2023 CDBG Proposed Program Changes can be found here https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/cdbg/2023proposedchanges/ and in the Kansas Register. Public comments that either support or oppose changes are welcome. All comments should be submitted to cdbg@ks.gov until the Public Hearing, which will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 10:00 AM (CST) via Zoom. All members of the public are welcome submit comments and participate in the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing meeting information can be found at the link above.

The Montara community of Topeka once served as base housing for Forbes Field when the U.S. Air Force owned the land. Now, the area is home to Shawnee County residents, or about 430 households. It’s also a desert. The area isn’t lacking in water but resources. The closest supermarket is 5.5 miles away, and the closest bus stop is almost 4 miles away. Be Filled of South Topeka offers food, clothing, classes and other resources for community members. Since its soft opening in January, it has helped more than 1,500 people. “All they have to do is come in, and we [...]

Possible future mitigation of various blackbirds and other nuisance bird species was discussed at Monday’s Finney County Commission meeting. Blackbirds and other species include European starlings, common grackles, great-tailed grackle, red-winged blackbirds, American crown, Eurasian collared dove and pigeons. Commissioner Lon Pishny said the large bird population is damaging to the area regarding feces accumulation from roosting, which causes a human health and safety hazard; damage to HVAC systems; damage to electrical substations; damage to vegetation including trees and landscaping within city limits; lost crop yields; and economic loss for feedlots, dairies and granaries throughout Finney County. Source: GC Telegram

Electric-powered scooters have been flying here and there in Arkansas City in recent days. The Bird company, which promotes the devices as a safe and climate-friendly alternative to vehicles, brought a fleet of its scooters to town. But they are creating some safety concerns and confusion about what rules riders are suppose to follow. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Electric scooters could be on their way to Salina in the near future after a company that offers the service made a presentation to the City Commission Monday. Bird, the transportation company that operates electric scooter-share programs in places around the world, presented during the commission's study session Monday and said it would like to see Salina added as the next city in Kansas to hop on the scooter-share model. "Electronic scooters have become a new and modern form of transportation using a variety of different ways," said Lauren Driscoll, the director of development services for the City of Salina. "(Scooters) [...]

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.