City of Wichita cracking down on illegal slot machines

2023-08-08T00:29:19-05:00August 8th, 2023|

There is an evidence section for Wichita police that has nearly one thousand illegal slots. More are likely on the way as the WPD continues to confiscate the machines. "For probably close to ten years in Wichita, we have seen an increase in gambling, illegal gambling," said WPD Captain Travis Rakestraw. City Council Member Jeff Blubaugh said the city will take up tougher penalties and a way to get tough on business license holders on Tuesday. "It's time to do something," said Blubaugh. "They're a real problem throughout the city, specifically in my district. And they really prey on people that [...]

Winfield storm cleanup still weeks away from completion

2023-08-08T00:27:52-05:00August 8th, 2023|

The City of Winfield is working to clean up damage from Saturday's storms. Many neighborhoods still have large amounts of debris. City Manager Taggart Wall says completing the process will likely take many weeks. Lots of residents have joined in on the efforts. "In a town like Winfield, I'm never surprised to see neighbors come together and help neighbors. We've got folks from the rural areas that have come into town to help people pull together and try to get back on their feet," explained Wall. For some, Saturday's storms left them devastated. The Cowley County Fair had multiple trailers destroyed [...]

110 mph wind causes damage in Kansas town of Almena

2023-08-08T07:35:46-05:00August 8th, 2023|

The National Weather Service in Goodland said a high-end supercell thunderstorm produced straight-line wind of 110 mph in the town of Almena in northwest Kansas. The storm moved over the town in Norton County around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday. As it moved into town, the storm intensified. The storm also had hail ranging from golf ball to tennis ball-sized hail. The wind caused damage to trees ranging from limbs being blown down to tree trunks being snapped. Source: KSN-TV

Kansas sees smallest wheat crop in half a century

2023-08-08T00:25:08-05:00August 8th, 2023|

This summer's wheat harvest is finally coming to a close in Kansas after weeks of delays, and it's the smallest crop for the state since 1966. Farmers were up against weather-related challenges this year. Wheat needs a lot of moisture when it's planted in the fall and actively growing in the spring. However, in the summer, it needs to be dry for harvesting. This year, the weather did the opposite of what was needed. The fall and spring were dry, which made some crops so stunted farmers gave up on them entirely. About 15% of crops were abandoned, compared to the [...]

KDHE announces recipients of $333k in waste reduction grants

2023-08-08T07:39:48-05:00August 8th, 2023|

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is pleased to announce the recipients of the solid waste reduction grants. Grants totaled $333,037.56 and were awarded to 14 different cities, counties and organizations. The solid waste tire reduction grant is used to support projects related to the development and operation of recycling, source reduction, waste minimization and solid waste management public education programs. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the solid waste tonnage fee; a $1.00/per ton of solid waste disposed at any solid waste disposal area in the state. A list of the map of awards is available here. [...]

As water dries up, SE Kansas communities enact mandatory water conservation

2023-08-07T14:33:49-05:00August 7th, 2023|

In parts of southeast Kansas heat and parched conditions are drying up the water supply for several Kansas communities. This week, people living in Chautauqua County and parts of Montogmery and Elk Counties are under mandatory water conservation measures. That means no watering lawns, washing cars or filling pools. Kathi Barlow has seen the impact of the drought drying up the land. “People just say they haven’t seen it at this point ever. It’s hard. Yeah, it’s bad,” said Barlow. Source: KWCH

Municipal Bond Trends for August 4, 2023

2023-08-07T09:52:24-05:00August 7th, 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.  

Municipal Bond Trends for August 3, 2023

2023-08-07T09:50:38-05:00August 7th, 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.

Olympics in Moscow, Kansas?

2023-08-07T09:28:11-05:00August 7th, 2023|

Efforts to boycott the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow did not go well. No alternative site was picked. In the midst of all this, here came Moscow, Kansas, with what it hoped was the answer. The 250 people in town started passing out bumper stickers. They wanted to keep the games in Moscow, if not Russia, then Kansas. At Moscow International airport, they expected big crowds, if they could find a plane that seats more than one. “We have a man who works at the post office,” said Doug Bell. “He knows all about air mail. And then there’s the guy [...]

Council to ponder declaring McPherson’s seat vacant

2023-08-06T23:32:53-05:00August 6th, 2023|

Should the Great Bend City Council Ward 4 seat currently held by Brock McPherson be declared vacant due to his continued absences? That question will be before the council as it meets Monday night. It will consider using for the first time an ordinance created to deal with these sorts of issues, one crafted because of McPherson’s lack of council participation. Should a vacancy be declared, Mayor Cody Schmidt “with advise and consent of the council” will begin the process of finding a suitable elector for appointment at the next council meeting Monday, Aug. 21, the agenda for Monday night reads. [...]

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