Heinrich was one of about 30 who attended Tuesday’s community conversation hosted by Thrive Allen County, where participants had plenty of thoughts about what they appreciated and liked about LaHarpe, followed by an even lengthier discussion about wants and needs. TUESDAY’S 90-minute talk started with the good stuff, highlighted by Thrive Allen County CEO Lisse Regehr’s note that TLC Garden Center has been awarded a $46,000 state tourism grant to fund a miniature golf course, and what promises to be the world’s largest watering can attraction. Participants noted LaHarpe has taken advantage of other grant opportunities to help address infrastructure improvements [...]

Following months of tense discourse about tenant right to counsel, Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted 3-2 for a pilot program that will grant some tenants facing eviction access to legal representation. In March 2024, Lawrence and Douglas County set a goal to establish a tenant right to counsel (TRTC) program for those facing evictions in Douglas County as part of the joint “A Place For Everyone” plan to end chronic homelessness. Over the course of more than a year, county commissioners have participated in a work session on TRTC and it’s been on the regular agenda four times. The pilot [...]

Topekans will soon be able to advocate for their views directly with the mayor's office. During a March 24 monthly press conference, Mayor Spencer Duncan announced the launch of a workforce development task force. "From the beginning of being elected, I've stressed the importance of ensuring the voices of our citizens are not only heard but actively part of the decision-making process," Duncan said. This task force is one of multiple advisory groups that will be formed over coming months, he said. Other citizen groups include an economic advisory group, a community engagement team, a government innovation committee, a formulated youth [...]

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.

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.

Wellington’s available electrical capacity, room for growth, and ability to move quickly were all cited as key advantages for attracting a project of this kind. A data center in Wellington could support existing industries while also attracting new business by providing access to advanced computing resources. Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com

3D-printed homes are a new type of housing development popping up across the country, and the first printed home in Kansas is in progress in Topeka. Kansas Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin sees a future where 3D-printed homes start to pop up closer to the Kansas City metro. Read more: KSHB News

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Monday at the Salina Airport Industrial Center. The 90,000-square-foot facility is a delivery center that has now generated nearly 500 jobs, which Amazon said is more than expected. Read more: KSN-TV

Governor Laura Kelly today announced over $8.77 million in federal funds will go toward 13 projects to enhance safety on rural roadways in Kansas. The effort is part of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Program. Read more: KDOT

Communities across the country are feeling the strain of a nationwide affordable housing shortage, and Topeka is no exception. Local leaders say the challenge is not only the number of homes available, but also whether families can realistically afford them. Read more: KSNT 27 News