Topeka leaders address camping ordinance status

3 Friday, November 3

Topeka leaders address camping ordinance status

info2023-11-03T13:19:45-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

In less than three weeks, a new camping ordinance will go into effect in Topeka. The ordinance is the City of Topeka's effort to address the city's homeless population, specifically, homeless camping. The ordinance goes into effect on Nov. 17, according to the city, but there is still uncertainty on exactly what it will look like. It outlines where homeless individuals can't go, but not where they can go after it passes. "There are a lot of suggestions, put them here, put them there," Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla said. Source: KSNT 27 News

3 Friday, November 3

Fed holds rates steady, upgrades assessment of economic growth

info2023-11-03T13:20:35-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday again held benchmark interest rates steady amid a backdrop of a growing economy and labor market and inflation that is still well above the central bank's target. In a widely expected move, the Fed's rate-setting group unanimously agreed to hold the key federal funds rate in a target range between 5.25%-5.5%, where it has been since July. This was the second consecutive meeting that the Federal Open Market Committee chose to hold, following a string of 11 rate hikes, including four in 2023. The decision included an upgrade to the committee's general assessment of the economy. [...]

3 Friday, November 3

Goats to help with vegetation overgrowth in Wichita park

info2023-11-03T13:21:25-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Wichita Park & Recreation announced that it will have Rex and his team of goats from Restoration Grazing, LLC at Oak Park starting Monday. The goats are expected to take up to a month to clear eight acres of overgrown weeds, poison ivy, and vegetation. Wichita Park & Recreation says the goats will not interfere with the disc golf course at Oak Park. "Disc golf players will probably have a lot of spectators 👀🐐😂," said Wichita Park & Recreation. Wichita Park & Recreation welcomes the public to watch the goats in action. "We're excited to see everyone out at the park!" said Restoration Grazing, [...]

3 Friday, November 3

City of Wichita Library debuts new Book Bus

info2023-11-03T13:29:53-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The City of Wichita Library debuted its new Book Bus Thursday. According to the City of Wichita Library, it was the Director of Libraries Jaime Nix's idea to bring library services to areas of Wichita that don't have quick access to a physical library location. The Book Bus will take to the streets in November to offer outreach programming and services to Wichita's youngest readers. "The Book Bus will focus on early learning resources for our youngest readers," said Wichita Public Libraries. Source: KSN-TV

3 Friday, November 3

Sales tax increase to be decided by Pottawatomie Co. voters

info2023-11-03T13:30:30-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Pottawatomie County residents will soon vote to approve or deny a retailers' sales tax to fund projects across the county. On the ballots for this year's general election, voters in Pottawatomie County will either vote 'yes' or 'no' for an additional retailers' sales tax of 0.25% to be put into place Jan. 1, 2024. This proposed 0.25% retailers' sales tax is in addition to the existing retailers' sales tax of 1%. Source: KSNT 27 News

3 Friday, November 3

Proposed sales tax would help Plains grocery store

info2023-11-03T13:31:29-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Voters in Plains, in Meade County, will be voting on a sales tax to help the local grocery store. Grand Avenue Market opened in 2021. The city used a $500,000 federal loan to build the facility, and repayments start in a few weeks. Tuesday, voters consider adding a .5% city-wide special retailers' sales tax to help pay off that debt. The money would go to the Community Enhancement Foundation of the Plains, a foundation that owns and operates the Grand Avenue Market. Store co-manager Kim Wurdeman said the money from the proposed sales tax will help them keep their doors open. Source: KSN-TV

3 Friday, November 3

Ascension Via Christi Emergency department set to close in Fort Scott

info2023-11-03T13:32:05-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The decision to close the emergency room at Ascension Via Christi in Fort Scott, Kansas, has sparked criticism from state leaders and residents alike. The move to cease emergency department operations, effective December 20th, has drawn concerns about the impact on rural healthcare accessibility and emergency services in the area. Ascension Via Christi cited several reasons for the closure, including a steady decline in emergency room visits and economic challenges. Source: KOAM News

3 Friday, November 3

Emily Randel, Mission’s deputy city administrator, to leave after decade

info2023-11-03T13:32:51-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Emily Randel, the city of Mission deputy city administrator, is leaving at the end of January. Randel has been with the city of Mission for 10 years and has worked her way up from a neighborhood services coordinator, who oversaw code enforcement and managed the grant program, to deputy city administrator over the past decade. Once she hit the 10-year mark in May, she said she saw it as a chance to evaluate next steps. Randel said she believes Mission is poised for a bright future, making it the right time to hand over her responsibilities to someone else. Source: Prairie [...]

3 Friday, November 3

Marshall Co. voters to see city sales tax question on ballots

info2023-11-03T13:33:46-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Two towns in Marshall County are asking residents to vote 'yes' or 'no' for the creation of a sales tax to improve city-wide infrastructure. The cities of Waterville and Blue Rapids are asking its residents to vote on a retailers' sales tax question that will be on the ballots for this year's general election. Each city is proposing a 0.5% retailers' sales tax that, if approved, will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, according to information from the Marshall County Election Office. In Waterville, the city will use the funds to reconstruct, repair, maintain and improve the streets, curbs and gutters in [...]

3 Friday, November 3

City officially owns Hotel Topeka with a hefty price tag

info2023-11-03T12:03:01-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The City of Topeka has finalized the purchase of Hotel Topeka. A spokeswoman for the City of Topeka announced the Topeka Development Corportation now officially has retained ownership of Hotel Topeka for more than $7.6 million. The hotel is remaining open for business and all services are expected to continue like normal. “We are excited about the purchase being finalized, and steadfast in our desire to see the hotel redeveloped and eventually brought back to private ownership,” Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla, who also serves as president of the corporation’s board of directors, said. “In the coming months, the corporation, board of directors, and [...]