Proposal for less stringent historic preservation rules in Lawrence gets mixed reactions

6 Friday, January 6

Proposal for less stringent historic preservation rules in Lawrence gets mixed reactions

info2023-01-06T08:03:03-06:00January 6th, 2023|

Proposed changes that would loosen Lawrence’s historic preservation rules are getting a mixed reaction, with some residents and local leaders expressing concern about less-stringent restrictions and others saying the changes wouldn’t go far enough. The city is in the process of revising Chapter 22 of the city code, which lays out rules related to the conservation of properties on the local historic register. The proposed changes loosen some requirements for the area around listed properties and make various other changes regarding how development is allowed to occur on or near those properties. Chapter 22 was originally adopted in 1988, and Lynne [...]

6 Friday, January 6

Fed’s Esther George sees rates staying high at least into 2024

info2023-01-06T07:23:58-06:00January 6th, 2023|

As her 40-year central banking career comes to a close, Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George is advising her colleagues to stay tough in their efforts to stamp out runaway inflation. George said Thursday that she thinks the Fed should raise its benchmark borrowing rate above 5% and keep it there until there are substantial signs that prices are stabilizing. Source: CNBC

6 Friday, January 6

Winfield commission gets police station update

info2023-01-06T00:30:33-06:00January 6th, 2023|

Winfield city commissioners reviewed construction plans for the new police station and heard about upgrades to the Baden Square Community Center kitchen during their work session Tuesday evening. The police station, which will be built adjacent to the recently completed Winfield fire station near Ninth Avenue and Fuller Street, will contain about 16,800 feet of space. The current design contains office space for the chief, captain and lieutenants, but will otherwise have a more open plan in order to free up more room for operations, Winfield Police Chief Robbie DeLong said. There will also be an evidence handling area, and a [...]

6 Friday, January 6

Wichita Launches New Landlord Incentive Program

info2023-01-06T07:31:04-06:00January 6th, 2023|

The City of Wichita launched the Wichita Housing Authority Landlord Assistance program at the beginning of January. The program will give between $250 and $1,000 to rental property owners who accept tenants who receive government housing assistance. The Landlord Incentive Program provides a $1,000 bonus for a new landlord, $500 for a returning landlord or $250 for each tenant that a landlord leases up above baseline count. Incentives will also cover some damages and lost rent. Source: 101.3 KFDI

6 Friday, January 6

Emporia chicken ordinance goes live

info2023-01-06T00:24:25-06:00January 6th, 2023|

For the first time in a decade, chickens are now officially allowed in Emporia’s residential areas as of Jan. 1, but the city says residents aren’t clamoring to make applications just yet. “No applications have come in so far,” said city attorney Christina Montgomery. The Emporia City Commission approved Ordinance 22-48 in November, which allows residents to keep up to four chickens in residential districts with a domestic farm animal permit. The permit comes with a $50 application fee, which is paid yearly, and requires annual inspections. The city also has requirements for the size and location of the chicken enclosures, [...]

6 Friday, January 6

Ed Eilert, a long-time leader in Johnson County, retires

info2023-01-06T00:23:09-06:00January 6th, 2023|

Long-time leader Ed Eilert ended his 44-year career in public service Thursday by chairing a final Johnson County Commission meeting. A reception is planned Friday to honor Eilert. It will be held at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, a landmark Eilert strongly supported. The building now houses the Johnson County Museum and Johnson County Parks and Recreation Programs. Both a part of Eilert's county legacy. Eilert served 16 years as a county commissioner. Before that, he spent 24 years as Overland Park's mayor. Eilert also served on the Overland Park City Council. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

6 Friday, January 6

Overland Park Convention Center named best small convention center in North America

info2023-01-06T00:20:44-06:00January 6th, 2023|

The Overland Park Convention Center has been named the 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America by Exhibitor Magazine. The selection process is based on surveys of past clients and event managers. Those surveys focus on five primary criteria including: facility and functionality; location and accommodations; service and execution; expansions and upgrades and awards and industry participation. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

6 Friday, January 6

De Soto looks for public input as it gets ready to grow with new plant

info2023-01-06T00:18:36-06:00January 6th, 2023|

Massive construction vehicles are working in De Soto, Kansas to build Panasonic's new electric vehicle battery plant, city leaders are preparing to reach out to the public to get their input on how the community should grow while maintaining the charm that made people move there in the first place. "We need a reset, not just up here at City Hall, but the whole community needs a reset discussion on how do we want to manage this incredible opportunity that's in front of us," said De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

6 Friday, January 6

North Newton, learning center, Halstead library receive grant funds

info2023-01-06T00:14:07-06:00January 6th, 2023|

Parents, grandparents and other guardians will have shaded areas and tables at which to sit while children play at a couple of North Newton parks that have fairly new playground equipment. That’s thanks to a Kansas Department of Commerce Strategic Economic Expansion and Development Grant for community vibrancy and library projects. The matching-fund grant will be divided between the Kansas Learning Center for Health for outdoor fitness equipment, Halstead Public Library for new carpeting and North Newton for park shade structures. Halstead, along with the other entities, applied for the grant for $50,000 in matching funds across three projects and will [...]

6 Friday, January 6

Moundridge police officers renovate old library into new police station

info2023-01-06T00:01:10-06:00January 6th, 2023|

After six months of renovations, the Moundridge Police Department has a new home right across the street from its old office. The chief of police, Michael Sparks, said it was a necessity, but all the work done was by its officers and volunteers. The building the officers renovated has been in the community for about 60 years. It once served as City Hall and the library and is now the Moundridge Police Department. "We didn't have any room," said Chief Sparks. Source: KSN-TV