Kansas cities to see railroad crossing improvements

6 Tuesday, June 6

Kansas cities to see railroad crossing improvements

info2023-06-06T00:47:41-05:00June 6th, 2023|

The government is spending millions to reduce the number of train-vehicle crashes in three Kansas cities. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration announced it has awarded more than $27.5 million to the state of Kansas in the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program. Wellington will receive $8.8 million to build a corridor allowing trains to travel through the city without ever coming in contact with other traffic. The project will fund the development and construction for the elimination of all six grade crossings along the BNSF Railway. The City of Wellington and BNSF Railway will contribute a 36% non-federal match [...]

6 Tuesday, June 6

USD 253 Emporia offering ‘behind the scenes look’ at district operations through new podcast

info2023-06-06T00:45:52-05:00June 6th, 2023|

USD 253 Emporia is now providing a look behind the scenes of the district with a super new podcast that is currently available. The Supercast features USD 253 Superintendent Dr. Allison Anderson Harder on the district’s website. Anderson Harder says the podcast both allows the district to highlight its various departments while also shining a spotlight on many district staffers who are often hidden in the background. USD 253 Director of Community Relations Lyndel Landgren says the podcast also allows the district to expand on many items that can’t be fully covered in a traditional news release. Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

6 Tuesday, June 6

In car-centric Johnson County, this Mission man is thinking up a more walkable future

info2023-06-06T00:38:47-05:00June 6th, 2023|

A Mission man is being given the chance to make his corner of car-centric Johnson County more pedestrian-friendly. Josh Thede was recently named one of 18 Kansans receiving a fellowship from the 2023 Kansas State Walking College aimed at making local communities more walkable. (He’s not the only Johnson Countian, either: Chris Gralapp of Olathe was also selected.) The program, a partnership between AARP and America Walks, works to identify local leaders and give them training and resources to better advocate for more “walkability” and pedestrian safety in their cities. Source: Prairie Village Post

6 Tuesday, June 6

Johnson County explores property tax rebate pilot for seniors, veterans

info2023-06-06T00:35:53-05:00June 6th, 2023|

Five cities in Johnson County as well as the state of Kansas already offer property tax rebate programs based on income. Johnson County is considering adding the county to that list, with a pilot program for people 65 and older, along with disabled veterans. The Board of County Commissioners discussed a countywide program during a budget-writing session last week. The idea, proposed by Commissioner Janeé Hanzlick, would return a portion of property taxes on year-round owner-occupied homes with assessed values of less than $384,600. Source: Prairie Village Post

6 Tuesday, June 6

County needs EMS workers

info2023-06-06T00:32:02-05:00June 6th, 2023|

A staffing shortage within the Chase County Emergency Medical Service is taking center stage as the county begins shaping its 2024 budget. Scott Harris, Chase County EMS director, told commissioners last week his workers’ request for 2024 was not necessarily for more dollars, but for more employees. “We cannot keep up this pace,” Harris told commissioners, according to the Emporia Gazette. “I know my guys are tired.” Harris said each year before he brings his budget to the commission, he asks his staff what changes they would like to see, the Gazette reported. Source: The Iola Register

6 Tuesday, June 6

Lawrence City Commission to weigh in on proposed plastic bag ban

info2023-06-06T00:28:39-05:00June 6th, 2023|

Lawrence city commissioners on Tuesday will consider next steps for a proposed citywide ban on single-use plastic bags, as well as a full-time code compliance official to enforce the ban. The Sustainability Advisory Board has long discussed options aiming to reduce the use of plastics in the city, which in turn could help prevent some pollution from the bags, contamination through microplastics from bags’ degradation, and animal deaths from eating the bags, among other concerns. A previous draft of the ordinance would have required establishments to charge customers 15 cents per single-use disposable bag. The current draft ordinance would instead make the [...]

6 Tuesday, June 6

New Interactive Map Shows Train Derailments in Communities Across the US

info2023-06-06T00:27:11-05:00June 6th, 2023|

Today, the National League of Cities (NLC) launched an interactive map showing the frequency of train derailments across the country. The map allows users to see an overview of derailments and dive deeper into details on specific incidents. “With rail tracks running through the middle of thousands of cities, towns and villages, derailments are a big concern for residents who want to keep their families and businesses safe,” said Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities. “Our new rail map shows what local leaders already know to be true – train derailments and safety issues [...]

5 Monday, June 5

Wall Street Backs Off Bets on Fed Rate Cuts

info2023-06-05T08:15:49-05:00June 5th, 2023|

Persistent strength in the economy has wrong-footed bets that the Federal Reserve will make large interest-rate cuts this year, potentially undermining a key element of support for the 2023 stock rally. Derivatives markets show investors now expect the Fed’s target rate to sit at 5% at year-end, according to Tradeweb, up from just above 4% last month. Previous expectations that rates would fall before December helped boost markets this year, particularly shares of large technology companies. ... Friday’s jobs report was just the latest setback for investors who have repeatedly underestimated U.S. growth in the face of rate increases. Inflation has [...]

5 Monday, June 5

Governor Kelly Announces 14 Rural Communities Receiving Funding for the Creation of New Murals

info2023-06-05T08:00:29-05:00June 5th, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced 14 communities will receive funding through the Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural and Public Art grant program. The $76,071 in grants awarded will allow communities to create 38 new murals and public art projects that engage community residents and create a place for the community to gather and enjoy. Since 2021, the Office of Rural Prosperity has funded more than 43 murals in 25 communities. “Our Rural Mural program continues to gain momentum as a way to showcase and celebrate small towns across Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

5 Monday, June 5

La Crosse Celebrates the Grand Re-Opening of its Grocery Store with State and Local Support

info2023-06-05T00:11:00-05:00June 5th, 2023|

When the La Crosse grocery store closed in August of 2022, Rush County Economic Development jumped to action to restore this critical service in their county. Brad Penka let us know that, with its closing, it left the entire county without a grocery store within a 25-mile radius and would be a huge burden on the families of La Crosse and Rush County. With the collaboration of many different entities and groups, a new owner was found, grants were applied for, funds were gathered, and we are excited to announce their Grand Re-Opening on March 1, 2023! The Rush County Economic [...]