On Thursday, Hutchinson Schools opened its doors — warts and all — to more than one dozen community leaders — including this reporter. The district wanted to get its message out — to let the community know both its challenges and successes. USD 308 decided to become part of the national Educator for a Day event hosted by school districts around the country in celebration of American Education Week. This event occurs during the week prior to Thanksgiving. Because of the day’s success, Hutchinson Schools is going to make this an annual event. Source: Hutch News

Topeka should consider decommissioning four of its 12 fire stations, says a consultant report created for the city government. Those stations "are beautiful historic landmarks in the Topeka community, but they have served their purpose," said the report produced by Schwerdt Design Group and PKMR Engineers … All are more than 80 years old and unable to meet current building codes, design standards and community needs, the report said. "The mechanical and electrical systems in these four stations need a lot of replacement to make them even serviceable in the next few years," it said. Source: CJonline

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $803,700 toward 11 community facility projects, serving 29,333 Kansans. “Community facilities like schools and first responder equipment help communities thrive,” Fischer said. “USDA Rural Development puts rural people at the forefront of investment and opportunity. With these improvements Kansas towns will be better able to serve their residents and their communities will be safer and more efficient.” Background: These 11 Kansas investments are part of a larger national investment of $132 million in 44 states through the Community Facilities Direct [...]

When the city sees its first snowfall this season, it will not necessarily mean that city snow plows will be out to clear neighborhood streets. The city’s Municipal Services & Operations Department recently updated the city’s snow and ice control policy, and plows will no longer clear all streets for smaller amounts of snow. Under the new policy, city snow and ice control operations will occur on the roadways classified as residential areas only after snowfall accumulation reaches 2 inches or more, or when icing occurs, according to a city news release. Source: LJWorld.com.

Topeka next spring will get bigger and better Bird scooters, which will be harder to push over and will feature a kickstand that's more flexible and durable, Topeka City Council members were told Tuesday evening. Bird has created "a better vehicle," which weighs 55 pounds as opposed to the 30-pound electric scooters used on Topeka streets, said Adam Davis, government partnership manager for the company. Riders of the new scooters won't be able to use them to "do burnouts," leave skid marks or create vulgar graffiti, Davis said. Source: CJonline

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.