News – Page 78 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Crews monitor downtown Hutchinson area after gas leak, explosion cause evacuation

info2025-02-24T09:58:50-06:00February 24th, 2025|

Officials will continue to monitor the site of a gas explosion that occurred Saturday in downtown Hutchinson. The Hutchinson Fire Department and Kansas Gas allowed some residents back into their homes after being evacuated Saturday. “Currently there is 18 businesses and 1 residential home without gas service,” the Hutchinson Fire Department said Sunday morning. “Kansas gas will continue to have a large presence in this area for the next couple days... to remedy the situation.” Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Legislature revisits local regulations on home-based businesses

info2025-02-24T09:57:58-06:00February 24th, 2025|

The Legislature is revisiting a bill that would limit local government's ability to regulate what is described as a “no-impact” home-based business. The House on Thursday voted 74-49 to approve a bill barring cities and counties from banning “no-impact” home-based businesses but would provide for some regulations. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Senate moves to expand STAR bonds incentives

info2025-02-24T09:57:12-06:00February 24th, 2025|

The Kansas Senate approved a bill late Wednesday expanding one of the state's most powerful tax incentives to help save dying malls. The bill would allow sales tax revenue - or STAR - bonds to be used for redevelopment of malls that are at least half empty. It would require a minimum $10 million investment. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Water grants a boon for Humboldt, LaHarpe

info2025-02-24T09:56:30-06:00February 24th, 2025|

Humboldt will get $3 million and LaHarpe $750,000 in state water grant funds. Humboldt's will go toward the city's planned $13 million water system replacement project; LaHarpe's will pay to replace the city's six sewer lift stations. Source: The Iola Register

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2025-5: Teacher Contracts

info2025-02-24T08:08:22-06:00February 24th, 2025|

Synopsis: The purpose of continuing contract law is to prevent any uncertainty or controversy regarding the status of a teacher’s continued employment by treating the time between the end of a teaching contract and the beginning of the renewed contract as part of continued employment. Continuing contract law does not apply after a contract’s term ends when the teacher has provided the school with proper notice of nonrenewal. After a contract ends and is not renewed, the teacher is no longer considered employed by the school. The teacher is entitled to receive all benefits from the contract but is not entitled [...]

Finding the best local fit

info2025-02-23T07:47:48-06:00February 23rd, 2025|

Shopping malls may seem like they’re shrinking, but most are only transitioning to what best fits their market. ... Malls now face the challenge of being overbuilt, causing them to have to adjust by identifying what’s best for the area. Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for February 19, 2025

Henry Schmidt2025-02-20T08:22:45-06:00February 20th, 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 February 18, 2025

Henry Schmidt2025-02-19T10:40:53-06:00February 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.

City, county have $15.5M to spend fighting opioid use. Here’s an early look at the plan

info2025-02-19T08:55:50-06:00February 19th, 2025|

People in Sedgwick County could see expanded treatment options for substance use as the city and county plan how they will spend $15.5 million in opioid settlement funds. Local officials heard recommendations recently about how the money could help mitigate the opioid crisis in the county. Options focused on expanding substance use treatment services, stigma reduction, overdose prevention and integrated care. Overdose deaths are trending downward in Sedgwick County but are still much higher than other parts of the state. In 2023, 243 people died from an overdose – most fentanyl-related – in the county, according to the health department. Source: [...]

More details released after cockfighting raid in Mulvane where 400 roosters and hens found

info2025-02-19T08:54:55-06:00February 19th, 2025|

More details were released Friday about a possible cockfighting operation in Mulvane that law enforcement and animal officials raided on Tuesday after a two-year investigation. No one has yet been arrested and names will not be released until charges are filed, Sumner County undersheriff Mike Westmoreland said in an email Friday afternoon. “More than 400 roosters and hens were found living in small wire or wooden structures with little protection from the below freezing temperatures, some without access to clean drinking water,” according to a joint release sent out Friday by the sheriff’s office and Humane World for Animals. “Some of [...]