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Citizen Portal News Kansas
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Shawnee Mission School District reveals alarming $11.5M shortfall in special education funding, jeopardizing essential services for students.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #StudentSupport #FundingChallenges #KansasSpecialEducation
Special-education update: SMSD outlines services and warns $11.5M shortfall risks
District special-education leaders presented a standalone program update covering services, staffing, compliance and spending; administrators said local funds cover nearly half of special-education costs, cited about 953 yearly initial evaluations (78% eligibility rate), and warned that the district would need roughly $11.5 million more to reach the statutory 92% reimbursement level.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:26 PM
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Park City council just took a major step towards a $79 million redevelopment project that could transform 69th Street North and Broadway!

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#ParkCitySedgwickCounty #KS #PublicHearing #ParkCityTIF #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #FloodplainRemediation
Park City council approves resolution to call public hearing on TIF district at 69th and Broadway
Council voted 6-0 to approve a resolution calling a March 24 public hearing to consider creating a tax-increment financing (TIF) redevelopment district at 69th Street North and Broadway after a developer presentation described floodplain remediation, phased housing and an estimated $59–$79 million private investment.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
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Andover officials are raising alarms about a proposed 3% cap on municipal spending that could cripple essential services and cost the city over $2 million in the next four years.

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#AndoverButlerCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #AndoverMunicipal #CommunityServices #LegislativeAction
Andover officials warn proposed state cap on municipal spending could hobble services
City administrators and council members told the Andover City Council that House Bill 2745’s proposed 3% cap on municipal spending could limit services, staffing and capital projects; staff estimated the city would have foregone roughly $2.2 million over four years under such a cap and flagged potential bond/credit impacts on a planned $36 million wastewater bond.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 2:12 PM
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Leavenworth County's planning staff is proposing a major shift in their comprehensive plan review cycle, potentially changing it from every 3-5 years to every 5-10 years to better align with development and budget cycles.

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#LeavenworthCounty #KS #CitizenPortal
County staff outlines targeted comprehensive-plan updates, recommends changing review cycle to 5–10 years
Planning staff presented an annual comprehensive-plan study session recommending one formal amendment (change internal update cadence from 3–5 years to 5–10 years), flagged transportation and utility studies tied to regional projects, and signaled budget requests for 2028.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:56 AM
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Shawnee City Council is investing $52,651 to join a multi-city bus service for the World Cup, aiming to boost local tourism and downtown sales!

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#ShawneeJohnsonCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicTransport #EconomicDevelopment #ShawneeWorldCup #TourismSupport
Shawnee agrees to share up to $52,651 for Johnson County World Cup circulator bus
Shawnee approved participation in a regional temporary circulator for the World Cup, part of a $5.7 million multi‑city effort; Shawnee's share is a not‑to‑exceed $52,651 to be paid from transient guest tax funds.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:27 AM
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Exciting developments are on the horizon as the bidding for Keith's Community Center kicks off, while local talent recruitment efforts gain momentum with the success of the 'Make My Move' program!

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#KS #TalentRecruitment #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #KansasCommunity
Keith's Community Center bidding set; county highlights Make My Move success and Fort Riley workforce impacts
County planning staff set Keith's Community Center bid dates for mid‑ to late‑March, budget staff updated ARPA balances and commissioners heard economic-development updates including two approved 'Make My Move' relocations and Fort Riley deployment projections that may affect local services.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 6:13 AM
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Leavenworth County's emergency medical services are facing a $2 million annual deficit, and officials are demanding Fort Leavenworth step up or risk losing vital ambulance coverage.

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#LeavenworthCounty #KS #CivicAccountability #LeavenworthCountyEmergencyServices #CitizenPortal
Commissioners warn Fort Leavenworth: county ambulance subsidy unsustainable, April 1 deadline set
Leavenworth County officials said providing ambulance service to Fort Leavenworth runs about $2,000,000 a year in net cost and have given the base until April 1 to propose a plan for cost sharing; commissioners discussed sending registered letters to military leadership and federal representatives if needed.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 6:07 AM
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Shawnee City Council faces a heated debate after awarding a $8 million contract for Midland Drive improvements, navigating between a local contractor's protest and federal funding risks.

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#ShawneeJohnsonCounty #KS #InfrastructureImprovement #TaxpayerAccountability
Shawnee awards Midland Drive contract to Superior Bowen after bid protest; McAnany contests decision
After staff ruled the two lowest bids nonresponsive under KDOT's LPA manual, the council approved a roughly $8 million contract with Superior Bowen for Midland Drive improvements; McAnany representatives urged awarding their lower bid or rebidding and warned of potential taxpayer cost, while staff cited a risk of losing $4 million in STBG funds if KDOT rules otherwise.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 6:04 AM
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Shawnee city staff are urging caution as they unveil ambitious plans for the Hickok Zara TIF district, highlighting both the potential for development and the financial risks ahead.

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#ShawneeJohnsonCounty #KS #CommunityGrowth #InfrastructurePlanning #CitizenPortal
Shawnee staff outline development, infrastructure and costs for Hickok Zara TIF district
City staff told the council committee that Bristol Highlands is the near‑term engine for the Hickok Zara TIF district, while three major transportation projects (K‑7/75th interchange, Woodland extension, and 75th extension) could require large commitments that shift the district from net positive to a burden without external grants or developer-driven revenue.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:54 AM
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Shawnee's City Council just approved a hike in the transient guest tax to 9%, aiming to rake in an extra $115,000 for tourism and the upcoming World Cup—will this spark controversy or boost local revenue?

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#ShawneeJohnsonCounty #KS #TourismInitiatives #PublicRevenue
Shawnee council raises transient guest tax to 9% amid World Cup planning
The Shawnee City Council voted Feb. 9 to increase the transient guest tax from 8% to 9%, citing upcoming World Cup tourism and a projected $115,000 in annual revenue; some council members and a resident urged a temporary 'sunset' tied to the event.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:53 AM
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Riley County is taking crucial steps to enhance public health communications and maintain childcare services, including a temporary clinic closure for vital staff training!

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#KS #KansasPublicHealth #CitizenPortal #PublicHealthUpdates #ChildcareLicensing #EmergencyCommunication
Riley County health staff update CERC plan, set clinic EMR training and keep two childcare licensing positions in grant application
Riley County Public Health presented a revised Crisis, Emergency and Risk Communication plan, sought permission to close the county clinic for EMR training March 11–13, and after discussion the commission directed staff to apply to KDHE for funding that supports one supervisor and two licensing staff to maintain local childcare services.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:01 AM
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Reno County is gearing up for a busy fire season with new disaster protocols, a merged fire district, and vital training events—are you prepared?

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#RenoCounty #KS #CommunityVolunteers #CitizenPortal #EmergencyManagement #DisasterResponse
Reno County emergency management outlines disaster thresholds, new fire-district merger and volunteer response plans
Emergency management director Adam Boisar told the Reno County Commission that a recent merger created Reno County Fire District 1, described thresholds and timelines for disaster reimbursements, urged careful prioritization of equipment requests, and reminded residents to call 911 for burn authorizations and to use posted resources.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 3:46 AM
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Dickinson County is set to enhance 22 miles of roads with a $1.342 million microsurfacing project while simultaneously tackling the removal of the burned 1100 Avenue bridge!

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#DickinsonCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #RoadSafety #CommunityInvestment #InfrastructureDevelopment
Dickinson County approves $1.342 million microsurfacing contract, moves to remove burned 1100 Avenue bridge
The Dickinson County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,342,000 contract with Vance Brothers to microsurface 22 miles of county roads and confirmed immediate removal of a burned bridge on 1100 Avenue, with staff saying the work fits within highway sales tax and bridge fund revenues.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 3:39 AM
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The Blue Valley Board of Education is at a crossroads, debating a scaled bond package that could redefine the future of capital projects and asset preservation for aging facilities.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #CapitalInvestments #KansasEducation #AssetPreservation #CommunityOutreach
Blue Valley board weighs scaled bond package, 3-mill scenario and priorities for asset preservation
Board members debated a scaled bond package and a possible 3-mill increase to restore capital investments, with trustees and advisory groups urging prioritization of asset preservation while noting public sellability concerns.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 3:17 AM
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Neosho County just approved a staggering $2 million to support its struggling hospital ambulance service amidst rising demand and ongoing losses!

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#NeoshoCounty #KS #CivicAccountability #NeoshoCountyAmbulance #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EmergencyServices
Neosho County approves $2 million disbursement to hospital ambulance fund
The Neosho County Commission voted 3–0 on Feb. 10 to release $2,000,000 from the ambulance sales-tax fund to the county hospital, after hospital representatives warned of multi-year operating losses and rising transfer volume.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 3:05 AM
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Residents are raising alarms over a proposed data center near Tonganoxie, fearing it could threaten water supplies, property values, and community well-being.

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#LeavenworthCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #LeavenworthCountyDataCenter #RegulatoryTransparency #WaterQuality #CommunityInput
Residents urge pause on proposed Tonganoxie data center; county schedules work session
Residents raised water, noise and health concerns about a proposed data center near Tonganoxie and asked the Leavenworth County Commission to pause permitting while officials develop rules. Commissioners agreed to a March work session to gather data and draft regulatory templates.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 2:25 AM
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Douglas County commissioners faced a heated debate over a potential switch to UnitedHealthcare for employee health benefits, raising concerns about claim denials and provider continuity.

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#DouglasCounty #KS #HealthcareAccess #InsuranceReform #CitizenPortal
Douglas County defers decision on switching employee health-plan administrator after heated debate
After staff and Willis Towers Watson recommended UnitedHealthcare for projected network discounts, the commission failed to approve the contract and instead voted 3-2 to defer, asking staff to return de-identified bidder comparisons and provider-disruption metrics before a final decision.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 1:38 AM
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Hutchinson is tackling blight head-on with a new demolition grant program that could transform unsafe properties into revitalized spaces!

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#HutchinsonCityRenoCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanRevitalization #PropertySafety #HutchinsonCity
Hutchinson rolls out demolition grant, sets hearings on unsafe structures as part of blight push
City staff introduced a 'Structure‑to‑Soil' demolition grant program (100% and 50/50 options) and the council set an April 7 hearing for five unsafe residential structures; staff said $100,000 of unbonded 2026 budget funds are allocated initially and procedures include title checks, competitive bids and potential land‑bank transfers.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 6:42 PM
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Hutchinson City Council has greenlit a $428,000 bond to push forward crucial golf course improvements, sparking a heated debate over funding and contractor payments!

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#HutchinsonCityRenoCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #HutchinsonGolfCourse #LocalGovernance #CommunityImprovements
Council authorizes GO bond cap to finish golf‑course work, debates funding tradeoffs
After extensive discussion about contractors, tournament revenue and budget timing, Hutchinson City Council approved an ordinance authorizing GO bonds not to exceed $428,000 to complete golf‑course master‑plan improvements and allowed staff to pursue transferring Orchard Park funds to cover near‑term contractor payments.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 6:37 PM
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The Hutchinson City Council just took a bold step toward boosting local jobs with a $2 million industrial revenue bond for Sales Data Inc., but not everyone is convinced it’s the right move!

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#HutchinsonCityRenoCounty #KS #PublicFinancing #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment
Hutchinson Council OKs resolution for SDI industrial revenue bonds after public hearing
After a public hearing, the Hutchinson City Council approved a resolution finding advisable the issuance of taxable industrial revenue bonds for Sales Data Inc. (SDI) to support a 101,754 sq ft expansion; finance staff said the $2 million IRB and a 10-year abatement were supported by a cost‑benefit analysis showing payback within four years.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 5:25 PM
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The Lansing Board of Education approved the KASB 2025 policy updates but hit pause on the controversial AI policy after heated debates about religious opt-out language.

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#LansingSchoolBoards #KS #AIEthics #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #LansingSchoolBoards #ReligiousFreedom
Board adopts KASB 2025 policy updates, defers AI policy after debate on religious opt-out language
The Lansing board approved updated KASB policy templates for 2025 with one exception: the district deferred the AI policy (IIBE) for further work after board members raised detailed changes and concerns about religious opt-out wording and exec-session recording language.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 1:34 AM
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Osage County is paving the way for responsible conventional energy development while ensuring strict adherence to local regulations and public input.

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#OsageCounty #KS #EnergyPolicy #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #OsageCountyEnergy
Osage County commissioners approve resolution backing responsible conventional energy development
The Osage County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 10 adopted Resolution 2026-02 expressing support for the responsible development of conventional energy projects (including thermal and next-generation nuclear), while reiterating that no specific project is approved and planning/zoning rules remain in force.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 11:41 PM
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Lansing schools are seeing significant strides in algebra 1 while exploring innovative assessments and interventions to boost student success ahead of spring tests.

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#LansingSchoolBoards #KS #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #AssessmentInnovation #StudentSucces #LansingSchools
Lansing schools report mixed winter FastBridge results, expand formative assessments and interventions
District staff presented winter FastBridge and interim assessment results across grade levels, praised algebra 1 gains, described new tools (I Ready, Kite), and outlined expanded Tier 1 supports, partner-reading and paragraph-shrinking strategies to boost comprehension.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 10:32 PM
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Douglas County's multi-agency homelessness response plan is making strides with 221 funded housing units and groundbreaking outreach efforts, but critical gaps remain that need urgent attention.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #KansasHomelessness #HousingStability #DataImprovement
Douglas County updates 'A Place for Everyone' plan; highlights 221 funded units, outreach gains and data improvements
Presenters told commissioners the county’s multi-agency homelessness plan has 221 units with committed funding (2023–2026), a 32-unit flexible housing pool, stronger HMIS/by-name data and expanded outreach and mobile health services, while noting gaps in sustainable operating funds and family shelters.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 7:05 PM
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Sedgwick County Zoo is thriving with record attendance, successful animal births, and a $10 million elephant barn expansion on the horizon!

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#SedgwickCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #SedgwickCountyZoo #EducationPrograms #CommunityAccess #WildlifeConservation
Sedgwick County Zoo reports 702,000 visitors in 2025, previews $10M elephant-barn expansion
Zoo director Scott Newland told commissioners the Sedgwick County Zoo had about 702,000 visitors in 2025, noted four elephant births and other successes, summarized unplanned repairs that cost roughly $400,000 for penguin cove and additional roof/repair needs, and said fundraising for an expanded elephant barn is nearing $10 million.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 4:09 PM