Groundwater levels dropping in Kansas

18 Monday, March 18

Groundwater levels dropping in Kansas

info2024-03-18T13:47:58-05:00March 18th, 2024|

The Kansas Geological Survey is reporting lower groundwater levels across the state. The Survey, based at the University of Kansas, said while small increases were reported last year in western and northwest parts of the state, most other areas are tracking declines in water levels. There is an ongoing drop in levels of the southwest portion of the mighty Ogallala aquifer, which continues to shrink following back to back declines totaling almost five feet in 2022 and 2021. Authorities are also tracking ongoing declines of the Equus Beds, which serves Wichita and Hutchinson; and the Great Bend Prairie aquifer, which provides [...]

18 Monday, March 18

Wichita planning group releases plan for electric vehicles

info2024-03-18T13:46:39-05:00March 18th, 2024|

The Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WAMPO) has released a plan to support electric vehicle use in the area. The Electric Vehicle Network Plan is described as a strategic roadmap designed to facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles throughout the Wichita area. It outlines EV ownership, expands charging infrastructure, and promotes sustainable transportation practices. By establishing a robust network of charging stations, WAMPO aims to eliminate range anxiety and make EV ownership accessible to all residents. The plan is open for public comment through April 11th, and there are two ways for Wichita area residents to provide input. Source: 101.3 [...]

18 Monday, March 18

City of Garden Plain to host city flag, logo contest

info2024-03-18T13:43:53-05:00March 18th, 2024|

The City of Garden Plain announced they will be hosting a city flag and logo design contest for the community. A selection committee will review all entries and choose the winning design that will be presented to the Garden Plain City Council for official adoption on or before May 1, 2024. The winner will be recognized at a City Council meeting and will receive a $250 cash prize. Source: KAKE - News

18 Monday, March 18

Clearwater Police announces death of officer in early morning car crash

info2024-03-18T13:42:14-05:00March 18th, 2024|

The Clearwater Police Department and the City of Clearwater announced the death of a city police officer in a car crash. In a post on the city's Facebook page, Police Chief Kirk Ives and Mayor Burt Ussery said Officer Scott Hollingsworth died early Saturday morning while returning home from his shift. Hollingsworth had been with the department since March 2023. In part, the post reads, 'on behalf of our entire community, we offer our prayers, love and condolences to Scott’s wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney during this time of unbelievable loss.' Source: KAKE [...]

18 Monday, March 18

Supreme Court sets rules on when public officials can block social media users

info2024-03-18T13:41:04-05:00March 18th, 2024|

The Supreme Court on Friday laid out a new test for determining when actions taken by government employees on social media -- such as posting messages, deleting comments or blocking users -- constitute official business verses personal conduct. The distinction has become critical as millions of local, state and federal government workers increasingly use social media to communicate with the public, often on "mixed use" accounts that also include purely private, non-official content. "When a government official posts about job-related topics on social media, it can be difficult to tell whether the speech is official or private," wrote Justice Amy Coney [...]

18 Monday, March 18

Pitt Plastics breaks ground on new facility expansion

info2024-03-18T13:39:17-05:00March 18th, 2024|

Pitt Plastics, known as one of Pittsburg's most iconic businesses for over 50 years, has broke ground on a new expansion building that is planned to be completed in 2025. The expansion is planning to add 200,000 square feet to the Pitt Plastics facility. The construction is being undertaken by Koehn Construction Services. Source: KOAM News

18 Monday, March 18

Altamont, Kansas prepares for new pocket park

info2024-03-18T13:29:33-05:00March 18th, 2024|

A pocket park is coming to the city of Altamont, Kansas. City officials are working to convert Lansdowne Garden into the unique space. The small area at the corner of US-160 and Huston Avenue has been unoccupied for quite some time. The vision consists of two patios with a space for food trucks to set up, a farmers market, a veterans memorial, and a community garden. A $10,000 grant from Network Kansas has already helped install the first patio. "I think it's important that we are proactive in our positions and listening to the wants and the needs of our community and [...]

18 Monday, March 18

Kansas towns compete for ‘best small town’ title

info2024-03-18T13:28:48-05:00March 18th, 2024|

Two Kansas towns are neck-and-neck in a nationwide contest set to determine the best small town in the Midwest. Voting is currently open for a contest hosted by USA Today to find out which small town people think is the best of the best in the Midwest. The leaderboard has 20 towns listed in its ranks this week, with Marysville and Council Grove both near the top. (...) Council Grove has access to a wealth of history thanks to its numerous historic sites, according to the town's website. The National Park Service (NPS) lists the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Kaw Mission [...]

18 Monday, March 18

Municipal Bond Trends for March 15, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-03-18T08:53:25-05:00March 18th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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.

18 Monday, March 18

(Some) exotic pets allowed

info2024-03-18T07:16:25-05:00March 18th, 2024|

Exotic pet ownership can be found in most cities, including Topeka. Before giving exotic pets a try, owners need to consider how the city regulates said ownership and what is permitted. Topeka senior animal control officer Jessica Bowers said the city ordinances give a broad definition of exotic pets, so it can incorporate animals not yet considered when the code was written. Source: CJonline Exotic pet provisions are typically found in Section 2-300s of many Kansas city codes.