Category: News

Bonner Springs to receive grant to revitalize downtown

Bonner Springs will receive a $75,000 grant to revitalize old downtown buildings, according to a news release from Gov. Laura Kelly.

It was one of 15 projects approved across Kansas communities to receive the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline grant.

HEAL was created in 2021 as a partnership between the Patterson Family Foundation and the Department of Commerce. The first round of HEAL grants resulted in 32 commercial buildings being rehabilitated.

“I have long believed that when you make downtowns attractive, safe places to be, more businesses, better jobs, and greater community follow,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That’s why my administration has worked to bring life back into our town squares by resurrecting the Kansas Main Street program and by pursuing this partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation.”

Interest in the program remains strong. A total of 30 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round.


“Active downtown areas give a sense of place to small communities,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, president of the Patterson Family Foundation. “We were happy to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in helping create new opportunities through revitalization.”


The spring 2023 HEAL round will open Feb. 15 and close March 31. An informational webinar will be offered via Zoom at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. Register for the webinar and find more information about the spring 2023 HEAL program at kansascommerce.gov/heal.

Highway patrol reports four fatal crashes over Christmas holiday

The Kansas Highway Patrol has reported four non-DUI related fatal crashes over the Christmas holiday period.

The Christmas weekend reporting period went from 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26.

In that time, the highway patrol assisted 512 motorists, according to a spokesman.

According to KHP data, there were 16 DUI arrests in 2022; 416 speed citations; 388 speed warnings; 32 safety belt citations; 2 safety belt warnings; 3 safety belt teen citations; 1 safety belt teen warning; 6 child restraint citations; and 512 motorist assists.

There were 0 DUI related fatalities this year.

Windy conditions in forecast

Warm and windy conditions are in the forecast for Wednesday. (National Weather Service graphic)
Thursday also contains warm and windy conditions. (National Weather Service graphic)

Windy conditions are expected this afternoon with gusts out of the south up to 40 mph possible, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Today’s high will be 49, while the low tonight will be 43, the weather service said. Temperatures may reach 54 on Thursday.

Temperatures will remain above normal into the weekend and next week, according to the weather service.

There will be few rain chances the next several days, with more precipitation likely on Monday, the weather service said.

Today, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 49 and a south wind of 13 to 17 mph, gusting as high as 33 mph, the weather service said.

Tonight, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low of 43 and a south southwest wind of 10 to 14 mph, gusting as high as 29 mph, according to the weather service.

Thursday, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 54 and a south southwest wind of 9 to 13 mph, gusting as high as 21 mph, the weather service said.

Thursday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 31 and a west southwest wind of 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight, according to the weather service.

Friday, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 47 and a calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph, the weather service said.

Friday night, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low of 34, according to the weather service.
Saturday, it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 51, the weather service said.

Saturday night, it will be partly cloudy, with a low of 32, according to the weather service.

On Sunday, New Year’s Day, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 52, the weather service said.
Sunday night, it will be mostly cloudy with a low of 41, according to the weather service.

Monday, there is a 60 percent chance of rain, with a high near 56, the weather service said.

Monday night, there is a 40 percent chance of rain with a low of 33, according to the weather service.

Tuesday, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 42, the weather service said.