info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

City looks at changing policy on using industrial revenue bonds for rental housing

info2024-03-04T12:11:55-06:00March 4th, 2024|

Should the city government issue industrial revenue bonds for things like non-low-income rental housing? That’s the question the Manhattan City Commission will take up at Tuesday’s meeting. The issue follows a January retreat at which commissioners said they wanted to help create more workforce housing. They asked city officials to draft a housing policy to take advantage of available programs and tools. The city government previously has used IRBs for industrial and commercial development. An approved IRB can result in a property tax abatement of the new property taxes created by the rental housing project for a period of up to [...]

Fire destroys two Winfield businesses

info2024-03-04T12:10:35-06:00March 4th, 2024|

Fire officials in Winfield said two businesses are a total loss after a Sunday morning fire. Crews saw flames coming from a building in the 100 block of East 5th Street when they arrived just after 9 a.m. The building housed The Winfield Thrift Store and a hair salon, Hair Tamers. Firefighters had to take a defensive posture, staying outside the building because of heavy fire involvement. Crews from Arkansas City, Udall and Burden helped bring the fire under control and crews were able to protect neighboring buildings. No one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported. [...]

Controlled methane flares at Johnson County landfill prompt 911 calls to Shawnee

info2024-03-01T15:05:23-06:00March 1st, 2024|

The city of Shawnee wants people to know that if they’re seeing fire coming from the Johnson County landfill, they shouldn’t be alarmed. The flares are the result of an ongoing plant expansion plan. While the Archaea Energy plant at the landfill in Shawnee, which produces renewable natural gas, has shut down for the expansion, it’s been producing flares in the sky to release built-up natural gas. Source: Johnson County Post

Newton’s new city manager seeks to bring residents into local government

info2024-03-01T15:04:15-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Daniela Rivas is new to the Newton City Manager position, but she’s far from new to the city. Long before she was managing city finances, or working in government she got her start at Acapulco, working for her uncle, Sal Lujano, Sr. “I’d bus; I’d serve and dish wash,” she said. “We’d get $20 and run to Anderson’s and spend all our money.” Her father originally came from Jalisco, Mexico, and ended up in Newton before moving the family to Wichita. As Newton remained where much of her family was located, she’d spend summers in the city. “Coming to Newton, I [...]

Tax break: Eligible Edgerton seniors to receive property tax rebates

info2024-03-01T15:03:18-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Edgerton city officials shared their eligibility requirements and details for their newly implemented senior property tax rebate program at Thursday’s city council meeting. ... To be eligible, residents must own their home, be 65 years old or older, have a valid proof of ID and be current on their property taxes and any special assessments. Source: Gardner News

Crews battle wildfires in Hodgeman, Saline counties

info2024-03-01T13:44:43-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Crews were battling grass fires Thursday in central and north central areas of Kansas. The Kansas Forest Service Air Tanker and local firefighters battled a large wildfire in Saline County, south of Interstate 70 and east of the Hedville exit. Strong south winds drove the fire north of I-70, spreading it to Watkins Road. Some homes were evacuated but crews were able to keep the flames from spreading, and no structural damage was reported. Crews were also battling a large fire in Hodgeman County along Lake Road, east of City Lake. Some homes were threatened in the area and the Sheriff’s Office was [...]

Multiple grass fires, barn fire keep ACFD busy on Tuesday

info2024-03-01T13:43:11-06:00March 1st, 2024|

The Arkansas City Fire/EMS responded to a series of grass fires on Tuesday, including the Chilocco area fire that caused the evacuation of 7 Clans First Council Casino. The first incident Tuesday — with high fire danger in dry conditions with strong wind gusts — was reported at about 2 p.m. in the vicinity of Lord Road and Chestnut Avenue, a few blocks east of the Walnut River. Crews discovered a barn fully involved and a grass fire ignited from flying embers behind 301 N. Country Club Road. The fire extended to a detached garage before being brought under control. Firefighters [...]

The economic influence of Labette Community College on Southeast Kansas

info2024-03-01T13:38:01-06:00March 1st, 2024|

Over the last 100 years, a Southeast Kansas school has had a tremendous impact on the region. Administrators at Labette Community College say not only do they provide an education, but they also bring jobs and money to Southeast Kansas. "From an economic development standpoint, you've heard me say over and over one of the largest challenges is workforce development. Without a community college, we would be two steps behind where we're at," said Jim Zaleski, City of Parsons Economic Development Director. According to an analysis done by Lightcast, during the fiscal year 2021-2022 LCC generated 11.5 million dollars in income for the region [...]

Dodge City initiates Highway Corridor Study

info2024-03-01T13:23:25-06:00March 1st, 2024|

The City of Dodge City announces the launch of a study focusing on three key corridors along the city’s eastern boundary. This study will examine Highways US-283, US-400, and US-56, along with adjacent city and county roads, which are crucial for access to the city’s industrial, commercial, and residential zones and provide important regional links. With traffic volumes increasing over the past decade, the city recognizes the need for a thorough review of these corridors to address existing safety and congestion issues and to prepare for future demands. The study will cover the area from east of Airport Road along US-56/US-283 to the [...]

Large grass fire prompts evacuations in Saline County

info2024-03-01T13:21:06-06:00March 1st, 2024|

A large grass fire in north-central Kansas caused an evacuation order to be issued on Thursday. Saline County said on Facebook that the notice affects residents within two miles of Hohneck and Watkins roads. A fire that started on the south side of I-70 between Muir and Headville Road crossed the interstate and was burning north toward Culver, prompting the evacuation. "If you are in this area LEAVE NOW and AVOID THE AREA," the county said. The evacuation order was rescinded around 3:30 p.m. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, fires are moving north of Interstate 70 west of U.S. 81. [...]

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