It has been an eventful year for pensions in Kansas. Usually a topic that will send all but the hardiest actuary to sleep, officials pursued a number of policy items in 2022 that will have a major impact on the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System and its more than 300,000 total members. But if it been a roller coaster for KPERS lately, the stock market was even more volatile. Indeed, the oldest retiree on record to receive a KPERS check was 111 years old and the state’s actuaries might feel they have similarly aged over the last year. A year after [...]

A lot of children have good ideas, but not all of them are like Olivia Bloomfield. Before this 10-year-old died of congenital muscular dystrophy in July, she spearheaded and witnessed the grand opening of Olivia’s Playground, 323 Center St. The park is the only all-inclusive playground of its kind in Salina, giving children with disabilities a place to play. Olivia and her grandparents, Sid and Susy Reitz, wanted to create an outdoor space where all children, including those with disabilities, could explore and play. She also advocated for a park in Leawood. Source: Hutch News

The wheels of change are bringing more electric buses to the streets of Lawrence. The City of Lawrence has received a federal grant to purchase electric buses for the third straight year, and is preparing to roll out its first all-electric buses on Monday. In an announcement regarding the award, Transit and Parking Manager Adam Weigel said that the Federal Transit Administration continues to recognize the city’s commitment to its sustainability goals. “I’m proud of our staff and community for leaning in to this effort so fully, as it will pay off in a big way for this community in noise [...]

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 and Beth Warren.

The City of Lawrence is preparing to begin a two-year process to update its land development code, dictating where and how the city grows as well as changes that could affect the look and function of existing neighborhoods and commercial areas. The city’s land development code, which has not been updated since 2006, covers building density, parking requirements and land uses, or what type of use can occur where, as well as various other aspects of development. Along with seeking to make the development code more concise and user-friendly, the update will create regulations to implement the city’s comprehensive plan, Plan [...]

Since beginning in the role in March, Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneidar has looked for ways to get the department more exposure and involved in the Salina community. The department takes a big step this next month as they commemorate and raise support for firefighters and their families who sacrificed on 9/11. The inaugural Central Kansas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Walk takes place on the 21st anniversary of that fateful day from 9 a.m. to noon at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. This isn’t the first time that Sneidar has organized a 9/11 stair climb, having done similar events [...]