Kansas Municipal News
County unveils tentative new comprehensive plan
After four years of work, the Harvey County Planning and Zoning Department has revealed a new comprehensive plan. “It’s the big picture of what direction the county wants to go,” said Karen Rothe, director of the planning and zoning department. The county is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. in the county courthouse. Rothe said this is an opportunity for members of the public to give more feedback before the plan is finalized. “This is a chance for people to speak up and say, ‘I saw this was a goal in here, and I don’t agree with it,’” Rothe said. Rothe said if a majority of people expressed dislike for part of the plan, the board would go back and do more research before passing it. If the board decides to approve the plan, it will move on to the county commission for final approval. The county uses the plans as an outline for the next 20 years.
Source: Harvey County Now
This JoCo city OKs $340K purchase for new police cameras
The Merriam Police Department is getting new body and patrol car cameras. Last week, the Merriam City Council unanimously approved a $340,000 purchase for new body cameras and fleet cameras from Arizona-based camera and taser company Axon. This comes about five years after the last purchase of new cameras for the police department from a company that was recently bought out. Chief Darren McLaughlin previously told the Post that Merriam first deployed body cameras to police officers in 2009.
Source: Johnson County Post
3,300 Olathe students are chronically absent. What does that mean?
Olathe Public Schools is seeing a rise in chronic absenteeism among students, school district officials and staff warn. “We know one of the things that leads to success is kids being in school,” Superintendent Brent Yeager said in early September at a school board meeting when discussing the issue. On Monday, the topic was the primary focus of the Olathe school district’s fall Site Council meeting. Hundreds of parents and guardians from site councils from across the school system gathered for the meeting at Olathe South High School. After a presentation about chronic absenteeism, the attendees then divided up into breakout discussions related to the topic but with specific focuses on age groups, barriers to attendance and potential community solutions. Source: Johnson County Post
Overland Park one of best U.S. cities for people with disabilities, ranking says
Overland Park is one of the best cities in the U.S. for people who have disabilities, according to a recent WalletHub study. The 2024 ranking places Overland Park in the Top 20, with the city placing 12th overall, behind St. Louis (4th) and Scottsdale, Arizona (1st), but ahead of places like Philadelphia (13th), Kansas City, Missouri (25th), and Denver (20th). “I am proud that WalletHub recognized Overland Park as a best city for people with disabilities,” Mayor Curt Skoog said in a written statement sent via text. He also noted that the things that “make Overland Park a great place for people with disabilities extend to all residents.”
Source: Johnson County Post
Municipal Bond Trends for October 1, 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.
UG pushes KCK affordable housing plan forward after clarifying vote
Plans to remake a 1960s apartment complex in downtown Kansas City, Kansas, into affordable housing are moving forward. American Community Developers Inc. requested $21 million in multifamily housing revenue bonds from the Kansas Development Finance Authority to renovate the Gateway Plaza apartment complex at 1430 N. Fourth St. Based on a Kansas statute, KDFA cannot issue bonds for a project if the local government disapproves. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, initially voted 7-3 on Thursday in support of an ordinance of disapproval, which prevents KDFA from issuing the bonds for at least a year.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
People want to live in rural Kansas. They just need houses.
Contrary to the prevailing narratives, there are communities across the plains of central and western Kansas where people desperately want to live, helping position those places to add population. Remote work has opened possibilities for people looking for affordable housing and a different pace of life. Places such as Stafford County are seeing interest from manufacturers as it looks to develop a rail port to handle grain, fertilizer and other local products. But there’s a catch: There have to be enough places to live. The Kansas Housing Resources Corp. and the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity in 2021 launched the first statewide housing assessment in 30 years. Not surprisingly, it found a shortage of quality, affordable dwellings – a hindrance to growth and development, particularly in smaller communities. Over the course of a year, RDG Planning & Design, an Omaha-based consulting firm, conducted a detailed study to spot current housing needs and growth opportunities, including goals and strategic initiatives to guide the state’s housing development efforts. It included 71 virtual and in-person listening sessions with more than 425 community participants across the state, as well as meetings with housing groups. The firm also surveyed more than 4,400 respondents statewide and analyzed census data to develop a comprehensive picture of the housing situation. According to the report released last fall, Kansas – and the Midwest generally – have lagged behind other regions of the country in terms of population growth, while the average age has climbed. Meanwhile, housing prices have jumped and construction has slumped since the Great Recession. Granted, each community’s needs are different, Arnberger says. Income levels, home prices and other economic factors can present unique housing issues – and solutions too.
Source: KLC Journal
Mapping out a service connection point for homeless in Topeka
Twice a week in church parking lots, Topeka’s homeless population finds help through an array of services offered collectively – with purpose – by local partners. Through the Mobile Access Partnership (MAP), homeless individuals receive hot showers, warm meals and clean clothes, along with primary care services and immunizations for themselves and even their pets. They can also charge their phones and access supplies donated by local companies ranging from sleeping bags and tents to sunscreen and packaged snacks. MAP partners include the Topeka Rescue Mission, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Stormont Vail Health, the Shawnee County Health Department, the Topeka Police Department, the Salvation Army and the Street Dog Coalition, which provides health services for pets of the homeless. An average of 45 to 70 clients seek MAP services each day the site is open. Since the program’s inception in 2021, 1,600 people have been identified as new service recipients. Bill Persinger, chief executive officer of Valeo Behavioral Health Care, says the community collaboration strengthens clients’ social, mental and physical well-being.
Source: KLC Journal
Local police honor breast cancer awareness with pink badges
The Baxter Springs Police Officer’s are turning in their badges for new pink ones in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. “Last year several people walked up to officers and shared stories related to their experience with breast cancer. Some as the victim and others as the family or friends of someone that suffered with breast cancer. These badges are a tool to open communication between citizens and officers and spark conversations that may not be had otherwise,” said Chief Henderson. The department says the pink badges are a way for the officers to show support to those that are currently battling breast cancer or to the families that have lost someone to the disease.
Source: KOAM News
Three Kansas counties meet to discuss concerns over proposed energy corridor
On Tuesday night, leaders of three central Kansas counties met to discuss a proposed energy corridor that has landowners concerned. The National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) is a route designated by the federal government to expand projects to transport electricity. The federal proposal could take a five-mile-wide path of land through Kansas or future energy transmission needs. Many residents are worried that their land will be taken through the eminent domain. “They want to know that their family’s safe, or that their business, if it runs across a business, that their business is safe,” said Barton County District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld. During the meeting, county commissioners from Barton, Russell, and Pawnee counties, along with state and federal legislators, heard residents’ concerns and discussed what to do next. “You’re going to have to keep showing up if you want to see change,” said Pawnee County Commissioner Bob Rein. Over 100 people gathered at Barton Community College on Tuesday. Their goal is to answer a few concerns, such as the eminent federal domain and how the corridor relates to the Grain Belt Express, an already approved private energy line that has been in the works for over a decade.
Source: KSN-TV
New sales tax to support health care goes into effect in Norton County
Starting Oct. 1, Norton County residents will see a change in the cash register as a 1% sales tax increase to support health care goes into effect. Kevin Faughnder, Norton County Hospital’s CEO, said it’s tough for rural health nationwide to succeed financially. Faughnder says he is excited as a hospital employee, but understands the importance of the change. “From a taxpayer perspective, it’s always tough to pay more taxes, and I think that’s why it’s really important for us to be responsible with how we use this money,” Faughnder said. “So both excited and mindful of the fact that we are increasing taxes.” In May, voters in Norton County overwhelmingly passed the sales tax increase. Faughnder can see both the pros and cons. He says that, as a hospital employee, he is excited about the change, but as a taxpayer, he understands that it’s hard to pay more taxes. The sales tax runs for 10 years, 75% of which will go toward the county hospital, and the other 25% will go to EMS. “We just need to be methodical in how we go about it, but that’s what this tax money is going to do for us,” Faughnder said. “It’s going to give us an opportunity to address some things that in the past we just didn’t have the ability to do.”
Source: KSN-TV
Arkansas City to upgrade water system
Arkansas City has launched its new Drinking Water System Improvement Master Plan. The city says the initiative is critical to address aging infrastructure and improve efficiency. “We are excited to take this next step toward modernizing our water system,” City Manager Randy Frazer said in a news release. “While the new treatment facility was a tremendous achievement, we recognize the need to continue investing in our infrastructure to ensure reliable water service for our residents and businesses. This master plan represents a long-term commitment to sustaining our water system and distributing costs equitably.” While the city has recently improved the water system, including completing a new water treatment facility in 2018, Arkansas City officials say more work is needed to improve the distribution system and increase the city’s water supply.
Source: KSN-TV
Union hopes new bonus will plug gap after ‘unprecedented loss’ of Shawnee County dispatchers
Emergency dispatchers in Shawnee County will be receiving a new retention bonus in a move praised by law enforcement and a local union. Shawnee County commissioners approved of a new $3,000 retention bonus for dispatchers in late September. This new plan, which has a $94,000 price tag, also comes with various pay rates for different shifts. 27 News reached out to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office for a response to the recent approval of the new retention bonus for dispatchers. Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Abigail Christian responded to these questions on behalf of the law enforcement group. Local Communications Workers of American Union President Buddy Cordero said his group worked to help make this retention bonus happen. The union made Shawnee County Sheriff Brian Hill aware of the situation and how dire it had become. Cordero said the lack of dispatchers can create a public safety issue. The work of responding to calls and emergencies, when split between a short staff, can lead to burnout among those who are left to shoulder the increased burden.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Petition to lift breed-specific ban in Salina fails
An effort to lift a dog breed-specific ban in Salina has hit a roadblock. Salinans Against BSL (Breed Specific Language) has been working for years to lift the breed-specific ban. Last week, a petition containing 1,814 signatures requiring the city to either repeal or modify the ban was delivered to the Saline County Election Office. Under Kansas Law, petitions must have the signatures of at least 25% of registered voters who voted in the last municipal election. The city says that of 1,814 signatures, only 1,369 were accepted by the Saline County Election Office, which fell below the 25% requirement. The city says the election office found that 445 of the petition signatures were from unregistered voters, names that didn’t match signatures, signatures of people with canceled voter registrations, and those who live in the wrong districts. The final tally left the petition just 22 signatures short of passing. Under state law, the petitioner can’t submit additional signatures to make up for the shortfall.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Wamego may close burn pile to non-residents
The City of Wamego’s burn pile has always been intended for city resident use only, however city officials have never enforced the rule and county residents have been allowed to haul debris there. That may soon change. Wamego City Manager Stacie Eichem on Monday informed the Pottawatomie County Commissioners maintaining the burn site has become a bigger job than what current city staff can manage. If the city is to allow county residents to continue to use the site as they have been, a full time employee will need to be hired. Wamego City Commissioners offered to leave the burn site operation “as-is” if Pottawatomie County would contribute $35,000 to hire someone to operate the burn site as it is currently being operated. Otherwise, the city will need to enforce the ordinance and no longer allow anyone outside of the city to use the site.
Source: themercury.com
Andover modifies policy on financial guarantees, bond terms to make suburb more ‘developer friendly’
Andover is attempting to make development easier and faster for developers. This month, the city of Andover’s Council unanimously approved changes to its policy on public infrastructure financing for developments up for special assessments. The changes will reduce the financial guarantee requirements of developers and modify bond servicing terms for the city — among other things. Special assessment petitions are methods utilized by cities to finance public infrastructure improvements — such as streets, sidewalks, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water and traffic control signals — by charging the cost directly to the properties benefiting from the improvements. The method allows the costs to be shared by developers and property owners in the district that is benefitting from the development.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for September 30, 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.
Petition to repeal Salina’s pit bull ban falls short of goal
A petition to force the Salina City Commission to take some kind of action on the current pit bull ban has been rejected…. ‘Of the 1,814 signatures submitted, only 1,369 were accepted… This means the petition fell short by 22 of the required number of signatures.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for September 27, 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.
Grant will help study hunger problem
As part of the ongoing process of working to improve living in rural Kansas, Gov. Laura Kelly recently announced 14 grant recipients of the Rural Champions program. One of those recipients is Cowley County, where the monies will be used to develop strategies to combat hunger. This is the second year that the state, through its Office of Rural Prosperity, has awarded the Rural Champion grants to organizations within counties with fewer than 40,000 population. An application for Cowley County last year was unsuccessful. This time, though, the state is awarding the county through the Legacy Community Foundation one-year wage stipend of $20,800 along with training and resources provided for the person chosen to be the Rural Champion. The community will receive up to $25,000 at the end of the research and preparation year to fund the implementation phase. The grant dovetails with a similar effort to combat food insecurity. In July, RISE Cowley received a $55,000 grant per year for three years from the Kansas Food Action Network. That grant will enable coalitions such as RISE Cowley to look at the policies, systems and environmental barriers to food security.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
No Wile E. Coyote: Watch Johnson County animal officer save coyote tangled in wire fence
On Sept. 24, Deputy Dwayne Shoop, a former Johnson County Sheriff’s deputy turned animal control officer, was called to wrangle the American jackal that had been stuck for several hours near West 135th Street and South Spoon Creek Road. Video of the encounter was posted by the sheriff’s office on social media. “It’s typical,” the deputy later said about getting a call regarding a coyote. After a call from the property owner, Shoop said he came upon the coyote that was hanging by its left leg in the fence. The coyote had a bewildered face with wide eyes and an open mouth as the deputy cut its left leg out of the wire. The animal left the situation with a dislocated hip and severed tendon and was taken to Operation Wildlife for treatment, a nonprofit which provides rehabilitation and veterinary services to injured and orphaned wild animals.
Source: KC Star Local News
City to discuss $10 million upgrades to Sunrise, Sunset cemeteries
Some of the proposed upgrades to Sunrise Cemetery include the construction of a new shop and office, renovating the existing shop, paving a section of the maintenance lot and fencing the maintenance yard. At Sunset Cemetery, upgrades could include building a new joint maintenance shop with Sunset Zoo, installing a new irrigation system, adding columbaria, making storm drainage and utility improvements, reconstructing cemetery roads, improving accessible sidewalks at the entry and Carriage House and making repairs to the memorial arc.
Source: 1350 KMAN
What the COVID surge looks like for Butler County
Just one year and four months after the COVID-19 Pandemic has ended, the virus is now a regular visitor for cold and flu season. With health professionals declaring a surge in COVID-19 cases, Butler County is staying below alarming rates of positive testing, which gives medical personnel great hope of no return to pandemic level emergency. The COVID-19 Pandemic was declared as “over” by the World Health Organization, (WHO), on May 5, 2023. This insinuated that the virus is no longer a public health emergency, allowing health and medical professionals to only monitor positive cases with no other restrictions. The WHO was able to declare such a statement due to overwhelming evidence that COVID-19 virus infections had decreased significantly, and the virus is no longer spreading at a rapid rate.
Source: Andover American
Grain Belt Express to connect with wind, solar transmission lines
The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has given approval with conditions to a siting plan for two 345 kV transmission lines, known as the AC Collector System, designed to connect wind and solar farms to the Grain Belt Express. One line is planned to run 46 miles through parts of Ford, Meade, and Gray Counties (the “Meade-Dodge City Line”) and the other approximately 16 miles through parts of Ford County (the “Bucklin-Dodge City Line”). Conditions imposed by the order require Grain Belt to file a routing analysis comparing the company’s originally proposed route of the Meade-Dodge City line to an alternate route, referred to as Boyd Alternative 2. The two routes only differ within one specifically-defined five-mile area. Upon completion of the study, which is due no later than January 15, 2025, the Commission will schedule a second public hearing and comment period to give affected landowners an opportunity to comment on both routes under consideration. The first public hearing on the company’s originally proposed route was held on July 10.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Colwich, Bentley, Halstead, Newton firefighters attend natural gas training
Firefighters from Kansas towns including Halstead, Bentley and Colwich attended a natural gas firefighting training that evening put on by Black Hills Energy which has a local office in Wichita. Leading the demonstration was Arlen Thompson who retired from Black Hills Energy after more than 30 years and was a volunteer firefighter for more than 30 years in Freemont. Black Hills Energy is a natural gas utility that serves a variety of Kansas towns including Colwich, Maize, Sterling, Attica and Andale. “We serve 65 communities in Kansas,” James P. Williams, media person with the natural gas company, said. They rotate the training having it in different communities around the state in their service area.
Source: Harvey County Now
Public financing plan for derelict Olathe shopping center gets OK from county
In a rare discussion of a city redevelopment deal, Johnson County commissioners declined last Thursday to challenge tax increment financing for the Rosebud Plaza Shopping Center in Olathe. The Olathe City Council recently gave the go-ahead to start negotiating an incentive package for the $26 million development at the northeast corner of Santa Fe Street and Mur-Len Road. The developer has proposed a maximum $7 million reimbursement from a TIF in the area, possibly with a Community Improvement District — another type of incentive — to be added later. The shopping center was formerly anchored by a Hobby Lobby, which moved out in 2018. Since then, the complex has become run down.
Source: Johnson County Post
Southeast Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial revitalized by local crews
The Southeast Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial gets a revamp. The memorial was built in 2003, and the statue put in place in 2017. Firefighters began cleanup at 9:00 a.m. at the Girard Fire Department. Teams from across Southeast Kansas also helped put down new rocks, felt paper, and edging. A memorial service is held each October, but this year they wanted to make the memorial look more fresh. Girard Fire Department Captain, Daulton Crays, says it’s also a way to continue paying tribute. “This is important to us. The memorial is to honor all of the fallen firefighters for Southeast Kansas. So it’s important to us to carry on their legacy and keep this looking good and take pride in it,” said Daulton Crays, Girard Fire Department Captain.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Retention bonus approved for Shawnee County dispatchers
Shawnee County dispatchers are getting pay bonuses for their hard work and dedication after local leaders approved a one-time retention payout Thursday. Shawnee County commissioners approved of a new contract on Sept. 26 for people serving as dispatchers. Part of this plan includes a one-time retention bonus of $3,000 while also providing various pay rates for different shifts. The decision comes as the county looks to hire and keep dispatchers. Buddy Cordero, president of the local CWA Union, touched on the issue in a talk with commissioners.
Source: KSNT 27 News
County governments are often overlooked
Part of this is because Kansas, like the rest of the country, is quite urban, at least if you count where people actually live. For decades, the rural expanses of Kansas have emptied, with people moving to cities and their surrounding suburbs, increasing the focus on — and increasing the partisan competition over — city governments and municipal elections.
Source: Salina Journal
Roeland Park adopts tree preservation ordinance
Trees in Roeland Park right-of-ways and front yards are now protected in the city code. The Roeland Park City Council last week voted 7-1 to adopt a tree ordinance that intends to preserve the city’s tree canopy by protecting trees in the rights-of-way and front yards.
Source: Johnson County Post
A return on investment is coming to De Soto residents fatigued by Panasonic construction
Residents in De Soto, Kansas, are being affected by major infrastructure improvements spurred by the construction of a Panasonic battery plant. With $250 million in public works projects underway, community members are experiencing “construction fatigue,” but city leaders say they’re already seeing a return on investment from construction of the 300-acre battery factory.
Source: KCUR
City works to get driver’s licenses reinstated for some Wichitans
Wichita announced a new program to help residents get their driver’s licenses back after suspension. The program is called the Wichita Area Restoration Program (WARP), and it offers the following…
Source: KSN-TV
ACLU warns Shawnee councilmember for deleting residents’ Facebook comments
A Shawnee city councilmember’s alleged actions on social media have drawn the attention of a civil rights advocacy group and sparked a conversation about online interactions…. The issue goes back to the First Amendment… which protects free speech in a public forum. Because [the councilmember] operates both a personal Facebook page and a public one for updates on his work as a councilmember, the latter is considered an open forum.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Wichita preps ‘more aggressive’ anti-camping ordinances aimed at homeless encampments
The city of Wichita is drafting two new anti-camping ordinances in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that held local governments can impose civil and criminal penalties on homeless people for camping on public land — even if the city doesn’t have enough shelter space to house those people. City Manager Robert Layton said last week that the City Council has called for changes so Wichita can be “more aggressive” at policing homeless camps on public property. While the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development considers Wichita one of the most affordable metro areas in the nation, the number of unsheltered homeless people in Wichita is increasing, with a 25% increase in the past year alone, amid rising rents, an affordable housing shortage and historically high housing and utility costs.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Commission fields more homeless questions
Pittsburg resident Roger Lomshek approached the commissioners on Tuesday during public input to see if any had read the federal guidelines he passed out at the previous session. According to Lomshek, federal law allows any organization issuing housing vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to set up local preferences prioritizing distribution of vouchers based on residency or employment. “Federal law explicitly allows a restriction to prevent somebody from just coming here after being issued a HUD voucher,” Lomshek said. In the past, Lomshek has provided the commissioners with a number of policy changes for the Pittsburg Housing Authority that include the federal guidelines to implement residency requirements. Lomshek also included what he calls “good neighbor resolutions” for local charities and organizations to follow in the interest of public safety. He said it could prevent significant numbers of criminals from migrating to Pittsburg with the purpose of finding assistance and committing more crimes.
Source: Morning Sun
Lenexa council rejects Johnson County homeless shelter plan, putting project in limbo
Despite a looming legal threat, the Lenexa City Council rejected a crucial permit for Johnson County to finally establish a permanent homeless shelter, effectively killing the project as it stands now. After 1 a.m. Wednesday, in a packed, six-hour-long meeting, the council voted 5-2 to deny the request for a special use permit to operate a year-round homeless shelter at the La Quinta Inn and Suites and a nearby shuttered restaurant off of Interstate 35 and 95th Street. It is a major loss for Johnson County officials, who have spent the past year evaluating the site and preparing to close on the purchase of the property — the closest the county has gotten to starting a shelter for single adults experiencing homelessness.
Source: Joco 913 News
Fairfax fallout: GM’s shift to electric vehicles prompts wave of layoffs across KC metro
As General Motors assembly lines in Fairfax prepare for a nap next year, paving the way for a $390 million investment in electric vehicle production, the auto manufacturing giant and a handful of its Kansas City area suppliers have signaled they’ll cut some jobs for good. Beginning in November, production will slow at the commercial hub in Kansas City, Kansas, the effects of which will cascade across the Missouri River and into the Northland. Five metro area companies that do business with General Motors recently notified workers of plans to either suspend operations or shut down entirely.
Source: KC Star Local News
Downtown Pittsburg is bringing back a Halloween tradition
For many years, merchants in Downtown Pittsburg offered their store window as a blank canvas for young artists to paint during Halloween. This annual fall tradition of window painting fell by the wayside for more than a decade but is now being revived with the help of local businesses and organizations. Thanks to Ryan Insurance, the Downtown Advisory Board, The Morning Sun and ArtForms Gallery, Downtown businesses can again have their windows painted by school-aged children for Halloween. The Halloween Window Painting Contest will take place this October and encourages kids ages 5-12 to compete and show off their artistic talents. Downtown merchants can register along with their own artists (kids, grandkids, customers, and friends) or request to be assigned to an artist who will paint their window. All painting materials will be provided FREE to artists thanks to Ryan Insurance. Window painting will be completed by Friday, Oct. 19, just in time for the PSU Homecoming Parade. All participating businesses and artists will be highlighted in the Morning Sun as part of a special newspaper insert, which will be published the week of Oct. 21.
Source: City of Pittsburg
Community invited to help paint new mural at Barton County Health Department
The Barton Arts Movement (BAM) invites the public to a special Community Paint Party as part of their latest mural project at the Barton County Health Department. This unique opportunity will allow community members to make their mark on Barton County’s newest mural, celebrating health-care heroes and wellness initiatives, sponsors said. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Health Department, 1300 Kansas Ave. Local artists Jessica Kerr and Taylor Carr, the talented duo behind the mural’s design, will be on-site to guide volunteers through the painting process. No artistic experience is needed – “just bring your enthusiasm and creativity,” said Andrea Bauer, BAM chair. Children under 16 are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by an adult.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Wichita plans overnight closings of park, streets to reduce crime
Wichita officials have announced plans to close a park and adjacent streets in the city’s Museum District, starting in October, in an effort to reduce crime and unsafe activity in the area. City Council member Brandon Johnson announced the closings during the weekly City Hall news conference on Thursday. He said starting October 1st, Sim Park and the adjacent streets will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Johnson said there have been concerns about street racing, vandalism and property crimes in the area. He said the closings are intended to safeguard the park and the museums and discourage illegal activity. Signs will be posted along Amidon and Museum Boulevard, near the entrances to the park area and near the west entrance to Botanica. The streets will not be closed when there are special events, such as Illuminations at Botanica.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
City split on allowing alcohol outside licensed areas during special events
Manhattan city commissioners on Tuesday split over the possible adoption of a common consumption area ordinance, which would allow a person to possess and consume an alcoholic beverage within a specified area not licensed to serve alcohol at a specified time. That potentially could include city property, sidewalks and streets.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Valley Center tackles cemetery fee issues
According to the Ark Valley News, the Valley Center City Council requested more information and research from city staff regarding a cemetery fee policy that came under scrutiny recently. Hearing from Steve Hipps, the council learned he was charged an additional $800 to bury his father (a non-resident) in the city though his cemetery plot was purchased in 2011 – 11 years before Valley Center passed an ordinance requiring additional burial fees for non-city residents. A full refund was requested by Hipps, while council directed staff to look into the policy and get answers to potentially remediate the situation.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Haysville district hosts bond discussions
In anticipation of a potential bond vote next spring, the Haysville school district is currently hosting a series of community meetings to gain input. The last such meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Campus High School. No official action has been taken, but a decision is anticipated in December. District staff noted the bond would not look to add any new school buildings, but construction of a career and tech center could be a potential bond item. Primarily, the bond would look to address upkeep and maintenance at district facilities (HVAC, roof repairs, athletic turf replacement, etc.)
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Leavenworth School District’s new website feature to report threats
The Leavenworth Unified School District’s website officially has a new feature to help report tips, ask questions or raise concerns. Community members can use the new feature to alert the district if they feel like there’s a threat. The button on the website’s home page features four words, ‘See Something, Say Something.’ FOX4 spoke with District Superintendent Dr. Kellen Adams and Republican County Attorney Todd Thompson on Wednesday, September 25. Thompson claims there’s a difference between a disruption to a school day and a threat, and what happened at the high school earlier in the month was more of a threat than just a disruption. That incident caused the creation of the new website feature, where people can submit tips without others seeing you do it. Adams said anyone can use this online form, but it’s mostly for student use. “There is sometimes a really difficult decision that a student has to make of whether or not, ‘Do I come forward with this information?’” he said in his interview with FOX4 Wednesday.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
Meeting to discuss possible sales tax hike set
The Jackson County Commissioners will host a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, at the first floor meeting room at the Jackson County Courthouse to discuss the possibility of increasing the county sales tax by one percent, from 1.4 percent to 2.4 percent, it was reported. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to share their feedback. During the county public hearing last month to exceed the revenue neutral rate, some residents in attendance voiced their support for raising the county sales tax in order to help reduce the county mill levy. Jackson County currently has a 1.4 percent sales tax rate, which includes a special .4 percent sales tax for road and bridge improvements and for each of the county’s cities. The special .4 percent sales tax was renewed by voters in November 2019 and will be in place for seven years. According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, Jackson County’s sale tax has generated $1,703,815.10 this year through August. During the same time period in 2023, the tax generated $1,554,779.53.
Source: Holton Recorder