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.
Flooding issues may have gotten more pronounced in the Shawnee Mission area in recent years, but they’re nothing new. More than six decades ago, flooding concerns along a stretch of Turkey Creek that runs through Merriam, Shawnee and Overland Park prompted the creation of an organization called the Merriam Drainage District. The body has the authority to levy property taxes, just like a city or other public entity, and currently takes in about $200,000 per year from property owners. Its charge is to use those funds on upkeep of Turkey Creek — things like channel maintenance, erosion control and mowing along the banks.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
The city of Shawnee this morning announced it would not be opening any of its public pools in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A statement posted by the city on its website and social media platforms says that with the Centers for Disease Control’s social distancing guidelines still in place, the city could not have staff complete the needed preseason certifications. Moreover, they would not be able to participate in in-service training during the pool season. “As a result, we are disappointed to announce the City of Shawnee will not be opening its Aquatic Centers for the 2020 season,” reads the city’s statement. ‘This decision did not come lightly. The safety of our employees and community will always be our utmost priority. Shawnee Parks and Recreation will continue to focus on providing safe, fun and quality recreational opportunities as we all adapt to the changing conditions.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Jack Allston, executive director of the Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, presented to the Pottawatomie County Commission Monday the results of a survey showing how COVID-19 has impacted local businesses. Of the businesses that responded to the survey, about 15 percent closed and are now open, about 4 percent closed and are still closed and the rest have remained open. As for how job numbers have changed, Allston says there is good news. According to Allston, event-based companies have been negatively impacted the most while those involved in food service and childcare are also seeing cash-flow problems. Pottawatomie County has a 7.6 percent unemployment rate while Riley County currently sits at 8.6 percent, which Allston says came as a surprise.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
While Sedgwick County Commissioners agreed local township roads are generally well maintained, discussion at a June 3 staff meeting and June 10 commission meeting addressed what could be done in the rare scenarios where that is not the case. Typically, townships are responsible for their own road maintenance, but a statute does exist (K.S.A. 68-124) that allows counties to take over maintenance work – to be billed to the township in question – if those roads are not being maintained. As it stands, the county can get involved if a township board neglects, refuses or fails to comply with the provisions of the statute to repair, place and keep in “condition for travel” any public roads or highways under the township’s jurisdiction.
(Read more: Derby Informer | Area)
Harvey County is moving into the Phase Out stage of its reopening plan tomorrow. This means there will not be any recommended limits on gatherings. Nursing home visits will not be allowed until June 24. “These past few months have been challenging for everyone in our communities. We appreciate the patience and understanding the people of Harvey County have shown,” said Health Department Director Lynnette Redington. “COVID-19 will continue to remain a concern for the foreseeable future. We will be intently watching and ready to react if our circumstances change.” Individuals and business owners are encouraged to continue to follow national social distancing guidelines. Anyone who comes down with COVID-19 symptoms is urged to stay home and seek medical care.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)
Next year USD 259 schools wants to give every student in the district a laptop or electronic device with internet service. On Monday the school board voted unanimously to pay $24 Million to make it happen in the first semester of the next school year. “They will supply always-on internet capability,” said Chief Information Officer Rob Dickson. “We’ve worked closely with the vendor of choice and they have assured that they will have the right supply chain to get those in place.” Dickson talked with school board members in a special session of the board on Monday. When it came time to vote, it was unanimous. “A significant amount of the money is going to come from CARES ACT dollars,” said Dickson. “And we will also supplement that through a lease/purchase strategy that will be funded through capital outlay.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
The city of Dodge City announced that all passenger fees for public transportation will be waived through June 30, 2021. According to Ernestor De La Rosa, city of Dodge City assistant city manager/legislative affairs, the decision to waive fees was made possible by funds made available through the state’s public transportation program to help local governments and other agencies to match aid under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Fees will resume on July 1, 2021. “The Dodge City Public Transportation program is funded through the Federal Transportation Administration, Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Public Transportation Program and the City of Dodge City,” De La Rosa said. “We are fortunate that the CARES Act provided these funds to help with these operations during these difficult times. KDOT will reimburse the city for 100% of the program’s expenditures until the end of June 2021.”
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
The Prairie Village City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to cancel this year’s JazzFest because of public health concerns about COVID-19 and economic hardships caused by the pandemic. Mayor Eric Mikkelson called the council’s action “another very tough decision to cancel a very popular and tremendous event 10 years running in Prairie Village … but ultimately … in my opinion, the right decision.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
An alligator that was recently spotted near a Kansas creek has died after being caught in trap. The 5-foot (1.5-meter) alligator is believed to be one of two stolen from a pet store in the northeastern Kansas city of Manhattan earlier this month. The pet store, Manhattan Reptile World, said the alligator drowned after getting caught in the trap that was set out for the animal.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
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