info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

New $10 million library opens in Newton

info2024-04-04T11:09:16-05:00April 4th, 2024|

A $10 million library in Newton is complete and opens to the public Monday at 10 a.m. The 30,000-square-foot facility is southeast of the old library. On Dec. 27, 2022, the Newton City Commission voted to accept a bid for the construction of the new library, and the ground was broken in early 2023. The new facility includes a children's library with a learn-play-grow area, early literacy computers, and a family restroom and nursing room. The new teen area has a game zone and book collection. There are also six study rooms and a digital access lab for individuals and small groups to [...]

Governor Kelly Announces KMW to Invest $105M in Sterling, Create 251 New Jobs in Kansas

info2024-04-04T11:06:14-05:00April 4th, 2024|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that KMW, a precision manufacturer of agricultural front loaders, backhoes, and other attachments, will invest $105 million to construct a new North American headquarters and state-of-the-art production facility in Sterling. The venture will create 251 new jobs, resulting in a local workforce of 485. “There’s no doubt – this investment will grow our economy and create more opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our efforts to make Kansas one of the most pro-business states in the country is paying off for workers everywhere, including our rural communities.” KMW selected Sterling in Rice County after a [...]

Kansas is one step away from harsher penalties for those who kill law enforcement animals

info2024-04-04T11:03:37-05:00April 4th, 2024|

Kansas could soon have harsher penalties for anyone who kills a police animal after lawmakers voted Tuesday on a bill that was introduced after a wanted man ran from police and hid in a storm drain where he then strangled Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office K-9 deputy Bane. Bane, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, died at the scene of the Nov. 16 police standoff in southeast Wichita. The state House approved HB 2583 115-6 on Tuesday. It is now up to Gov. Laura Kelly to sign or veto the bill. The current punishment for killing or harming a police dog ranges from 30 [...]

Fed officials still expects rate cuts this year, but not anytime soon

info2024-04-04T10:55:59-05:00April 4th, 2024|

Cleveland Federal Reserve President Loretta Mester said Tuesday she still expects interest rate cuts this year, but ruled out the next policy meeting in May. Mester also indicated that the long-run path is higher than policymakers had previously thought. The central bank official noted progress made on inflation while the economy has continued to grow. Should that continue, rate cuts are likely, though she didn't offer any guidance on timing or extent. "I continue to think that the most likely scenario is that inflation will continue on its downward trajectory to 2 percent over time. But I need to see more data to raise [...]

City of Lawrence seeks input to develop brick streets and sidewalks policy

info2024-04-04T18:18:44-05:00April 4th, 2024|

The City of Lawrence wants community feedback as staff members look to develop a policy on maintenance, restoration and preservation of brick streets and sidewalks. City staff members and members of the Multimodal Transportation Commission’s Brick Streets and Sidewalks subcommittee will hold an open house this week to discuss community values, according to a news release from the city. The policy will also consider standards for reconstruction of brick streets and sidewalks, according to the release. “The Brick Streets + Sidewalks policy should reflect the community’s values and priorities, as well as have attainable and practical implementation strategies for the City of Lawrence,” according [...]

Moving to these Kansas counties could come with financial incentives

info2024-04-04T07:35:43-05:00April 4th, 2024|

If you’re looking to move and haven’t considered Kansas, a state program aimed at attracting new residents to more rural areas could be worth investigating. Ninety-five of Kansas’ 105 counties are designated “rural opportunity zones,” which means anyone who moves there could receive student loan repayment assistance or might qualify for a tax credit to cover 100% of their state income taxes. In some cases, a new resident could qualify for both incentives. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program was introduced in 2012. It has grown from 50 counties 12 years ago to the 95 counties that offer the financial incentives [...]

Judge rejects ‘infamous’ commenter’s assertion that Lawrence’s rules are unconstitutionally vague

info2024-04-04T07:23:32-05:00April 4th, 2024|

Lawrence’s “most infamous” commenter has failed to demonstrate that the City Commission’s rules about comments at public meetings are unconstitutionally vague or that the city engaged in unlawful viewpoint and content discrimination against him. Federal Judge Julie Robinson in an order this week, using Justin Spiehs’ self-identification as “the most infamous and outspoken public speaker,” dismissed those claims from Spiehs’ lawsuit against the city and two of its former mayors, but she has allowed other claims to move forward, including Spiehs’ contention that the city retaliated against him and denied him equal protection. Source: LJWorld

Commerce Celebrates National Community Development Week

info2024-04-02T07:58:41-05:00April 2nd, 2024|

The Kansas Department of Commerce is joining other organizations and communities across the state in commemorating National Community Development Week. The annual event, which this year is April 1-5, shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of community development initiatives and collaborative efforts that drive positive local change. National Community Development Week serves as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of local leaders, organizations and residents who work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for all members of their communities. From affordable housing projects to infrastructure improvements, these endeavors represent the collective commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive [...]

Rural ambulance plan in limbo

info2024-04-02T07:54:58-05:00April 2nd, 2024|

At issue is a regulatory requirement that ambulances operate with two medically credentialed attendants, which poses challenges for rural services. “This is a bill that allows ambulances, particularly in rural areas, to move with only one EMT and one certified driver,” Rep. Fred Gardner, R-Garnett, said of Senate Bill 384. “Current regulation requires two EMTs...." ... Industry officials said that language appeared to eliminate the two-person requirement entirely, which could leave patients unattended in the back of an ambulance. Source: Hutch News

Topeka & Shawnee County library to focus on connections, people and joy

info2024-04-02T07:51:00-05:00April 2nd, 2024|

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library enjoys a reputation for excellence, including having been named “2016 Library of the Year” by a respected library journal. But library leaders hope to serve customers even better, and that’s reflected in their recently released five-year strategic plan. That plan calls for the library to offer more chances to learn, explore and connect, said Marie Pyko, the library’s CEO. Source: CJonline

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