Kansas Municipal News
OZtoberfest returns to Wamego
The town on Saturday transformed into the land of Oz as people came from all over to partake in the OZtoberfest festivities. The city holds the annual event celebrating “The Wizard of Oz” on the first weekend of October each year. In addition to the costume contest, OZtoberfest included an outdoor market, car show and beer and wine garden along with other activities. Wamego Chamber of Commerce event and tourism coordinator Tegan Kreider said many groups came together to help the community deal with the influx of people. “There’s a lot of groups involved,” Kreider said. “The car show group, which actually is a fundraiser for the Honor Flight, and then the group with the Oz Museum, the Columbian Theater, along with our city crews that come in and shut the highway down at 4 a.m. and do our roadblocks. So, yeah, it’s definitely a group effort.”
Source: themercury.com
Municipal Bond Trends for October 8, 2024
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.
Municipal Bond Trends for October 7, 2024
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.
Municipal Bond Trends for October 4, 2024
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.
Ribbon-cutting held for Wichita’s new water plant
Wichita officials had a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the city’s new water treatment plant. Mayor Lily Wu said the plant won’t be commissioned until next year, but it has reached functional completion. She said it will serve about 20 percent of Kansas residents with clean and safe drinking water. Public Works Director Gary Janzen gave credit to previous director Alan King for his guidance and direction in starting the project. Janzen said the next steps will be to conduct performance testing, which has already begun. He said the facility will be pumping an average of 50 million gallons per day to its customers, with a capacity to supply 120 million gallons per day. The plant will provide water for 500,000 customers in the Wichita area. The $569-million plant will open in April on a 40-acre site near Zoo Boulevard and Hoover Road. The city will be looking to hire more workers to operate the facility.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
City intents to issue new STAR Bonds for Sports of the World
The Garden City Commission approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to issue STAR Bonds for a Phase II of the Sports of the World project at its regular meeting Tuesday. Danielle Burke, Garden City Assistant City Manager, said the resolution came about after the project developers expressed interest in expanding the STAR Bond District to include a Phase II. “The project is anticipated to include four softball fields, four baseball fields and several areas for future development needs,” she said. “The fields can be used as soccer fields or flag football fields as well.” The bonds would be given in an amount not to exceed $38.5 million and would finance a portion of the costs associated with Phase II, Burke said.
Source: Garden City Telegram
JoCo lifts cap on property tax refund pilot for low-income seniors
Older, low-income residents and disabled veterans can apply next year to have the entire amount of their county property tax bill refunded under changes approved Thursday by the Johnson County Commission. Commissioners unanimously voted to continue a pilot program for 2025 that issues relief payments toward the part of their tax bill that goes toward the county taxing district. But they removed a $200 cap that is in place for the current year. The portion of the tax bill to which this applies is for the county operations only and does not include individual levies for county parks, libraries or schools and city taxing districts.
Source: Johnson County Post
Olathe set to get $2.4M from opioid settlement — Here’s how city wants to use it
Olathe plans to use some of its opioid settlement funds to build on existing health programs and add to a growing coalition of city employees and contractors working to address substance abuse issues. That will include a brand new pilot program specifically focused on addressing barriers to substance abuse recovery for individuals and some new hires to aid in that effort. At least initially, all of these additions will be covered by settlement dollars. On Tuesday, representatives from the Olathe Fire and Police departments presented their plans for the new positions and program to the Olathe City Council.
Source: Johnson County Post
Big road project planned for Osborne County, open house planned
A major road project is scheduled for more than three miles of U.S. Highway 281 in northern Kansas starting in January. The project is big enough that the Kansas Department of Transportation is holding a public open house about it on Oct. 21. The project will reconstruct over three miles of U.S. 281 and replace the North Fork Solomon River bridge south of Portis in Osborne County.
KDOT’s open house about the project will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, at the Portis Community Center, 206 Market Street. During the open house, KDOT staff will provide a project overview and show the design plans and detour information.
Source: KSN-TV
Baxter Springs hosts 7th annual Back the Badge event
Baxter Springs community members came together today to raise money for local reserves through an annual event. The 7th annual Back the Badge event was held in the American Bank parking lot in Baxter Springs. It’s a collaboration between the Baxter Springs Police Department reserve officers and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies. Donations of any amount were raised through 2024 Back the Badge shirts, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and drinks. This year also included a raffle for a gun. All proceeds go toward equipment and needs for reserve officers and deputies.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Shawnee County offers new incentive for snow plow drivers
Shawnee County is trying to make it easier to find snowplow drivers for the winter months. Snowplow drivers are getting a boost from Shawnee County with an offer of some financial incentives while they apply for their licenses. A major hurdle for these drivers is obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). “We give them an opportunity, a single opportunity, to gain a class-A CDL,” said Curt Niehaus with Shawnee County Public Works. “And while they’re attempting to obtain a class-A CDL, Shawnee County pays their salary and benefits.” New employees are expected to repay the money over two years once they start working full-time. Trainees make $19 per hour and, if hired by the county, can get bumped up to between $21 and $23 per hour.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Police officer won’t be charged after pedestrian struck, killed in southwest Wichita
A Wichita police officer will not face charges in an incident where a man was struck and killed by police cruiser in southwest Wichita. “Our office has completed its review of the case and determined there is insufficient evidence of criminal liability on part of the officer involved,” Sedgwick County Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach said in a statement. “As a result, no charges will be filed.” Jeffrey Moss, 51, of Wichita, was on foot crossing West MacArthur in the 1300 block when he was struck by a WPD cruiser driven by a 29-year-old officer heading east shortly before 8 p.m. on Feb. 17, a previous Kansas Highway patrol crash log showed. Moss died at the scene of the crash, the KHP said.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
A ‘silver lining’ in Wichita’s drought? Cheney water levels low enough to repair dam
The city of Wichita is planning to take advantage of Cheney Reservoir’s historic-low water levels by fixing its crumbling dam. The Wichita City Council on Tuesday approved a $13.85 million project to repair 1.5 miles of soil cement “armor” that protects Cheney Reservoir’s dam. The reservoir, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Wichita, provides up to 80% of the city’s raw water that is then treated and delivered to customers as clean drinking water. “If there’s any silver lining to this drought at all, it’s the ability to go in and make these repairs,” said Gary Janzen, director of public works and utilities.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
City of Lawrence’s downtown ambassadors aim to keep the district clean and current
The City of Lawrence started its Downtown Ambassador Program to get parking staff back to work during the pandemic. Since its return in July 2023, the program has aimed to keep the cultural hub of Lawrence clean, beautified and welcoming. This year alone, parking staff and volunteers have removed more than 1,000 graffiti tags, collected more than 15,000 gallons of trash, maintained more than 200 pieces of city infrastructure and helped more than 200 visitors around the downtown area.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Leavenworth hires next City Manager
At the Sept. 24, 2024 meeting, the Leavenworth City Commission hired Scott Peterson as the next City Manager for the City of Leavenworth. Peterson begins his new role Nov. 4. Peterson takes over the job of City Manager after the resignation of Paul Kramer, who served in this role from 2015 through April of this year. … Peterson is a 2011 K-State graduate and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas, which he earned in 2014. Peterson comes to the City of Leavenworth with more than 10 years of leadership positions at municipal governments including his most recent role as City Administrator of the City of Knob Noster, Missouri.
Source: City of Leavenworth
Governor Kelly Announces $6.8M Investment for Nine New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that more than $6.8 million in federal funds will be directed to nine new locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. These new direct current (DC) fast-charging stations add to Kansas’ existing electronic vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, forming a more complete statewide EV charging network. “These investments enhance Kansas infrastructure and help meet the needs of all who travel throughout our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening our network of electric vehicle charging stations, we are addressing current EV charging needs while preparing for our future demands.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Concerns raised over rabies in Kansas
Kansas health officials and the state agriculture department are calling attention to human health risks after a second case of rabies was reported in outdoor cats that were not vaccinated. The cases were reported over the past two weeks in Harvey County and Jewell County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month were in unvaccinated outdoor barn cats. Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith said in a press release, “It is vital to vaccinate domestic animals against rabies, especially animals that interact with humans, because humans can be infected. Vaccinating pets and livestock against the virus protects both animal health and human health.” Source: 101.3 KFDI
USD 394 hosting bond forum
Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, in which USD 394 patrons will be voting on a bond issue, the Rose Hill school district is hosting a come and go bond forum at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 and 28 in the Rose Hill High School auditorium. Patrons attending can learn more about the Secure and Soar bond, which aims to enhance safety and update district facilities including multi-purpose storm shelters for all buildings, high school auditorium renovations, new wrestling/weight rooms, multi-use turf fields and more.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Commission grapples with social media policies for city personnel, officials
Emporia City Commissioners discussed social media policies for city officials and staff Wednesday afternoon. City Attorney Christina Montgomery said the policy is aimed at navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding government use of social media platforms. Montgomery emphasized the importance of distinguishing between personal and official use of social media. “There can be a fine line between your private usage of social media platforms to communicate with people and your public position as a state commissioner,” she explained. “Your personal social media platforms can be considered government use accounts.” The proposed policy stems from recent Supreme Court case law addressing social media usage by government officials and its interaction with citizens’ free speech rights.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Goal of redeveloped activity center is to create ‘stronger, more connected community’
Old Town Lenexa has a new look. Sections of the wanted and needed redevelopment project of the city’s Old Town Activity Center at 13420 Oak St. are beginning to unfold. “This project originated from the parks and recreation master plan and New Look at Old Town Study in which residents indicated a desire to reinvest in the community center and senior center,” said Logan Wagler, Lenexa Parks & Recreation director. “Additionally, the recreational programming and facility usage has grown significantly and the improvements will better serve the users, the neighborhood and the community.”
Source: Joco 913 News
‘Missing middle’ housing project in northeast Olathe moves ahead
A mixed residential rental project planned in Olathe aimed at filling a “missing middle” housing gap easily cleared a major hurdle this week. The Olathe City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request and preliminary site development plan for the prospective Olathe Commons housing development on Tuesday. The development — which features both single-family homes and townhomes — sits on a 23-acre piece of farmland southwest of 119th and Greenwood streets near the Olathe Pointe Shopping Center. Though all councilmembers ultimately supported the project, there were a few who voiced their desire to see more projects like this that feature dwelling units available for sale to encourage attainable homeownership.
Source: Johnson County Post
Lenexa City Center could add 200-plus apartments near its entrance
More than 200 apartments are slated to fill vacant space across the street from Lenexa City Center’s entryway. At the northeast corner of 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard, Price Development Group plans to construct 215 apartments in a pair of four-story buildings. After winning approval from city planners on Monday, the Lenexa City Council is scheduled to review Price’s preliminary plan on Oct. 15. The 7-acre site is bound by Interstate 435 to the east and 87th Street to the south. The AdventHealth Life Campus is west on the opposite side of Renner, and the WaterCrest at City Center apartment complex sits to the north.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
A home costs more than ever in Kansas. The 2008 housing crisis is part of the reason
Demand for homes in Kansas is high, but construction of new homes has been slow for more than a decade. Kansas saw a significant drop in home construction after the Great Recession, contributing to a housing shortage today that drives up prices. That shortage of supply is pushing up the costs of homes on the market, making it even more difficult for buyers to purchase an affordable or middle-market home. The trickle-down effect of the tight market is believed to be contributing to a lack of affordable housing and rising homelessness in the state.
Source: KCUR News
Girard sidewalks to be repaired for community safety and accessibility
The City of Girard will begin repairs on several sidewalks, including near the Girard Public Library on West Prairie Street. Librarian Sophia Stapleton is looking forward to the project, acknowledging the importance for the safety of children and teens who frequently walk to the library. “A lot of kids and teens walk in this town, so, them being able to do that safely,” said Stapleton. She highlighted that the improvements would also help individuals with disabilities, making navigation easier for everyone.
Source: KOAM News
$1.5M loan approved from City to Coffeyville Regional Medical Center
In response to ongoing financial challenges, Coffeyville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) has received approval for a $1.5 million loan from the City of Coffeyville to support critical infrastructure improvements and staffing enhancements. City commissioners voted on Wednesday to approve the loan, which will be funded through the city’s economic development fund. City Manager Ben Brubaker emphasized the vital role CRMC plays in providing critical-care medical services to Coffeyville, as well as surrounding areas in southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. However, like many rural hospitals, CRMC face substantial financial challenges, including rising operational costs, infrastructure upgrades, and the need for effective staffing.
Source: KOAM News
Clearwater Fall Festival kicks off 39th year
The Clearwater Fall Festival begins Friday, Oct. 4, and runs through Sunday. Find the schedule here. It began in 1985 and features a carnival, parade, fishing tournament, talent show, beer garden, mechanical bull and food. Mayor Burt Ussery says this brings the community together. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show off our city,” he said. “We’ll have a tremendous amount of turnout from within, but we also bring in a lot of people from outside. It’s just a chance for people to come down and see what Clearwater is and who we are.” Clearwater Fall Festival buttons cost $5.
Source: KSN-TV
Hutchinson firefighters back from aiding in Colorado Pearl Fire
Three members of the Hutchinson Fire Department, who were deployed to Colorado to help with the Pearl Fire, are now home. They went as part of the National Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC), which the department joined in 2019 and is made up of federal and state resources. Members of Hutch Fire have also helped in Oregon, Idaho, and several other deployments in California. “They got ready to go, drove up, they have a day of travel, they got there, got on the fire, they worked a couple [of] days doing some mop up,” said HFD Battalion Chief Justin Holzrichter. Holzrichter says deployments to fight wildfires in other states can last up to 21 days, depending on the severity.
Source: KSN-TV
New Wichita water facility complete but not ready to use
Wichita’s new Northwest Water Facility, in the works since 2018, is now complete. The half-billion-dollar facility will eventually replace Wichita’s 80-year-old water treatment plant in the Riverside area, but it won’t be fully up and running for some time. Although the facility looks ready to go, it won’t be fully operational until April, and the City of Wichita says it’s not planning on closing the old Riverside facility and fully relying on this plant until summer 2025.
Source: KSN-TV
WSU study says house prices to go up
The Kansas housing market is seeing a shift. A new forecast from Wichita State University says prices will go up 6% across the state, but low inventory of houses continues to be an issue. KSN spoke with researchers and a local developer. House prices in Kansas are going up. Dr. Stan Longhofer with the Center for Real Estate at WSU says we’re still dealing with the effects of the housing crisis from 2008. “Those homes that we didn’t build in 2010, 11 and 12, those would be the move-up homes that would be out in the market right now that buyers who had bought first-time homes, now they’re moving up to their next home,” said Longhofer.
Source: KSN-TV
City of Russell to vote on sales tax for water reserve fund
A push to secure water for the City of Russell is on the ballot this November. The City is voting on a three-quarter cent sales tax. It is teaming up with the City of Hays to pipe water in from Edwards County, but doing that will take a lot of money. The sales tax would bring in an estimated $400,000 each year. “All taxes are unfavorable in any way you look at it, but the sales tax is more equitable to everyone because not only to the people spending money in Russell but outside. The citizens won’t have it solely as their burden,” Russell Mayor Jim Cross said.
Source: KSN-TV
Gordon Parks celebration starts in Fort Scott
The 21st annual Gordon Parks celebration is officially underway in Fort Scott. The three-day event includes a jam-packed schedule on the Fort Scott Community College campus. We were there for Thursday’s “lunch and learn” event, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the film Solomon Northup’s Odyssey. Photojournalist Fred Watkins spoke about the film and gave insight into what it was like working with legendary photographer and Fort Scott native Gordon Parks during filming. Watkins also wanted to leave some advice for any of the younger generation who might be listening.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Kansas law enforcement wear pink badges in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Law enforcement across the Sunflower State are supporting breast cancer awareness month with their uniforms. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; state and local law enforcement are showing their support in their uniforms. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Lyon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and Emporia Police Department (EPD) are wearing pink on their uniforms as a way to show their support for the cause.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Four KS communities selected for $600k clean energy grant
Four Kansas communities have been selected to receive part of $607,815 to invest in renewable energy as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program. Wichita State University (WSU), Holton, Leavenworth County and Paola were all selected to receive grant funds. They are part of a larger national program that distributed grant funds to 29 other states. “Rural Development is investing in rural Kansas to help expand power generation and improve efficiency.” Director Davis said. “These projects will ensure rural Kansans have access to reliable, affordable energy no matter where they live.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
Lawrence school district, law enforcement work to manage surge in gun threats, rumors
Desensitization to violence and social media usage among youth are contributing to an influx of alleged gun threats aimed at Lawrence schools, according to the school district and police. School shootings continue to afflict communities — the most recent to capture national attention occurring at a Georgia high school on Sept. 4 and resulted in four deaths. Laura McCabe, a spokesperson for the Lawrence Police Department, said the department is maintaining long-standing relationships with FBI task force partners, Lawrence Public Schools administrators, the National School Resource Officer Association, and additional agencies to keep students and staff safe.
Source: The Lawrence Times
NAC explores options to incentivize property owners
Pittsburg’s Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) met on Wednesday to explore options to possibly streamline the process of cleaning up neglected or abandoned properties. Many properties in the city are owned by people who do not live in the city, or even the state, and these areas are often neglected by the owner. Codes Enforcement officers send notifications and issue fines, but the owners either ignore the citations or are simply unable to be reached. NAC members are looking to explore ways to incentivize, rather than penalize, these property owners so they will maintain their properties. The legal process to rectify the problem can take years, in some cases, to address and any progress made is often more of a band-aid than a long-term solution.
Source: Morning Sun
Douglas County Commission approves plans for property tax rebate program for qualifying older people, veterans
The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday approved a pilot program aimed at providing property tax relief to older people with low incomes and veterans who are disabled. The Low-Income Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Rebate Pilot Program is designed to assist eligible homeowners by offering a rebate on their property taxes. The maximum rebate amount is $300 per household or the county portion of the property tax, whichever is less.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for October 2, 2024
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.
Douglas County is going dark. Law enforcement will soon encrypt emergency radio traffic
Area law enforcement calls will no longer be broadcast on emergency radios — aka scanners — starting Tuesday, Oct. 15. The change means that for most law enforcement incidents within Lawrence city limits, there will be nowhere for the public to turn for immediate information. That includes media — reporters will not be able to access law enforcement’s radio traffic to cover incidents as they’re unfolding and help inform the public, either. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced the planned change Tuesday morning.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Panel to discuss proposed changes to Lawrence city government
A major change to the structure of Lawrence’s city government is on the upcoming general election ballot, and voters will have a chance to learn more about the potential impact. The discussion is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 in the Lawrence Public Library auditorium, 707 Vermont St. If Lawrence voters approve, the proposal would introduce four district seats and two at-large seats on the Lawrence City Commission, along with a directly elected mayor. A panel will explore the pros and cons of the potential change, featuring former city commissioner Courtney Shipley and former candidate Dustin Stumblingbear, co-hosts of the podcast “Lawrence Asks Why.” The podcast explores the proposed change to the form of government in depth through interviews with several prominent Lawrence community members.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Governor Kelly Announces Applications to Open for $451.7M Internet Initiative
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that applications will open on Oct. 21 for the National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) Internet for All initiative. With the launch of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will begin taking applications to deploy the $451.7 million allocated to bring high-speed internet to all Kansans. “My administration is dedicated to making Kansas a top 10 state for broadband by 2030,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our state continues to build on this critical infrastructure, connecting communities and innovators. This historic investment will have a long-lasting impact across Kansas and continue to support our education, health care, and workforce growth.” The application window will open after the 21-day project review period, allowing eligible applicants to apply for 403 project areas with 52,343 locations needing high-speed internet. Applications will be scored on their cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, fair labor practices, technology, speed to deployment, and community engagement.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Wichita begins driver’s license reinstatement program
Wichita Municipal Court has started a new program to help residents get their driver’s licenses back after a suspension. The Wichita Area Restoration Program (WARP) will offer three services to help people who want to get their license back to a legal good standing. Residents can get help by visiting the WARP office at City Hall, 455 North Main. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
County commissioners agree on setbacks for solar developments
Bourbon County Commissioners on Monday agreed on a recommendation for setback requirements for solar developments the commission signed agreements with in late 2023. Commissioners approved a motion by Commissioner Clifton Beth to allow Chairman Jim Harris to meet with a representative of NextEra Energy Resources to renegotiate setbacks for existing contracts for solar developments in the southwest part of the county. The commission also agreed to allow Harris to discuss the county’s donation agreement with the company.
Source: Fort Scott Tribune
Historical Society’s Cemetery Walking Tours return next week
The Finney County Historical Society and Museum’s Historic Walking Tours of Valley View Cemetery have returned. The tours are back after not being held in 2023. Steve Quakenbush, Executive Director of the Finney County Historical Society and Museum, said they weren’t held last year due to an employee health situation that made it impossible to do the tours. “We would have done them otherwise,” he said. “It wasn’t that we had planned to stop doing them, we just had a health situation that just didn’t allow us to guide and run the tours. So, we’re back.” Two tours will be held per night from Oct. 10-12, with one at 6 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. During the tours, attendees can learn about Garden City and Finney County history through reenactments of notable residents by volunteers and through the guidance of Johnetta Hebrlee, Finney County Museum Education Coordinator, and event organizer.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Regulation changes could help child care shortage
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently made over 30 updates to the regulations for childcare. Tammy Deppershmidt is a childcare licensing provider for the Reno County Health Department, which is in charge of licensing for Harvey County, as well. Deppershmidt said, in her opinion, the changes were necessary. “The licensing law was outdated for child care,” Deppershmidt said. “It was time to get it up to date with new stuff.” Deppershmidt said the state department reached out to providers for feedback on what changes needed to be made. “The process was started to make it public and to have input,” Deppershmidt said. The regulations changed how many children a childcare provider could take in at each age and updated the age range for infants. Previously, any child under 18 months was considered an infant. Now the department dropped the age to 12 months. Deppershmidt said this change is especially beneficial. “The biggest need is infants,” Deppershmidt said. “This opens up more spots for infants to go.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Frederick takes over as new Bentley city clerk
From the thriving, fast-paced, big city life of San Diego then Boise, new Bentley City Clerk Lisa Frederick had no idea the small town Kansas lifestyle was going to come calling. But it did, and the new face in the Bentley City Office has embraced the slower pace. “I am a project manager by trade, which is high stress, quick response, patience to manage many trades, budgets, timelines,” she said. “When this position opened, I thought, ‘Wow, maybe that is something I would be able to do and just down the street from my home. Who could ask for more?’ I was at the point in my career that I was ready to leave the stressful position of project management and really try something new. I wanted to be a part of our community, so I thought this would be a great way to serve the people and be a part of this fantastic town.” Frederick wasn’t exactly a stranger to Kansas. She and her husband had followed their son to Kansas from Idaho to be closer to their three granddaughters. The couple had been living with their son for about a year to make sure Kansas was where they wanted to be and to find what they thought could be the perfect location.
Source: Harvey County Now