info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

City of Hays eyes three new trash trucks, adds one new recycle truck

info2018-09-07T06:12:38-05:00September 7th, 2018|

Three new trash trucks could be rolling down alleys in the city of Hays as early as April 1, 2019, if Hays city commissioners approve the purchase. The three proposed trucks are New Way Sidewinders with Peterbilt cab and chassis for $673,076 from Doonan Peterbilt of Hays, said Jesse Rohr, Director of Public Works for the city. They would replace three existing trash trucks, one of which was recently wrecked. “The industry standard for trash trucks is six to eight years,” Rohr said. “We’ve had these for nearly 11 years. The trucks themselves are worn out. They’re in the shop far [...]

Chetopa considers zoning for farm animals

info2018-09-07T06:10:08-05:00September 7th, 2018|

In another matter the council also discussed a proposal to prohibit farm animals in a zoned area. Some residents were concerned Charles Archer planned to move some of his alpacas that are housed near Chetopa School to some of the lots he bought in a recent Labette County Sheriff’s tax sale. At least one neighbor didn’t want the animals to be moved near her property. Archer attended the council meeting to answer any questions about the properties he bought. He said he didn’t plan to move alpacas to any of the lots. George Davis of Chetopa had asked about prohibiting farm [...]

Transportation panel to meet in Pittsburg

info2018-09-07T06:08:12-05:00September 7th, 2018|

A meeting to receive public input on the state’s transportation program for the next decade and more will take place Sept. 20 on the Pittsburg State University campus. The Joint Legislative Transportation Vision Task Force, consisting of 31 Kansas legislators, industry representatives and local officials, is tasked with evaluating current and future transportation needs, reviewing transportation funding and making recommendations on the needs of the transportation system over the next 10 years and beyond. The task force will meet with local officials and interested citizens at nine visits across the state. The task force is set to hold its southeast area [...]

Hospital tax approved in Ark City

info2018-09-07T07:48:29-05:00September 7th, 2018|

A permanent, one-cent sales tax for South Central Kansas Medical Center received strong support among voters during a mail-in vote counted on Thursday. The unofficial results showed 66 percent of the votes cast were in support of the proposal set forth by city and hospital officials to establish a long-term funding source for the financially struggling hospital center, while at the same time lowering overall sales tax going to the medical center from 1.5 percent to 1 percent. Cowley County Clerk Karen Madison reported Thursday afternoon that 1,320 votes, more than 66.3 percent were cast in support of the measure with [...]

Pride, history drive rural community of Alton in Osborne County

info2018-09-07T06:06:39-05:00September 7th, 2018|

Folks who inhabit tiny towns like Alton, population 98, remain viable because of civic pride and a willingness to give back to their community. For this little village, whose greatest claim to fame remains that of being the birthplace of Russell Stover, civic responsibility is just that – an old, established concept that compels people to work, play and live together in harmony. “Our annual celebration affords us the opportunity to bring people of this community and the surrounding towns together,” says Deanna Roach, a lifetime native who farms with her husband, Stanley, south of Alton. “We’re proud of our heritage, [...]

KBI, FBI asked to investigate “preferential treatment” at Hutchinson Police Department

info2018-09-07T06:00:58-05:00September 7th, 2018|

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation – and possibly the FBI – are investigating the Hutchinson Police Department, Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder confirmed Thursday. Schroeder said he sought the investigation after hearing “allegations and rumors of preferential treatment.” He declined to go into details on who or what the preferential treatment involved, but said he sought an outside agency to look into the complaints due to “issues of integrity and trust that we need to have resolved.” Schroeder said he didn’t know if the allegations rose to the level of a crime. But he said he wanted to resolved questions [...]

Moundridge finds winning formula for growth

info2018-09-06T10:56:47-05:00September 6th, 2018|

Nearly 82% of Kansas cities lost people over the last decade. That's according to a new report out of KU's Institute for Policy and Social Research. The losses get even worse when looking at towns that started with fewer than 10,000 people. But one town in Central Kansas has found a successful formula when it comes to attracting newcomers. "We offer free land to new business development and investment in our community," said Murray McGee, Economic Development Director for the City of Moundridge. As jobs came, people followed. Unemployment fell to just 3.3% and the city said companies have many job [...]

Split council approves increased paid holidays and vacation days for city employees

info2018-09-06T08:47:12-05:00September 6th, 2018|

The City of Great Bend hired a firm from Kansas City to conduct a compensation study on all city employees. The study found that there were employees, mostly firefighters, which needed their salary increased to meet the market minimum. The Great Bend City Council approved a motion to improve compensation issues starting January 1, 2019. The study also showed Great Bend was behind other comparable-sized cities for vacation days and paid holidays. Human Resources Director Randy Keasling recommended the City Council pass increases to both vacation days and holiday days for city employees. Councilmember Jolene Biggs was against the motion, stating [...]

Hillsboro officials meet about options for internet

info2018-09-06T08:41:52-05:00September 6th, 2018|

“We met with three people,” Hillsboro Economic Development Director Anthony Roy said. “One was from Star Point, and they manage fiber optics and operate them. He was there over the phone. And we had a gentleman from Graybar, which distributes and sells fiber optic equipment. And then the other guy was a representative of potential investors that invest in fiber networks. We knew the guy out of Graybar because he is from Wichita, but the other two we just talked about next steps. So they are just now going to put together a proposal or plan for a fiber build. Definitely [...]

Saluting the forgotten lawn chairs of community festival

info2018-09-06T08:38:53-05:00September 6th, 2018|

They’re the last standing reminders of another fun-filled Roots Festival weekend in Paola. Long after the last act leaves the stage. After the last barbecue team RV pulls out of town. After the last piece of trash is picked up by the Square cleanup crew — they still remain. Much like death and taxes, they’re a fact of life that will likely never go away. They’re the forgotten lawn chairs. (Read more: The Miami County Republic)

About info