It’s ‘going to be really hurtful’: Families to Wichita school board before closure vote

The fate of six schools, 322 employees and 2,213 students will be decided Monday, when the Wichita school board votes on a closure proposal that the district leadership team says would save $16 million. It’s the culmination of a whirlwind process that began in late January, when the district’s chief financial officer first notified the public of a $42 million budget shortfall and presented board members with a choice between closing schools and laying off teachers. Emotions ran high Thursday as the district hosted a public hearing on the recommended closure of four elementary schools — Clark, Park, Payne and Cleaveland — and two middle schools, Hadley and Jardine Magnet. The buildings would be shut down at the end of the semester. “School isn’t just learning. It’s relationships, personality building, character building. So much more than just books and reading,” said Mozart Padilla, a junior at Northwest High who went to Cleaveland and whose sibling is a student there. “Closing these schools would save money for things that you could say are needed. But the money you save isn’t going to save the relationships that you’re breaking.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2024-03-04T12:27:15-06:00March 4, 2024|News|

City looks at changing policy on using industrial revenue bonds for rental housing

Should the city government issue industrial revenue bonds for things like non-low-income rental housing? That’s the question the Manhattan City Commission will take up at Tuesday’s meeting. The issue follows a January retreat at which commissioners said they wanted to help create more workforce housing. They asked city officials to draft a housing policy to take advantage of available programs and tools. The city government previously has used IRBs for industrial and commercial development. An approved IRB can result in a property tax abatement of the new property taxes created by the rental housing project for a period of up to 10 years, and/or a sales tax exemption for project labor and materials during the project’s construction period, according to city memos. The city has two existing policies that apply. First, IRBs may only apply to low-income housing projects. Second, the Tax Abatement Policy has specific requirements for the property tax abatement that would not continue to apply to these projects.
Source: themercury.com

Ranson Financial2024-03-04T12:11:55-06:00March 4, 2024|News|

Fire destroys two Winfield businesses

Fire officials in Winfield said two businesses are a total loss after a Sunday morning fire. Crews saw flames coming from a building in the 100 block of East 5th Street when they arrived just after 9 a.m. The building housed The Winfield Thrift Store and a hair salon, Hair Tamers. Firefighters had to take a defensive posture, staying outside the building because of heavy fire involvement. Crews from Arkansas City, Udall and Burden helped bring the fire under control and crews were able to protect neighboring buildings. No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported. The Kansas State Fire Marshal is helping to investigate the cause of the fire.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2024-03-04T12:10:35-06:00March 4, 2024|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 1, 2024

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.

Henry Schmidt2024-03-04T08:50:29-06:00March 4, 2024|News|

Controlled methane flares at Johnson County landfill prompt 911 calls to Shawnee

The city of Shawnee wants people to know that if they’re seeing fire coming from the Johnson County landfill, they shouldn’t be alarmed. The flares are the result of an ongoing plant expansion plan. While the Archaea Energy plant at the landfill in Shawnee, which produces renewable natural gas, has shut down for the expansion, it’s been producing flares in the sky to release built-up natural gas.
Source: Johnson County Post

Ranson Financial2024-03-01T15:05:23-06:00March 1, 2024|News|

Newton’s new city manager seeks to bring residents into local government

Daniela Rivas is new to the Newton City Manager position, but she’s far from new to the city. Long before she was managing city finances, or working in government she got her start at Acapulco, working for her uncle, Sal Lujano, Sr. “I’d bus; I’d serve and dish wash,” she said. “We’d get $20 and run to Anderson’s and spend all our money.” Her father originally came from Jalisco, Mexico, and ended up in Newton before moving the family to Wichita. As Newton remained where much of her family was located, she’d spend summers in the city. “Coming to Newton, I loved the small-town feel,” she said. “My uncle greeting everybody by name. Going to the pool, dragging Main Street. As I got older and started having kids, I wanted that for my family.”
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2024-03-01T15:04:15-06:00March 1, 2024|News|

Tax break: Eligible Edgerton seniors to receive property tax rebates

Edgerton city officials shared their eligibility requirements and details for their newly implemented senior property tax rebate program at Thursday’s city council meeting. … To be eligible, residents must own their home, be 65 years old or older, have a valid proof of ID and be current on their property taxes and any special assessments.
Source: Gardner News

Ranson Financial2024-03-01T15:03:18-06:00March 1, 2024|News|

Crews battle wildfires in Hodgeman, Saline counties

Crews were battling grass fires Thursday in central and north central areas of Kansas. The Kansas Forest Service Air Tanker and local firefighters battled a large wildfire in Saline County, south of Interstate 70 and east of the Hedville exit. Strong south winds drove the fire north of I-70, spreading it to Watkins Road. Some homes were evacuated but crews were able to keep the flames from spreading, and no structural damage was reported. Crews were also battling a large fire in Hodgeman County along Lake Road, east of City Lake. Some homes were threatened in the area and the Sheriff’s Office was warning people to be ready for evacuations but the fire was contained around 6:15 p.m.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2024-03-01T13:44:43-06:00March 1, 2024|News|

Multiple grass fires, barn fire keep ACFD busy on Tuesday

The Arkansas City Fire/EMS responded to a series of grass fires on Tuesday, including the Chilocco area fire that caused the evacuation of 7 Clans First Council Casino. The first incident Tuesday — with high fire danger in dry conditions with strong wind gusts — was reported at about 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Lord Road and Chestnut Avenue, a few blocks east of the Walnut River. Crews discovered a barn fully involved and a grass fire ignited from flying embers behind 301 N. Country Club Road. The fire extended to a detached garage before being brought under control. Firefighters from Winfield and Udall Fire Departments aided. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation. Estimated damage is valued at $25,000. At approximately 5:30 p.m., crews responded to a reported grass fire near 111th Road and 312th Road, about five miles southeast of Ark City, where approximately 30 acres of grass and wooded areas were burning. Oklahoma departments assisted in containment efforts. Crews spent two and a half hours on the scene before the fire was controlled. The cause is under investigation.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2024-03-01T13:43:11-06:00March 1, 2024|News|

The economic influence of Labette Community College on Southeast Kansas

Over the last 100 years, a Southeast Kansas school has had a tremendous impact on the region. Administrators at Labette Community College say not only do they provide an education, but they also bring jobs and money to Southeast Kansas. “From an economic development standpoint, you’ve heard me say over and over one of the largest challenges is workforce development. Without a community college, we would be two steps behind where we’re at,” said Jim Zaleski, City of Parsons Economic Development Director. According to an analysis done by Lightcast, during the fiscal year 2021-2022 LCC generated 11.5 million dollars in income for the region – equal to supporting 216 full-time jobs. “Our graduates then are able to fulfill some of the skilled labor shortages in the area. So we’re also helping our business and industry but as a part of that and a big part of that is one could consider the college, Labette Community College as an economic engine for the Southeast Kansas region,” said Dr. Mark Watkins, LCC President.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2024-03-01T13:38:01-06:00March 1, 2024|News|