Ark City local news summary
Week of January 10 2025
Three new commissioners take oath of office
Commission selects Stover as mayor, Lungren as vice mayor
Warren and Spielman recognized for years of service
Rezoning approved for new water tower on Chestnut Avenue
Property on Madison rezoned for business expansion
Fire station grant denied, city explores loan options
New management agreement secured for Senior Center
Wilt appointed to Strother Field Commission amidst oversight concerns
Commissioners to oppose new Evergy transmission line
County renews tax foreclosure legal contract
Board debates bringing road striping services in-house
Federal grant denied for Dexter intersection realignment
County approves $78,000 environmental study for bridge projects
Extension agent highlights prison garden program success
Three new commissioners take oath of office
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — A new era of leadership began at City Hall on Tuesday as commissioners-elect David Colquhoun, Steve Lungren and Charles Tweedy III took the oath of office. The three men joined incumbent Commissioners Chad Beeson and Tad Stover on the dais. The new board immediately set to work on annual reorganization tasks and board appointments following the departure of two long-serving officials.
Commission selects Stover as mayor, Lungren as vice mayor
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Following the swearing-in of new members, the city commission reorganized its leadership Tuesday, unanimously selecting Tad Stover to serve as mayor for the upcoming year. Commissioner Steve Lungren was subsequently appointed as vice mayor. Stover presented outgoing Mayor Chad Beeson with a plaque in recognition of his service over the past year.
Warren and Spielman recognized for years of service
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The commission formally recognized the contributions of outgoing Commissioners Jay Warren and Diana Spielman. Warren, who did not seek reelection, was honored for a tenure spanning 17 years, having served continuously since 2008, including multiple terms as mayor and vice mayor. Spielman was recognized for her four-year term, during which she also served in leadership roles. Mayor Stover noted Warren's "steadfast dedication" and the lasting impact of his guidance on the governing body.
Rezoning approved for new water tower on Chestnut Avenue
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Design work for a new water tower moved forward Tuesday after the commission unanimously approved an ordinance rezoning property at 2200 E. Chestnut Ave. The land was changed from a low-density residential district (R-1) to a public use district (P). City staff explained that the zoning change was necessary because the proposed tower exceeds height restrictions applicable to residential zones. The tower is intended to address long-standing water pressure issues in the area.
Property on Madison rezoned for business expansion
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — The commission approved a request to rezone a property at 706 E. Madison Ave. from medium density residential (R-2) to general commercial district (C-3). The rezoning will allow the adjacent business, Weed Out, to construct a new building for equipment storage. Staff noted the property had been residential in zoning only and had been maintained by the city for some time; the move returns the land to the tax rolls and aligns it with the surrounding commercial area.
Fire station grant denied, city explores loan options
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — City Manager Randy Frazer informed the commission that the federal government did not fund the grant portion of the application for the new fire station project. However, the loan portion of the U.S. Department of Agriculture program remains available. City administration is now exploring low-interest loan options through the USDA as an alternative to issuing general obligation bonds to finance the construction.
New management agreement secured for Senior Center
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — To ensure the continuation of services for local seniors, the commission approved an agreement with the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging Inc. The agency will handle personnel management and use of space at the Senior Citizen Center. The move comes after a previous provider lost grant funding, forcing the city to temporarily bridge the financial gap. The new agreement is expected to stabilize meal programs and other essential services for the elderly.
Wilt appointed to Strother Field Commission amidst oversight concerns
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioner Wayne Wilt was reappointed to the Strother Field Commission for a one-year term following a debate regarding the county's lack of influence over the industrial park's budget and operations. Wilt initially expressed reluctance to serve again, citing frustration that the county provides financial support but has little voice compared to the cities of Arkansas City and Winfield. He ultimately agreed to the appointment with the intent of working with new board members to improve county representation and oversight.
Commissioners to oppose new Evergy transmission line
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Cowley County Commission agreed to draft a letter of opposition regarding a proposed Buffalo Flats-Delaware 345 kV transmission line by Evergy Kansas Central Inc. Administrator Lucas Goff informed the board that while the county lacks legal authority to supersede the Kansas Corporation Commission on the matter, they can submit public comments. Commissioners and residents expressed concerns regarding the line's lack of tax benefit to the county, potential interference with hospital equipment and airport runways, and the use of private land rights. The board plans to submit the letter and intervene in the KCC docket prior to an upcoming meeting.
County renews tax foreclosure legal contract
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - The board approved a contract with Kelly Law LLC to handle the 2026 tax foreclosure sales. The agreement includes new provisions regarding timeline expectations to ensure the process moves efficiently. During the discussion, commissioners and Administrator Lucas Goff explored potential policy changes to prevent delinquent taxpayers from paying only the most recent taxes to avoid foreclosure while leaving older debts unpaid. Staff will research the legality of requiring taxpayers to pay the oldest delinquent taxes first.
Board debates bringing road striping services in-house
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners directed county staff to investigate the cost of refurbishing county-owned equipment to resume painting pavement markings in-house rather than using private contractors. Vice Chairman Jim Maxwell and Commissioner Alan Groom expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of recent contract work, citing lines painted off-center. The board discussed lowering the traffic threshold for striping to roads with 200 average daily traffic to ensure more rural roads are marked. Staff will present a cost analysis for equipment upgrades versus contracting services later this quarter.
Federal grant denied for Dexter intersection realignment
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Lucas Goff informed the board that the U.S. Department of Transportation denied the county's application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. The funding was intended to realign the "Dexter Y" intersection involving Kansas Highway 15 and 162nd Road, which officials identified as a high-risk area due to increased commercial traffic. Goff stated the county would retain the traffic study data and continue seeking funding sources to address safety concerns at the intersection.
County approves $78,000 environmental study for bridge projects
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - The commission voted 3-0 to approve a contract addendum with Kirkham Michael for a National Environmental Policy Act study required for the Bridge Investment Program. The study, which includes archaeological reviews for 15 bridges, will cost $5,200 per bridge, totaling $78,000. This addition brings the total project cost to $908,200. While commissioners expressed frustration with the federal requirements and added expense, they acknowledged the study is a mandatory prerequisite for receiving federal grant funding for the infrastructure improvements.
Extension agent highlights prison garden program success
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - Becky Bedwell of the K-State Research and Extension office reported on the success of the Master Gardener program at the Winfield Correctional Facility. Approximately 25 inmates are currently participating in a garden club and educational training, growing produce that is donated to the Winfield Food Pantry and community meals. The program, supported by a Hunger-Free Kansas grant, has recently added a greenhouse and hydroponic equipment to provide vocational skills to participants.
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