info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Wichita plastic bag ban study searches for more female and minority voices

info2020-10-28T07:07:23-05:00October 27th, 2020|

A survey, which will influence city decision-making with the future of single-use plastic bags, needs to hear from more women and minorities over whether plastic bags should be banned. Currently the survey is not representative of Wichita’s population, heavily skewing towards perspectives that are male and white. Developed by Wichita’s Single-Use Plastic Bag Taskforce and researchers from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, the survey is being conducted to gauge citizens’ interest in either reducing plastic bag use or banning single-use plastic bags altogether. The survey asked demographic questions to see if they were representative of Wichita’s demographic. [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for October 26, 2020

info2020-10-27T06:59:43-05:00October 27th, 2020|

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.

Cost to add new train crossing signal horns in Old Town Lenexa now tops $500,000

info2020-10-27T06:56:18-05:00October 26th, 2020|

A plan to install signal horns at two railroad crossings in Old Town Lenexa will cost substantially more than anticipated. The Lenexa City Council earlier this month unanimously approved an increase of $190,000 to the original price tag of $350,000 to install the signals, known as wayside horns, at the crossings at Noland and Pflumm Roads, in order to warn motorists of oncoming trains. That makes the total cost of the project now roughly $540,000. Last month, BNSF Railway reported to city staff that it needs to replace aging equipment at the two crossings. The company had intended to replace much of [...]

Leawood residents concerned green space could be lost with development at 86th and State Line

info2020-10-27T06:56:30-05:00October 26th, 2020|

A proposed mixed-use project at 86th Street and State Line Road in Leawood has some nearby homeowners expressing concerns about the possible loss of green space the project could entail. The project, at 8680 State Line, would include 189 apartments, 66,900 square feet of office space and 32,250 square feet of retail space, on what is now a parking lot, the developer said in a notice sent to nearby homeowners. The site is zoned for planned office; single family, low-density residential; and mixed use, and it would require rezoning. The developer, Doug Weltner with State Line 87 LLC and executive vice president of [...]

Prairie Village diversity task force discusses steps to remove the city’s racist deed restrictions

info2020-10-27T06:56:43-05:00October 26th, 2020|

The city of Prairie Village’s diversity task force Tuesday evening met for the second time to continue its brainstorming session from September, including discussions about erasing racially discriminatory deed restrictions and implicit bias within the police department. Following the September meeting, Mikkelson said he’d received feedback — overwhelmingly positive and constructive feedback, that is — and addressed three “good faith suggestions:” the amount of white people on the task force, the fact that it’s being led by a straight, white male and the balance of being action-oriented and listening to the community. Mayor Eric Mikkelson spearheaded the diversity task force, which [...]

Officials set to face off over masks as Kansas cases rise

info2020-10-27T06:57:28-05:00October 26th, 2020|

Kansas’ coronavirus case count continued to climb, even as one GOP lawmaker pushed back against Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s call for a statewide mask mandate. “I’ve stated all along, and still believe, a one-size-fits-all COVID solution doesn’t work for our diverse state,” Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said Thursday in a written statement. “Local leaders have done a great job in dictating local responses after public hearings and discussions with their constituents.” More than 90 of the state’s 105 counties have opted out of the current mask order. That’s why Kelly said Wednesday that she plans to speak [...]

After criticism, Overland Park won’t use $350K in COVID-19 relief money for soccer

info2020-10-27T06:57:38-05:00October 26th, 2020|

After drawing national criticism, Overland Park will no longer use $350,000 of federal COVID-19 relief money to install video cameras at Scheels Soccer Complex, officials announced Monday. Sean Reilly, city spokesman, said that officials decided to pull the funding due to a timing issue. Last week, the Overland Park City Council voted 10-2 to purchase the video equipment with federal money provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act. The city also agreed to grant Musco Sports Lighting the license to stream games on its platform, and the city would receive 70% of all revenue made from people paying [...]

‘It’s just a big change’ — Lenexa police chief to retire in December

info2020-10-27T06:57:46-05:00October 26th, 2020|

After 31 years in law enforcement, Lenexa Police Chief Tom Hongslo is retiring in December. The city of Lenexa announced Hongslo’s upcoming retirement last month. Details about recruitment of the next police chief have not yet been released. “Got a little anxiety; it’s just a big change,” Hongslo said. “I’ve been doing this for 31 years. To think that on Dec. 19, I’ll no longer be a police officer and be part of this organization again, it’ll be sad. “But it’s a great time for the organization, it’s a great time for me. We’re in a really good spot right now, and [...]

KANSASWORKS virtual job fair begins Tuesday

info2020-10-27T06:57:56-05:00October 26th, 2020|

The sixth KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair begins Tuesday, October 27, and continues through Thursday, October 29. On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly encouraged Kansans to participate in it. The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices. KANSASWORKS has organized four virtual job fairs in 2020, with three additional virtual fairs planned later this year. The Department of Commerce, in partnership with the Local Workforce Development Boards, moved its statewide job fairs online this year to eliminate public health risks associated with mass gatherings, and as a way [...]

Police and Community committee spend two hours discussing TPD policies, plan future meeting for further discussion

info2020-10-27T06:58:04-05:00October 26th, 2020|

The Police and Community committee spent two hours discussing the Topeka Police Department’s policy before it ran out of time in this meeting. The committee will meet again to continue its review of TPD’s use of force, de-escalation, duty to intervene, and standard interaction and bias profiling policies. Council members on the committee were provided with the department’s training policies, and were given time to question officers, Police Chief Bill Cochran and the police’s legal counsel Mark Jones. Council member Karen Hiller said the review of the police department is about how well TPD policy is written and how well officers [...]

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