News – Page 826 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Shawnee won’t enforce future county mask orders or vaccine rules

info2023-03-01T14:40:39-06:00March 1st, 2023|

Nearly three years after the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Shawnee has adopted new rules saying it will not enforce future Johnson County health orders having to do with masks, vaccines and social distancing. In a 7-1 vote Monday, the city council took the unusual step of amending one section of the Uniform Public Offense Code, a ream of local rules recommended to Kansas cities annually by the League of Kansas Municipalities. ... In explaining his vote for the measure, Councilmember Tony Gillette said, “Hopefully the public realizes that we’re putting this decision out [there] for your [...]

Survey: Wichita residents see safety and street repairs as priorities

info2023-03-01T14:39:51-06:00March 1st, 2023|

The results of a Wichita community survey are out. The survey asked residents about the city's livability, what they like about it and what needs to be improved. ... The survey report is 99 pages long. You can read it by clicking here. Or you can visit Wichita.gov and delve into each of the survey segments and compare them to previous survey results. Source: KSN-TV

Reno County standardizes fire departments across the county

info2023-03-01T14:38:56-06:00March 1st, 2023|

The Reno County commissioners hired fired a fire administrator, Travis Vogt, in March of 2022. Vogt has been working on making some changes so fire departments in the county will be more efficient when working together. Vogt has been working on standardizing equipment, procedures and training across the board. The Pretty Prairie Volunteer Fire Department Chief, Rick Garver, says it's all about being on the same page before they get into a stressful situation. And it'll ultimately make their fire response more efficient, saving more lives and more property. Source: KSN-TV

Schools-to-homes proposal advances

info2023-03-01T14:38:06-06:00March 1st, 2023|

BNIM, a group looking to convert Iola’s former elementary schools into housing, has passed the first phase to apply for state housing tax credits. They’ll now submit a full application. Plans to convert former elementary schools to housing are still moving forward. BNIM, a Kansas City, Mo.-based architect and design firm, is seeking Kansas Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to help pay for the first phase of the project, which would renovate McKinley and Jefferson. Renovation of Lincoln would be in the second phase. BNIM wants to convert all three former schools into housing. Their efforts hinge on a combination of tax [...]

Affordability, internet access make Wichita one of best cities for remote work, according to national publication

info2023-03-01T14:36:25-06:00March 1st, 2023|

As Wichita strives to bring in talent, a national publication has highlighted one segment of workers who may find the city particularly attractive. Recently, a Wall Street Journal report ranked Wichita No. 9 on its list of top U.S. cities for remote workers, thanks in large part to its broadband internet access and overall affordability. "If you have a growing family, then larger, more affordable homes in a fairly large city may top your list of priorities, along with fast Wi-Fi to accommodate work-from-home and all the kids' streaming devices. You may want to explore Wichita, Kan.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Greensboro, N.C.," the [...]

Wichita’s new $400M riverfront plan: Keep Century II and old library

info2023-03-01T14:35:13-06:00March 1st, 2023|

The city of Wichita's new, $400 million plan for the east bank of the Arkansas River downtown keeps and updates its 50-year-old anchor buildings — Century II and the former central library — while expanding current convention space. The plan unveiled Tuesday does not address a new performing arts center. But it does put an end to the $1.2 billion Riverfront Legacy Master Plan, which had momentum in early 2020 but hit a Covid-19 wall before it could be presented to city and county officials, as well as the public. The cost of the plan, unveiled Tuesday in a workshop format [...]

Kansas Star Casino owners vie for video horse racing with $160M Park City development plan

info2023-03-01T14:34:39-06:00March 1st, 2023|

The owners of Kansas Star Casino have submitted an application to the state proposing the construction a new historical horse-racing gaming facility in Park City. Called Diamond Jo Park City, the proposed facility will be a $160 million entertainment district, including up to 1,000 horse-racing machines, a steakhouse, cocktail lounge, a FanDuel-themed sports bar, a meeting and convention space and what's expected to be the first Amazon Go store in Kansas. Source: Wichita Business Journal

Rebellion against McLouth cryptocurrency data center triggers one-year application moratorium

info2023-03-01T14:34:15-06:00March 1st, 2023|

The avalanche of complaints about threats to rural quality of life, unresolved issues of land ownership and leasing rights, an oil tank explosion that burned a truck packed with ammunition and widespread distrust of developers — even by a former white-collar criminal — compelled the Jefferson County Commission to impose a moratorium of at least one year on applications for construction of cryptocurrency processing centers. Crypto Colo Center Corp.’s proposal to boost McLouth’s economy by planting a crypto currency mine one-third of a mile north of town imploded under pressure from energy companies, Sierra Club, McLouth City Council, Jefferson County Redevelopment [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for February 28, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-03-01T07:27:05-06:00March 1st, 2023|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.

Dog park plans slowed by ADA requirements

info2023-02-28T14:29:27-06:00February 28th, 2023|

Catapla Park in Arkansas City is still going to the dogs, it’s just taking longer than expected. The city announced its plan last October to revamp the small park into a safe place for pet owners to let their pets get some exercise, but so far no progress has been made. Municipal Planner Nick Rizzio said Tuesday that the goal for the project had been to keep the cost minimal and have it completed before the end of the year. The project will be more expensive than he had anticipated due to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for parking spaces, [...]