Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Near tragedy guides Kansas firefighter to make fire trucks

Making things is a passion of Greg Blanchat. But instead of making art, he makes fire trucks. Blanchat turned a near tragedy into a passion to save lives. “When you suit up when you snap in, you really feel it. Like I say, ‘Fire is a living, breathing thing,’ and I really think it can think too,” said Blanchat. Roaring flames and billowing smoke were seen from miles around. “We were up on a hill, most of us watching it and looking down on it, and we backed up because it was incredibly hot,” said Stan May, a spectator and retired 30-year firefighter. It wasn’t a wildfire. It was an experiment. “It’s amazing he was able to put it out that fast dealing with that kind of heat,” said May. It was performed by Blanchat. “Paper tells you one thing, live tells you if it really works,” he said. Blanchat is an avid and successful inventor who got his start in farming equipment. “This plow was the very first thing I did, second year out of high school. It worked so well the neighbors next to me said, ‘Why don’t you do one for me?'” He said. An inventive spirit he carried with him into his career as a firefighter “Every time I went out and fought a fire, I came back and changed the trucks. I’ve gone to funerals; I’ve seen it happen,” said Blanchat. Further bolstered by a near-tragedy of his own in 1988. “I was flicked off the truck, and the truck damn near ran over the top of me – my daughter was only a month old when it happened, and I about orphaned her,” said Blanchat. Now he works to keep other firefighters out of harm’s way at Blanchat Manufacturing.
Source: KSN-TV

The ‘only architect in Liberal’ finds his entrepreneurial spirit

Tucked into southwestern Kansas stands the city of Liberal, a majority-Latino community where more residents speak Spanish than English. Many work at the nearby National Beef Packing Co., a common job for rural Kansans – including immigrant workers. Manuel Ortuño moved to Liberal from Chicago in pursuit of a lower cost of living. He quickly found a job at National Beef, which provided a good living but was extremely labor intensive. His son, Edgar, says that his father started building cabinets in his garage and taking night classes outside of his factory shift. Eventually, he found a carpentry job building displays at Beto Botas, a western apparel store in town. From there, his side hustle blossomed into a full-time career, evolving into Ortuño Cabinets in 2007. “I grew up seeing his hustle, seeking these jobs,” Edgar Ortuño says. “I watched the evolution of his business. He found new opportunities while being an immigrant with (imperfect) English and still receiving pretty good clientele. It was really inspiring to me.” Besides bearing witness to his father’s unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, Ortuño was especially attracted to carpentry and design when his father began building the home his parents live in now.
Source: KLC Journal

Peabody plans repertory theater

Christopher King, co-owner of CK Vintage in downtown Peabody, has a long background in performance. He started as an actor, then gravitated to director. He has been working with other Sunflower Repertory organizers for months getting things ready for the magic of a dinner theater in Peabody. The first production will be “I Do! I Do!” The show is a comedic look at the ups and downs of marriage.
Source: Marion County RECORD

Solar farming is taking land once used to grow food. Researchers are looking for ways to do both

When Scott Thellman looks at the bottom land near the Kaw River, he sees productive farmland. This area north of Lawrence, Kansas, just across the river from an old coal-fired power plant has fantastic soil, according to Thellman, who lives nearby and grows organic vegetables and row crops. “It’s absolutely the best our county, and frankly our region, has in terms of the water accessibility, the mineral glacial components of the soil,” Thellman said. “Plants are really able to thrive here.” It also makes a good place to locate a solar farm. It’s flat, with easy access to roads and high voltage power lines. This spring the Douglas County Commission approved a 1,105-acre solar farm. Utility-scale solar is the fastest growing power source in the U.S., more than doubling in the last three years. Power companies built more solar farms last year than ever before, and they’ll likely hit another record expansion this year. The increase in solar energy means solar farms and traditional farms are vying for some of the same acreage. The competition for land comes at a time when farmland is already losing one to two million acres a year. Now solar farms are a small but growing use for those fields. One answer is agrivoltaics – the idea that production agriculture can coexist with utility-scale solar power. Developers of the solar farm outside Lawrence, for instance, have promised to facilitate sheep grazing around and under solar panels. Farmer Scott Thellman said there’s better land for grazing nearby, that’s marginal for farming. “We’re looking at a field here that, you know, if built out would transition from very high-quality production to a solar array that currently has no actionable plan for agrivoltaics systems,” said Thellman.
Source: KCUR News

Rural roads get millions for upgrades

Ten Kansas counties stand to receive millions in federal funds to improve the safety and efficiency of local roads. Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday announced the $6.65 million in federal funds for 10 projects, selected out of 46 applications. Haskell, Linn, Ottawa, Phillips, Sedgwick, Seward and Shawnee counties have all been granted federal dollars for these rural road improvement projects. “Our rural roads are important to the local and state economy,” Kelly said. “Programs like this enable commerce to flow smoothly and improve safety for Kansas families as they travel our state.” Project funding is managed through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads Program. The state effort is funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program, federal aid geared toward reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries on public roads. Over the past 13 years, KDOT HRRR funds have been geared toward reducing collisions with a fixed object — one of the most common types of fatal rural crashes. To that end, KDOT has prioritized projects geared toward low-cost prevention measures such as installing rumble strips, increasing signage, guardrails and other roadside barriers. Among other projects, Linn will receive $370,000 to install pavement markings, hazard markers and signs on a portion of Route 1095. Phillips has $525,000 to upgrade signing on 154 miles of country roads east of U.S. 183. Seward has $775,000 to extend four culverts and install road shoulders, among other improvements. Haskell has $270,000 to upgrade signage. “These funds assist our rural partners to increase roadway safety by using low-cost and proven countermeasures,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed.
Source: The Iola Register

Kansas communities receiving grants for street projects

The funding, as part of the Safe Streets for All program, is combined with more than $1 million in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund toward two of the projects and local matching dollars. “Leveraging federal dollars to supplement our state and local investments into critical infrastructure is vital to economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Safe Streets and Roads for All program ensures that our communities have the resources to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure. I appreciate the Legislature’s continued support of this initiative as it is a true bipartisan win for Kansas.” In this round of announcements, the City of Topeka was granted $4.3 million in federal SS4A funds, the third largest in the country. Matt Volz, executive director of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub, said the support provided through the Kansas Infrastructure Hub gives communities the tools necessary to maximize BIL funding opportunities.
Source: KAKE – News

City says its making progress on recovering from recent Wichita cyberattack

It’s been almost a month since hackers got into the city’s computers, shutting down many of its operations along with stealing the personal data of some residents. The city says it has made good progress on recovering, but there’s still a long way to go. “Fortunately for me, all of my bills are included in my rent. And so I’m just grateful that I don’t have to go through that,” said resident Alizah Hatcher. Hatcher is one of the few Wichita residents who hasn’t been affected by the recent cyberattack, but she says everyone around her is. “It’s amazing the work that our staff is able to do. I realize that we’re not moving as quickly or as fast as some would like,” said Assistant City Manager Donte Martin at Tuesday’s City Council Workshop.
Source: KAKE – News

County manager warns JoCo’s 5-year budget forecast ‘not sustainable’

County commissioners begin their first budget meetings with department heads Thursday as they consider a quarter-mill decrease in the county’s property tax rate along with a sobering assessment by County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson that revenues will not keep up with expenses over the longer term. “We’ve got to really prepare ourselves in the coming budgets,” Postoak Ferguson told commissioners as she outlined her proposed budget last week. During that presentation, she said current trends in housing valuations and tax revenues will continue to put pressure on the county’s property tax rate, or mill levy.
Source: Johnson County Post

Low water levels at Cheney Reservoir could mean mandatory water restrictions

As the City of Wichita waits for crews to finalize the latest water level readings at the Cheney Reservoir, we could be just around the corner from mandatory water restrictions. “Makes you think. Kind of eye-opening. Like, really? We could experience that?” This was the reaction from many residents like Katie Bickell Monday after seeing the latest images of Cheney Lake and learning that Wichita is extremely close to doing something it hasn’t done in more than ten years – forcing people to start saving water. “Honestly mind-blowing. Because you hear about like, water restrictions and other places, but never really like in your own hometown. And I’ve kind of never really heard of Wichita doing that before,” said Bickell. Wichita gets its water from Cheney Reservoir. Looking at new drone video from Monday, you see lots of muddy land far below where the water is supposed to be.
Source: KAKE – News

Like cities around it, Mission weighs new restrictions on AirBnbs

Another Johnson County city is considering stricter regulations for AirBnbs and Vrbos. The Mission City Council during a mid-May work session expressed support for two separate ordinances — one specific to short-term rentals and a second one about nuisance parties — dealing with such properties. No formal action was taken by the city council. If such ordinances are adopted by the city council, then Mission will join the growing list of Johnson County cities that are tightening short-term rental restrictions. So far in 2024, the cities of Fairway, Merriam and Shawnee have all taken formal action that dictates how AirBnbs and Vrbos can operate in city limits.
Source: Johnson County Post

Prairie Village OKs $2M toward new city hall project. What happens next?

Additional design work can move forward on Prairie Village’s new proposed city hall, after the city council approved the biggest expenditure to date for the much-discussed project. In a 7-3 vote Monday, the Prairie Village City Council approved a $2 million supplement to its agreement with Kansas City-based firm Clark and Enersen for additional work designing a rebuilt city hall.
Source: Johnson County Post

Courthouse use fee waived for non-profits, school districts

The new hourly fee to use the Jackson County Courthouse grounds and facilities, such as the bathrooms or meeting room, for special events has been waived for non-profit organizations and school districts. The $40 per hour fee (per custodian), which was approved earlier this year, was recently challenged by local community members and members of the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Community Foundation. The fee was imposed to cover the cost of overtime and benefits for the custodial staff, which includes two employees. There is no fee required just to use the grounds. The fee is imposed if the Courthouse needs to open for the public to have access to the bathrooms or the meeting room. Members of the Chamber and the JCCF said that the new fee cuts into the small profit the non-profits make during their events, such as Glory Days and Fall Fest. After discussing the issue at two weekly meetings, the commissioners met with Ashlee York, Janette Hammack and Lauren Golden with the Chamber, Rod Wittmer of the JCCF, Bruce Shaw and Holton City Commissioner Marilyn Watkins to discuss the fee. The commissioners agreed that if a verified non-profit wants to use the grounds, then the fee will be waived. The fee will also be waived for school districts.
Source: Holton Recorder

Goessel hears wind farm concerns and opposition to firing

The Goessel city council met on May 20 and heard a request from resident Brian Stucky about setting a no-wind generator zone around the City of Goessel. He suggested a three-mile buffer zone. He mentioned the Sunflower wind project and the Diamond Vista wind farm company in the northern part of the county. The plan is to install 600-foot-tall wind turbines near Goessel. The townships of West Branch, East Branch, Menno and Liberty could be impacted. The project is proposed by Orsted, a foreign company from Denmark. Stucky said there are “pros and cons” to wind turbines. He grew up near the equus beds and heard about the importance of the water supply. Goessel depends on that source of water. He is concerned about the possibility of groundwater contamination by concrete base construction deep in the ground. He mentioned other health concerns and said that wind turbines do not belong near dense population. Stucky emphasized that he is not opposed to some forms of alternative energy and has had passive solar hot air panels on his house since 1982.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Local forum held to discuss future of City Park and indoor aquatics

A public forum was hosted Thursday night by the League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County to allow the public to learn more about a possible overhaul of City Park and a new indoor aquatics center concept that could end up in front of voters this fall. Local officials close to the project took part in a forum Thursday evening at the Manhattan Public Library, hosted by the League of Women Voters. The League shared its own concerns about City Park as the potential location for an indoor water facility concept. David Dzewaltowski, Professor Emeritus of Kinesiology at Kansas State University, says a central location makes the most sense for city and chamber officials wanting to use any potential facility as an economic driver for the community. City officials are set to consider a master plan for parks and rec on June 18. Look for more information from Thursday’s forum in this weekend’s edition of the Manhattan Mercury.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Kansas House of Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Les Mason

Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags be lowered to half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities effective immediately until sundown on the day of interment in honor of Kansas House of Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Les Mason. He represented Kansas House District 73 of McPherson for 10 years. “Assistant Majority Leader Mason was a devoted public servant,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “For the last decade, he represented his constituents and the McPherson community with honor. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” This flag order will be updated when the date of interment is determined.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $4M Awarded through Broadband ADOPT Program

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that seven organizations will receive a combined $3.9 million in grants through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. ADOPT supports the Kelly administration’s work to connect more Kansans to high-speed internet by making public Wi-Fi accessible and distributing devices in underserved areas. “Kansans rely on technology for work, school, health care, and connecting to each other,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT grants support community organizations in our shared mission to connect more people to the internet and critical digital skills.” The program helps organizations serving Kansans move forward by ensuring that communities can access public Wi-Fi and the devices needed to participate in today’s technology-driven world. “As internet access continues to play a more prevalent part in our day-to-day lives, high-speed internet can no longer be considered a luxury,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Providing access to devices and accessible Wi-Fi means that we are investing in the future of Kansans and in the future of our great state as a whole.” To continue connecting Kansans to devices and internet access across the state, an additional round of funding will open later this year with $10.4 million available.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Wichita offering homes under new housing fund program

The City of Wichita is looking for buyers for 57 homes under the city’s new Affordable Housing Fund. The fund was created to improve the quality of existing housing stock, expand affordable housing options, and promote neighborhood stability. There are 41 homes being offered in northeast Wichita, along Minnesota, Ash, Piatt and Madison streets, between 25th and 26th Streets. There are also 16 homes in southwest Wichita, in the area of Pawnee and Meridian. Bidders can purchase available units within these areas, propose a per-unit scope of work for necessary renovations, request up to $40,000 per housing unit for renovation, and they can request project based voucher assistance. Bidders will have to propose an affordable housing outcome for these homes, so they will have to make sure there is a qualified low-to-moderate-income resident to live in the home. Sarah Gooding with the city’s Department of Housing and Community Services said this is the renovation phase of the Affordable Housing Fund program, so the city will be looking for qualified applicants with experience in single-family housing rehabilitation or construction, and experience in working with local, state and federal funds or housing programs. The homes must be available as affordable housing for 15 years. The next phase will be the opportunity phase, to help income-qualified people in buying or renting these homes. More information on the program is available on the city’s web site at wichita.gov
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Wichita teens working on beautification project

Teens from the Wichita area are working this week to paint nine houses, and they’re also working on projects at Carpenter Place, a local children’s home. The Wichita WorkCamp summer service project is marking its 17th anniversary, and it involves 75 teenagers and college students from across the nation, plus 75 adult volunteers. Each volunteer pays a fee to participate and that helps to cover the cost of the supplies, allowing the group to offer services free of charge. The WorkCamp is hosted by the Northside Church of Christ and it is also sponsored by a number of local businesses.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $3M to Improve Digital Literacy in Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $2.8 million is being invested in 15 organizations through the Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) program. The DOCK grants will improve the digital skills of Kansans who have not yet been able to fully capitalize on the power of the internet. “The DOCK program demonstrates our commitment to provide the digital tools Kansans need to drive innovation and compete in the global market,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These awards are a critical investment to connect all Kansans and support their success in the future economy.” These investments provide Kansans the digital literacy skills necessary to live, learn, work, and compete equitably in a technology-driven society. “These targeted grants will help improve the ability for Kansans to participate in the digital age and in doing so, promote economic opportunity for all,” Senate President Ty Masterson said. “Much like reading, digital literacy is increasingly critical, and the DOCK program recognizes that reality.” “These DOCK program grants will no doubt help to strengthen our Kansas communities, broaden the skillsets of our Kansas workforce, and truly open up a world of opportunity for Kansas citizens by empowering them with the digital tools they need to compete and thrive in today’s job market,” Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins said. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact of DOCK for Kansans all across the state.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Municipal Bond Trends for June 3, 2024

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 May 31, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 30, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 29, 2024

“Little House on the Prairie” cast to gather in Independence

The cast from the popular television program “Little House on the Prairie,” which aired on NBC television in the 1970s and 1980s, are hitching up the wagons and headed to Independence on May 31-June 2 for a reunion experience with fans. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the popular television show that was based on the children’s novel by the same written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The book, which is a fictional account of early-day pioneers in Kansas, is based on the Ingalls family’s years in Montgomery County. The Ingalls family lived in Rutland Township from 1868 to 1871.
Source: Facebook

Municipal Bond Trends for May 28, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 24, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 23, 2024

Kansas communities begin cleanup, damage surveys after storms rip off roofs, down trees

The National Weather Service had survey teams out Monday assessing storm damage in Halstead, Newton and Russell after severe storms hit central Kansas on Sunday night. Those storms brought rain, large hail, strong wind gusts and a few reported tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service. The strongest wind gusts in the state were recorded at 100 mph at the Salina airport. The Newton and Halstead areas saw 60 mph winds gusts, according to the NWS. The NWS received 15 reports of tornadoes Sunday in Kansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, with six of those reported in Russell, Ellsworth, Lincoln and Osage County. Halstead fire and EMS posted on Facebook Sunday that it had been hit by a tornado. “We are evaluating [the] situation,” the agency said. NWS Wichita meteorologist Ken Cook could not confirm if a tornado hit Halstead but said the survey team will make that assessment.
Source: Wichita Eagle

Evergy says economic development will push it to boost electric generation plans

An economic development boom in Kansas and Missouri will drive Evergy to more than double its renewable energy generation while also adding more natural gas plants in the next 20 years. The Kansas City-based utility said its new resource plan includes 1,900 megawatts more in generation capacity than its 2023 plan. The plan, filed Friday with the Kansas Corporation Commission, outlines the company’s intention for serving customers in the next 20 years. Evergy said it will need to increase electricity generation to keep up with economic growth and the need to feed more electricity to the regional power grid. “In Kansas and Missouri, economic development was the biggest driver of change to our short- and long-term generation plans. We will grow our diverse energy portfolio by adding renewable and dispatchable resources to meet customers’ needs,” Evergy CEO David Campbell said in a release.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal

Munis in midst of correction as yields rise further; 10-year tops 3%

Municipals sold off Thursday with more cuts across the curve as a correction has ensued for the asset class just ahead of the summer reinvestment season. U.S. Treasuries saw losses and equities were also in the red. Municipal bond mutual funds saw the second week of outflows as investors pulled $217.6 million from the funds after $546.2 million of outflows the week prior, according to LSEG Lipper. High-yield continued to show strength, though, with inflows of $206.5 million after $125.7 million of inflows the previous week. The market correction may have finally begun, as triple-A yields have risen as much 13 to 17basis points on the front end and belly of the curve since Monday, noted Barclays strategists Mikhail Foux and Clare Pickering. Due to this, muni-UST ratios have risen more than 5 percentage points on 10 years and in with a smaller rise longer out the curve, climbing to highs last seen in late 2023, they said. The two-year muni-to-Treasury ratio Thursday was at 67%, the three-year at 67%, the five-year at 67%, the 10-year at 67% and the 30-year at 84%, according to Refinitiv Municipal Market Data’s 3 p.m. EST read. ICE Data Services had the two-year at 67%, the three-year at 67%, the five-year at 68%, the 10-year at 68% and the 30-year at 85% at 3:30 p.m. Supply is the primary reason behind the selloff, “hardly a surprise as we had around seven $10-plus billion supply weeks in a row,” Barclays strategists said.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Governor Kelly Announces $6.65M for Rural Road Safety Improvements

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that $6.65 million in federal funds will go to 10 rural projects to increase the safety and efficiency of local roadways. The effort is part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program. “Our rural roads are important to the local and state economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Programs like this enable commerce to flow smoothly and improve safety for Kansas families as they travel our state.” The HRRR program is federally funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program and is designed to improve rural road safety. An additional $2.37 million in local funds will be used for the selected projects. This year’s 10 HRRR projects were selected from 46 applications seeking $40.5 million in federal funds. “Data shows more than 60% of fatal and serious injury crashes occur on county-owned roads and highways,” said Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “These funds assist our rural partners to increase roadway safety by using low-cost and proven countermeasures.” Projects in this program fall into one of two categories: Systemic (encompassing a local roadway network) or Site Specific.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Appraiser estimates $2.6 million in damage from Westmoreland tornado

It’s been three weeks since a tornado devastated Westmoreland and damage estimates are coming more into focus. According to the Pottawatomie County Times, Pottawatomie County Appraiser Robin Knoblauch noted at Monday’s weekly commission meeting that through her own investigation, the estimated loss in value to the city is around $2.6 million. This included 17 properties that were total losses and 10 properties that were extremely damaged and are non-livable. In addition, about 43 other properties sustained minor to major damage. Four parcels just beyond the Westmoreland city limits also sustained an estimated $400,000 in loss, including one property that was a brand new build completed in March. Emergency Management Director Jennifer Merrow told commissioners also Monday that the Small Business Administration toured Westmoreland and concluded that 33 properties would qualify for SBA low-interest disaster loans, with representatives on hand this week to answer any questions from concerned citizens.
Source: 1350 KMAN

As a 750-acre solar farm awaits answers, lessons learned from a Maize solar initiative on a much smaller scale

The project from Chicago solar energy construction company Invenergy, called the Chisholm Trail Solar Energy Center, is on hold as the county works on zoning and planning regulations for solar projects of a large scale. Maize, in fact, is not a stranger to solar projects. In 2019, propelled by the work of Maize High chemistry and physics teacher Stan Bergkamp and the Maize Solar Initiative, the city had a 720-panel solar project that went live outside of the Maize Career Academy. Bergkamp, who is also a landowner and farmer with solar panels in his shop in Kechi, was influential in generating $300,000 for solar development at Maize High. Bergkamp told the WBJ that comparing the Chisholm Trail project and the scale of its development to the solar project at his school is like “comparing apples to oranges.” He said that the major concern has been the scale of the project and the public anxiety about the effect on local development. However, he sees an alternative solution to the power problem in Maize — staying within regulations by utilizing parking lots and roofs that are available in the city. He feels that the focus of the county should be to find a balance for local and county-level growth.
Source: Wichita Business Journal

Federal Reserve minutes indicate worries over lack of progress on inflation

Federal Reserve officials grew more concerned at their most recent meeting about inflation, with members indicating that they lacked the confidence to move forward on interest rate reductions. Minutes from the April 30-May 1 policy meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee released Wednesday indicated apprehension from policymakers about when it would be time to ease. The meeting followed a slew of readings that showed inflation was more stubborn than officials had expected to start 2024. The Fed targets a 2% inflation rate, and all of the indicators showed price increases running well ahead of that mark. “Participants observed that while inflation had eased over the past year, in recent months there had been a lack of further progress toward the Committee’s 2 percent objective,” the summary stated. “The recent monthly data had showed significant increases in components of both goods and services price inflation.” The FOMC voted unanimously at the meeting to hold its benchmark short-term borrowing rate in a range of 5.25%-5.5%, a 23-year high where it has been since July 2023.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Immigrants stopping population loss in parts of rural Kansas, but few are reaping benefits

…immigration has redefined southwest Kansas over the past 40 years. The communities that have embraced their diversity have seen their population stabilize, bucking the trend of rural areas losing population. And this new diversity might end up being what saves these rural communities from deterioration.
Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for May 22, 2024

Get paid to move to Kansas?: County shares effort to draw new residents

Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation will pay someone to move there. It’s a part of a growing trend in rural America. The county, of 2,899 people in 2022, is looking to grow, and it will pay someone $4,500 to do so. “Rural Kanas, rural America has been losing population for many, many years,” said Kelly Gourley, director of Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation. “If we want to grow, we have to have more people.”
Source: KWCH

Municipal Bond Trends for May 21, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for May 20, 2024

Lt. Governor Toland Announces $500,000 in Tourism Attraction Development Grants

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $500,000 has been awarded in the latest round of Attraction Development Grant funding. … The Attraction Development Grant funding will be divided among 14 new or enhancing existing tourism attraction projects. Grant recipients will invest almost $1.4 million in matching investments toward the approved projects.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Two tornadoes touched down and knocked out power Sunday night in Johnson County: NWS

At least two EF-1 tornadoes caused damage as they tore through Johnson County, Kansas Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service. The first tornado started near Mill Valley High School in Shawnee around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a storm survey from the National Weather Service. It crossed the campus of the high school and moved northeast across Monticello Road, fizzling out around 10:36 p.m. on Johnson Drive.
Source: Joco 913 News

Walmart moves Johnson County warehouse operations to Topeka, offers 318 workers transfer

Walmart is relocating its e-commerce distribution operations in Edgerton’s industrial park to its warehouse in Topeka, a company spokeswoman said Monday, adding that its 318 employees have been offered the chance to transfer. Spokeswoman Camille Dunn said Walmart plans to move its operations in Edgerton to its fulfillment center in Topeka, which opened at 1303 S.W. Innovation Parkway in 2021.
Source: KC Star Local News

Kansas communities begin cleanup, damage surveys after storms rip off roofs, down trees

Overland Park considers setting up property tax rebate pilot for 2025

Overland Park could soon join the ranks of other Johnson County cities that offer some kind of property tax rebate for lower income residents. The Overland Park City Council’s Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday voted 4-2 to recommend the creation of a rebate pilot program for next year. … The vote suggests to the rest of the city council that the city of Overland Park budget $200,000 to start up a first-come-first-served property tax rebate pilot program likely intended for some of the city’s lowest income homeowners. Merriam, Mission, Olathe, Prairie Village, Roeland Park and Shawnee all administer some sort of property tax rebate program with different parameters for eligibility.
Source: Johnson County Post

Crawford County passes moratorium on wind / solar farms

Friday morning, Crawford County Commissioners passed a moratorium on further wind and solar development in the county in front of a full house. While supporters of the moratorium wanted at least a full year, commissioners decided on a December 31, 2024, deadline with the option to extend if needed. The commission will begin updating its comprehensive plan in the next few weeks once a consultant has been confirmed. Two agencies offered their proposals, one of which gave a completion date of December 31. The commission’s decision on the moratorium was based on this estimate.
Source: Morning Sun