Merriam weighs $1M fund to help city’s struggling hotels

In an effort to help the city’s flagging hotel industry, Merriam is considering setting aside up to $1 million that would pay for grants the city’s four hotels could use to refurbish their properties. The move, city officials say, would have the double impact of reducing blight at the four prominent hotel properties along Interstate 35 and also, ultimately, lead to more tax revenue for the city if hotel usage picks up as a result. City staff last month laid out a proposal to offer the hotels reimbursable grants with a 50% required match by the hotel, and a minimum $10,000 investment, according to city documents.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2022-10-07T06:45:07-05:00October 6, 2022|News|

‘The buzz is amazing’: KU football hype is energizing Lawrence, boosting business

The Kansas Jayhawks football team is 5-0, ranked 19th in the Associated Press poll and angling for its first postseason bowl game appearance since 2008. And the team’s surprising success on the field is rippling through the community. From stadium ticket sellouts to packed bars, restaurants and parking lots, KU’s winning season is boosting the local economy in tangible ways. Just ask Willie Johnson, who has rented game-day parking spaces to KU football fans on his property in the 900 block of Mississippi Street for six years. In past seasons, Johnson offered parking for $10 per car and hoped to fill the dozens of spaces he has on three lots. This season he’s getting an average of $40 per space, and sometimes as much as $60.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Ranson Financial2022-10-07T06:45:28-05:00October 6, 2022|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for October 4, 2022

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.

Ranson Financial2022-10-05T07:09:36-05:00October 5, 2022|News|

Governor Laura Kelly Joins Pratt Industries For Grand Opening of Park City Plant

Today Governor Laura Kelly joined officials from Pratt Industries as they opened their new state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing corrugated box plant in Park City. The plant represents a $200 million investment that will create 58 new high-paying, quality jobs in Sedgwick County over the next five years. This announcement comes during Governor Kelly’s ‘Prosperity On The Plains’ tour promoting economic development. The Governor took a tour of the plant and gave remarks celebrating the company’s investment. “Pratt’s continued investment in our state shows that when we support workers and businesses, Kansas thrives,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Now, 58 more Kansans will have high-paying jobs and $200 million will be brought into Park City – reinforcing that we all benefit from our growing economy.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2022-10-05T07:02:00-05:00October 4, 2022|News|

Catalpa Park is going to the dogs

Catalpa Park… in Arkansas City, will soon become a safe place for dog owners to take their pets and allow them to get some exercise. The city’s Municipal Project Manager Nick Rizzio said the cost will be minimal and the renovation is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2022-10-05T07:02:22-05:00October 4, 2022|News|

Overland Park approves $49.3 million in STAR bonds for Bluhawk’s first phase

Vertical construction can begin on the $1 billion, 300-acre Bluhawk development now that it has won a key financing approval. On Monday evening, the Overland Park City Council approved Overland Park-based Price Brothers Management Co.’s request for $49.3 million in sales tax revenue (STAR) bonds for vertical construction on the multisport complex’s $72.7 million first phase. The development is located at 159th Street and U.S. Highway 69. The City Council also approved the issuance of economic development revenue bonds (EDRBs) that will not exceed $113.6 million to build the entire complex in multiple phases.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal

Ranson Financial2022-10-05T07:03:05-05:00October 4, 2022|News|

Shawnee city manager resigns

The Shawnee city manager announced Sept. 26 that he’ll resign at the beginning of November, according to his resignation letter which says he and the city council disagree on a “path and vision for the future” for the city. Nolan Sunderman, who started as assistant city manager in 2016 and was promoted to city manager in 2018, said he will start a new job in public service later this year. His last day will be Nov. 1. During his tenure, Sunderman worked to create two major city development plans that sought to prioritize diverse housing options, thriving businesses and inclusive communities among other issues, including the Imagine Shawnee Strategic Vision and the Achieve Shawnee Comprehensive Plan.
Source: KC Star Local News

Ranson Financial2022-10-05T07:04:08-05:00October 4, 2022|News|

Local police depement is supporting October’s Best Cancer Awareness Month

The Parsons Police Department is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink mourning bands over their badges. These bans are reserved for officers that have passed or were killed on duty. “A normal mouring band is black in color but with pink being the color for breast cancer awareness it is fitting for this month that our mourning bands are pink,” according to Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd. Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created to spread awareness and raise funds for research, prevention, treatment, and finding a cure. The Parsons Police Department is raising awareness to help fellow staff members that have been affected by this deadly disease.
Source: KOAMKOAM

Ranson Financial2022-10-04T22:45:41-05:00October 4, 2022|News|

‘They don’t expect it’: Kansan builds an antique park in his backyard

Imagine a six-story treehouse overlooking a nearly-life-sized dinosaur and a man-made pond. An Augusta man’s dream of collecting and sharing historical pieces with the world has become a reality. “You know, as a kid, you always want a big playground. I never had a big playground, so I decided, what the hell, I will build my own and go from there,” said Jason Lee Bradley. Bradley, a professional landscaper, started working on what he calls Preservation Acres six years ago at his home a couple of miles east of Augusta.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2022-10-04T22:44:40-05:00October 4, 2022|News|

14 Kansas towns want Tank of the Year title

Some Kansans towns are very proud of their water towers, and they hope people will vote for them in a national contest. Tnemec, a company that makes protective coatings, is holding its annual Tank of the Year contest. The entries come from across the U.S., including 14 in Kansas: Augusta, Baldwin City, Beattie, Pittsburg, Hugoton, Johnson County, La Crosse, McPherson, Neodesha, Preston, Russell, St. John, Tonganoxie, Valley Center. People can vote online until Oct. 14. You can vote daily. On Oct. 17, the company will announce the tank that won the People’s Choice nomination. Then, a Tnemec committee will choose 11 other finalists. The committee will then decide which water tower becomes the official Tank of the Year. It will make the announcement on Oct. 21.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2022-10-04T22:43:15-05:00October 4, 2022|News|