Commerce Awards Nearly $300,000 for Downtown Improvements in Kearny County

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced that Kearny County has been awarded $296,250 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for a new coffee and bakery shop. This Commercial Rehabilitation grant, along with $98,750 in local matching funds, will help restore an older building and revitalize downtown Deerfield in Kearny County. “With the opportunities that CDBG grants offer, communities such as Kearny County are able to fund projects that breathe new life into their town, downtown businesses and surrounding communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in rural Kansas and downtown businesses brings many opportunities for economic growth, enhancement of community vitality, and quality-of-life improvements for those who choose to call Kansas home.” This project marks the first Commercial Rehabilitation grant awarded to Kearny County, highlighting a significant milestone in this southwest Kansas county’s efforts to enhance a downtown area and support local businesses. The renovation is expected not only to boost the local economy but serve as a catalyst for future improvements and investments.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

info2024-06-07T15:36:34-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Book power: Johnson County program helps children in courthouse ‘feel not alone’

Going to a courtroom can be scary, especially for children at the center of custody cases. Getting a small gift can help to take some of the fear out of the experience. That’s where Courtroom Assisted Reading Encouragement (CARE) comes in to help. Those in charge of the program maintain a small book collection in the Johnson County Courthouse in Olathe, and any child who comes through Judge Kathleen Sloan’s courtroom gets the opportunity to pick a volume to take home and keep. “They get to end their day that probably started in the courtroom with entering this room and experiencing this very positive, empowering event,” said Melody Kinnamon, a librarian for the Johnson County Library system. “They get to pick what they want, and they get to keep it,” says Kinnamon, who oversees the program. “We’re coming alongside these kids during what we’re assuming is a difficult situation, and we’re trying to make it better.” Sloan, who handles child-in-need-of-care cases, said she has invited other judges and court-appointed special advocates to bring children to the CARE collection. “These are children who have either been removed from their parents or they stay with their parents with court involvement,” Sloan said. “Humanity or normalcy” is important, she said. Currently, about 150 to 200 new books each year are given out.
Source: Joco 913 News

info2024-06-07T15:35:32-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Rules for backyard chickens in Johnson County keep evolving. Which cities allow them?

When the weather heats up and people in Johnson County start looking for new projects, questions about backyard chickens start popping up. In Johnson County, the rules for owning backyard chickens varies from city to city, which can cause confusion for both residents and city officials. For example, the City of Leawood strictly prohibits the ownership of backyard chickens, while officials with the City of Shawnee look at it as something that encourages empathy and responsibility. “We’ve had awesome luck with it,” said Scott Hunter, community service officer for the Shawnee Police Department. In Lenexa, livestock and poultry are permitted in three zoning districts — Agricultural (AG), Residential Estate (RE) and Planned Residential Estate (RPE). This means most subdivisions in the city, which are zoned for single-family residential, are prohibited. A recent Facebook post by the City of Lenexa stating backyard chicken restrictions caused uproar with some residents. It’s not unusual for this kind of confusion to happen, and the city is happy to talk with residents about it, said Lenexa Planning Manager Stephanie Kisler. “It’s pretty clearly on our website, and then, the city code: The policy is that not every property can have chickens,” she said. “It’s probably just some education that’s needed. That’s why we tried to make a really great new webpage with some code information kind of summarized on that page and linking to the actual code itself.” The acceptance of backyard chickens in Johnson County continues to evolve.
Source: Johnson County Post

info2024-06-07T15:34:31-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

New education center in Southeast Kansas aims to transform lives

A new Southeast Kansas education center is looking to provide more resources for students and young adults struggling with behavioral issues. “I just can’t imagine the feeling of no one being there, no one supporting you, no one loving you, knowing no one believing in you. And I really felt like my heart led me to the Second Chance Education Center,” said Mandy Monroy, Second Chance Education Center owner. The Second Chance Education Center in Parsons aims to help kids who have been suspended, who are bouncing around from district to district for behavioral reasons, or young adults who previously dropped out. “In establishing Second Chance, we’ve realized there are a number of other ways that we can support the community. That’s adult education. We had an adult student come in that was just credits away from a high school diploma and we were able to connect him with the right people to get his high school diploma,” said Monroy. The owners add – they’re here to support anyone who needs a second chance.
Source: KSNF/KODE

info2024-06-07T15:32:50-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Lenexa is launching a pilot property tax rebate program

Lenexa is planning to launch a pilot program that will provide $100,000 in property tax relief for older homeowners in the area. On Tuesday, the Lenexa City Council unanimously approved a Governing Body Finance Policy for a Property Tax Rebate Program intended to provide property tax relief for eligible homeowners. The program is intended to provide property tax relief for eligible older homeowners and lessen the tax burden resulting from rising home values. The program has been in talks for about a year. “This is great,” said Councilmember Courtney Eiterich. “I know we’ve hashed through a lot of different scenarios on this, and I’m happy to see this come to fruition. I hope that we get lots of applicants.” The measure is similar to a pilot program recently discussed by the Overland Park City Council in May.
Source: Johnson County Post

info2024-06-07T15:32:04-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Wichita Police Department Mounted Unit welcomes new Clydesdale

The Wichita Police Department Mounted United has welcomed Bobbi, a 3-year-old Clydesdale mare. Bobbi was able to be acquired thanks to a collaboration between the WPD, Wichita Police & Fire Foundation, Cowskin Creek Clydesdales, and a local donor. “Their support has made it possible for Bobbi to join our ranks and contribute to our mission of ensuring the safety and security of our community,” said the WPD. Bobbi will start her journey with the WPD by going through comprehensive training. “… she will learn the essential skills required to serve alongside her fellow officers,” said the WPD. Bobbi will play a crucial role in enhancing the department’s effectiveness in serving the Wichita community. The WPD posted a video of Bobbi on Facebook.
Source: KSN-TV

info2024-06-07T15:31:14-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Survey work begins for next phase of East Kellogg expansion

The Kansas Department of Transportation says a geological field survey has started for the next phase of the East Kellogg expansion project in Wichita. The survey is focused on the section of Kellogg from the K-96 interchange to 159th Street East (Andover Road), and it should be completed by August. Survey activities will include coring the roadway and base material for analysis. Traffic control measures will be taken while crews are drilling for the assessment. Drivers should expect temporary single lane and shoulder lane closures, and they’re advised to stay alert and watch for survey workers and expect delays.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

info2024-06-07T15:26:58-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $4M Awarded through Broadband ADOPT Program

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that seven organizations will receive a combined $3.9 million in grants through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. ADOPT supports the Kelly administration’s work to connect more Kansans to high-speed internet by making public Wi-Fi accessible and distributing devices in underserved areas. “Kansans rely on technology for work, school, health care, and connecting to each other,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT grants support community organizations in our shared mission to connect more people to the internet and critical digital skills.” The program helps organizations serving Kansans move forward by ensuring that communities can access public Wi-Fi and the devices needed to participate in today’s technology-driven world. “As internet access continues to play a more prevalent part in our day-to-day lives, high-speed internet can no longer be considered a luxury,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Providing access to devices and accessible Wi-Fi means that we are investing in the future of Kansans and in the future of our great state as a whole.” To continue connecting Kansans to devices and internet access across the state, an additional round of funding will open later this year with $10.4 million available.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

info2024-06-07T15:21:06-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

Sedgwick County expects report soon on solar regulations

Sedgwick County Commissioners heard an update Wednesday on the process of adopting regulations governing large-scale solar energy projects, and they voted to delay action until early August. The county has hired a consulting team with expertise on solar power issues to work with staff and gather insights and perspectives on proposed changes to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code. Justin Constantino with the Metropolitan Area Planning Department said a draft document is expected from the Berkley Group later this month or in July. Commissioners approved a moratorium on utility or commercial solar projects until September 13th. Constantino said it’s expected that staff will have recommendations for the county commission before that time. The commissioners voted to defer action until their August 7th meeting. County officials have been looking at definitions, standards and land use requirements for stand-alone commercial solar systems. This does not affect home solar projects or accessory projects that are part of a larger development, such as a solar project for a school or public facility. Commissioner Jim Howell said the process is almost complete, and it’s the smart thing to do to allow the consultants to complete their work and present their recommendations.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

info2024-06-07T15:20:02-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

City Commission establishes new downtown parking program

The Manhattan City Commission approved a resolution Tuesday night that establishes the Downtown Convention Parking Program for this year. Starting August 1st, the city will begin charging parking fees for the downtown garage. The action Tuesday will allocate transient guest tax, TGT, money to annually cover parking for conventions held in downtown Manhattan through the end of 2028. The approved resolution will allocate $115,000 to the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and the commission has authority to change that amount every year. Although the resolution passed unanimously, some noted they want to meet with Chamber officials next month to possibly amend the program in the future. In order to qualify for TGT funds, conventions must be a minimum of two consecutive days in duration and booked a minimum of 30 rooms for at least one night at a Manhattan hotel. If a convention meets those requirements, then transient guest tax funds will be granted to Parking Services to pay for the parking costs.
Source: 1350 KMAN

info2024-06-07T15:18:21-05:00June 7, 2024|News|

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