Park City and developers consider potential STAR bonds district

The group already has been working on plans for an almost $500 million tourist destination for more than a year and a half. [Developer Matt] Baty said they’ve “put together a model that we think is going to be a regional and national draw.” The central piece of the district is a potential aquarium. “We’re in conversations with several operators about their potential interest,” Baty said. There likely would be other entertainment venues, including a museum, and two multipurpose facilities as well. Residential is a possibility as well along with hotels, restaurants and retail. Park City administrator Sean Fox called it all “pretty amazing.”
Source: Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2023-02-14T07:12:36-06:00February 14, 2023|News|

Old library in downtown Wichita vandalized

It’s where thousands in Sedgwick County went to get their COVID shots. But, now it’s become a target for vandalism. Damage was done to several windows at the downtown library over the weekend. The damage looks like a rock or something was thrown through one window. The others are boarded up. But, the city says it’s going to take steps to protect this site. And that it’s looking further down the road for what will go here next. “Looks like a lot of damage,” said Halle Brittain, a Valley Center resident. Five windows at the Old Library have been replaced with boards. Another, with a hole and cracks, has been taped up. Residents say it’s a sitting target.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2023-02-14T00:02:50-06:00February 14, 2023|News|

City says cases handled by Louisburg judge without law license are still valid

All acts of former municipal judge David Ruder while he was in office are valid and enforceable despite the fact that he was serving without a valid law license for 20 years, according to the city of Louisburg. Ruder recently resigned after reportedly allowing his law license to lapse but continuing to serve as a municipal judge for the city of Louisburg. The city of Louisburg made the initial announcement in a social media post Monday, Jan. 23, stating that Ruder began serving as the Louisburg Municipal Court judge in 2008.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Ranson Financial2023-02-14T00:01:18-06:00February 14, 2023|News|

KDHE issues stream advisory for Marais des Cygnes River near Osawatomie

Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a stream advisory for the Marais des Cygnes River near Osawatomie, Kan. The stream advisory is a result of an ongoing inflow and infiltration issue near the city of Osawatomie’s wastewater treatment plant. The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in the Marais des Cygnes River near the city. Anyone who lives or has activities near this stream is advised to not enter the water or allow children or pets to enter.
Source: Osage County News

Ranson Financial2023-02-13T23:59:45-06:00February 13, 2023|News|

Fed’s Bowman expects more rate hikes to reach inflation goal

The Federal Reserve will likely have to keep raising interest rates to rein in price growth, which could slow economic expansion and affect the jobs market, Governor Michelle Bowman said. “We are still far from achieving price stability, and I expect that it will be necessary to further tighten monetary policy to bring inflation down toward our goal,” Bowman said Monday at a community banking conference in Orlando, Florida. “Doing so will likely lead to subdued growth in economic activity and some softening in labor-market conditions.” She said restoring price stability is essential to support a sustainably strong labor market. … Fed officials lifted their benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point to a range of 4.5% to 4.75% on Feb. 1. The smaller move followed a half-point increase in December and four 75 basis-point hikes prior to that. Officials in December forecast rates peaking at 5.1% this year, according to their median projection. They will update those estimates next month.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2023-02-13T13:32:05-06:00February 13, 2023|News|

Lawrence Police, FBI to address fentanyl crisis during community forum

It’s time to have the talk, according to the Lawrence Police Department. The department is joining forces with the FBI, the Lawrence School District and the Douglas County District Attorney to discuss what it calls the “fentanyl crisis” in the community.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Ranson Financial2023-02-13T13:30:11-06:00February 13, 2023|News|

$850,000 Funding Announced for Downtown Building Revitalization

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $850,000 has been made available to fund a new round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. The HEAL program, which is funded by the Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, provides grants to small communities across the state to revitalize downtown buildings.

The HEAL program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:

New or expanding businesses
Housing
Arts and culture
Civic engagement
Childcare
Entrepreneurship

“Downtowns throughout Kansas are already making dramatic and visible improvements because of this popular program,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation is creating even more opportunities for communities to bring their historic buildings back to life and strengthen their local economies.”

HEAL is intended to close financial gaps in restoring underutilized properties and making downtown districts throughout the state more economically vibrant. Applicants must show that submitted projects have potential to become economic drivers in the community.

Eligible applicants must be organizations applying on behalf of building owners and may include designated Kansas Main Street programs, economic development organizations, cities, counties, 501c3 or 501c6 organizations, and local community foundations.

Private building owners should contact their local organization to work in partnership on the application and to identify buildings that are strong candidates for the HEAL program. The buildings should be underutilized, valuable to the historic fabric of the downtown district and have a feasible plan for adaptive re-use.

“Contributing to the HEAL program alongside the Department of Commerce is a natural fit for our foundation’s mission,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, President of the Patterson Family Foundation. “Downtown areas are often the heart of communities of all sizes, and we believe rural downtown spaces especially will benefit from improvements to their beauty, safety, and greater accessibility.”

HEAL matching grants will be awarded for either façade or building construction projects. Communities that received a previous HEAL grant are not eligible to apply in this round.

Proof of matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application. The application window opens February 13 and closes March 31 with award notifications at the end of May.

Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at www.kansascommerce.gov/heal.

Ranson Financial2023-02-13T13:16:44-06:00February 13, 2023|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for February 10, 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 Schmidt2023-02-13T08:43:21-06:00February 13, 2023|News|

Board will vote Monday on whether to sell a former Wichita school to private developers

A former Wichita school that has sat vacant since 2011 could be sold to private developers if school board members approve the contract at Monday’s meeting. The former Price Elementary property at 6123 E. 11th Street, later renamed Blackbear Bosin Academy, would be sold to Garvey Ventures LLC for $500,000. The building was built in 1956 and sits on more than six and a half acres near 13th and Woodlawn. Garvey’s vice president of finance Aaron Wiechman said that if the sale is approved by the school board, developers will likely repurpose the property for housing.
Source: Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2023-02-13T07:18:23-06:00February 13, 2023|News|

$50 million project announced to downtown Pittsburg’s Block22

A new building, a two-story pavilion, redevelopment of the historic Besse Hotel… Pittsburg State University announces some big changes in the Block22 neighborhood. It’s the “Gorilla Rising.” PSU is working with the City of Pittsburg and local businesses on a new initiative they hope will strengthen the local business district and provide students with new and unique learning experiences. The University estimates the cost of the project to be about $50 million. … One part of the new initiative is adding a new building to the PSU Kelce College of Business. Officials say the building currently leased by BMO Harris Bank will be the footprint of a new building at Fifth and Broadway. As part of that new building, PSU will partner with the Colonial Fox Theatre to share space in a two-story pavilion. The Theatre already planned a space like that to accommodate a lobby expansion and theatrical support.
Source: KOAM News

Ranson Financial2023-02-13T07:17:36-06:00February 13, 2023|News|