Report Local Broadband Availability to Ensure Funding For Kansas

5 Monday, December 5

Report Local Broadband Availability to Ensure Funding For Kansas

info2022-12-05T08:41:31-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Through the federal Internet for All initiative, there are opportunities for all U.S. states to receive funding to improve broadband access. One program included in this initiative, the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, provides $42 billion to states to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs nationwide. Funds will be allocated to states according to a formula derived from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Map data. These maps provide a picture of where broadband is and is not available across the country. ... To ensure that the maps are constantly improving in accuracy, the [...]

5 Monday, December 5

Herington city manager Branden Dross accepts city administrator position in Lafayette, Oregon

info2022-12-05T08:09:57-06:00December 5th, 2022|

The City Council has approved an employment agreement with Branden Dross as Lafayette City Administrator, and he will begin his work with the City on January 9, 2023. He is currently the City Manager of Herington Kansas. Before moving to Kansas in September 2020, he lived in San Antonio for over a decade and worked for CPS Energy and the City of San Antonio. Before getting into the public sector in 2015, he was in food and beverage management for over a decade. Angela is his wife of 14 years, and they have a teenage son, Branden Jr. Branden has Bachelor [...]

5 Monday, December 5

Great Bend city administrator Kendal Francis accepts city manager position in Hutchinson

info2022-12-05T08:10:08-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said Friday morning he has accepted the city manager position in Hutchinson. However, it won’t be official until he signs the contract after the Hutchinson City Council approves it Tuesday night. His resignation would be effective Friday, Jan. 6. “It has been my distinct pleasure to represent you, our team, and this community for the past four years,” Francis said in his resignation letter to the Great Bend City Council. ... In Hutchinson, Francis will take over for Gary Meagher, who is the interim city manager. ... Francis took the Great Bend job in July [...]

5 Monday, December 5

As Lawrence’s Winter Emergency Shelter opens, some people check in, others stay at campsite

info2022-12-05T01:06:26-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Just before 8 p.m. Thursday, about a dozen people stood outside the Winter Emergency Shelter, waiting for it to open. It was chilly, but not so cold you could see your breath. People were bundled in coats, scarves, gloves, and winter hats. Some huddled together outside the Community Building, 115 W. 11th St. Others stood alone. Among those waiting was Samuel Herrington, who said he has been homeless since 2016. “It’s the best, safest place for homeless people,” Herrington said of the WES. “It’s monitored. There’s somebody watching over you.” Source: The Lawrence Times

5 Monday, December 5

Strong winds carry dust across northwest Kansas

info2022-12-05T01:03:47-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Strong winds created blowing dust and low visibility conditions across northwest Kansas Friday afternoon. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported zero visibility in some areas, and they were working several traffic accidents on Interstate 70 and other roadways. High Wind Warnings were issued by the National Weather Service into the evening hours. Northwest winds were at 30 to 40 mph with some gusts up to 60 mph expected. Drivers of high-profile vehicles, such as semi trucks and large vans, were urged to stay off the roads until wind conditions died down. Source: 101.3 KFDI

5 Monday, December 5

Economic instability pushing KPERS investment returns into negatives

info2022-12-05T07:28:57-06:00December 5th, 2022|

Volatility in the stock market will push annual return on investment to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System into negative territory at close of year, the pension system’s executive director said Nov. 29. The assumed investment return for KPERS was adjusted downward in May from 7.75% to 7%. To strengthen the bottom line, the Kansas Legislature agreed to pump an extra $1.1 billion into the system. The snapshot on investment return will be calculated based on financial position of the portfolio Dec. 31, said Alan Conroy, executive director of KPERS. Source: Derby Informer | News

5 Monday, December 5

Bourbon County REDI Completes Workforce Assessment

info2022-12-05T07:29:43-06:00December 5th, 2022|

An in-depth assessment of the workforce in Bourbon County has been completed and it offers a series of recommendations for BCREDI to work on immediately and for the long term. That’s according to Executive Director Robert Harrington. The workforce assessment was one of three studies BCREDI has undertaken since early spring, with the other two focused on retail opportunities and housing needs. Along workforce study included one-on-one interviews with key employers as well as a survey that provided input from more than sixty-four employers in the county. Residents also had their input, with more than 440 people providing input.. Source: Fort Scott Biz

5 Monday, December 5

Wichita looking at $5.5 million facility to build homeless shelter, housing and social services hub

info2022-12-05T07:30:11-06:00December 5th, 2022|

The city of Wichita's housing department has put together a $5.5 million dollar plan to improve housing options and services for the city's homeless. Housing director Sally Stang says her department consulted with over 20 organizations in Wichita and Sedgwick counties that work with the homeless to put it together. “We looked at this as an opportunity to really address and take a deep dive into the resources and the gaps in our community and providing those resources for those in need.” The project includes three parts, creating a non-congregant shelter, which would be single rooms for people to stay in [...]

5 Monday, December 5

Sedgwick County Government hosting EMS and Fire career fair

info2022-12-05T00:45:32-06:00December 5th, 2022|

The Sedgwick County Government is hosting an EMS and Fire career fair. The career fair will be taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Wichita Fire Regional Training Center, 4746 E. 31st Street in Wichita. "The fair will feature several public safety agencies looking to fill positions available immediately," the Sedgwick County Government said. Source: KSN-TV

5 Monday, December 5

“Home for the Holidays” festival in Galena

info2022-12-05T00:43:14-06:00December 5th, 2022|

A Southeast community hopes the holiday spirit will pay off big come summertime. The Galena Parks and Rec department hosted its second annual "Home for the Holidays" festival. Proceeds from this year's event will go towards a splash pad for the community. Today's festivities included a little something for everyone with local vendors, food trucks, photo booths, and a live auction. "There's a lot of people who need somewhere to go and something to do for the kids, I think it also shows them that our community no matter how little, that we can come together and enjoy the holidays together," [...]