Shawnee Mission changes course: Sports allowed, some students to return to classrooms

Following the lead of every other district in Johnson County, the Shawnee Mission school board agreed Wednesday to immediately allow fall sports, despite surging coronavirus cases. With protesters shouting “Let them play” in the background, the board voted 5-2 to let sports resume. Superintendent Mike Fulton also announced plans to slowly bring elementary students back into classrooms next month. Before the vote, Shawnee Mission was the only district in Johnson County that had still suspended sports and also required all students to begin the school year online on Tuesday. Other districts, like Olathe and Blue Valley, are having older students learn online but have allowed elementary students to return to class part-time, in a hybrid model.
Source: Joco 913 News

2020-09-11T07:29:59-05:00September 11, 2020|News|

Topeka companies look to expand operations, create 50 new full-time jobs

Hill’s Pet Nutrition and sister companies Midwestern Metals and Custom Dredge Works will soon be expanding their operations in Shawnee County. The board of Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization voted unanimously Wednesday to approve incentive contracts between those companies and GO Topeka, the economic arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership. The contracts are expected to result in multi-million-dollar investments in the area, as the companies expand their operational capacities and look to create a combined 50 new full-time jobs.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal

2020-09-11T07:27:51-05:00September 11, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County ditches Gov. Kelly order requiring masks in schools to fight COVID

Sedgwick County commissioners on Wednesday overruled an order by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly mandating protective face masks in schools to control the spread of the coronavirus. The action lets schools within Sedgwick County allow students and teachers to wear clear plastic face shields as face coverings, instead of the cloth or surgical paper masks the governor’s order requires, officials said. The action also revokes the governor’s requirement for fever checks to enter school buildings and a directive that students and educators disinfect their hands on an hourly basis.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

2020-09-11T07:26:48-05:00September 11, 2020|News|

USDA Invests Over $42,000 in Community Infrastructure in Yates Center, Kansas

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $42,200 to purchase emergency response equipment for the city’s fire and law enforcement departments in the city of Yates Center, Kan. … The city of Yates Center will use a $42,200 Community Facilities Grant to purchase emergency response equipment for the city’s fire and police departments. This project will enable the city to purchase safe, up-to-date equipment to ensure the continued safety of its emergency and first responders and the nearly 1,500 community members that they serve. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with Yates Center, which is contributing $14,152. ….View the complete list of designated communities in Kansas.

2020-09-10T14:32:11-05:00September 10, 2020|News|

USDA Invests Over $19,000 in Community Infrastructure in Neosho, Kansas

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $19,500 to purchase kitchen equipment for the new exhibit building of the Neosho County Fair in the city of Neosho, Kan. …. The Neosho County Fair Association will use a $19,500 Community Facilities Grant to purchase kitchen equipment for the county fair. The kitchen provides meals during the Neosho County Fair and can be rented for public and private events. The kitchen will also be registered with the USDA as an incubator kitchen for entrepreneurs to use while they are starting a new business. Project funds will also help purchase new folding chairs and tables. This project will ensure the continued viability of the Neosho County Fair and its efficient service for the nearly 17,000 community members served. This civic improvement is made possible because of the partnership with the Fair Association, which is contributing $36,276.

2020-09-10T10:22:20-05:00September 10, 2020|News|

Citing safety concerns, Baldwin City buys old motel property; several tenants to be evicted

A number of residents and two businesses face eviction in a month after Baldwin City recently purchased a site on U.S. Highway 56. At its Sept. 1 meeting, the Baldwin City Council approved the purchase of the property at 109 U.S. 56 from Les Foster for $250,096. The property, which fronts the south side of the highway east of First Street, is currently the site of an old motel and a mobile home park that currently houses two recreational vehicles.
Source: LJWorld.com.

2020-09-10T09:12:03-05:00September 10, 2020|News|

Lawrence-Douglas County public health officials say plan is in the works to enforce new order regarding alcohol service at bars, restaurants

Local public health officials say they are creating a plan to step up enforcement of health orders put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus, including a recent order that prohibits businesses from serving alcohol after 9 p.m. As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received a report and presentation from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health regarding local COVID-19 cases and the community’s response to the pandemic. Some commissioners said they are frequently contacted by members of the public who are concerned about violations of health orders regarding mask use, social distancing or gathering limits.
Source: LJWorld.com.

2020-09-10T09:10:53-05:00September 10, 2020|News|

Lawrence increases occupancy limits for temporary cold-weather shelters

Temporary shelters for homeless people can now house up to 40 occupants as long as the building has adequate space to do so. As part of its consent agenda Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission approved new occupancy limits for temporary shelters that typically house homeless people during the winter months. The new occupancy limits are tied to square footage of the building, and they replace the previous rules that set one limit across the board.
Source: LJWorld.com.

2020-09-10T09:10:07-05:00September 10, 2020|News|
Go to Top