info2020-04-16T08:06:31-05:00March 6th, 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.
info2020-03-06T07:31:44-06:00March 6th, 2020|
Kansas health officials are monitoring up to a dozen people a day for the possibility that they have the new coronavirus, and the state health department now can do its own testing, the department’s top official said Wednesday. None of those monitoring cases are in Cowley County, but the top health official here says preparations already are being discussed with local partners such as hospitals, doctors and schools. In fact a conference call was scheduled for Thursday afternoon to discuss the virus threat. (Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
info2020-03-06T07:28:07-06:00March 6th, 2020|
Ever since news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) began making headlines throughout the world, Christena Beer has been busy answering questions at the Miami County Health Department. As a disease investigator, emergency preparedness official and community outreach nurse, she’s fielded queries from a variety of people, ranging from concerned residents to local government officials offering their services. “There’s a lot of hype and concern right now, but the best option is to stay calm and monitor the situation,” Beer said. (Read more: The Miami County Republic)
info2020-03-06T07:25:47-06:00March 6th, 2020|
Property values in Sedgwick County are going up, and that usually means a higher tax bill. After hearing from hundreds of people that were upset about those valuation increases, we spoke with a Sedgwick County commissioner. He told us about eight out of ten owners did see a jump… But there’s more to the story. "It's not rocket science. It's just a reflection of what's really going on in the local economy," said Jim Howell, a Sedgwick County Commissioner. ... ... the state realized that in years past, Sedgwick County had been undervaluing properties by more than 10%, so the state issued a mandate requiring [...]
info2020-03-06T07:16:48-06:00March 6th, 2020|
James Howell knows of nuisance properties outside city limits in Sedgwick County that are beyond reach of existing state law. Howell, a member of the Sedgwick County Commission, urged a Kansas Senate committee Thursday to adopt a bill granting the county authority to order unsafe properties cleaned up and require the property owners to pay the cost. “It is my belief that a property owner’s right to enjoy their property should not endanger their neighbors’ health, safety or enjoyment of their own property,” he said. Before senators objected to potential impact of such a law on farmers, Howell confirmed buildings and [...]
info2020-03-06T07:13:10-06:00March 6th, 2020|
Shrinking populations in some rural areas of Kansas can mean a downtown full of empty buildings. But not in Howard, Kansas — where history is part of why this town of population 600 thrives. There are currently seven museums in Howard, where most of the displayed artifacts are donated by locals and residents. “Almost once a month or even sometimes weekly, I get artifacts from people cleaning up their home or their kids don’t want them,” said Marcia Taylor, curator with the Benson Museum in Howard. “People don’t want to throw away their heirlooms, but they don’t really want to keep [...]
info2020-03-06T07:11:32-06:00March 6th, 2020|
Currently in Kansas, alcohol of any kind is not allowed to be sold until noon on Sundays. Now, after push-back from some store owners and Kansans, lawmakers are considering a time change. Under a new proposed bill, stores would be able to sell alcohol beginning at 9 a.m. on Sundays. However, after hearing testimony on the bill, lawmakers are considering changing that to 10 a.m. on Sundays, two hours prior to the current start time. Store owners in support of the bill say it will help create equality with neighboring states that have earlier alcohol sale times. (Read more: KSNF/KODE – [...]
info2020-03-06T07:16:07-06:00March 6th, 2020|
I’ve spent the last two years traveling across the country working with small to mid-sized towns on their revitalization efforts. And what I find is they’re getting lots of things right. Civic-minded entrepreneurs and private citizens have taken the bull by the horns and are working hard to make their communities the best they can be. They’re finding ways to reinvent themselves, attract the right kinds of business, and transform into great places to work, live, and play. Here are a few strategies community leaders are embracing as they work to create vibrancy... (Read more: Strong Towns Blog)
info2020-03-06T07:27:38-06:00March 6th, 2020|
It took nearly one year of negotiations, a ruling from the Kansas secretary of labor and a federal mediator — but the Shawnee Mission district and teachers union have finally agreed to a contract for the current school year. The district and National Education Association-Shawnee Mission on Thursday reached a tentative 2019-20 contract agreement. Members of the bargaining unit will vote on whether to ratify the agreement March 9-11. “Today’s process is an important step forward in the district and the association working together on behalf of our students, our staff and our community,” union president Linda Sieck said in a [...]
info2020-03-05T19:37:48-06:00March 5th, 2020|
Deteriorated streets often are a source of aggravation, but for some downtown business owners in Arkansas City, the alleyways that run behind their buildings are a greater concern. Mylissa Call, owner of Mylissa’s Garden Antiques, said the alley behind her business has been a major aggravation. She has owned the buildings at 307 and 309 S. Summit St., for 28 years and said the alley has been a problem for more than 15 of them. Call said a deep sinkhole exists right behind her business. The city barricaded the alley several years ago, she said, but vehicles wanting access would move [...]
