USD 373 Newton passes bond issue

9 Wednesday, November 9

USD 373 Newton passes bond issue

info2022-11-09T09:10:37-06:00November 9th, 2022|

The third time – and a much more limited scope – is the charm for the Newton School District. District $8.4 million bond issue to repair and extend the longevity of Lindley Hall and Santa Fe 5/6 Center, passed widely with 72 percent of the votes cast in favor. “I was cautiously optimistic, but I’m surprised by the official results,” USD 373 Board President Mallory Morton said. “I’m grateful for all the community members who supported our schools. We could not do this without them.” The bond issue is not expected to raise local property taxes paid. It means that the [...]

9 Wednesday, November 9

Kansans pass constitutional amendment on election, removal of sheriffs

info2022-11-09T09:09:37-06:00November 9th, 2022|

The state’s voters embraced an amendment to the Kansas Constitution on Tuesday requiring election of county sheriffs and narrowing options for ousting a wayward chief law enforcement officer, while an amendment granting the Legislature more authority to reject state administrative regulations could be headed to defeat. Unofficial results on the bottom-of-the-ballot constitutional questions showed 549,972, or 62%, supported the sheriff amendment and 343,111, or 38%, were opposed. Passage would sustain the practice of electing sheriffs in 104 counties — only Riley County would be allowed to continue appointing a sheriff because it operates a city-county policing agency. Source: KCUR News

9 Wednesday, November 9

Municipal Bond Trends for November 8, 2022

Henry Schmidt2022-11-09T08:58:53-06:00November 9th, 2022|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

9 Wednesday, November 9

Jackson County Commission gathers input ahead of vote on 18-month solar farm moratorium

info2022-11-09T01:01:32-06:00November 9th, 2022|

Terry Kaufman wears opposition on his shirt and his cap to development of a 2,000-acre solar energy facility on rolling hills in Jackson County. Kaufman, who handed out yellow “no solar” pins ahead of a public meeting Monday on the issue, said he supported imposition by the Jackson County Commission of an 18-month moratorium on consideration of applications for utility-grade solar. Commissioners listened to a couple dozen people eager to share clashing perspectives but didn’t vote on a pause that would give them time to study zoning regulations applicable to solar projects. “My own idea is this whole solar proposition probably [...]

9 Wednesday, November 9

City lake remains stable water source despite drought

info2022-11-09T01:00:23-06:00November 9th, 2022|

Although water levels at the Winfield City Lake have dropped a few feet due to ongoing drought conditions, the city’s water supply remains in good shape and no action is needed at this time, Winfield water plant supervisor Dan Defore told Winfield commissioners during their Thursday work session. Water levels at Winfield City Lake are measured by the number of feet above sea level, said Defore. When full, the lake is 1,256.3 feet above sea level. As of Thursday, it was 1,253.9 above sea level. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

9 Wednesday, November 9

Johnny’s Tavern closes in North Lawrence, cites nearby homeless camp

info2022-11-09T00:59:02-06:00November 9th, 2022|

A local north Lawrence bar and restaurant is closing its doors until the city responds to concerns about a nearby homeless support center. According to the Lawrence Journal World, the owner of Johnny's Tavern will close on Tuesday, indefinitely, until changes are made. Owner Rick Renfro told the Journal World that he wants the city to install a fence around the camp, provide professional staff between 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. and to control the amount of people staying at the camp to avoid overflow. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

9 Wednesday, November 9

City of Girard discusses potential merge of local fire departments

info2022-11-09T00:57:40-06:00November 9th, 2022|

Girard could merge paid and volunteer fire departments. The city of Girard currently has two fire departments within its city limits: The Girard City Fire Department and the District 4 Fire Department. Girard Fire has paid workers and District 4 is run by the county and is volunteer based. In the open forum held today at city hall, one of the main concerns brought up was the quality of the department if they were to merge. “They do a fantastic job. But I want a higher level, more funding, more support for the protection of my kids,” said Cordell Harley, a [...]

9 Wednesday, November 9

Wichita votes to increase water and sewer rates

info2022-11-09T09:07:02-06:00November 9th, 2022|

The Wichita City Council unanimously voted to increase water and sewer rates on Tuesday. The proposed rates for 2023 are 6.25% for water and 3% for sewer, for a combined rate adjustment of 4.95%. The vote comes after the City Council voted back in October to put off the vote to learn more details on the increase and what the impact of the increase would be for customers who are on a fixed income. Source: KSN-TV

9 Wednesday, November 9

New animal ownership limits placed in Junction City for cats, dogs and ferrets

info2022-11-09T00:53:32-06:00November 9th, 2022|

A new city ordinance has been approved in Junction City which limits the number of animals in each residence within city limits. City Attorney of Junction City Britain D. Stites announced on Nov. 8 that the City Commission voted on and approved the new limits for animals per residence. Households may own, harbor or possess no more than six dogs, cats, ferrets or any combination of the three animals. The previous limit was set at 19, according to Stites. Source: KSNT 27 News

8 Tuesday, November 8

Here’s how and when the Wichita school board plans to search for next superintendent

info2022-11-08T10:55:04-06:00November 8th, 2022|

The Wichita school board plans to name outgoing Superintendent Alicia Thompson’s replacement by spring break 2023. Thompson, who has held the job since 2017, plans to retire at the end of the school year. ... Chief Human Resources Officer Sean Hudspeth said the district will first conduct an internal search process, as it does for all openings. The board can then choose to initiate a national search ... Source: Wichita Eagle