Governor expands parental leave for state employees

Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order 21-24, which expands parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, and foster parents. The new policy is as follows: Primary caregivers receive eight weeks of leave (an increase of two weeks from the original policy); Secondary caregivers receive four weeks of leave (an increase of one week … Read more

Cowley College getting scholarship money to dole out

With ongoing progress made at the state level, Cowley College has been approved to receive more than $300,000 in Kansas Promise Act scholarship dollars to assist Kansas residents who wish to study and work in Kansas. The Kansas Promise Act, passed in April 2021, allows Kansas residents the opportunity to earn scholarship dollars for select … Read more

Ark City man accused of stabbing his roommate

The Arkansas City Police Department arrested an Arkansas City man early yesterday following a physical disturbance when he allegedly stabbed his roommate. Felipe Augustine, 29, was arrested on suspicion of one felony count each of aggravated battery, criminal threat and identity theft. Officers were dispatched to 221 W. Adams Ave. for a report of a … Read more

Ark City trash pickup change this week

The City of Arkansas City will shift to a four-day sanitation schedule this week due to the closure of all City offices Monday in observance of Independence Day. All of Monday’s and part of Tuesday’s routes will be collected today. The part of Tuesday’s route to be collected is from Madison Avenue south to the … Read more

Change for charitable organizations

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office says with the passage of legislation earlier this year, the filing requirement for charitable organizations, professional fundraisers and solicitors has transferred to the Office of the Attorney General. For many years, the Kansas Charitable Organizations and Solicitations Act (KCOSA) has required most charitable organizations to register with the state prior … Read more

Water pressure reductions in Ark City today

Arkansas City residents east of the Walnut River can expect reductions in pressure for at least a couple of hours Tuesday due to water system maintenance. The water pressure reduction is due to needed maintenance at the East Chestnut Booster Station, which pumps water across the East Chestnut Avenue bridge to customers in the eastern … Read more

Holiday affects services in Winfield

From the city of Winfield: In observance of Independence Day, the refuse and recycling schedules will change the week of July 4th. The City of Winfield, Compost Facility will be OPEN Saturday, July 3rd, 2021, from 9am to 3pm, weather permitting. The City of Winfield, Neighborhood Trash Program will be CANCELED Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 … Read more

Gun laws changing in Kansas

Several changes in the Kansas concealed carry law took effect yesterday, including a reduction in application fees, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said. Among the changes approved during the 2021 Kansas legislative session, a new provisional license will be available for individuals between 18-20 years of age. New provisions also allow issuance of a concealed … Read more

Vaccinations slowing down in Cowley County

An update from the City-Cowley County Health Department on COVID 19 vaccination efforts. They say vaccination efforts in the county, that were very robust in the first three months of 2021, continue to be slow. Currently, 11,576 people have completed the required two dose vaccine series required to develop immunity to COVID-19. An additional 1,625 … Read more

Winfield City Hall closed Monday

Quick reminder that the Independence Day holiday is Sunday. To that end, Winfield City Hall will be closed on Monday, July 5th, in observance of Independence Day. Be aware that many other government offices may be closed.