Kansas Municipal News
Salina cyclists aim to make city safer for bikes
Salina is trying to make the community more cycling friendly. The biking community has noticed of some of the steps the city is taking, but — as with anything — there is always room to improve. “What they mostly talk about is trails, which is not unworthy,” said Janet Hanson, a member of the Salina Bicyclist Advocacy Group. Hanson, along with fellow group member Phil Black, hopes the city and residents can do things to make cycling on streets more safe and accessible.
Source: Salina Journal
How a threat from Shawnee County led to an art farm known as Truckhenge
A judge in 2002 ordered Ron Lessman to remove various junk vehicles, most of them trucks, from his farm just east of Topeka. That order was issued after Shawnee County sued Lessman, contending any flooding of the nearby Kansas River might endanger public safety and health by sweeping those vehicles downstream. Lessman replied by making those vehicles the centerpiece of a quirky, grassroots art park called Truckhenge Farm, which humorously pays homage to England’s Stonehenge.
Source: CJonline
Amid budget uncertainty, new Lawrence parks director thinks he’s up to challenge of guiding department forward
Despite being intrigued by a new possibility in Lawrence, Luis Ruiz was not expecting to seriously consider making a jump to the Sunflower State. Ruiz, who was born and raised in Miami and is a first generation Cuban-American, went to school at the University of Miami and spent at least a decade working in the Sunshine State… He took the job as director in May. Then in July, the city released its initial 2025 budget that his department could face service cuts, something Ruiz — and other city officials — was not fully aware of when he took the job.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for August 29, 2024
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Municipal Bond Trends for August 28, 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.
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.
Source: Joco 913 News
Allen County preps for election on sales tax
Voters will decide whether to approve a half-cent sales tax to fund EMS services. The question will be added to the November ballot.
Source: The Iola Register
Townsfolk: Gas is pretty great
Even when pressed, the townsfolk of Gas found little to complain about nor was their wishlist long. They are there because they like small-town, countryesque living where the amenities of a larger city are just a short drive away. At least that was the takeaway from the half-dozen at Tuesday night’s Community Conversation hosted by Thrive Allen County.
Source: The Iola Register
Reno County residents digging deeper into water wells due to ongoing drought
The ongoing drought is continuing to affect homeowners. Some in Reno County are now having to dig deeper into their water wells. The properties here rely on groundwater for drinking water and to water trees, but in recent years, conditions have gotten drier and drier, forcing homeowners to drill deeper for water.
Source: KSN-TV
Southwest Kansas set to fuel the future of flight
The State of Kansas is taking a leap to be on the cutting edge of sustainable fuels with a new biofuel plant in southwest Kansas. Officials gathered for a groundbreaking at the SAFFiRE plant in Liberal Wednesday morning. … The plant will use the corn stalks and husks left over from harvest and turn them into ethanol. The ethanol will then be turned into sustainable aviation fuel, which has an 83% lower carbon footprint than conventional jet fuel.
Source: KSN-TV
Could farmland tract in Olathe help fill ‘missing middle’ housing gap? Developers think so
Olathe Commons, a mixed residential rental project boasting “missing middle” housing, is moving forward. On Monday, the Olathe Planning Commission recommended approving a rezoning and a preliminary site development plan for the project in an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Jim Terrones was absent from the meeting. The development, which will have both townhomes and more compact cottage-court-style single-family homes for rent, is proposed on a 23-acre piece of farmland southwest of 119th Street and Greenwood Street near the Olathe Pointe Shopping Center. “It’s nice to see a housing project like this kind of come in and meet the middle,” Commissioner Taylor Breen said. Olathe Commons plans 250+ dwelling units: In all, 274 dwelling units are planned with an average density of nine units per acre. That includes 60 cottage-court-style single-family homes and 214 units spread across 27 two-story townhome buildings. The development will also have a clubhouse, pool, open space and a dog park. Some infrastructure improvements are required in the area. All of the housing units will be rentals with maintenance provided. PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, plans to own and manage the property. Stephen Furr, vice president of the company’s built-to-rent development division, said that “attainable housing is really the focus” of the Olathe Commons plan. “This is really trying to fill that void,” he told the planning commission, noting that the development will offer something between apartment rentals and homeownership. What is “missing middle” housing? “Missing middle” housing is typically more affordable and often geared towards renters and first-time homebuyers who cannot afford to buy larger single-family homes and or rent more expensive apartments. Definitions of “missing middle” housing often include smaller starter homes, row houses, owner-occupied townhomes, duplexes and triplexes, among other housing options. This specific type of housing stock is lacking in many communities, including in Johnson County, despite there being demand for it. Many cities across Johnson County are looking at ways to fill the gap with varying degrees of success. For example, Overland Park has looked at making it easier to build “missing middle” type housing with a permit-ready housing pilot program. At the same time, discussions about how to expand housing options — and potentially change local zoning codes to do so — have roiled other communities, most notably Prairie Village. In the case of the proposed Olathe Commons project, Wayne Janner, planning commission chair, said he’d support the project, but he felt like the development missed an opportunity to offer more attainable homeownership. “Having the missing middle, it sounds appealing, but attainable housing is about people entering into homeownership,” said Janner, who is a real estate agent. “A way to get people into homeownership is a value to our community more than more rental products.” Next steps: This latest rezoning and site plan for the Olathe Commons project now heads to the Olathe City Council for consideration next. It is scheduled for the Sept. 17 council meeting. Later, the developer will need to submit a final site development plan for the project, which will have to include some modifications from the proposed plan as is, according to the staff report.
Source: Johnson County Post
Words from the Wizard: How Dodge City sizzled its way to my heart
I came to Dodge City when I was Big City bound. I stopped to visit for just a couple of weeks. Five years later, I’m still here, and I’m hooked – meat plants and all! I still remember when I was waiting for my transport at the smallest airport I had ever seen. I went back inside and reported to the nice girl at the counter that there was a strong smell outside and I thought “something might have died nearby.” I noticed the familiar “this guy is way out of his route” on her eyes, but she kindly said: Oh yes, we get a lot of that around here. When I suggested she should call to have it cleaned up, the man next to her cracked a smile the size of the Joker’s. I didn’t get it. I fell in love with Boot Hill’s quirky exhibits and even quirkier staff. Then I saw it transform into a national class Museum! The Dodge City Rodeo? I’m a regular, cheering on cowboys and cowgirls (while praying my car doesn’t get trampled.) Who needs a beach body when you can have a meat-plant-induced appetite? The High Plains sunsets are breathtaking, and the hiking trails are wonderful – just watch out for the occasional cow pie. Dodge City’s small-town charm is contagious (even when the wind blows a certain way.) I’ve met some… interesting characters (you know who you are!), and we’ve shared laughs, stories, and a few (dozen) cowboy jokes. Just ask Steve Deno! Our economy is growing (and so is my waistline!) New businesses, innovative initiatives – Dodge City’s on the move! So many restaurants and eateries you won’t ever go hungry and if you like Mexican food, you have a lot to choose from! Our schools? Very nice, thank you, they do have one heck of a team! Healthcare? Let me put it this way: They didn’t let me die me when I accidentally inhaled too much… atmosphere! We simply have nothing to envy bigger cities. My verdict Dodge City, Stole My Heart (and hijacked my sense of smell) Five years in, and I’m still here. Longest two weeks of my life! Dodge City, you’ve shown me that home is where the heart is – and my heart is full of… meat… and cup cakes!
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Walton continuing to evaluate sinkhole problem
After multiple sinkholes opened up on Osage Road, the Walton Township has been doing what it can to find out how to move forward with fixing the problem. Mike Spangler, the Walton Township trustee, said he’s working with a Wichita contractor to find out how deep the sinkhole is. Spangler said they completed a core drill a couple weeks ago that drilled down 30 feet into the Earth to complete a check of the ground structure underneath the sinkhole. He is still waiting on the results of the core drilling. Kelsea Abney, the township clerk, is also working on the issue. Abney reached out to the University of Kansas’s geological survey. “They specialize in everything geological,” Abney said. Abney got in touch with Rick Miller, who is a sinkhole expert with 40 years of experience dealing with them. Abney said she’s waiting to hear what the next steps will be but was told they needed to know how much solid soil is under the road. Walton initially came to Harvey County for help with the sinkhole at the end of May, saying they weren’t sure how to deal with it. At the time, they were just dealing with one. Since then, another sinkhole appeared on the other side of the road. The sinkholes are on Osage Road, which is the road between Harvey and Marion counties, making it the township’s responsibility to manage. According to past reporting from Harvey County Now, the road was closed temporarily at the beginning of June. It has stayed closed ever since. Spangler last visited the sinkhole a couple weeks ago. “It’s still growing,” Spangler said.
Source: Harvey County Now
Lengthy Walton boil advisory from lack of kits
Boil advisories generally last no more than a couple days at most, but delays in testing kits extended the advisory in Walton to a week. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a boil advisory on Wednesday, Aug. 14, but it wasn’t lifted until the following Wednesday, Aug. 21. Walton City Clerk Stephanie Ashby said the delay was caused by a lack of available testing kits. Ashby said they hadn’t dealt with a boil advisory in so long that the test the city had on hand was expired. The city had the kits overnighted on Thursday but didn’t receive them until late Friday, meaning they had to wait over the weekend to turn the kits in. The city tested four different sites across town. On Monday, Ashby drove the tests to the testing center in Topeka. On Tuesday, the city got the results back and found that one of the four tests had shown up with coliform bacteria. Ashby said it was the tap they used for testing that was the issue. “That was the fault of the faucet that had a dirty tap,” Ashby said. “It shows something in the water.” The next day the city found a testing site in Wichita and sent the second round of tests there. Ashby said it was more expensive, but the city was able to rush one-day tests that way. Those results came back clear, and the department of health and environment lifted the advisory. The waterline the city was repairing during the incident was fixed by Thursday, Aug. 15. “It wasn’t a major leak,” Ashby said. She thanked the EMS in the county for helping spread the word about the advisory. Ashby said she’d been going to every house individually to give notices, but the EMS was able to put out a phone notification. Ashby said the reason for the advisory was a standard caution. While city employees worked to repair a water main break, the water pressure decreased at the distribution center. This lack of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water. “When we don’t have pressure, we can’t guarantee safety,” Ashby said. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just a precaution.”
Source: Harvey County Now
Pickleball Court Comes To Uniontown
Pickleball has come to Uniontown, with equipment provided by community members and a court provided by a grant. Pickleball resembles tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net, according to Oxford Languages Dictionary A grant provided the concrete court to play the sport on. Recently, the court had been marked for pickleball play. Last Thursday, pickleball equipment was made available in a storage container located under the community bulletin board at Uniontown’s City Hall on the east side of the town’s square. “There is no charge to use the equipment and we ask that you put it back, or the community loses it,” City Clerk Sally Johnson said. “Return it and take care, so everyone can use it.” “All the equipment has been donated,” Johnson said. “The bin, which houses the equipment was donated by Amber Kelley; the net, paddles and ball were donated by the Frank Johnson family; and the benches around the pickleball court was supplied by Skeet George.” A grand opening/ribbon cutting is scheduled during the Old Settler’s Picnic at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 1 at the pickleball court, located west of the new public restrooms in Uniontown. The grand opening falls between two family activities that day at the town square, bingo is slated for 2 p.m. at the southeast shelter house, and then the Family Fun Night starts at 6 p.m. at the gazebo, Johnson said. “They will incorporate the ribbon cutting in the family fun time,” she said. “The public is invited to all the events.”
Source: Fort Scott Biz
Newton BOE contracts for future planning
A company will soon begin work drafting an overarching plan for the future of the Newton School District and its facilities. The Newton Board of Education approved spending $93,500 at its Aug. 26 meeting to contract with RSP and Associates of Overland Park for the work. “There’s boundary analysis, enrollment analyses and they look at utilization of the facilities,” Superintendent Fred Van Ranken stated. “It’s a facility master plan, essentially.” The group will provide data and analyses to predict enrollment and help the Board of Education evaluate future needs, according to its presentation. The data could be used in redrawing building boundaries as enrollment and demographics change. It could also be used for other future planning. Van Ranken said the information could show if the district needs a future bond issue and also direct it toward the right questions to ask moving forward.
Source: Harvey County Now
Bus drivers needed in Hesston as routes cut
It’s a skeleton crew when it comes down to the USD 460 bus driver situation, and the problem doesn’t just exist in Hesston, but rather across the state. With very few bus drivers, the USD 460 transportation crew is stretched to the thinnest of levels. This lack of drivers forced the district to eliminate the in-town school bus routes. “A few parent emails had some concern,” Superintendent Kevin Logan said. “It’s a change and there’s not an easy solution for us, unless we can find a driver. There is a lot of emotion because it’s a change.” One driver would fill in routes much like USD 460 had a year ago, but it’s not a full solution. This problem is plaguing districts. A driver has to have a CDL with passenger endorsement and districts, including Hesston, would actively take applications. For more information along with the list of requirements, interested parties can contact the transportation department of USD 460. “Right now we should be good on activity drivers,” Logan said. Ideally, Logan said two to three drivers could split the morning and afternoon routes, too. “We can share routes, as long as people are licensed and willing to learn and to be good to kids and have their best interests at heart,” Logan said. Logan was going to be part of a Zoom meeting with Safe Routes to Schools to see if routes for children were ideally safe for children walking to school or if Safe Routes could give options for walkers and bike riders but a time had not be finalized. He was looking forward to learning more about the rubrics of the safest routes to school.
Source: Harvey County Now
Lenexa commission deals big blow to Johnson County homeless shelter plan. What happens now?
A plan to convert a Lenexa hotel into Johnson County’s first permanent, year-round homeless shelter will head to a City Council vote next month — without the support of city staff and planning commissioners. On Monday night, the Lenexa Planning Commission voted 9-0 to deny a request for a special use permit to operate a homeless shelter at the La Quinta Inn and Suites hotel off of Interstate 35 and 95th Street after a public hearing when more than 70 members of the public spoke. It’s a significant blow, though not necessarily fatal, to the county’s plan to address a growing need in Kansas’ most affluent and populous county. City Council will make the final call. The decision came after city staff recommended denying the permit, writing in a 540-page dossier that the proposed shelter was “inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood” and would draw “negative external impacts” to nearby homes and businesses. Staff also said it anticipated needing increased law enforcement to oversee the proposed shelter, which they said the city doesn’t have money for. And they wrote that the shelter was too close to Johnson County’s temporary winter shelter.
Source: Joco 913 News
Wichita school board approves $450 million plan to rebuild some schools, close others
The Wichita School Board has unanimously approved a plan to significantly reshape the state’s largest school district — a plan filled with school closings, consolidations and new “right-sized” buildings as the district braces for shrinking future enrollment. School district officials also laid out the stakes of a $450 million bond issue that would be needed to pay for the plan. The specifics of the bond issue are expected to be discussed and voted on by the board on Sept. 9. A bond issue would require approval from voters during a special election. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said the “newer and fewer” plan is necessary because the district has $1.2 billion in future deferred maintenance needs that it can’t afford and declining enrollment. The school district already closed two middle schools — Hadley and Jardine — and four elementary schools — Clark, Cleveland, Park and Payne — earlier this year. The plan approved Monday calls for closing L’Ouverture, OK, Pleasant Valley and Woodland elementary schools and converting Isely and Cessna elementary schools to K-8 schools. Adams, Black, Caldwell, Irving and McLean elementary schools and Truesdell middle school would be demolished and rebuilt. The district would also build a new Coleman Middle School while the old school would be renovated and repurposed for relocated Chester Lewis, Gateway, and EI Academy schools. Little Early Childhood Center, Sowers and Dunbar would also be relocated. Sowers would relocate to Wells, placing the two alternative schools on one site. The plan also calls for building a new Future Ready Center at East High School for construction trades such as plumbing and HVAC. “More closures are inevitable,” Luke Newman, director of facilities for the district, said. “This plan positions us for more sustained future-ready success by providing new and innovative spaces for our kids to learn, and it’s an investment in the future of our city, communities and kids.” Newman also said the district is working to offload some of its closed schools, including Jardine, for other community needs. It has approved selling Park Elementary School to the city of Wichita for $1. That will be the site of the future homeless shelter and service building called the Multi-Agency Center. “We’re in really early discussions with the city and some community groups down there that have some pretty strong interest in the Jardine building. And that was something that, as we got into this plan, that was really important, that something meaningful happened with that building, with that land, you know, particularly in that community and what’s done to serve them.” Newman also said the district is in discussions with the city of Wichita about possibly swapping Columbine Park – and possibly other city parks – in north Wichita for the closed south Wichita middle school. “My preliminary discussions with a city representative has been potentially a sale. We’re also looking at trading some parkland. McLean is one where we’re actually, they’re appraising the parkland adjacent to McLean, and we’re appraising Jardine, and we’re going to look at numbers and see what makes sense. And then there might be some other parkland that makes sense to swap to make it an even trade.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Inclusive playground opens at Newton elementary school
Slate Creek Elementary in Newton officially opened its inclusive playground, designed for all students to play together. The kids started the project by raising $20,000 in the spring of 2021. “It’s absolutely wonderful to hear the screaming and the laughter to see them all playing together. It just brings my heart so much joy. I’m so proud that the students noticed this was an issue, and this is where we ended. It’s amazing,” Lenae Alfaro, Slate Creek Elementary principal, said. The principal says the original goal was just to have a swing, but the idea grew, and the entire playground cost over $450,000.
Source: KSN-TV
K-9 helps find lost hearing aids after man thrown from horse
A sheriff’s K-9 helped recover the lost hearing aids of a man thrown from a horse. The Geary County Sheriff’s Office says over the weekend, deputies responded to a report of a man being thrown from a horse in a pasture out in the county. As the man was being assessed at the scene for injuries, deputies learned that he had lost both of his hearing aids after being thrown.
Deputy James Regaldo and his K-9 partner Klesto began searching the pasture. Klesto found both hearing aids 10 feet apart, and they were returned to the injured man.
Source: KSN-TV
Wichita mayor: Paid parking plan target date on pause for now
Wichita’s mayor says the implementation date of Jan. 1 for paid parking in downtown, Old Town, and Delano has been paused. City council members, business owners, and community members met at a town hall on Monday to discuss their expectations for the policy. The town hall conversation was somewhat heated. Nortons Brewing Company organizers tell KSN that their goal with this meeting was to facilitate a more solution-minded discussion. “What we’ve done is put a complete pause. And getting feedback,” said Wichita Mayor Lily Wu. People and business owners are still not happy with the proposed switch to paid parking, which led to Monday’s discussion. “I think that we need parking for our customers to come and eat with us,” said Natasha Gandhi-Rue, chef and co-owner of The Kitchen. “If we don’t have places for them to park, to come to our locations, that is going to be a huge hindrance.” “We want to find some solutions that don’t put the burden on the people that patronize these businesses downtown or are employed by these businesses,” said Nico Leitner-Goddard, a brewer at Nortons Brewing Company. Mayor Wu says that she understands concerns, and the city council has halted movement on the proposed parking change. “We heard some, even, innovative ideas from some of these community members of how parking can be paid, but in a more innovative way,” said Mayor Wu. City council members say innovation is necessary, and the money still needs to come from somewhere Now, the conversation has shifted to finding solutions to the deficit while still keeping affected citizens and businesses happy. “I think that a solution is the next step. We want to be a big part of that step. This is our way of making our voices heard in terms of coming to a solution,” said Leitner-Goddard. The Wichita City Council members who attended this town hall say they hope to continue the conversation on paid parking. Some of the proposed ideas include allowing businesses to validate parking or offering a parking day pass. The next information meeting will be held on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at Envision, 610 N. Main. The public will not be able to ask questions during this meeting.
Source: KSN-TV
‘He was extraordinary’: Arkansas City Fire Department remembers fallen firefighter Trevor Rusk
The Arkansas City Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own this weekend. Trevor Rusk died while off-duty. KSN spoke with several firefighters about the outsized impact Rusk had on his brothers and sisters. Rusk is described in many words, which is fitting given that one of his brothers called him a man of many words. He was known around the station for his wicked sense of humor and the many pranks he’d pull. He was also a respected, integral part of the team with an instinct and passion for the job. Rusk was a firefighter and EMT who joined the ACFD on June 5, 2023. Despite his relatively short tenure at the department, he took on a leadership role in firefights and around the station. “That was just Trevor. He would do anything for anyone, any time of the day. It didn’t matter,” said firefighter James McIntosh. “I came in and immediately, Trevor just felt like an older brother. Kinda took me under his wing and started showing me the ropes,” said Cutter Plush, ACFD firefighter/EMT. Rusk often came in during his off time to help around the station. He’d also regularly check in on other firefighters, asking about their families and cheering them up when something upset them. He was simply a joy to be around. “He was like a magnet. If he was in the building or in the area, it just seemed like you wanted to be around that guy ’cause, I mean, you know, he was gonna say something funny every 10 seconds, or he would say something you’d have to think about for a week before you even figured out what it meant,” said Plush. “It’s definitely not gonna be the same. We’re not going to have our 3 a.m. Trevor in his boxers and helping clean out the ambulance when he doesn’t have to,” said Lacey Willinger, ACFD firefighter/advanced EMT. “I don’t know it will never be the same; a huge part of this department died with him,” said Joe Camara, ACFD firefighter/EMT. Rusk remains part of the team. “We’re gonna put his name right here ’cause this is where he always sat. That way, we can keep his legacy alive, and he’ll be with us on every call,” said Camara. “He was extraordinary, and there’s no other Trevor. We’re a family at the end of the day, and you know he’s our brother,” said McIntosh. The firefighter loved his work, but what he loved most was his role as a father to his daughter. “He was trying to plan a vacation with him and his daughter that she’ll never get to experience. He loved that girl more than what he ever had,” said Willinger. “He would move heaven and hell just for her, and I just hope that she knows if she ever needed anything, his shift will be able to help her,” said Camara.
Source: KSN-TV
Wolf Creek officials assuage commissioners’ concerns
Coffey County commissioners whether a wind farm or a solar farm in the county were negatively affecting the nuclear power plant’s level of production. An official said no, it would be a problem if renewable energy sources were not available to help meet demand. Coffey County commissioners questioned Evergy officials at their meeting last week whether neighboring wind and solar plants were posing undue competition to the Wolf Creek Generating Station, which Evergy has 94% ownership, according to the Coffey County Republican. Commissioners Don Meats and Jesse Knight asked, respectively, whether a wind farm or a solar farm in the county were negatively affecting the nuclear power plant’s level of production. Cleve Reasoner, vice president and chief nuclear officer for Evergy, Inc., with oversight of Wolf Creek, said the wind and solar farms were not a threat, adding, “I worry if we are not going to allow different sources to exist, that could actually be a problem for us.” All three — nuclear, wind and solar — produce carbon-free energy. “The grid is moving toward more renewables — wind and solar. That, I believe, is a reality as we move away from fossil fuels,” Reasoner said. “The opportunity it provides for nuclear is that we are a dispatchable source of non-carbon-emitting power. .. I think the value of nuclear has turned and recognition of that is more appreciation in the industry,” Reasoner said. Reasoner said there currently are periods in the spring and fall when temperate climates prevail that Wolf Creek reduces its power output to 70% because “there is more power being generated in this region than what customers need.” Reasoner termed that oversupply as “congestion.” But added those cutbacks happen rarely. “We almost always run 100%,” he said. The upcoming NextEra transmission line that extends from Wolf Creek to southwest Missouri will put an even greater demand on the nuclear power plant, Reasoner said. Last year, Coffey County commissioners enacted a one-year moratorium on commercial solar projects, the Republican reported. That expires Sept. 5. Commissioner Knight said he was worried about the competition additional solar projects would mean to the nuclear power plant. “We want to protect Wolf Creek and the people who work there,” he said. Reasoner said he appreciated Knight’s concern but that the playing field was big enough for everyone. “Somebody has to put power on (the grid) when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun is not shining,” said Reasoner. “Even if we ran less in the future, without us, there is not a good option I couldn’t see for decades.” WOLF CREEK will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, the Republican reported. The plant is licensed to operate until 2045. In the early 2030s, Wolf Creek management will consider asking for an additional 20-year extension. “Our plant is good enough to do that,” Reasoner said. “Our plant is later vintage than a lot of the nuclear plants out there … it is a newer, more robust design.”
Source: The Iola Register
‘Non-resident homeless’ people will be sent to their ‘place of origin’ under Lawrence policy
The City of Lawrence released new details Tuesday about its policy to serve primarily people who are from Douglas County with homelessness resources, and to send others elsewhere. 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. Service providers working with the city are expected to follow suit. “We’re not servicing individuals long term that cannot prove that they’re residents, and that’s going to start going into our contracts, because we just don’t have the bandwidth to do that,” Misty Bosch-Hastings, director of the city’s Homeless Solutions Division, said during a meeting last month. The policy has been publicly discussed for at least a month, but the formal announcement of the policy comes a week after the Lawrence City Commission approved putting a question on the ballot to ask Lawrence voters to approve a sales tax to support homelessness services. The majority of people experiencing homelessness who agreed to answer the point-in-time count survey in January reported that they have lived in Lawrence or Douglas County for 12 months or more, according to data from Kristen Egan, Douglas County regional coordinator for the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition. Of the 414 respondents counted in this year’s survey, 289, or 71%, said they’d been in Douglas County for more than 12 months; 51, or 13%, said seven to 12 months; and 69, or 17%, said they’d been here for zero to six months. “Our new policy ensures that we prioritize Douglas County residents while offering short-term support to those from other areas,” Bosch-Hastings said in the city’s release. “By focusing on local needs and providing a pathway for non-residents to return home, we can manage our resources effectively and help more people find stability. This approach reflects our commitment to compassionate, practical solutions for everyone in need.”
Source: The Lawrence Times
Hesston told grocery store two years out
With a crowd of standing-room-only and overflow to the outdoors, several hundred people turned out to receive an update on a long-discussed grocery store project at a community conversation at Hesston’s Dyck Arboretum. Brad Heppner, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Beneficient, was the featured speaker of the conversation, during which he gave a long talk about the history of grocers in Hesston, his vision for the store and revitalization of Main Street, before opening the floor to questions. Hesston has been without a grocery store since 2018. “I’m Hesston,” he said. “My family was one of the 26 founding families in Hesston.” Currently, Heppner said the project cannot move forward until Golden Plains Credit Union has a new building.
As of now, the engineers are in the design stage for the relocation of the bank to a corner of Old 81 Highway and Lancaster. One of Heppner’s Beneficient staff members stated they wanted to complete the design of the new credit union by November or December of this year, with the groundbreaking to begin in January or February of 2025. Once the bank is built, then the project can move into specifically grocery-store-related activity. The people in charge speculate the grocery store is probably two years away from opening, which puts the date sometime in 2026. “Right now, our main objective is to build Golden Plains a new building,” Heppner said. Heppner said he thought they were looking at around two years before the grocery store project could be completed. Heppner is the CEO of Beneficient, which will provide funding for the store through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act, passed in Kansas in 2021.
In exchange for a charter to operate within the state, the law requires Beneficient to dedicate 2.5 percent of the value of its transactions for the benefit of the Hesston area, as well as the Kansas State Department of Commerce. The Beneficient Heartland Foundation is to oversee the portion allocated to Hesston. According to information at Tuesday’s event, the money available to Hesston currently totals $13.9 million. This money is in the form of assets and not cash. “As long as the TEFFI makes money, we should be able to get to projects on the other side of the street,” Heppner said. “If there’s someone who wants to open a business, there are buildings available.” White’s Foodliner is still on board to operate the grocery store once it opens. They estimated it would bring 50 jobs to Hesston of both full- and part-time opportunity. The store will offer a mobile app, loyalty rewards and an endowment for 100 low-income families to be able to purchase groceries. Jordan White said their stores can offer as much inventory as Dillons and will have a deli. Heppner also spoke of plans for an underground parking garage with air conditioning, heating and elevators for the grocery store. Parking will still be offered along Main Street, as well, with a revitalized rustic store front on the east side of Main Street. A website will be launched and linked through the City of Hesston’s website so the general public can see the drawings and track the progress of the project.
Source: Harvey County Now
Newton Fire/EMS receives $500,000 grant
After resourcefully building their own tender to haul water years ago, the Newton Fire/EMS department received just over half a million dollars toward a new fire tender. This will be the first time in nearly 10 years the department has a traditional tender. In 2015, when the engine that hauled 1,000 gallons of water was replaced, the new one only carried half as much. For three years, the department went without a tender. “The city couldn’t afford it,” Deputy Chief Cory Lehman said. In 2018, the department worked together and transformed an old 1983 military truck into a new water tender. “We’ve got a bunch of talent in our department that put it together,” Lehman said. The department applied for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Department of Homeland Security last year, as well, but didn’t get it. This year, they were awarded $518,000. Lehman said they were happy to get it this year, because recipients are rare. “For all the apparatus, only about 10 percent get vehicles they requested,” Lehman said. The old tender no longer met National Fire Protection Association standards for water carrying capacity. Lehman said the city areas aren’t a problem because there are plenty of hydrants, but in the rural areas, it becomes an issue. “In town, you’ve got hydrants all over. Out of town, there’s no hydrants,” Lehman said. He said it would be used for this more. “It’s used a lot more for incidents out of town,” Lehman said. “For rural structure fires.” A release from the city added that the old tender didn’t have the dump valves needed to shuttle water in rural fires. The release said the city was responsible for covering a 10 percent match of $51,818.
Source: Harvey County Now
Washington School’s new lease on life
First built in 1887, the Washington School heard the pitter-patter of young feet for nearly 100 years. The original three-story building was replaced in 1937 with the current one-story structure that served Kindergarten through sixth grade until 1980. For a short while after, it was an adult reading center, then used for storage. In 2008, then-owner Randy Vilela had the building registered as a national historic landmark. In August 2023, Washington School got a new lease on life. Purchased by Point Forward, a local non-profit, the school is currently undergoing a radical remodeling and transformation into a childcare facility. On Tuesday, Point Forward Chairman Ron Scripsick gave a tour of the ongoing work to members of the Point Forward Board, Crawford County Commission, and the press. The transformation is immediate. What had been a deteriorating building is being revitalized into a modern childcare facility. Despite the water damage from a collapsing roof, the building’s masonry skeleton has withstood the years of neglect and has remained solid and firm. An entirely new roof now covers the old school. Inside, metal studs are spaced along exposed brickwork, waiting for the windows to be installed so the drywall can be hung. The new facility isn’t so much a single-building school, but more of a campus. Childcare will be in the old school while a second building is being constructed to the north for pre-K children whose next stop is Kindergarten. A pair of playgrounds will flank the old school and the alley behind it will be converted into a one-way drive for pick-up and drop-off with a parking lot to the east for faculty and parents. The old building, roughly 14,150 square-feet, will feature nine classrooms for children ranging in age from infant to three-and-a-half. The front entrance is flanked by the administrative office and a clinic with a nurse’s station at the south end of the main north-south hallway. Two parallel hallways, running east-to-west, branch of the main hall, bracketing an auditorium between them with the northern hall accessing the kitchen. The auditorium can double as a playground during inclement weather. The new 5,790-square-foot building, situated to the north, will feature five classrooms for children 3-5 years old. The two buildings will be connected by a covered walkway. The total capacity for the school is 256 students. Each class will have two sessions — one morning, one afternoon — with 20 children per session. In all, the project is estimated to cost $5.7 million. To build a similar, newer facility could cost upwards of two to three times as much, according to Point Forward. There are tentative plans to partner with Pittsburg State once the center is up and running. With the main campus a few blocks to the south and the new Gorilla Rising just to the north, Shawn Naccarato, vice president for Economic Development and Community Engagement at Pittsburg State, said there is opportunity for the two to work together, especially with the Reading Center being moved downtown to the Besse. “Many kids without pre-school take until third grade before they catch up to those with pre-school,” Naccarato said. “With the university’s reading center just down the street, we can introduce those programs at an earlier age to increase outcomes.” Naccarato also pointed out possible collaboration with the Kelce School of Business. “You never think about these things until they are right across the street,” he said. Those involved with the project said it will be nice to have children running down the halls of the historic building again. Source: Morning Sun
Debate on Brown County map at commission meeting, NIETC resolution discussed
The Brown County commissioners discussed a press release by Kansas Senator Jerry Moran about opposing the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC) line and also discussing the Brown County map. Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl was present during the meeting via Zoom video call. Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker brought up the subject of Senator Moran contesting the NIETC proposal and that there would be legislation created to go against the proposal, with the legislation involving banning federal funds to stop the line from going through private property. “The decision will be up to Kansas, not Washington,” Shoemaker said. Pollock asked if there was a moratorium regarding the NIETC line, with Shoemaker stating that a letter would be sent. Hill said that a letter or resolution of support could be done, and that a copy of either could be drafted and reviewed. Lehmkuhl also agreed that a resolution was needed to help give landowners a fighting chance in court against the NIETC line and even said there was a resolution from another county that they could look off and reference from. The next topic was about the land use map. Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill expressed puzzlement why Dick Horton Consulting was having trouble with the Brown County map and that more exploration was needed with the comprehensive plan. Lehmkuhl pointed out that there were volunteers in the Brown County Planning Commission involved in the map planning and said, “I think we already wasted more than $500 dollars talking about it every week and sending things back and forth. Those people come and volunteer their time for free. I think we need to get this accomplished.” Hill argued that the county did not waste any time as this issue as brought to Dick Horton himself three months ago. “The time wasting is not on the county, it’s on them,” Hill said. “I understand what’s everybody’s saying,” Lehmkuhl replied. “I’m just saying for a $35,000 project, we’re here holding up $500 for several weeks and we need to move forward so we can get our comprehensive plan doing. That’s all I have to say.” Hill argued again that the dilemma with the map was reflective of Horton, not on the Planning Commission and that Horton was working for the Planning Commission; he recommended using the map KDOT had and submit that map with towns missing written in. Shoemaker said that the Planning Commission needs to send a letter in written format to follow up and state that they were not using Dick Horton Consulting’s map. The next Brown County meeting will take place on Aug. 30 and it will involve the final decision on the budget for Brown County.
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com
Why is there a tuberculosis outbreak in Wyandotte County?
Nearly 50 cases of tuberculosis have been confirmed in Wyandotte County — more than the total number of cases in the state of Kansas last year. Still, experts say overall public risk is low. Health officials have confirmed 49 cases of the respiratory disease tuberculosis in Wyandotte County, more cases than the entire state of Kansas had last year. Tuberculosis is not widespread in the United States, but 40 states and Washington, D.C., reported increases in 2023. KCUR’s Steve Kraske spoke with Dr. Dana Hawkinson of the University Kansas Health System about the disease, how to treat it and why public risk remains low amid the latest outbreak.
Source: KCUR News
63% of rural hospitals in Kansas at risk of closing
Kansas has seen eight hospitals close since 2015. Now more than 90 hospitals in the Sunflower State are at risk or immediate risk of closing. The Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform (CHQPR) keeps track of rural hospitals that are at risk of closing. Last year, the organization found 600 rural hospitals were at risk of closing. This year, CHQPR is reporting 703 hospitals at risk across the nation. Kansas makes up 8% of the nation’s at-risk rural hospitals and 8% of those at immediate risk. CHQPR cited losses in patient services, insufficient revenue and low financial reserves as factors contributing to hospital closures. “Many hospitals have managed to remain open despite losses on patient services because they receive local tax revenues or state government grants. However, there is no guarantee that these funds will continue to be available in the future or that they will be sufficient to cover higher costs,” CHQPR wrote in the report. Last year, 27 News looked into rural hospital closings and found 58% were at risk of closing. Kansas has had eight rural hospital closures since 2015 and currently has 98 rural hospitals, down from 104 last year. In total, 84% of rural hospitals in Kansas are operating at a median loss with 84 hospitals impacted. There are 62 rural hospitals at risk of closing in Kansas with 63% of hospitals impacted, a 5% increase since last year. There are 31 hospitals at immediate risk of closure impacting 32% of rural hospitals in Kansas, according to the report. Since last year, three additional hospitals were added to the list of those at immediate risk. Expanding the Medicaid program in Kansas,” Senior Vice President for the Kansas Hospital Association Cindy Samuelson said. “That would not only help every hospital in the state, but also thousands of Kansans would have access to healthcare coverage. If we have more hospitals closures and more communities that don’t have close access to care, that really just hurts Kansans.” In 2023, Governor Laura Kelly cited the rural hospital closures as part of her efforts to expand Medicaid: “Already, too many rural hospitals have shut their doors. When that happens, the communities have been devastated. These Kansans have to drive hours now to receive their basic care. There is an obvious way to stop the bleeding: Expand Medicaid.” The last hospital to close down was in Herington last October. Residents in the area now need to travel more than 20 miles to receive emergency care. Last year the HQPR report said increasing payments to prevent closures of at-risk rural hospitals would cost about $4 billion per year and represent only a 1/10 or 1% increase in national healthcare spending. The report said spending would likely increase if more hospitals closed because care would cause residents in rural communities to be sicker and need more future services.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Ordinance discussed for electric vehicles
Chief Wahwasuck also discussed a potential ordinance needed for the electric vehicles around town. “We are looking at working on an ordinance for all the electronic vehicles around town… All the major municipalities have put one in place,” Chief Wahwasuck said. “From what I have gone through looking at them, you have to operate them just like you would a bicycle… Right now, they are restricted on roadways, but a lot of people don’t want them on sidewalks, so it comes down to what do we want? Do we want to keep them on the sidewalks for certain things? Do we want them on the streets? What do we want on the streets?” Wahwasuck said he would recommend possibly restricting electric vehicles from certain streets like Old Highway 75 and Main Street. Edelman also mentioned Oregon being considered as well. Wittmer and Aberle agreed that while rules are becoming necessary, they were hesitant about putting too many restriction on the electric vehicles. “The handful of kids that I know use them as their transportation,” Aberle said. “I think everyone is in agreeance that we don’t want too many rules and regulations, but helmets would be a key one. I think that makes them more visible as well,” Bletscher said.
Source: Sabetha Herald
Municipal Bond Trends for August 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.
Municipal Bond Trends for August 26, 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.
Lenexa unveils new $73M Justice Center — Here’s a sneak peek inside
After five years of planning and construction, the Lenexa Justice Center opens Monday to the public, with the city’s hopes that it will take Lenexa law enforcement into the future. … In the works since 2019, the $73 million project includes two new buildings with several features aimed at streamlining both police and Lenexa Municipal Court operations.
Source: Prairie Village Post
This JoCo city is the latest to slap new rules on AirBnbs
The Mission City Council last week unanimously approved a new rule imposing a $500 license fee on short-term rentals, as well as a separate nuisance party ordinance that applies citywide. These new regulations follow similar actions taken in other Johnson County cities like Fairway, Merriam and Shawnee, all of which have adopted stricter rules for short-term rentals this year.
Source: Johnson County Post
Forging a new identity: Little Balkans Days turns 39
Next week, for the 39th time, residents of Pittsburg and the surrounding region will engage in a celebration of its colorful and unique heritage. Little Balkans Days is now one of the largest festivals in the area and has become synonymous with the region. It began as an attempt to change the image of southeast Kansas.
Source: Morning Sun
Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog hospitalized, ‘doing well’ following car accident
Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog was hospitalized over the weekend following a car accident. … “Mayor Skoog is doing well, recovering in a local hospital, and has a path forward working with his medical providers,” the news release continues. “He is expected to make a full recovery.”
Source: Johnson County Post
Lenexa staff recommend against homeless shelter permit — Here’s why
A Johnson County homeless shelter at a repurposed Lenexa hotel would place an “unreasonable financial burden” on the city and negatively impact properties nearby, city staff say. That, plus the “extremely abbreviated timeline” by which the county is seeking to get the shelter proposal approved, makes up much of the reasoning behind the staff’s recommendation that the Lenexa Planning Commission deny a key permit for the shelter at its meeting this coming Monday.
Source: Johnson County Post
Municipal Bond Trends for August 23, 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.
Arkansas City Fire Department mourns loss of firefighter
The Arkansas City Fire Department is in mourning after the death of firefighter and EMT Trevor Rusk. The ACFD said in a news release Rusk was off-duty at the time of his death. He was a valued member of the ACFD, known for his commitment to the safety and well-being of others. The release said Rusk joined the department on June 5, 2023, and quickly became a beloved colleague. “Trevor was not only a dedicated firefighter but also a friend to many. His courage, professionalism, and selflessness will never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time,” Fire Chief Stuart Cassaboom said. “Trevor Rusk was an exemplary firefighter whose contributions to the safety of our community were invaluable,” City Manager Randy Frazer said in the release. “His loss is deeply felt not only within the department but across the entire city. We are mourning alongside his family, friends, and colleagues, and we will ensure that his legacy of service is honored in the days to come.”
Source: KSN-TV
Pratt entering Stage 1 of water conservation due to drought
The City of Pratt announced it is entering Stage 1 of its Water Conservation Plan. Stage 1 is voluntary. The city said due to drought conditions, on top of a well failure, it must take steps to prevent loss of drinking water for basic health and safety services. The City of Pratt shared several ways residents can help limit excessive water usage: Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when full, Turn off the faucet while washing hands, shaving or brushing your teeth, Avoid washing cars, boats or other outdoor equipment, Only water lawn or flowers when needed (evening or morning times), Avoid recreational toys that require a constant stream of water, Discontinue water use for non-essential purposes. If you see water leaks, you can report them to the City of Pratt at 620-672-6446, or after-hours at 620-672-3831.
Source: KSN-TV
Garden Plain playground getting new equipment
A playground in Garden Plain will soon have a couple of new items for children to try out. Garden Plain State Bank is giving the city $3,500 in Community Reinvestment Funds to purchase playground equipment for Ternes Park. The money will go toward monkey bars and 12 pebble-path pods, both sized for children ages 2 to 12. The pebble-path consists of individual step climbers that can be adjusted in height. Children jump from pod to pod, improving strength, coordination, and balance. “Our citizens continue to request new amenities, but public funds are very precious and limited,” Mayor Kevin Hammond said in a statement. “It’s often difficult to prioritize recreational projects over mandatory public services such as streets, utility lines, maintenance. Generous contributions such as this help us provide for both services and recreation.” The new equipment is expected to be installed in the next few months.
Source: KSN-TV
Wichita’s emergency shelter poised to open by Thanksgiving
Wichita’s emergency winter shelter aims to open around Thanksgiving, which will be the first project of three for a fully developed multi-agency center, according to announcements during last week’s Homelessness Task Force meeting. Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson said the development of the former Park Elementary school site is being planned as three sequential projects: the emergency winter shelter, the multi-agency center, or MAC, and then the build of low-income housing. Anderson also announced that the state legislature didn’t act on their first right of refusal of the Wichita USD 259 property, meaning that negotiations are officially underway between the school district and the city on the purchase agreement. It should go in front of the city council in the “very near future,” he said. In addition, Anderson said that a request for proposals will soon be posted for who will run daily operations of the emergency shelter from Thanksgiving through the end of March. “(It’s) probably a whole other conversation around the multi-agency center and the ultimate operator of that,” he said. Misty Bruckner, a project director with Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center, said the intention is to develop the MAC as a 501(c)(3), granting it nonprofit status. “Homelessness and people experiencing housing insecurity is a community issue. It’s going to be a community development, so thinking from that governance perspective, the intention is to create a 501(c)(3),” she said at the meeting. “That’s part of the effort — that we provide a governance structure with representatives of the community engaged in helping provide direction, policy efforts and make a connected effort to make this map a reality.” Robyn Chadwick, chair of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition, presented a draft plan of the MAC’s daily operations. Intake at the MAC will screen each individual for weapons or drugs, she said, with plans to transport someone that could present a safety concern for other shelter clients. “They can be high or drunk, but if they are incapacitated and unable to participate in the services, then we will get them to (the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas) or to the hospital, depending on the level of severity,” she said. “If they’re in a psychiatric crisis, we’ll be transporting them.” The most recent MAC plans also include an onsite pharmacy, laundry and pet kennels. Case management will be onsite, available in the day center.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
What is ‘percent for art?’ About the public art funding program that Wichita arts advocates don’t want to lose
Local arts leaders sounded the alarm after comments from Mayor Lily Wu during last Tuesday’s Wichita City Council meeting. The Council will vote to adopt the proposed 2025 city budget tomorrow.
An exchange during last week’s Wichita City Council meeting has prompted some Wichita arts advocates to speak out in favor of a relatively new and little-understood public art funding program. During public comment on the 2025 Annual Operating Budget and 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program, District 2 resident Faith Martin suggested temporarily suspending the city’s percent-for-art ordinance to make up for an expected 2026 budget shortfall. “Maybe we look at amending that public code when we have a shortfall,” she said. “Not that I am against the arts. … I love supporting our local art community. But when we look at what the core services are, we may have to walk that back until we can get ourselves to where we have a little more budget.” City Manager Robert Layton said the council would have to vote to repeal the 2019 ordinance in order to adjust the allocation of public art dollars. (In a Thursday interview with the Wichita Eagle, Wu said she was not interested in cutting public art funding.) In 2019, the Council approved an ordinance that allocated 2% of public project funds to public art projects, including related costs, such as ongoing maintenance of the city’s public art collection. That calculation will result in more than $1.7 million in spending on public art dollars in 2025, if the current budget proposal is approved in tomorrow’s city council meeting. That’s less than one quarter of one percent of the city’s proposed budget, or roughly $10 per household. You may be familiar with recent additions to the City of Wichita’s public art collection at Riverfront Stadium, Wichita Public Library locations, and at Chester I. Lewis Park Reflection Square Park in downtown Wichita — all funded prior to the passage of the percent for art ordinance. “The City has implemented public art for 20 years in an ad hoc fashion,” reads a slide presentation prepared by the city manager’s office and presented to the City Council in December 2019. “The ordinance amendments would codify a public art process and establish a funding source.” Under the new ordinance, public-arts funding is tied directly to public improvement projects, the application process is open and accessible, and artists and art consultants are involved at the beginning of each public improvement project. The Design Council — an advisory body appointed by the mayor — recommends where the dollars should be spent, and the City Council approves those allocations. After the August 13 council meeting, Kristin Beal, the executive director of Harvester Arts, circulated a letter urging people to contact their representatives in City Hall. If the city cuts funding for public art, she says she worries Wichita will lose artists, which will have a wider impact on the community. “It feels like we’re finally making strides to build a creative ecosystem here where artists can live and work here as artists,” she said. “If cuts are made, we will lose ground and lose artists. The arts attract and retain talent, and beyond artists, companies look to communities that have a strong arts ecosystem, because they know that their employees want that.” “Studies show that investments in public art can improve safety, provide tourism, attract business, add jobs and keep artists employed in our city,” Sonia Greteman said in a Facebook post shared by her agency the Greteman Group. Garvey, who also asked her contacts to reach out to their elected city leaders, cited the Americans for the Arts study released this spring that estimates Wichita’s nonprofit arts sector generated some $185 million to the local economy in 2022, up from an estimated $49 million in 2005. District 2 City Council Member Becky Tuttle, who spoke in favor of public arts spending at the August 13 meeting, also referenced the study in her comments.
Source: KLC Journal