News – Page 485 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Lawrence City Commission will no longer broadcast public comment, which will be near ends of meetings

info2024-05-09T12:42:26-05:00May 9th, 2024|

Lawrence city commissioners approved most proposed changes to public comment procedures, including no longer broadcasting general public comment live. Commissioners hear public comment on specific agenda items they’re considering, but people may also address the commission about any topics “germane” to city business that aren’t on the agenda during the general public comment period — which has been near the beginning of meetings for years. Commissioners voted to: (1) Move general public comment almost to the end of the meetings, but not the very end. Frequent commenter Chris Flowers told the commission that people often make points in general public comment that commissioners [...]

Pottawatomie County officials provide update on Westmoreland tornado cleanup

info2024-05-09T12:38:05-05:00May 9th, 2024|

Pottawatomie County officials provided an update Wednesday on the recovery effort in Westmoreland following last week’s tornado. Public Information Officer Becky Ryan spoke about the county’s new landfill and recycling policy for those in Westmoreland. Ryan says residents can take their recycling to other nearby counties if needed, such as Nemaha and Riley County. Ryan also explains what residents can do with additional storm debris. The response from surrounding communities has been described as “overwhelming” by local officials. Ryan says that the county is pretty well set on items available for those in need and that the community center remains open for [...]

Wichita to hold open house for Bicycle Plan update

info2024-05-09T12:36:37-05:00May 9th, 2024|

The city of Wichita will have an open house Tuesday to get more input on an update of the city’s Bicycle Plan. The city began the process of updating the plan last summer, and city spokesperson Megan Lovely said that input was used to set the goals for the plan. The city is now taking input to get more into the details. The plan is updated every ten years and it’s a roadmap that identifies projects to increase bicycling safety, comfort and convenience. The city has put together a draft of a long-term bicycle network and options for bicycle facilities. The open house will [...]

Kansas Tourism Announces New Grant to Assist Restoration of Historic Barns for Agritourism Businesses

info2024-05-09T12:35:31-05:00May 9th, 2024|

Kansas Tourism today announced the Barn Adaptation and Restoration Needs (BARN) Grant Program is open for applications. This is the first grant program of its kind for Kansas Tourism. The grant has been created to support and expand agritourism businesses across Kansas through converting underutilized or vacant historic barns into new venues. “Transforming barns through the BARN program will preserve historical structures and repurpose them into vibrant hubs for agritourism activities, all while bringing new life and economic opportunities into Kansas communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By revitalizing these iconic buildings, we are honoring our state’s agricultural [...]

Kansas students can soon enroll in new districts. What are top options around Wichita?

info2024-05-09T12:34:30-05:00May 9th, 2024|

A new Kansas law will allow all students to enroll in districts other than the one they live in — as long as the district has availability. The state law was signed in 2022 and goes into effect this upcoming school year. Under the law, the only reason districts can reject students’ enrollment is if there is not a spot available. Nonresident enrollment will open June 1. If a district receives more enrollments than open spots, students will be randomly selected. Once enrolled, students will be allowed to stay in the non-district school through their graduation but are allowed to transfer [...]

Ransomware group called ‘most prolific and destructive’ claims credit for Wichita attack

info2024-05-09T12:33:42-05:00May 9th, 2024|

Wichita’s government operations appear to have been disrupted by a Russian hacker group, according to Eagle research and a cyber threat analyst. A notorious Russian cybercriminal group — LockBit — is claiming credit for the attack on the most populous city in Kansas. A dark web listing flagged by cyber threat analyst Brett Callow indicates LockBit is prepared to post the city’s data for other hackers if a ransom is not paid. LockBit’s demands are unclear. Wichita officials would not confirm whether LockBit or any other group has contacted the city about a ransom. The group is known to ask for [...]

New logo chosen for City of Garden Plain

info2024-05-09T12:32:41-05:00May 9th, 2024|

The City of Garden Plain has a new design for its official flag and community logo. The design was chosen in a contest that received 52 entries, and the Garden Plain City Council gave its approval during a meeting on May 1st. Designed and submitted by Garden Plain resident Pam Weber, the design, titled “Rolling Wheat on the Tracks” features the gold, black, and white color scheme associated with Garden Plain. According to Weber’s description of the meaning and symbolism of the design “It is a nod to the past, present and future of the community. Russian Mennonite settlers brought hard red winter [...]

Wichita water main break causes sinkhole; uprooted tree crushes one vehicle

info2024-05-09T12:32:06-05:00May 9th, 2024|

A water main break on south Market Street in Wichita created a sinkhole that two vehicles fell into Monday morning. One was crushed under a large tree that had been uprooted. The main break occurred in the 1100 block of S. Market, near Morris. Part of Market is temporarily closed as crews from Wichita’s public works department remove the tree and repair the water line. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Municipal Bond Trends for May 8, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-05-09T11:13:39-05:00May 9th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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 May 7, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-05-08T09:51:49-05:00May 8th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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.