Frederick, MD came to an interesting agreement with a data center developer

2026-09-03T12:20:37-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

The developer will renovate an elementary school, build a community center + rec park, preserve farmland, train workers, build trails + solar, buy a fire truck, and it replaces an idle aluminum smelter. As stated in the agreement, also known as a Developer Rights and Responsibilities Agreement or DRRA (that promises the county $110 million for schools, parks and other public projects) the developer would be protected from rezonings, downzonings, or land removals that would prevent the completion of the data center campus. Read more: Baltimore Sun via MSN

Municipal Bond Trends for September 2, 2026

2026-09-03T09:52:43-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

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.

Analysis: Kevin Warsh sharpens inflation warning at Jackson Hole, signaling possible rate hike

2026-09-03T08:51:37-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

Warsh at Jackson Hole gave a more hawkish reading of the economy than he had in July. He said elevated prices needed to be the Fed's main focus and described financial conditions as not being broadly restrictive, a change from his July press conference, when he said they were uneven. He did that while swiping back at his critics and insisting his policy of deliberate ambiguity about Fed policy is here to stay. "We can be held accountable for delivering on our remit — the only true test of our credibility," Warsh said, dismissing widely echoed critiques that he had come across as [...]

Riley County commissioners weigh ‘special use’ classification for data centers, battery storage

2026-09-03T08:50:00-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

Riley County officials recommended commissioners designate data centers and battery storage systems as “special use,” allowing for review by county staff, the planning board and the county commission while also allowing for public input. The standards for data centers and battery energy storage systems would differ from those for wind and solar energy, but Riley County planning and special projects director Amanda Webb said creating specific criteria would be consistent with the county’s existing approach to specialized land uses. Read more: News Radio KMAN

County extends hold period on data center development

2026-09-03T08:49:27-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

Continuing ongoing discussion regarding the development of data centers in Sedgwick County, the Sedgwick County Commission considered — and ultimately approved — a third extension of the interim development control period on data centers at its latest meeting on Sept. 2. Initially, the commission imposed an interim development control on Jan. 14, 2026, as some potential data center developments were being explored. At the time, it was found that Sedgwick County had no formal regulations in the Wichita -Sedgwick County Unified Zoning Code addressing data centers. Read more: www.derbyinformer.com

Hesston hosting town hall about farm-fresh market

2026-09-03T08:48:20-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

This time, the town hall is revolving around asking the questions and not being told what is needed. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, an open town hall meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Hesston Performing Arts Center to discuss if a farm-fresh market is a viable and sustainable option in Hesston. This joint effort is in collaboration between the United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties and the Healthy Harvey Coalition, with the Hesston Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Horizon Foundation, and Harvey County Food and Farm Council. Read more: Harvey County Now

Hays and Russell file new motion for R9 with Water Transfer Panel

2026-09-03T08:46:41-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

On August 27, the cities of Hays and Russell filed a motion with the Kansas Water Transfer Panel asking that group to hold the hearing for the final approval of the R9 water transfer application. Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty announced the filing at the end of last week’s City Commission Meeting. He reminded commissioners that the R9 water transfer application was approved in February 2025; however, the Water Transfer Panel delayed the final step of approval, a statutorily required hearing. “They [the Water Transfer Panel] used the Supreme Court case as justification to hold off on their final hearing. We’ve [...]

Why the rise in government debt is freaking out the bond market

2026-09-03T08:45:25-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

Mortgage holders know interest rates have risen over the past year. But they’re not alone: governments and business borrowers are facing the same pressure. In the United States, 10-year interest rates sit around 4.7%, surging nearly half a per cent just this year, while the benchmark 30-year bond is near a two-decade high. In the UK, 10-year bond rates on Tuesday hit the highest level since the global financial crisis. In Australia, the Reserve Bank of Australia also lifted the cash rate to fight inflation. That government now has to offer investors more than 5% on its 10-year bonds, which hit a 15-year high on [...]

Erie, Kansas: A Small Town Rooted in Military History and Community Spirit

2026-09-03T08:44:39-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

Erie, Kansas has maintained the Old Soldiers and Sailors Reunion for 153 consecutive years, making it the longest continuous military celebration in the United States. Founded in 1866 after the Civil War, Erie was established as an affordable place for veterans to purchase land and reconnect with fellow soldiers. The town combines its military heritage with modern attractions including a dinosaur park, local businesses, and community initiatives like a scavenger hunt that celebrates everyday details residents often overlook. Read more: www.koamnewsnow.com

Google’s massive data center approved in Barber County amidst public concern

2026-09-03T08:43:26-05:00September 3rd, 2026|

The Barber County Commission approved a Google data center before a packed chamber during a special meeting on Monday. Commissioners finalized the agreement by a vote of 2-0. One commissioner abstained. The new data center, dubbed Project Helium, is going up north of Sharon and will be 1.7 million square feet and house thousands of computer servers. Google said the data center will create up to 500 new jobs, and most of the positions will be on-site and full-time. Read more: KSN-TV

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