info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Topeka city council urges tax entities to keep rates low

info2024-08-21T09:54:31-05:00August 21st, 2024|

The Topeka City Council unanimously passed a resolution to urge all local tax entities to keep property tax rates as low as possible for homeowners and renters. The resolution was brought by District 8 City Councilman Spencer Duncan last month after the council chose to ignore a tax petition brought by Earl McIntosh. McIntosh is now suing the city over that decision. The Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority (TMTA) is one of several entities that influence property taxes in Shawnee County. Rod Miller, a TMTA board member, presented at the council meeting to explain why their operating costs are forcing them to [...]

Kansans raise concerns over government’s proposed transmission line corridor

info2024-08-21T09:52:00-05:00August 21st, 2024|

A proposed electric transmission corridor that could run through Kansas is prompting questions from Kansans. The Pawnee County community met at the Larned Community Center Thursday evening to ask those questions, share their stories, and share their concerns. “I’m really concerned because this is our house. This is our home,” said one resident who spoke during the meeting. “How long have you known about this going to happen? When did we find out? A lot of us did this week. We didn’t even understand or know anything about this. It hit us in the face. This has been in process. Why [...]

Topeka releases results of new police chief survey

info2024-08-21T09:49:04-05:00August 21st, 2024|

The City of Topeka has released the findings from public sessions as part of the hiring process for a new police chief. From July 22 to Aug. 3, the City of Topeka collected 260 responses to the community survey. Three public sessions were also hosted where citizens could share their thoughts. “The community emphasized the need for a police chief who values communication, transparency, and community engagement, with a focus on reducing crime, improving public safety, and addressing mental health and homelessness,” City Manager Dr. Robert Perez said. “We will use this feedback from community members to make sure we find [...]

Great Bend dealing with trash, dead animals dumped at compost

info2024-08-21T08:09:37-05:00August 21st, 2024|

Issues at the compost site caused the City of Great Bend to release a press release Monday on the proper usage of the site south of town. Permitted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the compost site is only permitted to take trees, tree limbs, grass and leaves. City Administrator Logan Burns said the compost site has been receiving banned material such as construction material, processed lumber, tires, household trash and even dead animals. Source: Great Bend Post

Report predicts Kansas population will grow by half-million in 50 years

info2024-08-21T08:06:11-05:00August 21st, 2024|

Kansas’ population is expected to grow by nearly 500,000 people in the next 50 years, and non-white residents are predicted to drive that growth, a research center forecasts. A report from Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research said the state is predicted to add more than 469,000 residents by 2072, which will amount to a 16% increase from the state’s 2022 population. Source: Little Apple Post and CEDBR

32-mile stretch of I-70 to close next month despite objections, safety concerns

info2024-08-21T08:01:41-05:00August 21st, 2024|

The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Department said this week that the Kansas Department of Transportation will close a 32-mile stretch of I-70 for one day next month for the removal of the 150th Avenue bridge in Trego County. ... The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office said the initial plan was to close I-70 from the Levant exit, No. 45, to WaKeeney. Sheridan County objected to the change because it believes part of the detour route on K-23 is unsustainable for heavy traffic because of its numerous hills and lack of shoulders and because no wide loads will be able to travel north or [...]

Derby: Conservation efforts paying off in drought response

info2024-08-21T07:59:44-05:00August 21st, 2024|

In the first two weeks of mandator water restrictions, the City of Derby is among Wichita-area communities reporting a significant water usage reduction. The City of Derby reports a 44% reduction in water usage already. Early this month, the City of Wichita announced that it was moving into Stage 2 of its drought response plan due to lowering levels of Cheney Lake, a main water source for the city. In turn, Wichita water customers, including several surrounding communities, followed suit with restrictions. Derby is Wichita’s largest water customer. Source: KWCH

Salina and Saline County seek public input for downtown government buildings

info2024-08-20T07:38:37-05:00August 20th, 2024|

Salina and Saline County are looking at reimagining the government spaces shared between them downtown and want the public's input. A series of study sessions by the governing bodies of both the city and county happen this week, leading to a public open house with initial concepts Thursday night. Source: Salina Journal

Plans to revive this JoCo city park include bike trails, dog park and arboretum

info2024-08-19T13:58:35-05:00August 19th, 2024|

The city of Roeland Park is zeroing in on a vision for a renewed Nall Park.City staff is working on the first update to the Nall Park master plan in 17 years, and the Roeland Park City Council reviewed the status of that plan earlier this month. Based on public feedback from workshops held in the spring, a new and improved Nall Park — which sits at the northern termination of Nall Avenue, across from Johnson County’s Nelson Wastewater Treatment Facility — may feature renovated bike trails, an adventure playground, an arboretum and a dog park. Source: Johnson County Post

Mandatory microchips: How the new city ordinance may affect Wichita pet owners

info2024-08-19T13:58:00-05:00August 19th, 2024|

The Wichita City Council approved new regulations for pet owners this week. One major change is an amendment to pet microchipping. It costs about $20, and your pet doesn't need to be put under. It's injected like a vaccine. The city council is also looking into grants to help pay for some of the costs. The goal: lowering euthanasia rates in overpopulated shelters. Source: KSN-TV

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