Lawrence leaders take voluntary pay reductions to help offset revenue shortfalls from coronavirus pandemic

2020-06-22T08:10:54-05:00June 22nd, 2020|

As the City of Lawrence anticipates revenue losses related to the coronavirus pandemic, some local leaders are voluntarily giving up a portion of their salaries to help the city’s bottom line. But they don’t expect those contributions to be antidotes, and they’re still preparing for the need to make significant budget cuts. At their most recent meeting, Lawrence city commissioners voted unanimously to forgo their salaries for two weeks, and the city’s top four officials will also be taking voluntary two-week furloughs. Read more: LJWorld.com.

Municipal Bond Trends for June 19, 2020

2020-06-22T08:00:00-05:00June 22nd, 2020|

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.

Local businesses in Pittsburg have their annual sidewalk sales and promotions

2020-06-22T07:52:23-05:00June 21st, 2020|

June 20 marks ‘620 day’ in Pittsburg, a date that matches the area code for the Southeast Kansas town. Local businesses took time today to hold sidewalk sales and promotions to encourage customers to shop locally. Businesses enforced safety guidelines, encouraging shoppers to wear masks and social distance while shopping. Miners and Monroe say the days turn out has been great and the community is eager to support local businesses. (Read more: KSNF/KODE)

Main Street Chanute receives accreditation

2020-06-22T07:52:51-05:00June 21st, 2020|

Main Street Chanute has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and a proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™. “We are proud to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the [...]

Winfield talks crowd control

2020-06-22T07:53:27-05:00June 21st, 2020|

With the 2020 Walnut Valley Festival canceled due to the coronavirus, what happens if people just show up at the fairgrounds anyway? City officials discussed how to be prepared for this scenario during a budget work session on Thursday. The festival, held annually since 1971, attracts 10,000 to 12,000 attendees every year. Some people begin camping at the Winfield Fairgrounds weeks beforehand, and the camp life is as big a part of the festival as the concert lineup. (Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

JoCo Parks and Recreation begins partnership with RideKC for bike share program

2020-06-22T07:53:48-05:00June 21st, 2020|

The Johnson County Parks and Recreation District this month launched a partnership with RideKC Bike for a bike share program. RideKC bikes became available at several Johnson County parks on June 1, and the partnership features hybrid “dockless” bikes. RideKC Bike has enhanced sanitation to be completed “with every maintenance check, movement between hubs and repairs,” according to a release. Although the bikes are considered dockless, they must be returned to an authorized hub location. (Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Sedgwick County unemployment rate fell in May, but is well above year-ago numbers

2020-06-22T07:54:46-05:00June 21st, 2020|

The unemployment rate in Kansas fell nearly two percentage points in May from its April high and fell four percentage points in Sedgwick County, as the economy began a phased reopening in early May and full opening in some counties later in the month. Although the statewide and county unemployment rates fell, both remained unusually high. While the state saw an increase in most employment sectors compared to April, government employees saw job losses. Kansas’ unemployment rate in May was 10%, according to the state Department of Labor — down from a high of 11.9% in April. The unemployment rate in [...]

Reno County planning board agrees to amend wind farm regulations

2020-06-22T07:55:18-05:00June 21st, 2020|

The Reno County Planning Commission agreed after about a 90-minute public hearing on Thursday to amend county zoning regulations on commercial wind developments. A majority of the evening’s two dozen speakers asked the commission to adopt a 21-page draft document submitted by Reno County Citizens for Qualify of Life that included significant additions and modifications to current regulations. At least two planning commissions, however, after the commission unanimously voted to proceed to make changes, voiced a desire that it be “more of a clean-up than a total rewrite.” (Read more: Local - The Hutchinson News)

Fireworks planning underway at cities

2020-06-22T07:55:44-05:00June 21st, 2020|

Despite the recent pandemic, and with some changes, area fireworks shows will proceed. Edgerton fireworks show will be held July 3 at Martin Creek Park with updated daily activities and cook out. Currently, Gardner and Spring Hill have not announced a headliner or daily events planned for Independence Day, although fireworks are permitted. (Read more: Gardner News)

Saving the old school will benefit the entire community

2020-06-22T07:58:01-05:00June 21st, 2020|

Current and former Chase County residents know the historic elementary school in Cottonwood Falls as a place of fond memories. From “first day of school” pictures with moms and dads to “last day of school” tears, and everything in between, the old school has a story to tell. “We are saving Chase County history,” says Lee Anne Coester, Chairman of the Chase County Old School Development District board. “Too often, old schools such as ours become a blight; we are working hard to prevent that from happening. With the support of our community, the four square blocks — 7-plus acres — [...]

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