Kansas Municipal News
Prairie Village to start designing new community center concept
The concept for a new city-owned community center and relocated library branch in Prairie Village could get more concrete in coming weeks. In separate votes Monday, the Prairie Village City Council agreed to enter into separate memorandums of understanding with the YMCA and Johnson County Library to explore the idea of hosting a new community center and Corinth Library branch on the same site on the city’s civic campus off Mission Road. The idea has been discussed in some form for the better part of four years and comes a decade after the city council scuttled a previous bid for a new community center.
Source: Prairie Village Post
911 center faced chaos in wake of Friday’s storm
In just one hour after Friday’s storm passed, Allen County’s dispatchers handled nearly twice as many calls compared to the total of an average day. Between 6 and 7 p.m. on Friday, the dispatch center handled 235 calls, not including responding to radio traffic for law enforcement, fire and ambulance crews. An average day in June brought a total of 134 calls. To illustrate just how many calls that is, 911 Director Chelsie Angleton compiled a list of statistics about calls in June, the day of the storm and the days preceding and following. She presented the information to commissioners on Tuesday as part of a post-storm analysis with other county leaders. Each reviewed their department’s response, current status on cleanup and how they might improve in future events. Friday’s storm brought winds as high as 85 mph and 1.41 inches of rain in a short period of time, causing widespread power outages and damage throughout the county.
Source: The Iola Register
Kansas wooed mega employers like Panasonic with mega tax breaks. But that may end
As construction crews build Panasonic’s new $4 billion factory here, the Kansas tax subsidy law that helped bring the electric vehicle battery plant to the state is set to evaporate. Kansas officials no longer have the power to underwrite mega-deal projects with hundreds of millions of dollars in state incentives. The law, known as APEX, only let the state ink one deal each year in 2022 and 2023. Those tax giveaways for those two years went to Panasonic and Integra’s planned $1.8 billion semiconductor plant in the Wichita area. Paul Hughes, the state’s deputy secretary for business development, asked lawmakers to extend the law into 2024 and beyond to keep open the possibility of bartering in tax breaks that might tempt other large employers to Kansas. Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration touts the law as a way for the state to take an active role in boosting the economy.
Source: KCUR News
Overland Park in early stages of discussing 2 tax rebate ideas
The Overland Park City Council is in the early stage of discussing two separate tax relief proposals that would rebate a portion of food sales tax and property tax payments to vulnerable residents. Members of the council’s Finance Administration and Economic Development committee took a first look Wednesday at the proposals: one, a property tax rebate put forward by Councilmembers Melissa Cheatham and Logan Heley, and the other, a food sales tax rebate offered by Councilmember Faris Farassati. The proposals were offered more as concepts with details to be worked out later.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Sedgwick County Commission approves 2.5 million dollars for Exploration Place project
Exploration Place received 2.5 million dollars from Sedgwick County Commission today. “Wichita, this county, and this region deserves projects like this,” said Jason Gregory, representing Greater Wichita Partnership. The money will go towards a massive upcoming project Exploration Place calls EP 2. “The first 23 years has been largely focused on what happens inside the building but this next vision for us focuses on what happens on the outside of the building,” said Laura Roddy, VP for Advancement at Exploration Place. This project, which is set to roll out in three phases, will break ground later this year.
Source: KAKE – News
Municipal Bond Trends for July 19, 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, or Henry Schmidt.
Pittsburg City Hall updates improve accessibility
Pittsburg City Hall has undergone a significant facelift, following the completion of its City Hall Plaza – Front Steps & Ramp Project. The front entrance to City Hall is now open after an extensive exterior renovation and accessibility improvements. “The previous steps to the front entrance were deteriorated and the exterior needed updated and preserved,” said Pittsburg City Manager Daron Hall. “With the help of our team, we were able to protect the structure, improve the aesthetics, and increase safety and accessibility to this important public asset.” The City of Pittsburg partnered with Sprouls Construction, Inc., and Echelon Architecture and Design to make City Hall more ADA compliant.
Source: City of Pittsburg
Atchison leaders reflect on plant’s pending closure
The surprise announcement Thursday that a major Northeast Kansas distillery will be corked for good next year is causing a stir. MGP Ingredients, Inc. has been in business for more than 80 years, and its brand is closely linked with finely crafted liquor. Bourbons, ryes, whiskeys, gins, vodkas and more have all been produced in Atchison, Kansas, along with practical products like industrial alcohol and hand sanitizer, of particular demand in the COVID-19 era. However, citing reduced profitability in a news release, MGP said it will close its Atchison distillery by January 2024. Several other operations in Atchison are not affected.
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com
Riley County welcomes Phillips as new budget and finance officer
Riley County recently welcomed a new Budget and Finance Officer. Brittany Phillips took on the role July 6th. Before joining Riley County, she served as board treasurer for the USD 473 Chapman School District. Phillips has also spent time in municipal budgeting for the city of Chapman. Her responsibilities will include preparing and coordinating budgets for the county programs and departments and working closely with commissioners, department heads and the county clerk to lead budget discussions. Phillips succeeds Darell Edie, who retired from the position in June.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Packed City Council meeting in Colwich with most against proposed solar project
The Colwich City Council meeting Monday night was packed with area residents protesting a proposed solar project that could be built east of town. “We just have eyesore after eyesore, and we are going to add another mile and a half onto that all the way into Maize,” said one resident to the council. The proposed solar project would be built between Colwich and Maize. Another resident, Jeff Hardin, says he does not like the look of an industrial size solar farm, and it would change the landscape. “Because I grew up on a farm,” said Hardin. “And I love the land. And as you can tell, that’s not going to happen anymore.” City council members heard from several Invenergy energy representatives about the company and its proposal to add the wind project that could add power to the grid for up to 25,000 homes.
Source: KSN-TV
Affordable Connectivity Program in Louisburg
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible households $30/month toward home internet service. The ACP is a long-term $14 billion program of the Federal Communications Commission, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program offers eligible households a $30/month discount toward high-speed internet and a one-time discount of $100 toward the purchase of a connected device such as laptop, desktop computer or tablet from a participating provider if the household contributes $10-50 toward the purchase price. In Miami County, fewer than 20% of eligible households are taking advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program. In mid-July, only 26 of the estimated 658 eligible households within the City of Louisburg are participating in the program.
Source: Louisburg, KS-Newsflash
Prairie Village, Fairway declare states of emergency following storm
The city of Prairie Village and Fairway, two northeast Johnson County suburbs battered particularly hard by Friday’s severe thunderstorms, have both declared local states of emergency amid ongoing recovery efforts. During a regularly scheduled city council meeting Monday, Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson said he had declared the local disaster state of emergency for his city. That came shortly after Fairway’s Mayor Melanie Hepperly sent out notice of her own emergency declaration via email. Mikkelson said the July 14 storm was significantly worse in terms of damage compared to other severe storms Prairie Village has experienced, noting that the city’s police and fire departments responded to 196 emergency calls in the first 24 hours after the storm hit on Friday afternoon.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Leawood PD and HappyBottoms team up to give out free diapers
The city of Leawood is collaborating with Kansas City nonprofit HappyBottoms to help local parents in need. The Leawood Police Department has begun a partnership with the organization to distribute diapers to families who cannot afford them. The nonprofit works with hospitals and social service agencies to identify parents in need of diapers. Through HappyBottoms’ programs, families can qualify for either 50 disposable diapers or 30 training pants per month. The organization’s “Bundles of Joy” program also allows new mothers in need at hospitals to receive 75 diapers right after the birth of their child. “We started in 2009, and since then, we’ve distributed more than 21 million diapers into the Kansas City area,” said Ashley Allison, marketing and communications manager for HappyBottoms.
Source: Prairie Village Post
New bill aims to simplify federal grant applications, boost funding for underserved communities
Lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill that proposes to streamline the federal grant application process while increasing access to funding opportunities for under-resourced communities and local governments. Applying for federal grants can be a lengthy and complicated undertaking that often includes bureaucratic red-tape and requires a multifaceted understanding of the process. The Streamlining Federal Grants Act would task the Office of Management and Budget with developing guidance for all federal agencies on how to modernize and simplify their grant applications. The legislation also calls for agencies to update the software and systems used to manage their grant application processes and implement common data standards for grant reporting.
Source: Route Fifty – All Content
Barton County storm siren systems malfunctioned, officials say
Storm sirens malfunctioned in Great Bend when officials tried to set them off during the Sunday night storms. Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith said dispatch attempted to set off the alarm ten times but had no success. “Trying to identify some of the problems or where the problems occurred, we discovered the fail safes that were in place had also not allowed the sirens to go off,” explained Smith. The storm caused the main power grid to go out, so the tower couldn’t receive the signal to sound the sirens. Smith explained they have two backups for when the power goes out, the first one being a system powered by battery in a metal building near the tower that receives the signal, but the batteries in the backup weren’t working.
Source: KAKE – News
Viega to expand production capacity in McPherson
Plumbing and piping manufacturer Viega LLC plans to spend $70 million over two years in expanding its production capacity at its 1 million square-foot facility in McPherson, the company said this week. The first wave of investment is planned for $14 million and will increase the company’s ProPress pipe-fitting production ability. “As we continue to grow the business, we are bringing more production to the United States,” president and CEO Markus Brettschneider said in a statement. “These investments in our U.S. footprint will further support demand and leverage the talented U.S. manufacturing workforce, starting with the expansion of production capacity in Kansas.”
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Indoor pickleball, commercial kitchen part of $13.7M project named for former Wichita mayor
The Carl G. Brewer Community Center at McAdams Park will see major upgrades in 2024. The Wichita City Council has approved a major expansion of the Carl G. Brewer Community Center at McAdams Park, bringing the project cost from an initial estimate of $8 million to $13.7 million. The expanded recreation center at 17th Street and Wabash will include a nearly 25,000-square-feet addition to the existing 10,800-square-feet building recently renamed to honor Brewer, Wichita’s first African American mayor elected by a citywide vote (A. Price Woodard, Wichita’s first African American mayor, was elected by city commissioners in 1970).
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for July 18, 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, or Henry Schmidt.
Phillipsburg woman loves her new town, benefits from rodeo funds
A Phillipsburg transplant is a walking billboard for her new hometown. And she’s also benefitted from Hope in the Heartland funds. Laura Flores, who moved from Kansas City to Phillipsburg two years ago, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in September of 2022. … She’s always felt a sense of belonging in Phillipsburg. Laura had become good friends with Lacie Shields, another Phillipsburg resident, when the two lived in Kansas City. After Lacie moved back to Phillipsburg in February 2019, Laura visited her the next year. “I came to visit one weekend, and then it turned into another weekend, and another weekend, and I fell in love with the town, and then her brother,” she said. She is engaged to be married to Derek Shields, Lacie’s brother. Laura loves Phillipsburg. “I really enjoy the slow pace here, and the community has just been amazing. I feel like for the very first time, in a long time, if not ever, that I feel like I’m home. I just love it. Everybody’s been so amazing and friendly. It didn’t take me any time at all to feel like I belonged here.”
Source: Hays Daily News
Harris finds Great Bend open to newcomers
Maggie Harris has worked at Barton Community College for over 12 years but is fairly new to her role as its chief communications officer, a job she stepped into last September. Born and raised in Dodge City, she attended Sacred Heart Catholic School, Dodge City High school and Dodge City Community College before attending Washburn University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mass media and public relations. “I was recruited to a position in the Admissions Office at Barton Community College as an admissions representative and fell in love with the community at Barton College and the Barton County area,” she said.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
The Bond Market Gets Less Scary
The yield curve is getting less inverted, mostly for good reasons. The yield curve is still looking scary, but not quite as scary as it was as recently as a few weeks ago. Wednesday’s benign inflation report from the Labor Department looked like good news to investors, and one of the places it manifested itself was in the U.S. Treasury market. With growing optimism that the Federal Reserve will raise rates just one more time later this month, and then call it quits, yields fell across the board. Notably, the yield on the two-year note fell 0.15 of a percentage point to 4.74%. The yield on the 10-year note fell by less, declining 0.12 of a percentage point to 3.86%. With that, the 10-year yield is now 0.88 of a percentage point below the two-year.
Source: WSJ.com: Markets
Great Bend council hears Sunday storm update
New Great Bend City Administrator Brandon Anderson told the City Council Monday night that he had its update prepared for the meeting, but “obviously my report changed quite a bit at about 6:30 yesterday.” He was of course referring to the supercell thunderstorm that roared through the community late Sunday afternoon and into the evening, leaving extensive damage in its wake. “I was so impressed with our community,” he said.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Kansas gambling, Crosswinds casino expanding
Sedgwick County is seeing multiple new additions for gambling. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission approved the license for a Historic Horse Racing Facility in Park City. Also, Crosswinds Casino in Park City is expanding to Class 3 Gaming. After Senate Bill 84 passed in 2022, the door opened for HHR and sports betting. “I think it’s good,” Government Manager for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission Randy Evans said. “I think it’s an exciting time to be in the business with the different types of gambling, sports betting, typical Las Vegas style casinos, and now HHR parimutuel.” But, the bill was very specific about where the HHR facility was.
Source: KSN-TV
Cities assess ‘widespread’ storm damage — 8K in JoCo still without power
The lingering impacts of Friday’s severe thunderstorms were still being felt Monday, with stubborn pockets of power outages affecting thousands of residents in suburbs clustered in northeast Johnson County. The severe storm on July 14 uprooted trees, downed power lines and, at one point, left more than 180,000 Evergy customers without power. A meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Kansas City field office told the Post that the metro was hit by a “squall line,” a phenomenon when multiple thunderstorms combine, resulting in higher and more concentrated wind gusts that, in this case, averaged between 50 to 60 miles per hour.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Great Bend community helps each other out after powerful winds brought major damage
Residents in Great Bend woke up bright and early to start clearing out debris after straight line winds up to 85 mph caused trees to fall all around the city. “The definition of people helping people, come to Great Bend. You’ll see, everyone’s coming out to help everybody,” said life long Great Bend resident Gary Parr. Gary drove throughout different neighborhoods in his golf cart offering people an extra hand, chainsaw, and cold drinks. Residents said this is the Great Bend standard. “Pretty much nobody asked. It was just as soon as we seen the damage we all started helping and pitching in,” said Bridgett Arnold.
Source: KAKE – News
The end of Mission Gateway? Johnson County city pulls funding for beleaguered project
The Mission City Council on Monday terminated its redevelopment agreement with Mission Gateway, yanking away millions of dollars in tax incentives the developer argued were necessary to get the project done after nearly two decades of broken promises. A likely death knell for the stalled project, the council voted unanimously to toss out the deal — its fifth iteration for the long-plagued development — because the property owners failed to pay nearly $450,000 in taxes due in May. The city sent a default notice on May 15, giving the property owners, Aryeh Realty, 60 days to pay up. That deadline expired over the weekend.
Source: Joco 913 News
Governor Kelly Proclaims Rural Road Safety Awareness Week
Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed July 17-21 as Rural Road Safety Awareness Week (RRSAW) in Kansas to call attention to the high number of traffic fatalities on rural roads. The weeklong observance is part of a nationwide campaign spearheaded by the National Center for Rural Road Safety and includes the participation of the Kansas Department of Transportation. With one of the main causes of rural crashes being speeding, this awareness campaign is driving home the need to slow down. “Raising awareness about rural road safety will save lives and put the state of Kansas on the path to ‘Drive To Zero’ traffic deaths,” said Governor Kelly, referring to the state’s ongoing safety awareness initiative. “This safety campaign stresses the importance of obeying speed limits, never driving impaired, and wearing your seatbelt, every trip, every time.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Students can spread their wings at Fowler Grade School, where Goldbugs learn to lead
Fowler sprang to life last week for the 42nd annual Fowler Threshing Days community festival. Under the coordination of a dedicated team of volunteers, many organizations throughout the community collaborated to provide family-oriented festivities all week long with an “Adventures in the Great Outdoors” theme. Fowler Grade School appreciates the work that these team members and organizations do to provide memorable experiences for the local children, Principal Corri McDowell said. Through the USD 225 school-wide leadership program, McDowell said students learn what it takes to lead the next generation of local volunteers and community leaders that will keep the community spirit and Fowler Threshing Days tradition alive for many years to come.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Municipal Bond Trends for July 17, 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, or Henry Schmidt.
Overland Park tourism rebounds to ‘pre-pandemic levels’
A new report shows tourism in Overland Park saw a spike in 2022, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. Data put together by international advisory firm Tourism Economics shows 4.7 million visitors came to Overland Park in 2022, spending more than $850 million and generating some $95 million in local tax revenues. “Overland Park’s visitor economy has rebounded beyond pre-pandemic levels,” said Warren Wilkinson, president of Visit Overland Park, the city’s tourism and marketing bureau. “While these results are fantastic, we must continue to compete with other communities to expand our position as a great place to visit, live and work.” Overall, year-over-year visits in 2022 were up more than 12%. It comes after a concerted effort to direct funds towards promoting the city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city spent $500,000 in federal pandemic relief funds in each of the past two years on marketing efforts.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Lenexa wants to add more ‘missing middle housing’
Lenexa is hoping to add more midrange housing options — including potentially townhomes and affordable starter homes — to areas of the city still open for development. This type of housing, often called “missing middle housing,” tends to be more dense and attainable cost-wise, though it’s lacking in many communities where there might be a market for it, Community Development Director Scott McCullough said. Encouraging these new housing options has so far been a major focus of the city’s comprehensive plan update process. Exactly what the end result of this process will look like for Lenexa is unclear at this stage, though McCullough said it could ultimately require the city to consider changes to city code and a reevaluation of some of the city’s long-range residential development plans.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Water transfer battle continues in Wichita hearings
A hearing is scheduled to begin next week in Wichita District Court, allowing a non-profit Central Kansas water advocacy group to present additional evidence why it opposes a plan by the cities of Hays and Russell to implement a water transfer from a location in Edwards County to Ellis County in the Smoky Hill river basin. The evidentiary hearing, set to begin July 19, results from a remand order by the Kansas Supreme Court in June that places the challenge issued by the Water Protection Association of Central Kansas back within the confines of the district court to consider supplemental additions to the court record. While the hearing continues, the Kansas Supreme Court retains jurisdiction over Water PACK’s appeal challenge. Currently, both communities are seeking to construct a 70-mile long pipeline that would transfer approximately 4,800 acre-feet of water per year for their municipal use. The measure invokes the Kansas Water Transfer Act that stipulates all desiring to transfer more than 2,000 acre feet are limited to a distance of 35 miles, unless granted state approval.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Tap water in Kansas was tested for ‘forever chemicals.’ Here’s where they were found
Forever chemicals, also known as polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, have been detected in recent years in drinking water in the Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan and Wichita areas, according to a study published July 5 by the U.S. Geological Survey. The federal agency collected tap water samples from 716 locations across the country, including water from public supplies and private wells. The agency modeled that data and found at least 45% of drinking water could contain at least one PFAS. Some of the PFAS, which have been linked to health problems, found in Kansas water exceeded proposed limits. Those samples were taken from 2016 to 2021. Megan Lovely, a spokeswoman for the City of Wichita, said they began testing for PFAS in 2021 as a proactive measure. Lawrence does not routinely monitor PFAS, but will begin to as new EPA guidelines go into effect, said Trevor Flynn, assistant director of environment, health science and treatment operations for the City of Lawrence. Those results are expected to be part of a consumer confidence report published next May.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Russell community reacts to vandalism at new park
A brand new Historic park, splash pad, and visitors center opened July 8th and by July 14th three different instances of vandalism had already occurred at the facility. “I just don’t even understand why anyone would do that. I mean, it’s just absolutely disheartening,” Russell community member, Jeannine Byers-Long. This is the sentiment echoing throughout Russell, Kansas as they work to get to the bottom of an ongoing vandalism problem. “There has got to be something more fun and more entertaining for people to do than to ruin and vandalize property,” said Byers-Long. “There was some damage in the restroom facilities so we’ve had to close off the restroom facilities until that can be fixed,” said Gloria Homeier, a member of Russell Rotary. People visiting the park Friday were also disheartened by the vandalism.
Source: KAKE – News
After school shutdown, rural Kansas community tries to divorce district
Barton County residents will decide whether to break up with their school district and “start fresh” following heartbreak and anger over the closure of a rural community’s high school. The change could result in hundreds of students displaced and three more schools shut down. The Aug. 1 disorganization vote is a test case for rural communities that increasingly have to make decisions to shut down or consolidate as populations dwindle and schools face financial strain. “This is brand new territory for the Department of Education, for the State Board of Education and basically every district in the state of Kansas,” said KSDE general counsel Scott Gordon during a June 27 meeting in Claflin. Dissolving the district is likely to have widespread consequences for all district schools and likely will increase residents’ taxes, according to opponents of disorganization.
Source: KAKE – News
Wheat Festival wraps up in Wellington
The 123rd Kansas Wheat Festival came to a close over the weekend. Saturday was about teaching kids the process of wheat harvesting as well as more information on elements of the farming community. “We had the southwest dairy farmers down there this morning, and they had wheat threshing demonstrations and just a lot of tractors on display, and it was just really neat and really cool, and it was popular,” said Valerie Earl, executive director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
Source: KSN-TV
Johnson County feels lingering impacts of storm
For Midwesterners used to sudden summer storms, Friday night still felt unusual. “That … was terrifying,” one Kansas City area resident said on Twitter, echoing the sentiments of many others in the aftermath of a powerful storm system that downed tree limbs, uprooted whole trees and knocked out power to tens of thousands. As of Sunday afternoon, Evergy said nearly 90% of metro customers had power restored. But more than 16,000 Johnson County customers were among those who remained without power and officials with the utility warned it could be into Tuesday before all customers’ power was back on. “It’s going to be a long road,” said Chuck Caisley, Evergy’s chief customer officer, on Saturday. “This is the largest storm [Evergy] has had. This is a big restoration.”
Source: Prairie Village Post
Olpe Downhome Days celebrates community improvements
Since the Olpe Downhome festival was reinstated in 2003, its purpose has been fundraising for improvements at Olpe’s Jones Park. Multiple activities on Saturday provided a day filled with family-oriented fun, from a 6:30 a.m. breakfast provided by the Methodist church to a street dance lasting until midnight. “This is our 21st year,” Joyce Wilson, festival organizer and Olpe City Clerk, said. “There was no event in 2020, due to COVID. We actually had celebrations sporadically through the 1980s and early 1990s–originally, the festival was put on by the fire fighters to raise money.” Wilson and her husband brought the festival back to life. “We just needed a community event,” she said. “It’s had its ups and downs. The park flooded at least one time, and we’ve had torrential rains.” An afternoon parade lined up at the school, featuring tractors, bicycles, ATVs, a horse-drawn buggy, fire trucks, and police vehicles proceeding through downtown Olpe. The firemen’s barbeque drew a hungry crowd and led to even more downtown events like bed races, military service personnel appreciation, and a street dance with DJ Chuck Torres. The Olpe Fire Department Equipment Fundraiser featured a drawing for three separate firearms, with a limited number of tickets available for purchase. A 20-year class reunion was also held in conjunction with the Downhome festival.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Marion’s new city administrator is settling in
Marion gained a new city administrator on May 1. Marion City Administrator Brogan Jones graduated in May with his Masters in Public Administration from Wichita State University. He just turned 28 at the end of June. This is his first time being a city administrator, but he lived in and worked for the city of Lyons in code enforcement building inspections so there is some crossover for him. Jones, who is married with a child on the way—his wife is due in August—is happy to be settling into small town Marion. He and his wife moved there recently and enjoy many things about it. “We like that it’s not too far from home. It’s just an hour away. It’s still a small town like we’re used to. So we get out, and go on walks,” said Jones. “It’s quiet where we bought our house. So it’s just a nice small quiet town, and it’s got a lot of character that we don’t have back home. Everything back home is straight lines and boxes, but it’s not like that here.”
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
Kansas has record high teacher vacancies. But are schools finally at a turning point?
The number of teacher vacancies in Kansas schools remains at a record high, but state education officials have reason to believe a tide of increasing educator attrition is starting to turn. Kansas, as of earlier this spring, had 1,634 teaching vacancies, as reported by school districts to the Kansas State Department of Education’s licensure division, said director Shane Carter. That’s compared to 1,628 vacancies in fall 2022. Comparatively, school districts reported 1,381 vacancies in spring 2022, and 1,253 vacancies in fall 2021.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for July 14, 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, or Henry Schmidt.
Indigo Moo’d offers ice cream and a place for Lindsborg residents to gather
With memories of grabbing a cone as a child, and realizing the city didn’t have an ice cream shop, one woman decided to open one in downtown Lindsborg. Alison Replogle, who owns and operates Indigo Moo’d, said that when she and her husband, Shawn, would take walks in downtown Lindsborg, they would talk about how there weren’t many places open in the evening for families and other people in the community. “It’s (here) to have a place for people to gather and celebrate,” Replogle said.
Source: Hutch News
Engage Dodge Program: Connecting citizens to Dodge City
The City of Dodge City is excited to announce the launch of the 2023 Engage Dodge Program, an interactive educational opportunity designed to introduce citizens to City services, programs, and the dedicated employees who serve the Dodge City community. This program aims to enhance awareness, understanding, and engagement in local government, creating stronger connections between residents and the city they call home. The Engage Dodge Program consists of eight evening sessions, held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., starting Aug. 8 and concluding on Sept. 19.
Source: Dodge City Globe
Johnson County $4 billion Panasonic plant may get $8 billion in taxpayer incentives: report
Panasonic is expected to invest some $4 billion in a new De Soto battery plant, but it could receive twice that amount in taxpayer incentives. The Japanese electronics giant is poised to get as much as $6.8 billion from provisions in last year’s federal Inflation Reduction Act. That’s according to incentive watchdog group Good Jobs First, which analyzed the potential windfalls five electric vehicle battery plants could receive from a new tax credit program. Good Jobs First says the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit, which aims at increasing production of electric vehicles, could cost American taxpayers $200 billion over the next decade — far higher than previous estimates. State and local taxpayers have already heavily subsidized Panasonic’s battery plant, which crews are currently building on a portion of the former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant.
Source: Kansas City Star
Park City to see changes after license approved for historic horse racing facility
The Wichita Greyhound Park will now be transformed into the Golden Circle Historic Horse Racing Facility. Being the only one in Kansas, many expect the new attraction — home to 1,000 historic horse racing machines — to bring in people from all across the region. “You have a large building on almost 80 acres up in Park City. It’s a three-story building. The bones of the building are in great shape, but obviously, it hasn’t been in use for a decade and a half,” said Jason Watkins with Ruffin Holdings, Inc. … The facility adds another piece of economic development for the Park City area. “We hope as the star bond project progresses, that we’ll have an aquarium, more hotels, we have ball facilities. There’s a lot of things in the pipeline,” said Park City Mayor John Lehnherr.
Source: KSN-TV