Latest news with #Lehnherr
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DOGE funding cuts impact volunteer efforts across NE Kansas
TOPEKA (KSNT) – One local volunteer-based organization is worried about their service availability going forward following funding cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE made cuts to AmeriCorps nationwide. The United Way of Kaw Valley said Kansas specifically is losing over $4.5 million in funding, and 375 staff members from these cuts. These cuts range from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) in Topeka, to universities across the Sunflower State, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manhattan and Lawrence. Those clubs are losing nearly $2 million in funding. The United Way of Kaw Valley CEO, Jessica Lehnherr, told 27 News it was expecting this round of funding through the next six months. What do Kansas Catholics want from the next Pope? Now, the organization is having to ask difficult questions, like how will they be able to support the numerous service across the community? 'So many rely on our nonprofit sector to help provide for them in times of need,' Lehnherr said. 'Not only that, helping with education and our educational system. If we want families to be able to continue to work, we need to help support them while they are working by having affordable childcare.' Lehnherr encourages those in the community that are concerned with these cuts to reach out to their state representatives. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Park City breaks ground on new senior center
PARK CITY, Kan. (KSNW) – More than just a building, Park City's new senior center is set to become a hub for connection, activity, and community for residents 55 and older. City leaders broke ground Saturday on the long-awaited 13,000-square-foot facility that promises to expand wellness, socialization, and engagement opportunities in one of the city's fastest-growing areas. The new facility, located at 1811 Stuart Drive near Hydraulic and 61st, replaces a 4,000-square-foot building constructed in 1997. City leaders say the current center no longer meets the needs of participants or the range of activities offered. DOGE cuts to AmeriCorps leave many Kansans jobless 'This new center is where people will come to stay active, make connections, and participate in the kinds of programs that help build community,' said Park City Mayor John Lehnherr. 'We've been planning this for years, and we're excited to see it move forward.' The center, set to be completed in February 2026, will feature fitness areas, a billiards room, library, kitchen, coffee bar, meeting rooms, and multipurpose spaces. It will support residents aged 55 and older with social and wellness programs. The project is part of the city's broader downtown development plan. The site connects to Park Centre, a mixed-use development currently under construction, and is near the location of a proposed 50-unit senior apartment complex. Saturday's event drew residents and stakeholders, a turnout officials said reflects the strong community interest in the project. 'We're seeing people who aren't just involved in planning—they're future users of the space,' Lehnherr said. The project team includes Shelden Architecture and McCownGordon Construction, both based in Wichita. 'This is an important step in supporting the needs of our senior population and the continued development of Park City's core,' Lehnherr said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
