Kansas Municipal News
Fed’s Waller sees likelihood of multiple half-point interest rate hikes ahead
Getting inflation under control will require raising interest rates at a faster pace than normal even though the pace of price increases probably has peaked, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said Wednesday. That means the central bank likely will hike short-term rates by half a percentage point, or 50 basis points, at its meeting in May, and possibly follow it up with similar moves in the next several months, Waller told CNBC. The Fed normally increases in 25-basis-point increments. “I think the data has come in exactly to support that step of policy action if the committee chooses to do so, and gives us the basis for doing it,” he said during a live “Closing Bell” interview with CNBC’s Sara Eisen. “I prefer a front-loading approach, so a 50-basis-point hike in May would be consistent with that, and possibly more in June and July.”
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Wichita Eagle Commentary: When Wichita stadium STAR bonds fall short, guess who pays
Sales Tax and Revenue Bonds — better known as STAR Bonds — are public debt issued by the city, to get public money to pay for private development projects. That bond debt has to be paid back. The loan is supposed to be paid off using sales tax money generated by the new development. But things go wrong. And when they do, it’s taxpayers who end up paying. STAR bond debt is tricky, because you can’t easily find the numbers. Let’s look at the new Wichita baseball stadium and its $42 million in STAR Bonds.
Source: Wichita Eagle
USDA Invests $2.55 Million to Support Rural Health Care Providers in Kansas
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced the awarding of $2.55 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants, benefitting 10 communities in rural Kansas. “The USDA mobilized our staff and resources to respond rapidly to the COVID-19 needs of rural health care providers in Kansas,” Fischer said. “USDA is helping to insure rural health care providers stay strong during the pandemic and will remain strong in the future.” The grants the USDA is awarding will help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities and purchase medical supplies.
The Kansas communities receiving grant funding are:
- Cheyenne County Public Building Commission will receive a $54,200 grant to use toward the purchase and installation of flooring and equipment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Saint Francis skilled nursing facility. The facility’s flooring and dining furniture cannot withstand the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s new required cleaning and sanitizing standards. The project will replace over 9,000 square feet of carpet and laminate flooring and purchase new dining room tables and chairs.
- Cloud County Health Center will receive a $369,600 grant to use toward the purchase of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine. An on-site MRI service will provide faster diagnosis and treatment, improving the quality of care.
- Winfield Rest Haven Inc. will receive a $307,600 grant to use toward reimbursing Winfield Rest Haven Inc. for lost revenues suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Winfield Rest Haven, a skilled nursing home, is open to all residents regardless of their ability to pay. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly reduced operating revenue to the facility.
- Atchison Hospital Association will receive a $414,800 grant to use toward reimbursing Atchison Hospital Association, Amberwell Health, for lost revenue in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This facility provides in-patient, out-patient, emergency care and physician services to patients in the county and surrounding areas.
- Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center will receive a $434,300 grant to use toward the purchase and installation of telehealth infrastructure and upgrade health information systems to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. The critical access hospital has faced unprecedented challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sumner County Hospital District #1 will receive a $91,100 grant to use toward the purchase of equipment and supplies to replace what was used during the COVID-19 pandemic, increase telehealth capabilities, purchase additional equipment to continue serving COVID-19 patients and provide vaccinations and testing at this Caldwell This project will allow the only hospital in Sumner County to continue providing health care protection and treatment for the COVID-19 pandemic and increase telehealth services.
- Prairie Sunset Home Inc. will receive a $74,600 grant to use toward reimbursing Prairie Sunset Home Inc., a skilled nursing home, for lost revenues from 2020 and 2021. The investment will also purchase supplies and equipment and improve information technology and telehealth capabilities to help the facility in its continued fight over COVID-19. This facility provides services to residents in a very small community and parts of Reno County.
- Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Inc. will receive a $657,700 grant to use toward purchasing medical equipment, medical vehicles and a pharmacy storage system to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support the hospital’s COVID-19 response in rural southeast Kansas.
- Frankfort Community Care Home will receive a $69,600 grant to use toward the reimbursement of lost revenues that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Sherman County Public Building Commission will receive an $83,100 grant to use toward purchasing equipment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and improve the quality of life for their residents. The purchase includes a digital screening system, air filtration machines and ceiling hoists for Topside Manor, the only facility of its kind in Goodland.
BASE Grant Awards Announced
With hundreds of applicants, BASE Grants were awarded to 35 entities. See the list here.
If you would like to discuss other funding options for your projects (other grants, federal funding, bonds, loans, etc.), please reach out to us at Ranson Financial for further information.
Playground turns into ninja course
This spring, the dream of a new “ninja warrior” style obstacle course became a reality. Five years ago, the sixth-grade student government organization at Inman Elementary School proposed getting playground equipment similar to the television show “American Ninja Warrior.” Fundraisers, such as the school’s field day and color run, were held for years to raise the funds to purchase the equipment. After $84,000 was collected, the school started making plans.
Source: Hutch News
Municipal Bond Trends for April 12, 2022
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 and Beth Warren.
New pickleball courts coming to Pittsburg this summer
Pickleball, a fun combination of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis, has made its way to Pittsburg. Given its newfound popularity, the west tennis courts by Four Oaks Golf Course will be made into six new Pickleball Courts. Toby Book, Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Director, is very excited for the new addition. “There’s a strong base of players here in Pittsburg,” he says, highlighting how in demand these courts are. The project will start, given acceptable weather, the first week of May and should take about a week to complete. A generous donation from Kansas Crossing Casino for $10,000 has helped to expedite the process. “At Kansas Crossing Casino we like to work hard and play hard,” says Kansas Crossing Casino General Manager Jeff McKain. “We believe that the pickleball courts will be a great addition to the community and are excited by the opportunity to help bring this to the Pittsburg area.”
Source: City of Pittsburg
Riley, Pottawatomie County fire officials remain vigilant as fire danger continues
A new fire affecting mostly public property near Tuttle Creek Lake gave Riley County firefighters some challenges Monday. This one was in the area of Baldwin Park Road, north of University Park. Riley County issued a new disaster declaration to request assistance. No structures were threatened and no evacuations were said to be necessary as of late Monday evening. Crews were conducting back burning to help reduce available fuels. At Monday’s Pottawatomie County Commission meeting, Emergency Management Director Jennifer Merrow noted the lake fire and Shannon Creek fires were both well contained. No structural damage was seen. “There was some smoldering, there was back burns done to prevent further spread, so overall it was contained very well. Firefighters in the county did one heck of a job over the weekend and all of last week. They’re exhausted,” she said.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Eureka, Newton, Topeka and Valley Center join Kansas downtown revitalization program
Eureka, Newton, Topeka and Valley Center are joining a state-run program focused on the revitalization and preservation of downtown districts across Kansas. Initially launched in 1985, the Kansas Mainstreet Program has assisted dozens of communities to maintain predominantly rural downtown areas. Since 2019, the program has added 10 communities, bringing the total to 32. Nearly $650,000 in grant dollars have gone toward building rehabilitation, entrepreneurial development, upper-floor housing and more. “When our main street businesses succeed, our economy succeeds,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “The program’s expansion is further proof of its success, and I’m pleased to welcome these four additional communities.”
Source: Kansas Reflector
Kelly pulls plug on electric delivery devices Amazon sought to operate on Kansas sidewalks
Gov. Laura Kelly threw up a roadblock to Amazon’s request for legal authority to operate fully electric, autonomous delivery devices in Kansas. The authorization bill vetoed by the governor was approved 22-17 in the Senate and 75-47 in the House, but neither margin would suggest there was support to override the governor’s veto. The Legislature could return to Senate Bill 161 when it reconvenes April 25 to close out the 2022 legislative session. She also rejected Senate Bill 493, which Republican legislators sought to thwart action by cities or counties to ban stores from using plastic packaging that often wound up littering the ground. This bill didn’t receive two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate to indicate a veto override was certain. Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election in November, said she wasn’t satisfied with safety precautions in the bill guiding operation of large robotic devices on residential sidewalks.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Gov. Kelly vetoes local bans on plastic bags, straws
Gov. Laura Kelly vetoes a bill that would have prevented cities and counties from banning, limiting or even taxing plastic bags, straws and food containers. Kelly rejected the measure Monday after previously telling reports that she was a “major local-control advocate.” The Senate approved the measure first in February, but its initial version did not explicitly cover plastic straws. The House made sure it did before passing the measure. The measure was backed by groups representing small business owners, restaurant operators and plastic bag manufacturers. Business owners argued that complying with a patchwork of local rules would increase their costs.
Source: KOAMKOAM
Neosho Ridge wind turbines no longer working, raising concerns with a county official
Liberty Utilities’ ‘Neosho Ridge’ Wind Farm in Neosho County, Kansas, is no longer working. One county commissioner says he wants to know why. Despite all the wind we’ve had recently, the turbines in Neosho County, haven’t been turning. District One Commissioner Paul Westhoff says it’s been more than two weeks since they were last operating. “What I was told is that their main transformer blew up, shorted out, whatever, and then their backup one did, and that’s why they’re down, so now they’re waiting on another transformer.” Westhoff says he has concerns about those who signed contracts to allow the turbines to be built on their property. “If they’re not spinning, the leasers are not getting paid, because they get paid so much per megawatt I believe, and if they’re not spinning, and my concern Chris is, is the county going to get their million dollars in May?”
Source: KOAMKOAM
Hiawatha Police Department receives Gold AAA Traffic Safety Award
The Hiawatha Police Department was among 35 law enforcement agencies who received AAA Kansas Community Traffic Safety Awards for 2021. The 35 agencies included 26 police departments and nine sheriff offices and the award was based on their work in 2021 to keep roadways in their cities and counties safe through a variety of initiatives and programs. The Hiawatha Police Department received the Gold Award for their work. The awards have been presented annually since 2011 by AAA Kansas to community law enforcement agencies for their efforts to successfully and cost-effectively foster and improve local traffic safety.
Source: Local News | hiawathaworldonline.com
Johnson County wants homeowners to destroy their Bradford pear trees — Here’s why
Let’s talk about very hungry caterpillars. In Kansas and Missouri, they face an increasingly difficult time finding things to eat. That’s making it ever harder for butterflies and moths to survive. Their populations are shrinking, especially in the Midwest, and the birds that eat them are disappearing, too. The invasive Callery pear trees (also known as Bradford pears, Cleveland pears, etc.) spreading like weeds across Kansas and Missouri don’t get all the blame — not by a long shot. And yet these ornamental trees with the white springtime blossoms and a pungent smell pose a significant problem. Stopping them from continuing to choke out native flowers, shrubs and trees would bring back food for wildlife.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Auburn-Washburn Voters: School Yes, Pool No
Andrew Howell, Shawnee County Election Commissioner, has announced the unofficial results for the USD 437 Mail Ballot election, which closed Tuesday at noon. Question 1, pertaining to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the construction of a middle school, not to exceed $145,000,000, passed 60.78%(5,657) to 39.22%(3,651). Question 2, pertaining to the issuance of general obligation bonds for the construction of a swimming pool, in an amount not to exceed $15,000,0000, failed 45.13%(4,199) to 54.87%(5,105). The voter turnout for the mail ballot election was 35.43%.
Source: WIBW News Now
Emerging Leaders panel says downtown Wichita progress can’t afford to slow down
Downtown Wichita has made major strides, but now is not the time to slow down. That theme jumped out during a panel discussion Tuesday at the Kansas Leadership Center, as local figures in economic development and real estate spoke to the Wichita Business Journal’s Emerging Leaders about downtown development. … The panel hit on a range of topics specific to downtown — including the residential and office markets, the walkability of the city’s core, development along the river, and Century II.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Mayor launches Seven Days of Kindness for UG employees
Unified Government CEO and Mayor Tyrone A. Garner issued a proclamation on Thursday, April 7, for the Seven Days of Kindness for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. A regional campaign with activities running April 13 through April 24, the initiative will be joined for the first time this year by the UG. “The Unified Government is proud to announce that we will be joining this year’s Seven Days of Kindness,” said CEO-Mayor Tyrone A. Garner. “Our goal is to remind ourselves of the importance of kindness in all that we do in service to one another, and in service to our community. It is through this effort that we hope to recognize those most deserving and to support a metro-wide initiative that also benefits us locally.”
Source: Wyandotte Daily
Muni Bond Boom Is Sputtering as Interest Rates Rise
Rising interest rates are threatening the municipal-bond boom on Wall Street, leaving governments less willing to borrow and households less willing to invest in the $4 trillion market. Bond issuance by state and local governments dropped 8% in the first quarter from a year earlier, with public officials calling off refinancings and spending down stimulus cash. At the same time, spooked investors yanked their money from municipal-bond funds, which suffered their biggest quarterly outflows since 2013. States and cities have been forced to cut prices to sell their bonds to banks and insurance companies because muni bond funds are no longer offering top dollar, dealers said.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Consumer prices rose 8.5% in March, slightly hotter than expected and the highest since 1981
Prices that consumers pay on everyday items surged in March to their highest levels since the early days of the Reagan administration, according to Labor Department data released Tuesday. The consumer price index, which measures a wide-ranging basket of goods and services, jumped 8.5% from a year ago on an unadjusted basis, above even the already elevated Dow Jones estimate for 8.4%. … The data reflected price increases not seen in the U.S. since the stagflation days of the late 1970s and early ’80s. March’s headline reading in fact was the highest since December 1981. Core inflation was the hottest since August 1982. … To combat inflation, the Federal Reserve has begun raising interest rates and is expected to continue doing so through the remainder of the year and into 2023.
Source: CNBC
Market Closing: Oxford grocery-store owners cite high costs
Nearly 16 months ago, in December 2020, the Oxford Hometown Market reopened under the ownership of Beau and Stacie Gilliland. They felt the people in Oxford and surrounding area had a need for a grocery store. Now, the store will be closing on April 30 with the owners citing high energy prices and the increase in the cost of products among others. “We are sad that this is happening,” said Stacie. “Our sales are down, and with the utility and product costs increasing, we decided we had to close. “I feel badly for those customers who have supported us since we opened and for those who are confined to their homes or have difficulty coming to the store. We took their orders and delivered them.”
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Municipal Bond Trends for April 11, 2022
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 and Beth Warren.
Girard Library install solar projects
A southeast Kansas library is working to take a modern approach with it’s newest project. Several new additions have been installed at the Girard Public Library. It includes an LED sign to display library activities and two solar powered benches and picnic tables — which are also wifi-enabled charging stations. This was made possible by ARPA grant from the Institute of Library and Museum Services. “More people that are doing work are doing it off laptops or devices and if you can charge while you’re working outside, we just thought it would be a more modern opportunity,” said Barbara Bailey, Girard Public Library Director.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Four New Communities Join Kansas Main Street Program
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the cities of Eureka, Newton, Topeka, and Valley Center are the newest Kansas Main Street Program members. The program targets downtown districts by developing a comprehensive preservation and revitalization strategy. “When our main street businesses succeed, our economy succeeds,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “That’s why my administration restarted the Kansas Main Street Program in 2019 – to help our communities reinvest in our small businesses, recruit new families to our state, and grow our economy. The program’s expansion is further proof of its success, and I’m pleased to welcome these four additional communities.” The Kansas Main Street program, initially launched in 1985, has helped dozens of primarily rural communities work toward maintaining and enhancing the viability of their downtown districts. Unfortunately, the Brownback Administration ended the successful program in 2012. Governor Kelly restarted the program in 2019, with support from the Kansas Legislature.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Governor Laura Kelly Recognizes National Community Development Week
Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed April 11-15 as National Community Development Week in Kansas. This week will celebrate the critical value community development programs and resources bring to our state. “Community development efforts are essential in supporting the Kansas economy, quality of life initiatives and growth of Kansas communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our programs, partnerships, and support help build thriving communities and we are thrilled to celebrate community development success across our state.” The Community Development Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce was reestablished by Governor Kelly in 2019. The division is dedicated to developing strong and vibrant communities across Kansas.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Newton’s Caleb Smith named top high school principal in Kansas
Newton High School Principal Caleb Smith is top of the class in Kansas. On Monday morning, USD-373 announced Smith had been named the 2022 Kansas principal of the year by the Kansas Principals Association. As previously written, Smith was a finalist for the state’s top designation among all secondary principals. “Mr. Smith has done an outstanding job of trying to create an amazing culture at Newton High School and within the Newton communities, and it shows,” Superintendent Fred Van Ranken said in a district press release. “I am so happy for Caleb to be recognized at the state level for what he and his team are doing at USD-373.”
Source: Harvey County Now
When Kansans needs help, they call 911 — but first responders don’t always get the help they need
In Kansas, first responders have been trying for years to pass legislation that would allow their psychological injuries to be covered by workers’ compensation. Proposals that would have covered such injuries once again failed to gain momentum during this year’s session. Responders say their line of work involves experiences that could cause post-traumatic stress disorder. But in Kansas, workers’ compensation coverage must be associated with a physical injury — firefighters, police and other first responders are not covered by injuries such as stress, anxiety and depression from a physical injury or a physical change caused by factors at work.
Source: KCUR
City reports success in odor control efforts at south Wichita treatment plant
The City of Wichita said crews worked throughout the weekend to bring an odor problem under control at the city’s Wastewater Plant 2, and those efforts appear to have been successful. The city reported a processing issue at the plant at 57th Street South and Hydraulic, and that was causing an odor problem. Crews used chemical suppressants and lime to help reduce odors, and staff reported no complaints over the weekend from the area surrounding the plant. Wastewater crews monitored the area and did not notice increased odors. The city is still investigating the cause of the processing issue, and there is no mechanical issue with the plant. The city said the plant is in compliance with all discharge requirements and it’s being closely monitored. City crews expect to have the process fixed within two weeks.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI
Dry land, high cost: How Kansas could lose billions in land values as its underground water runs dry
In increasingly dry western Kansas, underground water makes everything possible. Irrigation for crops. Stock water for cattle. Drinking water for towns. In all, the Ogallala Aquifer provides 70-80% of water used by Kansans each day. So how much is all that water worth? A recent study from Kansas State University says the aquifer under western Kansas increases land values by nearly $4 billion. But those billions are drying up at an accelerating rate. Aquifer water levels across western and central Kansas dropped by more than a foot on average this past year. That’s the biggest single-year decrease since 2015, according to the Kansas Geological Survey’s annual report.
Source: The Iola Register
Wichita City Council to vote on fuel surcharge for contracted groundskeepers
Rising gas prices are bringing challenges to many people and businesses. For some under contract, it’s putting them in a tight spot. The City of Wichita has several contracts with local businesses to maintain their grounds. Those crews pay for gas to travel to sites and to fuel their equipment. One contractor says the price at the pump is significantly higher now than when they entered their contract. “You are going from two something a gallon up to three something a gallon,” said Tracy Smith with Kansas Turfworx. “It definitely impacts because when you put gasoline in mowers every day and then you gotta drive around the city to 30 plus sites.”
Source: KSN-TV
Newton Police Department welcomes new K-9 unit
The Newton Police Department (NPD) announced on Facebook Monday that they have welcomed a new K-9 unit. Two-year-old Kilo, a Belgian Malinois imported from the Netherlands, has been partnered with Officer Austin Sontag. According to the NPD, the two have just completed five weeks of training together. Kilo and Officer Sontag received their initial training and certification from Hill Country Dog Center in Pipe Creek, Texas. The post states Kilo has been trained in narcotics detection, tracking, evidence recovery and patrol functions, which include building searches, area searches and suspect apprehension.
Source: KSN-TV
Governor vetoes bill banning bag restrictions
Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed a bill barring local governments from regulating plastic grocery bags and other material, saying it was an issue that should be left in the hands of local government. “This issue is a local decision, and it should be left to local governments based on what’s best for their constituents, stakeholders, and businesses in their community,” Kelly said in a statement. “As this bill advanced through the process, no evidence was provided demonstrating why the Legislature had a compelling public interest to repeal city and county local control and home rule over these matters. The Legislature passed the bill in response to the business community asking for consistency to any regulations of so-called “auxiliary containers,” which include bags, cup, packages, containers and bottles.
Source: Sunflower State Journal
Gov. Kelly signs bill to ban local ‘sanctuary city’ ordinances
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday signed a bill pushed by state Republicans to overturn three communities’ policies that could help immigrants stay in the state illegally. The bill was filed after Wyandotte County passed a “sanctuary” ordinance in February that would provide local identification cards for immigrants and other residents and would prevent local law enforcement from helping the federal government enforce immigration laws unless public safety is threatened. Lawrence and Roeland Park have similar ordinances. Kelly said in a statement announcing that she would sign the bill that immigration policy is a federal responsibility which can’t be resolved at the local level.
Source: KAKE – News
Topeka named as ‘Zoom Town’ in online report
The City of Topeka made a top 25 list for “Zoom Towns” in the U.S. which have a lot to offer to remote workers. The report, released Monday by the online real-estate website Ownerly.com, examined 1,488 cities across the U.S. to come up with a list of 25 which offer the most amenities to remote workers. Amenities include affordable housing, high-speed Internet, outdoor green space, childcare options and more. Topeka made the list, coming in at number four thanks to a variety of factors. These included things such as affordable housing, good access to public Wi-Fi, a high broadband score and ready access to public parks and trails. The report showed more than 70% of Topeka residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk from their homes, compared to 60% of people from other Midwestern cities. Locations like Lake Shawnee draw in thousands of visitors every year, while other places, such as the Combat Air Museum and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, offer opportunities for people to learn about culture and local history.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Salina government facing issues of hiring more employees
Employers across the nation are having a difficult time hiring right now, and one area where that is apparent is the shortage of workers in government. The City of Salina is facing issues hiring new employees. As of April 5, the city’s jobs website showed a total of 51 available openings in fulltime and part-time positions. There have been a number of factors leading up to this workforce issue, but the pandemic has made things much worse and more pronounced, even as studies have been showing this might be an issue in the public and municipal sector. “In city management circles 20-plus years ago, publications were predicting, demographically that the day was going to come,” said Salina City Manager Mike Schrage. “That shift of baby boomers leaving the (workforce) population was anticipated.”
Source: Salina Journal
Tasty H2O in Ark City
Who has the best tasting water in Kansas? According to the judges at a contest sponsored by the Kansas Rural Water Association last week, Arkansas City does. That honor is a repeat performance for the new water plant that opened in 2018. Ark City won the same award during the previous KRWA conference in 2019. “Congratulations to our water professionals,” City Manager Randy Frazer said. “They did a great job of producing the best-tasting water in the state of Kansas.” Water samples from more than 20 communities were judged by a team of professionals. Frazer said the judges narrowed the competition to five finalists.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Chanute Housing programs explained
Some residents do not understand how the Chanute Housing Authority assists people with rent, and there has been upset over increases in rental costs. The authority offers Housing and Urban Development programs, Executive Director Nicci Wiltse said, but some applicants and taxpayers might be confused about how they work. CHA has two programs. Section 8 is a voucher program, where tenants rent from landlord owners. Tenants in the other program live in city-owned housing with rent options of either a flat rate or based on 30 percent of the participant’s gross annual income. Although different, many applicants confuse the two programs.
Source: www.chanute.com
Here’s how the Fed raising interest rates can help get inflation lower, and why it could fail
The view that higher interest rates help stamp out inflation is essentially an article of faith, based on long-held economic gospel of supply and demand. But how does it really work? And will it work this time around, when bloated prices seem at least partially beyond the reach of conventional monetary policy? It is this dilemma that has Wall Street confused and markets volatile. In normal times, the Federal Reserve is seen as the cavalry coming into quell soaring prices. But this time, the central bank is going to need some help. “Can the Fed bring down inflation on their own? I think the answer is ‘no,'” said Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors. “They certainly can help rein in the demand side by higher interest rates. But it’s not going to unload container ships, it’s not going to reopen production capacity in China, it’s not going to hire the long-haul truckers we need to get things across the country.”
Source: CNBC
Fed’s Bullard says interest rate policy is ‘behind the curve,’ but it’s making progress
The Federal Reserve needs to raise interest rates substantially to control inflation but may not be as “behind the curve” as it appears, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said Thursday. One of the Federal Open Market Committee’s most “hawkish” members in favor of tighter policy, Bullard said a rules-based approach suggests the central bank needs to hike its benchmark short-term borrowing rate to about 3.5%. However, he said bond market adjustments to the Fed’s more aggressive policy, in which yields have surged higher, suggest rates are not that far askew. “If you take account of [forward guidance], we don’t look so bad. Not all hope is lost. That is the basic gist of this story,” Bullard said in a speech at the University of Missouri.
Source: CNBC
Exposing the Russian spies who attempted to hack a Kansas nuclear plant
Three young Russian spies, Pavel, Mikhail and Marat, working from computers in a 27-story skyscraper at 12 Prospekt Vernadskogo in Moscow, over five years targeted the Wolf Creek nuclear power plant in Burlington, Kansas. They were on a sophisticated cyber reconnaissance mission to learn about the inner workings of the plant to prepare for a possible precision electronic assault by the Russians. That is the story that broke March 24, when the U.S. Department of Justice suddenly and somewhat mysteriously unsealed an indictment against the hapless trio. The indictment was filed under seal on Aug. 26, 2021, in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, and lay gathering dust for seven months.
Source: KCUR News
Edgerton continues moving forward
Don Roberts, mayor, said there was a lot of fantastic stuff happening for Edgerton and a lot of accomplishments the past year. “Opportunities turn into accomplishments,” he said, at the State of the City address March 31 at Edgerton City Hall. Roberts highlighted 2021 new projects including the 207th Street Grade Separation and Glendell Acres Park renovation. Roberts said the 207th Street project was needed especially for emergency services to be able to cross the railroad tracks. Dennis Meyers, Johnson County Fire District 1 fire chief, said it was a game changer for public safety. “It is meaningful to no longer be held up at the tracks,” he said. Dan Merkh, public works director, said the project wasn’t a financial burden to residents.
Source: Gardner News
Area around this Wichita sewage plant will be more stinky after apparent operator error
Wichitans living around the wastewater plant at 57th Street South and Hydraulic may be smelling “increased odors” for the next two weeks after an apparent operator error, city officials said in a news release. Officials said no health impact is expected from the odors, but the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been notified about the issue. “Officials at the City of Wichita want residents in the vicinity of the plant to be aware of the likelihood of increased odors caused by a temporary change in process to the treatment of bio solids … Staff is taking steps to bring in extra equipment to expedite the processing and abate the odor as much as possible with the application of lime and other odor control chemicals,” the news release says. “There are no mechanical issues with the plant.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Derby tabs Megan Sneller to be new Director of Finance
On April 7, Derby City Manager Kiel Mangus announced the hiring of Megan Sneller to serve as the new Director of Finance. She will officially assume the duties as of May 15. As Director of Finance, Sneller will serve as a member of the city’s management team and play a vital role for all city operations. In her position, Sneller will oversee risk management, all accounting and budgeting operations for the city, and debt management. Sneller will replace longtime Director of Finance Jean Epperson, who is set to retire on June 14.
Source: Derby Informer
‘The state of our city is strong’: Wichita mayor gives State of the City address
Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple touched on the economic progress the city has made in the past year during his State of the City address Thursday. Mayor Whipple’s address included praise for the city’s approval of a Non-Discrimination Ordinance to protect Kansans. “Wichita is open for business for everyone,” Whipple said in reference to that ordinance. He also addressed the city’s decision to raise minimum wage for city employees to $15 an hour and the PROPEL micro loan program created to help small business owners. “[PROPEL] is filling in the gap,” said Whipple. “And is making sure we can not only invest in our employees in the city but that we also empower those small businesses.”
Source: KAKE – News
Your Community: New season of the Johnson County Library podcast
The 2022 season of the Johnson County Library podcast, “Did you hear?,” kicked off on April 1. In this episode, “Silver and Gold,” the Library asked a new employee and an employee counting the days until retirement the same 10 questions. You’ll want to hear their answers. Regular listeners will notice that there are a couple of new changes to the podcast. First, episodes will be shortened to 30 minutes. You still get the same great content but now in a shorter format. Second, recordings will now be done at the newly renovated Central Resource Library. The Library is looking forward to another great season. The “Did you hear?” podcast is your Library insider and a fun way to hear about what the Library is up to. It pulls back the curtain to reveal how the Library is able to do what it does. It shines a light on services, events and the collection to illuminate how the Library can help you to be your best.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Candidates are in for Overland Park’s city manager- Here’s what’s next
Overland Park is on its way to finding a new city manager. Applications to fill the vacancy created by Bill Ebel’s retirement earlier this year officially closed last month, and the city’s specially appointed screening committee began reviewing candidates this week. What happens next: The pool has been narrowed down to eight candidates, according to members of the committee. Those candidates will be invited to submit video responses to questions the city has prepared. From there, the screening committee will choose four or five candidates to invite for in-person interviews in a couple of weeks.
Source: Prairie Village Post