Johnson County reviewing federal COVID-19 guidance as Kansas City announces mask order

As Kansas City reinstates its mask mandate, health officials in Johnson County said they also are concerned about the spread of COVID-19. “Cases are increasing rapidly, driven largely by the Delta variant. Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is concerned about this,” Sanmi Areola, Johnson County’s top public health official, said in a statement. “We are reviewing the updated guidance from CDC and will continue to update our residents and elected officials.” The Johnson County board of commissioners meet on Thursday. On the agenda is an update on COVID-19 and vaccination in the county.
Source: KC Star Local News

2021-07-28T23:14:44-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

Several Kansas police departments offering free tracking kits to combat catalytic converter thefts

Several area law enforcement agencies have purchased and made a catalytic converter marking kit available to the public.  Over the last year, catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in Cowley County due to the soaring price of precious metals contained in the parts. A setback in tracking catalytic converters is matching them to a particular victim. The CATETCH catalytic converter kit allows vehicle owners to apply an identification number to the converter and register it online. The number can be provided to law enforcement and entered into the National Crime Information Center, which will help them track stolen parts.
Source: KSN-TV

2021-07-29T07:54:55-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

Waterville to note 150 Town to celebrate with old-fashioned fun, fireworks

The sky over Waterville will light up with fireworks to mark the town’s 150th birthday Friday during an evening billed as an “old-fashioned All-American celebration.” For 93-year-old Ray Lindquist, who was born and raised in Waterville, it will be a meaningful day. “The town has really changed over the last 150 years,” said Lindquist, who owned and operated Waterville Lumber Company for 21 years before passing it on to his son in 1992.
Source: The Marysville Advocate

2021-07-29T07:30:48-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

Shawnee County courts back up and running after year long pandemic mitigation efforts

The Shawnee County Courthouse is up and running after more than a year of Covid mitigation efforts. “We are fully back in the flow of things, it’s almost as if Covid never happened around the courthouse,” Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay told KSNT Wednesday morning. Kagay called the screening process for the courthouse “robust.” “I don’t foresee an interruption, I think everyone that has wanted to get vaccinated has had an opportunity to do so,” Mike Kagay said. “I think we are seeing a lot of jurors who have been fully vaccinated and they are very comfortable coming in and serving.”
Source: KSNT News

2021-07-28T23:09:44-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

New Pretty Prairie superintendent says communication is key

For the new superintendent of Pretty Prairie, communication is key. Trained in leadership and communication at Fort Hays State University, Ashley Anderson hopes to implement changes through all channels from parents to staff to the board. Along with sending a weekly report to the board, she will report to all schools as well. During her short tenure, she had the website made more customer friendly, which makes it easier for social media posting, and she is requesting more information be sent to parents. She is also making sure the calendar is up to date.
Source: Hutch News.

2021-07-29T07:43:53-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

Cerner Corp. plans to sell off major WYCO area campus after move to hybrid work

Cerner Corp. plans to sell off one of its major office campuses this year. The healthcare IT company informed employees this week that the Continuous Campus near Village West in Kansas City, Kansas, would go on the market next month as the region’s largest private employer considers its long-term real estate needs. In June, Cerner announced most employees would not be required to return to the office full time after more than a year of working remotely.
Source: Kansas City Star

2021-07-29T07:45:26-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

As delta surges, Kansas health officials retain power; challenge heads to Supreme Court

As COVID-19 cases resurge across the Midwest, Gov. Laura Kelly and local health officials will retain emergency powers curtailed by the Kansas Legislature this spring, after a Johnson County District judge declined Tuesday to set aside his ruling that the changes made by lawmakers were unconstitutional. Judge David Hauber rejected a request by Attorney General Derek Schmidt to stay enforcement of the July 15 ruling while the state pursues an appeal. It could be months before the Kansas Supreme Court issues a final ruling on the matter. In the meantime, Hauber’s ruling opens the way for Kelly to issue a new COVID-19 state of emergency. It also empowers local health officials to once again issue unilateral orders on business closures, capacity limits and masks. An appeals process allowing residents to challenge local health measures will be placed on hold.Source: Wichita Eagle

2021-07-28T07:51:43-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

Cattle Drive in Abilene

Just like in the days of yore, Texas longhorn cattle are about to take over the streets of Abilene. The Sander Ranch Longhorns will be part of Abilene’s Central Kansas Free Fair parade on August 5 at 4 pm, and will be part of the opening of the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo August 4-7. The majestic beasts will go down the parade route, and mill around the arena prior to each night of rodeo. They are owned by Wes Sander of Woodward, Okla., who has had longhorns since 1998. A Woodward, Okla. rodeo committee member, he wanted a way to promote the rodeo. He bought 50 head of longhorn steers, broke to drive. He used them in a cattle drive with great success, garnering publicity from across the state. They “were a huge hit,” he said.
Source: Abilene RC.

2021-07-28T07:50:09-05:00July 28, 2021|News|

Reno County Commissioners won’t pay for Scott Blvd. bridge, will help where they can

The Board of Reno County Commissioners voted Tuesday to clarify that they are not paying for the Scott Blvd. bridge, but they are willing to help with anything they can not involving money. It is County Counselor Joe O’ Sullivan’s legal opinion that they can’t pay for the bridge. “There are three statutes that are used to fund county road and bridge maintenance and replacement, not only for bridges and roads on county roads, but also bridges on township roads and connecting link roads maintenance, which the statute makes the county’s responsibility.” Nevertheless, the commission is okay with Public Works Director Don Brittain helping South Hutchinson as he has attempted to before, to do as much as they can without laying out any specific county funds for replacement.
Source: Hutch Post.

2021-07-28T07:46:57-05:00July 28, 2021|News|
Go to Top