In the early 2000s, city officials at the time decided to “get back to the basics,” with Vision Metcalf, a strategic plan that emphasized building community areas with an emphasis on walkability and community gathering spaces — including the city’s downtown. Read more at: KC Star

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Iola already has many of the ingredients of a strong community. What it needs now, according to the ideas emerging from a community conversation last week, is a clearer plan for bringing those pieces together and creating a future that gives people reasons to stay. By the end of the evening, dozens of ideas had been narrowed to three broad priorities: recreation, kids’ safety and city pride. Read more: The Iola Register

Kansans are increasingly clashing with local governments and law enforcement over the use of automated license plate readers. Two Kansas communities have terminated their contracts with camera manufacturer Flock Safety following resident pushback. Read more: CJonline

Andover’s city administrator, Jennifer McCausland, will leave her position at the suburb and begin her new one in Wichita in late October. McCausland has worked in Andover for more than 15 years. She was promoted to the city administrator position in September 2019 after being assistant city administrator for nine years. Read more: Wichita Eagle

Local government officials consider hyperscale data center development with an eye toward economic benefits and property tax revenue that would allow them to meet Kansas residents’ demands to lower taxes. But in Kansas and nationally, an outcry against data center development is rising, with a recent Gallup Poll showing that 48% of Americans “strongly oppose” building data centers in their neighborhood, while an additional 23% fall into the “somewhat oppose” category. A scant 7% “strongly favor” and 20% “somewhat favor” the idea. Data center distrust is so strong that Kansans are putting forward petitions to stop local governments from developing the facilities. In [...]

During its Aug. 17 meeting, the Mulvane City Council took action to approve an ordinance updating a section of the city code with new regulations on the use of e-mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc.). Presented for discussion in July, the final ordinance includes restrictions that prohibit operation of the regulated devices on sidewalks within the Central Business District. The ordinance also addresses applicability, disability exceptions, sidewalk speed limits, helmet requirements and more. Read more: www.derbyinformer.com

Emporia voters will have their say on two of the most contentious development issues facing the city this year after city commissioners voted Wednesday to place citizen-initiated ordinances addressing high-impact data centers and battery energy storage systems on the November. Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 3799, placing a proposed ordinance prohibiting the installation and operation of high-impact data centers within Emporia on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. Read more: www.emporiagazette.com

Country music icon Dolly Parton, whose influence stretched far beyond the stage and into the homes of millions of children — including families in Lyon County — died Tuesday at age 80. Parton died Aug. 25 following a brief battle with cancer, according to her representatives. She died at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville surrounded by loved ones. (People.com) Parton leaves behind a career spanning more than six decades as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist. But for thousands of Kansas families, Parton's legacy can also be found on children's bookshelves. Read more: www.emporiagazette.com