News

Measles cases are on the rise in southwest Kansas as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has recorded 10 confirmed cases as of Friday, March 21. The risk of measles spreading in Kansas remains low. However, pockets of low vaccination coverage leave some communities at higher risk for outbreaks according to the KDHE. The cases have been confirmed in Stevens, Morton and Grant counties, with no hospitalizations or deaths. Source: Garden City Telegram

The natural gas supply to Hoxie was cut off Monday morning. Midwest Energy says they lost the gas supply line that feeds the city. Meters were turned off until gas could be restored. The utility says it has established service to the city and crews are going door-to-door relighting customers' appliances. Source: KSN-TV

Governor Laura Kelly has signed off on multiple bills this week, ushering in a slew of new laws for the State of Kansas. Kelly announced in a press release on Monday, March 24 that she has approved six bills that will become new laws in the Sunflower State. These include the following: Senate Bill 8 - requires drivers proceed with caution when passing stationary vehicles that are displaying hazard warning lights. Senate Bill 2 - validating the election results for the bond issuance question sent by the USD 200 Board of Education, Greeley County, at a special election held in May [...]

A local museum showcasing the bright and colorful world of OZ in northeast Kansas has made some changes recently to enhance the experience of guests. 27 News spoke with Katlyn Britton, operations coordinator at the OZ Museum and Columbian Theatre, to learn more about what has changed following the completion of recent renovation work. She said the museum hasn't undergone any major renovations since 2003 with recent work focusing on making the place more accessible and welcoming. Source: KSNT 27 News

Wichitans will wait longer than expected to start drinking water from a new $574 million water treatment plant. Wichita Water Works, the new plant near Sedgwick County Zoo, is already six months behind schedule and tens of millions of dollars over its original budget. The latest deadline for “final completion” is April 1. Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Wichita is set to sell another list of properties scattered around the city as it sheds public housing inventory. The City Council is expected to approve the sale of eight single-family homes located in the south, southeast, north and northeast parts of the city during Tuesday's consent agenda meeting and workshop. According to an agenda report, the single-family homes are part of 61 homes that the Wichita Housing Authority approved to remove from the city's 352-home public housing portfolio in June 2024. Source: Wichita Business News - Local Wichita News | The Wichita Business Journal

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.

After a developer investing in a key site in Roeland Park questioned a city policy that puts them on the hook for spending $800,000 on public art, the city tweaked its policy to be more accommodating. At the same time, Roeland Park is creating a public art master plan that will guide the city’s arts committee on future public art opportunities. The city’s old public arts policy had required new developments, like Aldi and the Sunflower Medical Group in recent years, to contribute public art equivalent to 1% of the total project costs. Source: Johnson County Post

The NCAA has come and gone for Wichita. From Wednesday to Saturday, Intrust Bank Arena saw around 46,000 people in and out of the tournament, with even more on the streets outside. Such a big event comes with days of cleanup, and things are moving swiftly. Event Elements, which helped set up and maintain many tents and party venues, estimates they'll be done by Tuesday. That gives them and the arena plenty of time to reflect on how Wichita handled the national stage. According to Boleski, the tournament went smoothly, with only a few minor hitches. He and his team intend [...]