I-70 closed in western Kansas

I-70 westbound was closed in western Kansas this afternoon.

The Kansas Department of Transportation extended the westbound I-70 closure from Salina to the Colorado state line, and another closure continues on I-70 from Goodland to Russell, Kansas.

Both directions of I-70 reopened to traffic on Wednesday afternoon.

Numerous other highways in western and south central Kansas also were closed because of low visibility from blowing dust and crashes blocking roadways, according to KDOT. They reopened later in the day.

Additional closures were expected to continue into the evening, according to KDOT.

For up-to-date information on Kansas highways, visit www.kandrive.org or call 511 in Kansas. For information about Kansas City area highways, visit kcscout.net.

Weather updates are at www.weather.gov.

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, according to the National Weather Service.

Wyandotte County also is under a high wind warning through midnight tonight, the weather service said.

While the high wind warning is in effect, people should avoid being outside around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive, according to the weather service.

At 4 p.m. Wednesday, the wind speed was 38 mph, with gusts of 58 mph, the weather service said. It was 74 degrees.

UG Commission to meet Thursday

The Unified Government Commission is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16.

At the 5:30 p.m. meeting, there will be a legislative program update.

It will be a virtual meeting, and it will be on UGTV cable television, on YouTube, and on Zoom. The public also may view the meeting from the lobby of the Municipal Office Building.

On the 7 p.m. meeting agenda will be:

• The appointment of Oliver Singleton to the Housing Authority, submitted by former Mayor David Alvey.
• The appointment of Bridgette Cobbins, assistant county administrator, as the voting delegate for the Kansas Association of Counties special election to be held virtually Jan. 5.
• A resolution to set the two-year meeting calendar for the UG Commission and committees.
• A resolution adopting a cash and investment policy, with no changes.
• A resolution authorizing the offering for sale of municipal temporary notes and general obligation bonds. They total $163.6 million.
• Approving the 2022 budget, marketing plan and five-year agreement between the UG and the Visit Kansas City, Kansas, tourism organization.
• An amendment to the human resources policy on donated sick leave.
• Adding a new policy on paid childbirth and parental leave to the human resources guide.

Also on the agenda are Land Bank applications, including:
New construction, single-family homes, five homes:
Mike Payne, one home, 3306 N. 33rd St.; Jonathan Wilde, one home, 2806 S. 8th St.; Lorena Vega, one home, 8545 Kansas Ave.; and Dr. Barbara Ann Woods, two homes, 2712 Garfield Ave. and 1876 N. 28th St.
Land Bank property transfer, yard extension: Shawn Simmons, 2641 R N. 22nd St.

The agendas are online at https://www.wycokck.org/Departments/Clerks-Office/Agendas-Minutes.

The Zoom address for the 7 p.m. meeting is at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82317792501?pwd=akNIM1RjZGJEclN1NE1oeUNJYTBSQT09.

To access the 7 p.m. meeting by phone, call 888-475-4499, toll free.

The passcode is 922101.

The webinar ID number is 823 1779 2501.