Kansas Municipal News
Municipal Bond Trends for December 12, 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.
Municipal Bond Trends for December 11, 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.
Governor Kelly Encourages Kansans to Vote on New License Plate Design
Governor Laura Kelly today shared how Kansans will be able to weigh in on the next State of Kansas license plate. Starting today, Kansans can go to KSPlates.kansas.gov to vote for their favorite plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism. Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15. … The five options, while continuing to align with Kansas Tourism’s “To the Stars” branding and the already announced guidelines, incorporate previous public feedback such as a lighter blue on the original proposal, a State of Kansas outline, wheat, and sunflowers. The plate proposals were also chosen because they prioritize public safety. Clear, simple designs enable law enforcement officers and traffic systems to quickly and easily read the license plate number.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Going from economic rut to groove in Liberal, Kansas
Is Liberal stuck in a rut? A year and a half ago, José Lara thought so. The U.S. Census showed Liberal and Seward County losing population. There were only about 10 new houses being built each year in town. He wasn’t seeing new businesses open. “Our actual growth at that point was very, very limited. I definitely believe Liberal was in a rut,” he says. “We were not growing at a point that I would be comfortable with.” Lara, 32, an insurance agent who is married with three young kids, decided to get involved in his community. He ran for a seat on the Liberal City Commission, won and is now the first bilingual Latino mayor. … Language gaps such as the one Lara describes are an example of hidden barriers that can hold communities back. It’s hard for many to see them until there’s a crisis or an inadvertent solution comes along – in this case, Spanish-speaking commissioners coming on board – that quickly makes clear how things have advanced. But can community members also make conscious choices together that improve their economies? That’s what Lara and a group of about a dozen Liberal residents have been trying to learn through an effort over the past six months to improve what’s been termed the “entrepreneurial ecosystem.” … Through a three-month pilot program called Heartland Together… Liberal’s trailblazing dozen have been working to strengthen their leadership skills in order to get more people engaged in shaping their entrepreneurial ecosystem for the better. The hope is the training and activities associated with the program will help members of the community more effectively connect their networks and resources.
Source: KLC Journal
Kansas childcare task force calls for ‘one-stop shop’
A panel of early childhood leaders in Kansas is calling on state leaders to reduce “red tape” regarding the childcare system. Kansas Early Childhood Transition Task Force (ECTTF), established by Governor Laura Kelly through the first executive order of her second term, presented its final report for 2023 on Monday. Gov. Kelly responded to questions about what she’d be able to get done on her “wishlist” for early childhood education during next year’s session. “I don’t see it as a wishlist. I see it as a roadmap and a blueprint for how we can rearrange programs that we’re already providing, but do it in a way that makes it easier for families… [so] there’s more of a one-stop shop for early childhood services rather than this maze that they have to go through now,” Kelly said.
Source: KSN-TV and Governor of the State of Kansas.
JoCo Notes: Overland Park residents can weigh in on new parks master plan
Overland Park is revising its citywide parks master plan for the first time in a decade, and the public is being invited to weigh in. The city will host a public open house Monday night from 5-7 p.m. at Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., in which residents will be able to provide their thoughts on city parks going forward. Residents can also share their feedback through an online survey through the end of December. The master plan revision, dubbed Playbook OP, is billed as way to guide Overland Park’s “efforts to acquire and develop parks and greenways and enhance recreation opportunities” in the future. You can read more about Playbook OP and the current parks master plan on the city’s website.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
City of Hutchinson working to help homeless
The City of Hutchinson is seeing a rise in the homeless population, and community leaders said they want to do what they can to help. People sleeping under bridges is becoming more of a common sight in Hutchinson, but community advocates say this growing issue goes beyond not having a place to stay. “On a larger scale, there’s cuts and budgets with health care and mental health concerns and substance abuse so that directly affect homelessness, and that’s definitely something that we feel the weight and burden of that right now,” Jerome Bernard, the manager at Noel Lodge, said. The United Way of Reno County Director of Community Outreach, Valerie Taylor, said the homelessness crisis is also affecting youth. “We even see people in our high school who are unhoused, so I think that this is definitely something that is deep-rooted and is not singled out to one certain type of person,” Taylor said. The Noel Lodge, which is part of the nonprofit New Beginnings, is a temporary shelter for people to go to and has an occupancy of up to 25. Bernard said it’s a place for people to feel safe and welcome. “There’s so many different scenarios to why people are here,” Bernard said. “We tend to judge a certain group of people, saying this is the only group, but life happens to everybody.”
Source: KSN-TV
Kansas opens up vote on new license plate design
Kansans have less than a week to vote on the state’s new license plate design. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly shared how Kansans will be able to weigh in on Monday. Kansans have until Friday, Dec. 15, to choose from five designs. Residents can go to KSPlates.kansas.gov to vote for their favorite plate. “Kansans have offered their thoughts on our state’s next license plate through social media and elsewhere, even sending potential designs to my office. Many of these designs were beautiful, but we’re moving forward with this voting process to ensure law enforcement can easily read the selected license plate and to get safer plates on the streets as soon as possible,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I encourage Kansans to make their voices heard and am looking forward to announcing the winner next week.” Each design was created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism. According to state officials, the five options continue to align with Kansas Tourism’s “To the Stars” branding and the already announced guidelines. They also incorporate previous public feedback, such as a lighter blue on the original proposal, a State of Kansas outline, wheat, and sunflowers. Officials say the plate proposals were also chosen because they prioritize public safety. Clear, simple designs enable law enforcement officers and traffic systems to quickly and easily read the license plate number. “It is critical that Kansans be able to quickly identify a vehicle by its license plate – whether that be when reporting erratic driving behaviors, crashes, or Amber Alerts to law enforcement,” Captain Candice Breshears, Kansas Highway Patrol, said. “Every second counts in an emergency, which is why we appreciate that the backgrounds of these license plates do not interfere with the plate combinations.”
Source: KSN-TV
Koester named superintendent of USD 413
The USD 413 Board of Education has hired Matt Koester as the superintendent of USD 413 schools. Koester said he is extremely grateful for this opportunity, noting his love for the school district and community of Chanute. “It just means a lot to me to be able to give back to our system and try to create the best system in the state of Kansas for our kids,” Koester said. Koester most recently served as interim superintendent since July. The board selected him as interim superintendent when Kellen Adams announced his resignation this past March. The USD 413 Board of Education made this announcement on Thursday. “We are pleased to announce that we offered Mr. Koester the position of superintendent and he has accepted. Mr. Koester has proved to be ‘all in’ for Chanute, and we are excited to see where he takes the district in the years to come,” said BOE President Heather Guernsey. Born and raised in Chanute, Koester is a 1994 graduate of Chanute High School and has worked in various roles for the previous two decades at USD 413. He previously served as the assistant superintendent, principal and assistant principal of Chanute Elementary School, interim principal of Chanute High School during the 2020-2021 academic year and also as a teacher. “Even when I started the career path of teaching, I would have never placed myself in the position I am in today,” he said. Spending his entire career here, Koester said USD 413 is the only place he wants to be.
Source: The Chanute Tribune
Lansing officials want to turn old section of state prison into a museum
Local authorities are mulling a proposal to turn a portion of the oldest penitentiary in Kansas into a tourist destination. Lansing officials and the Lansing Historical Society have announced a plan to save a large section of the Lansing Correctional Facility and preserve it as an income-generating piece of history. The plan would preserve the old prison, including some inmate cells and the prison auditorium, where music legend Johnny Cash performed for inmates in 1970. Roughly 24 hundred inmates still reside at the prison. The proposal reportedly still needs approval from the Kansas Department of Corrections before it can move forward.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Dodge City named one of the most welcoming towns in Kansas
The iconic western town of Dodge City has been recognized as One of the Most Welcoming Towns in Kansas by World Atlas, a leading global publisher of travel and serving more than 165 million annual readers. Although once known for saloons, gambling halls, and gunfights, Dodge City has transformed into a peaceful, hospitable community that captivates visitors with its rich history and small-town charm. Nestled on the high plains in southwest Kansas, Dodge City offers travelers the opportunity to experience the spirit of the Old West. Must-see stops include the Boot Hill Museum, the Santa Fe Trail Rut Site, the Home of Stone Museum, and the historic downtown district lined with shops, restaurants, and the Trail of Fame. Annual events like Dodge City Days, an Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration, the Ford County Fair, and Christmas in Dodge City draw visitors from across the country year-round. “We’re proud that Dodge City’s Midwestern charm and our community’s warmth shines through for visitors,” said Megan Welsh, director of Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In Dodge City, we have embraced and preserved our Cowboy heritage for more than 150 years. We invite all travelers to experience our town’s hospitality and special brand of Western culture.” For more information about planning a trip or relocating to Dodge City, go to www.visitdodgecity.org. Discover why Dodge City tops the list as One of the Most Welcoming Towns in Kansas.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Governor Kelly Announces Heartland Flyer Passenger Rail Expansion Moves Forward in Kansas
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the proposed extension of the Heartland Flyer passenger rail corridor is among the projects selected by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for inclusion in the Corridor Identification and Development (ID) Program. The Corridor ID Program will provide funding for the development of a Service Development Plan (SDP), which is expected to be completed in spring 2024. In this first cycle of Corridor ID Program awards, $500,000 will go to the development of the Heartland Flyer Corridor SDP. The proposed Corridor would connect Amtrak’s existing Heartland Flyer intercity passenger rail service between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, extending north to Wichita and then Newton. The proposed Corridor would include new station stops in the Oklahoma cities of Edmond, Perry, and Ponca City, as well as Kansas stops in Arkansas City, Wichita, and Newton. “The extension of the Heartland Flyer Passenger Rail would further connect Kansans to Oklahoma City and North Central Texas, unlocking business, educational, and cultural opportunities to Kansans and enabling our neighbors to the south to add to the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “One of Kansas’ greatest assets is that we are in the center of the country, which is why my administration has supported rail projects like this to build on that strength.” The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) submitted the Corridor ID Program proposal in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Transportation. KDOT has already completed a scope, schedule, cost estimate, and other preliminary staging needed for the Heartland Flyer expansion. This advance work, combined with ongoing support of state and local governments, significantly strengthened the three-state application, and has advanced the Heartland Flyer extension into the FRA funding pipeline.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Municipal Bond Trends for December 8, 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.
Local photographer retires, becomes new utility clerk
Longtime Hiawatha resident Deb Christian started her first full day as the new utility clerk for the City of Hiawatha on Dec. 3. Christian’s official start day was on Dec. 1, which is the same day she retired from photography and operating Deb’s Images. “I’m still finishing out some accounts in my photography business,” Christian said. “But I’m not taking any new clients.” Christian learned about the utility clerk position in the newspaper and saw it on Facebook a few times. “It was a couple of months ago,” Christian recalled. “And I thought ‘I wonder if I am qualified to do that job,’ decided to step out of my comfort zone and apply and that’s what happened. And I got it!” Christian is in her training phase in the clerk position. She also remarked that it has kept her busy and she is being trained on processing water payments. “There’s a lot to learn!” Christian remarked. Before becoming a utility clerk, Christian practiced photography for 30 years, and has operated a storefront for 25. She remembered enjoying photography but also gave reasons for needing to retire. “I loved every aspect of it except for the physical part, which was getting to be harder and harder and harder for me as I get older,” Christian explained. “And I have some health issues that are restricting me from doing the best of my ability.”
Source: Local News | hiawathaworldonline.com
Pool code update goes to Derby’s trades board
Following lengthy discussion and input, the Derby City Council took action at its Nov. 28 meeting for staff to take pool code language changes to the Building Trades Advisory board for review. The change would be to the international residential code (IRC) portion of the municipal code. After council feedback, staff brought an amended pool code policy forward for consideration. The updated policy would leave all pool safety requirements currently in the municipal code (needing security fencing, to follow nuisance abatement requirements, etc.) for in-ground and above-ground pools over 24” in height. However, any soft-sided above-ground pools (defined as movable prefabricated swimming pools that are constructed with nonmetallic, molded polymeric walls, or inflatable fabric walls) would be exempt from permitting requirements. Staff reported Derby has permitted and inspected 66 in-ground pools and 16 above-ground pools since 2018.
Source: Derby Informer | News
The state, county and Ideatek undertake Internet project for eastern Harvey County
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development awarded $3.9 million to Ideatek to fund building 150 miles of fiber-optic lines to serve 450 residents and businesses in eastern Harvey County. Harvey County, in turn, will pay up $250,000 for the project. In a release, Ideatek stated the total cost of the project to be $5 million. “This grant really helps us hit that business case that we need to bring fiber optic out to these rural areas,” James Krstolich, community and public relations manager for Ideatek, said. “The whole point of these grants is they help us get to these residents that wouldn’t be served any other way.” County Commissioner Randy Hague stated in the release by Ideatek that the expansion will provide improved access to information and services for residents and businesses alike. “These grant funds will deliver meaningful service in their everyday lives,” he said. “We appreciate Ideatek and the Kansas Department of Commerce for collaborating on this opportunity to benefit our citizens.” According to the release, the project will begin in 2024 and will be completed in phases. The work would connect into the City of Walton.
Source: Harvey County Now
A Hidden Risk in the Municipal Bond Market: Hackers
Local governments are spending big to mop up after hacks and prevent new ones. That means peril—and opportunity—for the investors who buy their bonds. Hacks are on the rise across all industries, but the public sector’s weak protections make it an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals. Cybercrime has left schools, hospitals and utilities from Baltimore to Los Angeles struggling to pay ransom, restore services and boost security. Finances have suffered, threatening credit ratings. The number of K-12 public schools suffering ransomware attacks almost doubled between 2021 and 2022 to almost 2,000 a year, according to a report by Emsisoft, a cybersecurity company. The growing use of technology in education, which was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as healthcare’s reliance on IT infrastructure, has made schools and hospitals particularly vulnerable, according to analysts. “This year alone, we’ve seen a lot more of these attacks compared to prior years, and it’s a concern that has come up in almost every discussion that we have with issuers,” said Li Yang, lead analyst at S&P Global Ratings.
Source: WSJ.com: Markets
Wichita library adds locks to some bathroom doors for public safety
As you walk to the family restrooms at the Advanced Learning Library in Downtown Wichita, you’ll run into a problem. A small silver lock. The only thing that can open it is a tiny gold coin that you get from the service desk. The library added the locks a couple of months ago because it says there were multiple incidents of people locking the doors and spreading human waste around the bathroom as well as other things. “We have had some instances to be quite honest of drug use, and some other things going on,” said Sean Jones, the library’s communications specialist. That’s why the library installed locks on two of its three family restroom doors about two months ago. Jones says there was originally some confusion but now most people understand why this change is taking place. “It’s a little bit more inconvenient but if it helps with safety it’s fine,” said library visitor Behrooz Rahbar. Jones says the family restroom in the children’s area remains unlocked because he knows sometimes children have emergencies and parents need to be able to access the restroom quickly. While there’s now a coin slot it is still completely free to use the public restroom. Visitors will need to go to the front desk to get a small gold coin that they will use to unlock the door.
Source: KAKE – News
Overland Park moves to allow e-bikes, e-scooters on city trails
Overland Park plans to permanently allow e-mobility devices, like e-bikes and electric scooters, on its city trails. On Monday, the Overland Park City Council Community Development Committee voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the new ordinance and the repeal of an existing one prohibiting motorized devices and vehicles on trails. “To me, this kind of seems like something that’s coming to us whether we like it or not,” Councilmember Logan Heley, who chairs the committee, said. “They’re probably going to use the trails whether we say it’s OK or not.” Former Councilmembers Scott Hamblin and Fred Spears previously sat on this committee, but their terms have expired and the mayor has yet to fill their seats on the committee. The proposed ordinance formalizes two pilot programs that allowed e-bikes and scooters on city bike and hiking trails. The initial pilot program, which started in 2020, permitted some e-bikes on Overland Park trails. About a year and a half later, the city expanded the pilot to include more types of e-bikes and scooters. Mike Burton, park project coordinator for Overland Park, told the committee this week that allowing e-bikes and scooters on the trails was met with mixed reviews from the community, though the feedback leaned positive overall.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Double Trouble: Investors Fight Fed on Two Fronts
Investors are betting against the Fed—twice over. The first bet is the sudden turn from expecting the Federal Reserve to keep rates higher for longer to instead expecting rapid and deep cuts next year. The second bet is almost the exact opposite, that the Fed will have to keep rates much higher in the long run than it says it will. Treasury yields have come down, but at around 4.1% the 10-year yield remains more than 1.5 percentage points above the Fed’s forecast of long-run interest rates. Both bets go against the popular market dictum: Never fight the Fed. Yet, there are good reasons to think the Fed might be wrong, stronger in my view for the long-term wager than the short-term. The bet on rapid rate cuts became received wisdom remarkably quickly, which in itself is concerning. Six weeks ago the market was convinced that the Fed would keep rates high next year, with only two rate cuts priced in. Now, five cuts are priced in, against a Fed forecast in September of just one cut from current levels. The most extreme investors expect cuts really soon, with federal-fund futures showing a 14% chance of a rate cut in January, according to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool.
Source: WSJ.com: Markets