City Manager

The Wichita City Council unanimously approves the budget for next year. Currently, the city faces an $8 million deficit for 2011. As we've reported before, to make up the difference, the proposed budget focuses on layoffs and furloughs at city hall. The budget also includes $600,000 for street maintenance and $2.5 million for incentives to lure new businesses. The budget does not include any tax increases. Wichita City Manager Robert Layton told Eyewitness News last month that the cuts will not impact police or fire protection on the streets.

SALINA, Kan. (AP) - Salina's new $11.4 million water park will not open this weekend as expected. The Salina Journal reports that Kenwood Cove was expected to open Saturday. But City Manager Jason Gage said officials decided to delay the opening until June 5. Steve Snyder, director of Salina's Park and Recreation Department, said the city wants the opening to be as safe as possible. He said contractors are still working on electrical issues and the sound system. --- Information from: The Salina Journal, http://www.

The Kansas City Royals have recalled right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Omaha. Chavez has pitched only one inning with the Royals this season, on June 5 against Minnesota. He allowed two runs, three hits and a walk. Chavez went 5-5 with a 5.89 ERA in 51 games last year with the Royals and Atlanta Braves. Kansas City manager Ned Yost says he anticipates more September call-ups, but the franchise doesn't want to interfere with Omaha's ability to compete in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.

Wichitans want more services from city buses, but the city manager says there is not enough money for the current system. During a workshop this morning, Wichita city council members heard the results of a public outreach study on the future of Wichita bus service. The survey found people wanted more routes and more service, including service on Sundays and during the evenings. While council members heard three possible plans to provide that, city manager Robert Layton provided a pessimistic view of the current system.

Dodge City has named a new Police Chief.  Craig Mellecker has been with the department for 26 years. He was appointed by Dodge City on Tuesday. “Craig’s knowledge and experience of police department operations enable him to step into the position with full confidence of the city administration and police staff,” stated City Manager Ken Strobel.  “We were pleased that Craig was willing to accept the promotion and the challenge of leading a department of sixty-nine employees.”  Craig has moved up the ranks throughout his career and since 2001 held the rank of Lieutenant in the detective division.  He has also twice had the opportunity to serve as Interim Police Chief.

A member of the Dodge City City Commission will resign starting in September. Michael Weece is relocating to Topeka. Weece was first appointed to the commission in January 2011. He was then re-elected to a four-year term in April of 2012. His resignation is effective Sept. 4. The City of Dodge City says the process to fill the vacancy will begin immediately. An appointment to fill the vacant seat will happen during the Sept. 4 meeting. Applicants must be a registered voter and Dodge City resident.

by The Associated Press Goodland officials are scrambling to ensure fire protection when the resignation of the city's 12 volunteer firefighters takes effect March 5th. The firefighters say they're quitting to protest Fire Chief Scott Gilmer, whose actions they believe have tarnished the department's image. At a meeting late Tuesday, Gilmer rejected the firefighters' request that he step down. Volunteer Stan Duell cited Gilmer's recent 30-day suspension and his prosecution on a charge of trying to steal cigarettes last July from the wreckage of an overturned semi.

Wellington's City Council agrees not to turn off people's power during excessive heat. The decision was reached Tuesday during a work session. The issue was raised last month when nearly 100 customers lost power due to unpaid bills. Council member Jim Valentine pushed for a change, citing health concerns for people who lose their air conditioning during hot summer months. He wanted a rule similar to what's in place during cold weather. City Manager Gus Collins confirms the council decided on a heat moratorium.

Residents could learn whether fireworks will be allowed in the City of Hays next Independence Day. City Manager Toby Dougherty presented two main options to the Hays City Commission Thursday afternoon during its work session. Each option detailed modifications to the current fireworks ordinance. The first option would be to ban the sale of use of fireworks. The second option would be to allow city commissioners to decide whether to ban fireworks at the last regular commission meeting in June.

Two Kansans celebrating their anniversary were on the tourist helicopter that crashed near Las Vegas Wednesday.  Utica residents, Delwin and Tamara Chapman died in the crash along with three others. Utica is in western Kansas in Ness County. The helicopter crashed near the Hoover Dam Wednesday afternoon.  It was operated by Sundance Helicopter, a company that offers helicopter tours from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam. The Utica city manager tells Eyewitness News, Delwin and Tamara Chapman went to Las Vegas for their 25th wedding anniversary.  He says the helicopter tour was an anniversary gift given to them by their children.