Columbus makes changes to city codes and permit policies

COLUMBUS, Kan. – The City of Columbus, Kansas gave residents a update on changes to the city’s permitting and code policies.

City officials say they are trying to speed up projects that would otherwise get bogged down in red tape. So they made changes to the permit process as well as city codes.

Officials say the goal of these changes is to encourage more people to move to Columbus.

“We really want to develop those relationships, and be partners with the community members and all those in the construction field,” said Columbus Police Chief Jason Daniels. “We really want to draw as much outside visitors and potential residents as we possibly can.”

Residents that showed up to the presentation were given a free dinner and door prizes.

Thousands apply for Missouri bear hunting permit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s first-ever bear hunt is drawing plenty of interest.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Thursday that 6,335 people applied for one of the 400 permits the Missouri Department of Conservation will issue for a harvest of 40 bears. Winners of a random drawing of eligible applicants will be determined by July 1. The black bear hunting will be allowed Oct. 18-27. It was approved earlier this year by the Missouri Conservation Commission.

The bear population in Missouri has been growing. Officials now estimate there are 600 to 1,000 black bears in the state. Hunters can apply for permits at mdc-web.s3licensing.com