This past month, the city of Tonganoxie launched its new Web site tonganoxie.org, replacing the old tongie.org.

“I think it’s more visually pleasing; it is more continuously laid out and it’s easier for people to use,” said Cheryl Hanback, the site’s designer. “The focus was on the visitor and how we can help them get their information quickly and efficiently.”

Besides the new look and updated information about the city and its leaders, the new site also has a feature that will help residents get quick responses to any questions they may have.

The “get in touch” feature will send an e-mail directly to a city staff member, who can then help the online user.

The new Web site is also more user friendly for the city staff, who will have an easier time updating the site’s content, Hanback said.

“I didn’t realize how easy it was,” said Kathy Bard, assistant city administrator. “We can go right in and change anything we need.”

Bard said maintaining the site is as easy as changing a Word document.

Bard and Hanback have been working together to create the site and put all of the information from the old site, including any city documents,

“We put a lot of work into it. You look at it, you can tell there is still a lot of room for improvement. It looks much more professional. It gives a truer picture of what Tonganoxie is about,” Bard said.

Along with the new Web site, the city has also improved its phone system at City Hall.

Instead of only having two phone lines, City Hall now has four available lines. The new phone system has added specific extensions and voice mail for city staff.

Bard said many people have said they didn’t like the new automated system, but that it works well for staff needs.