Rebellion against McLouth cryptocurrency data center triggers one-year application moratorium

The avalanche of complaints about threats to rural quality of life, unresolved issues of land ownership and leasing rights, an oil tank explosion that burned a truck packed with ammunition and widespread distrust of developers — even by a former white-collar criminal — compelled the Jefferson County Commission to impose a moratorium of at least one year on applications for construction of cryptocurrency processing centers. Crypto Colo Center Corp.’s proposal to boost McLouth’s economy by planting a crypto currency mine one-third of a mile north of town imploded under pressure from energy companies, Sierra Club, McLouth City Council, Jefferson County Redevelopment Office and, most significantly, dozens of area residents. They were aghast anybody would bring into their midst two dozen 40-foot shipping containers packed with energy-intensive computer servers that churned around the clock on electricity drawn from eight locomotive-sized generators fueled by natural gas pulled right out of the ground.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Ranson Financial2023-03-01T14:34:15-06:00March 1, 2023|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for February 28, 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.

Henry Schmidt2023-03-01T07:27:05-06:00March 1, 2023|News|

Dog park plans slowed by ADA requirements

Catapla Park in Arkansas City is still going to the dogs, it’s just taking longer than expected. The city announced its plan last October to revamp the small park into a safe place for pet owners to let their pets get some exercise, but so far no progress has been made. Municipal Planner Nick Rizzio said Tuesday that the goal for the project had been to keep the cost minimal and have it completed before the end of the year. The project will be more expensive than he had anticipated due to the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for parking spaces, sidewalks and an entrance and exit for each gate. He said the cost is still being evaluated.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T14:29:27-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Wichita unveils new $400M riverbank plan that saves Century II and former library

Wichita has a new plan to redevelop the east bank of the Arkansas River downtown that would save Century II and the former downtown library while expanding convention center space for less than half the cost of the $1 billion Riverfront Legacy Master Plan. “This is the most excited I’ve been about the future of conventions and this complex,” City Manager Robert Layton told The Eagle. “I just finally think we hit it.” For an estimated $400 million, the city of Wichita would transform the east bank to a “new heart of the city,” Layton said. The largest cost is a $170 million expansion of the Bob Brown Convention Center. The plan also calls for investing $55 million in the iconic blue-domed Century II building and $15 million in the neighboring former library building.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T14:15:49-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for February 27, 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.

Henry Schmidt2023-02-28T07:53:50-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Southern Kansas school closed because of vandalism, threatening graffiti

The school in St. John, Kansas was closed Monday after a break-in and vandalism incident over the weekend. There was also graffiti on the walls that could be considered threatening in nature, according to a message from Superintendent Josh Meyer. A decision was made to close the St. John-Hudson school out of caution and to allow time for the clean up of broken glass and debris. Meyer said in a letter to the school community that there is no information that indicates a specific plan for violence toward anyone at the school. He said the district is taking the matter seriously and is working with St. John police. It’s not believed there is any imminent danger to staff or students.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T14:12:33-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Derby FD adapts to growing medical calls

As is in the title, Derby Fire and Rescue keeps busy with its fair share of fire calls. But a majority of the department’s work over the past few years has fallen more into the category of medical response – with roughly 60% of the annual calls for the department classified as EMS/rescue. With the increasing number of emergency medical services and rescue calls, Derby FD is evolving and continually analyzing best practices for the community it serves – both now and in the future.
Source: Derby Informer | News

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T14:15:29-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Tornado damages homes in Liberal

The Seward County Emergency Management director says four to five homes in Liberal have moderate to severe damage, and another 10-12 homes have moderate damage. Director Greg Standard also told KSN one person was treated for minor injuries and has been released. Joshua Volden’s home was damaged, and he says it all happened in a matter of minutes. “The power went out, I looked over and saw stuff flying toward the windows,” Volden said.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T00:37:22-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Property values spike in Riley County, here’s why

Property owners in Riley County may see the value of their property rise by as much as 17% over last year’s value. The Riley County Appraiser’s Office said it mailed the 2023 Change in Value Notices (CVNs) for each of the 25,000 real estate parcels in the county Friday, Feb. 24. The CVNs reflect changes in property values prompted by fluctuations in the local real estate market and/or changes made to individual properties, such as additions or improvements.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T00:35:25-06:00February 28, 2023|News|

Silicon Valley dreams clash with small town Kansas

A new business venture has embroiled the town of McLouth, Kansas. At Tuesday’s packed city council meeting, McLouth residents heard from a local natural gas company about a proposal to open a data mining center at their current location. Crypto Colo Center Corp is an oil and gas company based just outside the McLouth in Jefferson County. The company CEO says its primary source of income comes from extracting oil. The company wants the Jefferson County Commission to sign off on the proposed construction of a data mining center that would run off excess gas they currently produce.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Ranson Financial2023-02-28T00:34:12-06:00February 28, 2023|News|