info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Does Wichita have an anti-college attitude? Friends forum will explore why

info2018-09-10T08:18:13-05:00September 10th, 2018|

Does Wichita have an anti-college attitude? Russell Fox, a professor of political science at Friends University, has heard that theory — most recently in a report by economist James Chung — and wants to explore the issue further. “In the row where I was sitting (during Chung’s presentation), people were nodding their heads and saying, ‘Oh yeah, that confirms everything,” Fox said. “Those nodding heads convinced me that I ought to see if there’s some way I could organize something where we can talk about this amongst ourselves.” On Thursday, Fox will host a roundtable discussion about higher education in Wichita, [...]

After 8 years with Mission, John Belger steps down as director of public works

info2018-09-10T06:27:58-05:00September 10th, 2018|

After eight years working for the Mission public works department, John Belger is stepping down. Belger will work for Infrastructure Solutions in Lenexa, a job in which he will oversee construction of both private and public projects. His last day as public works director is Sept. 21. Councilmembers at their community development committee meeting Wednesday thanked Belger for his service to the city. “It’s been really great working with you,” said member Kristin Inman. Likewise, Belger thanked the city leaders for “taking on a 26-year-old” when he first started eight years ago. “I hope I’ve left Mission a lot better than [...]

Prairie Village homebuilder lobbying hard against design standards set to go before planning commission next week

info2018-09-10T06:26:40-05:00September 10th, 2018|

A homebuilder and Prairie Village resident whose own teardown-rebuild project drew criticism from some of her neighbors two years ago is making an aggressive push to scuttle a new set of home design guidelines set to go before the Prairie Village planning commission next week. Lynneah Gregory, who is president of Mission-based Reconstruct KC, sent emails to members of the Prairie Village city council on Wednesday that featured photos of the councilmembers’ homes and explanations of how the buildings might not meet the guidelines if they were built today. Some members of the governing body were put off by the emails. [...]

🎥 New City of Hays employee pay plan would offer ‘more paid time off or more money’

info2018-09-10T06:26:38-05:00September 10th, 2018|

A proposed new pay plan and job classification program for city of Hays employees was reviewed by city commissioners Thursday night. Starting with the first payroll of 2019, the pay plan would provide two percent steps to all employees each year on their anniversary month, explained Erin Giebler, Director of Human Resources. “Prior to 2019, the city did not provide consistent or predictable pay increases from year to year,” Giebler told commissioners. To make the pay plan affordable, a volunteer committee of 15 employees made changes to the benefits offered, including lower Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals and capping the longevity [...]

Gardner plans mobile ‘parklet’ downtown

info2018-09-07T07:30:24-05:00September 7th, 2018|

Gardner is seeking public feedback on the design of a proposed mini park, or “parklet,” to be built by the end of October along a downtown sidewalk. Citizens are asked to complete an online survey by 5 p.m. Sept. 12. The city says Gardner is among 129 communities nationwide to receive an AARP Community Challenge grant to create vibrant public spaces for people of all ages. Gardner will use the money to create the mobile parklet through a sidewalk extension that repurposes vehicle space as a spot for people to rest or socialize in the shade. The city will able to [...]

People in Wichita upset about large, new power-line poles

info2018-09-07T07:29:32-05:00September 7th, 2018|

Westar Energy is replacing old power lines with new ones in a northeast Wichita neighborhood, and they come with poles as tall as 105 feet. If they're going in your yard, Westar says it has already spoken with you. You can find them from 17th street to the Mossman and Hillside area. They're also being replaced from around 9th and Volutsia to the Wichita State University campus. Westar says the old polls are from the 1950s and need replaced, but some people in the community aren't happy about it. "I think it’s a disgrace I have to see this every morning [...]

Deal forming to extend Ark City outdoor trail

info2018-09-07T07:27:44-05:00September 7th, 2018|

Westar Energy wants to build a new power line across property owned by Arkansas City and the city wants to expand its hike-bike trail. Both parties hope to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement. The City Commission listened to a report from City Manager Nick Hernandez during its regular meeting Tuesday that included preliminary talks about the deal. Hernandez said Westar plans to rework its Paris Park substation. As part of that project, the company also wants to run a high-transmission line from the substation to KanPak and then on to ADM Milling, at 1200 S. Mill Road. “We own all of [...]

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2018-11: Retired school district employees receiving KPERS may serve as board members

info2018-09-07T07:42:38-05:00September 7th, 2018|

Neither state statute nor the common law doctrine of incompatibility of offices precludes a retiree from serving as a member of the school board for the school district from which the retiree retired. Because benefits received by a retiree of a unified school district from the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System or the school district’s early retirement program are earned during the retiree’s employment with the school district and are not compensation for work or duties performed as a board member, K.S.A. 2018 Supp. 72-1137 does not preclude a retiree from receiving the benefits during the time the retiree is serving [...]

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2018-12: Townships derive their powers from the legislature. A township may not exercise a power not granted by the legislature.

info2018-09-07T07:43:17-05:00September 7th, 2018|

As the township officers for Silver Lake Township, you ask our opinion on a matter related to the powers of townships. Specifically, you ask whether a township may solicit and receive donations. For the reasons discussed below, we conclude the answer to your question is “no.” The legislature granted townships the power to: sue and be sued; purchase and hold real and personal property; sell, convey and dispose of real and personal property; and “make all contracts that may be necessary and convenient.” The legislature has not granted townships the power to accept gifts and donations generally. (Read more: Kansas Attorney [...]

Sister city mayor, wife from Wagga Wagga wrap up visit in Leavenworth

info2018-09-07T06:44:23-05:00September 7th, 2018|

The mayor of Wagga Wagga, Australia, says the people of Leavenworth have big hearts and deep, compassionate souls. “The heart and soul of this city is the people,” Greg Conkey said. Conkey and his wife, Jenny, were wrapping up a visit to Leavenworth on Wednesday. Wagga Wagga is one of Leavenworth’s sister cities. Jenny Conkey said she also will remember the people of Leavenworth. Greg Conkey is the third Wagga Wagga mayor to visit Leavenworth since the two cities became affiliated in 1962. The Conkeys have been visiting Leavenworth along with representatives of the Miss Wagga Wagga Quest competition. Greg Conkey [...]

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