The city of Topeka sought a stormwater engineer II for three years. Six candidates were interviewed. The position was eventually filled after an employee got the proper license and work in the field for two years to meet the minimum requirements. City staff members told the Policy and Finance committee on May 7 other stories of job openings with zero applications and struggling to find qualified people. The committee is reviewing Topeka’s hiring woes to see what can be done to spur interest in the position. One potential solution? Loosening the guidelines for the city’s residency requirements.
Source: CJonline.com.

Dillon Food Stores announced celebratory plans to mark its centennial year with service to Kansas communities. Throughout 2021, Dillons plans to recognize its principles and values along with customers, associates and communities that have made the past 100 years successful. “The 100th anniversary of Dillons is a monumental milestone,” said Steve Dreher, president of Dillon Food Stores. “In reflecting back, I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard our customers refer to one of our locations as ‘my Dillons’ and it always brings an overwhelming sense of pride.” After his initial venture in selling groceries at his general store in Sterling in the early 1900s, John S. Dillon was considered a visionary when he opened the area’s first Cash Food Market in Hutchinson in 1913. Although the store was slow to catch on, the savings offered for paying cash soon attracted enough customers to make it a viable business.
Source: Hutch News.

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.