Top 5 Kansas news stories
September 9, 2025
Wyandotte County Waste Plant May Get Approval Without Required Public Meetings
Governor Kelly Declares Disaster Emergency for Flooding
Two Former Wichita Elementary Schools Sold for $1 Million
Kansas Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for 9/11 Anniversary
Possible Human Remains Found in Northwest Wichita
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Wyandotte County Waste Plant May Get Approval Without Required Public Meetings
A New Jersey-based waste processing company could receive approval for a controversial industrial facility in Kansas City, Kansas, despite failing to hold required public meetings after planning commissioners initially delayed the vote last month. Reworld wants to operate the facility in the low-income Armourdale neighborhood, near an elementary school, but has not met with residents or environmental groups as instructed by the planning commission. The facility would bring more than 1,200 truck trips daily and operate from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., processing industrial waste including sludges, coolants and latex paint.
KMUW
Governor Kelly Declares Disaster Emergency for Flooding
Governor Laura Kelly issued a state of disaster emergency declaration Tuesday for counties impacted by flooding in north-central and south-central Kansas after heavy rainfall Monday produced over a foot of rain in some areas. The declaration allows state resources to be used to provide assistance to affected counties, with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management partially activating the State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka. Multiple counties including Saline remain under flood warnings, with river levels expected to rise through Wednesday and possible evacuations in some areas.
KSN
Two Former Wichita Elementary Schools Sold for $1 Million
The USD 259 School Board approved the sale of Clark and Payne Elementary Schools to two different buyers for a combined $1.015 million Monday night. Wichita Classical School purchased Clark Elementary for $600,000 to house grades 7-12 students beginning as early as January 2026, while Pyxis Inc., which provides mental health and foster care support services, bought Payne Elementary for $415,000 and plans to move in within six months. Both schools were closed at the end of the 2023-24 school year to help reduce budget expenditures and the district's facility maintenance backlog.
KAKE
Kansas Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for 9/11 Anniversary
Governor Laura Kelly directed flags throughout Kansas to be lowered to half-staff from sunup to sundown Thursday, September 11, to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred 24 years ago. "We will never forget the horrific tragedy that occurred 24 years ago, taking the lives of nearly 3,000 Americans and injuring thousands more," Kelly said in a statement. The governor also recognized the bravery of first responders who saved lives during the attacks, with more than 400 losing their own lives in the process.
KWCH
Possible Human Remains Found in Northwest Wichita
Investigation is underway after possible human remains were discovered in northwest Wichita Monday morning. Wichita police responded to the scene and are working to determine the identity and cause of death. Due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have not released additional details about the location or circumstances of the discovery.
KWCH
Sources
- https://www.kmuw.org/2025-09-08/industrial-waste-plant-could-get-a-vote-in-wyandotte-county-without-expected-public-meetings
- https://www.ksn.com/weather/weather-stories/governor-laura-kelly-issues-disaster-declaration-for-counties-impacted-by-flooding/
- https://www.kake.com/home/two-former-wichita-elementary-schools-sold-to-new-owners/article_ed75bdda-23fb-43b9-93d8-e800483aae2c.html
- https://www.kwch.com/2025/09/09/kansas-flags-will-fly-half-staff-911-anniversary/
- https://www.kwch.com/2025/09/09/possible-human-remains-found-northwest-wichita/
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