85 miles of southwest Kansas railroad to get upgrades

An 85-mile stretch of the Cimarron Valley Railroad will get about $15 million worth of improvements. The upgrades are for the rail line from Hugoton to Dodge City. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and other politicians joined CVRR officials for a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning. “These upgrades are not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our agriculture industry – and our economy as a whole,” Kelly said in a news release. “By rehabilitating over 85 miles of an essential rail line in southwest Kansas, this project will make it easier and more efficient for local businesses to transport biodiesel and other agricultural products.”
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:27:29-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

Downtown Pittsburg mural grant applications now available

The City of Pittsburg’s Downtown Advisory Board (DAB) recently announced it will continue to provide grant funding to bring more art to downtown Pittsburg. The DAB is offering to split matching funds 50/50, not to exceed one thousand dollars. This is the second year they are offering the grant. For this year DAB has devoted two thousand, and five hundred dollars to bring more art to downtown Pittsburg. Grant applications will be accepted until August, or until all of the funds run out.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:26:09-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

Downtown clock dedicated in Parsons

Years of volunteer time will be seen for decades in a Southeast Kansas community, thanks to something that tells time. A dedication ceremony was held this afternoon for this clock tower in downtown Parsons. It honors Pete and Mary Hughes for their years of volunteer work on many community projects. … “As we look down Main Street, it’s timeless, the volunteering that they did. And we thought to tie it to this clock, put their name on it and we hope it inspires other people, young people as they come up, to do what Pete and Mary have done, our community,” said Rod Landrum, SEK Point of Pride Cmte. Member. … “I’ve had builders come here and say I want to build in your town because of what’s behind me. That’s why main streets are so important. That’s why the bookends of a beautiful clock and a pocket park at each end are so important. It’s about whole community pride that helps you sell an entire city,” said Jim Zaleski, Parsons Econ. Development.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T11:04:41-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

Osawatomie to launch ‘Third Saturday’ campaign with downtown block party

Downtown Osawatomie will be a happening place to be Saturday, April 15, during the city’s first “Third Saturday” block party. Main Street will be blocked off from Fifth to Sixth streets from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. during the event, which will include early activities from 4 to 7 p.m. like pickleball and cornhole tournaments, children’s street games, children’s bicycle parade and bike course, Nine Square, board games, and the Bull Creek BBQ food truck.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:25:00-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

USD 232 enrollment expected to boom — Here are the schools most impacted

Starside Elementary in De Soto and Mill Creek Middle School in Lenexa are expected to both be over capacity by the 2027-2028 school year with growth booming on the western side of USD 232. That’s according to an enrollment analysis from school planning firm RSP Associates presented to the USD 232 school board earlier this month. The report outlined how new residential growth, the addition of a new Panasonic EV battery plant and other expected investments on the old Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in De Soto could draw in more residents and lead to more growth in the district’s student population.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:23:35-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

North Lawrence camp residents say violence and chaos is increasing, and the new fence hasn’t helped

People living at the city-run campsite in North Lawrence say they’re struggling with increased interlopers, assaults, theft and drug activity in the week since the city installed a fence intended to prevent visitors, and a woman said she was raped at the camp on Sunday. Tension, anger and fear at the campsite are increasing. At times, the feeling hanging over the camp is a foreboding one, said Jenn Adams — known as the “camp mom” — who has experienced violence while living outside before. “I felt safer out at Sandra Shaw after my throat had been cut than I do here now,” she said. “I don’t feel safe, and I’m across the street.”
Source: The Lawrence Times

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:20:48-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

Giant solar power generation facility proposed just north of Lawrence

A division of oil giant Royal Dutch Shell is proposing to build a solar energy facility covering more than a square mile just north of Lawrence, near Midland Junction. The “Kansas Sky Energy Center” would supply electrical power to local utility Evergy Inc., which would ultimately own the facility. Savion LLC, based in Kansas City, said it has acquired more than 1,100 acres of land — currently used as farmland — on which to build the giant solar array. It said the solar collection equipment would cover as much as 734 acres of the land.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:19:24-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

City manager: Aggieville requesting $25K for gift card promotion

Manhattan city manager Ron Fehr said he’s received a special funding request from the Aggieville Business Association to attract visitors back to the entertainment district. Fehr told Manhattan city commissioners Tuesday evening that he recently received a letter from the ABA board requesting $25,000 for use in a promotion that ABA officials think would bring people back to Aggieville, following months of construction projects in and out of the district. Fehr said the promotion would consist of $25,000 being spread out over 400 to 500 prepaid cards that would be available to Aggieville patrons either through direct purchase or some sort of contest.
Source: themercury.com

Ranson Financial2023-04-13T10:16:28-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for April 12, 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, Beth Warren or Henry Schmidt.

Henry Schmidt2023-04-13T08:11:46-05:00April 13, 2023|News|

Sedan Police Department calls out ‘Pothole Bandits’ after creative prank

A pop of color on Montgomery Street isn’t a welcome sight for city workers in Sedan. In a lighthearted post alerting residents to “be on the lookout,” the Sedan Police Department reports “mysterious growth sprouting from several potholes.” The unidentified culprits who filled potholes with plants are dubbed “The Pothole Bandits” by police. While Sedan police acknowledge the humor and creativity, they’re calling for the beautification effort to stop.
Source: KWCH

Ranson Financial2023-04-12T21:39:44-05:00April 12, 2023|News|