Municipal Bond Trends for March 27, 2023

2023-03-28T09:25:45-05:00March 28th, 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.

Newton school board votes to close Walton Rural Life Center

2023-03-28T07:20:35-05:00March 28th, 2023|

The Newton school board on Monday night voted 4-3 to begin the process to close the Walton Rural Life Center. The primary question now becomes where students in the K-4 charter school will attend following the closure after this year. Source: KWCH

Herington announces new city manager

2023-03-28T07:16:17-05:00March 28th, 2023|

Herington’s search for a new city manager has come to an end. Herington City Commissioners approved a contract for Thatcher Moddie, former assistant city manager in Goddard at the end of their Tuesday, March 21 meeting. Moddie’s official start date is April 10. Although this is Moddie’s first city manager position, he is no stranger to city management. He started with the city management team in Goddard in 2018. “I worked under one of the more qualified city managers in Kansas,” Moddie said. “I have gained enough experience over the past four years to navigate my way through anything. I am [...]

Kansas Legislature on cusp of raising to 21 minimum age to buy tobacco products

2023-03-28T07:12:03-05:00March 28th, 2023|

Members of the Kansas Senate raised modest objection to legislation raising the minimum age for buying, possessing or consuming tobacco products in the state from 18 to 21 to comply with a three-year-old federal law. If approved on a final vote Tuesday by the Senate, the bill adopted by the Kansas House in early March would be sent to Gov. Laura Kelly. If signed into law, Kansas could gain $2.1 million in federal enforcement funding and lose $7.6 million in sales tax and cigarette stamp revenue. Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, said previous attempts to achieve compliance in Kansas never survived the [...]

Commercial false fire alarm fees to increase in Garden City

2023-03-28T07:07:03-05:00March 28th, 2023|

Fees for false alarms related to commercial buildings were increased at the Garden City Commission’s regular meeting on March 21. Gene Robertson, Garden City Fire Marshal, said the reason for the increase is that the Garden City Fire Department has seen an increase in the number of false alarms being transmitted from businesses across the city.... “Some of the alarm panels are older and require more attention to keep them functioning properly,” he said. “I identified these specific businesses and have requested to have the alarm panels inspected by certified fire alarm inspectors and provide a report on the status of [...]

In this southwest Kansas classroom, immigrant students’ goal isn’t graduation — it’s survival

2023-03-28T07:06:01-05:00March 28th, 2023|

Every day, Corrina Carlos comes into her classroom and bids good morning to her pollitos. They chirp back not in English but in Spanish. And K’Iche’. And Q’eqchi’. For the most part, the pollitos — or “little chickens," as Carlos affectionately calls her students — understand Carlos as she switches between English and Spanish, but the students and teacher muddle through any parts of the conversation they might not understand. It’s the least Carlos can do to give her pollitos a basic education and a fighting chance at survival in a society and world new to them. Source: CJonline

NLC Releases New Report: How Cities are Using APRA’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds After Two Years  

2023-03-28T07:02:32-05:00March 28th, 2023|

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) delivered $65.1 billion of direct federal aid to cities, towns and villages across the country through the Coronavirus State and Local Government Fiscal Relief Funds (SLFRF) program. This funding has helped local governments make up for lost revenue, respond to COVID-19, and support residents and communities in need as they continue to recover from the pandemic. This new report by the National League of Cities (NLC) finds that SLFRF helped stabilize local governments and their communities and positively support residents through direct engagement. Additionally, SLFRF did not lead to excessive municipal spending or cause global or [...]

USD 232 De Soto poised to select next superintendent this week

2023-03-28T06:56:39-05:00March 27th, 2023|

USD 232 may soon name its next superintendent. The board of education has scheduled a series of closed-door sessions early this week, after which they’re expected to announce their pick. A final decision is expected on or around Wednesday, according to a recent district update. Current superintendent Frank Harwood is retiring at the end of June after serving in the post for seven years. The search for his replacement began in the fall. Source: Prairie Village Post

A deep dive into how Harvey County stores its records

2023-03-27T23:20:10-05:00March 27th, 2023|

Former register of deeds Margaret Hermstein said she made the decision more than 20 years ago to have the county’s records stored in the underground salt mines, both for security and preservation purposes. The climate-controlled environment operated by Underground Vault & Storage is perfect for preserving microfilm records of the county’s land records dating back to the county’s founding in 1872. “It’s a wonderful place to tour,” she said. “It’s very inviting. It’s a very safe place. … I encouraged all of our commissioners when I was register of deeds to take a tour.” Source: Harvey County Now

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