info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Commission reviews rental registration, parking ordinances

info2024-04-10T10:45:04-05:00April 10th, 2024|

Parsons city commissioners this week began reviewing language for ordinances that would require landlords to register rental properties with the city and restrict citizens from parking on front and side yards of residences. Registering rental properties could be the first step toward improving the condition of rental properties in Parsons. The parking issue is a way to remove unsightly vehicles from the yards in Parsons. The vehicles would have to be parked on an all-weather surface to stay on the front or side yards. These surfaces range from gravel to concrete. The discussion of the registration requirement may not apply to [...]

Another city-owned ‘ghost town’ neighborhood in south Wichita is about to get a facelift

info2024-04-10T10:42:00-05:00April 10th, 2024|

Wichita resident Wenedra Bell grew up in a city-owned home on the south side near Hydraulic and I-135, and is now in the middle of an entire neighborhood of boarded-up homes. "We had block parties, the children were everywhere...it was nice. It was real homey," Bell said, describing what the neighborhood used to be like. "It's sad. It's like a ghost town here. It's not the same at all." City Councilman Mike Hoheisel says the city owns nearly fifty homes in the neighborhood, and most of them have been abandoned and boarded up for about five years now. "It's an understandable concern [...]

Topeka Police help out Special Olympics Kansas

info2024-04-10T10:33:22-05:00April 10th, 2024|

The Topeka Police Department partnered with Special Olympics Kansas Tuesday for an annual fundraiser. The statewide event, TIP-A-COP, took place at Applebee's. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 10% of sales made went back to Special Olympics Kansas. It's something that means a lot to both officers and the athletes. "Law enforcements involved, involvement with special Olympics, that's why we're here, and we're really just here to support the athletes and help them out, let them know how important they are to us," Topeka Police Department Sgt. Dan Wilson said. "It feels awesome that they're showing that they care and that we mean [...]

Federal grant of $500,000 will help city address domestic violence

info2024-04-10T10:31:35-05:00April 10th, 2024|

The two-year grant will pay for additional staffing and community resources. Police Chief Robert Spinks announced the grant at the city commission’s work session on Thursday. City Manager Debbie Lamb said the grant will be for $506,380. Spinks said he proposed a demonstration project that focuses on domestic violence, prevention, intervention and support services. The county attorney, city attorney, Safe House advocates and other agencies will be involved. Parsons has seen increased rates of domestic violence incidents in recent years. Spinks said the grant will fund a new full-time detective sergeant position to focus on domestic violence. It also pays for [...]

Visit Manhattan launches “Manhappiness” campaign to draw in visitors

info2024-04-10T10:29:21-05:00April 10th, 2024|

Visit Manhattan on Friday launched its "Manhappiness" campaign to showcase the culture and experiences the city has to offer visitor. As part of the campaign, Visit Manhattan will highlight the diverse attractions, events and amenities that it believes make the region a top destination for leisure, business and family-friendly experiences. That includes the downtown area's shops and restaurants, the scenery of the Flint Hills and more. "We are excited to unveil the 'Manhappiness' campaign and invite everyone to discover the joy of Manhattan," said Marcia Rozell, director of Visit Manhattan, in a written statement. "With its rich cultural heritage, outdoor recreational [...]

At 8 million square feet, solar project would be same size as 4,000 homes

info2024-04-09T08:06:25-05:00April 9th, 2024|

In all of Grant Township — one of several names for this place north of North Lawrence — there are 169 homes spread across its approximately 11,000 acres, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Simple enough. As the crow said, not very many. But soon, the counting around here may get more complicated. Plans have been filed for a utility-scale solar “farm” that would put 237,300 solar panels on about 600 acres of farm fields. That is nearly 8 million square feet of solar panels. Source: LJWorld

Higher for Longer After All? Investors See Fed Rates Falling More Slowly.

info2024-04-09T08:04:11-05:00April 9th, 2024|

Investors were betting big on Federal Reserve rate cuts at the start of 2024, wagering that central bankers would lower interest rates to around 4 percent by the end of the year. But after months of stubborn inflation and strong economic growth, the outlook is starting to look much less dramatic. Market pricing now suggests that rates will end the year in the neighborhood of 4.75 percent. That would mean Fed officials had cut rates two or three times from their current 5.3 percent. Source: NYT > Business

Five finalists for city manager say Topeka must address these key issues

info2024-04-09T08:03:09-05:00April 9th, 2024|

Before the meet and greet, the city council, mayor and a panel of community stakeholders, appointed by the mayor, interviewed each candidate. The panelists included Danielle Twemlow, Laura Burton, Keith Warta, Kerry Pancoast and Susan Duffy. City council member David Banks said he was pleased with the turnout at Monday's event. "It's just nice to see everybody here," Banks said. Source: CJonline

Kansas solar development sparks emotional debate in Great Bend

info2024-04-09T07:59:44-05:00April 9th, 2024|

There was a collective sigh of relief from members of the Barton County Planning Commission following a lengthy morning meeting March 14. They had just approved the final draft of new zoning regulations and a revised zoning map governing the development of large-scale and commercial solar energy conversion systems, rules that were OK’d Friday by the Barton County Commission during a special meeting. These actions capped an arduous 10 months of meetings, hearings and heartfelt testimony as county residents came to grips with the idea of having a solar installation in their backyards. Source: Kansas Reflector

North Newton to discuss marijuana ordinance

info2024-04-09T07:56:31-05:00April 9th, 2024|

The City of North Newton will consider changing first-time possession of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor charge to an infraction. North Newton Police Chief Jim Bethards is submitting the proposal to the North Newton City Council. He said the change would save his department time and save the city money. “One distinction we want people to understand is it’s not decriminalization like Wichita or Lawrence has done,” he said. “It’s just a first-offense thing that moves the process a little quicker.” Source: Harvey County Now

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