Holton OKs new food truck fees, regulations

28 Thursday, September 28

Holton OKs new food truck fees, regulations

info2023-09-29T08:31:00-05:00September 28th, 2023|

Food trucks have been an ongoing topic for the Holton City Commission in recent months — specifically, whether food vendors visiting Holton should be required to pay license fees for selling their wares. On Monday, commissioners voted to work a licensing fee schedule for food trucks into the city’s regulations for “transient merchants,” with provisions in the license application for making sure food truck operators do not disturb those in the area where they set up with “obnoxious noises, sounds or smells” from generators, as Codes Enforcement Officer Jeff Draper noted. Source: Holton Recorder

28 Thursday, September 28

A community legacy: Take a look at how artists honor city at Olathe Downtown Library

info2023-09-28T10:07:54-05:00September 28th, 2023|

It’s a gallery like no other. After all, it’s a place for books. And there is perhaps no better place for a colorful, soaring art piece that celebrates the late Mayor Michael Copeland than in front of the new Downtown Olathe Library. “Mayor Copeland was a champion, not only for the city of Olathe, but of public art, the Olathe Public Library, and education and literacy,” said Olathe City Manager Michael Wilkes of the city’s longest serving mayor, who died in August 2020. “To see his legacy celebrated with vibrant, colorful art at the beautiful downtown library is a fitting celebration [...]

28 Thursday, September 28

JoCo on the Go, Johnson County Government’s podcast, surpasses 40,000 downloads

info2023-09-28T10:06:06-05:00September 28th, 2023|

Just in time for National Podcast Day on Saturday, Sept. 30, Johnson County Government’s podcast recently surpassed a major milestone: 40,000 downloads. The JoCo on the Go podcast has featured 158 episodes since its launch in August 2019, marking its fourth anniversary this August. Produced by the county’s Public Information Office, JoCo on the Go sheds light on topics ranging from COVID-19 to the 2020 Census to severe weather. Episodes feature interviews with local government staff and community members, who share their knowledge and expertise on the podcast topic. Past guests have included nurses who work for the county, the director [...]

28 Thursday, September 28

Study shows shortage in college-educated workforce, WSU works to keep graduates in Kansas

info2023-09-28T10:04:14-05:00September 28th, 2023|

A study from the University of Kansas shows a shortage of college-educated people applying for jobs in the state. It could lead to 34,000 unfilled positions by 2030. "There are lots of jobs available, and there will be more jobs available in the future. Our challenge as a state is finding employees to take those jobs," says Donna Ginther, Professor of Economics and Director of the KU Policy and Social Research Institute. Ginther says KU graduates are pursuing jobs in other states. Source: KSN-TV

28 Thursday, September 28

Good boy! Wichita police therapy dog consoles kids who witnessed violent incident

info2023-09-28T10:00:41-05:00September 28th, 2023|

Stewie, an American Kennel Club registered therapy dog for the Wichita Police Department, consoled kids who witnessed a violent incident Wednesday. "Today, officers responded to a violent incident where there were juvenile witnesses," the WPD said. "The children were understandably overwhelmed and emotional about the event." Stewie came to the rescue with his handler, Officer Larison. Officer Larison works with Stewie every day. The two attended the Brevard County Paws and Stripes Therapy Program, which is a 40-hour course that prepares the K9 teams to complete the necessary requirements of becoming a Nationally Registered Therapy Dog Team. Source: KSN-TV

28 Thursday, September 28

Zoning codes could allow native plants and pollinator gardens

info2023-09-29T08:34:57-05:00September 28th, 2023|

A few years after relocating here from Pennsylvania, a friend of mine dove into home ownership. Being extremely knowledgeable and passionate about birding and gardening, she decided to convert part of her front yard into a native plant pollinator garden. She’s had no problem with the plants, but the city codes are giving her fits. ... Unfortunately, native pollinator gardens violate many communities’ local ordinances. These old laws reflect the 1950s ideal of a suburban lawn. They incentivize the planting of nonnative grass which is mowed short and often treated with fertilizers. They also encourage or condone ornamental shrubs, trees, and [...]

28 Thursday, September 28

Iola Council approves rules for local solar, wind power users

info2023-09-28T09:56:54-05:00September 28th, 2023|

The Iola City Council approved changes Monday to its municipal code for electric customers who take advantage of parallel generation, like solar or wind power. Moving forward, utility customers will be limited to installing systems that generate no more than 4% over their peak monthly consumption. For energy delivered to the City of Iola’s grid, customers will be credited on a yearly basis. The ordinance falls in line with Kansas statutes. The restrictions apply to all electric customers, not just residences. Source: The Iola Register

28 Thursday, September 28

Squirrel cited as cause of outage in Iola

info2023-09-29T08:35:42-05:00September 28th, 2023|

A curious squirrel found out the hard way that some objects should never be climbed. The furry-tailed rodent made its way last Wednesday atop a breaker within the Oak Street substation, which powers much of the central part of Iola. The squirrel proved to be a suitable conductor for 69,000 volts of electricity to arc through its body with a mighty jolt and fireball. The breaker sustained extensive damage from the subsequent explosion, causing a power outage for several minutes. Source: The Iola Register

28 Thursday, September 28

Municipal Bond Trends for September 27, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-09-28T09:23:12-05:00September 28th, 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.

27 Wednesday, September 27

Municipal Bond Trends for September 26, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-09-27T08:48:39-05:00September 27th, 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.