City of Pittsburg to enhance safety through intersections by removing trees

4 Monday, March 4

City of Pittsburg to enhance safety through intersections by removing trees

info2024-03-04T12:57:50-06:00March 4th, 2024|

Custom Tree Care of Topeka, KS, will commence tree removal from certain intersections' right-of-ways in Pittsburg starting Monday, March 4. The project aims to enhance safety by eliminating vision-obstructing obstructions for drivers. This initiative aligns with the city's "Spruce Up Pittsburg" campaign and ongoing traffic improvement endeavors. During the operation, which will span several weeks, motorists and pedestrians are advised to consider alternative routes, exercise caution in the work zone, and be mindful of workers. The City of Pittsburg wants the public to know they appreciate the patience of motorists and residents while this work is being performed. Contact Director of Public [...]

4 Monday, March 4

It’s ‘going to be really hurtful’: Families to Wichita school board before closure vote

info2024-03-04T12:27:15-06:00March 4th, 2024|

The fate of six schools, 322 employees and 2,213 students will be decided Monday, when the Wichita school board votes on a closure proposal that the district leadership team says would save $16 million. It’s the culmination of a whirlwind process that began in late January, when the district’s chief financial officer first notified the public of a $42 million budget shortfall and presented board members with a choice between closing schools and laying off teachers. Emotions ran high Thursday as the district hosted a public hearing on the recommended closure of four elementary schools — Clark, Park, Payne and Cleaveland [...]

4 Monday, March 4

City looks at changing policy on using industrial revenue bonds for rental housing

info2024-03-04T12:11:55-06:00March 4th, 2024|

Should the city government issue industrial revenue bonds for things like non-low-income rental housing? That’s the question the Manhattan City Commission will take up at Tuesday’s meeting. The issue follows a January retreat at which commissioners said they wanted to help create more workforce housing. They asked city officials to draft a housing policy to take advantage of available programs and tools. The city government previously has used IRBs for industrial and commercial development. An approved IRB can result in a property tax abatement of the new property taxes created by the rental housing project for a period of up to [...]

4 Monday, March 4

Fire destroys two Winfield businesses

info2024-03-04T12:10:35-06:00March 4th, 2024|

Fire officials in Winfield said two businesses are a total loss after a Sunday morning fire. Crews saw flames coming from a building in the 100 block of East 5th Street when they arrived just after 9 a.m. The building housed The Winfield Thrift Store and a hair salon, Hair Tamers. Firefighters had to take a defensive posture, staying outside the building because of heavy fire involvement. Crews from Arkansas City, Udall and Burden helped bring the fire under control and crews were able to protect neighboring buildings. No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported. [...]

4 Monday, March 4

Municipal Bond Trends for March 1, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-03-04T08:50:29-06:00March 4th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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.

1 Friday, March 1

Controlled methane flares at Johnson County landfill prompt 911 calls to Shawnee

info2024-03-01T15:05:23-06:00March 1st, 2024|

The city of Shawnee wants people to know that if they’re seeing fire coming from the Johnson County landfill, they shouldn’t be alarmed. The flares are the result of an ongoing plant expansion plan. While the Archaea Energy plant at the landfill in Shawnee, which produces renewable natural gas, has shut down for the expansion, it’s been producing flares in the sky to release built-up natural gas. Source: Johnson County Post

1 Friday, March 1

Newton’s new city manager seeks to bring residents into local government

info2024-03-01T15:04:15-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Daniela Rivas is new to the Newton City Manager position, but she’s far from new to the city. Long before she was managing city finances, or working in government she got her start at Acapulco, working for her uncle, Sal Lujano, Sr. “I’d bus; I’d serve and dish wash,” she said. “We’d get $20 and run to Anderson’s and spend all our money.” Her father originally came from Jalisco, Mexico, and ended up in Newton before moving the family to Wichita. As Newton remained where much of her family was located, she’d spend summers in the city. “Coming to Newton, I [...]

1 Friday, March 1

Tax break: Eligible Edgerton seniors to receive property tax rebates

info2024-03-01T15:03:18-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Edgerton city officials shared their eligibility requirements and details for their newly implemented senior property tax rebate program at Thursday’s city council meeting. ... To be eligible, residents must own their home, be 65 years old or older, have a valid proof of ID and be current on their property taxes and any special assessments. Source: Gardner News

1 Friday, March 1

Crews battle wildfires in Hodgeman, Saline counties

info2024-03-01T13:44:43-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Crews were battling grass fires Thursday in central and north central areas of Kansas. The Kansas Forest Service Air Tanker and local firefighters battled a large wildfire in Saline County, south of Interstate 70 and east of the Hedville exit. Strong south winds drove the fire north of I-70, spreading it to Watkins Road. Some homes were evacuated but crews were able to keep the flames from spreading, and no structural damage was reported. Crews were also battling a large fire in Hodgeman County along Lake Road, east of City Lake. Some homes were threatened in the area and the Sheriff’s Office was [...]

1 Friday, March 1

Multiple grass fires, barn fire keep ACFD busy on Tuesday

info2024-03-01T13:43:11-06:00March 1st, 2024|

The Arkansas City Fire/EMS responded to a series of grass fires on Tuesday, including the Chilocco area fire that caused the evacuation of 7 Clans First Council Casino. The first incident Tuesday — with high fire danger in dry conditions with strong wind gusts — was reported at about 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Lord Road and Chestnut Avenue, a few blocks east of the Walnut River. Crews discovered a barn fully involved and a grass fire ignited from flying embers behind 301 N. Country Club Road. The fire extended to a detached garage before being brought under control. Firefighters [...]