For years, wind was the power source of the plains. Now, Kansas is seeing solar step up

8 Wednesday, November 8

For years, wind was the power source of the plains. Now, Kansas is seeing solar step up

info2023-11-08T09:32:12-06:00November 8th, 2023|

The city of Pratt, Kansas, is home to around 6,500 people. But the small town is rife with new developments. Driving around town, vice mayor Doug Meyer and Jamie Huber – Pratt’s director of electric utilities – point them out: a new swimming pool, recently resurfaced tennis courts, a 16-unit housing project. One of their proudest projects, though, is a six megawatt solar farm that came online in 2019. It’s right on the edge of town. “A lot of people don’t see it – I’ve got people who still ask me where it’s at,” Huber said. Over the past decade, renewable [...]

8 Wednesday, November 8

Pottawatomie County voters again say no to road and bridge sales tax question

info2023-11-08T09:31:12-06:00November 8th, 2023|

For the second straight year, Pottawatomie County voters have turned down a quarter percent sales tax to fund road and bridge improvements. The measure failed on a 56 to 44 percent margin (2,547 voting no, 2,032 voting yes), a year after it also failed by a 53 to 47 percent margin. County officials previously noted that such a tax would’ve generated approximately $2 million annually for about a dozen infrastructure projects. They had hoped to pay for the needed upgrades through the sales tax rather than utilizing property taxes. Most of the projects earmarked were in the Green Valley area and along and near [...]

7 Tuesday, November 7

Great Bend amends short-term rental rules

info2023-11-08T10:27:54-06:00November 7th, 2023|

Following complaints from local Airbnb owners, the Great Bend City Council Monday night approved an ordinance amending short-term rental regulations, that cover such businesses, that it had OKed in June. At the Oct. 16 council meeting, Terri Bahr, who operates a number of Airbnbs in Great Bend and other communities, and Jarod Chansler, who runs an Airbnb in the downtown area, addressed the council with their concerns. “The existing short-term rental regulations were the culmination of considerable hard work on the part of the Assistant City Administrator Logan Burns, Building Inspector Matt Schafer, their staffs, and the Planning Commission,” said City [...]

7 Tuesday, November 7

Commerce Announces $2M in CDBG-COVID Resiliency Competitive Grants

info2023-11-07T23:46:39-06:00November 7th, 2023|

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced 15 Kansas communities would receive their share of $2 million from the Community Development Block Grant-COVID Resiliency (CDBG-CVR) competitive grant program. This program was funded via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. CDBG-CVR was designed to empower Kansas businesses to enhance their resiliency in the face of future community illnesses and public health emergencies. “These grants will be a game-changer for many Kansas businesses,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This investment in pandemic resiliency not only will help retain jobs but help our state attract new businesses, [...]

7 Tuesday, November 7

Allen County OKs plan to accept plastic recyclables

info2023-11-08T10:28:38-06:00November 7th, 2023|

The county’s first foray into recycling might look a little different than they expected. Allen County commissioners agreed Tuesday to allow a recycle and trash service provider from Erie set up a bin at the landfill to collect some types of No. 2 plastic items such as milk jugs. “It’s not cardboard, but it’s a start,” Mitch Garner, Public Works director, said. The county had identified cardboard as its top recycling need. Kenny Schettler, whose company collects trash for the City of Humboldt, offered to set up a container to collect only No. 2 plastic, a sturdier type of plastic that [...]

7 Tuesday, November 7

Bentley Birthday Bash: a huge success with room for growth

info2023-11-07T23:42:00-06:00November 7th, 2023|

The recently concluded Bentley Birthday Bash has left the local community buzzing with excitement after a resounding success that exceeded all expectations. The grand celebration, held in honor of Bentley’s 135th birthday, not only drew an impressive crowd but also showcased the event’s profound potential for future growth. Families, friends and visitors from neighboring towns flocked to the event, eager to join in the festive spirit and show their love for Bentley. The organizers left no stone unturned in curating a diverse range of attractions, ensuring there was something for everyone. Source: Harvey County Now

7 Tuesday, November 7

Long-time city clerk in Sedgwick retires

info2023-11-07T23:40:53-06:00November 7th, 2023|

Janise Enterkin has attended 464 city council meetings, 108 special council meetings, and 57 Hillside Cemetery meetings during her 19 years as Sedgwick’s city clerk. She served through four mayors and 18 council members. Now, after 21 years, Enterkin is retiring from the City of Sedgwick, effective Dec. 1. But if you want to see her in the office one last time, this Thursday (Nov. 9) will be your last chance. She’s using vacation time to bridge the gap. Enterkin heard about a position at the city 21 years ago while working for Jerry Alderson at Voice and Data Connection. When [...]

7 Tuesday, November 7

Voters approve change to Reno County liquor law

info2023-11-07T23:39:17-06:00November 7th, 2023|

The people of Reno County have voted to enact changes to the liquor license law so restaurants no longer need to have 30% of their sales be from food to keep their license. The food rule was passed by the State of Kansas in 1986, with it's three classifications for county alcohol sales. There are wet counties with no restrictions, dry counties with no alcohol sales and semi-dry counties, where in order to have a liquor license you need to have 30% of your sales be food. Because of this law, Sandhills Brewing in Hutchinson was almost forced to close since they [...]

7 Tuesday, November 7

Kansas abandoned wells project reinvigorated, but thousands left to plug

info2023-11-07T23:37:13-06:00November 7th, 2023|

The state’s efforts to plug abandoned wells are back on track after delays in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to project coordinators. Ryan Hoffman, conservation division director with the Kansas Corporation Commission, updated lawmakers on the well situation during a Tuesday legislative meeting. The Kansas Corporation Commission oversees the well plugging process. “We are moving forward,” Hoffman said. Wells left unplugged can pose a health and safety risk to Kansans if they are near communities. Due to leakage, abandoned wells could leak into the water supply and or release methane into the air. Source: Kansas Reflector

7 Tuesday, November 7

Municipal Bond Trends for November 6, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-11-07T09:25:44-06:00November 7th, 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.