26 Tuesday, July 26

Commerce Department, Patterson Family Foundation Team Up to Help Downtown Areas Throughout Kansas

2022-07-27T07:32:56-05:00July 26th, 2022|

It is a familiar sight in smaller Kansas communities throughout the state: vibrant downtown districts whose allure is somewhat diminished by one or two vacant or dilapidated buildings. In many cases, a major barrier to making these structures useful again is the high cost of renovation. Last fall, the Kansas Department of Commerce launched a new community revitalization program, the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL), to address the issue. With HEAL, the state assists building owners with matching grants to cover eligible expenses as historic properties are revitalized. HEAL was made possible through a collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, which [...]

26 Tuesday, July 26

Low-Cost Cities With Strong Economies Remain Attractive as Housing Market Slows (Topeka is #9 on index)

2022-07-27T07:35:22-05:00July 26th, 2022|

Low-cost cities with strong economies fared well in the second quarter as high prices and rising mortgage rates caused a swift slowdown in the housing market. As remote or hybrid work schedules have become more common, households are willing to relocate for cheaper housing or a better quality of life. That migration helped push small, affordable markets to the top of the Housing Markets Index in the second quarter. The index identifies the top metro areas for home buyers seeking an appreciating housing market, a strong local economy and appealing lifestyle amenities. Source: WSJ.com

26 Tuesday, July 26

Will a pay increase fix the Sedgwick County Jail staff shortage?

2022-07-26T22:37:58-05:00July 26th, 2022|

Down more than 100 employees. Currently, the Sedgwick County Jail is only 50% staffed. The shortage is now at crisis levels. He said the only solution is upping pay. Employees at the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office received a 2% increase in pay this month. It bumped up the starting salary for detention deputies to more than $19 an hour. However, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said people are still not applying. During some shifts, there is only one deputy to every 70 inmates. "I knew of a place in 'such and such' part of the United States that raised the [...]

26 Tuesday, July 26

Wichita city council, police clash over possible decriminalization of marijuana

2022-07-27T07:37:11-05:00July 26th, 2022|

Wichita council members are in a tussle with the police department over decriminalizing marijuana. During a workshop on Tuesday, interim chief Lemuel Moore told council members that even if they repealed the city ordinance on marijuana, officers would have to enforce state law. “We can have discretion when it comes to infractions, but when it comes to the law, the law is the law,” Moore said. Source: Wichita Eagle

26 Tuesday, July 26

Skunks alarm Newton residents at high school track field, other parts of town

2022-07-27T07:37:37-05:00July 26th, 2022|

A pack of about eight or 10 skunks called the Newton High School track field home this past weekend. The high school track, which is open to the public, is commonly used by Newton residents. “Lots of people run here and walk here in the evenings. I’ve seen bikes and people bring their dogs. It’s a very utilized space,” said Carly Stavola, director of communications for the Newton school district. Stavola added that one skunk even chased a resident over the weekend. Source: Wichita Eagle

26 Tuesday, July 26

Iola builds trail to new school

2022-07-27T07:37:55-05:00July 26th, 2022|

Iola city crews are well on the way to extending a walking trail to the new Iola Elementary School site. Iola Assistant City Administrator Corey Schinstock told City Council members Monday that limestone screenings have been placed along much of the 10-block stretch, from where the MoPac Trail ends near Iola High School to the elementary school site on North Kentucky Street. Next up is to cut out and replace curbs where the trail intersects with the various streets to make it more accessible for bicyclists. Source: The Iola Register

26 Tuesday, July 26

Allen County clerk to retire

2022-07-27T07:38:27-05:00July 26th, 2022|

Allen County Clerk Sherrie Riebel is retiring after holding the office for 26 years. Riebel informed commissioners of her decision at Tuesday’s meeting. She said she was submitting a letter of resignation to Gov. Laura Kelly, effective Sept. 30. As county clerk, Riebel carries several responsibilities, perhaps most prominently as the county’s chief elections officer. The county clerk also handles the county’s financial reports; audits budgets and computes tax levies; and maintains records for the County Commission. She was first elected to the post in 1996. She was hired to work in the office as a clerk in 1993. Allen [...]

26 Tuesday, July 26

Iolans can pay utility bills by text

2022-07-27T07:38:55-05:00July 26th, 2022|

Iolans have another way to pay their utility bills, City Clerk Roxanne Hutton noted Monday. Customers can manage their utility account and pay through the city’s text messaging service. The service is set up by calling a toll-free number (866) 272-0281, Hutton noted. Customers will receive text reminders about due dates and given the option to pay their bills promptly or on a specific day. The city soon will have its own smart phone app for customers to manage their accounts online as well, Hutton said, much like online users can do at cityofiola.com. Source: The Iola Register [...]

26 Tuesday, July 26

Kansas Star revenue hits all-time low

2022-07-27T07:40:21-05:00July 26th, 2022|

According to figures reported by the Kansas Lottery and Gaming Commission, the Kansas Star Casino’s gaming revenue for the month of June slipped to a record low. Total revenue reported for the casino in June was $1,171,525.50, with the city of Mulvane, Sedgwick County and Sumner County each receiving a 1% share of $117,152.56. According to The Mulvane News, that is the smallest share recorded since the Kansas Star Casino opened back in mid-December 2011. Source: Derby Informer | News

26 Tuesday, July 26

Community benefits from spay and neuter program

2022-07-26T07:51:41-05:00July 26th, 2022|

One of the reasons Salina Animal Services operates is to help control the population of animals in the community, and one of the services that it offers makes a direct impact on helping control the population of unwanted pets. Keeping the animal from reproducing, spaying and neutering cats and dogs, is an effective way to keep animal populations low, a service that animal services understands is a benefit to the community as a whole. “The purpose (of the spay and neuter program) is to make sure we don’t have as many puppies and kittens (in the community),” said Monique Hawley, director [...]

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