Municipal News & Jobs

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that Kansas is receiving funding to help address “forever chemicals” in drinking water. More than $9.4 million in grant funding is now available to eligible communities Kansas to reduce PFAS and other chemical contaminants that are linked to cancers. PFAS stands for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are found in a variety of household products and are also used in some manufacturing processes.
Read more: KSN-TV

On Founders Day, the city of Pittsburg celebrated its 150th anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a group photo of residents and visitors.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Hillsboro City Council offered city clerk Danielle Bartel the position of city administrator after two executive sessions totaling around 40 minutes Tuesday. “It is my pleasure to announce that we are extending an offer to Danielle Bartel to be our next city administrator,” Mayor Lou Thurston said. “We couldn’t be more excited.” Council members unanimously approved Bartel’s employment agreement and authorized Thurston to sign it.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

A community garden in Derby is part of a growing Kansas effort to address food insecurity as rising grocery costs and shrinking aid programs strain families. Carefully walking between rows of sprouting plants, Donavan Lawrence gives a tour of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church community garden in Derby, Kansas. The caretaker points out the spiral-shaped herb garden and elevated plots for people with mobility issues. He stops by a group of raised mounds where the church is using a technique called the three sisters. It’s an indigenous technique where corn, pole beans and squash sustain each other on one plot. “When you set things up correctly, they can all benefit from each other and help support each other,” Lawrence said. After a pause, he considers that the growing method is a metaphor for their garden.
Read more: The Iola Register

Chanute police officers are looking into a reported sighting of a bear, and have advised residents to use caution if they encounter the animal. The Chanute Police Department posted the alert after a resident released a video on social media, purportedly of an apparent black bear sauntering down a city street. Anyone who sees the bear should not approach the animal, but instead report the sighting by calling (620) 432-5768. Residents also are reminded to keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid attempting to feed, follow or otherwise interact with bears.
Read more: The Iola Register

Chanute’s energy portfolio just got greener. A new 6-megawatt solar farm at 4302 S. Plummer is now online and producing energy. Evergy will own and operate the facility, while the City of Chanute has agreed to purchase power directly from the site for at least the next 30 years. The city has the option to purchase the facility after six years. 
Read more: The Iola Register

Spring Hill, Kansas, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Kansas City metro area, and a major driver in that growth is a housing boom. “It’s kind of an untapped resource, or it’s kind of a secret part of the metro area that has steadily been growing over the past few years,” said Mike Mallon, Spring Hill’s community development director. “It’s a prime position between Highway 169, Highway 69 over to the east, really trying to accommodate the growth that’s just naturally happening in southern Johnson County.” Spring Hill is split between Miami and Johnson counties but a bulk of the development is taking place on the Johnson County side. As urban sprawl continues to put pressure on the southern portion of the county, Mallon says, the city is competing with its neighbors, and they’re trying to stay ahead of the game.
Read more: KSHB news

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.

Olathe Public Schools has long been an attractive school district for families living in the Kansas City area — and its steadily growing enrollment numbers reflected that. But Superintendent Brent Yeager said that trend has changed in recent years, citing the rising cost to buy a home and declining birth rates for families. “Our incoming kindergarten classes are substantially smaller than our exiting senior classes,” Yeager said. “The first many, many, many years of our district from about 1965 to about 2019 it was just the opposite.” In Kansas, the amount of funding that school districts receive is tied to enrollment numbers. Yeager said the Olathe School District is missing out on $22 million annually it would receive if it had the same number of students as it had in 2019.
Read more: Johnson County Post

One year ago, the towns of Grinnell and Plevna were in clean up mode after tornadoes tore through. On Monday, KSN News went to Plevna and spoke with city leaders who say the burden of the storm is still weighing heavy.
Read more: KSN-TV

The Kriss family was out of town and watching the storms on radar. What they returned home to was unexpected and severe.
Read more: KSN-TV

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.

Various tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued, but no injuries or deaths were noted on the website of the weather service’s Topeka office.
Read more: CJonline

Riley County’s six-month moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage centers has a scheduled end date. The Riley County Commission agreed last month to adopt a moratorium, but the implementation process didn’t start until commissioners signed a resolution Monday. The resolution will go into effect from the time it’s published in The Mercury until Nov. 12.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

Arkansas City commissioners will consider a resolution tonight authorizing the purchase of radar-controlled traffic lights. If approved, the Radar Vision system will be installed by Gades Sales Co. Inc. to serve the intersection of US 77 and Summit Street, the last stoplight on South Summit Street, for an amount not to exceed $21,175. The city currently has three radar traffic systems in operation. Radar systems are able to function more reliably in bad weather and darkness than the current camera-controlled systems. Radar systems allow traffic lights to adjust in real time instead of using fixed timers to reduce waiting time and improve safety and efficiency.
Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com

Firefighters across southwest Kansas are preparing for another dangerous day as massive wildfires continue burning. After four straight days of fast‑moving fires across Kansas and Oklahoma, some departments are now dealing with injuries within their own crews while still trying to protect communities.
Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Topeka is looking for public comment to improve its housing and community development efforts. The City of Topeka announced in a press release on May 18 that it’s expecting $12 million over the next five years in federal funding to support housing, neighborhood improvements, public services and community development projects. City officials now want feedback from residents to guide how to best use the funds.
Read more: KSNT 27 News

The Reno County Planning Commission reviewed possible changes to parking and off-street loading requirements in county zoning rules during its Thursday, May 14, meeting. County Planner Mark Vonachen said the proposal was spurred by how often the planning commission waives those requirements as part of conditional use permits because a business doesn’t need as much parking as county rules normally require. To alleviate that, he suggested removing parking minimums from the baseline requirements and instead making them part of conditions for approval of permits. That would give the planning commission the ability to tailor parking requirements to each project.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

A few spaces are exempt from Kansas’ new bathroom law that requires people to use the facilities in government buildings that match their sex assigned at birth, Attorney General Kris Kobach said in an opinion he released Wednesday. Kobach’s opinion, which carries no legal authority, exempted some government spaces — such as skilled nursing rooms at the Kansas Office of Veterans’ Services — from complying with the bathroom law that went into effect in February.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

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.

Maize’s population is expected to reach 10,000 by 2030 as the city pursues commercial development to match its residential boom.
Read more: Wichita Business Journal

As efforts to gain the upper hand on fires in Clark and Meade counties continue Friday morning, there’s a piece of good news as the evacuation order for the city of Meade has been lifted.
Read more: KWCH

The city of Wichita is making preparations for opening weekend, but a lifeguard shortage could change operations at city pools this summer. The staffing issue is not limited to Kansas.
Read more: KWCH

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.

Park City City Council voted on Tuesday to allow certain businesses to sell alcohol nearly around the clock during the FIFA World Cup. The temporary expansion of alcohol sales during the tournament runs from June 11 through July 19. KSN’s Jasmin Adous explains what businesses qualify and when they are allowed to pour drinks. The expanded alcohol sales only apply to bars and restaurants. They can serve drinks from 6 a.m. to 5 a.m. the next day during the tournament.
Read more: KSN-TV

Both Ellis and Victoria are making strides in residential housing and infrastructure development. According to the Grow Hays Annual Report 2025, five new homes are now under construction in Ellis, and four more are planned for 2026. In Victoria, marking the first new residential development since 2010, the Knights Addition infrastructure is completed, creating 11 new residential lots.
Read more: Hays Daily News

Eudora voters will decide in November whether to continue an existing city sales tax to instead go toward public safety after the City Commission Monday night approved putting the issue on the ballot. The city for 20 years has charged a 0.5% sales tax to pay off debt from building the Community Center and pool. That debt will be paid off this year, but city staff recommended continuing the tax to support public safety equipment and infrastructure.  Continuing the sales tax and shifting its focus to public safety would help the city accomplish one of its top priorities for 2027, funding at least three new full-time firefighters, without raising property taxes. 
Read more: The Eudora Times

The Hutchinson Planning Commission quickly gave its recommendation for approval of a zoning change for an unspecified drive-thru restaurant on 30th Avenue on Tuesday, May 12, before hearing that it will be tasked with establishing specific planning and zoning rules for data centers, likely starting June 9. The board unanimously voted to recommend approval of the zoning change. The planning commission’s recommendation will be presented to the Hutchinson City Council for final approval at a later date. Community Development Director Matt Williams told the planning commission that, following a resolution passed by the city council at its May 5 meeting, they will be asked to introduce temporary requirements for data centers while working on permanent regulations.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

After mulling a data center moratorium during their May 11 meeting, South Hutchinson will once again explore the idea on May 25. This decision resulted from the fact that the moratorium, as drafted, would’ve halted the development of even small-scale, storage container-sized data centers. City Administrator Jeff Schenk made the recommendation to table the issue, and the council agreed. A new moratorium will be presented at the next meeting, specifically for large-scale data centers and battery energy storage systems.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

SOLAR ENERGY is on the horizon for Humboldt. Council members unanimously agreed to have 124 solar panels installed behind the water plant. SEK Solar of Chanute was hired for the job. The installation will produce about 100,000 kilowatt hours per year, an annual energy savings of about $9,500, according to Daniel Zywietz, co-founder of SEK Solar, which also has plans to install solar panels at the new Pete’s convenience store being constructed in town. 
Read more: The Iola Register

Allen County may collect more than cardboard when it opens a recycling collection spot in Iola. Meanwhile, Iola City Council members approved a contract in order for a rebuild of U.S. 54 to begin. Though Allen County has yet to launch its planned recycling venture, it may already have changed in scope. Allen County Public Works Director Mitch Garner told the Register Tuesday the county may have an opportunity to collect more than just cardboard. Rather than a single large storage receptacle for cardboard, Garner said the county is considering a “roll-off” type of storage unit, capable of holding multiple recyclables, such as paper, aluminum and some plastics.
Read more: The Iola Register

Retiring North Newton Municipal Judge Levi Goossen was honored during the town’s city council meeting on Monday night. “Tonight, we are recognizing the career of the longtime Municipal Judge Levi Goossen,” North Newton Mayor Ron Ratzlaff said. “The city warmly congratulates him on his retirement and long-standing service to the City of North Newton.” Then, Ratzlaff presented Goossen with a gavel and shook his hand.
Read more: Harvey County Now

For an hour a day, four days a week, it will be quiet time at the Hesston Aquatics Center. This summer, Hesston Recreation and Community Education will be offering a low-sensory swim hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. There will be a focus on fewer people in the pool, with the sound system turned off during this time and emphasis on less splashing with no yelling. Cost for this time of low-sensory or adult lap swim is $2. Regular day passes run $5, with family passes starting at $120 and increasing depending on the size of the family.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Are Flock cameras constitutional? That’s the question that Commissioner Becky Reimer said a couple of her constituents asked her, so she asked Harvey County Sheriff Chad Gay about it during his monthly report to the commissioners. His simple answer: yes. He said the Flock cameras have been ruled constitutional by the courts. The county installed four Flock cameras in the summer of 2025, placing them on the east and west sides of Highway 50 at the county borders and the north and south ends of the county on I-135, also near the borders. The cameras take pictures of license plates as vehicles drive by. The information is stored in the Flock database so it can be used in investigations, not only by the Harvey County Sheriff’s Department but by law enforcement around the country. Gay said the cameras are constitutional because they’re only viewing the back of cars to identify the license plates, color, make and model of the vehicles.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Friday, May 15, marks the return of Burrton’s farmers market for 2026, with special entertainment by Mariachi Jalisco from 6 to 7 p.m. The markets run from 5 to 8 p.m. at the library park and are sponsored by the Burrton Community Foundation (BCF). Also at the market on May 15 will be Tortas Mary food truck and Veronica’s Kitchen with Agua Fresca. A piñata and various vendors with handmade/homemade/homegrown items round out the evening.
Read more: Harvey County Now

USD-440 Board of Education President Zach Mabry formally welcomed Halstead High School Principal Chad Baalman as the district’s next superintendent on Monday evening during the board’s monthly meeting. The board held a special meeting 30 minutes before graduation on Saturday to officially vote on the selection to replace current Superintendent Dr. Ron Barry, who resigned in April. Mabry congratulated Baalman on his new role. Mixing in a full day to interview in the middle of graduation week, Baalman called the last few days an emotional roller coaster. In an interview with Harvey County Now, Baalman said he’s excited with a little bit of normal nervousness about taking over as superintendent.
Read more: Harvey County Now

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce awarded over $1.3 million in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant funding to support 15 building renovation projects across the state. When matched with nearly $3.9 million in local contributions, this round of HEAL funding brings the total investment to approximately $5.2 million available to revitalize downtown buildings. By providing matching grants through a competitive process, HEAL helps communities transform dilapidated and underutilized spaces into thriving hubs for businesses, housing, childcare, arts, civic activities and entrepreneurship. These awards are specifically designed to revitalize rural downtown districts throughout Kansas. In doing so, HEAL fosters reinvestment, encourages community engagement, and boosts the overall economic health of Kansas communities.
Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce

Data centers are “unfortunately” here to stay, a Pottawatomie County official said this week. Shanna Goodman, Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation executive director, spoke Monday to the Pottawatomie County Commission regarding the ongoing discussions of data centers. She likened the conversation to similar discussions when Jeffrey Energy Center came to the county nearly 50 years ago. Goodman explained that regardless of any decisions the county makes, the digital infrastructure of data centers isn’t going anywhere.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

Jackson Turner is anxious and frustrated.  He and his family are worried that a proposed data center-plus-solar project in the sand hills of southwest Kansas could turn their farmland into an industrial site, displacing them and killing their crops.  Ross Marston, Turner’s stepfather and a longtime Sandsage Prairie farmer, is afraid of what might happen when out-of-town developers realize how difficult it is to construct anything on the extremely fine, powder-dry sand hills. Such skepticism and resistance is widespread. Kansans are flocking to public meetings statewide as numerous data center proposals are on the table in the aftermath of a 2025 law offering a 20-year sales tax exemption to such projects. Resident concerns about environmental and economic impact echo from border to border. Still, many residents, like Turner and his relatives, feel they’re not being fully heard.
Read more: KLC Journal

Reno County is hoping to become a premiere destination for golfing. After taking public comment, the Reno County Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to create a special district to help fund the Salt Lick Golf Resort development. Commissioners approved the boundaries for a Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bond Project District. In those districts, bonds taken out for development are repaid with sales taxes generated in the designated area. In this case, the district is limited to land owned by the developer.
Read more: KSN-TV

County commissioners on Monday extended a moratorium on data center development for another year while reopening questions about whether past wind-energy regulations were adopted through proper public process. After hearing a planning commission recommendation to delay action until after the county updates its comprehensive plan, commissions unanimously approved extending a moratorium on applications related to data centers in unincorporated areas through June 1, 2027.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

The Leavenworth County Commission voted 3-2 Wednesday to impose a 90-day moratorium on data center development. The move comes as residents in Tonganoxie debate a proposed a 1,000-acre hyperscale data center north of Interstate 70, dubbed Project Bluestem. In a public comment meeting earlier this year before the commission, many Tonganoxie residents expressed concerns with the project proposal moving forward.
Read more: KSHB News

Edgerton is the latest town in southern Johnson County to consider a new data center, despite continued pushback from residents — and this time, the community might not have a choice. Tuesday night, the Edgerton Planning Commission approved, by a 4-0 vote, a preliminary plat that combines three properties to convert an existing 400,000-square-foot warehouse at Logistics Park into a large-scale data center. The commission, however, also by a 4-0 vote, tabled the final site plan from Dubai-based company DAMAC Digital, putting off a final decision on the project for now. Planning Commission Secretary Jordyn Mueller was absent from the meeting. Logistics Park Kansas City is already zoned to include data centers. With the proper zoning for the DAMAC Digital site already in place and the application meeting Edgerton’s requirements, the planning commission’s hands are essentially tied. While the commission sat looking for answers on Tuesday night, people in the standing-room-only crowd yelled, “Just deny it.” However, according to City Attorney Todd Luckman, denial must be based on established code. If the city denies a project that conforms to code, it opens itself up for litigation.
Read more: Johnson County Post

CrossFit championships, the Pickleball Open, Top Gun fast-pitch softball tournaments — these are all sporting events on the calendar in 2026 that are expected to draw hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors to Overland Park. They’re all examples of sports tourism as well, a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States that’s seen major gains in the last decade or so. Visit OP — the nonprofit that serves as the city’s official visitor and tourism organization — wants to see Overland Park get a bigger cut of that economic impact.
Read more: Johnson County Post

One of the several grass fires burning in southwest Kansas caused an evacuation that has since been lifted for Meade. Meade County Sheriff Douglas Ritter said numerous fire crews from across Kansas and Oklahoma fought the fire south of town early Friday. Crews finally stopped its progress around 3 a.m. There were no injuries.
Read more: KSN-TV