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Finney County discusses possible blackbird mitigation program

info2022-05-05T07:19:40-05:00May 5th, 2022|

Possible future mitigation of various blackbirds and other nuisance bird species was discussed at Monday’s Finney County Commission meeting. Blackbirds and other species include European starlings, common grackles, great-tailed grackle, red-winged blackbirds, American crown, Eurasian collared dove and pigeons. Commissioner Lon Pishny said the large bird population is damaging to the area regarding feces accumulation from roosting, which causes a human health and safety hazard; damage to HVAC systems; damage to electrical substations; damage to vegetation including trees and landscaping within city limits; lost crop yields; and economic loss for feedlots, dairies and granaries throughout Finney County. Source: GC Telegram

Scootin’ Along: New scooters hit Ark City but raise concerns

info2022-05-05T07:18:10-05:00May 5th, 2022|

Electric-powered scooters have been flying here and there in Arkansas City in recent days. The Bird company, which promotes the devices as a safe and climate-friendly alternative to vehicles, brought a fleet of its scooters to town. But they are creating some safety concerns and confusion about what rules riders are suppose to follow. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Electric scooter company Bird looking to expand to Salina

info2022-05-05T07:16:32-05:00May 5th, 2022|

Electric scooters could be on their way to Salina in the near future after a company that offers the service made a presentation to the City Commission Monday. Bird, the transportation company that operates electric scooter-share programs in places around the world, presented during the commission's study session Monday and said it would like to see Salina added as the next city in Kansas to hop on the scooter-share model. "Electronic scooters have become a new and modern form of transportation using a variety of different ways," said Lauren Driscoll, the director of development services for the City of Salina. "(Scooters) [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for May 4, 2022

info2022-05-05T07:14:55-05:00May 5th, 2022|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Fed raises rates by half a percentage point — the biggest hike in two decades — to fight inflation

info2022-05-05T02:18:46-05:00May 5th, 2022|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point as the most aggressive step yet in its battle against generational highs in inflation. Along with the move higher in rates, the central bank indicated it will begin reducing asset holdings on its $9 trillion balance sheet. The Fed had been buying bonds to keep interest rates low and money flowing through the economy, but the surge in prices has necessitated a dramatic rethink in monetary policy. The plan outlined Wednesday will see the balance sheet reduction happen in phases as the Fed will allow a [...]

Sedgwick County extends local disaster declaration for April 29th tornado

info2022-05-05T07:03:59-05:00May 5th, 2022|

Sedgwick County commissioners have voted to extend the local disaster emergency declaration for the April 29th tornado that left destruction from the southeast part of the county into western Butler County. Commissioners were told that the initial declaration issued by Commission Chairman David Dennis would only be valid for up to seven days, and action would be needed to extend it. The commission voted to extend it through at least May 18th. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Andover issues guidelines for building repair work

info2022-05-05T07:04:32-05:00May 5th, 2022|

In response to the tornado event on April 29, 2022, the City of Andover Community Development Department has conducted Damage Assessment of over 180 structures to determine the level of damage caused by the storm. All structures were given a rating of Safe, Unsafe, Habitable, or Limited Entry. As these structures are considered for re-occupancy, certain requirements must be met in order to have utilities re-energized and once again be suitable for occupancy. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Hillsboro sets rules for container homes

info2022-05-05T07:06:07-05:00May 5th, 2022|

Hillsboro city council members approved a process Tuesday for development of alternative construction homes, such as a container housing development planned for the north side of 3rd St. Under the plan, a developer would need to present the planning commission a site plan for each structure, either one at a time or several at the same time. Mayor Lou Thurston called the process “a good compromise.” Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Hundreds of volunteers flock to Andover, Kansas, to help clean up after tornado

info2022-05-05T07:07:00-05:00May 5th, 2022|

Hopeful volunteers filled Andover United Methodist Church on Tuesday to help clean up after a tornado shook the town over the weekend. Organizers estimate more than 500 people signed up to volunteer. Some volunteered on behalf of groups like churches or McConnell Air Force Base, while others showed up to help on their own accord. Rev. Hollie Tapley is a disaster response coordinator for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. She came into town from Topeka over the weekend to help organize the volunteer efforts. Source: KCUR News

JoCo police departments creating online feedback forms in response to local group’s petition

info2022-05-05T07:07:29-05:00May 5th, 2022|

It may soon be easier for some Johnson County citizens to give feedback to their local police department. Following the release of a local civil rights group’s proposed 5-point plan for improving police transparency, the group’s leaders say some Johnson County police departments have begun establishing new online methods for residents to give their feedback, including filing complaints. According to an update posted to Facebook by the Advocacy and Awareness Group of Johnson County, multiple local police departments are working to create online feedback forms since the group issued its call for greater transparency and accessibility in March. Source: Prairie Village Post

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