that a company with which Topeka Metro had been working to provide the bicycle sharing program had pulled out on short notice. Nugent said he subsequently spent “quite a bit of time over about a month” unsuccessfully looking for alternatives.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 29, 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.
NAACP Youth, Hutch police gather for bridge building, barbecue
Friday afternoon, Rice Park shimmered with heat waves and color as children played lawn games, picked out face painting designs and jumped in a bouncy house. But the relaxed environment also served as a meeting space for Hutchinson police officers and NAACP Youth members to bring their families to learn the names and stories of the others. The Bridgebuilders BBQ was a new event hosted by the youth and HPD as a way to foster connections. “There’s some team building activities, but we just wanted to all have fun together,” said Heather Jobe, NAACP Youth sponsor.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
State leaders, educators discuss safety and logistics of teaching during COVID-19
In a roundtable conversation with Gov. Laura Kelly, Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers and Rep. Cindy Holscher, educators across the state of Kansas outlined the shortfalls and successes of the 2019-2020 academic year and discussed support mechanisms they’ll need to continue teaching through the pandemic. In March, Kansas was the first state in the country to shift all K-12 schools online as the COVID-19 crisis escalated. Kendra Preston, a middle school teacher in the DeSoto School District, said the decisive action allowed educators to act with certainty as they prepared for online instruction. “Yes, it was a challenge, but it allowed districts and teachers to come together and make a plan to move forward,” Preston said. “We were able to brainstorm and collaborate and put forth what we believe was the best plan of action for our students for an extended period of time instead of going week by week.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
City of Topeka to resume utility disconnections
The city of Topeka announced Monday it is resuming utility disconnections starting next week. According to a news release from Molly Hadfield, the city’s media relations director, utility accounts not in good standing may be subject to disconnects. The city encourages customers who are having trouble paying bills or who would like to make payment arrangements to call the utility department’s customer service line at 785-368-3111. The city has several resources available for those struggling to make payments, according to the news release.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Even Overland Park feels pandemic’s economic pain. Will it force change on taxes?
If any city were immune to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, you might think it would be Overland Park. The city proudly noted in its 2020 budget document that Money magazine in 2018 named it one of the Best Places to Live, “based on great schools, low crime, shopping and restaurant options, healthcare access and a strong job market.” In 2018, the city boasted $800 million in public and private investments, a record, and 2019 wasn’t far behind.
(Read more: KC Star Local News)
Kansas town bans fireworks due to dry conditions
A small town in southwest Kansas has banned the discharge of fireworks due to dry and windy conditions. The City of Liberal said in a release Monday the city and Seward County “have experienced extremely dry and windy conditions throughout the entire month of June.” The forecast of continued hot, dry and windy conditions led to the decision to ban shooting off fireworks of any kind within the city limits. Violations are punishable by a fines of $100 to $1,000.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 26, 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.
As local cases rise, Johnson County looks to stockpile 3 month supply of personal protective equipment
As COVID-19 cases spiked this week, the Johnson County Commission gave its blessing to an effort to stockpile a three-month reserve of personal protective gear. The commission unanimously agreed to set aside up to $14.9 million of its $116 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to build up its supply of masks, gowns, face shields and other protective gear. At the same meeting, Public Health Director Sanmi Areola, PhD, reported an increase in cases that he said cannot be attributed to a higher testing rate.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
KDHE deploys mobile unit to assist with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Friday announced that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has deployed a Mobile Testing Unit to assist communities with COVID-19 testing for underserved populations. “In order to combat the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen Kansas, our public health experts must be able to track the scale and scope of this virus,” Governor Kelly said. “Working with local communities and public health officials, this mobile unit helps us reach the vulnerable populations that are experiencing barriers to testing access.” The KDHE is working with local health departments and other health organizations to identify places throughout the sate that would benefit from the mobile-testing service.
(Read more: KWCH News)