Overland Park will elect a new mayor for the first time in 16 years, after Carl Gerlach announced he would not run for re-election. Longtime City Council member Curt Skoog and a political newcomer, Mike Czinege, are running for Gerlach’s spot. Skoog was first elected to City Council in 2005 and currently serves as council […]
LLCs favor political veteran in Overland Park mayoral race
Posted inEconomics, Housing
Local housing group and mayor share differing visions on a housing trust fund for Kansas City
In 2018, the Kansas City Council approved a Five-Year Housing Plan that included the creation of a $75 million housing trust fund.
Posted inLocal Government
Behind the boil advisory: How Wichita maintains its water pipes and where it failed
When a 36-hour boil advisory wreaked havoc in Wichita on Oct. 7 and 8, Alan King, the city’s public works director, wanted to make one thing clear. “This was a failure of the distribution system,” he said. In other words, the boil advisory came about as the result of a water main break in the […]
Posted inEducation
Just apply: A list of college scholarships for Kansas students, from teens to adults
Experts say it’s important not to assume you aren’t eligible for aid. Some scholarships have relatively high income caps, and colleges and universities might be willing to work with students who have special circumstances.
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, Local Government, Watchdog
How to cast your ballot in Wichita school board, city council races
Voters are already trickling into the Sedgwick County Election Office to cast their ballots. Early voting runs through Nov. 1 and Election Day is Nov. 2. Ready to exercise your right to vote? Here’s a nonpartisan guide to make it as easy as possible. I’m an in-person voter in Sedgwick County. What do I need? […]
Posted inEducation
Big changes could be coming to Kansas City Public Schools. There’s still time to weigh in.
But administrators hope a long term plan will help KCPS emerge more efficient, more equitable and more competitive with charter schools and suburban districts.
Posted inLocal Government
‘I understand your concern’: Sedgwick County COVID Ambassador program beats back vaccine hesitancy
Mark Ayres considers himself a conservative. But that doesn’t mean he’s not vaccinated. It’s something he’s found himself repeating in conversations as a recently-trained Sedgwick County COVID Ambassador — a new county program training people to communicate information about COVID-19 and vaccinations. “The pathogen could care less what my political beliefs are,” Ayres said. “We’re […]
Posted inEducation
Educators, advocates worry Independence district’s pronoun policy harms LGBTQ students
In the Independence School District, teachers need parental consent to use students’ preferred pronouns in the classroom.
Posted inEconomics, Local Government
Vacant lots, absentee owners, little accountability. What’s going on with the Kansas City Land Bank?
The Beacon found the Kansas City Land Bank has potential conflicts of interest between board members and buyers, and fails to hold buyers accountable to its own requirements.
Posted inEducation
Wichita Board of Education candidates weigh in on COVID, engagement and diversity
How should Wichita schools keep students safe during the pandemic? How can parents be more engaged? How can the school system find post-pandemic success? With nine people running for four seats on the Wichita Board of Education, The Wichita Beacon surveyed the candidates on several issues ahead of the Nov. 2 election. In the race […]