[{"_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",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6129675,"mediaKeyId","5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7","parentId",5745287,"title","KU Health System outlines new cancer center: clinical care, cellular therapies and a research tower coming to KCK","audioSeconds",576,"startMs",11588000,"endMs",12164000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7&start=11588&end=12164","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7/thumbnail_11588000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6129675/KU-Health-System-outlines-new-cancer-center-clinical-care-cellular-therapies-and-a-research-tower-coming-to-KCK","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6129675-60640f1cf58550eb6738edfd8a93fb58/orig.mp4?Expires=1775965890&Signature=hefBQpJj3KJLjcPaW6i80yUf60jmHGnRmNM14pPFDqDBDWZLtvtCu8C-s47XHM9qUEubTTDY0rqNuCwwYhU2cyE9WQezl6tqz7pFm6rzKGTx7iyb-8WG2edE0K81UUoiZTMpOs7FiS37SsEx-COTkUgE37Gu1Fu0npD-t0Q3PeD1u7~DQoz-iy3E58nxEoa3lmCx4Fao8p4L9IgYWe5rKrPR-D6gnxXNi-ICmVc0vTDUyftMav8LnyO4wfnQhxAqfvgsDzEYO9E7b5VTjC6eLB7~W-sUaqISU9xO34IGNVSOIhS3pYT3-g~EkYyYhgC4w6wKwtC4DfIV4SxblOADBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author"," Wyandotte County, KS","date","2025-09-05T14:04:44Z","article","University of Kansas Health System leaders presented a status update Sept. 4 on a new joint clinical and research cancer center being built adjacent to the KU hospital campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

Jeff Holzberlein, physician-in-chief with the KU Cancer Center (introducing cellular-therapy programs), described the project as a combined research-and-clinical facility designed to expand access to advanced cellular and gene therapies locally. Holzberlein said the center will host cell-processing facilities and clinical floors dedicated to treating patients with FDA‑approved CAR‑T and other cellular therapies and will support clinical trials; the team reported 28 clinical trials already open in the cellular-therapy space at KU.

The planned complex will have a clinical building (five floors; first floor with cell-processing and a waiting area; floors 3–5 patient care) and an adjoining research tower. Holzberlein described the research-and-clinical split as a 50/50 joint venture between the University and the University of Kansas Health System, with the research side housing laboratories and the clinical side delivering care including bone-marrow and CAR‑T programs. He named LYTHGENIA as an example of a recently available cellular therapy KU already offers for sickle cell disease and emphasized the center’s role in expanding access to cutting‑edge treatments that otherwise might require out‑of‑area travel.

Construction status and timeline: Holzberlein said deep utility and foundation work is underway; geotechnical conditions on the bluff required piling in some locations. The exterior (building ‘dried in’) is expected to be completed in December 2026 and the facility scheduled to open for patient care in November 2027. He also said the adjacent parking garage will be free to patients of the cancer center.

Commissioners praised the project and noted expected economic development benefits. Holzberlein and other KU leaders said the center will serve patients from across the region and beyond and will act as an economic engine for the area through jobs, clinical trials and related development.

Sources and attributions: Remarks by Jeff Holzberlein and ancillary KU Health System staff at the Sept. 4 commission meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","9/4/2025 - Full Commission Special Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","University of Kansas Health System leaders told the Wyandotte County commission on Sept. 4 they are building a joint clinical and research cancer center on the hospital campus that will house cellular and gene therapies; construction began and clinical operations are expected in November 2027.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6129680,"$5 million from American Royal tied to STAR‑bond agreement; commission told funds must match grants",2313,3921000,6234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7&start=3921&end=6234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7/thumbnail_3921000.jpg","/articles/6129680/5-million-from-American-Royal-tied-to-STARbond-agreement-commission-told-funds-must-match-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6129680-b0e3e572f4d2e264173a6a82bca87dec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775965890&Signature=D3JWkB0Did2ACd4ReyIP5oE55Lxp5xOqqjxDTp4~ZzC7Rjts-tM7bdnycvK6KFv87tFgJ1hKViA-~wy6KUBRfIdgQaqmzzrYbNegwYHSfBqlR5UW-BcJqRI688nC7Tx87HmBVuBrdEclk~9TEA9tXMyu7Z3sMw2H2RwPmyCk2JM1QkaMq627MbUO7bM-5NBOsvcVmdTSpRVOA9hcclo1XRCLLKxU4xiXTDZzsQ8Ij6FfeT6r6OWxhpfhksDYGzL5-jot8tiAlxz3JNbJ9gvblLRHrSjZGjgv8HsJ7cvTKEK-KSltEqiDJ1pm2dTr9cdF4XsBjNyUKUbskXCmBiTWyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners received clarification Sept. 4 on when a $5 million payment tied to the American Royal development will be available and how it may be used. Chief Financial Officer Shelley Knieven and County Administrator David Johnston told the board the $5 million is contingent on issuance of STAR bonds under the development agreement; STAR bonds have not yet been issued, so the money is not yet on hand.

Knieven told commissioners the $5 million is structured to be used as a local match for other grants, not as an unrestricted discretionary payment. “The agreement specifies that that $5,000,000 has to be used to match other grants,” she said, and said the funds would be presented to the commission for decision once received. Administrator Johnston confirmed the development agreement’s sequence: the commission approved the development agreement that contemplates issuance of STAR bonds; once those bonds are issued, the revenue will flow and be subject to commission direction.

Commissioners and staff also discussed governance of those funds. Commissioner Joy Burrows noted a committee was created in the agreement (members referenced included the chairs of economic development and finance and a mayor/administrator role) to make recommendations about the use of the money; CFO Knieven said the committee language and grant-match requirement were structured after extensive discussion to ensure the dollars would be used as local matching funds for larger projects (for example, bridge projects) rather than as an unencumbered one‑time revenue source.

Legal counsel warned commissioners that unilaterally repurposing the sums away from the contractual grant-match requirement could expose the unified government to legal consequences. When asked what would happen if the commission simply directed staff to use the $5 million on infrastructure contrary to the agreement, counsel said that such action could be a breach of contract and have civil consequences; he advised against noncompliance with the development agreement without the consent of the other contractual party.

Implications: The $5 million remains a potential future resource but is not currently in the 2026 budget. Commissioners may consider the money for infrastructure if the contractual conditions are met, or if the private developer and any other required parties agree to amend the development agreement; staff said amendment would require sign-off by all parties and possibly additional approvals.

Sources and attributions: Remarks attributed to Shelley Knieven (CFO), David Johnston (county administrator), and an unnamed staff attorney who spoke to contractual risks during the Sept. 4 meeting.","Commissioners were told Sept. 4 that the $5 million expected from the American Royal/event development will arrive only after STAR bonds are issued and that the development agreement requires the money be used to match other grants; legal counsel warned that changing the terms could create contract liabilities.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6129685,"Parallel Parkway, State Avenue repairs slated for 2026 if one-time funds used; sales-tax limits restrict options",854,3690000,4544000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7&start=3690&end=4544","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7/thumbnail_3690000.jpg","/articles/6129685/Parallel-Parkway-State-Avenue-repairs-slated-for-2026-if-one-time-funds-used-sales-tax-limits-restrict-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6129685-6f13ce7dbec2555065754bb0491af19e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775965890&Signature=fdr0d~ZryK1KDrqGya2QojAL7~NqDNxaQeQ2nmGJe~LkAt0L8MAwHHeckf0iI76E9nIOj0k6WoF5nHKGrk9EPTFSUmcg2wRwSvVadiETLC32UN7TZ4w~B0x7Oj1HhxE9bmHaG6sn-UfrEk5ho4GB1jtdksBpbuvlDCNdlI9oj1v~UvUtBAzQBwgDCp6q25UIX-lfq9Im-juZURFT0t33ZnMlH5tvv9GKM4eINm~AUm5MusX~2wmDp~AvRoiqwb4ghnQU-HvbMk-vn3-koZv5Tm3xehWSMZoqlBOyCEpQYrWcPwbNHft4Ae9f1UWttfJGj6oGiC~cfPeWTWTqNsGKxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public works officials told the Wyandotte County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 4 that a targeted payment-preservation program could allow work on Parallel Parkway and State Avenue in 2026 if the county applies one-time revenues and state-shared funds.

Broadshaw, the unified government's public works director, said the plan prioritizes a known emergency section of Parallel Parkway (generally Seventh to Eighteenth streets) and other storm-damaged locations. He said the department had previously planned work on those corridors and that onetime money from the Plaza-to-Speedway arrangement increases the available resources to address Parallel and State — though not enough, he cautioned, to fully restore all arterial corridors.

Road and Bridge manager Brandon Grover provided unit estimates for projects: a standard two‑inch mill-and-overlay on an asphalt two‑lane road runs roughly $220,000 to $230,000 per centerline mile, he said. Grover said the “emergency” concrete section of Parallel Parkway between Ninth and Eighteenth is estimated at about $550,000 to reconstruct to a more permanent surface. Grover also described broader program funding that includes dedicated street revenues and noted potential supplemental funds: staff listed roughly $5.152 million from dedicated sources and up to about $6.2 million identified from plaza/speedway-related one‑time revenue in the current proposal, which together could approach $10 million for payment preservation.

Commissioners raised jurisdiction and funding questions. Commissioner Gabe Davis asked whether the dedicated sales-tax fund (Fund 212) could be used on State Avenue; staff replied the dedicated neighborhood street sales tax cannot be used on arterial roads. A staff member said Fund 212 must be used for neighborhood streets; that means the $4.3 million in that fund would not be available for State/Parallel arterial resurfacing. Public works staff said they historically set a small line item for alleys but would need to confirm whether that line item remains in the proposed budget and whether eligibility for alley work remains under the sales-tax language.

Public works noted other ongoing obligations: consent-decree sewer separation projects, stormwater repairs after recent storms (culvert wing-wall failures), and ARPA-funded projects. Grover said staff were holding on some contractor awards pending budget finalization and expected additional bids to be issued this fall if the commission approves the proposed cash projects. The department said work awarded this fall that is not completed in 2025 will be performed in spring 2026 under the same contracts.

Implications and next steps: If the commission approves the one-time funding package in the final budget, staff said Parallel Parkway and several emergency repairs would be bid this fall and could be constructed in late 2025/early 2026. Because dedicated neighborhood sales-tax revenues are restricted from use on arterial roads, commissioners who want arterial resurfacing beyond the emergency section were encouraged to identify alternative funding sources or reexamine the capital schedule.

Sources and attributions: Statements and cost estimates in this article come from Broadshaw (public works director) and Brandon Grover (Road and Bridge), and budget staff during the Sept. 4 workshop.","Public works staff told commissioners Sept. 4 they plan payment-preservation work on Parallel Parkway and other storm-damaged roads if one-time Plaza/Speedway funds and state-shared revenue are applied; dedicated neighborhood sales-tax revenue (Fund 212) cannot be used on arterial routes like State or Parallel, staff said.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6129690,"Wyandotte County commissioners weigh 1.5‑mill option as staff details $1.05 million in city-side cuts",5483,1565000,7048000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7&start=1565&end=7048","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745287-323463b33c74d2214454460301e079d7/thumbnail_1565000.jpg","/articles/6129690/Wyandotte-County-commissioners-weigh-15mill-option-as-staff-details-105-million-in-city-side-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6129690-667d4987d4a152f93474f414aa3484cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775965890&Signature=nEcpydTJDjNPuoDPgHSoWvjU7SLdHKlycEA0B4j-kyCUnBMMSpPOkrjQgCad5iHwY8RLNTG00cyKbz3KFACA7x8HGRzpsNXGWI55Mt-vzrmzabCPRgGoLUo3pURrvA2l2LF2BVrVIHy~M2ACgqOz3VRcOVqETbAIXnJc8oeXkRpWe88Q6Z56cJNu2fVdsfn5xmDoSOIF4FZTZSrZMyvQrjsvy3FAd5TSiAkpmaoTDh43vtYUgzuLq9fY78VcIMtGZRhW7rVLWMqMS55jWojfyHD5a3MvRK9gaUcYFeeeEDreOqHDjIqaz-k~Diix7iV3I~K7PvjWKE7g5jQO9HlZdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wyandotte County officials reviewed staff proposals Sept. 4 to lower the city-side property tax increase from 2 mills to 1.5 mills, with budget directors identifying $1,050,000 in reductions achieved by a mix of debt accounting changes, expenditure cuts and shifting costs between funds. County Administrator David Johnston convened the session to continue a multi-week review of the proposed 2026 unified government budget.

The budget director, Reginald Lindsay, told commissioners the “half mill” reduction equates to $1,050,000 and described a package of actions staff propose to reach that figure. Chief Financial Officer Shelley Knieven said the largest single element — $404,123 — comes from using Community Improvement District (CID) receipts to pay four years of debt service on a downtown hotel renovation, rather than the bond and interest fund that is primarily supported by property taxes. Knieven said bond counsel confirmed the CID payment is an eligible use of those CID receipts and that the CID will continue to collect revenue for improvements in the project area.

That CID payment plus other changes leave about $646,000 to find, Lindsay said. Staff proposed a mix of personnel realignments and capital reductions: funding one animal services position ($70,000) while unfunding two other vacant positions, funding a frozen streets division position ($91,000) by realigning a land bank position to the county general fund, reducing animal services vehicle purchases from $250,000 to $125,000 (one vehicle instead of two), delaying parking meter upgrades and trimming that line from $82,000 to $42,000, cutting building security upgrades by $25,000, and removing an $80,000 incremental telephone allocation in IT. Lindsay said shifting a BPU water-tower repainting project into the tourism fund instead of the city general fund also relieves pressure on the general fund.

Commissioners sought clarity on service and staffing impacts. Commissioner Gabe Davis asked whether adopting the 1.5‑mill option would create layoffs; Lindsay said no layoffs would be necessary in the city general fund at 1.5 mills but that the county general fund, which lacks comparable fund balance, would be at greater risk of job reductions if deeper cuts were required. Administrator Johnston and several commissioners said the preferred approach to staffing changes, if needed later, would be attrition.

Commissioners also questioned details about specific line items. Commissioner Randy Lopez pressed staff on a proposed $100,000 camera allocation for illegal-dumping enforcement; Assistant Administrator Allen House and staff explained the figure was a multi-year, ballpark estimate to buy a mix of permanent and cellular license-plate-reader and video cameras and to pay installation and integration into the police department’s real-time crime center. Lopez and other commissioners suggested staff examine lower-cost cellular camera options and provide cost-per-unit and installation estimates in follow-up.

Other points raised included a land-bank position that had been funded on the city side but which staff said should be aligned to the county general fund because its work primarily covered county land bank lots; Commissioner James Stites pressed staff for the length of time that position had been charged to the city prior to the realignment. Deputy Budget Director Michael Peterson explained that prior allocations did not fully align with the function the position performed and that the change is intended to correct that misalignment.

Lindsay and Knieven repeatedly told commissioners staff had already “squeezed” the operations budget and that further cuts would increasingly erode levels of service. “We can find more, but we can only responsibly cut so much while still delivering the services you’ve asked the administration to provide,” Johnston said. Several commissioners pushed staff to return with more granular options in one-on-one meetings scheduled before final action.

Decision and next steps: The commission did not adopt a final budget on Sept. 4. Staff were directed to continue one-on-one briefings with commissioners and to return with more detailed cost comparisons and options for cameras, vehicle procurement, and discretionary project reductions. The clerk and administrator will schedule another budget workshop ahead of the formal adoption timeline.

Sources and attributions: This account draws on remarks by Reginald Lindsay (Unified Government budget director), Shelley Knieven (chief financial officer), David Johnston (county administrator), Michael Peterson (deputy budget director), Allen House (assistant administrator), and multiple commissioners during the Sept. 4 unified government budget workshop.","At a Sept. 4 budget workshop, unified government staff laid out a plan to reduce the city general fund increase from a proposed 2 mills to 1.5 mills by combining debt accounting changes, program cuts and reallocated funding; commissioners pressed staff on service impacts, layoffs and one‑time revenue options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

KU Health System outlines new cancer center: clinical care, cellular therapies and a research tower coming to KCK

$5 million from American Royal tied to STAR‑bond agreement; commission told funds must match grants

Parallel Parkway, State Avenue repairs slated for 2026 if one-time funds used; sales-tax limits restrict options

Wyandotte County commissioners weigh 1.5‑mill option as staff details $1.05 million in city-side cuts