North Newton, learning center, Halstead library receive grant funds

6 Friday, January 6

North Newton, learning center, Halstead library receive grant funds

info2023-01-06T00:14:07-06:00January 6th, 2023|

Parents, grandparents and other guardians will have shaded areas and tables at which to sit while children play at a couple of North Newton parks that have fairly new playground equipment. That’s thanks to a Kansas Department of Commerce Strategic Economic Expansion and Development Grant for community vibrancy and library projects. The matching-fund grant will be divided between the Kansas Learning Center for Health for outdoor fitness equipment, Halstead Public Library for new carpeting and North Newton for park shade structures. Halstead, along with the other entities, applied for the grant for $50,000 in matching funds across three projects and will [...]

6 Friday, January 6

Moundridge police officers renovate old library into new police station

info2023-01-06T00:01:10-06:00January 6th, 2023|

After six months of renovations, the Moundridge Police Department has a new home right across the street from its old office. The chief of police, Michael Sparks, said it was a necessity, but all the work done was by its officers and volunteers. The building the officers renovated has been in the community for about 60 years. It once served as City Hall and the library and is now the Moundridge Police Department. "We didn't have any room," said Chief Sparks. Source: KSN-TV

5 Thursday, January 5

City of Topeka welcomes new Chief Financial Officer

info2023-01-05T23:57:40-06:00January 5th, 2023|

A new face will be appearing among the City of Topeka's leadership later this month. City of Topeka spokesperson Gretchen Spiker said Freddy Mawyin will take the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) after being hired by the city. Mawyin currently serves as the Senior Economic Advisor at the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP). Source: KSNT 27 News

5 Thursday, January 5

New program to benefit rural homeowners in Kansas

info2023-01-05T23:55:44-06:00January 5th, 2023|

Potential and current homeowners in rural Kansas can be financially assisted through the new Home Loan Guarantee (HGL) for Rural Kansas. The program, which was created by Kansas Housing Resources Cooperation (KHRC), helps to close the gap between lenders and their financial institutions. The program serves counties with less than 10,000 residents and can be used for costs related to land, buildings, renovations and new construction. The program will guarantee 80% to 125% of the appraised value of the home, which caps at $100,000 per loan. Source: KSNT 27 News

5 Thursday, January 5

Eligible area businesses encouraged to apply for COVID-related property tax relief grants

info2023-01-05T23:47:14-06:00January 5th, 2023|

The deadline is still several months away, but area business owners are strongly encouraged to learn more about cash grants to offset COVID-related impacts and apply soon if those grants apply to them. The COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act is designed to help businesses affected during the 2020 and 2021 tax years by sending business owners a portion of property taxes accrued on retail storefront property. Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

5 Thursday, January 5

City staff members assert alcohol & drug program funds’ distribution is legal; advisory board member says questions remain

info2023-01-05T23:42:19-06:00January 5th, 2023|

After more than a year spent questioning the process and legality of how the city allocates its special alcohol tax revenue, an advisory board will meet Friday to discuss a staff memo that says the city’s appropriation of the money adheres to the law. Members of the Special Alcohol Fund Advisory Board (SAFAB) have asked city leaders and staff since 2021 to make more transparent the process of how the city distributes revenue from the special alcohol tax. Source: The Lawrence Times

5 Thursday, January 5

Remembering Otis Morrow

info2023-01-05T11:11:12-06:00January 5th, 2023|

Otis Morrow, a former city attorney and civic leader, died Monday and is being remembered as a kind, diplomatic figure who used his abilities to serve the institutions of Arkansas City. Karen Zeller said she is one of the many grieving at Morrow’s passing. She described Morrow as a community leader and a gentle man who had touched many through his law practice and civic involvement. “We’ve lost a supporter with a vast amount of city-wide knowledge,” she said. ... Morrow retired as city attorney in 2005 after 30 years in that job. He continued as counsel to the South Central [...]

5 Thursday, January 5

Hutchinson’s new city manager starts work

info2023-01-05T11:09:02-06:00January 5th, 2023|

Hutchinson's new city manager's career in public service started with one of the most essential ingredients for any municipality − water. That passion remains vital today. Kendal Francis, who holds both a bachelor's and master's degree from Kansas State University, has served as city administrator or manager for Lakin, Coffeeville and most recently Great Bend. But before thinking about obtaining his master's degree in public administration and wanting to manage a city, Francis worked as a water treatment plant operator in his hometown of Beloit. Source: Hutch News

5 Thursday, January 5

Flags Be Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Longtime Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan

info2023-01-05T11:05:25-06:00January 5th, 2023|

In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly ordered flags throughout the State of Kansas to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities immediately until the day of interment, in honor of former Kansas Attorney General Robert Stephan, who passed away Tuesday. Stephan entered the Kansas attorney general’s office in 1979 and held office for 16 years. “Today, I’ve ordered flags statewide be flown to honor Kansas’ longest-serving attorney general, Robert Stephan,” Governor Laura Kelly “I had the utmost respect for General Stephan’s advocacy and public service, and I appreciated his sage counsel. My condolences go [...]

5 Thursday, January 5

Municipal Bond Trends for January 4, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-01-05T10:37:34-06:00January 5th, 2023|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.