A rural Bitcoin mining farm is the new hot button topic in southeast Kansas. “It’s miserable. You know, we listen to it day in and day out when I get up in the morning over a fan and a TV, you hear a humming noise. I don’t care what they do over there. I just don’t want to hear it in my yard,” said Dereck Ranes, Home Owner Across From Facility. Ranes, who lives across the street from a Bitcoin mining facility in rural Kansas, is fed up with the noise and vibrations — making life untenable. The facility holds four shipping containers worth of computers constantly solving math equations to mine Bitcoin, powered by an industrial-sized generator, which runs off natural gas. It emits up to 80 decibels of sound constantly, and a low-frequency hum which can be felt in the surrounding areas. Ranes took his concerns to the Bourbon County Commissioners Tuesday night, who voted to put a moratorium on any expansion of the Bitcoin farm until a compromise can be found. “I’m trying to make sure that we have due process for both sides, that we’re hearing both sides. And I hear what my constituents are saying and I want to help them. And we we did help them with the moratorium, but we still need to listen to the other side, which they’re they’re due to be here next week,” said Samuel Tran, Bourbon County Commissioner.
Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Members of the Topeka City Council talked about the pros and cons of letting officers wear their uniforms while working in the service of private companies. The Topeka Police Department believes the community would be safer if law enforcement hired by private companies were able to show the public that they are trained police officers. However, some city councilmembers are worried about where the liability will fall. Police Chief Chris Vallejo weighed in on the issue during the Oct. 14 city council meeting. He said the department will take accountability. “Modifying this ordinance, which says gives the chief of police full authority to speak to who can be in a uniform and who cannot be in a uniform in this city,” Vallejo said. “So that gives me an immediate oversight there. So and also, our police officers are trained to follow state law and our internal policies that are superior to any kind of house rules or things like that. They’re already doing their job. I’m just putting them in uniform.”
Read more: KSNT 27 News

THC-infused beverages like those being sold at several locations were among items seized as illegal in Kansas Bureau of Investigation raids statewide executing search warrants at vape shops and CBD dispensaries. “Some THC-infused beverages were seized during these search warrants, but this was not a major focus of the investigations,” Melissa Underwood, communications director for KBI, said. KBI began the investigation Oct. 1 in hopes of seizing marijuana plants, THC vape cartridges, and other items containing suspected illegal concentrations of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. In some instances, weapons and currency were also seized, Underwood said.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Dustin Raney’s application for a short-term rental at Marion County Lake received some pushback Monday from Marion County Commissioners. Clarke Dirks was the most vocal, saying too many questions needed answers. The commission voted 4-0 to delay action on the proposal. It had been approved by the county Planning and Zoning Commission.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Since the announcement of the recently retired City Administrator Doug Allen, the city commissioners have been searching for someone to fill the role. In a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, the commissioners agreed on a contract and hired Nick Rizzio, who currently resides in Arkansas City, Kan. The commissioners agree that Rizzio’s experience and background make him a good fit for Sabetha.
Read more: The Sabetha Herald

With encouragement from city government, the Chamber is trying to attract the Bill Gates-owned company TerraPower. TerraPower announced on Sept. 23 that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce to build a facility within Evergy’s service area in the state.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

There was a good reason why Renwick Superintendent Tim Hayden had a big smile on his face when being interviewed about this year’s enrollment: its up. And not just a few students, but 71. Last school year, the district had 1,990 students; this year, it has 2,061. “We’re at a fortunate pace,” Hayden said to the USD 267 Board of Education Monday evening. “We’re growing, and ’that’s helpful for your district.” Full-time equivalent, which is a key factor in state funding, also grew.
Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

Black Squirrel Fall Fest returns to Broadway Saturday — the city’s annual salute to its mascot. Designated Black Squirrel City in 1972, Marysville will mark the day from 3 to 11 p.m. with afternoon attractions that build into an after-dark lineup. All of the activities will take place on Broadway, between Sixth Street and 10th streets. The day starts from 3 to 5 p.m. with old-fashioned games and Big Wheels on Broadway. Some games like bingo, balloon pop, ring toss, lollipop pull and beanbag ladder toss will come with prizes.
Read more: www.marysvilleonline.net

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.