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Johnson County Charter Commission begins debating proposals to change county government

info2021-11-10T07:03:16-06:00November 9th, 2021|

A proposal to make the county clerk, register of deeds and treasurer into elected offices failed to advance during the first round of voting Monday as the Johnson County Charter Commission began to sort through fifteen amendments proposed by its members. The amendment, offered by Wendy Bingesser, fell one vote short of the nine needed to keep it alive. Amendments that are approved by the Charter Commission ultimately will go before voters in a countywide vote. The Charter Commission meets every ten years to review the county’s home rule charter, what serves as basically the county constitution. Source: Prairie Village Post

Infrastructure plan’s impact on Kansas

info2021-11-09T07:48:23-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Kansas is in line for $2.6 billion in highway funding over the next five years, based on past federal transportation dollars. The state is in line to receive an additional $225 million for bridge repairs on top of that amount. ... Kansas is set to receive at least $100 million to improve broadband access in both rural and urban parts of the state, something which has long been a bipartisan priority at the state and federal level. Source: Salina Journal

Municipal Bond Trends for November 8, 2021

info2021-11-09T07:19:02-06:00November 9th, 2021|

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.

Dodge City voters say No to sales tax increase

info2021-11-09T07:06:39-06:00November 9th, 2021|

In August, Dodge City Commissioners approved a resolution to put a special question on the 2021 election ballot on whether the city would impose a one-half percent sales tax for city-wide retailers that would go into effect on April 1, 2022 and last over the next 10 years. After the canvass vote of the 2021 election ballots on Monday, Nov. 8, voters voted No, to that question. The final tally of the special question was 1,047 No — 1,038 Yes. Source: Dodge Globe

Pittsburg community works to make sure everyone has something for the holiday season

info2021-11-09T01:09:00-06:00November 9th, 2021|

One community in Southeast Kansas is working to make sure everyone can have something waiting for them this holiday season. This morning was the Holiday Craft Fair at the Pittsburg Farmer's Market. Event-goers had the chance to check out local vendors and participate in holiday themed activities like a visit with Santa Claus. Anyone wanting to enter the market had to donate unexpired non-perishable food, which will be going towards Wesley House. "It's amazing, the fact that we got 14 vendors here today wanting to help us out and help the community and give back is just awesome," says Ashten Graham, [...]

Charter Commission member withdraws Johnson County name change proposal but still wants to have ‘important discussion’

info2021-11-09T01:06:25-06:00November 9th, 2021|

The Johnson County Charter Commission will not consider a proposal to begin a discussion about whether the county should be named after a former slave owner following a commission member’s decision to withdrew the recommendation. Tedrick Housh, who submitted the recommendation to “adopt a process of meaningful consideration” for changing Johnson County’s name, said over the weekend that the Charter Commission might not be the best venue for that. “It is an important discussion but upon reflection, I think the better approach is to address this matter with the (County Commission) and the community directly, outside the Charter Commission platform,” Housh [...]

M.T. Liggett Art Environment showcases late artist’s ‘bizarre’ metal pieces near Mullinville

info2021-11-09T06:54:50-06:00November 9th, 2021|

If you have ever driven on U.S. 400 near Mullinville, you've likely seen hundreds of strange pieces of metal art just a few feet from the highway. The art was created by the late M.T. Liggett (1933-2017), who had a passion for creating strange and fascinating works of art from old metal road signs and glass bottles. Some of his pieces have names of his inspirations and show strange caricatures of those he loved or disliked, with his largest works being nearly 20 feet tall. His unique works are now a part of the M.T. Liggett Art Environment, which is dedicated [...]

Both leading candidates for Kansas governor want to cut the sales tax on food

info2021-11-09T06:55:09-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly called Monday for the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries, something lawmakers from both parties have talked about for years in Kansas. “This is not a partial reduction,” Kelly said, wielding an ax for emphasis during a news conference staged at a Topeka grocery store. “We are going to ax the food sales tax.” Kansas is one of only seven states that fully taxes groceries. Of those, Kansas’ 6.5% tax ranks second highest. Add in local sales taxes and the rates top 10% in some places. Kelly’s announcement comes just days after Kansas Republican Attorney [...]

USD 232 in De Soto hikes substitute teacher pay to highest rate in Johnson County to help deal with shortage

info2021-11-09T06:56:34-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Facing a shortage of qualified substitute teachers, USD 232 in De Soto is increasing its sub pay rate to be more competitive with neighboring school districts. After some discussion, the USD 232 Board of Education last week voted 6-0 to increase the school district’s substitute teacher pay from $125 to $140 for the short term (or daily) rates and from $140 to $175 for long term rates. ... With the increase in rates, USD 232 is now the highest-paying public school district for substitutes in Johnson County and remains one of the higher paying\ districts in the Kansas City metro. USD [...]

Broadband Dominates Tech Funding In Infrastructure Bill

info2021-11-09T06:57:23-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Congress passed the long-awaited infrastructure bill Friday evening with bipartisan support after lengthy negotiations surrounding the bill’s provisions. In addition to being a major political win for President Joe Biden, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also contains fresh funding for expansive technological updates. Calling it a “once-in-a-generation bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Biden highlighted one of the critical portions of the infrastructure bill: expanding high speed internet access across the country. “The bill will ... make high-speed internet affordable and available everywhere in America,” he said in comments on Saturday following the bill’s passage. Source: Route Fifty - All Content

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