Recovery efforts underway in Grinnell, city sets up disaster relief fund
Recovery is just beginning in Grinnell after an EF-3 tornado struck the town. Community leaders say financial donations will be key. Source: KSN-TV
New administrator wants Marion to thrive
The first order of business for Brian Wells, who will become Marion city administrator June 16, will be getting to know the community and council and then deciding the best paths to take from there, he said in an interview last week. Source: Marion County RECORD
Wamego Caterpillar facility changes ownership, hundreds of local jobs saved
A major manufacturing plant in Wamego will stay open under new ownership. A Caterpillar Inc. spokesperson confirmed plant workers were informed the facility will stay in the Caterpillar family and pass into the hands of a subsidiary of the company: Solar Turbines. The facility currently employs hundreds of workers locally who will now get to keep their jobs. Source: KSN-TV
30-year Treasury yield tops 5%, 10-year hits 4.5% on deficit concerns
Treasury yields moved higher on Wednesday as investors feared a new U.S. tax bill could worsen the country's deficit following a Moody's downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. At 6:57 a.m. ET, the 30-year Treasury bond yield was up over 6 basis points at 5.03%. The 10-year yield was more than 5 basis points higher at 4.537%. The 2-year yield advanced just over 2 basis points, reaching 3.994%. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01%, and yields and prices move in opposite directions. Investors are keeping an eye on discussions around U.S. President Donald Trump's budget bill as some Republicans said they wouldn't support the bill [...]
Munis in ‘better position’ than in April
Municipals were little changed Tuesday as U.S. Treasury yields rose out long and equities ended down. The two-year ratio Tuesday was at 72%, the five-year at 72%, the 10-year at 73% and the 30-year at 90%, according to Municipal Market Data's 3 p.m. ET read. ICE Data Services had the two-year at 70%, the five-year at 71%, the 10-year at 73% and the 30-year at 90% at 4 p.m. As the second half of the month gets underway, munis are seeing small gains of 0.1%, bringing year-to-date returns to negative 0.96%. This compares to 2024, when returns for the month were [...]
Merriam hires New Orleans painters for $50,000 mural — Here’s a sneak peek
A vibrant transformation is in store for the parking structure outside of Merriam Plaza Library and the Merriam Community Center. The Merriam City Council last week unanimously approved a $50,000 contract with New Orleans-based artist duo Milagros Collective for a vibrant, colorful mural to span the stairs in and around the parking structure at 6040 Slater St. This is part of the city’s larger public art master plan, which is an overarching effort to bring more public art to Merriam’s streets. Source: Johnson County Post
Ark City caretaker keeps cemetery in shape
With Memorial Day on the horizon, Riverview Cemetery is getting a little extra attention—but for Sexton Marcus Lynn, the work never really stops. Home to more than 13,300 graves, Riverview is managed by Lynn and one other full-time city employee. While other departments help when they can, much of the weekly upkeep is Lynn’s responsibility. Source: KSN-TV
Grinnell tornado victims face uncertain future
Recovery efforts continue in Grinnell after a tornado hit the town on Sunday. The destruction has nearly leveled the west side of town. From above, the scope of the destruction becomes clearer. The Gove County Sheriff says it will still be a while before rebuilding begins. Debris won't be cleared out for at least a week, but the sheriff hopes to have the town cemetery prepared for Memorial Day weekend. Source: KSN-TV
Resource center near Plevna supports long-term recovery
A disaster relief center has been set up in Plevna after a tornado entered the town late Sunday night into early Monday morning, leaving behind damage to buildings, vehicles, and trees. Ten minutes away in Abbyville, a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) serves a different purpose than the relief center. It's much more focused on getting families and homeowners set up for long-term relief than providing food, water and supplies. The goal is to take people in and assess their needs. Source: KSN-TV
Hays considers ordinance to allow backyard chickens
Hays is seeking feedback on a proposed ordinance allowing residents to raise chickens. A community survey is now available online, and residents are encouraged to participate to guide the City Commission's decision-making process. Under the suggested guidelines, residents could keep up to five hens, while roosters would not be permitted. Chickens would only be allowed on properties with permanent structures and must be kept within an enclosed, secure coop. Source: KSN-TV