Kansas Municipal News
Paola Dog Park is officially open
Karla Vialle’s two yellow labs, Josephine and Savannah, leapt with joy at her feet as she bent down to pick up a tennis ball inside the new Paola Dog Park at Lake Miola on Friday, June 19. “It’s an exciting day for them,” she exclaimed as she tossed the ball into an open area of the park. The dogs scurried after the ball and returned it to their owner after taking a quick detour to climb a makeshift hill and sniff a fire hydrant, both of which were recently installed at the dog park by members of Paola Public Works. The dogs weren’t the only ones excited Friday, as Paola High School freshman Annabelle Shaw and her mother, Alexis, were thrilled to officially open the park they have worked so hard to create. The park was Annabelle’s brainchild, and during the past year she has successfully spearheaded a multifaceted fundraising and marketing campaign that has collected more than $20,000 in donations for the dog park.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
How the coronavirus could change the way Kansas students are taught for decades
When Kansas K-12 students head back to school in the fall, they may face an altered academic landscape as educators prepare districts for the possibility that the coronavirus will make in-person class time impossible for weeks on end. But a draft of statewide reopening guidance to schools, obtained by The Star, shows that educators preparing districts to navigate the pandemic see their work as an opportunity to advance changes that will affect how students are taught for decades. The document — under development by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) — gives districts the framework to adopt a competency-based approach, which has made inroads in some districts nationwide over the past decade.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Lawrence leaders take voluntary pay reductions to help offset revenue shortfalls from coronavirus pandemic
As the City of Lawrence anticipates revenue losses related to the coronavirus pandemic, some local leaders are voluntarily giving up a portion of their salaries to help the city’s bottom line. But they don’t expect those contributions to be antidotes, and they’re still preparing for the need to make significant budget cuts. At their most recent meeting, Lawrence city commissioners voted unanimously to forgo their salaries for two weeks, and the city’s top four officials will also be taking voluntary two-week furloughs. Read more: LJWorld.com.
Municipal Bond Trends for June 19, 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.
Local businesses in Pittsburg have their annual sidewalk sales and promotions
June 20 marks ‘620 day’ in Pittsburg, a date that matches the area code for the Southeast Kansas town. Local businesses took time today to hold sidewalk sales and promotions to encourage customers to shop locally. Businesses enforced safety guidelines, encouraging shoppers to wear masks and social distance while shopping. Miners and Monroe say the days turn out has been great and the community is eager to support local businesses.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Main Street Chanute receives accreditation
Main Street Chanute has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and a proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™. “We are proud to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the character of their communities. During these challenging times, these Main Street programs will be key to bringing economic vitality back to commercial districts and improving quality of life during the recovery process.”
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)
Winfield talks crowd control
With the 2020 Walnut Valley Festival canceled due to the coronavirus, what happens if people just show up at the fairgrounds anyway? City officials discussed how to be prepared for this scenario during a budget work session on Thursday. The festival, held annually since 1971, attracts 10,000 to 12,000 attendees every year. Some people begin camping at the Winfield Fairgrounds weeks beforehand, and the camp life is as big a part of the festival as the concert lineup.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
JoCo Parks and Recreation begins partnership with RideKC for bike share program
The Johnson County Parks and Recreation District this month launched a partnership with RideKC Bike for a bike share program. RideKC bikes became available at several Johnson County parks on June 1, and the partnership features hybrid “dockless” bikes. RideKC Bike has enhanced sanitation to be completed “with every maintenance check, movement between hubs and repairs,” according to a release. Although the bikes are considered dockless, they must be returned to an authorized hub location.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Sedgwick County unemployment rate fell in May, but is well above year-ago numbers
The unemployment rate in Kansas fell nearly two percentage points in May from its April high and fell four percentage points in Sedgwick County, as the economy began a phased reopening in early May and full opening in some counties later in the month. Although the statewide and county unemployment rates fell, both remained unusually high. While the state saw an increase in most employment sectors compared to April, government employees saw job losses. Kansas’ unemployment rate in May was 10%, according to the state Department of Labor — down from a high of 11.9% in April. The unemployment rate in Kansas in May 2019, however, was 3.1%.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Reno County planning board agrees to amend wind farm regulations
The Reno County Planning Commission agreed after about a 90-minute public hearing on Thursday to amend county zoning regulations on commercial wind developments. A majority of the evening’s two dozen speakers asked the commission to adopt a 21-page draft document submitted by Reno County Citizens for Qualify of Life that included significant additions and modifications to current regulations. At least two planning commissions, however, after the commission unanimously voted to proceed to make changes, voiced a desire that it be “more of a clean-up than a total rewrite.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Fireworks planning underway at cities
Despite the recent pandemic, and with some changes, area fireworks shows will proceed. Edgerton fireworks show will be held July 3 at Martin Creek Park with updated daily activities and cook out. Currently, Gardner and Spring Hill have not announced a headliner or daily events planned for Independence Day, although fireworks are permitted.
(Read more: Gardner News)
Saving the old school will benefit the entire community
Current and former Chase County residents know the historic elementary school in Cottonwood Falls as a place of fond memories. From “first day of school” pictures with moms and dads to “last day of school” tears, and everything in between, the old school has a story to tell. “We are saving Chase County history,” says Lee Anne Coester, Chairman of the Chase County Old School Development District board. “Too often, old schools such as ours become a blight; we are working hard to prevent that from happening. With the support of our community, the four square blocks — 7-plus acres — of the 1904 school will, instead, become a vibrant community center.” “A series of meetings demonstrated the passion of locals to see this building preserved,” continued Coester. “Repurposing this beautiful old building will benefit everyone in our community — it will channel those feelings of nostalgia into a structure that will continue to be used for many generations.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Former utility worker with digestive disease sues City of Lawrence for alleged discrimination; city says he was fired for just cause
A former utility worker is suing the City of Lawrence for allegedly discriminating against him because of his disability, but the city says that he was fired for legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons and that awarding him damages would be “unjust enrichment.” … In the lawsuit, filed in April in U.S. District Court, Simmons claims his inflammatory bowel disease qualified him as disabled and that in response to related absences and requests for leave due to required surgeries the city discriminated and retaliated against him in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
Open Range riders take on wind, sand and scenery in Barber County
While an unanticipated windy start to the 2020 Open Range Gravel Race added to its challenge, most participants just kept on pedaling through Pratt and Barber counties last weekend, doing their best to stay upright amid strong blasts of wind. The number of tour participants, 18, was only a fraction of the 322 who signed up for the Open Range race option, but the two-day noncompetitive Open Range Gravel Tour will likely see increased numbers in the years ahead, if comments from tour riders are any indication. The tour route exactly mirrored that of racers in the 200K Open Range Gravel Race, who completed the course in one day. Since the Gravel Tour was no race, participants had ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Red Hills without worrying that someone might catch up with and overtake them as they stood on the side of the road snapping photographs or perhaps taking a cool nap in the shade.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Kansas starts spending $1B in coronavirus aid, but leaders differ on where it’s needed most
Kansas officials will distribute $1 billion of federal aid to help cope with the fallout caused by the coronavirus, but Republicans and the Democratic governor disagreed on where some of the initial funding should go — to the unemployed? to businesses? to private universities? Gov. Laura Kelly and the legislative leaders that make up the State Finance Council met this week and are targeting local governments with the first $400 million going toward health care needs, like county health departments, protective equipment or other coronavirus-related costs. The money will be distributed on the county level based on population, about $200 per Kansas resident, though about $50 million of this round will be set aside for areas that saw high COVID-19 case numbers or unemployment, like counties in southwest Kansas that are home to meatpacking plants.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Municipal Bond Trends for June 18, 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.
Political signs not allowed on highway right of way
It’s a sign of the season – campaign signs all over the place. Political signs are prohibited on state highway right-of-ways, Department of Transportation (KDOT), officials said earlier this week in a press release. By law, all right-of-way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes, officials said. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs are allowed on the state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Governor Laura Kelly Announced Kansas Wind Farm Construction in Clark County
Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Enel Green Power has begun construction work on a new 199 MW addition to the Cimarron Bend wind farm in Clark County, Kansas. The $281.4 million expansion will consist of 74 wind turbines, will be responsible for over 250 temporary jobs and add 5-10 permanent operations and maintenance positions. “Wind energy production has been an absolute win for our state, in terms of its benefits for the environment, Kansas business and residential consumers,” Governor Kelly said. “The Enel Green Power expansion is even more proof of Kansas’ appeal as one of the nation’s top wind energy producers. During this economic challenge, it’s important to recognize the value in the wind energy sector, which employs thousands of Kansans and contributes significant capital investment in our state each year.”
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
Plans for 620 Day move forward despite COVID-19 outbreak
Despite the recent local coronavirus outbreak, plans are moving forward for Pittsburg’s “620 Day” celebration this Saturday. Pittsburg began celebrating 620 Day — named for the city’s area code and held on June 20 — last year. Citizens are encouraged to shop local this Saturday as several downtown retailers and restaurants will be offering special discounts. The health and safety of participants is the priority of the Downtown Advisory Board, which is organizing the celebration, the city noted in a press release. This year’s event has been modified to align with public health guidelines. Businesses are prepared to monitor social distancing and capacity requirements, as well as clean surfaces frequently throughout the day.
(Read more: Community – Morning Sun)
Sunday liquor sales approved in Winfield
Winfield city commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance allowing packaged liquor sales on Sundays and some holidays during their Monday meeting. The new ordinance allows packaged liquor sales between noon and 8 p.m. on Sundays, and on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Sales will still be barred on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sales will also not be allowed on Easter Sunday. The ordinance goes into effect 60 days following its publication in the newspaper or on Aug. 20, 2020, whichever is later. It repeals the current Section 6-194 of the municipal code, which bars Sunday and holiday liquor sales, and replaces it with a new section containing the revised laws.
(Read more: Cowley CourierTraveler)