News

53rd year in a row for Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield

2025-09-21T08:53:33-05:00September 21st, 2025|

This enormous jamboree is not only a national event with folks coming from every state, but also international with flags of many countries flying over the campsites. The festival started on the campus of Southwestern College back in 1972 but grew so much in popularity it had to be moved to the Cowley County Fairgrounds not long after. Read more: Hays Daily News

Ellis County Dispatcher delivers baby over 911 call

2025-09-21T08:49:33-05:00September 21st, 2025|

On April 5, dispatcher Rachel Barnes answered a 911 call reporting a woman in labor in rural Ellis County. Barnes quickly instructed the caller to gather towels before giving further directions. Barnes said the most challenging part of the phone call was waiting for responders. The family was about 15 miles away from HaysMed. Read more: Hays Post

Municipal Bond Trends for September 18, 2025

2025-09-19T10:19:56-05:00September 19th, 2025|

  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.

Municipal Bond Trends for September 17, 2025

2025-09-18T11:05:14-05:00September 18th, 2025|

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.

City manager Brian Silcott moves on from Ottawa government

2025-09-18T10:37:28-05:00September 18th, 2025|

City Manager Brian Silcott resigned and will continue in the role until the end of 2025. The future of the next city manager has yet to be determined, however Mayor Emily Allen said the new manager is hoped to start within the first quarter of 2026. Read more: The Ottawa Herald

Rabies ordinance updated by city

2025-09-18T09:39:58-05:00September 18th, 2025|

If a dog bites someone in Great Bend, the City’s rabies control ordinance used to require at least a 14-day quarantine. The ordinance was revised at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, shortening the quarantine to 10 days. The animal may be quarantined at home if there is a fenced-in yard and there are no other safety concerns. Read more:

Fed approves quarter-point interest rate cut and sees two more coming this year

2025-09-18T09:39:22-05:00September 18th, 2025|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday approved a widely anticipated rate cut and signaled that two more are on the way before the end of the year as concerns intensified over the U.S. labor market. In an 11 to 1 vote that signaled less dissent than Wall Street had anticipated, the Federal Open Market Committee lowered its benchmark overnight lending rate by a quarter percentage point. The decision puts the overnight funds rate in a range between 4%-4.25%. Read more: Bonds

Commerce Announces 12 Rural Mural Awards to Enrich Kansas Communities

2025-09-18T09:38:35-05:00September 18th, 2025|

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the agency has awarded $75,000 in Rural Mural funding to support 12 public art projects in rural communities across the state. “Our rural communities are the backbone of what makes our state so great — they’re rich in culture, resilience and unique identity,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in these large-scale public art pieces allows communities to signal not only hometown pride but a commitment to harnessing creativity to drive economic growth across Kansas.” Read more: Press Releases Archives - Kansas Department of Commerce

Lyons Hires New Assistant City Administrator

2025-09-18T09:37:47-05:00September 18th, 2025|

Elizabeth Ramsey has been hired as the new Assistant City Administrator for the City of Lyons.  Ramsey, who took her oath of office at the Lyons City Council meeting on Sept. 15, grew up in a small town in eastern Oregon. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Politics from George Fox University and her Masters of Public Policy and Public Administration, with a concentration in local government management, from Colorado State University. Read more: Ad Astra Radio | Your Hometown Radio Stations & Local News Source

Commissioners vote to shorten time of meetings – but not this one

2025-09-18T09:37:01-05:00September 18th, 2025|

Bourbon County Commissioners have put a cap on the length of commission meetings. On Monday, commissioners discussed putting in place procedures for shortening meetings, many of which have run three to four hours. The commission ultimately voted unanimously to adopt procedures which include starting meetings at 5:30 p.m., following the agenda until 7:30 p.m.; moving those people who have traveled for the meeting to the top of the agenda; setting the agenda for the following week’s meeting prior to adjournment, otherwise adjourning the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Read more: Fort Scott Tribune

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