info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Public contest asks for Manhattan city flag designs

info2019-02-14T11:33:17-06:00February 14th, 2019|

The city government is looking to adopt a new flag and is asking for the public’s help. Officials on Monday announced an open contest asking people to submit possible designs either online at cityofmhk.com/flag or in person to City Hall, 1101 Poyntz Ave. by 5 p.m. March 29. Vivienne Uccello, city public information officer, said officials have discussed the idea of a new flag in the office for a while now, but additional support from commissioner Jerred McKee helped start the process. Read more: The Mercury.

Newton eyes blight measures

info2019-02-14T10:41:42-06:00February 14th, 2019|

This week the city commission got a first look at what it would cost residents to bring back a form of free bulky item pickup — a service the city started charging individual fees for three years ago. The city commission is looking at how to bring back bulky item pickups — at one time a service offered free to utility customers in the city. For three years those who needed a large item disposed of — beds, furniture, tree limbs and others — have paid a $10 fee for the city to pick up those items. That $10 is added [...]

Lawrence considering sharp reduction in marijuana penalties

info2019-02-14T10:37:10-06:00February 14th, 2019|

Lawrence city commissioners appear open to a proposal to significantly reduce the fines for possession of small amounts of marijuana in the city. During a work session Tuesday, the commission reviewed a draft ordinance that proposed reducing the minimum fine for possessing 32 grams or less of marijuana from $200 to $50 for first-time offenders. The Lawrence Journal-World reports commissioners indicated they were interested in reducing the fine to $1 for first- and second-time offenders. Court costs would remain $63. Mayor Lisa Larsen said she is in favor of doing anything to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. And commissioner [...]

Lenexa addresses aging aquatics facilities, considers closing Ad Astra Pool

info2019-02-14T10:33:44-06:00February 14th, 2019|

The Lenexa council is considering future options for the city’s aging aquatics facilities. One of those options involves demolishing Ad Astra Pool on Maurer Road, just east of I-435. Nothing was officially decided last night at the Lenexa committee of the whole meeting. Recognizing that the city’s neighborhood pools are “distinctly Lenexa,” councilmembers discussed making future plans that address the needs of the city’s aging pools. The city hired Lenexa-based Waters Edge Aquatic Design — the same company working with Roeland Park on its aquatics options — to conduct a study of those needs as well as user statistics. Indian Trails [...]

Manhattan commissioners discuss future of economic development, annual report

info2019-02-14T10:31:15-06:00February 14th, 2019|

Members of the Manhattan business community talked about the future of economic development in the city at Tuesday’s Manhattan City Commission work session. The discussion followed a presentation on the annual economic development report. The city performs an accountability review of all organizations which receive Manhattan Economic Development Opportunity funds — including recipients of funds from the 1994 half-cent city-wide MEDOFAB sales tax as well as the half-cent RICOED Riley County Roads and Jobs sales tax from 2002 and its renewal in 2012. According to their report, economic development funds contributed toward the creation of 1463 jobs since the city’s first [...]

Great Bend Police and Fire closer to utilizing drone technology

info2019-02-14T10:30:27-06:00February 14th, 2019|

Classes have been taken, certification testing has taken place, and now the Great Bend Police and Fire Departments are getting close to having a drone available for use by the respective departments. Great Bend Police Chief David Bailey and Lieutenant Heather Smith along with Chief Luke McCormick and firefighter Mike Smith from the Fire Department are now certified to operate a drone after taking classes at Fort Hays State and then passing their certification test in Salina. Smith will head up the drone program at the Police Department. The Great Bend City Council last year authorized funds to purchase a drone [...]

Cities, counties want to regain control over political signs in Kansas

info2019-02-14T10:29:13-06:00February 14th, 2019|

Cities and counties in Kansas are asking the Legislature to repeal a 2015 law banning local regulations on political signs in public rights of way. They say the law has led to confusion, safety problems and a proliferation of signage in the 45-day period leading up to elections. Further complicating the issue is case law that suggests all types of signs should be allowed all the time in unlimited numbers. Amanda Stanley, attorney for the League of Kansas Municipalities, and Jay Hall, attorney for the Kansas Association of Counties, pleaded with the House Local Government Committee to provide for local control. [...]

Ellis County receiving new fire truck just in time for wildfire season

info2019-02-14T10:26:16-06:00February 14th, 2019|

No matter the emergency, fire crews want to be best prepared with the latest tools and resources. “It’s pretty quick-paced,” Ellis County Fire Department Captain #6 Chris Cline said. “As soon as you hear your pager, drop what we’re doing, we’re running in, putting on gear.” They are difficult to put out and not uncommon for this time of the year. Ellis County firefighters said just in the last three years, there have been a significant amount of wildfires. “There was about 7,200 acres of wildfire that had actually burned,” Ellis County Fire and Emergency Management Director Darin Myers said. “The [...]

City governing body rejects property tax hike for Topeka Metro bus service

info2019-02-14T10:25:07-06:00February 14th, 2019|

A divided Topeka governing body rejected two attempts late Tuesday to raise the property tax that finances the city’s bus service, first by 1 mill, then by 1/2 mill. “This saddens my heart,” said Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz, who was on the losing side both times as Tuesday’s votes were taken before an audience that included dozens of transit service advocates. Ortiz stressed that the TMTA’s levy hasn’t risen since 2010. Supporters only got four “yes” votes — with six needed for approval — as the governing body first rejected a proposed 1-mill hike in the levy assessed by the Topeka Metropolitan [...]

Amid questions, city of Topeka sets public hearing on southwest TIF District

info2019-02-14T06:51:41-06:00February 14th, 2019|

The shopping center formerly known as “Villa West” and owned by developer Kent Lindemuth stands in a “pretty prosperous part of town,” Topeka City Councilwoman Karen Hiller said at Tuesday’s council meeting. She questioned whether it would be appropriate for the city to provide tax-increment financing to help carry out improvements planned for the property at S.W. 29th and Wanamaker Road by the Kansas City developer who bought it last year. “One of the things we’re supposed to look at is whether that (a TIF District) is really needed in terms of attracting an investor,” Hiller said. “Do we subsidize just [...]

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