info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Manhattan not expecting to see return on Tallgrass eco-devo investments

info2019-02-14T06:38:37-06:00February 14th, 2019|

Manhattan Deputy City Manager Jason Hilgers expects the city won’t see any more return on $317,000 of investments it made in the Tallgrass Brewing Company. He presented the annual economic development report at the city commission work session Tuesday. Tallgrass suspended operations last August after negotiations with new investors languished. Recapitalization efforts seem to have failed for the time being as Hilgers says the company and its real estate is now held by Landmark Bank. “I do believe they’re obviously trying to find a prospective buyer or someone to occupy that space,” Hilgers says. “A lot of rumors around about whether [...]

Lawrence city leaders express support for lowering fine for marijuana possession to $1

info2019-02-13T11:08:09-06:00February 13th, 2019|

One dollar. That’s how much Lawrence city leaders indicated they think those charged with possessing small amounts of marijuana should be fined. As part of its work session Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission reviewed a draft ordinance that proposed reducing the minimum fine, currently $200, for those convicted of possessing 32 grams or less of marijuana. A draft of the changes suggested a minimum fine of $50 for first-time offenders only, but commissioners indicated that they were interested in reducing the fine to $1 for both first- and second-time offenders. Court costs of $63 would remain unchanged. Mayor Lisa Larsen said [...]

Reno County Commission discusses food policy

info2019-02-13T10:56:57-06:00February 13th, 2019|

The Reno County Commission talked Tuesday about a couple of items concerning the Reno County Health Department, including one where the commission would back the food policy council in Reno County. It was originally backed by the South Hutchinson City Council, but when City Administrator Matt Stiles left, that city decided against backing it. The Food Policy Council addresses food disparities and food access issues in the county. Officials say the council is still active, but is not formally recognized by a governing body at this time. It appears to be sustained using grant funding, but some working hours with the [...]

Moran measure to protect Equus Beds recharge project passes Senate

info2019-02-13T10:56:02-06:00February 13th, 2019|

Money to maintain the Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge and Recovery Project for the next decade was included in a bill approved by the U.S. Senate Tuesday. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, announced the inclusion of legislation he authored is part of the Natural Resources Management Act, a package of over 100 bills relating to public lands, natural resources and water projects, that passed the Senate by a vote of 92-8, and now goes to the House for consideration. “The Equus Beds Aquifer Recharge and Recovery Project has significant consequences not only for Wichita but also for all aquifer stakeholders,” Moran stated [...]

Reno County considers hiring engineering firm to evaluate new residential septic systems

info2019-02-13T10:54:50-06:00February 13th, 2019|

The Reno County Commission appeared receptive Tuesday to creating a policy that would allow the health department to contract with a third-party engineer to review new septic systems proposed for use in Reno County. The only real issue raised about the policy’s adoption during the 30-minute discussion was who should pay for the analysis. On the septic service issue, Commissioner Ron Sellers suggested the county look at a cost share for the engineering services after Commission Chairman Bob Bush raised concern the cost would be borne by homeowners, who are already paying for county’s services and will have to pay for [...]

Salina 2020: Inviting businesses to join historic downtown resurgence

info2019-02-13T10:53:33-06:00February 13th, 2019|

Plans are underway to change the face of downtown Salina. For some, Salina, KS is known as a travel spot between bigger cities. But to Tyler Gallagher, it’s home. He owns a local bread shop downtown, and he said the trick to making good bread is time and love. “You got to do a slow process to really build a lot of flavors and then really putting your heart into it,” he said. “And enjoy what you do!” He said he hopes this same trick is what can help grow downtown Salina. “Bringing all the businesses down is kind of a [...]

KDOT says it’s been nearly a decade since they’ve used this much salt

info2019-02-13T10:52:17-06:00February 13th, 2019|

Crews with both the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Transportation have had one busy winter so far and it isn’t over yet. KDOT says crews have used more than 87,600 tons of salt so far in 2019, already more than all of 2018, which didn’t see very much snow until the end of the year in November and December. (See graphic below) In fact, according to KDOT, the amount of salt this year is the most they have had to use to treat roads since before 2010. (Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF)

Crawford County residents question trail plan

info2019-02-13T10:51:28-06:00February 13th, 2019|

Several area residents showed up at Tuesday’s meeting of the Crawford County Commission to voice their concerns about a plan to turn an unused railway into a trail. The commission approved an initial step towards creating the trail, which was proposed by Live Well Crawford County and the Active Transportation Advisory Board, in coordination with Watco Companies, last month. Crawford County resident Mark Scales said he had not seen any specific plan detailing the trail proposal. “The only plan that I’ve seen was in your transportation master plan,” Scales said, adding the estimated cost according to that plan was $3.5 million. [...]

Nemaha County Board delays wind farm moratorium decision

info2019-02-13T10:48:17-06:00February 13th, 2019|

For multiple weeks now, the concerned citizens of Nemaha County have been attending the County Commission meetings on a weekly basis, with the hopes of learning new information on the proposed wind farm in Nemaha County. At the Monday, Feb. 11, meeting, Commissioner Gary Scoby informed those present that they are still in negotiations with NextEra Energy on a term sheet. “We hope to have something by Feb. 19,” Scoby said. “Hopefully.” The commissioners did, however, address the topic of a signing a moratorium resolution, which would put the project on pause for 60 days. At last week’s meeting, it was [...]

Wichita’s new baseball stadium project gets off to a quick start

info2019-02-13T10:47:01-06:00February 13th, 2019|

Construction on Wichita’s new baseball stadium project is hitting warp speed as government officials and developers try to get the stadium up and running by spring 2020. The first round of building was approved by the City Council on Tuesday. Work starts Wednesday, as equipment starts moving ground for utility lines, walls, dugouts and tunnels. City officials say they’re still taking public input on what the stadium will look like above ground, but this phase of construction is all about laying a solid foundation. The project is on a fast track to meet an ambitious construction schedule. As part of its [...]

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