Kansas Municipal News
Hillsboro to take over bowling alley
The Hillsboro City Council met on Tuesday, Aug. 20 where they approved an agreement for the city to take over the bowling alley. “As we have discussed since spring, Hillsboro Development Corporation wants the city to take over ownership of the bowling alley to ensure that the operations continue. In the agreement the city would receive the bowling alley, all the equipment and existing bank accounts for the sum of $1. There are no outstanding liabilities against the property or operation. The value of the accounts is likely to be more than $20,000 which will be used to support operations at the alley. The city will pay the closing costs and cost of any inspections. There are no stipulations on the use of the alley applied to the sale,” said Hillsboro City Administrator Matt Stiles. Stiles explained that the intention is to keep the bowling alley as a separate unit from the normal city funds.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
County hears wind farm concerns
The Marion County Board of Commissioners heard concerns about wind energy expansion from Goessel residents led by Brian Stucky. He explained that in October 2023, a story appeared in the Marion County Record to say that the Orsted Energy company was now looking to expand to the west part of the County, in the townships of West Branch, East Branch, Menno and Liberty. “Now we face the real possibility that 500-foot tall wind turbines will be near Goessel. There are positives and negatives. There are some who see wind turbines as a good thing, but there are some who absolutely do not want to live anywhere close to them for a variety of reasons. Turbines should be placed in areas with sparse population. Just not here,” said Stucky.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
Olathe approves flat tax rate, higher utility rates, expanded rebate program for 2025
Olathe has adopted a budget for 2025 that keeps the municipal property tax rate flat but raises city utility rates. That new budget — valued at roughly $611 million — will keep the property tax, or mill levy, rate static at 23.356. It is also expected to add about $10 a month to the average utility cost in the city for residents who use all of Olathe’s utilities. Ultimately, the 2025 budget passed 4-2 Tuesday, with councilmembers Kevin Gilmore and Robyn Essex voting no. Councilmember Matt Schoonover was absent. City leaders, including Mayor John Bacon and Chief Mike Butaud, marked the opening of the reimagined Olathe Police Department headquarters with a ribbon-cutting in May 2024. Photo credit Kaylie McLaughlin.
How will this affect your tax bill? For 2025, Olathe will keep the city’s property tax rate of 23.356 mills. That’s still one of the lowest property tax rates among Johnson County cities. But Olathe property owners should expect to pay more next year on their annual property tax bill because home values — which contribute to the amount you pay — have continued their upward trend. Per the real estate statistics kept by Johnson County, Olathe’s average residential property value is $407,350, up about 7.3%. To calculate what your bill is, you multiply the value of your home by .115 (the residential assessment rate). Then, divide that number by 1,000. Multiply the result by the adopted mill levy rate of 23.356. For the average homeowner in Olathe, that means about $1,904 in property taxes owed to the city next year. Keep in mind that your total annual property tax bill also includes rates from other jurisdictions, like Johnson County and the school district you live in.
Source: Johnson County Post
Petitions rattled Prairie Village last summer. Kansas appeals court will now hear the case.
Last year’s hotly-discussed Prairie Village petitions are headed before a panel of three appellate judges next month. After nearly a year in the Kansas Court of Appeals, three much-discussed petitions — circulated by PV United, also known as Stop Rezoning Prairie Village, a group of residents who opposed zoning changes — are scheduled for a hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. City Administrator Wes Jordan told the Post via email on Wednesday that he anticipates both sides will be able to share “their perspectives of the case and be prepared to answer questions the Court may have.” Stop Rezoning PV’s spokesperson could not be reached for comment for this story. One petition called for limitations on rezoning in Prairie Village, and two separate petitions called for abandoning the city’s current form of government and adopting a new form. The “adoption” petition also wanted to slash the Prairie Village City Council in half from 12 councilmembers to six during a year when six council seats were up for election. This hearing comes nearly a year after Johnson County District Court Judge Rhonda Mason issued a ruling that only one of the three petitions — the “abandon” petition which called for less drastic government changes — was eligible for a future ballot. PV United filed a notice of appeal days after Mason issued her final ruling. The city filed its own appeal in response in early October 2023. Remember: These petitions are separate from a recent recall petition against Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson. That petition was circulated for signatures this past summer and failed to meet the necessary threshold to move forward. A breakdown of the petitions in question
Stop Rezoning PV circulated three separate petitions for signatures last summer, intending to get each petition on the November 2023 ballot. Thousands of residents signed each of the three petitions. Here’s what the petitions said, in summary: The “rezoning” petition called for limiting rezoning and, in particular, curtailing the use of accessory dwelling units — such as so-called “granny flats” — and other multifamily projects in single-family neighborhoods in Prairie Village. The “abandon” petition aimed to throw out the city’s current mayor-council form of government. The petition’s organizers have called the current form of government a “strong mayor” form and signaled an interest in paring back mayoral power. The “adoption” petition sought to replace the mayor-council form of government with a mayor-council-manager form of government. That petition included language that would have slashed the Prairie Village City Council in half from 12 councilmembers to six and would have effectively ended six councilmembers’ terms two years early.
Source: Johnson County Post
City of Columbus announces new demolition grant program
The City of Columbus announces the beginning of a new Demolition Grant Program, made possible by a generous donation. This program offers a valuable opportunity for local business owners and residents who need to remove abandoned commercial or residential structures, as well as outbuildings like garages and sheds. Through this program, eligible property owners can have these structures demolished at no cost, helping to enhance the community’s appearance and safety without incurring expenses. To apply for the Demolition Grant Program or to get more information, interested parties can access the application form on the city’s website: Demolition Grant Program Application.
Source: KOAM News
The City of Pittsburg officially launches city trash service
The City of Pittsburg hopes to help resident’s trash concerns with the official launch of a city run trash service starting the week of Sept. 2nd. This comes after many residents have reported issues with services like CARDs Recycling & Waste Management (also known as CARDs) frequently not picking up trash while still charging customers. “We’ve stuck with (CARDs) until we get the Pittsburg one,” says one Pittsburg resident. “The city’s always been in trash. We’ve always been in the trash business. what we’re doing is just getting a little better equipment and assigning some personnel,” says Daron Hall, City Manager. “Because right now, when the trash doesn’t get picked up by one of the contractors who is supposed to pick it up, it ends up falling to the city.” The service is available for anyone within the city limits or who receives city water. The city last projected there have been around 800+ signups for the service so far. The city now has two trash trucks, hundreds of roll carts and dumpsters and a designated team. Hall says residents aren’t required to sign up for the city service, it’s just another option available. And because the trash service is supported entirely by its own fees, residents who aren’t signed up for trash pickup with the city aren’t paying for it in any way. Residents signed up for the city trash service will not be charged for September according to Hall. This is because the new team is learning the routes and the stops, and he hopes residents will be patient and understanding of any mistakes. Customers will receive their first bills in October.
Source: KOAM News
Great Bend releases app to explore the community
Great Bend has released an app that allows users to explore the city. The Great Bend Alive Tours app uses GPS navigation, photos, video, and audio narration to take visitors on two unique guided tours of the city. The first is a tour of the historic downtown, and the second is a tour of the city’s unique art. The historic tour takes visitors around the courthouse square and neighboring streets, where they will learn the history of historic buildings, as well as about sites where important structures once stood. The art tour showcases murals and sculptures around Great Bend and includes interviews and audio clips with the artists who created them. The app was created through Great Bend Alive, part of Great Bend Economic Development, a public/private partnership focused on economic development in Barton County. They plan to expand the app’s features in the future. “The potential for this app is virtually endless,” said Lee Ann June, Communications Director for Great Bend Economic Development. “We have plans to use it with downtown events held by Great Bend Alive, the City of Great Bend, and others. The Great Bend Alive Preservation Team is also excited to develop new tours focused on historic events and properties in the area.” The app is available for both iOS and Android or through any web browser.
Source: KSN-TV
Mayor gives update on Cheney level, water restrictions
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu is urging the community to remain vigilant about the drought. On Thursday, she said the city saw a slight uptick in water usage from previous weeks. Thursday marks one month since mandatory water restrictions began in Wichita and neighboring towns The graphic shows the volume of treated water going from the Hess Pump Station to the 500,000 water customers in Wichita and neighboring towns. The red line is when the restrictions began. The dips are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when no watering is allowed. Wichita began the watering restrictions because the water level at Cheney Reservoir was dropping, and the mayor says it continues to drop. “The 12-month moving average conservation pool is at 67.2%, which is a decrease of 1.2% in the last month,” Wu said. “Cheney is currently at 59.7% full in total. The rain we have had in August didn’t provide much relief.” She says the city has sent almost 245 warning letters to residents suspected of violating the mandatory water restrictions. However, the number of letters sent has decreased each week. Last week, only 30 were sent. The city has not issued any fines yet. “We want to continue to emphasize education and the importance of coming together to safeguard our most important resource – water,” the mayor said. Wichita’s drought plan allows people northwest of Central and Broadway to water on Mondays, northeast on Tuesdays, southwest on Wednesdays, and southeast on Thursdays. Watering is limited to before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. NW Wichita can water on Mondays. NE can water on Tuesdays. SW can water on Wednesdays. SE can water on Thursdays. The City of Wichita continues to offer rebates to people who install water-saving devices. So far, the city has approved rebates for 343 devices totaling almost $25,000. More than $50,000 remains in the rebate program. The rebates are for many products, including rain barrels, rain sensor shutoffs, smart irrigation controllers, toilet repair kits and dual-flush converter kits. Click here to learn more.
Source: KSN-TV
Burlingame offers solution to ‘mitigate’ fox population
The City of Burlingame recently shared a list of nuisance animal trappers who could help ‘mitigate’ the city’s local fox population – a process that usually kills the fox. On Aug. 19, a concerned citizen addressed the Burlingame city council about the overpopulation of foxes in the community. The citizen asked what the city could do to help with the problem. Chief of Police Matthew Baker said the city doesn’t handle foxes but said the city can loan live traps to citizens. He said once an animal is caught, it’s up to the person who trapped it to dispose of.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Voters will decide this fall whether Lawrence should change its government structure, including a directly elected mayor
Voters won’t be choosing Lawrence’s city leaders in this November’s elections, but they will be weighing in on how they should be chosen — including whether voters should decide on the mayor themselves. Back in February 2023, the Lawrence City Commission approved a resolution to put a question on the November 2024 ballot about whether Lawrence should change its form of government to one with a directly elected mayor and geographic districts for commissioners.
Source: LJWorld
Clearwater Schools struggle with rising chronic absenteeism rates
“We had a pretty large increase in our chronic absenteeism,” said Jason Johnson, superintendent of Clearwater Public Schools. “So, prior to COVID, we were about 13% chronically absent, and this past year, we were about 25%.” When a student misses at least 10% of a school year, Johnson said a student is chronically absent.
Source: KWCH
Lawmakers dig into proposed Bonner Springs theme park
Kansas lawmakers heard an update on a theme park being developed by Mattel, the toy company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, in Bonner Springs. The park is working with the city and state to secure Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds to help pay for the project…. In April, Bonner Springs approved of a STAR Bond district boundary, which would allow the state to award funds to businesses that will be repaid over time with the sales taxes generated by in-district businesses.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for September 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.
City clerk’s death spurs push for more checks
Controversy surrounding the disappearance and death, confirmed Thursday, of Peabody’s interim city clerk has prompted the governor and lieutenant governor to promise to be “pursuing changes to the background check statutes this upcoming legislative session.” “Clearly, Jonathan Clayton was able to avoid the discovery of his criminal convictions,” Will Lawrence, chief of state to Governor Laura Kelly, said in a release Thursday. “His financial crimes coming to light, and questions about his involvement with local organizations that received ARPA grants, appear to have set off the chain of events that have occurred over the last several weeks.”
Source: Marion County RECORD
Governor Kelly Announces MARSHALLTOWN to Invest $27M, Create 40 Jobs in Wyandotte County
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that MARSHALLTOWN, a recognized supplier of high-quality tools and products to major brands such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, is investing $27 million to build a new distribution center in Wyandotte County. Once the project is completed, MARSHALLTOWN is expected to create 40 new jobs in the Kansas City area. “My administration continues to attract economic development projects that will create a significant number of new jobs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “MARSHALLTOWN’s investment in the state reflects the work we are doing to make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” MARSHALLTOWN will place its new 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Scannell Properties’ 435 Logistics Park. The new facility will act as the company’s satellite location and will include warehouse space and distribution. “I am thrilled to announce MARSHALLTOWN’s plans to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the Kansas City metro area that will significantly enhance our logistics capabilities,” MARSHALLTOWN COO Jack Murders said. “This strategically located facility is set to become a key hub for distribution and a vital transfer point between our operations. We believe this move represents another forward-thinking step for MARSHALLTOWN, reinforcing our commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Moran says OSHA rules threaten volunteer fire departments
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran says financially strapped volunteer fire departments in Kansas and other states should be exempt from costly federal regulations included in a proposed update of health and safety standards for emergency response workers. Standards under consideration by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration would apply to firefighters as well as personnel engaged in emergency medical services and technical search and rescue operations. The agency recommended changes to rules regarding written emergency response plans, hazard vulnerability assessments, training, personal protective equipment, medical screening and behavioral health services. Moran, a Kansas Republican, joined a bipartisan group of eight U.S. senators who asked the federal Department of Labor to exclude volunteer fire departments from “burdensome” portions of the proposed regulations. In Kansas, nearly 80% of fire departments are staffed by volunteers.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Pete’s Puddle in disagreement with county
Owners of longstanding resort Pete’s Puddle argue that the county is making unfair demands of the business. The county says it asks any business in the county to meet these regulations. At the Harvey County Commission meeting, the commissioners worked to sort through both sides’ complaints. Ronald Anderson and Shad Anderson bought Pete’s Puddle in March 2023 and have been working to revitalize the resort since. The resort is located at 4801 N Willow Lake Rd. in Burrton. The Andersons have added several structures, and they have also added sewer lines without notifying the county or obtaining permits. Issues arose in June after the Andersons held a concert and follow up events without obtaining permission or notifying the county. Karen Rothe, director of the planning and zoning department, found out about the events after a member of the public brought it up to her, asking if the owners had it zoned properly for this. “Small entertainment for members and guests is allowed,” Rothe said. “However, larger events for the general public would require a CUP [conditional use permit].” The owners requested a conditional use permit after Rothe sent them a violation letter. Rothe said they had a number of requirements the owners needed to meet. The county planning and zoning commission had approved the permit with the condition that the owners meet the regulations. Some of the regulations, Rothe said, were for safety concerns, like creating a wildfire and flooding plan, sharing where the sewer lines were being dumped and contacting the fire marshal for a capacity limit.
Source: Harvey County Now
Physician returns to his hometown to practice medicine
Dr. Eyan Roth’s career has come full circle. Roth recently started work as a general practitioner at NMC Health Family Medicine-Hesston, returning to his hometown and even a place where he used to work as a teen. The 2012 Hesston High School graduate used to work in housekeeping at Schowalter Villa in Hesston when he was in high school, and when he was in housekeeping, it was all women and three high school boys employed in that department. In college, Roth was a CNA there. When he worked there, Roth remembers seeing the doctors do their rounds. “Looked forward to the day I would do something like that,” he said. Last week, which was his first week at the Hesston clinic, Roth did rounds at Schowalter with Karla Hostetler, APRN. “I’m excited,” he said. “It was fun to be back in the building. It’s also kind of weird because I still picture myself as the housekeeper/CNA. It’s fun to have this new role.” At the clinic, he’ll see patients throughout the week, will do rounds at Schowalter and colonoscopes at NMC Health in Newton. Roth also grew up going to a pediatrician in the same building at which he’s now working when it was Mid Kansas Family Practice. Roth moved back to Hesston a couple of months ago. He has a wife, Hannah, and a 2.5-year-old daughter and one on the way. Hannah is a physician’s assistant in Wichita.
Source: Harvey County Now
Here’s what the new president of De Soto Chamber says about changes coming to city
The newly named president and CEO of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce comes to the job amid a big transformation for the city. Panasonic Energy’s electric vehicle battery facility is scheduled to open in 2025 — and it’s one of the largest economic development projects in the history of Kansas. Tim Holverson had been vice president of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. He also has worked as the executive vice president of the Leavenworth-Lansing area Chamber of Commerce. Holverson started his career in government affairs, serving for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors. Holverson has a master’s degree in public administration from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Northern Iowa. He also graduated from the Institute for Organization Management with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma.
Source: Joco 913 News
This JoCo city may be the first in state to change trash collection under new law
Merriam may be the first city in Kansas to change its trash collection services under the Organized Collection Service Act. Assistant City Administrator Caitlin Gard told the Merriam City Council last week that it is the first city that is using the process outlined in the Organized Collection Service Act to potentially contract with one waste hauler for residential services. The act outlines standards for service transitions in solid waste and recyclable collections in a city, according to a 2011 summary of the legislation. This includes transitions from multiple solid waste haulers to a single solid waste hauler, which Merriam is currently exploring. Others in Johnson County, like the city of Prairie Village, have had single waste haulers for decades. Gard said the city of Lawrence used the Organized Collection Act to contract with a single recycling hauler, not a waste hauler. Gard said the details about a single waste hauler in Merriam are unclear, but those details will be developed as the city follows the Organized Collection Service Act steps. This is a lengthy process with several off-ramps along the way, Gard said. In October, the city council is slated to consider a resolution to craft a plan for a single waste hauler.
Source: Johnson County Post
Developer wants to remake historic De Soto ‘village’ near new Panasonic plant
Developers have rolled out a $55 million plan to rehab a historic pocket of homes in De Soto with the aim of turning the area into a site for affordable housing near the new Panasonic EV battery plant. Gardner-based Wheatland Investment Group made its first public presentation of the plan at the De Soto City Council meeting on Aug. 15. The proposal includes an application to create a Kansas Reinvestment Housing Incentive District at the site of the Clearview Village complex at 36000 W. 103rd St. Clearview Village, also commonly referred to as Clearview City, is located across the street from the $4 billion, 4.7-million-square-foot future Panasonic plant, which sits on a small portion of the one-time Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. Clearview Village currently houses about 600 residents, roughly 9% of De Soto’s population. The proposed housing district, sometimes called an RHID, would allow the city to reimburse the developers with revenue generated by property taxes in the new development that could then be used to pay for some eligible improvements, including replacing water lines, repairing sewers and resurfacing streets in the area. Speaking to the city council earlier this month, David Rhodes, co-founder of Wheatland Investments Group, explained their estimated $55 million plan to rehab the village, including renovating its 242 existing structures and adding 99 new units. Other changes include: Installing new fire hydrants, Repairing and/or replacing storm and sanitary sewers, Replacing water lines,
Adding a water connection point on Sunflower Road, and Resurfacing and repairing streets. The group would work on the changes to the pipes and sewers first before working on the buildings, Rhodes said. Though they’re maintaining the 85-year-old pipes, sewer and water lines, Rhodes said approval of the housing incentive district would help pay for expenses to improve them. “We feel like we need to improve the infrastructure under the ground before we do all this improvement above ground,” he said.
Source: Johnson County Post
Olathe warehouse project spurs bigger question: What are incentives for?
In Olathe, philosophical discussions about the city’s use of economic development tools have continued as some city councilmembers express discomfort in giving incentives to projects that don’t offer high wages or have fallen short in their eyes in other ways. Last week, the Olathe City Council voted 5-2 to approve a resolution of intent to issue $23 million in industrial revenue bonds on a project in the Lone Elm Commerce Center. The resolution also outlines a proposed 10-year partial property tax abatement. Councilmembers Matt Schoonover and Dean Vakas cast the no votes, echoing past conversations on the matter. During the discussion last Tuesday, city staff once again pointed out that the application for the bonds is in line with the city’s existing standards. Those standards include a minimum private investment threshold of $10 million, as well as cost-benefit ratio requirements largely focused on how much property tax a development will ultimately generate. Still, Councilmember Schoonover questioned whether the proposed average starting wages of $38,000 per year for jobs at the Lone Elm project would be something people could live on in Olathe. He also questioned whether that projected average wage was even accurate. He raised concerns that some jobs at the facility could pay much lower than that as well. “Are these companies bringing jobs to the city that, quite frankly, will actually be a benefit to the city?” Schoonover said, noting that he’s been “struggling” with the issue. He also wondered what factors contributed to the cost-benefit ratio the city uses in determining if a project is worthy of incentives. John Page, Olathe’s financial strategy manager, said the chief consideration city staff uses in that calculation is property taxes. Currently, Olathe collects $55 in property taxes from the property where the speculative industrial building is being proposed. After the abatement rolls off, the city could collect around $76,000 a year in property tax revenues.
Source: Johnson County Post
Shawnee woman says neighbors’ dogs attacked her. Can the city do anything?
A Shawnee woman suing her neighbors for injuries sustained after she says their dogs attacked her is now hoping for broader changes at the city level. In early August, Elena Asher filed a civil lawsuit in Johnson County District Court against her neighbors after their two dogs — a bull mastiff and a pitbull mix — allegedly attacked her while she was jogging near her house in the Crimson Ridge subdivision in March. Asher was taken to Overland Park Regional Medical Center, where she was treated and told she would have permanent scarring on her arm and leg. She still has tingling and numbness in her left arm, her civil complaint says. Since then, she has spoken openly about her injuries during public comment portions of two Shawnee City Council meetings, asking city councilmembers to change municipal ordinances to address animals that attack people. So far, she says, they are not listening. “It’s just been a struggle to get any real action with it,” she said. “Because in Shawnee — and I didn’t know anything about our dog laws either — but come to find out, if you have an animal that attacks and tries to hurt someone else, there are no laws that require even an impound process.” While Asher spoke about her attack to city council and her councilmembers, she feels she’s gained no momentum with a push for broader changes in city code. The city says it was “saddened” by the attack but feels no ordinances could have prevented it, Doug Donahoo, Shawnee’s communication director, said in an email. “We have been in contact with Ms. Asher and have carefully considered her suggestions,” he stated. “While we appreciate her input, we believe that changes such as restrictions on specific dog breeds and rescue animals would not have prevented this incident.” The city does have codes to address dangerous animals, including Chapter 6.14 of the city’s Code of Ordinances, which addresses the ownership of dangerous animals, including how they are kept and confined. “We understand and have listened to her concerns,” he stated. “While no set of regulations can guarantee complete safety, the city maintains robust codes to ensure the well-being of both residents and pets.” When it comes to bigger dogs, like a bull mastiff or pit bull, in the past decade, the city loosened its control on dog ownership. In April 2016, the Shawnee City Council repealed its breed-specific ordinance that prohibited residents from owning pit bulls in the city, one of a number of Johnson County cities that have rolled back rules against pit bulls in recent years. It was a move that at the time was celebrated by local animal organizations like KC Pet Project. “Our priority remains the safety of our community,” he stated. “A dramatic increase in animal control regulations would have a detrimental impact on the vast majority of responsible animal owners in the community.”
Source: Johnson County Post
Debate over homeless shelter at Lenexa hotel has echoes of past dispute
The current debate raging over a proposed county homeless shelter at a repurposed Lenexa hotel has echoes of a legal battle the city had over a previous homeless shelter. On Monday night, a Lenexa Planning Commission meeting centered around a Special Use Permit to turn the site of a La Quinta Inn and former Denny’s into a county homeless shelter featured frequent references to a previous controversy over Project 1020, the only other homeless shelter in the city serving single adults. “I love our city and county, but I think we’ve turned a blind eye to our homeless for way too long,” Greg Hack, a Lenexa resident and board member of Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church, which houses Project 1020, said during the meeting. “I’m sure you all remember it required a lawsuit by one small, brave church to get the city to even allow Project 1020 (to happen).” The federal lawsuit, filed by the church in 2019 against the city, kept Project 1020 in operation and ultimately led to the city instituting new zoning rules for homeless shelters. The shelter still operates out of the church on Pflumm Road in Old Town Lenexa during the winter months. Monday’s much-watched meeting about the new shelter resulted in the commission unanimously voting 9-0 to recommend the denial of the special use permit. That recommendation was based on several reasons articulated by city staff, including worries that the shelter did not fit the character of the surrounding area, would negatively impact nearby residences and businesses and potentially be a drain on city resources.
Source: Johnson County Post
Overland Park names its new police chief, the first woman to lead the department
Overland Park has named Doreen Jokerst, leader of the University of Colorado Boulder Police Department, as its next police chief. She will be the first woman to run the department. Jokerst, who has served for six years as the assistant vice chancellor for public safety and chief of police overseeing the Boulder campus, will replace former Overland Park police chief Frank Donchez, who resigned last year. The city spent several months conducting a national search for a new leader for the department, which included hearing from community organizations and neighborhood groups. “Doreen brings vast experience to our team, with service and expertise in a variety of policing roles. She is a lifelong learner and leader in modern, progressive community policing practices,” City Manager Lori Curtis Luther said. “I am confident her leadership and focus on inclusivity will improve our department, and our community, in the future.” Jokerst and her family will live in Overland Park, according to a city news release. Her first day will be in October. Under Jokerst’s leadership, the CU Boulder Police Department became the first local police department in Boulder County to gain national accreditation. Jokerst was named chief of the department in 2018. “Overland Park is an outstanding city with a premier police department, and I’m excited to work collaboratively with the community and all members of the organization,” Jokerst said in the release. “I am eager to begin working with our officers and the community, and to call Overland Park home.” Prior to serving at the university, Jokerst spent nearly 20 years at the Parker Police Department in Colorado, where she rose to the rank of commander, according to the release. She holds a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership for Educational Equity, Higher Education, a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Source: KC Star Local News
Northwest Kansas needs housing. New funding could spur growth.
A lack of housing is a barrier to growth in northwest Kansas, where about half of the housing stock was built prior to the 1950s. With the region in need of new homes, a fresh funding initiative aims to address regional gaps. The Kansas Legislature passed a budget for fiscal year 2025, which began in July, that includes a provision to transfer $7.3 million from special revenue funds to the Northwest Kansas Housing Economic Development Fund. That money will be spread across a few construction projects: The City of Atwood will receive $750,000 for residential infrastructure improvements along South 7th Street. The community of Russell will get $1.5 million for residential infrastructure development at Main and Maple streets. $1 million will go to the community of Sharon Springs for housing infrastructure work along 6th Street. An additional $4 million provided by the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, based in Logan County, will be paired with local matching funds, also totaling $4 million, to tackle gaps in housing construction across the foundation’s 26-county service area in northwest and north-central Kansas. Northwest Kansas Innovation Center regional housing specialist Randy Speaker says this funding will help close the housing gap in northwest Kansas by providing the infrastructure to build new affordable housing options, restore old housing stock to livable standards, and provide low-maintenance homes for senior residents.
Source: KLC Journal
Arma City Library plans to upgrade building
The Arma City Library is trying to upgrade its building. Its more than a place to borrow books, the library allows for internet access, obtaining food from their pantry, and provides a meeting place for local residents. “It became a rather expensive adventure for the city itself,” said Bette Lessen, City Clerk. The library building was a bowling alley in the past and Brenda Banks, the library director, says the building is approximately 100 years old. The building has experienced mold problems in the past and the removal of the mold has led to having to repair the walls and sheet rock. The library received a grant to upgrading the building, but the funds were not enough to cover the repairs as the estimate of the repairs were incorrect. The city also considered purchasing a new building but the cost was more than the city budget. “Had it been before Covid it might have happened, but prices soared with Covid, so the city could not afford,” said Lessen. The Arma City Library has made some upgrades, including the installation of new LED lighting. Future plans include upgrades like making the library’s doorways accessible for wheelchairs. The Arma City Council meeting on September 3rd will address the walls and sheetrock.
Source: KOAM News
Ellis County opening winter shelter in Hays
Ellis County is opening its first winter shelter this year at Hays First Baptist Church. The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance will operate the shelter, which will open when the temperature drops to 20 degrees or lower and when there is a need, including for stranded travelers. The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance is recruiting volunteers to run the shelter. The first meeting is Sept. 10 at the Hays First Baptist Church.
Source: KSN-TV
Great Bend schools get $15,000 grant to help homeless students
USD 428 in Great Bend has secured a $15,000 grant that will help homeless students in the school district. The money comes from the McKinney-Vento Homeless grant, which Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins helped secure for the school district. The McKinney-Vento grant comes from the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to remove barriers from unhoused children and youth so everyone has equal access to free and public education “We applied for the max amount that we could apply for, which was $15,000, and so that’s what I applied for, and that’s what we were lucky enough to receive,” Blevins told KSN. “Those funds will be used to help further establish our McKinney-Vento program. In Great Bend, the number of kids we have living in poverty is to the extent that we should be identifying more kids that are eligible for McKinney-Vento support.” Blevins said the money will be used in part to develop an educational campaign that will help the community know more about support from the McKinney-Vento program. Eligible students and families will have support like paying for school fees for high schoolers working on college classes or supply fees for welding or art classes. They’re also eligible for free breakfast and lunch, clothing and medical, dental and vision needs, which Blevins said are all barriers to learning.
Source: KSN-TV
Dodge City facility addresses mental and addiction together
The recovery community has built a sturdy foundation throughout the state, and a western Kansas mental health facility is seeing that addressing both mental health and addiction simultaneously in young people can help prevent future battles. Compass Behavioral Health in Dodge City is utilizing its employees to help people start their journey. “There was an opening for a peer support specialist, so I was like, you know, I’m going to get into that field and give back to people,” Seth McGinnes, a peer support specialist, said. The facility provides support for mental health and addiction and aims to give young people a jump start on knowing their minds and body. “If I could get people to realize the signs of kids that are struggling in the earlier ages, they would not go to hospitals, and they would not get in trouble with the law, and they would not have addiction problems if we could get them in early,” Richard Falcon, program manager at Compass, said. Compass Behavorial Health also has transitional housing, which connects people with local providers or therapists before they need to be fully admitted to a hospital. Officials say that, typically, people stay between 24 and 72 hours, but every case is different.
Source: KSN-TV
Why flags will be at half-staff on Wednesday
Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags to be flown at half-staff throughout Kansas on Wednesday, Sept. 4, in honor of Arkansas City Firefighter Trevor Rusk. Rusk died while off-duty on Aug. 24. However, since it was less than 24 hours since his last shift, it is considered a line-of-duty death. Rusk served the Arkansas City Fire Department since June 5, 2023. The ACFD said a visitation service will be held tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Assembly of God, 3125 N. Summit St., Arkansas City. The memorial service will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. at Wellington Free Will Baptist Church, 802 E. 16th St. in Wellington. You can virtually join the service through the Wellington Free Will Baptist Church Facebook page. Flags are to be flown at half-staff from sunup to sundown on Wednesday. “Trevor Rusk’s selflessness and courage will be remembered by his colleagues, friends, and family,” the governor said in a statement. “Kansas owes him a debt of gratitude for his service and sacrifice. My condolences go out to his loved ones and the Arkansas City community during this difficult time.”
Source: KSN-TV
‘Goat on the lam’: Lawrence police wrangle goat causing traffic problems
A local goat who’s been “on the lam” for the last few days, frightening Lawrence drivers and bystanders, was detained by the Lawrence Kansas Police Department (LKPD). On Thursday, the LKPD shared body camera footage of the tussle. The footage shows a goat pinned in an alleyway between two houses. A Lawrence police officer lassos and tackles the goat before returning it to its rightful owner. “It turns out when it comes to lasso skills, we have a GOAT of our own here at LKPD — and not the kind that eats hay,” the LKPD wrote on YouTube. You can watch the goat detainment above.
Source: KSN-TV
Backhoe operators from all over Kansas compete in Wichita
On Wednesday, 700 backhoe operators were in Wichita, showing off the skills necessary to do the job. The Backhoe Rodeo tests the skills of equipment operators, and it’s timed and judged on performance. “It just gives the operators a chance to come out and demonstrate their skill or get on a new piece of equipment that might be different from what they’re used to operating at home,” said Dan Defore, the water superintendent for the City of Winfield. This battle is part of a conference for people working in water and wastewater management. “There is education on drought preparedness, and there’s education on the regulations that the state comes up with for drinking water and the discharge of wastewater,” said Defore. People who competed say it’s important to know how to handle the machinery and controls on the job. “A person really needs to respect the equipment and what it can do, you know, ’cause it can be a dangerous thing just like a car going down the highway,” said Dallas Merritt, a utility operator for the City of Lawrence. Events like this go toward continuing education for operators for their professional certification. Competitors and people attending the conference are from all over the state. The Backhoe Rodeo awarded prizes for the best operator in first, second, and third place.
Source: KSN-TV
Little Balkans Days Festival concludes with polka dancing, chicken feed, and more
Little Balkans Days wrapped up today with a bevy of events for people to enjoy. Meadowbrook Mall in Pittsburg was the home for a polka dance and chicken feed. Guests had an opportunity to enjoy a chicken lunch, a choice of three sides of spaghetti, German slaw, German potato salad, and onion rings. A number of Southeast Kansas local restaurants provided the food. Live music was also provided by the Johnny Zibert Polka Band – giving everyone a chance to do some polka dancing. All proceeds from today go back to next year’s Little Balkans Days Festival. “Oh yeah, we look forward to this every year. We’ve been doing this for, I can’t even count how many years. I started doing it years ago with my dad – and it’s just a tradition and we keep carrying on,” said Johnny Zibert, The Johnny Zibert Polka Band member. A fishing derby, along with a concert by the “Retro Rockerz” and Conway Jackson also helped wrap up this year’s festival. Source: KSNF/KODE
Peabody interim city clerk confirmed dead after Harvey County wreck; investigation continues into public fund management
A joint investigation has confirmed the man killed in a Harvey County crash this past weekend was former Peabody interim city clerk Jonathan Clayton. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation had joined the multi-agency investigation into Clayton’s disappearance and the management of public funds in Peabody shortly before Clayton’s truck was found in a Harvey County field with a body inside Sunday afternoon. The KBI issued a statement Thursday night saying Clayton was the man found dead inside the pickup. There is no evidence of foul play, but the investigation continues. The wreck investigation, which also involved the Kansas Highway Patrol and Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, dovetailed into the original investigation into the use of a $1.5 million grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to Peabody’s Main Street for downtown revitalization. Commerce paid about half of the grant amount and has said Peabody needs to refund that amount because the Main Street group had not offered outstanding financial or project reports. It also referred the matter to the FBI and US Treasury Department. There were also concerns about business dealings in Clayton’s hometown of Mullinville, including the alleged theft of $120,000 from the Mullinville Community Foundation and $70,000 from the Mullinville Cemetery Board. Commerce is also demanding the return of over $425,000 awarded two years ago as part of a recreation equipment repair grant in Mullinville. Clayton pleaded guilty in 2018 to counts of forgery, theft and conspiracy to commit theft in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked briefly for Commerce afterward, and even before Clayton’s death was publicly confirmed, Commerce issued a statement saying it could not perform “national level” criminal background checks for the position he held due to current state law. Commerce vetted Clayton through online searches, social media reviews and reference checks. Commerce says Clayton would not have been hired if it had known about the Pennsylvania convictions and has hired an independent third-party contractor to review all American Rescue Plan grants as a precautionary step. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says he and David Toland, the state’s lieutenant governor and Commerce Department director, will seek changes to background check laws as part of the 2025 legislative session. She also says the state will provide the support it can to the communities affected by Clayton’s financial decisions.
Source: KVOE Emporia Radio
Dodge City named one of the most vibrant towns in Kansas
Dodge City, the legendary frontier town of the Old West, has earned recognition as one of the most vibrant towns in Kansas by World Atlas, a leading global publisher of travel and tourism content serving more than 165 million annual readers. While once notorious for its saloons, gambling halls, and gunfights, Dodge City has evolved into a peaceful, hospitable community that now captivates visitors with its rich history and vibrant spirit. Nestled atop the high plains in southwestern Kansas, Dodge City invites travelers to immerse themselves in the legacy of the Old West. Essential stops for any visitor include the Boot Hill Museum, the Santa Fe Trail Rut Site, and the Home of Stone Museum. The historic downtown district captivates with its charming shops and restaurants lining streets that parallel the Trail of Fame. Throughout the year, Dodge City draws visitors from across the country with annual events such as Dodge City Days, an Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration, the Ford County Fair, and Christmas in Dodge City festivities. “Dodge City blends our rich cowboy heritage with Midwestern warmth,” said Megan Welsh, director of Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Dodge City has nurtured a vibrant culture that celebrates our frontier spirit and welcomes visitors to experience our unique blend of Western and modern culture that inspires the imagination.” For more information about planning a trip or relocating to Dodge City, go to www.visitdodgecity.org. Discover why Dodge City earned a place on the list of the 8 Most Vibrant Towns in Kansas.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Planners make no change in zoning regulations for living in RVs in Parsons
After discussion last week, the Parsons Planning Commission voted to recommend keeping zoning regulations the same relating to people living in recreational vehicles on property in Parsons. City commissioners had discussions on both sides of the issue. A couple commissioners wanted to see a special use permit option for these situations; others also wanted a safety checklist in place to alleviate fire and carbon monoxide issues. Another option was to have the trailer moved to a park set up for trailers, either a temporary RV park or a more permanent mobile home park. Parsons Fire Chief Brad Boss said before and said again last week at the planning commission meeting that he wasn’t comfortable with someone living permanently in a structure meant for only temporary occupation. Appliances, water and electrical systems are made for short term living, and long-term living could create a safety risk. Another concern is there is generally only one way in and out of an RV, unless you consider a window a second exit. “My world is prevention,” Boss said. City planners were to consider language in city zoning regulations that would allow living in recreational vehicles as long as a permit is provided by the city. The regulation reads now that RVs stored on property cannot be used for living purposes.
Source: Parsons Sun
Prairie Village considers taxing AirBnbs instead of banning them
The city of Prairie Village’s ongoing discussion about how to address short-term rentals, like AirBnbs and Vrbos, veered into new territory Tuesday, with the majority of the city council expressing interest in exploring the idea of imposing a transient guest tax on such properties. Previously, the city council had discussed new rules that would effectively ban short-term rentals in the city. But on Tuesday, the Prairie Village City Council directed city staff to research how much tax revenue existing short-term rental properties could generate for the city. Transient guest taxes are imposed by some Kansas municipalities on room rentals or lodging, but can only apply to dwellings with more than two bedrooms that are rented for 28 consecutive days or less, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue. Tuesday’s discussion was a departure from the city council had in May, when it asked city staff to begin exploring a possible minimum 30-day stay requirement on all rentals, a move that, in practice, would be an outright ban on short-term rentals, which are generally defined as lasting 28 days or less. City staff on Tuesday initially shared ban-related information with the city council, originally seeking further direction from councilmembers on the details of a ban.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Wamego looking for county help with ‘burn pile’
The City of Wamego’s burn pile sees a lot of traffic from not only city residents but also those living outside the city, and maintaining the site has become an issue. Wamego City Manager Stacie Eichem addressed the county commission Monday about the possibility of the county working with the city to keep the site open to everyone. “We redid (the site) about five years ago. That was the attempt to be able to maintain it easier, and now it is definitely going to require some changes of some sort,” explained Eichem. Eichem said they may need to consider hiring someone to maintain the site, or else limit usage to city residents only. “We do have an ordinance that we have not enforced that says the burn site is for residents of the City of Wamego,” she said. “If it were to stay open to county residents, we would have to probably man it.” Commissioner Pat Weixelman requested Eichem come back with a specific proposal of how much the city would need the county to participate. “I’d be interested in seeing some type of proposal,” he said. “It would be easier to go down the path knowing what was expected of us.” Commissioner Greg Riat suggested signage be put in place to inform people that the site is for city residents only. County residents can dispose of limbs and leaves at the landfill for $5 or $10 depending on the load size. Eichem was concerned that limiting who used the site would be received negatively by the public. “It may be a negative impact, but at the end of the day it’s a city service,” responded Riat. “The way it works now, I think it’s good for everybody,” replied Weixelman. “I’d say come up with a number on it and let’s study it that way.” Eichem agreed to get with the city commission and create a proposal for the county.
Source: themercury.com
How a Wichita peer city has managed downtown parking over the last decade
As Wichita’s downtown paid parking plan has faced added heat in recent weeks, backers of the plan continue to say that the city is well behind its Midwest peers in the area of a coherent parking approach supported by modern technology. Omaha, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City and Des Moines are among those highlighted by city officials as being ahead of Wichita. “The parking management systems that are in place are not hindering development,” said Anderson, who served as Omaha’s deputy chief of staff for economic development prior to moving to Wichita in 2022. “In fact, there’s a cultural norm, a cultural expectation in a lot of these other communities, that it’s a given.” Hannah Adeponu, Omaha parking and mobility manager, indicates it wasn’t necessarily an easy route to get where the city is today. More than a decade ago, she said Omaha struggled with effectively managing parking across two separate departments, so it created a new parking division and embarked on a path of more enforcement and sophistication. “There were some times there where it was a struggle,” said Adeponu, who joined the division in 2018. “I think that that’s probably what everybody sees, because you go from, ‘I can park anywhere for however long I want, and I don’t have to pay for it,’ to ‘now I have to be more attentive.’” Adeponu said the predecessor in her current role, Ken Smith, spent considerable time communicating with businesses and the community about the value of a new approach to parking downtown. “I think it was within the first three years, the division turned itself around and became profitable,” she said. “It no longer needed to be supported by the general fund and additional dollars being pumped into it, and it was able to pay for all of the maintenance and the things that needed to be done in order to operate the system.” In recent years, Omaha has been able to overhaul its parking technology downtown — moving to a multi-space meter system, with some similarities to the kiosks being discussed in Wichita — and has been able to adapt its fee structure to user feedback and habits. “Something really positive that has come out of this parking and mobility management in Omaha is, because it is now self sustaining, additional dollars and funds can be put back into economic development of the community,” Adeponu said. Anderson said he sees a similar economic growth benefit if Wichita’s parking plan is implemented, and that it could be another draw to the core beyond incentive packages. “To also come alongside that and say we have a robust parking system that now we can respond to the demands and the needs associated with parking,” he said, “man, a city like Wichita could become even more competitive in attracting and retaining businesses in downtown Wichita because of a tool like that in our toolbox.” While not considered a peer city with its much smaller size, in Lawrence, Kan., there’s additional perspective on parking around fees and technology. That city has been used to downtown paid parking for years, Lawrence parking manager Brad Harrell says. But Harrell adds that the city’s low fees have hampered it. Even after it raised rates in 2021, fees now stand at $1 an hour on short-term meters and just 20 cents an hour on long-term meters and $2 a day on parking garages. Parking rates have “really handcuffed” his department’s efforts to further advance technology and customer service, he said, and there is now around $1 million in deferred maintenance in city-owned parking garages. “We literally can’t afford to keep the lights on,” said Harrell, adding it’s likely another fee increase could be requested as soon as next year. “That is the true statement in our parking garages. Our rates in the garages do not adequately fund half of our utility costs annually of those facilities.” That said, the new parking technology Lawrence has been able to add in recent years has allowed it to better assess its parking ecosystem thanks to real-time data, according to Harrell. “It’s really allowed us to make educated decisions as it relates to parking, parking durations, parking times and enforcement, hours and things like that,” he said. “It’s been tremendous.” While parking plan backers in Wichita have often highlighted comparisons to other cities as reasons to move forward, some small business owners and others have pushed back on those points. Mayor Lily Wu — who has said she sees a need for more community engagement before the parking plan is implemented — says Wichita is a “very car-centric” community which should be factored into the path forward. “I think we can’t compare ourselves with other major communities,” Wu said. “We’re very Wichita, and we’re going to have to find a Wichita solution.”
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Wichita’s downtown parking plan faces roadblocks amid backlash
Following public backlash in August to the city’s previously approved plan to implement more paid public parking throughout Wichita’s core, from Old Town to the Delano District, the City Council moved to delay the purchase of equipment tied to that plan. A Sept. 10 Council meeting is set to include a city staff update on the plan, including the latest on public feedback and alternative options to pay for downtown parking infrastructure needs. Caught in the uncertainty are business owners and operators. Some say increasing the prevalence of paid parking could deter customers from visiting downtown. “In this economy that we’re in right now — with all the costs that are going up — I think people just fear that this is another thing you have to pay for, and people just won’t come,” said Byron McSwain, who recently opened Greater Grounds Coffee & Co. at 922 E. Douglas Ave. “That is my fear.” Others — including those leading Wichita’s economic development efforts — say a new approach to downtown parking is critical as the city prepares for an expected boom from the under-construction Wichita Biomedical Campus. “We’ve got the biggest economic activity coming ever in the history of downtown Wichita,” said Alan Banta, veteran Wichita businessman, developer and longtime member of the Downtown Wichita board. “You can’t have 3,000 students and a $300 million investment in the center of Wichita and not have a parking plan.” City officials say the parking fund is not on a sustainable path to support the maintenance needs of garages, surface-level lots and street parking in the core, let alone needed security upgrades and modernizing parking infrastructure — much of which looks firmly entrenched in the 20th Century. “What we’re doing now isn’t working,” assistant city manager Troy Anderson said.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Ordinance approved to address nuisances at short-term rental properties
Wichita City Council members have approved an ordinance to deal with nuisance parties at short-term rental properties in the city. Action had been delayed to rewrite the ordinance to clarify when a property owner could be held responsible for violations. The ordinance defines activities that would be considered as nuisances, including noise, unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages, property damage, illegal gambling, and other conduct. The property owner and the person renting the property could be cited under the ordinance, but they can only be charged if they are present at the time of the party, if they have been notified by law enforcement or city staff about party activities, or if other facts show that the owner or renter knew or should have known that the party was taking place. Law enforcement can ask that party activities stop, and people attending the party who fail to leave can be charged with a violation. Upon conviction, a first penalty can be a fine of not more than $500. A second or later offense will have a fine of $1,000 up to a maximum of $2,500 and one year imprisonment. A person who is a short-term rental license holder could have the license suspended for up to ten days.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
A Home in This Kansas City Suburb Can Cost Millions. Just Ask Travis Kelce.
The Kansas City metropolitan area straddles the border between Kansas and Missouri. Near its southern end on the Kansas side is the city of Leawood. With a median home listing price of $1.8 million in July 2024, Leawood’s 66211 ZIP Code is home to Kansas’ priciest residential real estate as ranked by median listing price, according to Realtor.com. (News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, also operates Realtor.com.) One of Kansas City’s first-ring suburbs, Leawood has a population of approximately 34,000, according to census data. It has two main shopping and dining complexes: Town Center, which has bigger brand names, and Park Place, which has a Main Street feel with smaller, independently-owned venues. The city is also very green and walkable, with trails and parks.
Source: WSJ.com: World News
‘We’re not just loading people on a bus,’ Lawrence’s homeless solutions director says
Many questions have surfaced in the days since the city announced a new policy to prioritize Douglas County residents with homelessness services — among them, how does someone without an address prove they live here? The City of Lawrence this week shared details of a policy that’s actually been implemented over the past few months. Under the policy, the city provides “non-resident homeless individuals” with short-term assistance and helps them return to their “place of origin,” according to a city news release. Misty Bosch-Hastings, director of the city’s Homeless Solutions Division, answered questions about the policy, its purpose and how it’s played out so far.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Doug Burt serves the City of Great Bend for five decades
Doug Burt is traveling the hills and valleys of memory lane these days, as he celebrates his 50th anniversary of taking care of business for the City of Great Bend. Randy Keasling, director of human resources, echoed many of Keeler’s comments about Burt. “Reaching a 50-year work anniversary is a remarkable achievement, and it speaks volumes about the dedication, hard work and loyalty of our valued colleague, Doug Burt,” Keasling said. “His commitment and contributions are something we are so very proud of. We are deeply grateful for Doug’s many years of service and the positive impact he has had on our team and community. Doug, on behalf of City Council and City Staff – Thank you for your service to The City of Great Bend.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune