New funds released to preserve history in Kansas small towns

21 Monday, August 21

New funds released to preserve history in Kansas small towns

info2023-08-21T07:29:35-05:00August 21st, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that new federal funding will be going toward preserving the history of rural Kansas towns. A total of $750,000 will be used to preserve historic properties in the downtown areas of Kansas' rural communities with populations under 30,000, according to a press release from the Office of the Governor. Thirteen subgrant programs across 12 states received funds through the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants, including the Kansas Historical Society's State Historic Preservation Office. “Kansas is home to many historical and cultural sites that tell the story of our state’s and our nation’s past,” Kelly said. “Thanks [...]

21 Monday, August 21

Committee recommends City of Lawrence nix sustainability board, consolidate others

info2023-08-21T00:35:25-05:00August 21st, 2023|

A committee’s revised plan to update the city’s many boards recommends that the Sustainability Advisory Board and Public Incentives Review Committee be dissolved, among numerous other changes. Over the last several months, the Board and Commissions Structure Committee has been tasked with limiting the number of city advisory boards, committees, commissions and task forces to 10, not counting those that are required by state statutes. In a previous draft recommendation, the committee suggested consolidating 13 boards down to five and nixing another. The update comes after an online questionnaire and two listening sessions. Source: The Lawrence Times

21 Monday, August 21

Lawrence community memorializes victims of Quantrill’s Raid as 160th anniversary approaches

info2023-08-21T00:33:38-05:00August 21st, 2023|

Lawrence community members gathered at the Watkins Museum of History Saturday morning for the annual reading of the names of known victims who died in Quantrill’s Raid. Monday, Aug. 21 will mark 160 years since the proslavery forces attacked the town, largely considered an antislavery stronghold, killing between roughly 160 and 200 people and destroying much of the property. The town quickly rose from the ashes as the people rebuilt. Anthony Boynton, writer and member of B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence, gave an original reading during the event. He said it was a poem written from the perspective of someone who knows history has [...]

21 Monday, August 21

Why the Era of Historically Low Interest Rates Could Be Over

info2023-08-21T07:33:09-05:00August 21st, 2023|

Despite the Federal Reserve’s raising interest rates to a 22-year high, the economy remains surprisingly resilient, with estimates putting third-quarter growth on pace to easily exceed its 2% trend. It is one of the factors leading some economists to question whether rates will ever return to the lower levels that prevailed before 2020 even if inflation returns to the Fed’s 2% target over the next few years. ... At issue is what is known as the neutral rate of interest. It is the rate at which the demand and supply of savings is in equilibrium, leading to stable economic growth and inflation. ... [...]

20 Sunday, August 20

Municipal Bond Trends for August 18, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-08-20T12:33:01-05:00August 20th, 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.

20 Sunday, August 20

Kansas wants public feedback on its plan to expand broadband internet access

info2023-08-20T11:12:51-05:00August 20th, 2023|

Kansas is seeking feedback on an initiative that will focus on getting underserved locations across the state better access to high-speed internet. The state announced early this month that the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (referred to as BEAD) initial proposal is available for public viewing and feedback as the state develops a five-year action plan. The initial proposal makes up "Volume 1" of the plan, with Volume 2 and the five-year plan working to identify served, unserved and underserved areas throughout the state. ... The deadline to provide feedback is Aug. 30. The form can be accessed here. Source: Salina Journal

20 Sunday, August 20

Tiny town of Yoder to welcome thousands to celebrate its heritage

info2023-08-20T11:11:13-05:00August 20th, 2023|

Set for Saturday, Aug. 26, in Yoder, Kansas, Yoder Heritage Day began in 1989 as a celebration of the town’s centennial. A few years later in 1992, a committee was formed to continue organizing a similar event to bring people in and celebrate Yoder, and it is now established as a tradition for both locals and travelers. “The goal of our event is to showcase the Yoder community and the Amish and Mennonite heritage of the Yoder community,” said Mervin Fisher, advertising manager. “It is a homecoming reunion for former Kansans where we provide a great family-friendly atmosphere with no alcohol [...]

20 Sunday, August 20

Here’s what Farm Bill means for Kansas farmers as deadline nears

info2023-08-20T11:09:14-05:00August 20th, 2023|

Members of Kansas' congressional delegation say they remain optimistic about the fate of the once-every-five-year Farm Bill — though there is an acknowledgement that lawmakers could blow their Sept. 30 deadline in advancing the key agricultural package. Extensive negotiations over the bill, which must be passed once every five years, are commonplace, as are delays requiring a short-term extension of the many programs that must be authorized. Kansas officials have made clear their desire to see a deal reached sooner rather than later. "I know the rest of the delegation is working every single day to make certain that that happens," [...]

20 Sunday, August 20

Topeka targets domestic violence with specialized prosecution

info2023-08-20T11:08:03-05:00August 20th, 2023|

Domestic violence survivors have become increasingly engaged with Topeka's criminal justice system since the city attorney's office last January started a new program focusing on domestic violence, says a professional who works in that field. ... Kelly Trussell, chief prosecutor for the city attorney's office, said the program implements a more specialized and personalized approach to handling cases of misdemeanor domestic battery. The program's presence reflects that Topeka's city government is "absolutely invested" in giving whatever help it can to alleged victims of that crime and their families, she said. Source: CJonline

18 Friday, August 18

Wellington Deputy City Clerk achieves CMC designation

info2023-08-18T16:39:04-05:00August 18th, 2023|

Congratulations to Deputy City Clerk Martha Pennington on receiving her Certified Municipal Clerk designation. To earn this certification, Martha committed to a multi-year course of study sponsored by the City Clerk and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Kansas and Wichita State University. This designation is a significant accomplishment for Martha and demonstrates her commitment to her profession and the community. Source: City of Wellington