info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Towns could turn on to solar

info2024-02-02T12:51:11-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

Both Marion and Hillsboro are candidates for a Kansas Power Pool project to build arrays of solar panels to generate electricity in nine Kansas cities. In November, Hillsboro approved leasing land to KPP for the solar array. Marion approved leasing land Jan. 22. Hillsboro city administrator Matt Stiles said KPP started eyeing building solar panel arrays 11 months ago. "They directly engaged with us in June, and we approved participation in November," Stiles said. To build the panels, KPP applied for a forgivable loan from Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Powering Affordable Clean Energy program. "Right now [...]

Pratt Fire Chief retires after nearly half a century of service

info2024-02-02T12:42:51-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

"Thank you for your fearless service and dedication to serving our community for 48 years," a Pratt dispatcher said over the radio. This was part of Pratt Fire Chief David Kramer's final call Wednesday night as dispatch thanked him for nearly half a century of sacrifice for the town. Kramer hangs up his hat leaving behind a legacy that the community will never forget. "He is probably more, or just as a father figure as my own father. He is probably all these guys' father figure as well," said firefighter Justin Garrett. Garrett is taking over the department, but he says [...]

Events bring in visitors and their dollars

info2024-02-02T12:38:37-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

In a couple of weeks, USD 250 will host the Kansas 5A Regional Wrestling tournament. More than 200 wrestlers from 18 different 5A schools from across the East side of the State. The tournament begins on Friday, February 16, and will continue through the weekend. “It is a huge honor to be hosting this tournament in Pittsburg,” PHS Activities Director, Jeff Staley said. “It really is a reflection on the City of Pittsburg, our community and our school district that we were chosen to host here, it means other schools enjoy coming to our town and facilities.” Staley also pointed out that [...]

Endowment could help fund future courthouse repairs

info2024-02-02T12:36:07-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

When Miami County voters last fall chose not to support a proposed quarter-cent sales tax to renovate and expand the Miami County Courthouse, Paola attorney Sandy Hartley started thinking about another way to preserve the historic building. The courthouse, which was built in 1898 and designed by renowned architect George Washburn, has special significance to Hartley. Thanks to her senior law school project 50 years ago, the courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Hartley also knows how well an endowment can work in a community that supports it. The courthouse, which was built in 1898 [...]

Chetopa City Council seeks new home for city library

info2024-02-02T12:32:52-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

The Chetopa City Council in January closed the city’s library at 312 Maple because of the deteriorating condition of the building and the repairs that are needed. The city is also looking for alternative locations for the library until a permanent home can be found. Angela Forquer, the city librarian, posted on Facebook that the building was built in 1942 and was converted into the library in the early 1970s. She enumerated the problems with the building: Estimates to fix the plumbing, electrical and HVAC were over $150,000, but attempts to get contractors to travel to Chetopa to bid on it [...]

KDOT grants funding Active Transportation alternatives

info2024-02-02T12:30:53-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

The Kansas agency best known for its highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation, is trying to help communities across the state improve other ways to get around. KDOT is starting the application process for its Transportation Alternatives Projects, which funds projects focused on pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-car modes of transportation, as well as Safe Routes to School projects. "You have these small communities, and they don't have a big budget, but they've made it a priority. The community has told the leaders that they want their kids to be able to walk and bike to school," KDOT Active Transportation Manager Jenny [...]

Kansas bill ending municipal regulation of plastic bags, containers raises constitutional issue

info2024-02-02T12:17:34-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

University of Kansas scientist Nancy Muma said the average person inadvertently accumulated in the body a credit-card sized amount of plastic each week by breathing air and consuming water. Muma, who earned a doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology, said this involuntary consumption of bisphenols, phthalates and perfluoroalkyls created a wave of endocrine disruptions that altered hormones and reproductive systems in humans. Children and developing fetuses were especially vulnerable to these toxins, but the damage could emerge at all stages of life in the form of heart disease, obesity and cancer, she said. “The good news is that you can help solve this costly [...]

Bond passes with 88% support

info2024-02-02T11:50:27-06:00February 2nd, 2024|

Voters in the USD 410 school district took to the polls on Tuesday, Jan. 23 where they voted on the general obligation bond issue in an amount not to exceed $13,350,000. The results will not be final until after the official canvass on Wednesday, Jan. 31, but the preliminary results were 464 yes and 59 no. “We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelming support of the bond issue. 88% of voters supported the bond with a yes vote. That level of support is unheard of,” said Superintendent Clint Corby. There was a surprisingly large turnout despite cold, dreary weather on Jan. 23. For the [...]

Water main breaks spiking

info2024-02-01T06:58:54-06:00February 1st, 2024|

Topeka water mains are breaking significantly more often than they used to. Over the past 10 years, the city averaged 46 water main breaks per month. But in 2023, the city saw a total of 777 water main breaks, which averages out to 64.75 per month. Source: CJonline

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, sets the stage for cuts

info2024-01-31T15:00:19-06:00January 31st, 2024|

The Federal Reserve announced it will leave interest rates unchanged Wednesday, setting the stage for rate cuts to come — and paving the way for relief from the combination of higher rates and inflation that have hit consumers particularly hard. Although Fed officials indicated as many as three cuts coming this year, the pace that they trim interest rates is going to be much slower than the pace at which they hiked, according to Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "Interest rates took the elevator going up; they are going to take the stairs coming down," he said. Source: CNBC - Bonds

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