info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

County hears taxation ruling on ATVs

info2022-03-31T01:10:43-05:00March 31st, 2022|

The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals ruled in recent cases that side-by-sides and ATVs that carry more than one passenger and are used for farming or ranching should not be exempt from taxation. Labette County commissioners heard this news from County Counselor Brian Johnson and County Appraiser DeLinda White on Monday. Commissioners and White expect a huge outcry from taxpayers because generally farm equipment is exempt from taxation. Under BOTA’s ruling, if it stands, ATVs that can carry more than one passenger, side-by-sides and even golf carts used on farm operations should be taxed at market value on a 30% assessment. [...]

Some JoCo pools plan to reduce hours this summer due to lifeguard shortages

info2022-03-31T08:36:49-05:00March 31st, 2022|

It hasn’t felt like it at times this March, but we’re getting closer to summer. That means pool season is nearer to kicking off in Johnson County. Following limited operations in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some cities have adjusted their summer pool hours due to ongoing shortages of lifeguards and other pandemic-related limitations. Most city pools in Johnson County open on Memorial Day weekend but days and hours could be impacted beyond that. Source: Prairie Village Post

Sunflower, Russell County Commission agree on PILOT for solar project

info2022-03-31T01:04:49-05:00March 31st, 2022|

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and the Russell County Commission came to agreement on a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the first ten years of the Sunflower @ Russell Solar Project on March 21. Since current Kansas law provides a 10-year property tax exemption for renewable energy projects, Sunflower offered a PILOT to the county. The payment illustrates Sunflower’s appreciation for the ability to site the project in Russell County and helps to support the county’s infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, that will be used during the construction of the solar facility. Source: Sunflower Electric

Kansas getting closer to authorizing sports wagering

info2022-03-31T01:03:42-05:00March 31st, 2022|

The Kansas Legislature took a significant step toward authorizing sports wagering Wednesday when the House passed a bill bringing a new form of electronic gaming to the Kansas market known as historic horse racing. The House voted 88-36 to approve what was portrayed as a "grand compromise" that's been vigorously negotiated behind the scenes for the last several months and had support from three of the state's four casinos. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Hutchinson Police Department welcomes new K9

info2022-03-31T00:59:32-05:00March 31st, 2022|

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Hutchinson Police Department (HPD) introduced their newest K9. The K9, named Stitch, was rescued from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter. Officer James Sanders and his K9 partner, Tank, the first K9 unit with HPD, welcomed Stitch. Stitch's new partner is Officer Jesse Jones. Stitch will begin his training to become the Hutchinson Police Department's first therapy dog. He will be assigned to the Crisis Response Unit. The HPD says, "Studies have shown that the presence of a therapy dog can assist crisis teams in de-escalating and defusing critical situations, allowing for connection with the person [...]

Telecommunications project facing tighter scrutiny

info2022-03-31T08:38:50-05:00March 31st, 2022|

Pam Blackburn was on a work Zoom call at her home when the power went out. A crew putting in telecommunication company Suddenlink’s infrastructure hit an underground electric line in the Louisburg resident’s yard. Blackburn said she was without power from 9 am. to 4 p.m. that day. The next day, the crew hit the underground power line again, knocking out her electricity for a second time. Blackburn, who works from home, told the Louisburg City Council at its Monday, March 21 meeting that the outages cost her two days of work. To make matters worse, her 91-year-old father was with [...]

Manhattan city government hires public information officer

info2022-03-31T08:39:05-05:00March 31st, 2022|

The Manhattan city government has hired Andrew Lawson as communications manager and public information officer. In a press release on Monday, city officials stated Lawson will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of citywide communications plans, including public relations, media relations, crisis communications and communication with city employees and elected officials. “We are thrilled to have Andrew on board leading our communications division,” said Jared Wasinger, assistant city manager. “Andrew brings a wealth of experience in local government marketing and communications.” Source: themercury.com

McPherson approves sending aid to Ukraine

info2022-03-31T08:45:24-05:00March 31st, 2022|

This week, the city commission approved the donation of a considerable amount of old or expired police equipment to Ukraine to help the country as it continues to fight for its sovereignty. The McPherson City Commission approved the request from Police Chief Mikel Golden to provide the equipment to the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, which will then be distributed to the Kansas National Guard Adjunct General’s office. The adjunct general is collecting expired police equipment from police departments across the state to send to Ukraine. Source: McPherson Weekly News

An out-of-this-world exhibit lands in a small Kansas museum

info2022-03-31T08:43:59-05:00March 31st, 2022|

In the Rice County town of Geneseo, population 200, there is a sign at the entrance of the city museum beckoning visitors. All kinds of visitors. “Space Ships Welcome.” Welcome to Geneseo, where a movement is underway to name the town the UFO Capital of Kansas and perhaps even host a special global event on July 2 — World UFO day. Evidence of otherworldly visitors is in a new permanent exhibit at the Geneseo City Museum. When it comes to viewing the exhibit, think of a mix of Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast of 1938, and episodes of [...]

KC Chiefs president says team is exploring possible sites for stadium in Kansas: report

info2022-03-30T07:14:04-05:00March 30th, 2022|

Could the Chiefs set up shop in Kansas? A tweet Tuesday morning from Kevin Clark, who covers the NFL for The Ringer, seemed to indicate the Chiefs are exploring the idea of building a new stadium in the Sunflower State. The idea came from Chiefs president Mark Donovan. The NFL is holding owners meetings this week in Palm Beach, Florida, and Donovan made the comment there. Source: Wichita Eagle

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