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Citizen Portal News Kansas
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The Andover City Council has approved a $1 increase in the facility fee at the Capital Federal Amphitheater, aiming to generate over $12,000 to support its 2026 operating budget despite an anticipated loss.

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#AndoverButlerCounty #KS #PublicFinance #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal
Council approves $1 facility-fee increase and 2026 operating budget for Capital Federal Amphitheater
The Andover City Council approved a contract amendment with Legends Global to raise the amphitheater facility fee by $1 and unanimously approved the venue's 2026 operating budget, which projects an operating loss while aiming to avoid additional city funding next year.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 8:35 PM
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Johnson County is considering significant changes to its property tax relief pilot, including raising the appraised-value cap and removing age restrictions to better serve vulnerable residents.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #CommunitySupport #KansasPropertyTax
Johnson County to weigh expanding property tax relief pilot; staff to return Dec. 4 with funding options
Johnson County staff reviewed the 2025 property tax relief pilot, reported about $184,000 paid out and a remaining fund balance of $365,590.36, and recommended raising the appraised-value cap to $500,000. Commissioners asked for alternatives, and directed staff to return for an agenda review on Dec. 4 with refined funding options and city-county collaboration plans.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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Douglas County has officially launched a groundbreaking Crisis Response Coalition to reshape how behavioral-health crises are handled, aiming for better care and reduced emergency visits.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #BehavioralHealth #DouglasCounty #CommunityCoordination #CrisisResponse
Douglas County adopts Crisis Response Coalition charter to coordinate behavioral-health crisis system
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a charter establishing the Douglas County Crisis Response Coalition, a multi-agency advisory and operations structure aimed at coordinating responses to behavioral-health crises, improving data flow, and reducing unnecessary emergency department and jail involvement.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 12:34 AM
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The Johnson County Board is shaking things up with a bold 6-1 vote on their 2026 legislative platforms, prioritizing vital health care funding and urgent action on homelessness!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #KansasCounty #LegislativeAccountability #SeniorServices
Johnson County adopts 2026 state and federal legislative platforms; one commissioner dissents
The board approved combined 2026 state and federal legislative platforms on a 6-1 vote, adding an action item supporting treatment-in-place Medicare reimbursement and noting staff may send a letter urging extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies; Commissioner Ashcraft voted no.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 10:42 AM
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Johnson County is taking a bold step in tackling the opioid crisis by adopting a strategic framework for nearly $10 million in settlement funds, but will it truly make a difference?

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#KS #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #KansasOpioidSettlement #PublicHealth
Board adopts opioid settlement framework, commissioners press for targeted spending
The board voted 7-0 to adopt recommendations from an opioid settlement work group that set a framework for programming opioid settlement funds; commissioners urged targeted, data-driven spending and stronger reporting on outcomes.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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Johnson County is set to transform its transit system with a bold new strategic plan that prioritizes main corridors and aims to enhance service accessibility without increasing costs!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #PublicTransportation #CommunityAccess #KansasTransit #StrategicPlanning
Johnson County adopts transit strategic plan to boost frequency and restore fares
The Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a strategic plan for transit that retools routes to increase frequency along main corridors, suspends two low-ridership commuter routes starting Jan. 1, 2026, and contemplates a return to fares and phased service rollouts in 2026–2027.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 7:29 AM
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Johnson County is gearing up for a major zoning overhaul that could reshape short-term rental rules and energy storage standards—are you ready for the changes?

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#KS #CitizenPortal #EnergyStorageSolutions #LandUsePolicy #CommunityPlanning #KansasZoning
Johnson County commissioners review sweeping zoning rewrite; staff to draft short-term rental rules, separate energy storage standards and study Zoning Board un
At a Nov. 20 Committee of the Whole, Johnson County commissioners heard staff and consultants describe a comprehensive rewrite of zoning districts and use standards, asked staff to bring short-term rental rules forward for early adoption, endorsed treating long-duration energy storage as a standalone use with tiered standards, and discussed consolidating zoning boards into a single nine-member body.
citizenportal.ai
November 26, 2025 at 7:23 AM
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The Tonganoxie City Council has taken a significant step forward by approving a $6.35 million contract for wastewater treatment improvements, but there's a twist—bids came in much higher than expected!

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#KS #TonganoxieWastewater #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance
Tonganoxie Council approves KDHE SRF loan amendment and $6.35 million wastewater contract
The Tonganoxie City Council approved an amendment to a KDHE SRF loan and awarded a $6,349,700 contract for wastewater treatment improvements, contingent on final KDHE approvals; the staff presentation noted bids exceeded engineer estimates and the loan documents received conditional approval.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:51 AM
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Sedgwick County's Fire Chief reveals shocking mileage discrepancies and engine failures that could jeopardize emergency responses, sparking a fierce debate on vehicle replacements.

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#SedgwickCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #FleetManagement #EmergencyServices
Sedgwick County fire chief defends higher-spec staff vehicles after bid mileage errors
Fire Chief Doug Williams told commissioners that two vehicles on a bid board had incorrect mileage and that recurring engine lifter/camshaft failures tied to a particular engine family justify buying heavier-duty vehicles for investigators and inspectors. Commissioners questioned whether displacement-based specs (6.6L) are necessary for all units.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:19 PM
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In a heated meeting that lasted over two hours, the Leavenworth County Planning Commission voted 9-0 to deny a controversial sand excavation permit, raising serious concerns about public safety and environmental impact.

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#LeavenworthCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Planning commission recommends denial of Kaw Valley sand-excavation permit after hours-long hearing
The Leavenworth County Planning Commission recommended denial, by a unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote, of a special use permit sought by Kaw Valley Companies to operate a sand excavation and stockpiling facility near 16201 Lenape Road.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 2:27 AM
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With a remarkable 99% graduation rate and 90% of graduates thriving in jobs or education, the JAGK program is transforming lives across Kansas—hear inspiring student stories that highlight their journey to success!

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#KS #CareerReadiness #YouthEmpowerment #CitizenPortal
Students tell board JAGK program helps boost graduation and job readiness; group pilots competency‑to‑credential badges
Jobs for America's Graduates‑Kansas presented student testimonials and program data to the State Board, saying the multi‑year program serves 6,000+ students in 85 schools and reported a 2024 graduation rate of 99% with 90% engaged in jobs, military or education within 12 months.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 1:41 AM
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The Johnson County Mental Health Advisory Committee is pushing for critical changes in mental health policy, including AI regulation and a unique pilot program to temporarily store firearms for those in crisis.

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#OverlandParkJohnsonCounty #KS #CitizenPortal
Mental‑health advisory committee outlines legislative priorities including parity, AI risks and a voluntary firearm‑storage pilot
The Overland Park mental‑health advisory committee advised the Public Safety Committee to watch parity implementation, social‑media impacts, and AI in therapy, and described 'armory' pilots to voluntarily hold firearms for people at risk of suicide, along with distribution of gun locks.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 12:42 AM
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The Kansas State Board of Education just took a major step in their search for a new commissioner by advancing their technical evaluation to procurement after a crucial executive session!

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#KS #ExecutiveSession #CitizenPortal #KansasBoardOfEducation #ProcurementProcess
Board submits technical evaluation of commissioner‑search RFP to procurement after executive session
After a 120‑minute executive session to review commissioner‑search proposals, the State Board moved to send the technical evaluation to the Office of Procurement and Contracts and scheduled a follow‑up in‑person meeting to continue review; the motion passed 9‑0 with one member absent.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 12:37 AM
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Overland Park police reveal alarming shifts in local drug trends, including a recent fentanyl seizure that could kill 2 million people—how will the city respond?

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#OverlandParkJohnsonCounty #KS #OverlandParkPublicSafety #CommunityEducation #CitizenPortal #DrugTrends
Overland Park police brief committee on fentanyl, kratom derivatives and convenience‑store THC products
Overland Park Special Investigations Unit told the Public Safety Committee about shifting local drug trends — from powdered fentanyl and adulterated stimulants to synthetic kratom derivatives marketed at gas stations — and staff outlined education, enforcement and possible local ordinances following a large fentanyl seizure.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:40 PM
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Kansas education officials are proposing a federal waiver to streamline school improvement efforts, aiming to ease burdens on over 149 schools currently under review.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #FederalSupports #SchoolImprovement #KansasEducation #EducationPolicy
State board hears Department of Education waiver plan to align federal and state school‑improvement systems
KSD staff described a proposed federal waiver to delay federal identification and exit dates for some schools, extend use of federal improvement funds, and pilot integrated supports tied to Kansas’ KISA model. Staff said about 149 schools were reviewed; 17 could exit and 23 would be newly identified under current rules.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:01 PM
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Douglas County commissioners are shaking up their legislative platform for 2026, pushing for stronger protections on home rule and critical housing measures that could impact local services.

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#DouglasCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #DouglasCountyLegislation #TaxPolicy
Douglas County reviews draft 2026 legislative platform, asks staff to return revisions Dec. 3
Douglas County commissioners reviewed a draft 2026 legislative statement prepared with Little Government Relations, debated stronger language defending home rule and tax-lid impacts on county services, and directed staff to return a revised draft for approval at the Dec. 3 meeting.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 8:59 PM
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Douglas County's Appraiser warns that unresolved property tax appeals could lead to a staggering $809 million loss if big retailers get their way.

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#DouglasCounty #KS #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #TaxationTransparency #DouglasCountyTaxAppeals
Douglas County appraiser warns of backlog, explains appeals process and potential large losses from big‑box cases
County Appraiser Brad Eldridge outlined local appeal options, average appeal volumes and timelines to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA); he estimated pending appeals could represent about $809.1 million in potential tax liability across taxing units if appellants receive the full requested reductions.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 8:55 PM
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The Augusta Planning Commission has just approved sweeping changes to billboard regulations, aligning them with Butler County standards while raising concerns over nighttime visibility and electronic signage.

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#AugustaButlerCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SignRegulations
Augusta commission approves broad sign code amendments, opts to mirror Butler County standards in planning area
The Planning Commission approved staff-recommended text amendments to Article 8 (Z-2025-21) to define billboards, allow them in the planning/growth area under Butler County-like standards (Proposal 2), and to treat multi-tenant commercial centers under C-3/I-1 sign rules; public commenters raised concerns about electronic billboards and nighttime "
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 6:34 PM
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Horizons Mental Health Center sees a surge of 300 new clients while grappling with a $4 million audit adjustment due to reporting errors—how did they turn challenges into success?

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#RenoCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #CrisisResponse #FinancialTransparency
Horizons Mental Health Center reports rising demand, explains $4 million audit adjustment
Horizons reported an increase of about 300 clients over five fiscal quarters and finalized its FY25 audit with a $4,000,000 negative adjustment tied to electronic medical-record reporting, while still reporting a $1,200,000 positive operating margin for the year; staff said the issue has been corrected and new reports implemented.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 6:28 PM
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Ellis County schools are stepping into the future of safety with a groundbreaking $2 million GIS mapping grant aimed at enhancing 9-1-1 response times through detailed internal floor plans!

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#EllisCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EllisCountySchools #CivicAccountability
County communications director: four local schools preliminarily awarded 9‑1‑1 GIS mapping funds
Ellis County communications director reported that four schools (Hays High, Hays Middle proposed site, Roosevelt Elementary and TMP Marion High) were initially approved for the first round of a state $2 million PSAP GIS mapping grant to produce internal floor maps and integrate new 9‑1‑1 z‑axis data; per‑facility costs and vendor selection remain.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 6:26 PM
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Legends Global is celebrating a successful season at the Capital Federal Amphitheater, with record ticket sales and a strategic plan to reduce operating losses!

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#AndoverButlerCounty #KS #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #AndoverAmphitheater #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityEvents
Legends Global reports increased attendance and reduced operating loss; council approves $12,500 aid for amphitheater operations
Legends Global (formerly ASM) reported more concerts, higher ticket grosses and improved operating results at the Capital Federal Amphitheater; the company reduced its incentive request and the council approved a $12,500 city subsidy from facility-fee funds and an amended operating budget.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 6:08 PM
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Johnson County is redefining its transit system with a bold new plan that promises more frequent service on key routes while streamlining microtransit coverage.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #PublicTransportation #TransitAccessibility #CommunityMobility #KansasTransit
Johnson County unveils 'foundational' transit plan to boost frequency, shrink microtransit footprint
The county presented a 64-page strategic transit plan proposing a 'foundational' system: higher frequency on key corridors, standardized 60-minute headways on local routes, a reduced microtransit service area inside the 435 loop, potential rebrand and return-to-fares, and ADA paratransit implications; the plan will return for formal approval next週.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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The Emporia Board of Education has taken a significant step towards improving efficiency by approving a comprehensive study of its business operations.

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#EmporiaSchoolBoards #KS #EducationEfficiency #CitizenPortal #StakeholderEngagement #BusinessOperations #EmporiaSchools
Board approves outside efficiency study of district business operations
The Emporia board approved hiring a consultant to review business-office processes and recommend improvements; the motion passed 5-0 and the superintendent said the review will include Skyward transitions and stakeholder interviews.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 3:55 PM
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Osage County is making a bold move to boost tourism by raising the transient guest tax from 2% to 6%!

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#OsageCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #TaxReform #OsageCountyTourism #EconomicDevelopment #TourismPromotion
Osage County raises transient guest tax to 6% to fund tourism promotion
The Osage County Commission on Nov. 12 unanimously approved Resolution 2025-27 to raise the county transient guest tax from 2% to 6%, directing revenues to tourism promotion and setting implementation steps with the Kansas Department of Revenue and county reporting offices.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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Riley County commissioners have approved a crucial $300,000 transfer to prevent the RCPD fund from sinking into a negative cash balance amid rising inmate medical costs and financial discrepancies.

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#KS #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #KansasRCPD
Riley County approves $300,000 transfer to RCPD fund after unanticipated costs
Riley County commissioners approved a $300,000 transfer from the general fund to the RCPD fund after staff described rising inmate medical and radio‑fund accounting pressures that would otherwise create a negative fund balance.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM