Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau unveils new trolley

The Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau has unveiled a new “Big Blue” trolley. The organization has been operating a red trolley for a decade that shuttles visitors on tours of the historic Old West town. The new 30-seat trolley features padded seating, vivid video displays, etched glass windows, and enhanced audio features, according to the bureau. “We’ve been eagerly anticipating this moment for over a year, and it’s truly exciting to finally welcome our new trolley to Dodge City,” said Megan Welsh, director of the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our beloved big red trolley has created lasting memories for thousands of visitors, but in recent years, we’ve faced mechanical challenges and difficulties in locating replacement parts promptly. Don’t worry, though—our iconic red trolley isn’t being put out to pasture. It’s simply taking a short break for some tender loving care before rejoining our fleet for special events, private charters, and busy tour days.”
Source: KSN-TV

info2024-06-23T15:21:46-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Wichita City Council amends drought response plan ordinance

The Wichita City Council narrowly passed an amendment to the drought response plan ordinance. It passed 4-3. The ordinance lets the city manager take multiple factors into consideration when determining the drought stage. Right now, it is based on the 12-month average water level at Cheney Reservoir. The amendment widens the criteria to include weather trends and water demands. Before Tuesday, water restrictions would kick in when water levels were below 70% at Cheney Lake. At the start of last month, our 12-month average was right at 70.1%. After Tuesday’s vote, the city manager decides whether to implement Stage 2 drought restrictions, considering Cheney Lake water levels. However, Cheney residents in the area say they want stricter restrictions faster. Seeing Cheney low is a rare sight. “The lowest I’ve seen the lake was in 2013 when it was eight feet low, so I would hate to see it get that low again,” said Cheney Lake Association President Jon Lovett. Those living by the lake are limited in what they can do in the water this summer. Conditions are only getting worse.
Source: KSN-TV

info2024-06-23T15:20:27-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Free public parking? You’ll see a lot fewer spots in downtown Wichita next year

The vast majority of free public parking in downtown Wichita will soon be replaced with metered stalls and other pay-to-park options. Even public parking structures that have traditionally been free, including the Old Town garage, will charge customers beginning on Jan. 1, 2025. The city is also introducing higher meter rates and a fleet of private parking enforcers responsible for ticketing violators. It’s the realization of a plan to turn Wichita’s downtown parking system into a self-sustaining operation that can support its own repairs and upkeep through user fees while encouraging quicker turnover in parking spaces near high-traffic businesses and restaurants. “Having metered parking might help our business. It might hurt it. Mainly, it will cut down on the time that people take when they do park,” said Austin Kitchen, who works at Hatman Jack’s in Delano. “The more we turn over the traffic, it could be better, yeah. I’m not exactly thrilled about the meters going in, but it could improve things.” The city will charge between $0.75 and $2 an hour for metered parking.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

info2024-06-23T15:19:29-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Topeka band continues 18-year tradition summer shows

Orchestrated in perfect harmony, the Topeka Community Band has their second performance of the season. The Community Band has been a summer tradition in the Capitol City since 1996, and still continues to pull in a crowd. The old-fashion fun is directed by retired army bandmaster Stephen Patterson. KSNT 27 News spoke to Patterson who explains on what inspires him to continue every summer. “The crowd, always the crowd. The love for the music we play and the band members show up and have a great time as well.” If you missed your opportunity this month, don’t worry, The band will be performing in Garfield Park Gazebo on July 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Source: KSNT 27 News

info2024-06-23T15:18:40-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Safe Haven Baby Box initiative launched by Salina Fire Department

The Salina Fire Department is launching an initiative to bring a Safe Haven Baby Box to the community. This initiative, which has been spearheaded by Mayor Bill Longbine with the support of the Salina City Commission, city manager Mike Schrage and the SFD was announced by fire chief Tony Sneidar Wednesday. … Founded by Monica Kelsey in 2015, Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc. provides devices for safe newborn surrender, installed in fire stations or hospitals with alarms for immediate emergency response. Sneidar said the box will also be fully compliant with the Kansas Safe Haven Law.
Source: Salina Journal

info2024-06-23T15:08:59-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Burlingame looks to make some city-wide upgrades

Tuesday, June 18, Burlingame released a strategic plan to revitalize the city. The city of around 950 people plans to revamp their downtown, while recruiting new businesses and homeowners to the area. … Burlingame also hopes to renovate its downtown street, which the city says is the widest brick road in the United States. The plan is scheduled to be completed by 2027.
Source: KSNT 27 News

info2024-06-23T15:03:54-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Zaragoza vs. Johnson County (Tort Claims Act)

1. The recreational use exception to the Kansas Tort Claims Act, K.S.A. 75-6101 et seq., is not limited to outdoor areas or to areas intended for physical activity.
2. The recreational use exception to the Kansas Tort Claims Act depends on the character of the property in question and not the activity performed at any given time; the plain wording of the statute only requires that the property be intended or permitted to be used for recreational purposes, not that the injury occur as the result of recreational activity.
3. Immunity under K.S.A. 75-6104(o) extends to a parking lot integral to public property intended or permitted to be used as a park, playground, or open area for recreational purposes, including a library.
4. To constitute wantonness the act must indicate a realization of the imminence of danger and a reckless disregard or a complete indifference or an unconcern for the probable consequences of the wrongful act.
Source: KS Court of Appeals

info2024-06-23T14:25:41-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

License reading cameras catch a crook

A stolen truck out of Wichita showed up on Great Bend’s license plate reader cameras last Tuesday, June 11… On Thursday, police tracked the truck down and then were able to track down a camper that was in La Crosse. … “So, the license plate cameras work very well.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune

info2024-06-24T08:15:57-05:00June 23, 2024|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 20, 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.

Henry Schmidt2024-06-21T10:19:40-05:00June 21, 2024|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 18, 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.

Henry Schmidt2024-06-20T09:02:20-05:00June 20, 2024|News|