State extending emergency benefits

In an effort to continue supporting Kansans as they manage the impacts of COVID-19 and the multiple variants of the virus, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced the continuation of the emergency food assistance (SNAP) benefits to current participants. The extension will increase the maximum monthly benefit for 63,000 households across the … Read more

Governor signs state of disaster emergency

Governor Laura Kelly today signed a State of Disaster Emergency to alleviate healthcare staffing shortages and facilities’ constraints caused by the surge in COVID-19 cases. Governor Kelly also signed executive orders 22-01 and 22-02 which temporarily suspend certain statutes and regulations for adult care homes and certain health care providers. The 15-day disaster declaration activates … Read more

USD 470 considering COVID protocols

From USD 470: Some recent changes in CDC isolation and quarantine guidance brought about several questions regarding the district’s COVID protocols. In an effort to assure accuracy and maintain consistency, the district will await additional school-specific guidance before making any changes. It is likely that Kansas will choose to move from 10 days of isolation … Read more

Governor announces tax collections

Governor Laura Kelly announced that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020. Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or … Read more

Butler County Health Department offering COVID testing

The Butler county Health Department in El Dorado is offering free Rapid COVID 19 testing, with results in 15 minutes, on several dates coming up. Those are January 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. These are free, and no insurance is needed. Drive up and remain in your vehicle. Call … Read more

Black Hills Energy customers to see net rate reduction

A unanimous settlement agreement approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will result in a net rate reduction for Black Hills Energy customers. Beginning January 1, customers will see a credit on their monthly bills, the Tax Adjustment Rider, based on federal and state tax reforms. The Tax Adjustment Rider will refund $9.1 million to … Read more

Virtual workshops planned for farmers’ markets vendors and managers

The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension will offer virtual workshops January 31-February 4, 2022, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and also for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. The workshop series includes four online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by a half-day virtual workshop. Some K-State … Read more

Extra law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers

The Ark City Police Department is teaming up with the State Department of Transportation to take part in the 2021 Taking Down DUI driving enforcement campaign, ending January 2nd 2022. During that time, officers will be out on the roadways actively searching for intoxicated and impaired drivers.

Winfield updates leaf vacuum schedule

The City of Winfield has an update to the 2021 Leaf Vacuum Schedule. This week they have started on Purple Area 3 of the map and hope to be done mid-next week. They will update once the next area will start. Remember to rake only leaves to the edge of the curb, no more than … Read more

County Commission set for meeting next week

The next Cowley County Board of Commissioners’ meeting is set for Tuesday, January 4th, at 9 a.m. in the Assembly Room of the Courthouse in Winfield. The agenda is up on the facebook page for Cowley County. It shows the Commissioners will talk about Bridge projects, and specifically, the West Chestnut Bridge. The group will … Read more