Kansas approves the state’s first-ever express toll lanes on Johnson County highway

A project to build express toll lanes on U.S. 69 in Overland Park can officially move forward after a panel of Kansas lawmakers and Gov. Laura Kelly granted final approval to the project Thursday. The bipartisan panel granted the project, which is part of the statewide Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, unanimous approval. “This project isn’t just for Overland Park though we appreciate Overland Park’s work on it,” said Speaker of the House Ron Ryckman, an Olathe Republican. “It’s for the entire region.”
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:38:49-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Amtrak: One step closer to Wichita return

President Biden announced Thursday that a deal has been made to pass the infrastructure bill that has been making headlines for months. One part of that plan includes $65 million for passenger rail services. This potential funding would position Amtrak to make it’s long awaited return to Wichita. From Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, to Amtrak, and to the current owners of Union Station (Occidental Management), locally everyone seems onboard for this expansion.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:38:17-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

The “Bourbon County Arts Council Art Walk” is making a big return

Part of Main Street in Fort Scott will be lined with art tomorrow evening. The “Bourbon County Arts Council Art Walk” is making its long-awaited return. Like many events, it was put on hold last year due to the pandemic. The art walk starts at 5:00p.m. at “Crooner’s Patio” on Main Street, and will feature the work of 12 local artists.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:38:00-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Expecting a garden snake, police officer finds 8-foot python at Kansas home

When police in a southeast Kansas town were called to remove a snake, the responding officer expected to find a garden snake. Instead, he found a python. Officer Jesse Spencer “fulfilled the job description category ‘other duties as required,’” the Pittsburg Police Department said in a Thursday Facebook post. Spencer was dispatched to the reporting party’s front porch, where he found the homeowner’s unwanted guest and removed it.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:37:29-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 24, 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 Financial2021-06-25T07:12:21-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Help wanted signs are popping up everywhere across the region including local government

Help wanted signs are popping up everywhere across the region including local government. Pottawatomie County Finance Officer Heather Gladbach says there are close to a dozen vacancies in the county offices, including six positions in public works. The public works administrator position has been vacant since December when former administrator Peter Clark announced his resignation. Dustin Newman served in the role on an interim basis, before he resigned in May. Commission Chair Greg Riat says many of the applicants for the position have lacked the necessary hands-on experience the county is searching for.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:09:56-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Kansas approves first express toll lane in Midwest

Gov. Laura Kelly and leading lawmakers on Thursday approved Kansas’ first express toll lane, breaking ground for relieving traffic congestion in the Midwest. The state Finance Council approved the $300 million toll lane that will serve a highly congested section of U.S. 69 in Overland Park from 103rd Street to 151st Street. Plans call for widening the highway to three lanes in each direction, using the additional lane for motorists who are willing to pay a toll to drive with less traffic.
Source: Sunflower State Journal

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:11:14-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

UG Commission approves amended Village East project

The Unified Government Commission on Thursday night unanimously approved an amended Village East project. The project area includes the former Schlitterbahn water park at 94th and State, and also includes an area east of 94th between State Avenue and Parallel Parkway. According to UG Administrator Doug Bach, the current deal include the sale of UG land to the developer. STAR bond financing was previously approved at $130 million, and as part of the project, there will be the sharing of Menard’s revenue. The developer has committed to make capital investments of $3.75 million in other parts of the community, he said. They have already spent $20 million in land acquisition and demolition at the site, he added.
Source: Wyandotte Daily

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:11:31-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Opportunity zones will help residents pay student loans if approved by county commission

The Lyon County Commission will hear a resolution to designate the county as a Rural Opportunity Zone. Rob Gilligan of Ignite Emporia will discuss the ROZ along with program manager Rachell Rowland of the Kansas Department of Commerce. There are added benefits for residents in ROZ counties, including student loan payment assistance administered by KDC. KDC partners with cities, counties, employers and foundations to pay up to $15,000 in students loans over five years, according to the KDC website. Lyon County currently does not support the student repayment option.
Source: Emporia Gazette

Ranson Financial2021-06-25T07:11:46-05:00June 25, 2021|News|

Reno County Commission prepares for possible larger panel

The Reno County IT department has created a dozen different maps for how Reno County could be divided if voters should approve going from a three- to a five-member County Commission in November. Each map is drawn intending to create commission districts that are as equal in population and contiguous in boundaries as possible but that also follow existing voting precinct lines, said County Clerk Donna Patton. The commission on Tuesday asked county staff to send copies of all the maps to each commissioner to select their top three for consideration at the next commission meeting, to see if they could then reach a consensus on one.
Source: Hutch News.

Ranson Financial2021-06-24T08:11:50-05:00June 24, 2021|News|