Kansas Municipal News
Municipal Bond Trends for July 28, 2020
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.
Parsons schools to begin the year remotely
The Parsons School District will be starting classes remotely for all students this fall. But the hope is to get back to face-to-face classes. Lori Ray, Superintendent, Parsons School District, said, “Students will start remotely, and so we’re looking to do that, we’re looking at the Labette county numbers in regards to the virus, and trying to be very cognicent of having kids come back and staff come back.”
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Shawnee County districts finalize school reopening plans
After numerous committee meetings, board of education discussions and communications from parents, staff and the community, the five Shawnee County school districts have settled on plans for starting the 2020-2021 school year. Their overall frameworks are similar, divided into three components consisting of on-site learning, remote virtual learning and a hybrid of on-site and remote learning. Each district chose one of the three based on what they felt was safest and best for their students and parents. Most went with a hybrid learning model, which will allow for 50% of the students to be in the classroom for two days each week, either Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Ask now for local slice of $5.7M virus aid
The Ellis County committee handing out $5.74 million in federal COVID-19 aid to Ellis County wants applications now. Anyone getting the aid, which is being passed down to the county through the state of Kansas, must spend it before Dec. 30. Any money not spent goes back to the state. Local applications for reimbursement of COVID-19 expenses, or for direct aid for COVID-19, are due by noon Monday, Aug. 3. “I really hope we get a lot of applications,” said J.D. Cox, Ellis County administrator, who assembled and leads the committee. “It just worries me that we would have money that would be left on the table and goes back to the state.”
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)
KDHE amends travel quarantine list
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list. Florida as well as those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain, but Arizona, Bahrain and French Guiana are removed effective today. Those traveling internationally are subject to CDC re-entry guidance and protocols. This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have traveled to: Florida on or after June 29. Arizona between June 17 – July 27. Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15. International travel to Bahrain or French Guiana July 14 – July 26.
(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)
24 Sedgwick Co. inmates test positive for COVID-19
The Sedgwick County Detention Facility confirmed Tuesday that 22 inmates tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number to 24. This comes after the detention facility confirmed two cases last week and said it would test inmates and staff who were possibly exposed. Sheriff Jeff Easter said in a press release that 27 inmates are still quarantined under Kansas Department of Health and Environment guidelines. The 27 inmates have either tested negative or results are pending.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Winfield approved food truck regulations
Winfield City Commissioners approved regulations specifically for food trucks during their meeting last week. The new regulations establish a mobile food vending license with its own fee structure. License fees are $25 for one week, $50 for one month, $200 for six months and $400 for an annual license, according to a copy of the ordinance. Previously, food truck owners could only obtain a peddler’s permit, which is good for five days before it must be renewed. Food truck owners have told city officials in the past that this is impractical.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Roeland Park to consider additional language clarifying permissibility of fire pits
The Roeland Park City Council last week agreed to consider additional language to its existing city code clarifying that fire pits are allowed. After being asked to review and present the city’s current language, city staff conducted a survey of the following nine Johnson County cities and found six cities include firepit specific language in their city codes. City staff also checked in with the county fire marshall and determined all cities have adopted the county fire code in which recreational burning of firepits are permitted.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
KSHSAA will allow students who choose remote learning to participate in sports
The Kansas State High School Activities Association’s board last week approved a policy change that will allow students who choose to receive all of their instruction remotely for the fall semester to participate in sports and other activities. Standing policy prior to the board’s adoption of the change required that students be physically in class at least one day per week to participate in sports and other KSHSAA activities. With the likelihood that many students who would like to participate in sports and other activities may choose remote learning for the fall semester on account of the pandemic, KSHSAA deemed it advisable to update its policy.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Gov. Laura Kelly to consider returning to Phase 2 of reopening
If current Kansas COVID-19 trends continue, Gov. Laura Kelly would consider moving the state back to Phase 2 of reopening. Kelly announced the possibility of taking a step back in the “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” during a news conference Monday afternoon at the state Capitol. Kelly said she plans to keep an eye on the numbers this week and will make a determination early next week about whether to issue an executive order that would again limit mass gatherings to no more than 15 people and close most entertainment venues, swimming pools, and bars and nightclubs.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 27, 2020
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.
Lawrence participating in study to test sewage for prevalence of coronavirus infections
The City of Lawrence will be taking part in a study that tests sewage as a way of tracking coronavirus infections. As part of a study contracted through the University of Kansas School of Engineering, the city has been taking weekly sewage samples at both wastewater treatment plants to test for components of the virus that are shed in excrement, according to a city news release. The city has partnered with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to share data and collaborate on the study.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
KSHSAA will allow students who choose remote learning to participate in sports
KSHSAA has announced that students will be permitted to participate in fall sports and activities if they choose to receiving academic instruction remotely. A previous policy required students to be in class in person at least one day per week. File photo. The Kansas State High School Activities Association’s board last week approved a policy change that will allow students who choose to receive all of their instruction remotely for the fall semester to participate in sports and other activities. Standing policy prior to the board’s adoption of the change required that students be physically in class at least one day per week to participate in sports and other KSHSAA activities. With the likelihood that many students who would like to participate in sports and other activities may choose remote learning for the fall semester on account of the pandemic, KSHSAA deemed it advisable to update its policy.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Celebrating 150 years of Wichita
Wichita turns 150 this month and there’s a lot to unpack in the century and a half since its founding. But viewing our story as a whole can help us uncover Wichita’s identity — our unique wins and losses that turned us into the city we are today. Here’s a breakdown of some of the events that shaped Wichita over the past 150 years…
(Read more: The Chung Report)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 24, 2020
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.
Officials give more details on Oswego storm
Residents of Oswego continue to recover from the July 11 storm that struck, leaving extensive damage in its wake. During the Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting Thursday, 911 director Brandi Grassl said the National Weather Service compiled a presentation showing what happened. “It was pretty educational,” Grassl said.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Peabody departments get PPE donation
Peabody, KS Peabody Police and Fire Departments are better equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to respond to medical calls during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a grant from Peabody Community Foundation (PCF) to Marion County Emergency Services. Randy Frank, county Emergency Management Director, presented supplies including gloves, face shields, masks, and gowns on July 7 at the Peabody Fire Station to Peabody police and firefighters.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Baxter Springs get a chance to share a meal with the Chief of Police
Baxter Springs residents have the chance to share a meal with the Chief of Police. Rita’s event center in Baxter Springs hosted breakfast with the chief, Saturday. Residents were able to purchase a breakfast and chat with members of the local police force. The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for citizens to get to know the men and women behind the badge.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Leavenworth awarded $1 million for street project
The city of Leavenworth has been awarded $1 million in funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation to replace pavement on Fourth Street in the downtown area. This project was one of 36 recently announced by the Kansas Department of Transportation as part of the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. CCLIP provides funding for improvements to state highways that extend through cities, according to a news release from KDOT.
(Read more: News – Butler County Times Gazette)
Boot Hill Distillery expansion project set
Boot Hill Distillery has plans to break ground this year on the first phase of a multi-year expansion project that will be located at the corner of 14th Avenue and US-56 highway in Dodge City. Included in the first phase of the expansion plan is the construction of a rickhouse to age barrels and a warehouse for inventory and supplies, before moving on to additional phases including: buildings for packaging, warehousing, additional rickhouses, malt houses …
(Read more: State News – Morning Sun)