Politicians mark start of $532 million project to replace Leavenworth’s 126-year-old penitentiary

1 Wednesday, November 1

Politicians mark start of $532 million project to replace Leavenworth’s 126-year-old penitentiary

info2023-11-01T10:56:46-05:00November 1st, 2023|

Heavy construction machinery did the real work in advance of Monday’s groundbreaking for a $532 million Leavenworth federal prison and satellite prison camp to replace an antiquated structure constructed in 1897 that served as the nation’s first maximum-security prison. After the speeches and applause, a gaggle of local, state and federal politicians and Federal Bureau of Prisons officials dutifully grabbed ceremonial shovels and gouged the frigid dirt at their feet to celebrate a step forward for public safety. The imposing stone facade of the U.S. Penitentiary known as “Big Top” remained solid, but the federal prison’s electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air [...]

1 Wednesday, November 1

Kansas and Wichita homestead refunds are ‘here for us to take advantage of’

info2023-11-01T10:57:30-05:00November 1st, 2023|

Property tax refund options for older homeowners are growing thanks to new state and local programs. But homeowners must know about the programs and fill out the correct paperwork to take advantage of them. This year marked the rollout of Kansas’ property tax “freeze’’ for qualifying homeowners. Called the Seniors or Disabled Veterans Refund (SVR), it is designed to keep an eligible homeowner’s taxes from increasing year to year. Over 10,000 claims for this refund have been filed across the state in 2023, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue. The popularity of the SVR tax refund program will spread in [...]

1 Wednesday, November 1

Horton mural honors the lives of veterans

info2023-11-01T09:36:19-05:00November 1st, 2023|

A new mural in Horton is doing more than just beautifying what once was just a brick wall. It's honoring the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. "We've had the dream for a number of years," Reinvent Horton President Connie Werner said. "We got a hold of the artist that did this mural and then told them about the stories of the gentlemen that lost their lives and the history of our armory here and a number of different historical things." So they got to work. In under two weeks, Chase Hunter along with other artists with [...]

1 Wednesday, November 1

Truckload of Bottled Water helps Caney Valley School District midst water shortage

info2023-11-01T09:34:33-05:00November 1st, 2023|

Caney Valley School District in Kansas is proactively addressing the ongoing water shortage by implementing innovative measures. School Superintendent Blake Vargas recently discussed the district's approach, which includes temporarily closing school on specific days while ensuring compliance with the required number of school days for the year. Vargas explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, "The determination was made. It's a variety of days. The majority are on Mondays; we do have a couple of Fridays. But up to our Thanksgiving and Christmas break, we will be off. Essentially, what we've done is by eliminating those days, we know that we [...]

1 Wednesday, November 1

Fort Scott City Manager announces his resignation

info2023-11-01T10:58:06-05:00November 1st, 2023|

The Fort Scott City Manager is resigning from his position. Brad Matkin posted a video on Facebook this morning announcing his resignation. He sent his letter to the City Commission Tuesday night. His resignation will be effective Jan. 3. Matkin says he'll continue the duties of his role in addition to helping in the transition of finding a new city manager, continuing to close out ongoing projects and planning for next year. Source: KOAM News

1 Wednesday, November 1

Dodge City in mourning, disbelief after deadly weekend shooting

info2023-11-01T09:29:24-05:00November 1st, 2023|

Hours after gunfire ripped through the Central Station Bar & Grill, Dodge City is still in shock, with many saying they can't believe something like this happened here. "There's two mothers right now that aren't going to be able to hug their children. So I just hugged her and we just talked," resident Regina Heavener said. Shortly after 1 a.m., Heavener received a phone call that shook her to her core. Her daughter, Carlee, who is a bartender at Central Station, was feet away from where a gunman opened fire at a Halloween party at the bar. The shooting claimed the [...]

1 Wednesday, November 1

Municipal Bond Trends for October 31, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-11-01T09:20:05-05:00November 1st, 2023|

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.

31 Tuesday, October 31

Municipal Bond Trends for October 30, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-10-31T09:20:53-05:00October 31st, 2023|

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.

30 Monday, October 30

Municipal Bond Trends for October 27, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-10-30T09:59:51-05:00October 30th, 2023|

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.

28 Saturday, October 28

EPA will propose stiffer lead pipe rules

info2023-10-30T07:52:42-05:00October 28th, 2023|

Decades after officials banned lead in gasoline for new cars and stopped the sale of lead paint – huge steps toward eliminating lead exposure to the public – there are still an estimated 500,000 U.S. children with levels of lead in their blood that are considered high, and experts say lead in drinking water is one important reason. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency is aiming to further reduce lead levels in drinking water ... President Joe Biden has already called for eliminating the country’s estimated 9.2 million lead pipes, lines that connect water mains under the street to homes and businesses [...]