info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

New grant program launches for historic building revitalization

info2021-11-09T07:04:21-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant 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; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community. ... [...]

‘Pretty heavy’ requirement for driveways in rural Riley County areas

info2021-11-09T06:58:25-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Riley County Commissioner Greg McKinley on Monday said he’s received complaints about a proposal that establishes driveway requirements for unincorporated part of the county. The county currently doesn’t have driveway requirements, but officials said the changes will allow easier and safer access for emergency responders. “I understand the purpose was to allow (EMS) access, but that seems like a pretty heavy requirement for a new home,” McKinley said. The commission didn’t vote on the matter Monday, but it continued discussion on the proposal. Proposed driveway requirements would only affect people building new homes in unincorporated residential developments in Riley County and [...]

Baxter Springs police warn of hard to see home address markings

info2021-11-09T00:28:48-06:00November 9th, 2021|

The Baxter Springs Police Department is asking residents to take steps to make sure first responders can find homes. The department says many homes do not have visible numbers to indicate the house address. Those numbers should be clearly visible and at least three inches tall. Source: KOAMKOAM

Neighborhood revitalization plan gets green light from City Commissioners

info2021-11-09T00:25:38-06:00November 9th, 2021|

Every eight years the city of Atchison votes on the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The city commissioners just voted for the city to partake in the 8th term that started October 31, 2021, and will end October 31, 2029. What does the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP) is intended to promote the rehabilitation, conversation, and/or redevelopment within all parts of the County in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County? What does that mean to homeowners? It means that incentives are offered in the form of a tax rebate. The tax rebate incentive is based [...]

Sedgwick County updates code regarding firearms discharge

info2021-11-08T11:49:35-06:00November 8th, 2021|

Issues in a Derby neighborhood led to action taken at the Nov. 3 Sedgwick County Commission meeting, with the governing body approving a resolution regulating the discharge of firearms across property boundaries.. The resolution updates the Sedgwick County Code, making it a violation for a person to discharge a firearm and have the bullet leave the boundaries of the property from which it was discharged (with minimal exceptions such as defense of life, hunting, with consent, etc.). Such a violation would be subject to a maximum fine of $500. Source: Derby Informer | Area

Temperatures drop and needs rise for Hutchinson community-aid programs

info2021-11-08T07:50:42-06:00November 8th, 2021|

As temperatures drop, the needs at homeless shelters and services rise. Shelter, food and clothing are crucial ingredients for the homeless. In Hutchinson, The Salvation Army and New Beginnings provide emergency services with the aid of the community. Due to last year’s struggles with COVID-19, more families in Hutchinson are utilizing community assistance services. According to New Beginnings and the Salvation Army, the need for community resources has more than doubled. Source: Hutch News

Kansas hospitals brave staffing challenges

info2021-11-08T07:50:07-06:00November 8th, 2021|

Lois Pearce wore a variety of hats during her 33 years working at Osawatomie State Hospital. Her past 17 years were spent as a mental health technician and mental health aide, two of the most in-demand roles at Osawatomie and Larned State Hospital, the state’s two mental health hospitals, which provide care for adults with psychiatric conditions. But in her three-decades-plus of work, Pearce said some things remained largely consistent: structural factors that made it hard to bring staff aboard, with a trying work environment, low pay and mismanagement. Source: Hutch News.

Topeka-area has 59 bridges in need of repair or corrective action. None are designated as unsafe.

info2021-11-08T07:48:16-06:00November 8th, 2021|

Shawnee County has 59 bridges in need of repair or corrective action, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. None are designated unsafe. "If we had any bridges that were unsafe, the road would be closed," Shawnee County public works director Curt Niehaus said. Bridges are flagged for needing to be repaired for two primary reasons — the bridge is either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for November 5, 2021

info2021-11-08T07:47:03-06:00November 8th, 2021|

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.

Johnson County is named after a major pro-slavery advocate. A new proposal would change that

info2021-11-08T00:46:58-06:00November 8th, 2021|

A recommendation to consider whether Johnson County should be named after its slave owning namesake is among 18 suggested changes that have been submitted by members of the county Charter Commission for its consideration. The list of amendments and recommendations also includes some ideas about which county races should be partisan and which should be elected — subjects that have proved controversial among people who have attended the charter commission’s recent public hearings. The proposal to consider a name change asks the Board of County Commissioners — not the Charter Commission — to “adopt a process for meaningful consideration of Rev. [...]

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