Education Department Escalates Kansas FERPA Dispute
Topeka agreed to change record practices, while Olathe and Shawnee Mission face possible Justice Department action in a broader FERPA dispute.
Kansas
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Kansas schools face an Aug. 31 deadline for new cellphone and social-media policies
Kansas schools must certify new cellphone and social-media policies by the end of Monday, Aug. 31. Families should expect bell-to-bell device restrictions, local storage rules and designated school contact procedures.
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Kansas voters reject plan to elect Supreme Court justices, preserving merit selection
Kansas voters reportedly rejected a plan to elect Supreme Court justices, leaving the commission-and-governor system in place unless the reported result changes before certification on September 1.
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Leawood’s 83rd Street reconstruction shifts traffic again Aug. 11
The Lee Boulevard-to-State Line Road section of 83rd Street is scheduled to close again Aug. 11 after a temporary eastbound reopening, with roadway, signal and sidewalk work continuing through December 2026.
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Norton County Leads Five-County Road-Safety Planning Effort
Norton County is leading a regional effort with four neighboring counties to identify transportation-safety priorities and guide future investments.
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Lawrence imposes two-year moratorium on new data centers
The Lawrence City Commission approved a two-year pause on data-center development July 14 while the city studies impacts and prepares local regulations.
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Olathe Planning Commission set to meet Aug. 10 on development schedule
Olathe’s Planning Commission is scheduled to meet Aug. 10 as a 2026 review schedule moves applications through neighborhood and staff review.
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Chiefs release renderings for planned 2031 KCK stadium
The Chiefs released first renderings of a planned 70,000-seat enclosed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, with a target opening in 2031.
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Andover council approves housing, bond and plant-security measures
The Andover City Council approved measures involving housing, municipal bonds and plant security during its June 30 meeting.
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Wichita seeks federal grant for 50-officer downtown team
Wichita officials are pursuing federal funding for a 50-officer team covering downtown, Delano and the Broadway corridor at a projected cost of nearly $25 million.
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Overland Park committee backs regional-pool model in 7-5 vote
Overland Park’s council committee recommended regional pools over two additional community pools, leaving the full City Council to decide the parks plan this fall.
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Coffeyville continues data-center review and plans August public information session
Coffeyville officials say discussions about possible future data-center development remain preliminary, with an explanatory video and public information session planned for the first week of August.
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La Cygne police chief resigns as city adds newly trained full-time officer
La Cygne Police Chief Zachary Mathies announced his resignation July 27, with Aug. 6 scheduled as his final day. Joshua Higgins has also joined the department as a newly trained full-time officer.
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Olathe Sets Aug. 6 Budget Workshop on Roads, Stormwater and Parks
Olathe’s third budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 6, with discussions on stormwater, roads, parks, recreation and solid waste.
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KCK board names interim administrator after Johnston resignation
Kansas City, Kansas, commissioners accepted David Johnston’s resignation, approved nine months of pay and benefits, and named Alan Howze interim administrator.
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Wichita Names Chief Mire as Fire Chief Tammy Snow Plans Retirement
Tammy Snow plans to retire as Wichita fire chief in August 2026. Chief Mire is expected to take command on Aug. 24 as the department prepares for a 2027 station opening.
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Mission updates Johnson Drive reconstruction and traffic-signal work
Mission reported that reconstruction of Johnson Drive between Lamar Avenue and Metcalf Avenue was underway in July, while a separate grant-funded signal project continued along the corridor.
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Olathe adopts plan guiding future growth and development
Olathe adopted its Elevate Olathe Comprehensive Plan on April 21, setting the framework for future growth while development reviews continue into August and September.
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Wyandotte County adopts 2026 budget with higher property taxes
The Unified Government adopted Wyandotte County’s 2026 budget on Oct. 8, including property-tax increases for residents of Kansas City, Kansas.
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Clark County, Ashland weigh road agreement tied to Ashland Feed & Seed access
Clark County commissioners discussed whether road access serving Ashland Feed & Seed belongs with the county or should be handled through an agreement with the City of Ashland.
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Wichita Names Michael Mire as Next Fire Chief
Michael Mire will take command of the Wichita Fire Department on Aug. 24, succeeding retiring Chief Elizabeth Snow after a national search.
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Overland Park advances regional-pool plan as Stonegate’s future narrows
Overland Park officials advanced a regional-pool strategy that would shape Bluejacket Park and eventually close Stonegate Pool, pending a final council vote.