Need a telescope? Now you can borrow one from the Wichita Public Library

Starting today (Monday), Wichita Public Library patrons will be able to use their library card to check out telescopes for free. The library purchased 11 new Orion Starblast telescopes, 10 for circulation, and patrons can borrow them for two weeks at a time. “It’s an excellent program. I’m really excited about it,” said Jerelyn Ramirez, the president of the Kansas Astronomical Observers, whose organization has been working with the library to prepare the telescopes for the public. “Some telescopes are very complicated, but this one is the most simple telescope one can buy.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T06:52:15-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Feds sending Kansas rural hospitals $23.5M to fight COVID

Kansas’ small rural hospitals will get $23.5 million from the federal government to fight COVID-19 — the second most of any state as health officials brace for a delta-driven case surge. The funds from the Department of Health and Human Services amount to reinforcements as Missouri, which will receive $8.3 million, struggles with a growing number of outbreaks that Kansas officials fear will creep across the state line. The White House, which announced the funding on Monday, said the dollars will boost mitigation efforts and testing at the facilities, a critical element in controlling the virus’s spread.
Source: Wichita Eagle.

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T06:51:27-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for July 12, 2021

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 Financial2021-07-13T06:47:30-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Kansas tightened rules on development incentives. They don’t apply to these projects

Kansas lawmakers added transparency and accountability measures to the widely criticized STAR bonds program this spring, but the new rules will not apply to two youth sports facilities — in Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas — that are moving closer to construction. STAR bonds, a development incentive backed by Kansas sales tax revenue, have drawn scrutiny because of failed projects that did not meet the program’s tourism and income goals. When legislators reauthorized the program for five more years in April, they insisted on higher investment minimums and added a handful of new guidelines intended to prevent future unsuccessful ventures. The guidelines went into effect on July 1.
Source: The Kansas City Star

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T06:45:28-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Fort Scott artist who does murals is getting people’s attention from other states

Graffiti can be an eyesore, but through an artist’s eyes it can turn into something beautiful. Covering its rough past up, and transforming it before our eyes. That’s the goal of a Fort Scott artist, which, incidentally, parallel’s the artist’s own life story of transforming from a rough past. “I’m really attracted to the walls you know, as a kid growing up I liked to paint on the walls, I always got in trouble for it. Now that I’m older you know people think it’s cool.” Says Stephen Toal, Muralist.
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T00:44:12-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Topeka and FOP hope to mediate contract impasse, mediation will be July 14

The Fraternal Order Of Police and the city of Topeka are in a deadlock over contract negotiations, the union announced Tuesday. Monday the Fraternal Order Police released new information that mediation is scheduled for this Wednesday, July 14th, in hopes of reaching a final agreement. “TPD staffing levels continue to be critical and our force is currently 27 officers short with more anticipated departures from the department,” said Charles Wilson President of FOP Lodge #3, “The recruiting and retention crisis in policing is affecting departments across the country and Topeka is no different. Earlier the union said the two sides had started to meet in February and sessions were expected to end May 27. The union said it agreed to extend negotiations through June 9 at the city’s request, but issues couldn’t be resolved.
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T06:45:45-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Lawrence board gives initial green light to approve $1.2M in affordable housing projects this year

As part of federal COVID-19 relief packages passed in the last 18 months, Lawrence and Douglas County are poised to take in millions of dollars this year that can be used to address chronic homelessness and aid in affordable housing solutions. The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board on Monday gave an initial approval of the funding level it intends to allocate later this year to applicants focused on housing services — an increase of 175% over the funds that were available last year. In 2020, hampered by a tighter budget and uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, AHAB had $450,000 available from the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund at its disposal. This year, though, the board projects it will have $1.236 million to dole out.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T00:38:35-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Overland Park could grow a bit more with proposed annexation of 29 acres near State Line and 183rd Street

Overland Park has taken the first step toward another annexation, albeit a small one involving only one property owner. Last Wednesday, the city council’s Community Development Committee unanimously voted to recommend that about 29 acres south of 183^rd Street and east of Aberdeen Street near the state line be annexed for an eventual development of single family homes. The request was made by the property owner, Sundance Land and Cattle II. That company was formed in Kansas a year ago, with developer Brian Rodrock listed as agent, according to records with the Secretary of State’s office. Rodrock is CEO of Rodrock Development.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T00:36:31-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

For States and Localities, a Sudden Rush of Federal Water and Sewer Funding

It may be easy to miss amid the persistent partisan clashes in Congress, but there is a growing concern among federal lawmakers of all stripes about the condition of the country’s water infrastructure. That concern has translated into millions of dollars in the American Rescue Plan Act that can be used for water improvements by states and localities, and more funding could be coming down the pipe in a bipartisan infrastructure bill. “We’re very happy that there’s this renewed focus on investing in water infrastructure at the congressional level,” says Tommy Holmes, the legislative director of the American Water Works Association, an industry group. The attention on shoring up systems that provide drinking water, sewer and stormwater services is the culmination of many crises, Holmes says.
Source: Route Fifty – All Content

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T00:34:58-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

Pott. County officials put a temporary pause on developing solar regulations

Pottawatomie County officials appear to be pumping the brakes on developing solar regulations, at least temporarily. Members of both the county commission and planning commission agreed during a joint meeting Thursday, to pause the development of regulations. County Planner Stephan Metzger tells KMAN there are several components to the draft plan which have caused hesitation among county officials. There are also concerns from ag producers on disrupting some of the natural elements of the region. Metzger explains what’s attracting solar companies to Pottawatomie County.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Ranson Financial2021-07-13T00:32:34-05:00July 13, 2021|News|

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