Dodge City local news summary
Week of December 20 2025
City considers 'continuous flow' intersection for 14th and US 50
$942,000 contract awarded for 14th Avenue bridge inspection
San Jose Street slated for major reconstruction
Consultants hired to guide STAR bond district expansion
Property purchased for downtown Heritage District expansion
City boundaries expanded through annexation
Commission approved biogas study in split vote
College commits funds for Cavalier Field turf
Ford County Commissioners authorize $39 million in bonds for Cargill project
Ford County Engineer Jon Halbgewachs reports on road projects and U.S. 50 issues
Clark Solar Farm road use agreement approved
Boot Hill Solar project nears completion
No Limits Trucking granted conditional use permit
City considers 'continuous flow' intersection for 14th and US 50
DODGE CITY, Kan. - During a study session, the commission reviewed a proposal to convert the intersection of 14th Avenue and U.S. Highway 50 into a continuous flow intersection. Engineers from Olsson recommended the design to handle increased traffic from the new Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School and future commercial development. The design, which crosses left-turning traffic over before the main intersection to allow simultaneous flow, would be the second of its kind in Kansas. While the commission expressed openness to the concept to improve safety and reduce delays, the design requires final approval from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
$942,000 contract awarded for 14th Avenue bridge inspection
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Commissioners approved a supplemental agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants for $942,620 to provide construction administration and inspection services for the Northbound 14th Avenue Bridge replacement. The project, slated to begin construction in April 2026, is largely funded by the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program, which covers 85 percent of the inspection costs. The total budget for the bridge replacement stands at approximately $9.19 million, with the city utilizing bonds to cover its portion of the expenses.
San Jose Street slated for major reconstruction
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Building Solutions, LLC was awarded an $881,290 contract to reconstruct San Jose Street, serving as a primary entrance to the St. Mary of the Plains Complex and the YMCA. The project came in under the engineer's estimate and includes a new water loop line to improve circulation, storm sewer improvements to replace open ditches, and a 10-foot-wide multiuse trail connecting to Avenue A. City Engineer Tanner Rutschman noted the road has been in poor condition for some time and the project will require phased closures to maintain access to local facilities.
Consultants hired to guide STAR bond district expansion
DODGE CITY, Kan. - The commission unanimously approved a real estate advisory agreement with Copaken Brooks to manage the expansion and refinancing of the city's Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond districts. A representative of Copaken Brooks presented a plan to reissue bonds against existing revenue streams from the Downtown Heritage District to fund horizontal improvements and potential projects, including the First National Bank building renovation and a hotel. The agreement includes a $2,500 monthly retainer and a success fee contingent on bond issuance, estimated around $260,000.
Property purchased for downtown Heritage District expansion
DODGE CITY, Kan. - To facilitate downtown revitalization, the commission voted to purchase the property at 314 W. Spruce St. from Radco Builders LLC. The agreement includes a purchase price of $100,000, with a total project authorization not to exceed $125,000 to cover demolition costs. City Manager Nick Hernandez noted that clearing the site is a necessary step for the potential First National Bank development project and will allow the city to maximize sales tax generation in the expanded STAR bond district.
City boundaries expanded through annexation
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-42, officially altering the city's boundaries to include three newly annexed areas. The annexed properties include the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic School property on North 14th Avenue, an irrigated circle at Matt Down Lane and Comanche, and 80 acres along U.S. Highway 56 near the roundabout. The city engineer noted that the annexation of the school property technically creates an "island" of city territory, a situation city staff plans to address in future discussions with county planning officials.
Commission approved biogas study in split vote
DODGE CITY, Kan. - In a split 3-2 decision, the Dodge City Commission approved a $53,136 agreement with Burns & McDonnell to conduct a paunch digester feasibility study for the South Wastewater Treatment Plant. The study aims to determine if a high-solids digester can economically process waste from National Beef Packing Co. and Cargill to generate biogas for revenue. Two commissioners voted against the measure, expressing hesitation to fund further studies while the plant's existing biogas facility is not fully operational or generating expected revenue following previous mechanical failures. City staff argued the study is necessary to determine if the project can capitalize on expiring 45Z federal tax credits.
College commits funds for Cavalier Field turf
DODGE CITY, Kan. - The commission approved a memorandum of understanding and facility use agreement with Dodge City Community College regarding the new turf installation at Cavalier Field. Under the agreement, the college will contribute $150,000 toward the project in three annual installments of $50,000. In exchange, the college baseball team receives usage rights for the field. The agreement stipulates that players must wear nonmetal cleats during practice to preserve the turf's lifespan, though metal cleats are permitted during games.
Ford County Commissioners authorize $39 million in bonds for Cargill project
DODGE CITY, Kan. - The Ford County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-26, authorizing the issuance of approximately $39.1 million in industrial revenue bonds for the Cargill Meat Solutions Project. Joann Knight of the Dodge City/Ford County Economic Development Corp. presented the resolution alongside representatives from Gilmore & Bell, P.C. The bonds are intended to finance improvements and operations for Cargill Meat Solutions.
Ford County Engineer Jon Halbgewachs reports on road projects and U.S. 50 issues
DODGE CITY, Kan. - Ford County Engineer Jon Halbgewachs provided updates on infrastructure, noting that the county is advertising bids for 2026 hot-mix asphalt overlay projects on Garnett Road. Additionally, Halbgewachs reported on the U.S. Highway 50 expansion west of Dodge City, stating he has sent photos of pavement cracks to the Kansas Department of Transportation and is awaiting a response from the state regarding the defects.
Clark Solar Farm road use agreement approved
DODGE CITY, Kan. - The Ford County Board of Commissioners approved a road use and maintenance agreement between Ford County and Clark Solar Farm. The agreement, presented by Ford County Engineer Jon Halbgewachs, outlines responsibilities for maintaining road integrity during construction and operation of the solar facility, ensuring that heavy equipment traffic does not leave the county responsible for infrastructure repairs.
Boot Hill Solar project nears completion
DODGE CITY, Kan. - County Engineer Jon Halbgewachs informed the board that the Boot Hill Solar development is approaching its final stages. According to Alluvial Power's timeline, construction on the renewable energy project is expected to be finished by February 2026.
No Limits Trucking granted conditional use permit
DODGE CITY, Kan. - After tabling the issue during a previous meeting, the commission voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2025-24, granting a conditional use permit to No Limits Trucking. Planning and Zoning Director Melissa Drake presented the resolution, which allows No Limits Trucking to operate under specific county zoning regulations.
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