News – Page 1331 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Wichita hires consultant to research proposed nondiscrimination ordinance

info2021-09-15T07:13:09-05:00September 15th, 2021|

Stymied by nearly 11 hours of contentious public comment about a proposed nondiscrimination ordinance this summer, city officials have hired a consulting group for almost $18,000 to research the topic more. The ordinance is designed to prevent discrimination within city limits on the basis of “age, color, disability, familial status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other factor protected by law.” It bans discrimination in employment, housing and businesses that serve the general public. Source: Wichita Eagle

Municipal Bond Trends for September 14, 2021

info2021-09-15T06:47:09-05:00September 15th, 2021|

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.

Rent Backlog Tied to Coronavirus Estimated at $9M for Flint Hills Counties

info2021-09-14T23:13:19-05:00September 14th, 2021|

The coronavirus pandemic and the federal foreclosure moratorium have resulted in what one study says is nine million dollars in outstanding rent being built up in Flint Hills counties. The Manhattan Housing Authority is urging those facing issues tied to rental arrears that the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program is sending aid to 500 households statewide each week to help ease the backlog. MHA commissioner Brad Claussen tells KMAN the aid availability covers both ends of rental transactions. The Assistant Executive Director of the Manhattan Housing Authority, Mandy Thomas, tells KMAN that applications can be submitted to the agency online. Riley, [...]

AG: winter gas pricing spikes appear to violate law

info2021-09-14T23:11:41-05:00September 14th, 2021|

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is seeking outside legal help to investigate huge spikes in natural gas prices this winter, signaling the state could consider suing over the disaster. Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office announced in a news release Monday that it planned to hire a law firm with expertise in the natural gas market to help with the remainder of the investigation and “any potential civil litigation.” The office has been working since February to determine whether the high prices violated Kansas’ anti-profiteering law. “State law prohibits ‘unjustified’ price increases for ‘necessary’ goods and services during a declared state of [...]

Walnut Valley Festival returns in 2021

info2021-09-14T23:07:33-05:00September 14th, 2021|

After having to be canceled a year ago, the Walnut Valley Festival is back in 2021, going from Sept. 15 to 19 at the Winfield Fairgrounds. The five-day festival that has been going on for nearly half a century features more than 30 musical acts and eight contests – including the national flatpicking championships and international fingerstyle championships – that draw participants from all 50 states and several foreign countries. Source: Derby Informer | Area

Governor Laura Kelly announces Kansas receives national economic development recognition

info2021-09-14T23:02:57-05:00September 14th, 2021|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced Kansas has received Area Development’s Top 20 States for Doing Business recognition for 2021 – the first time in Kansas history the state has made the Top 20 list. “Our state’s positive economic development momentum is undeniable, and the rest of the country is taking notice,” Governor Kelly said. “This designation – in addition to our record-breaking economic success, our receipt of Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel Award, and being named as the top business climate in the West North Central region of the United States – is further proof our efforts are paying off in [...]

100-year-old theatre brings new life to Kingman

info2021-09-15T06:50:50-05:00September 14th, 2021|

A century-old theatre is bringing new life and new people to a Kansas town. "It doesn't matter how young or how old you are. You still get that excitement and that nostalgic feeling when you walk in the door. You realize this is a place of value, history, and fun and excitement," said Kingman Historic Theatre General Manager Deena Lampe. The Kingman Historic Theatre was built in 1920 as a silent movie and vaudeville house. Today, it's a movie and live events venue boasting much of the original art deco and historic charm. "There is so much history here. The ticket [...]

Edgerton plans $98 million mixed-use development near I-35

info2021-09-14T22:56:15-05:00September 14th, 2021|

Developers could soon break ground on a new retail center just south of Logistics Park in Edgerton. On Tuesday, the Edgerton Planning Commission will discuss if a proposal to develop land near Homestead Lane fits within the city’s comprehensive plan. In 2019, the city created the Homestead Lane Retail Tax Increment Financing District. On Sept. 9 this year, the Edgerton City Council approved a Development Agreement with Woodstone Properties, LLC to construct a project on the southwest corner of Homestead Lane and 199th Street within the District. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

USDA expands assistance to cover feed transportation costs for drought-impacted ranchers in Kansas

info2021-09-14T22:54:38-05:00September 14th, 2021|

In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help Kansas ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at www.fsa.usda.gov/elap. “USDA is currently determining how our disaster assistance programs can [...]

Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommends city partner with private property owners to develop affordable housing in Lawrence

info2021-09-14T07:39:28-05:00September 14th, 2021|

The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board would like the city to more actively pursue partnerships with private property owners to develop affordable housing in the community. As part of its meeting Monday, the board voted 12-0 to recommend that the City of Lawrence issue a request for proposals for private property owners who are interested in working with the city and other partners to develop affordable housing. If the City Commission is interested considering a future RFP, the board can put together a more specific recommendation. Source: LJWorld.com.