Manhattan considering construction on new indoor aquatic center

After Kansas State University shut down the Ahearn Natatorium permanently due to maintenance costs, the city of Manhattan was left without an indoor pool that could be used for competitive swimming activities. Now the city is considering constructing a facility of their own. But there are still decisions to be made, like when to begin the facility and where it will go. “Past studies have pointed towards Cico Park,” said Jason Hilgers, Deputy City Manager. “It’s where an existing outdoor facility, outdoor pool, is located. But it is also a site where I think five different Manhattan High School varsity sports are played.”
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-06-03T08:31:47-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Voters to consider $112.8 million bond on June 8

Next Tuesday, June 8, voters who reside within the boundaries of McPherson Public Schools will be asked to consider a proposed $112.8 million bond. Advance voting is already underway at the McPherson County Courthouse and will continue until noon on Monday, June 7. The proposed bond includes renovations and updates to all of the current schools in McPherson as well as the construction of a new middle school for seventh and eighth grade students on the grounds of McPherson High School. The district has said this proposal addresses all of the facility needs for the district. It will also allow for safety improvements, including secure entrances at all elementary schools.
Source: McPherson Weekly News

Ranson Financial2021-06-03T08:32:15-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Topeka on pace to match 2020 when 41,077 potholes were patched

Topeka patched 41,077 potholes in 2020 and is on pace for similar numbers this year. Lyndon Johnson isn’t surprised. He became closely acquainted with the city’s potholes when he worked as an enumerator for the U.S. Census. He drove, mostly on the east side of town, about five hours a shift from June to September. Johnson has used the city’s See Click Fix App to report potholes he sees. He said he has reported 375 instances of potholes or poor street conditions in his almost six years on the app.
Source: CJonline.com.

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T12:06:43-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Lawrence City Commission expresses interest in making outdoor dining setup a permanent option downtown

The patio and outdoor dining areas constructed in parking stalls downtown during the coronavirus pandemic could be allowed to stay. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted unanimously to direct city staff to develop a proposal for a long-term version of the now temporary right-of-way or “parklet” program. The program has allowed downtown businesses to repurpose sidewalks and parking stalls directly in front of their storefronts for outdoor dining or other uses.
Source: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T08:20:37-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 1, 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 Financial2021-06-02T08:18:25-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Parsons downtown pocket park dedicated

Dozens of people gathered at noon Friday for the dedication of the new downtown pocket park, an example of what can be done when “cooperation supersedes everything else.” The pocket park, called The Gathering Place, is a result of fundraiser efforts led by Rod and Karen Landrum through the Southeast Kansas Point of Pride, a civic group dedicated to the beautification of the Parsons area. Landrum received permission from the Parsons City Commission to build the park on the vacant lot on the south side of the 1800 block of Main Street. The lot is the former location of the Parsons Theatre, which burned down in the 1990s.
Source: Parsons Sun

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T08:14:30-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Lenexa will start reimbursing homeowners up to 50% for exterior improvements

Lenexa has expanded its home revitalization grant program to include more aging neighborhoods citywide. The revamped program, recently renamed the Exterior Grant Program, now allows homeowners to apply for up to 50% reimbursement on exterior improvements, so long as their homes were built in or before 1987, and appraised by the county at $315,000 or less. The program is designed to help owners of older homes to reinvest in their properties. Angel Whitaker, community standards supervisor for the city of Lenexa, said the city’s neighborhood revitalization grant program was established about 15 years ago and has been underutilized.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T08:14:55-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Lenexa tests the waters for future aquatics investments

After several years of professional evaluation and public engagement, Lenexa’s Parks & Recreation Department is wrapping up a study about the future of the City’s aging outdoor public pools. Aquatics Study findings will guide City leadership on how to invest in a sustainable aquatics system that best serves our growing community. Phase 1 of the study, completed in 2019, looked at population and market analyses, existing facility conditions and possible modernization strategies. Phase 2, which is coming to a close, engaged the public in learning about the City of Lenexa’s outdoor pool challenges. It also explored community preferences and priorities for aquatic programs and pool features.
Source: Lenexa

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T08:15:31-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Your local swimming pool could cut its hours because kids aren’t taking lifeguard jobs

During a normal year, Brian Hill doesn’t have much trouble hiring enough lifeguards to staff Wichita’s six public swimming pools. Not in this pandemic year. “Usually I’m about 80% staffed by February,” said Hill, Wichita’s aquatics director. “This year, I was about 10% staffed.” Lifeguarding took a hit last summer, when the COVID-19 pandemic closed most gyms, water parks and community pools. High school and college students who would normally work as guards took the summer off or found other jobs. Training classes were cancelled. So were junior lifeguard programs for 11- to 14-year-olds. “That’s our pipeline,” Hill said. “In a lot of ways, we were kind of starting this summer from scratch.”
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T08:16:31-05:00June 2, 2021|News|

Wichita approves outdoor dining, sidewalk sales on public property another 5 years

Pandemic restrictions are gone, but businesses will still be allowed to use city property rent-free for outdoor dining and sidewalk sales for another five years. The Wichita City Council on Tuesday unanimously granted the extension for the plan known as Open Air ICT. It started as an emergency measure during the COVID-19 pandemic and allows businesses to use public sidewalks, on-street parking and other controlled areas for outdoor food service or merchandise sales on a daily basis, as long as they don’t block traffic too much.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-06-02T08:16:53-05:00June 2, 2021|News|