A 10-year rally in U.S. home prices could be coming to an end, says Yale’s Robert Shiller

25 Tuesday, July 25

A 10-year rally in U.S. home prices could be coming to an end, says Yale’s Robert Shiller

info2023-07-25T01:16:43-05:00July 25th, 2023|

A decade-long rally in U.S. home prices could finally come to an end once the Federal Reserve stops its rate-hiking cycle, said Robert Shiller, professor of economics at Yale University. Home prices have made steady gains since 2012, according to the S&P Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. "The fear of interest rate increases has influenced people's thinking — it's not just the homeowners, it's new buyers who wanted to get in before the interest rates went up even more," Shiller said. "They wanted to lock in. So that's been a positive influence on the market. But it's coming to an [...]

25 Tuesday, July 25

Hiawatha updated on maple leaf statue plans

info2023-07-26T08:53:45-05:00July 25th, 2023|

Kate Miller of the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau was present at Monday night's meeting of the Hiawatha City Commission to address previous questions about the Chamber's proposed maple leaf statues that will be placed around the city. Miller presented the idea earlier this year, and the Commission was receptive, but asked that she return with more solid guidelines for the statues, which will be purchased and designed by individuals and businesses. Statues would be placed no closer than 25 feet from corners, and no further forward than the nearest planter. Designs will have to be approved by the Chamber and [...]

25 Tuesday, July 25

Nonprofit movie theater in Greensburg concerned about possible closure

info2023-07-25T01:08:37-05:00July 25th, 2023|

The closure of the Regal Warren Theatre in Old Town Wichita has some concerned that the much-loved nonprofit Twilight Theatre in Greensburg could shut down. The 100-year-old movie theater is used as an event space, auditorium and gathering place for the 700 people living in Greensburg. The nonprofit faced financial struggles even before the pandemic, but lockdowns made matters worse. "How are we gonna keep the Twilight Theatre open here when we have 800 people?" said George Ryan, executive director. Source: KSN-TV

25 Tuesday, July 25

Mission OKs new tax abatement policy

info2023-07-25T01:07:26-05:00July 25th, 2023|

A new tax abatement policy is on the city of Mission’s books. The Mission City Council on Wednesday voted 6-2 to approve an updated tax abatement policy. The updated policy comes after two separate developers — those of 58 Nall and Milhaus — requested tax abatements on apartment projects in Mission. The policy caps tax abatement at 75% in special circumstances: Mission’s previous tax abatement policy, which was never used, allowed developers up to 100% deferred property taxes for a 10-year period. The new policy starts developers off at 45% tax deferment if they meet certain criteria, such as a minimum capital investment of $3 [...]

25 Tuesday, July 25

Prairie Village wants to build new city hall, caps project at $30M

info2023-07-25T01:04:25-05:00July 25th, 2023|

A completely new city hall may be in Prairie Village’s future. The city council last week unanimously directed city staff to start the process to design and eventually build a completely new city hall facility, capping the cost for the still-nascent project at $30 million. The move means multiple conceptual designs for a new city hall will come before the city council in the not-too-distant future. Source: Prairie Village Post

25 Tuesday, July 25

Pay $50 in Lawrence traffic tickets with $15 worth of school supplies

info2023-07-25T01:02:54-05:00July 25th, 2023|

From now through Aug. 20, Lawrence Municipal Court is forgiving up to $50 of traffic infraction or parking fines in exchange for $15 worth of school supplies. “We think that this program will have the mutual benefit of helping families in our community … and helping citizens pay for the fines they owe to our court,” said Vicki Stanwix, court administrator. The debt forgiveness program is designed to help motorists with outstanding traffic fines while allowing them to help local school children and their families. It’s the first time the municipal court has tried the campaign, but if it is a [...]

23 Sunday, July 23

Wichita recommends $177K settlement in 2019 sewer backup

info2023-07-26T08:56:22-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The City of Wichita recommended a $177,500 settlement for a 2019 sewer backup that involved five homes on E. Sunnybrook Court. The payments to the five claimants would range from $31,500 to $46,500 for the backups that occurred on May 8th and May 13th that year. The City is recommending a vote to settle at a City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 25th due to the risk of an adverse judgment at trial. The payment is proposed to be paid from the City’s self insurance fund. Source: 101.3 KFDI

23 Sunday, July 23

New Panasonic plant could lead to higher electric rates in Kansas

info2023-07-23T23:52:57-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Evergy could seek additional rate increases linked to the massive Panasonic battery-plant development in De Soto, Kansas. Officials with the company said the proposed plant will have a utility footprint similar to that of a small city, and will also require the construction of two new substations, upgrades to existing facilities and the installation of 31 miles of transmission lines. State officials reportedly are considering Evergy’s request. Authorities say, if approved, the rate increases could raise area utility costs from two to as much as 18-percent. The Kansas Corporation Commission is already considering a rate increase request that could lead to [...]

23 Sunday, July 23

KHP has split decisions in two court cases

info2023-07-23T23:52:11-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

A federal judge has ruled against the Kansas Highway Patrol in a case challenging its policies of detaining motorists without reasonable suspicion. The judge ordered the KHP to stop using the infamous “Kansas Two-Step” technique, where a trooper would end a traffic stop by taking two steps toward his patrol car, then he would turn back and begin a new conversation with the driver to ask more questions. The technique starts a second effort to get information and get entry to a vehicle to search for contraband. Source: 101.3 KFDI

23 Sunday, July 23

Lyon County first responders welcome furry friend to Law Enforcement Center

info2023-07-26T08:56:54-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Justice reigns at the Lyon County Law Enforcement Center. Justice, the new Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center companion and emotional support dog, that is. At around seven months old, the Labradoodle and Golden Retriever mix is quickly becoming a friend to all at the center. Her floppy ears and puppy personality are helping to spread cheer and reduce stress — for sheriff staff and inmates alike. “The jail actually purchased the puppy through the Inmate Welfare Fund as a support dog for staff and the inmates,” Captain Jay Whitney said. Source: Emporia Gazette