Pay $50 in Lawrence traffic tickets with $15 worth of school supplies

25 Tuesday, July 25

Pay $50 in Lawrence traffic tickets with $15 worth of school supplies

info2023-07-25T01:02:54-05:00July 25th, 2023|

From now through Aug. 20, Lawrence Municipal Court is forgiving up to $50 of traffic infraction or parking fines in exchange for $15 worth of school supplies. “We think that this program will have the mutual benefit of helping families in our community … and helping citizens pay for the fines they owe to our court,” said Vicki Stanwix, court administrator. The debt forgiveness program is designed to help motorists with outstanding traffic fines while allowing them to help local school children and their families. It’s the first time the municipal court has tried the campaign, but if it is a [...]

23 Sunday, July 23

Wichita recommends $177K settlement in 2019 sewer backup

info2023-07-26T08:56:22-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The City of Wichita recommended a $177,500 settlement for a 2019 sewer backup that involved five homes on E. Sunnybrook Court. The payments to the five claimants would range from $31,500 to $46,500 for the backups that occurred on May 8th and May 13th that year. The City is recommending a vote to settle at a City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 25th due to the risk of an adverse judgment at trial. The payment is proposed to be paid from the City’s self insurance fund. Source: 101.3 KFDI

23 Sunday, July 23

New Panasonic plant could lead to higher electric rates in Kansas

info2023-07-23T23:52:57-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Evergy could seek additional rate increases linked to the massive Panasonic battery-plant development in De Soto, Kansas. Officials with the company said the proposed plant will have a utility footprint similar to that of a small city, and will also require the construction of two new substations, upgrades to existing facilities and the installation of 31 miles of transmission lines. State officials reportedly are considering Evergy’s request. Authorities say, if approved, the rate increases could raise area utility costs from two to as much as 18-percent. The Kansas Corporation Commission is already considering a rate increase request that could lead to [...]

23 Sunday, July 23

KHP has split decisions in two court cases

info2023-07-23T23:52:11-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

A federal judge has ruled against the Kansas Highway Patrol in a case challenging its policies of detaining motorists without reasonable suspicion. The judge ordered the KHP to stop using the infamous “Kansas Two-Step” technique, where a trooper would end a traffic stop by taking two steps toward his patrol car, then he would turn back and begin a new conversation with the driver to ask more questions. The technique starts a second effort to get information and get entry to a vehicle to search for contraband. Source: 101.3 KFDI

23 Sunday, July 23

Lyon County first responders welcome furry friend to Law Enforcement Center

info2023-07-26T08:56:54-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Justice reigns at the Lyon County Law Enforcement Center. Justice, the new Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center companion and emotional support dog, that is. At around seven months old, the Labradoodle and Golden Retriever mix is quickly becoming a friend to all at the center. Her floppy ears and puppy personality are helping to spread cheer and reduce stress — for sheriff staff and inmates alike. “The jail actually purchased the puppy through the Inmate Welfare Fund as a support dog for staff and the inmates,” Captain Jay Whitney said. Source: Emporia Gazette

23 Sunday, July 23

Fort Scott Commissioners want input on Certified Local Government program

info2023-07-23T23:48:04-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The Fort Scott City Commission plans to hold a work session in the future to discuss the idea of becoming a Certified Local Government, which, according to Mayor Matthew Wells, would provide an opportunity for building owners to apply for more grants for their historic properties. Source: Fort Scott Tribune

23 Sunday, July 23

Professional Pickleball Association’s World Championship Series plans a stop in Overland Park

info2023-07-26T08:57:34-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The nation’s “most pickleball-obsessed city” has clinched a big win: hosting the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, which will bring more than 1,000 professional and amateur players to Overland Park. The Vulcan Kansas City Open will be Aug. 24-27 at Elite Tennis and Wellness and is a “golden ticket” qualifier event, which means those winning their division will earn a spot in the bracket at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships in November in Dallas. Source: Kansas City Business Journal

23 Sunday, July 23

Many Park City residents welcome proposed sales tax

info2023-07-26T08:57:57-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The city of Park City is proposing a new 1 percent sales tax to its community and according to Mayor John Lehnherr, the community has responded positively. The sales tax will help with some of the city's needs such as adding additional law enforcement and helping fix the roads. Lehnherr said the city conducted a recent study and found that 88 percent of Park City's revenue comes from outsiders visiting. He said because they are near the interstate with four exits, people stop in to dine, shop, and get fuel. Lehnherr added leveraging this 88 percent can also be a benefit [...]

23 Sunday, July 23

Girard Fire Department hosts annual community event

info2023-07-23T23:35:45-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The Girard Kansas Fire Department today hosted its annual event with the intention of making it a recurring tradition. Organizers say the event aims to provide an opportunity for the public to view the department's equipment and raise awareness about the needs of different departments. It also serves as a platform for the public to ask any questions they may have. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy bounce house and offer tours of the fire trucks and police cruisers. "The goal is to keep the public informed on what we do here and our equipment and where we are," said Chris [...]

23 Sunday, July 23

The Kansas tax subsidy law that gave millions to Panasonic and Integra projects is ending

info2023-07-23T23:32:12-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

In February of last year, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed APEX (Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion) into law. It allows for tax incentives to be given to for-profit companies when they select Kansas as the site of their billion-dollar megaprojects. Through APEX, Kansas was able to secure a $4 billion Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto and a $1.8 billion Integra semiconductor plant in Wichita. But now, it's unclear if the Kansas legislature will extend the law past its expiration date, putting the prospects of future development deals in limbo. Dylan Lysen of the Kansas News Service says some influential conservative lawmakers are worried the state [...]