USDA to use outdoors recreation to boost economy around national forests, grasslands

1 Wednesday, February 1

USDA to use outdoors recreation to boost economy around national forests, grasslands

info2023-02-01T00:30:19-06:00February 1st, 2023|

The U.S. Department of Agriculture began planning this month to develop outdoor recreation opportunities near national forests and grasslands, part of a broader Biden administration push to help communities reap economic rewards from the growing recreation sector. Three USDA agencies — the U.S. Forest Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Office of Rural Development — signed a memorandum of understanding last fall pledging to collaborate on plans to develop outdoor recreation economies in “gateway communities” near national forests and grasslands, according to a Jan. 19 press release. Source: Kansas Reflector

1 Wednesday, February 1

Wichita deputy chief named new chief of police in Liberal

info2023-02-01T00:28:00-06:00February 1st, 2023|

The City of Liberal has hired a Wichita deputy chief of police to be their new police chief. Chester Pinkston currently oversees the Field Services Division of the Wichita Police Department. Liberal officials say Pinkston was chosen during a national search involving 17 candidates. Pinkston has spent the last 32 years with the Wichita Police Department, being named Deputy Chief in 2020. He is one of three current and former deputy chiefs who, along with former chief Gordon Ramsay say they are suing the City of Wichita. Source: KSN-TV

1 Wednesday, February 1

KDOT installing ‘high performance’ signs on selected highways in Lyon, Greenwood counties

info2023-02-01T06:59:40-06:00February 1st, 2023|

A special signage project is underway on several area highways. The Kansas Department of Transportation says signage is currently being replaced on Kansas Highway 99 in Lyon and Greenwood counties, as well as Kansas Highway 58 east of Madison, US Highway 54 and US Highway 400, both in Greenwood County. This involves so-called high-performance signs, which use lettering that’s highly reflective in headlights for better visibility than other kinds of signs. The new signs can also withstand harsh weather conditions without rusting or going dull. Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

1 Wednesday, February 1

Merriam nixes some key elements of downtown plan

info2023-02-01T00:25:03-06:00February 1st, 2023|

A long-awaited plan to remake downtown Merriam is moving forward but without any changes to a key two-block stretch of Merriam Drive. Mayor Bob Pape cast the tie-breaking vote last week on a motion to leave Merriam Drive between Hocker Drive and Johnson Drive untouched as part of a broader plan to make downtown more walkable and safer for bikers and pedestrians. The original concept called for decreasing lanes on the busy roadway from three down to two, but that idea garnered pushback from some downtown business owners who feared cutting lanes could create more congestion. Source: Prairie Village Post

1 Wednesday, February 1

Experience El Dorado to host virtual town hall for mural project

info2023-02-01T00:22:27-06:00February 1st, 2023|

El Dorado residents and visitors have enjoyed the beauty and community spirit two recent murals have brought to the downtown area, and now, the City of El Dorado has the opportunity to add a third mural through a $10,000 grant Experience El Dorado and the City of El Dorado received from the Kansas Creative Arts Commission for a mural and art project that has been named ElDo Plaza. “This is a great opportunity for El Dorado,” said Javan Gonzalez, Destination Services Coordinator for Experience El Dorado. “We have received tremendous feedback from people who love the addition of the murals in [...]

1 Wednesday, February 1

Community support specialists help to offer different approach to WPD calls

info2023-02-01T00:17:00-06:00February 1st, 2023|

Their work could include helping parents find a therapist for their kids, lining them up with after-school programs, or other programs to help the school to provide a family with basic hygiene products. Robinson says “We just try to really work with the families to help them understand, you know, and then show them because a lot of people don't know what community resources are available. Source: KAKE - News

1 Wednesday, February 1

Reed reflects on time at USD 465

info2023-02-01T00:10:42-06:00February 1st, 2023|

USD 465 Superintendent Dr. Nathan Reed spoke to the CourierTraveler about some of the successes during his time as district leader, while others who work with Reed said they appreciate his efforts in leading the district through COVID-19 and other challenges. Reed announced last week that he is resigning as superintendent to take a job in the Wichita area. He has been superintendent of USD 465 since July 2018. He will remain as the superintendent until his contract is up in June. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

31 Tuesday, January 31

Kansas Senate bill funnels $1 billion into rainy-day fund to bridge economic downturns

info2023-01-31T23:57:42-06:00January 31st, 2023|

State Treasurer Steven Johnson endorsed legislation Tuesday adding $1 billion to Kansas’ budget stabilization fund and recommended the bill include provisions prohibiting withdrawals from the rainy-day account for one-time state government expenditures. The state’s reserve fund contained $980 million on Jan. 1. It was build by state law mandating total transfers to the fund of $969 million in 2022. A straight $750 million was deposited in the account. In addition, $219 million was forwarded to the fund because actual state revenue exceeded the revenue forecast. Source: The Miami County Republic

31 Tuesday, January 31

Kansas governor announces educational funding for low-income students to combat learning loss

info2023-01-31T23:56:17-06:00January 31st, 2023|

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the creation of a program she hopes will combat learning loss on Tuesday. Kelly announced the creation of the Kansas Education Enrichment Program (KEEP). The program will offer low-income families a one-time $1,000 award per child to help pay for certain “educational goods and services”, including tutoring and school supplies, but not private school tuition, according to a press release from the governor's office. The program is open to families with incomes below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. Source: The Miami County Republic

31 Tuesday, January 31

Municipal Bond Trends for January 30, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-01-31T08:48:14-06:00January 31st, 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.