State funds will allow apartment expansion

15 Wednesday, February 15

State funds will allow apartment expansion

info2023-02-15T00:12:07-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The City of Winfield has been awarded more than $1.8 million in state housing funds to help expand an apartment complex currently under construction, according to Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. The funds from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation include $650,000 in Moderate Income Housing funds and $1.2 million in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits. The money will go toward an additional 48 units in the 71-unit moderate income apartment complex being built at 19th Avenue and Bliss Street in Winfield. This project is being built by Petra Development. Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

15 Wednesday, February 15

Nearly $20 Million in Grants Aim to Reduce Number of Kids in Foster Care

info2023-02-15T00:10:52-06:00February 15th, 2023|

Governor Kelly announced a new set of Family First Prevention grants totaling nearly $20 million. The grants will create and grow programs aimed to prevent children from entering the foster care system. The Governor said in a statement, “Family First programs have been proven to keep families together, improving outcomes for our children long-term and saving our state money down the road. They have contributed to the nearly 20% drop in the total number of children in foster care since the start of my administration. That’s why we have worked across the aisle to direct both state and federal funding to [...]

15 Wednesday, February 15

Newton school district will keep two schools open, with fewer classes

info2023-02-15T00:08:25-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The Newton school board has agreed to keep two schools open for the next school year, but they will have fewer classes. There have been concerns about declining enrollment at the Walton Rural Life Center, which is a special education agriculture charter elementary school. There are also concerns about enrollment at Northridge Elementary. The school board voted to reduce classes at Walton from two classes to one in kindergarten through fourth grade, with one teacher per grade. At Northridge Elementary, kindergarten and the first and second grades will be reduced to one class each. There will be two classes in grades [...]

14 Tuesday, February 14

Inflation rose 0.5% in January, more than expected and up 6.4% from a year ago

info2023-02-14T12:57:37-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Inflation turned higher to start 2023, as rising shelter, gas and fuel prices took their toll on consumers, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. The consumer price index, which measures a broad basket of common goods and services, rose 0.5% in January, which translated to an annual gain of 6.4%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for respective increases of 0.4% and 6.2%. Excluding volatile food and energy, the core CPI increased 0.4% monthly and 5.6% from a year ago, against respective estimates of 0.3% and 5.5%. ... That has come despite Federal Reserve efforts to quell the problem. The [...]

14 Tuesday, February 14

Shawnee hires Doug Gerber as the new City Manager

info2023-02-14T12:55:21-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Mayor Michelle Distler and the Shawnee City Council announced Doug Gerber as the new City Manager. The Governing Body approved a contract with Gerber at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023. Gerber was one of five finalists who met with the Governing Body and City staff late last month in an extensive interview process. “As with any change in this community that I love, I am confident our staff will embrace it and support the new City Manager.” said Mayor Michelle Distler. When asked about his new position, Doug said, “I am humbled that I was selected as [...]

14 Tuesday, February 14

Lawrence City Commission to consider putting changes to form of government on upcoming ballot

info2023-02-14T08:12:07-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Lawrence city leaders will soon consider asking voters to change the city’s governing body to include some seats elected by districts and a directly elected mayor. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting a resolution to put the changes on the November 2024 ballot. The commission will also consider an ordinance to amend city code to establish four-year terms on the commission, a change that would occur regardless of the outcome of the ballot question. In January, city leaders expressed support for asking Lawrence voters about changing the city’s form of government to a hybrid [...]

14 Tuesday, February 14

Municipal Bond Trends for February 13, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-02-14T05:29:24-06:00February 14th, 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.

14 Tuesday, February 14

Kechi voters approve town’s first local sales tax

info2023-02-14T00:17:54-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Voters in Kechi have approved a citywide sales tax of one cent. The City did not have a local retail sales tax before this. The City of Kechi said it will use the $90,000 collected annually for general street and capital improvements. It says this is a fair way to share the expenses of city improvements with visitors. The City said the money will also fund projects associated with the Kechi Arts and Business District Master Plan. The goal of the plan is to improve the aesthetics and walkability of the town. Source: KSN-TV

14 Tuesday, February 14

Johnson County to begin enforcing truck traffic restrictions in parts of the county on Feb. 20

info2023-02-14T07:01:44-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Monday, Feb. 20, Johnson County will start enforcing truck traffic restrictions on certain narrow gravel and chip seal roads in unincorporated Johnson County. The use of operation of any commercial vehicle or any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Combination Weight Rating of 16,000 pounds or greater are prohibited on the roads designated on the map below. “No truck” signs are posted in those areas. Various city, county and state law enforcement agencies will enforce the truck traffic restrictions. A violation will lead to a $200 fine. Source: Johnson County Kansas

14 Tuesday, February 14

Hutchinson Regional cites lasting pandemic effects, cost increases as causes for layoffs

info2023-02-14T00:15:25-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has announced that it will be laying off 85 employees due to the healthcare landscape being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing supply costs, lower health insurance reimbursement rates and decreased patient volumes compared to pre-pandemic days. Interim CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Jeff Egbert said that the reduction is necessary as they continue to navigate the substantial and lasting financial impacts of the global pandemic. “These challenges aren’t unique to Hutchinson,” Egbert said. “Many hospitals and healthcare systems across our nation are facing similar challenges, including many in the Midwest. We are confident that this [...]