info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Parsons City Commission approves dealership incentives

info2019-02-20T06:57:41-06:00February 20th, 2019|

A new Ford dealership planned for the intersection of U.S. 400 and U.S. 59 will cost up to $2 million to build. The Parsons City Commission approved an incentive package for Mike Carpino Ford Parsons Inc. on Monday evening and much of it depends on construction of the new facility. “We are actually committing to a fairly large project out here on the corner,” Mike Carpino said. “When it gets said and done, we’re going to be between a million and a half to $2 million.” Carpino, who also owns Mike Carpino Ford, Columbus, plans to buy Green Country Ford, 1100 [...]

Leawood signals general support for CID, 1 percent sales tax increase for Ranch Mart North redevelopment

info2019-02-20T06:54:33-06:00February 20th, 2019|

Leawood City Administrator Scott Lambers on Monday told members of the council that he supported an application from the Regnier family, owners of Ranch Mart North, for the creation of a community improvement district there that would increase sales tax to pay for a portion of the redevelopment of the center. Under the terms of the draft agreement presented at a council work session, a 1 percent sales tax would be added to all transactions at the Ranch Mart North stores — including the Price Chopper grocery store — starting in either the summer or fall of 2020. The shops’ ownership [...]

Topeka Planning Commission recommends allowing three tall communications towers

info2019-02-20T06:53:24-06:00February 20th, 2019|

All members of the public who spoke at Monday evening’s meeting of the Topeka Planning Commission asked the city to keep AT&T Wireless from putting up tall communications towers at proposed locations here. But planning commissioners subsequently voted to recommend the city’s governing body approve each of three permits allowing such towers at 513/519 S.W. Taylor, 730 S.W. Fairlawn Road and 2446 S.E. 29th. Almost all those speaking in opposition Monday were neighbors in the areas involved who shared concerns the proposed towers might cause them health problems, or described them towers as eyesores that would devalue their property. But planning [...]

Neighbors, advocates clash over Olathe homeless shelter

info2019-02-20T06:44:41-06:00February 20th, 2019|

Barb and Marc McEver wanted to do something good for Johnson County and meet a vital need sheltering homeless adults. So they spent more than $250,000 this summer to buy a building in Olathe. Before the purchase, they had verbal and emailed assurances from city officials that the zoning was allowed and that the former Masonic Lodge at 725 W. Park St. could be used as an emergency shelter. But shortly after that purchase closed, the city’s rules changed. Now, the McEvers are told a special-use permit for transitional housing is required, which means seeking neighborhood support. At a tense meeting [...]

City of Maize waiting for snow to prep roads

info2019-02-20T09:55:50-06:00February 20th, 2019|

Another round of winter weather will make its way across the state Tuesday, bringing with it a lot of snow. For smaller towns like Maize, they don't have the same amount of plow trucks, or salt and sand, to put down. But the city's public works director, Ronald Smothers, says they're ready for anything that comes their way. The department spent the day Monday, preparing for potential messy roads on Tuesday. Read more: KSN

Washington County Guest Tax Board offers grants for community events

info2019-02-20T06:59:09-06:00February 19th, 2019|

For the second year in a row the Washington County Guest Tax Board will be awarding grants for 2019. The grants are available to non-profit organizations and require submission 60 days prior to the event. Nine entities received $4,515 worth of grants last year, and all communities in the county are encouraged to apply for this year’s grant money. People can apply for grants to help with advertising, signage or the cost of the event. Source: Washington County News.

Sedgwick County Commission pauses to consider alternative energy rules

info2019-02-19T12:20:49-06:00February 19th, 2019|

What appears to be a plan to harvest clean energy in the Wichita area has been shut down — at least for the next 6 months — while county commissioners gather more information. But a bill introduced in the Kansas House might make the delay a moot point. No one has applied for wind or solar farm permits in Sedgwick County, and most of the county is off-limits because of a buffer around airports. But several landowners on the outskirts of Wichita have leased their properties for the purpose of renewable energy development, especially at the border of Reno County, where [...]

County leaders plan zoning discussion in light of tiny home development

info2019-02-19T12:19:27-06:00February 19th, 2019|

The development of a tiny home neighborhood in southeast Wichita is scheduled to move forward, but county leaders plan to discuss a change in future zoning decisions. Homeowners near 143rd Street and Pawnee are concerned about a development of tiny homes in a nearby field. Many of the homes in the neighborhood back up to the field. "We're concerned about our assets, our lives, our futures too," said home owner John Bockelman. He says one of his biggest concerns is seeing a decrease in property value. "The threat of these tiny homes is really affecting our lives and we're going to [...]

Kansas cities, counties eager to spike bill on recording of public meetings

info2019-02-19T12:17:27-06:00February 19th, 2019|

More than 20 city and county officials expressed deep opposition Monday to a proposal requiring all government entities subject to the Kansas Open Meetings Act to make public audio recordings of meetings within 24 hours. Topeka Rep. John Alcala, a former member of the city council, said the state shouldn’t be dissuaded from opening government simply because change might be inconvenient or require new investment. “This bill moves Kansas a step forward to an all-in transparency state,” he said. “I will end with this quote: Transparency is for those who carry out public duties and exercise public power. Privacy is for [...]

Residents try to repopulate Nicodemus with tiny home project

info2019-02-19T12:14:24-06:00February 19th, 2019|

Residents of Nicodemus are trying to repopulate the historical African American community with the construction of tiny homes. JohnElla Holmes, a Nicodemus resident and township trustee, is spearheading the effort. Holmes’ ancestors lived in Nicodemus, and she moved back to the community in 2015 after her retirement. Nicodemus was founded in 1877 by African Americans moving west during the Reconstruction. It is the only remaining African American settlement west of the Mississippi and is registered as a National Historic Site. Holmes remembers as a child coming home to Nicodemus during the summer for festivals and seeing aunts, uncles and cousins. She [...]

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