Proposed solar project strains the bonds that unite a rural Kansas community

16 Monday, September 16

Proposed solar project strains the bonds that unite a rural Kansas community

info2024-09-16T17:52:49-05:00September 16th, 2024|

In rural places in our divided land we can’t just pick sides and trash each other. But if we do, somebody — a friend, a loved one, or even a sometime enemy — might tug on our sleeves and remind us about the better angels of our nature. At a public meeting last year, Joe Schlessiger’s farmland neighbors were arguing once again. Joe stood himself up, all 6 feet, 6 inches of Kansas farmer. The topic once again: Spanish energy company Acciona’s proposal to build a solar energy array near Barton County’s Cheyenne Bottoms. The Bottoms are enthralling to those who [...]

16 Monday, September 16

Cafe in Burden back in business

info2024-09-16T17:48:58-05:00September 16th, 2024|

Residents in Burden welcomed a nice surprise this week with the return of Ma’s Cafe. Earlier this year, the previous owners of the cafe retired and closed the only sit-down restaurant in town. Bobby Smith and Hui Son had run the cafe since Jan. 11, 2021. However, Sandra and John Picconatto began renting the building and have reopened the cafe Monday through Saturday. Sandra spoke about Ma’s Cafe on Wednesday afternoon. She is from Wilmot, but has lived in Burden for the past 18 years. “A couple of years ago, we did a food truck,” Sandra said. “It did really well, [...]

16 Monday, September 16

Winfield to get new signs for landmarks

info2024-09-16T17:47:30-05:00September 16th, 2024|

Winfield city commissioners have approved the purchase and installation of new signage that would help visitors find local landmarks, something that was outlined in the city’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan. The project will consist of 18 signs, providing visitors with directions to places including Southwestern College, the Cowley County Historical Society Museum, sporting facilities and other points of interest. The signs have been in the works for several years. “It’s been talked about, but we just haven’t been able to get to it,” Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall said in a request for commission action. The signs will cost $125,694. A total [...]

16 Monday, September 16

New Round of SEED Grants Available for Rural Quality-of-Life Initiatives

info2024-09-16T17:46:21-05:00September 16th, 2024|

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today that $250,000 will be available through a third round of Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grants. The SEED program supports economic development and revitalization efforts in smaller counties across Kansas through investments in quality-of-life initiatives. “SEED grants are a vital part of our commitment to ensuring every community in Kansas has the opportunity to succeed,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants are creating real impact in rural communities, helping them build stronger local economies, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By investing in [...]

16 Monday, September 16

Wichita opens bidding process for emergency homeless shelter

info2024-09-16T17:44:16-05:00September 16th, 2024|

The City of Wichita has opened the bidding process for the operation of an emergency winter shelter for the homeless. The shelter will be set up at the former Park Elementary School at 1025 North Main, which was recently purchased by the city from the Wichita school district. Bids will be accepted until 10 a.m. on Friday, October 4th. Prospective bidders will be able to attend a pre-proposal meeting at 1 p.m. on September 23rd through Microsoft Teams. The City has allocated $600,000 for the operation of the 2024-2025 winter shelter. A successful proposal will have to be made by a [...]

16 Monday, September 16

USD 457 Board discusses grade reconfiguration proposal

info2024-09-16T17:42:46-05:00September 16th, 2024|

The USD 457 Board of Education held discussion on a District Reconfiguration Proposal during its regular meeting on Monday. No action was taken on the proposal; it will be taken up as an action item at the Board’s Sept. 26 meeting where the Board will vote on what direction it wants to take with it. The proposal would transition the district to a K-5, 6-8, 9-14 grade configuration, removing the intermediate school levels, by fall 2028. Board member Andy Fahrmeier said there would be a three-year transition period plan that would start at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. It [...]

16 Monday, September 16

Johnson County is looking for public input to improve its public transit system

info2024-09-16T17:40:46-05:00September 16th, 2024|

The community’s input is needed to make improvements to public transportation in Johnson County. Public engagement is part of Johnson County Transit’s strategic planning process that will serve as a roadmap for the future. The public will have the opportunity to interact with the project team at a pop-up event during the Overland Park Farmer’s Market on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. The public is encouraged to stop by and share their thoughts on public transit. Johnson County’s Transit Strategic Plan is focused on clearly articulating JCT’s vision, strategic direction, and the methods necessary to achieve these goals. The [...]

16 Monday, September 16

Rebuilt Shawnee Fire HQ focused on firefighters’ health — Here’s how

info2024-09-16T17:39:12-05:00September 16th, 2024|

After almost 40 years since its last major renovation, Shawnee’s Fire Station 71 is ready to show off its new look. The John B. Glaser Fire Station 71, 6501 Quivira Rd., which also serves as the Shawnee Fire Department’s headquarters, will have its grand reopening to the public this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The celebration will showcase the approximately $13.7 million renovation project, which was centered on creating better workflow arrangements at the station to shorten emergency response times and also features improvements to firefighters’ quality of life while maintaining room on site for future expansion. Source: Johnson County [...]

16 Monday, September 16

City of Wichita awards $1.3 million to developers to buy, renovate public housing units

info2024-09-16T17:31:10-05:00September 16th, 2024|

The Wichita City Council voted Tuesday to award $1.3 million in COVID recovery funds to nonprofit and for-profit housing developers to buy and renovate 33 single-family public housing units. Wichita Habitat for Humanity, a local nonprofit, received $640,000 for the rehabilitation and sale of 16 houses on North Piatt. Large Enterprise, a California-based business, received $440,000 for the renovation and rental of 11 properties in northeast and southwest Wichita. Residential Housing Solutions, a local business, received $240,000 for the renovation and sale of six houses on North Minnesota. The homes the developers will buy are public housing units the city is [...]

16 Monday, September 16

Once home to Kansas’ most infamous criminals, historic Lansing prison opening for tours

info2024-09-16T17:29:24-05:00September 16th, 2024|

Most people did their best to avoid this place for nearly 160 years. That’s about to change. When the Kansas Department of Corrections opened a newly constructed Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing, Kansas, in 2020 it meant the old, stone-walled prison building that housed inmates since the 1860s would be left empty and without purpose. Instead of demolishing it, the Department of Corrections has transferred control of the building to the Lansing Historical Society and Museum, paving the way for the historic prison to be opened for tours. Visitors will have plenty to see in the buildings that have mostly been [...]