News – Page 566 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $15M Available to Connect Kansans to Digital Devices and Public Wi-Fi

info2023-12-01T10:48:27-06:00December 1st, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that applications are open for the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. A total of $14.7 million in grant awards will be available to organizations addressing the challenges of broadband accessibility, affordability, and device availability. “Every Kansan deserves the opportunity and the resources to thrive in today’s modern economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By increasing access to the internet through devices and public Wi-Fi, ADOPT is equipping Kansans with the tools necessary to participate and compete in our highly connected world.” More than 153,000 Kansans are without high-speed internet subscriptions because of barriers such as infrastructure [...]

EPA releases proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements

info2023-12-01T10:45:29-06:00December 1st, 2023|

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday released its proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). The expected proposal would amend the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and establish new mandates for lead pipe including a requirement for U.S. water systems to replace all lead service lines within 10 years. The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements will reduce the lead action level and amend tap sampling protocols utilized by water systems. Key provisions include achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years, locating legacy lead pipes, improving tap sampling, lowering the Lead Action Level, and strengthening protections to reduce [...]

Governor Kelly Announces $28.5M for High-Speed Internet Infrastructure

info2023-12-01T10:41:35-06:00December 1st, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $28.5 million in grants were awarded to 12 entities through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program. The LINC program provides strategic funding for crucial aspects of broadband connectivity to reduce the cost of internet service, increase availability, and improve performance. “LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine, and expanded educational opportunities. ” With matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment [...]

Mulvane to repay $7 million to casino

info2023-12-01T10:39:47-06:00December 1st, 2023|

Based on valuations set by the Sumner County appraiser and appeals filed by the Kansas Star Casino, an agreement was recently approved by the Sumner County Commission to resolve tax issues dating back a decade, according to The Mulvane News. Each year since its opening in 2011-2012, the Kansas Star Casino has appealed its property taxes set by Sumner County, which were deemed too high each time. Now, with the agreement in place, local taxing authorities – including Sumner County, the city of Mulvane, USD 263 and more – are set to resolve the appeals for 2014, 2016-2017 and 2019-2023. Payments [...]

Winfield plans to help workers find jobs after closure of manufacturing facility

info2023-12-04T13:20:53-06:00December 1st, 2023|

Nearly 200 workers in Winfield are expected to be out of work in the coming months. The city says Silgan Dispensing Systems will close its Winfield plastic manufacturing facility. Silgan handed out notifications about the layoffs to employees this week, saying layoffs begin in January. The closure of the Winfield plant is part of a larger trend, according to Wichita State University's economic development and business research director. "When I look at this sector of plastics, it has been declining over the last five years," said Jeremy Hill. "It declined about four percent over the last five years." ... Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall said the [...]

Leawood tightens sports court rules following noise complaints

info2023-12-01T10:27:49-06:00December 1st, 2023|

The city of Leawood has put new rules in place for residents looking to put private sports courts in their backyards. The Leawood City Council last week approved an amendment to the city’s development ordinance requiring new setback and neighbor notification requirements for building new tennis or pickle ball courts. The amendment approved last week requires residents to notify any neighbors by mail within 200 feet that they want to build a sports court. It also requires the court to be screened from neighbors by evergreen landscaping. The midpoint of the court must also now be closer to the owner’s house than to [...]

Mission creating more bike and pedestrian connectivity

info2023-12-04T13:21:35-06:00December 1st, 2023|

The city of Mission will host two public open houses Wednesday that will offer more details about the city’s ongoing bicycle, pedestrian and trail connection study. The focus of the study is to develop a connected network of on- and off-street bicycle and micro-mobility facilities. It also addresses pedestrian-specific concerns such as safety at major street crossings, access to certain destinations and sidewalk and path continuity. The study will result in a plan for a proposed design and appropriate infrastructure in major corridors around the city. Source: Prairie Village Post

PSU, KBI to build $40 million crime center

info2023-12-04T13:21:50-06:00December 1st, 2023|

Plans are being made for Pittsburg State University and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to partner on a project to build a $40 million regional crime center and laboratory near the PSU campus. The center would serve law enforcement and provide education for future forensic scientists and criminal justice professionals, the university announced Thursday. Plans have yet to be completed, but the center will be located in the Pittsburg Research Park near South Rouse Avenue. The area already houses research and testing laboratories for PSU and is a short drive from the main campus. The initial timeline slates groundbreaking in January [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for November 30, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-12-01T10:00:39-06:00December 1st, 2023|

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.

Kansas Panasonic plant construction, hiring set for busy 2024

info2023-12-01T10:00:28-06:00December 1st, 2023|

Roughly a year after Panasonic officially broke ground on its $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, construction crews still have more than a year of work to go before the targeted opening in the first quarter of 2025. But, Panasonic officials say the senior leadership team is in place, 34 engineers have already been hired and are training at the company's Gigafactory plant near Reno, Nevada, to help set up and open the De Soto facility. The workers who will be on the line on day one are expected to be hired in January and February, and spend [...]