Water quality starting to improve for Carbondale

If you’re living in Carbondale, you’ve probably noticed that the water quality from your tap has been lackluster in past weeks. The people of Carbondale have had brown and yellow water coming out of their taps for the past month now which has left residue on bathtubs and dishes. It has left community members worried about what’s in their water. According to the city mayor, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has been working with the city of Carbondale for the last couple of weeks to fix the discoloration issue. In order to resolve the problem, the city began to bleed the lines throughout the distribution system, believing a reoccurring problem of dirt accumulating inside the pipes to be the issue.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Ranson Financial2022-05-18T00:08:05-05:00May 18, 2022|News|

Wichita City Council rejects police impound price hikes, strikes down towing contract

The Wichita City Council rejected contracts with nine towing companies that impound vehicles for the Wichita Police Department, with one member saying the move hurts small businesses and another accusing the firms of price gouging at the expense of some of city’s most vulnerable residents. The move represents a failed, last-minute renegotiation of a contract that’s set to expire June 1. The City Council delayed the contract earlier this month in hopes the companies would alter their proposal. That did not happen.
Source: Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2022-05-18T07:05:39-05:00May 18, 2022|News|

Lawrence City Commission to discuss costs — estimated at more than $100M — to expand city past K-10

As the City of Lawrence contemplates jumping its long-held border along Kansas Highway 10, city leaders are due to get an update on what infrastructure and services — streets, sewers, emergency response — will be needed and how much it will cost. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive a presentation on a study of the infrastructure needs and costs for an area generally west of K-10. Taken together, the anticipated costs total more than $100 million. There has been interest in developing that area, and the city has been updating its previously created plans for the area.
Source: LJWorld

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:43:10-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

Great Bend OKs police/fire retirement plan

Following the recommendation of a mayoral committee, the Great Bend City Council Monday night approved the city’s long-awaited profit-sharing plan for uniformed first responders. A special sales tax approved by voters last November funds the plan that came in response to complaints from emergency personnel about their retirement options.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:33:53-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

After 30 years with sheriff’s office, retired lieutenant reflects on law enforcement, diversity and recruiting young people to the profession

As Lt. Clark Rials enjoys his retirement, he has no regrets about staying close to home. “I had an offer from the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, and back then I wanted to be a patrol officer,” says Rials, a recently retired Douglas County sheriff’s deputy, as he thinks back to the start of his career. “I wanted to get out and be a deputy, carry the gun, drive the fast cars and all that good stuff.” It has been 25 years since Rials turned down that offer. He is now celebrating — and relaxing — after 30 years working with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Source: LJWorld

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:23:51-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for May 16, 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.

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:22:39-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Tourism Attraction Development Grant Recipients

Governor Laura Kelly announced today the 11 recipients of the Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grants. The grants were presented by Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland on Friday, May 13, at an event at the Colby Events Center. “Tourism is the welcoming committee for new residents and businesses in our state,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By continuing to develop vibrant travel destinations across Kansas, we are opening the door to more revenue and new economic growth in communities of all sizes.” The Attraction Development Grant Program is administered by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The grants assist in the expansion of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences within the state that will influence travel decisions, increase visitation to Kansas and generate economic impact resulting from the creation of jobs, capital investment and tax revenue.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:17:06-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

City, State, and County Organization Leaders Celebrate Historic Infrastructure Investments Heading to Communities

On Monday, May 16, leaders from the nation’s leading city, county, and state organizations kicked off Infrastructure Week (May 16-20) by sharing how game-changing federal investments in infrastructure are benefiting communities across the country. Local leaders know the needs of their communities better than anyone and are ready to invest in infrastructure that makes a difference at home. Six months after the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), officials at the state and local level are celebrating this historic investment and sharing the local perspective on infrastructure funding. IIJA includes $1.2 trillion — $550 billion newly appropriated — worth of investments to help rebuild and strengthen the infrastructure that keeps Americans and our economy moving.
Source: www.nlc.org

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:17:16-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

Emporia dedicates pickleball courts

The city of Emporia officially dedicated its newest park and pickleball courts, Sunday afternoon. Reeble Park, located just west of Emporia Country Club, is named for Barney and Jane Reeble and features six pickleball courts. Mayor Becky Smith credited the Reeble Foundation for its “fundamental” contribution, making the park a reality. The pickleball courts cost around $300,000, with $60,000 of that coming from private donors, like the Reeble Foundation. “Pickleball is the next step in making us a regional destination,” she said. “The active pickleball community is what makes this worth it.”
Source: Emporia Gazette

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T02:05:07-05:00May 17, 2022|News|

STAR bond final phase project gets Derby approval

It’s official. Beach season will be coming to Derby, as the City Council voted unanimously (8-0) to approve the proposed final phase of the STAR bond project – including a man-made, public access lagoon – at its May 10 meeting. With adoption of amendments to the STAR bond financing project plan and development agreement, the path was cleared for Derby Destination Development to move forward with a proposal to develop a lagoon and indoor water park, hotel, glamping site and more. Included amenities will primarily be located on a site directly northeast of the Derby Target store (near the intersection of Tall Tree and Rock Road).
Source: Derby Informer | News

Ranson Financial2022-05-17T07:17:38-05:00May 17, 2022|News|