News

New lawsuit challenges City of Lawrence’s housing discrimination ordinance

2026-01-22T08:53:07-06:00January 22nd, 2026|

A real estate company has filed a lawsuit against the City of Lawrence challenging an ordinance that bans discrimination based on where a potential tenant’s rent payments would come from, such as housing vouchers. The case was filed in federal court Thursday by Tower Properties Company, which is based in Overland Park and owns Harper Square Apartments at 2201 Harper St. The company is asking the court for a permanent injunction to prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance. The Lawrence City Commission in February 2023 approved the ordinance change, which created a protected class based on renters’ source of income, which could [...]

Hillsboro City Administrator Named New Saline County Administrator

2026-01-22T08:52:05-06:00January 22nd, 2026|

Pending finalization of an employment contract, Matthew (Matt) Stiles will be joining Saline County as its new County Administrator, effective April 13. Stiles is currently City Administrator in Hillsboro, and has past experience as City Administrator in South Hutchinson, Assistant City Manager in Bel Aire, and project manager in Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center. He will take over from current County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes, who is retiring. Saline County Commission Chair Monte Shadwick said they were fortunate in having an impressive and highly qualified group of applicants, each of whom brought valuable skill and insight. “ Matt, however, [...]

CBS features library in national news

2026-01-22T08:51:14-06:00January 22nd, 2026|

The new city library in Frontenac was all abuzz with activity on Wednesday as a film crew from “CBS Mornings” shot footage, interviewed patrons, and was given a walking tour by Library Director Seth Nutt. The library is to be featured during a series highlighting unique American stories. Called “USA to Z,” the series is being produced as part of the nation’s 250th birthday. But the library wasn’t just randomly picked out of a hat. Aubrey Gelpieryn, a producer for “CBS Mornings,” has familial ties to the city — her mother grew up here. And her grandmother and aunts still live [...]

City of Newton eyes purchase of historic train depot for redevelopment opportunities

2026-01-22T08:50:03-06:00January 22nd, 2026|

The city of Newton is considering buying the historic Newton Depot for $500,000 with plans to turn the property into a redevelopment opportunity. The train depot at 414 N. Main St. sits at the entrance of downtown Newton and serves as the busiest Amtrak station in Kansas for its line that travels from Chicago to Los Angeles. Built in 1930 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the depot was most recently used for leased offices but has also housed restaurants and lodging, according to the city. Newton's City Commission approved an agreement at its Tuesday meeting for an [...]

Changes afoot for YC police

2026-01-22T08:46:00-06:00January 22nd, 2026|

The future of the Yates Center Police Department is decidedly murky after City Council members voted Tuesday evening to substantially downsize the department later this year. In a surprise vote, the Council voted 3-2 with one abstention to shrink the force down to a single position held by a police chief who would be on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Law enforcement duties after hours would fall under the Woodson County Sheriff’s Department. The changeover is scheduled for April. However, that change may not come.  Read more: The Iola Register

Municipal Bond Trends for January 20, 2026

2026-01-21T10:32:27-06:00January 21st, 2026|

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 January 16, 2026

2026-01-19T12:13:39-06:00January 19th, 2026|

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 January 15, 2026

2026-01-16T09:49:24-06:00January 16th, 2026|

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.

Bill seeks to let Wichita exempt groceries from local sales tax

2026-01-16T07:29:14-06:00January 16th, 2026|

If Wichita voters approve a 1% city sales tax in March, groceries won’t be exempt. Some supporters of the ballot initiative have pitched excluding transactions on food items from the $850 million plan as a way of reducing its burden on lower-income Wichitans. Read more: Wichita Eagle

Go to Top