Kansas Municipal News
Wichita now requires all dogs and cats to be microchipped. See what else is changing
All Wichita dog and cat owners will now be required to microchip their furry friends due to a City Council vote during a 10-hour-long meeting Tuesday. Now, owners are required to microchip their dogs and cats 5 months and older. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted between the pet’s shoulder blades. The microchip includes a code with the owner’s information, but does not have tracking capabilities. The Animal Services Advisory board formed a committee last year to improve animal control ordinances in Wichita. The recommendations were first presented to the council in a workshop earlier this year. “We think it would help get animals back into their homes when animals are found running the streets,” assistant city attorney Jan Jarman said at the April 23 workshop. “If every animal was required to have a microchip, it would help us keep them out of the shelter, which is our goal, and we think we could implement that.” The new changes to the city’s animal ordinance also increases dog bite fines and increases the number of dogs and cats allowed in a home without an animal maintenance permit. Additionally, dog licenses are now $50 for dogs who are not spayed or neutered, an increase of $15. Cat licenses are still not required in Wichita. “Licensing isn’t ready for that, we’re not very good right now at licensing dogs, we need to get a lot better,” Jarman said at Tuesday’s council meeting. “We are not ready for cats. Hopefully someday in the future if the council wants to see us do cats, we can do that, but for now we’re only ready for dogs.” Now, three dogs and three cats are allowed in a home without an animal maintenance permit. Pit bull owners are still limited to two pit bulls per household. Dog bite penalties have increased from $250 to $500 for first offense, $500 to $1,000 for second offense and from $1,000 to $2,500 for third offense. The fine is per defendant, not per dog. Here’s a list of other changes approved on Tuesday: Dogs can now be licensed for three years, depending on required vaccines. Removes the mandatory pen requirement for dogs deemed dangerous and leaves that decision up to animal services. Allows animal professionals to care for dangerous dogs. Allowing dogs to run at large is now considered a misdemeanor The pet ordinance changes passed unanimously.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Salina has collected 3.5K tons of storm debris
Two weeks after winds up to 95 mph were recorded during a storm crossing through Salina, the city is still working to help people clean up debris. A news release Wednesday from the city of Salina said efforts to collect and manage tree and limb debris continued after the July 31 storm.
Source: Salina Journal
Unique names promoted Kansas communities
New York investor Francis Skiddy wanted to have a Kansas town named after him. Skiddy promised to build a town hall in exchange for his becoming the namesake of Skiddy, a community founded in 1869 on the boundary line between Morris and Geary counties in north-central Kansas.But Skiddy reneged on his promise, and residents in 1879 changed the community’s name to Camden, according to the website legendsofkansas.com.
Source: CJonline
Braxton Copley named Topeka’s assistant city manager
Topeka has a new assistant city manager, but he should be a familiar face to many. Braxton Copley will serve the role for Topeka after 19 years in previous positions. … Copley joined Topeka’s city attorney’s office in 2000 and over the next 12 years served in such position as assistant city attorney, interim city attorney, and utilities and transportation director. He left in 2012 to join the private sector. He returned as deputy director of utilities in 2017, then served interim director of utilities in 2020 and director of utilities in 2021. Copley was promoted to public works director in October 2022.
Source: CJonline
Crawford County hosts public forum on solar
John Copyak, one of three proprietors of Shasta Power, updated the county commission on a proposed solar farm his company is developing between Arma and Frontenac. The farm will cover 1,500 acres, centered around an already existing power station. Additions to the current site will include battery storage and some minor modifications to tie the solar panels into the existing grid. Construction of the site will employ 200 workers, with a dozen permanent jobs remaining to maintain the site. The farm is slated to generate 200 megawatts, enough to power 50,000 homes, according to Copyak, and will generate with no noise, dust, or air pollution. The $500 million project is expected to generate $4-5 million in property taxes each year over the next 35 years, divided among the county, school district, state, and other agencies. The project is spread across two school districts. Since most of the it lies within USD 246, Northeast will receive up to 90 percent of the educational portion of the property tax; the remaining 10 percent will go to Frontenac’s USD 249. In addition to property tax, the county will also receive 1 percent of the sales taxes generated by the solar farm. Melesia Rhodes, Arma resident and Democratic challenger for Ken Collins’ seat in the state legislature, is an advocate for rural economic development and supports building the solar farm. The revenues received by the school district alone are enough to help off-set costs to fund existing programs and create new ones, she said. The tax revenue may be even enough to provide funding for pay raises for staff, she said.
Source: Morning Sun
Hesston City Council sets grocery store community conversation date
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, there will be a Grocery Store Community Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dyck Arboretum Prairie Pavilion, 177 W Hickory St, Hesston. According to City Manager Gary Emry, representatives from Beneficient will be in attendance for a community-wide discussion about the grocery store project. This meeting was originally on the docket for June but has finally been put on the books.
Source: Harvey County Now
Drivers not charging at EV spots in Merriam can now be fined
The city of Merriam will now require vehicles parked in front of electric vehicle charging stations to be plugged in, or the owner will be subject to fines. On Monday, the Merriam City Council in a 6-0 vote approved a new ordinance that levies fines for owners of vehicles, both non-EV and EV alike, who park in EV charging spots without using the charging station. This follows the city of Overland Park’s move in June that set similar rules for EV parking spots, requiring vehicles parked at city chargers to be actively plugged in. There is a minimum fine of $100 for a ticket and a maximum of $500 under the new ordinance.
Source: Johnson County Post
Johnson County is seeing homelessness grow, but a proposed new shelter offers hope
In Johnson County, homelessness is on the rise. The county’s latest data, from a July point-in-time count, found that 250 people are unhoused — although the real number is likely higher. The county wants to functionally end homelessness by 2029. Its proposed Homeless Service Center could be a “crucial” part of the solution, according to Johnson County Commission chair Mike Kelly. The shelter would repurpose a La Quinta Inn and Suites at 95th Street and Interstate 35 in Lenexa, but it faces some hurdles. Kelly says there are “very real” concerns from Lenexa and other cities that can’t be addressed, because a shelter like this does not currently exist in Johnson County. Lenexa still needs to grant the special use permit for the project. Kelly said it’s unknown exactly how the planning commission and city council will vote. But he said that conversations with many cities in the county have been supportive of the project. “While this is still a a daunting challenge, it’s a manageable challenge,” Kelly said. “And with the opportunity to address some of those gaps in coverage that we have in our systems of care, we have a real chance in Johnson County to functionally end homelessness.”
Source: KCUR
City council approves new regulations for pet owners
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, members discussed changes to animal services. The ordinance amendment passed 7-0. Councilors will look at the amendment again before the regulations go into effect. The Wichita Police Department recommended the following amendments: Increased fines for dog bite convictions with a first-time bite increasing from a $250 mandatory fine to a $500 fine, a second offense from a $500 fine to a $1,000 fine, and a third offense from a $1,000 fine to a $2,500 fine;
Removal of mandatory dog pen requirement for dangerous dogs, leaving the determination to the discretion of Animal Services;
Require microchips on all dogs and cats at the age of five months unless a veterinarian advises that it is not in the best interest of the animal;
Simplify pet licensing prices to $15 for spayed/neutered and $50 for those that are not. This is not an increase for spayed or neutered pets but is a $15 increase for those that are not;
Simplify veterinarian requirements regarding vaccination and license information that is transferred to City Licensing;
Allow licenses to be purchased for the length of a rabies vaccine, up to three years;
Allow three dogs/three cats per household. An animal maintenance permit will be required for four;
Allow a dangerous dog to be cared for by an animal professional for evaluation; and
Licensing provisions will take effect January 1, 2025, due to necessary computer upgrades.
Source: KSN-TV
Historic downtown Pittsburg property set for major renovations with $300,000 grant
Renovations are in the works for an old property in the downtown Pittsburg area. In June, the city was awarded a $300,000 grant from the state. The plan is to use the money for the renovations. The ground floor will also be redeveloped for commercial space, and apartments will go upstairs. During tonight’s city commission meeting, commissioners approved a grant agreement, repayment agreement, and matching funds agreement. “211 and then the buildings in between, there’s actually some that are for sale that we’re looking to do some additional projects with. So that’s really going to kind of reinvent that whole area. And then as the School of Business starts construction directly across the street, we see this block as being a pretty high traffic – exciting development for Pittsburg,” said Kim Froman, City of Pittsburg Community Development and Housing Director.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Pittsburg launches new solid waste service for residents
The City of Pittsburg is officially rolling out a new service for residents. “I think for the most part, I mean, we’re just wanting to make Pittsburg a clean town,” said Troy Graham, city of Pittsburg property and sanitation assistant director. City of Pittsburg property and sanitation assistant director Troy Graham says for years, departments around the city have picked up bulk solid waste and trash. But are now making this task officially their own. “What we’re doing now is basically trying to fill that void since we’ve been doing it anyways. And like I said, we’re just the start of this and we’re looking forward to serving the citizens,” said Graham. As it launches, services will only be offered to residents within Pittsburg city limits. Graham says so far, 800 residents have signed up to receive solid waste trash services from the city. “We’ve had some hiccups along the way over the last couple of years. So just, you know, getting out there and seeing people actually, you know, getting some real positive feedback from the citizens that they’re looking forward to it,” said Graham. This week, the city received its first truck for that service, and is waiting to receive another one as well as carts to go around town.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Topeka to use ‘Built for Zero’ model to help end homelessness
The Capital city is looking at an additional approach to combat homelessness. It’s called the Built For Zero model and it was discussed at city council Tuesday, Aug. 13. Brought to the state by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), this model looks to end homelessness rather than manage it. With a four-phase approach, the City is taking its equity access shelter program, which was based off the the built for zero model and turning it into full built for zero model. “One of our first steps is looking at our data, creating a by name list, really getting that data that’s updates in real time, we’ll create a single integrated team that all works together to not only gather that data but then work with those individuals to help get them housed and move them through the process,” Topeka Housing Services Division Director Carrie Higgins said. While the City is going forward with this approach, this does not mean they are parting ways with Sylver Consulting, an outside organization that was brought in my by former Topeka City Manager Stephen Wade. Built for Zero will rather use programs like the homeless innovation group and use their ideas and build that into its framework.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Judge could force City of Topeka to let residents decide on property tax increase
A Topeka man is suing the city, claiming it ignored what he calls a lawful petition. The petition’s creator Earl McIntosh wants Topeka taxpayers, not the city council, to decide whether property taxes increase. After the council took no action on his petition last month, he’s filed a lawsuit demanding they take it to a vote. He’s served the city with a mandamus lawsuit. He’s accusing city leaders of failing to perform their law-mandated duty. “The citizens of Topeka have decided to file this lawsuit,” McIntosh said. “To ask a judge to force the city to vote or let the people have a vote.” A city spokeswoman responded with the following statement: “The city was served on this request for mandamus action. After careful consideration, the governing body decided not to act because the petition has constitutional issues, and the initiative and referendum law doesn’t apply to administrative ordinances. The city will respond to the lawsuit as necessary.”
Source: KSNT 27 News
Topeka seeks input on pedestrian plan, city walkability
The City of Topeka will be collecting input from the public for its 2016 Pedestrian Plan; a project to improve the city’s walkability. The city will be updating the 2016 Pedestrian Plan with the goal of creating safe walkways between schools, parks, shopping districts, workplaces and other popular destinations. Topeka was awarded $25 million in grant funds as part of Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) under Pathways for Progress. As part of the project, the City of Topeka will build around 50 miles of new or improved sidewalks in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “This plan is just one piece of a more considerable effort to improve the quality of life through of vibrant neighborhoods and better transportation choices for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists,” the city wrote in a press release.
Source: KSNT 27 News
KDOT Cost Share program opens, $6m available to communities
The Kansas Department of Transportation is opening up its cost-share program that has provided over $146 million to communities since it started in 2019. On Monday, KDOT announced its 10th round of the Cost Share Program has opened. The program gives financial assistance for construction projects that improve safety and help rural and urban areas improve their transport systems. KDOT will provide funds to projects that improve roads, railways, airports, bicycle & pedestrian and public transit. The budget for this round of grants is $6 million with a maximum of $1 million allowed per project. “KDOT’s Cost Share Program improves transportation, creates economic growth and increases job opportunities across Kansas,” said Michelle Needham, Economic Development Programs Manager. “Past Cost Share participants have proven this program to be the financial boost that many small and large communities needed to achieve their project goals.” DOT will host a webinar at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug 21. To register click here. You must submit your applications by Sept. 19. More information on the cost-share program can be found by clicking here. If you have additional questions you can email Needham at michelle.d.needham@ks.gov.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Iola discusses temporary business licensing ordinance
Iola City Council members are one step closer to revising the city’s temporary business licensing ordinance. Council member Joelle Shallah presented the council with recommendations for the Transient/Temporary Business ordinance that had previously been discussed at the April 8 council meeting. At that time, a special committee was formed to discuss recommended changes to the ordinance. “The reason I feel it needs to be addressed is because of the shift in opportunities for small businesses,” said Shallah. “As most of us know, we are seeing more and more mobile businesses. I would love to see us being open and progressive.” Shallah noted this could create collaborations with existing businesses in town and any special events that they hold. “Some of these events could include a possible Food Truck Friday, special shopping events, and Christmas block party,” she explained. “I think there are a lot of opportunities there.” After meeting at the end of April, the committee came up with a list of recommendations that includes a tier-structured fee scale for permits. The committee suggests $25 for a three-day permit; $50 for 30 days; $250 for six months; and $400 for a calendar year. Shallah explained that a $10 application fee would be added to each of those costs and all applications must include a signed release from the property owner. Currently, a permit fee of $250 to be imposed per six-month period is the only option available.
Source: The Iola Register
Parents petition to ban cell phones in Lawrence schools
More than 100 parents of students in the Lawrence school district have signed a petition in support of a districtwide ban of cell phones in classrooms. Justin Blumenstiel, a parent of a Free State High School student, told the school board Monday that he and fellow petitioners support teachers who have called for a stricter, more cohesive cell phone policy. “I know that the school board is considering these matters very strongly, and I really recommend urgency on these matters,” Blumenstiel said. More than 80 Lawrence educators signed a petition at the end of the past school year proposing students’ phones be stored in a designated area from the first bell until the last bell of the day. Some educators further advocated for a cell phone during the school board meeting on June 24. They said cell phone usage in their classrooms has become a crisis, and having to use their discretion can cause conflict with students or take away from instructional time. Across the district, students aren’t to have their cell phones out while they’re in class. Elementary and middle school policies don’t allow students to use their phones at all during school hours unless granted permission. High school students, however, are still permitted to use their phones outside of class time. Blumenstiel said parents hope their petition boosts support for concerned teachers. Parents with students at all elementary, middle and high schools in the district signed. They’re requesting the district implement a plan by the end of the fall semester to go into effect during spring 2025.
Source: The Lawrence Times
A Sedgwick County vote on solar regulations could kill $200M project
Sedgwick County Commissioners will vote Wednesday on alternative regulations proposed for commercial and utility-based solar projects. The regulations, if approved, could end a proposed Chisholm Trail Solar Energy Center, a 750-acre solar project between Colwich and Maize by Chicago-based renewable energy company Invenergy. More specifically, the proposed regulations would prohibit projects in urban areas of influence — urban land where utility-based solar projects are not permitted — and require projects to be no more than 1,280 acres. “If the county enacts this particular ban, our Chisholm Trail Solar Energy Center project will lose the opportunity to submit a Conditional Use Permit application,” Meredith Abdou, vice president of Renewable Generation at Invenergy said. Abdou said all three quality points of interconnection for utility solar projects in the county are located either in or around urban areas of influence. “Enacting this requirement would seriously hamper the county’s efforts to attract utility-scale solar development because these projects must be sited near points of interconnection to deliver their power to the electrical grid,” she said. The Invenergy project has drawn strong reactions from clean energy advocates and fast-growing communities in the area. “Every county must balance the interests of growing communities and landowners’ private property rights,” Kansas Power Alliance’s Josh Svaty said.”Sedgwick County has historically created a collaborative environment where business development interests and community interests are blended, and we would hope that environment would continue.”
Source: Wichita Business Journal
City Council to have more talks on a plan for paid parking downtown
In a marathon, ten-hour meeting Tuesday, Wichita City Council members heard an update and review of a plan to convert to paid parking downtown, as they held their second hearing on the city’s budget for 2025. Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson said the plan to go to a paid system is part of a parking and multimodal plan that was adopted by the Council in 2023. He said the city’s parking fund can cover basic operations but it’s not providing enough to cover needed maintenance and repair of parking garages and facilities. A parking fee is expected to generate over $3 million a year, and it would provide for lighting, security and safety improvements as well as maintenance needs. Anderson said the fee that has been discussed would be in a range of 75 cents to two dollars an hour, based on the recovery of maintenance and operational costs, credit card fees and best practices. He said businesses downtown would have options for providing parking for their employees. The city has received some pushback from residents over the plan, and a number of informational meetings have been scheduled over the next few weeks to get public input. The plan is scheduled to go into effect on January 1st, 2025.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Municipal Bond Trends for August 13, 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.
These 14 Kansas cities lost the most people last year, state report says
The report, which uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, also shows that 14 Kansas cities lost at least 100 people last year. Most of them are in more rural areas of the state.
Source: Hutch News
These 18 Kansas cities gained the most people last year, state budget office report says
…population growth varied widely across the state and even within counties, according to the report, which uses U.S. Census Bureau data. There were 18 cities that gained at least 100 people, with many of the biggest winners being suburbs in the Kansas City and Wichita metro areas.
Source: Salina Journal
Crisis City near Salina helps prep medical search and rescue teams for disaster
Search and rescue crews from across the state and U.S. took part in training at Crisis City last week, culminating in a simulated rescue operation Friday night. Twenty-three paramedics and physicians, all of whom are part of urban search and rescue task forces in Kansas and across the country, spent three days of classes and simulations as part of the Medical Team Specialist course from Disaster Medical Solutions (DMS) at Crisis City.
Source: Salina Journal
More Topekans are being cited for grass growing too high
The Topeka Police Department’s property maintenance unit enforces the ordinance involved, as well other property maintenance ordinances, said Rosie Nichols, public safety communications specialist for Topeka’s city government. This year’s rise in vegetation violations may be related to an increase in staffing, Nichols said. “In previous years, there were six inspector positions and one field supervisor, and today there are 10 inspectors with one field supervisor,” she said.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for August 12, 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.
Action delayed on solar regulations for Sedgwick County
Sedgwick County Commissioners have delayed action on zoning regulations that would cover large-scale solar projects. Commissioners heard reports at their regular meeting Wednesday on proposed amendments to the Unified Zoning Code on definitions, standards and requirements for commercial solar systems. The county also hired the Virginia firm of The Berkley Group to look over the proposed regulations and look at best practices across the country. Michael Zehner, a representative from the Berkley Group, said the goal is to ensure that Solar Energy Conversion System developments meet community needs and are consistent with best practices. The regulations would prohibit large solar projects in urban growth areas, and projects could be no closer than two miles from another solar project. There would also be definitions and standards for construction, solar equipment, groundwater testing and other factors. Commissioners also heard public comments with mixed reactions to the prospect of having solar facilities in unincorporated areas of the county.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Ark City asks residents to conserve water
Arkansas City residents are being asked to temporarily reduce their water use. City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday to implement a class one, stage one, water watch. A stage one designation is generally issued to encourage water conservation awareness during times of drought. The restrictions are not mandatory and citations will not be issued. Environmental Services Superintendent Rod Philo explained why the restriction was being put into place. “It’s mid-summer, we haven’t had any rain, and everybody’s watering,” he said. “This kicks in when our storage is down to 85%. Actually today, we’re down to about 65%.” The city would be in trouble if a large water main would break. Mayor Jay Warren pointed out that the city had experienced several small water-line breaks during the past couple of weeks. “It’s not because we’re short of water,” he said “I don’t want the public to get scared that we don’t have plenty of water, we do in reserves.” According to municipal code, class one restricts the use of water for gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs, parks, golf courses and pools. The washing of vehicles and the outside of buildings is also restricted.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Kansas lawmakers use subpoena to force Ford County clerk to cooperate with election audit
The Kansas Legislature’s bipartisan auditing committee voted to issue a subpoena to compel the Ford County clerk to cooperate with the state’s security examination of voting-related documentation and equipment used in the 2022 general election. House and Senate members participating in the committee meeting Monday took the extraordinary step of immediately relaunching the election security audit investigation that had been stalled long ago by Ford County Clerk Debbie Cox. The committee directed Cox to comply with audit team information requests helpful in evaluating accuracy of voting machines relied on during the statewide election two years ago. In addition, Cox must provide auditors access by Aug. 14 to storage units, ballots and devices used to count votes in that election. Rep. Shannon Francis, a Republican from Liberal in southwest Kansas, offered the motion to affirm the post-auditing staff’s authority to investigate Ford County’s election processes. He proposed a separate motion triggering Article 10, Chapter 46 of Kansas statute that outlined how investigating committees could use power of a subpoena to compel individuals to cooperate with audits. Both motions were approved without debate. When the Division of Post Audit initiated a 15-county review of election security standards, they discovered Ford and Chase county officials sealed most election documents in the same containers with original paper ballots. The practice of locking away ballot activity documents or equipment transfer records in containers with ballots didn’t comply with the Kansas Open Records Act mandating retention and inspection of certain election-related records.
In addition, Ford County refused to let the Legislature’s auditors inspect the county’s election management computer. That meant auditors couldn’t determine whether the election computer was properly disconnected from the internet or had non-election software installed on it.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
‘Under Five Flags’ documentary premieres at Boot Hill Museum
Dodge City has always been a melting pot of diversity, and the documentary titled “Under Five Flags,” which premiered on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Boot Hill Museum Mariah Gallery, reflects this rich history. Tracing history, the short film reveals how Ford County has been governed by five different flags in its history: France, Spain, the Republic of Texas, Mexico, and the United States. A collaborative effort between various organizations, including Humanities Kansas, Dodge City Community College (DC3), the City of Dodge City’s Cultural Relations Advisory Board, Main Street Dodge City, and Boot Hill Museum, the documentary condenses more than 500 years of history into a 13-minute film. Following the screening, a panel of experts and the film’s historians took the stage to answer questions and discuss the film. Included on the panel were Holly Mercer, DC3 Library Director; Melissa McCoy, Dodge City Assistant City Manager of Public Affairs and staff person for the Cultural Relations Advisory Board; Coral Lopez, Main Street Dodge City Director; Keith Wondra, Boot Hill Museum Curator of Exhibits and Interpretation; and Dr. Leo Oliva, Kansas historian, who served as a consultant for this Humanities Kansas project.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Burrton working to attract more industry
With the assistance of Harvey County Economic Development, Burrton is taking steps to start an industrial park. Missy Ducimetiere, mayor of Burrton, said talks began a few years ago but never were finalized. When Ducimetiere took over as mayor in January, the committee reached out to her. When she attended her first meeting, she was immediately interested. “I said, ‘How can we do this?’” Ducimetiere said. The first step is estimating costs to add utilities to areas that aren’t developed. “We’re in very preliminary stages,” Ducimetiere said. She hopes to have the estimates ready for the economic development committee (EDC) by December. Then they would make a plan of potential areas with acreage available and potential costs. Then Harvey County Economic Development can give that information to potential businesses. “When the industries make requests, if we have properties that fit those parameters, the EDC can recommend Burrton,” Ducimetiere said.
Source: Harvey County Now
Why doesn’t Harvey County have a brewery? Local businesses, brewers, police talk about 30 percent food rule
Why doesn’t Harvey County have a brewery? It’s a question enjoyers of craft beer, supporters of economic development and people looking for social spaces have asked over the years while watching neighboring communities. By fall, Butler County will have four. Reno County and McPherson County both support breweries. And Sedgwick County has had 14 different licenses granted for the establishments. The law in Harvey County is that any establishment with a liquor license—which breweries must obtain—has to derive 30 percent of its revenue from food sales.
Four Kansas brewery owners referenced the “30 percent rule.” “It’s a ridiculous rule,” Walnut River Brewing Partner B.J. Hunt said. “You don’t go to Dillons and say, ‘You bought four packages of hot dogs; you have to buy four packages of buns.’ Maybe you just like hot dogs.”
Adam Kraft, opening Park Bench Brewery this fall in Augusta, explained that he’d not have opened in Augusta, had the rule not recently been repealed in Butler County. “I would have sought out a place that didn’t have that rule,” he said. “It’s enough of an expense what I’m doing to start this up. I don’t have the capability to open this up and have a kitchen.” “The way the law was set up, it was literally impossible for us to hit 30 percent food sales without building a whole restaurant,” he said. “If you’re a beer-selling establishment, you’ll never be able to hit 30 percent food sales.” On Nov. 5, a question as to whether to opt out of the 30 percent food requirement is on the ballot for Harvey County.
Source: Harvey County Now
New slides make positive impact at Holton pool
Recent oppressive heat drove several young people in Holton to the city’s municipal swimming pool, where kids of all ages took advantage of a pair of water slides in their quest to keep cool that day. One of them was nine-year-old Jaxon Miller of Holton, who took turns going down each of the slides, a recent addition to the pool. “They’re really fun! We’re really happy to have them,” Miller said of the slides, which he added provides him with opportunities to go down differently each time. Eleven-year-old Graysen Aubert of Holton, joining Miller in using the slides that afternoon, agreed, saying the two slides were a great addition to the pool. And when the two youngsters were asked which slide they liked best, their answer was the same: “Both!” It’s a common reaction to the slides, according to pool manager Jessica Rogers, who noted that kids of all ages have been enjoying them since their addition to the pool in early June.
Source: Holton Recorder
Jackson County donates $30K toward library expansion project
Fund-raising efforts to expand Beck Bookman Library received a boost on Monday after the Jackson County Commissioners presented a $30,000 check on behalf of the county to Amy Austin, library director. The donated funds were from the county’s tax on alcohol sales. “We think this is a great way to use that money,” Commissioner Keith Kelly said. So far, about $1 million of the $2.5 million fund-raising goal has been raised for the expansion project, which will allow the library to provide a free meeting space and private work/meeting rooms in the community, as well as make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The project will also nearly double the children’s area at the library and add a space specific for teens. Austin and library board members and supporters have been meeting with different organizations and business owners to discuss the project and ask for support. “In the last couple of weeks, we’ve had an influx of families coming in because we have great air conditioning,” Austin said. “We have to run it constantly, and we’re hoping it holds out until we can get new AC units.”
Source: Holton Recorder
‘I get to keep my memories’: Tenant purchases home, former public housing unit
Lawonder Markham’s home is her comfort place — it’s where she raised her daughter, where she took care of her mother until she died and where she’s lived since 2003. But she didn’t own her home until July. It used to be public housing. The city of Wichita announced plans in January of 2022 to sell its 352 single-family public housing units. Tenants were given the option to begin the process to purchase and own their home. Markham leaped at the opportunity to purchase her home. “I’ve been through a lot of stuff in this house. I don’t want to lose my memories,” she said. Markham said the City was attentive to all of her needs throughout the process and it went “so smoothly.” “God didn’t want me to move; He wanted it to be my home because I got so many memories here, and I didn’t want to move,” she said.
Source: KLC Journal
Kansas counted 2,800 homeless people this year. There are likely many more.
Every year on a single night in January, hundreds of volunteers fan out in several communities across the state of Kansas to count every homeless person they encounter – on streets, in shelters, along rivers and within motel rooms. This year, organizers counted 2,815 homeless Kansans across the state, according to numbers released Wednesday by the Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition. This is a 6.8% increase from last year’s total of 2,636. This tally, called the point-in-time count, is important for establishing a foundation for how prevalent homelessness is in communities across the country. But it’s data gathered on one night in the dead of winter – and homelessness fluctuates throughout the year. Why does the point-in-time count matter? What does counting our homeless tell service providers? How does surveying homeless people benefit local policy? “Point-in-time gives us an idea of what the gaps are and where we need to focus these resources. There’s also a housing inventory count that takes place at the same time,” Lowe says. “So if we go out and do the count and see that there’s an increasing number of unsheltered people, we’ve got to focus our resources on addressing unsheltered homelessness,” which involves a person living in a place not meant for human habitation, whether that’s a car, park or abandoned building. “If we go out and there’s a whole lot of senior citizens, we need to go after resources to address that population,” Lowe says. Another incentive: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to conduct a point-in-time count at least every other year for points in the nationwide competition for federal funding.
Source: KLC Journal
Arma gears up for 78th annual VJ Day homecoming
The community of Arma is preparing for its 78th annual Arma VJ Day Homecoming. The celebration is to remember and mark the end of World War II. The event is starting on Thursday, August 8 with activities including pickleball and golf tournaments, a parade, concert, car show and a dance.
Source: KOAM News
City of Lawrence on latest count of unhoused people: ‘City is focused on knowing each person by name’
In response to the latest point-in-time count of people experiencing homelessness in Douglas County, the City of Lawrence says employees are making individual connections with people, leading to “powerful milestones of impact.” The latest count of people experiencing homelessness in Douglas County show a total just slightly higher than 2020, the previous record year. “The point-in-time count represents real people, each with their own stories, struggles, and hopes,” the city said in a news release Thursday morning. “Through collaborative efforts with Douglas County, the Lawrence Community Shelter, and other dedicated service providers, the City is focused on knowing each person by name, face, and story, ensuring a personalized approach to care and support. This commitment to responsibly providing services has led to powerful milestones of impact, marking significant progress in addressing homelessness in Lawrence.” Of 414 people experiencing homelessness in Douglas County on one day in January 2024, 137 were sheltered in transitional housing, 136 were in emergency shelter and 142 were unsheltered, according to data released Wednesday and the city’s news release.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Park City getting another big development
Less than two months after breaking ground on Champtown in Park City, officials broke ground Friday on another big project for the town. The mayor says it will help people recognize where Park City is. “For many years, we’ve heard a lot of people who drive north and south on the interstate right by us later say, ‘Where is Park City? Where is it? We don’t know where that’s at. There’s no Main Street. There’s no downtown’” Mayor John Lehnherr said. “We hope that this is going to be the answer to that. We’re very confident it will be.”
Source: KSN-TV
Bridge replacement in western Kansas creates nearly 60-mile detour
A bridge replacement project in western Kansas is creating a nearly 60-mile detour. The Kansas Department of Transportation says work has started to replace a bridge on Kansas Highway 34 in Clark County. The bridge is located over Bluff Creek, about 8 miles north of the U.S. Highway 160 Junction north of Sitka. During the project, traffic is being diverted onto U.S. Highway 160, west to U.S. Highway 283 to Minneola and U.S. Highway 54, and east on U.S. 54 to Bucklin and the K-34 junction. KDOT says the detour is necessary because the county roads cannot support highway traffic.
Source: KSN-TV
Squirrel in Barton County starts grass fire
Barton County Fire District 2 determined a grass fire had somewhat of a squirrelly cause. A Facebook post from the fire district said firefighters were dispatched to a small grass fire near the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 and NE 50 Road. They arrived and found a small grass fire that appeared to have started near the base of a power pole. The fire was extinguished, and after some investigation, it was determined that it started when a squirrel climbed on the wires of the power pole. The squirrel made contact with two power lines, which caused a spark that set the grass on fire. The squirrel did not survive.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for August 9, 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.
Water restriction update: Violation notices being given
The City of Wichita is on the fourth day of water restrictions and is already issuing violation notices. Public Works Director Gary Janzen was not specific about the number of violations reported, but he said some of the people who received notices plan to appeal. “We’re not proactively going out looking for people who are running irrigation systems when they’re not supposed to,” he said. “It’s not meant to be punitive, so we’re not actively trying to go after people. Our goal here is education of the community and the value we have with conservation community-wide.” After people get a violation notice, the next violation is a $50 penalty. So far, the city has not levied any penalties. “I’ve heard and seen a lot of positive feedback of people wanting to do the right thing, but there is a little bit of both,” Janzen said. “We are getting complaints also.” He said the city monitors daily pumping volumes at the water treatment plant. “I don’t know what those look like yet because we wanted to get a full week in. Probably early next week, we’ll start evaluating the data.”
Source: KSN-TV
Garden City approves grant agreement with EPA for water reuse project
The Garden City Commission approved a grant agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to construct a Water Reclamation and Reuse project at the commission’s regular meeting Tuesday. Fred Jones, Garden City Water Resource Manager, said the city has worked continually since 2016 to develop strategies to utilize reclaimed water treated by the city’s Wastewater Utility which would otherwise be discharged into the Arkansas River. Multiple projects and studies have been pursued by the city, including three federal grants which were awarded to the city from the Bureau of Reclamation, Jones said. The grants will assist staff in “developing a reuse strategy and in identifying outlets for the reclaimed water to benefit the sustainability of the city’s water supply.” Jones said the total project authorized in the grant agreement is $23,875,000, of which $19 million is federally funded and $4,775,000 will come from the city as a matching contribution.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Hutchinson City Council buys land to fight housing crisis
The City of Hutchinson is getting creative to solve the housing crisis. The Hutchinson City Council approved the purchasing of land on the west side of town, and will partner with a developer to build somewhere between 24 and 33 new homes. Hutchinson City Manager Enrico Villegas told KSN it’s a unique approach, but it’s what they decided. “So this is gonna be unique for the city, and it’s probably a little unorthodox in general,” Villegas said. “But that is going to be the approach that we’re taking to at least help get us out of the housing crisis that we’re in.” Villegas said the plan is to have the homes built in 2025. If it goes well, the city may end up buying more land.
Source: KSN-TV
Osawatomie’s newest mural pays tribute to Teddy Roosevelt
Artist Lynnsey Fletcher recently completed her third mural in Osawatomie, and the image highlights Teddy Roosevelt’s iconic visit to Osawatomie in 1910. In the fall of 2023, Fletcher painted a mural of the Big Boy steam engine on a wall near the Osawatomie History Museum and MoPac Railroad Depot Museum at 628 Main St., and earlier this year she was commissioned to add another mural to the wall. Osawatomie Museum Foundation Board member John Fletcher said the museum used a grant from the Allen W. and Gladys Hawkins Charitable Foundation to commission Fletcher to paint the mural, which she did over a period of about five days in May.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com