info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Bates retires after decades of preserving black history

info2024-11-06T09:17:51-06:00November 6th, 2024|

On Oct. 19, over 75 family members, friends and colleagues gathered at “The Bates Farm” one mile north of Nicodemus, to celebrate her remarkable 38-year legacy as the founding President and Executive Director of the Nicodemus Historical Society (founded in 1986). Angela’s tireless efforts have ensured the preservation of Nicodemus, Kansas – an essential icon of the African American experience in post-Reconstruction on the Great Plains of western Kansas. She’s also protected and secured the legacy of Nicodemus safeguarding it for future generations. Under her leadership, she spearheaded efforts to secure Nicodemus as a National Historic Site, securing federal funding for [...]

GOP sweeps local elections, alcohol regulation removed

info2024-11-06T09:16:39-06:00November 6th, 2024|

The GOP had a strong night in Harvey County, with all candidates winning. Harvey County voters also chose to remove a requirement that establishments with a liquor license derive 30 percent of net sales from food. Sixty-seven percent of voters favored removing the regulation. Source: Harvey County Now

Mega-convenience store chain Buc-ee’s seeks incentives for KCK travel center

info2024-11-06T09:12:01-06:00November 6th, 2024|

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, will consider approving $13 million in tax incentives to develop the metro area's first Buc-ee’s travel center. On Monday, the UG Economic Development and Finance Committee recommended approval of a development agreement with Buc-ee’s to build the travel center at 601 Village West Parkway, just south of the Kansas Speedway. The UG will review the development agreement on Thursday. Buc-ee’s plans to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas fuel pumps and 12 electric-vehicle charging stations on about 25 acres. Source: Kansas City Business Journal

Shawnee mulls big rate increases for trash haulers. Could residents feel the cost?

info2024-11-06T09:08:21-06:00November 6th, 2024|

Next week, the Shawnee City Council will consider a significant rate hike for trash hauler permits in the city. City leaders in a committee meeting on Oct. 28 directed city staff to look into revising the Shawnee’s policy to increase annual permits for trash haulers from $25 to $1,000. “After comparing (our rates) to other cities, plus considering the cost to fund our Tidy Town program, it was apparent an increase was needed,” Colin Duffy, deputy city manager, said in an email to the Johnson County Post. The rate hike was part of the committee’s discussion of proposed changes to various [...]

Voters approve $180 million in bonds to rebuild Kansas City, Kansas Public schools

info2024-11-06T09:06:54-06:00November 6th, 2024|

Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools won the ability to sell $180 million in bonds Tuesday that officials plan to use for rebuilding its aging stock of school buildings. Voters approved a ballot initiative to issue the debt at a rate of about two to one, or 68%. The result comes six months after a more expansive, $420 million plan was rejected at the ballot box during a single-issue special election in May. A major difference between the two plans: the $180 million alternative was crafted in a way that will not increase property taxes, according to district officials. The bonds will [...]

Edwardsville voters approve sales tax to fund new City Hall, fire and police stations

info2024-11-06T09:05:59-06:00November 6th, 2024|

Edwardsville residents voted Tuesday to create an additional sales tax that city officials plan to use for building a new City Hall, and police and fire stations. Voters supported two separate ballot measures that each carry a half-cent tax on every retail dollar spent in the town. Both passed by margins above 56%, according to unofficial results from the Wyandotte County Election Office. City leaders pitched the plan to residents as a necessary measure to rebuild aging and inadequate buildings. Source: KC Star Local News

Survey: 1 in 2 Kansans concerned about state’s water supply

info2024-11-06T09:05:08-06:00November 6th, 2024|

The survey, by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, found one-third of Kansans think the state and local government are not doing enough to conserve water. Half of Kansans are either very or moderately concerned that Kansas may be running out of water, according to a new statewide survey by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. “I can remember, 20 years ago, nobody wanted to talk about the depletion of the Ogallala (Aquifer),” said state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, who also serves as a member of the Kansas Water Authority. “And now, [...]

City of Topeka invites community to weigh in on finances

info2024-11-06T09:03:56-06:00November 6th, 2024|

Topekans are invited to take part in a few upcoming community engagement sessions for budgetary feedback later this month. Taylor Bugg with the City of Topeka said in a press release on Monday, Nov. 4 that locals can take part in three different engagement sessions to give their opinions on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. Participants can also learn more about the city’s financial forecast, possible service reductions and sales tax options. People can use these sessions to provide their own input on decisions which impact city services and the overall community. Source: KSNT 27 News

New tools help Shawnee County deputies hit the mark

info2024-11-06T09:02:51-06:00November 6th, 2024|

The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is showing off some new advancement in its shooting accuracy this week. Shawnee County Commissioners got a behind the scenes look at the new law enforcement training center in Berryton on Monday, Nov. 4. In addition to local law enforcement entities, the center is used by the FBI, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and more. The main focus of the sheriff’s office presentation detailed the new sights on their weapons. Using the new red dot sight gives officers greater situational awareness, threat analysis and accuracy. Source: KSNT 27 News

Community open house to address stormwater management plan for controversial Douglas County solar project

info2024-11-05T07:41:14-06:00November 5th, 2024|

An open house will be held to discuss a stormwater management plan for a large solar project in Douglas County on Wednesday. The Kansas Sky Energy Center plans to install 8 million square feet of solar panels on approximately 600 acres of farmland in the Kansas River valley, located in northern Douglas County. This project, which has been controversial among county residents, requires two approvals from the County Commission before it can move forward. The open house on Wednesday will discuss one of these necessary approvals, the stormwater management plan. Source: LJWorld

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