[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6585596,"mediaKeyId","5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910","parentId",5607383,"title","Public Works warns of accelerating stormwater pipe failures and funding gap; presents projects and maps","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4937000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910&start=4937&end=4937","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910/thumbnail_4937000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585596/Kansas/Public-Works-warns-of-accelerating-stormwater-pipe-failures-and-funding-gap-presents-projects-and-maps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585596-f577b52f24e75eaa315a17bd1debfc28/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180284&Signature=fMwUf-lsqWWVpPDAS5a4-RZGvd7SimHtQapH6tHmCZs0rAeR6N2vSCTxbu9pycjFtSKmEA2iIrkTTV5c8Bet45tEUNEeruEQlhBDq~HHkt8XAJmSZEd~Odc1rMSxQ-VvVD87kNLwBhjVF0p3Lv6~Usu5rIPMu57rZTU1FmHD0CCsKyhcoWCsYwxs7kbjynee0XYoJM~mDRrYdrcAnGsLE~ECKF-He6B5VTy2M7Xw8zJYcoDO6Z2q6XtHpoib06JbwYb3ajR-e3lajotQ6jIVgmbo5tuSWi2fLd9-b6VU56S3mz4wKacV~qn0Jj0wGOPp0xzmsRpBJDuM5q46CR7xXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Leavenworth, KS","date","2025-08-20T17:29:30.06Z","article","Public Works staff updated the Leavenworth City Commission on a series of completed and planned infrastructure projects and warned that a long backlog of failing stormwater pipes and sinkholes requires more funding to address at scale.

Deputy Director Mike Stevens and GIS technician Heather presented recent projects completed in 2025, including pipe and inlet replacements on 20th Street at Seneca, storm repairs on Sixth Avenue at Spruce, and replacement work at the Guidance Center parking lot where a 48‑inch corrugated metal pipe had failed. Staff said city crews performed the Guidance Center repairs in‑house and repaved the lot.

Public Works described a persistent problem with corrugated metal pipe (CMP): staff estimate about 15.5 miles of CMP in the city, much of it installed in the 1970s–1980s and vulnerable to corrosion, salts and chemical damage. Staff said CMP failures typically cause voids and sinkholes as soil falls into rusted pipe sections. The department showed multiple examples of sinkholes and collapsed sections, including recent incidents on Walnut, Oak and Chestnut streets that required temporary fencing and planned reconstruction.

Staff explained funding constraints: the city’s stormwater fund collects roughly $1.1 million per year but can only repair a limited number of large pipe projects annually; a 48‑inch replacement or deep reconstruction can cost far more than smaller repairs, and deeper projects (trench depths of 20–25 feet) increase costs substantially. The presentation included a long project list (more than 100 identified stormwater projects) and staff said GIS will work to publish the project list and maps to the public.

Public Works also reviewed street maintenance activity (mill overlays, UBAS ultra thin bonded asphalt surface treatments, sidewalks funded by CDBG and ADA ramp improvements supported by KDOT grants), upcoming projects (Fourth Street extension to Metropolitan, Tenth Street improvements and safe‑routes/school crossings), and wastewater plant upgrades (new switchgear, dewatering press order and a master plan update). Staff showed drone footage of the municipal service center and wastewater plant and noted a certificate of occupancy for a new administration building at the Water Pollution Control facility.

Commissioners asked about program pacing, alley maintenance and whether private property owners could perform temporary repairs; staff said homeowners can do minor temporary patching but warned common DIY materials often fail quickly in road conditions. Staff emphasized that while the city is completing projects each year, the aging network of pipes and the limited annual budget mean the backlog will continue to grow unless funding is increased.

No new fee or budget action was proposed at the study session; Public Works asked the commission to consider longer‑term funding strategies for stormwater and said staff would publish project maps and updates on the department website.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Leavenworth City Commission meeting for Aug. 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public Works presented 2025 stormwater and street work, showing multiple completed and planned stormwater repairs, a large inventory of aging corrugated metal pipe, and a funding gap that limits how many projects can be completed each year.","taxTitle","Leavenworth City, Leavenworth County, Kansas","taxId",53903,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585601,"Organizers give update on Camp Lovehorn festival: vendors, activities and sponsorship needs",753,3071000,3824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910&start=3071&end=3824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910/thumbnail_3071000.jpg","/articles/6585601/Kansas/Organizers-give-update-on-Camp-Lovehorn-festival-vendors-activities-and-sponsorship-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585601-c66c69a666f9f72caacda56ca32df3fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180284&Signature=MxfLj81SYQkL-MQmac4XIGk~q6Ebw~BVj~mb78oxwfnf7l6gxs1VY8tGmPMXCixfnYOHrUT0o~HBRo3addzJtlgkFeBrHeD04mpZbKA4gt5eJYCUmJbWG~KgE0JErkwMq-z-73JOVf6j3db8dsgySYHDngJRva0lMkVkvF~jbLEPS7Cc8xK2EZkx6rBn5orJUCgMj580eaEQdlIt-7S-oxl6UrN6JY1cBwPhZWyCT7se27-~lS1EulcJf46IoTVs9RVVzr3Lb-EsQNtILrdj7YsRvRf2y0Z~0sLVYu-c34E~EiUz1ik8QJMlinwvhKShRrvj7NRvDomR2u9TpDcWhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Event organizers (presenting as the Camp Lovehorn team) updated the commission on logistics and programming for an upcoming Camp Lovehorn festival, reporting vendor and activity counts, marketing plans and sponsorship needs.

Organizers said they have secured about eight food trucks, 15 local makers and nine regional makers (with a goal of growing the local maker count to 20). They described partnerships with the Carousel Museum, local pickleball and skateboarding groups, regional vendors, local arts groups, and the Chamber to create family‑friendly activities. Planned attractions include pickleball courts, skateboarding demonstrations, a silent disco at night, a “free water bar” refill station, and vendor activation opportunities. Organizers said they expect roughly 250 race participants but that a full attendance figure for the festival would depend on weather and late registrations.

Marketing plans include radio promotions, social‑media campaigns with the performing act (the “Gym Blossoms”), contests and meet‑and‑greets, and the use of the city’s text‑notice system to reach subscribers. Organizers asked commissioners and the mayor to help with sponsor introductions; several commissioners volunteered to make contacts. Organizers also asked for volunteers to help with on‑site functions such as greeting and sponsor acknowledgments.

The update included event operational details: hotel partnerships (special rates), a limited number of race registrations to date (75 at the time of the presentation), expected vendor expansions, and an emphasis on keeping the event within budget while adding attractions aimed at a broad age range. No formal city funding request or vote was recorded during the session.

Organizers said they will follow up with sponsors and city staff and finalize logistics closer to the event date.","Event organizers reported vendor counts, new attractions and sponsorship needs for the upcoming Camp Lovehorn festival, and asked city commissioners and local businesses to assist with sponsor introductions and volunteer support.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_46":93,"_48":94,"_50":95,"_52":96,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":97,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":98,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585605,"Main Street reports FY24 gains, warns of funding shortfall and seeks city support",1932,1056000,2988000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910&start=1056&end=2988","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910/thumbnail_1056000.jpg","/articles/6585605/Kansas/Main-Street-reports-FY24-gains-warns-of-funding-shortfall-and-seeks-city-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585605-333824a4e0ce62ffe3230939f71ca19a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180284&Signature=DQO3t0DoBKa6eWUecCgtZadPTxZPY3BsUYAtSteFywgE4idtLeT~pi-WpSYVrTu~f2YoCQDdHaJdlyHXm3p~Zn58MFQJdpxyeXMb02j7bPzRnSNtbJjTu1yNS7JNcyJER0CD3xUT0u61uTd~acbyTBudAakOrBjZesPZ6VXAmy2FzK7EBkUmrPu8yStl6vQY-RCFe78YWloF5KMy7jfuduY6XMle10Ryo8bBvj7tuy5p1bVB0~1KoaBFe3E3TTVsMLPdn4gmBJFoRx3KZbLsBzUmLjKeTpOygq9NGwfSPygD-FoZUwQG7ecVPm5goyYvbd3RH1e6szW10CoNC6UGdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Haley, executive director of Main Street (the downtown revitalization nonprofit), told the Leavenworth City Commission that fiscal‑year 2024 brought expanded programming, a formal strategic plan and strong event returns but that Main Street needs more funding and volunteer capacity to maintain operations and sustain economic vitality downtown.

Haley said Main Street’s revenue rose substantially (a cited 102% increase for the organization in 2024), and she described event results and downtown metrics: more than 35 events and promotions during the year, about $60,000 in estimated incremental downtown sales tied to passports/promotions and $45,000 in Main Street Bucks redeemed in the district. Main Street reported partnerships with the City of Leavenworth, the CVB, the Chamber, LCDC, Grow Leavenworth County and Fort Leavenworth MWR, and said it had reestablished ties with Kansas State and KU Small Business Development Center for business supports.

The director described organizational goals tied to the Main Street America four‑pillar approach (economic vitality, design, organization and promotion), including facade preservation, a developer toolkit, building inventory tools (Booms Tracker), a proposed downtown master plan (USDA Rural Business grant applied for but funds held), and a 0% interest IWW loan program for eligible downtown businesses (up to $20,000). Haley said Main Street has two staff (executive director and marketing/events coordinator), relies heavily on volunteers, and faces rising costs (insurance up about 40%, higher utility bills). She said board leadership turnover earlier in the year required additional time to rebuild committees and operational capacity.

Commissioners questioned strategies to reduce vacancy and attract investment. Main Street described a multi‑pronged approach: an art exhibition and visual story campaigns on vacant storefronts, a developer’s toolkit, building inventory work with K‑State for 3‑D scans, and engagement with LCDC and the city on incentives and master planning. Haley said Main Street is seeking local partners and financial support to avoid staff reductions or selling assets and asked the commission and local business leaders to help secure investments and introductions to prospective corporate sponsors.

The presentation also listed new and expanded events (Moonlight Market, Rev'N'Rock Jeep Fest, Alive After 5, City Market expansion to 30 vendors) and promotional campaigns (Listen & Learn community engagement, First City Gnome Hunt, banner programs, arts collaborations). Haley said Main Street’s board retreat and formal strategic plan were supported by a state grant and that Main Street’s per‑dollar local economic return estimates come from Kansas Main Street and Main Street America analysis.

No formal action or budget vote was recorded at the study session; commissioners thanked Main Street staff and members of the public offered to help identify downtown sponsorships and space. Main Street said it would continue to refine a funding strategy and requested city partnership on master planning, promotion and possible short‑term monetary support to maintain staff and programs.","Main Street’s executive director presented a fiscal‑year 2024 results report showing revenue growth, expanded events and programs, and a strategic plan — but warned the organization needs additional financial support and volunteer capacity to sustain operations and preserve downtown revitalization work.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":42,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585609,"Workforce Partnership to Close Leavenworth Office, Move to Single Tri-County Location",980,980000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910&start=0&end=980","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5607383-4e07de7d130f63746b731aca097ab910/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6585609/Kansas/Workforce-Partnership-to-Close-Leavenworth-Office-Move-to-Single-Tri-County-Location","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585609-50e1b96e5dfb86b4f3e2f2df9c28a9f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180284&Signature=Mdc0mc2JO-S1yM7zEzZN8MWcWim6NY-qXnRNIn9RjG410~ES~WNd1bJEJaNrliOnHlhtbn-aFUSze9FkWa91dCathWUIQ~HM3dka7jx6kEHcKWDydrmrf3ZKmeh5ZjKLnDiFvTJceK1x3YV5xSEsHKtio1B~gG00mAi0YPbFy3MwoNt9LyVTDZmCkuJvTA0xEF1g9thXzdLYBvisnz4Q~wCUn-eHVHUSI4GcHBar70OFvA0sZn9VeDLkQ7QtNF0MlQQKnPJgEkYg60FCPP1-uW24GWT3O-D9rZe9PcO1722DBq2a5hFEyngvjzDoCXnQ2iaU4YQcnFAIt~t1iMbn4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Workforce Partnership representatives told the Leavenworth City Commission during a study session that the organization’s executive board has approved consolidating its three Tri‑County offices into a single location in Wyandotte County, and that the Leavenworth office will close in January.

The decision stems from ongoing reductions in WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding, staff said. Workforce Partnership said it will continue providing services for employers and job seekers across Wyandotte, Leavenworth and Johnson counties from the consolidated office, while exploring satellite sites, virtual services and community partnerships to maintain access for Leavenworth residents.

The agency presented an impact report that listed activity and outcomes for the region. Staff said Workforce Partnership has served more than 16,000 job seekers and more than 1,000 employers across the tri‑county area, held 338 job fairs with about 2,700 attendees, and supports programs that include registered apprenticeships, youth work‑based learning and the Respect Works reentry program. Respect Works staff said they worked with people three to six months before release and recorded a roughly 75% employment rate for participants placed into jobs.

Commissioners and audience members asked about client access after the Leavenworth site closes, including foot traffic, internet access, and transportation. Workforce Partnership said the Johnson County and Wyandotte offices would remain open (the Johnson County office will close and consolidate as well), the consolidated office will be located in Wyandotte County, and the organization is exploring satellite days in community spaces such as downtown locations and the public library. Staff also said many clients lack computers or digital literacy and that virtual services will require locations and support for in‑person help with resumes and applications.

Workforce Partnership staff described other program metrics: 53 veteran enrollments in Leavenworth County (161 veterans across the tri‑county area), 142 justice‑involved participants in Leavenworth out of 308 served overall, and 25 youth (age 16–24) enrolled in Leavenworth. The presentation also noted registered apprenticeship development (previously reported as 12 programs, with two additional approvals noted the week of the meeting).

Officials in the audience offered immediate leads for potential free or low‑cost downtown workspace and offered to discuss downtown satellite possibilities after the presentation. Workforce Partnership said it hopes to identify a landing site within a few months and will pursue partnerships and volunteer assistance to preserve access for local job seekers.

The presentation did not announce a formal vote by the commission; the consolidation decision was described as having been made by Workforce Partnership’s executive board. Staff said they will continue to pursue outreach, satellite office days and virtual services while tracking local needs and barriers.

The commission thanked the presenters and members of the public who offered potential space and contacts before the meeting ended.","Workforce Partnership told the Leavenworth City Commission it will consolidate three county offices into one Wyandotte County location because of shrinking WIOA funding, ending a physical presence in Leavenworth in January while seeking satellite and virtual options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public Works warns of accelerating stormwater pipe failures and funding gap; presents projects and maps

Organizers give update on Camp Lovehorn festival: vendors, activities and sponsorship needs

Main Street reports FY24 gains, warns of funding shortfall and seeks city support

Workforce Partnership to Close Leavenworth Office, Move to Single Tri-County Location