info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Affordable housing, size of city council on the line in heated Johnson County election

info2023-11-06T11:23:59-06:00November 6th, 2023|

A chaotic past year in Prairie Village, first sparked by the city discussing affordable housing initiatives, is culminating in one of Johnson County’s most contentious elections this fall. The Nov. 7 election comes as the city considers ways the pricey suburb could allow more affordable housing, a conversation that has sharply divided the community. The debate has transformed into a deeper political battle, leading to two clear factions of candidates running for half of the City Council seats on Tuesday. The city remains tied up in a legal battle with a group of residents who call themselves PV United — first [...]

Pittsburg restores services following cyber attack

info2023-11-06T12:15:45-06:00November 6th, 2023|

The City of Pittsburg is restoring some essential services following the cyber incident that occurred September 16, which caused an IT outage affecting online systems and phones. Utility payment systems, billing systems, and Municipal Court proceedings are now able to resume. City emails and phone systems are still affected, but should be fully functioning soon. The city’s utility payment and billing system is now back online after being unavailable for several weeks. City of Pittsburg Customer Service Department will be issuing bills for the September and October billing cycle. The city is suspending late fees and disconnections during this time. Customers can pay [...]

Rural renewal: KU alumna restores buildings, bustle in Wilson, Kansas

info2023-11-04T13:43:29-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The Midland Railroad Hotel welcomes visitors to Wilson today in much the same way it did over a century ago, when the town was a midway stop between Kansas City and Denver on the Union Pacific Railroad. Inside the stately, three-story limestone building with the red roof, guests still enjoy cozy accommodations surrounded by refurbished original woodwork and other trappings of a bygone era. But unlike long-ago railroad travelers, many of the Midland’s modern-day patrons consider the hotel itself the destination. “Coming to the Midland is like stepping back in time,” says Melinda Merrill, g’03, who has owned and operated the [...]

Proposed sales tax could improve the city of Olpe

info2023-11-03T13:18:16-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Olpe residents will soon be voting on a retailers' sales tax in the city. On this year's ballots, residents in Olpe will be voting to approve or deny a sales tax in the city. According to the Lyon County election office, 1/2 of 1% is the amount of sales tax that will be levied in the city of Olpe if this ballot question gets approved. The sales tax will go towards capital improvements to improve the city. Olpe City Clerk Joyce Wilson told 27 News there's a few key projects the money from this sales tax would go to if it gets approved. [...]

Local mural artist turns a new leaf at the Hiawatha Chamber and Wenger wall

info2023-11-03T13:19:02-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The wall facing the Arrow Twin movie theater features paintings of orange, red, and yellow-colored leaves that appear to be floating on the white wall on the metal building owned by Tim and Arthur Wenger close to Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau building across the street. Viewers taking in the sight will notice the words in the middle of the wall, which beckon them to “Fall in love with Hiawatha,” which is also the theme the Chamber used to help promote the project and Hiawatha to surrounding areas and even the nation and world at large. Source: hiawathaworldonline.com

Topeka leaders address camping ordinance status

info2023-11-03T13:19:45-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

In less than three weeks, a new camping ordinance will go into effect in Topeka. The ordinance is the City of Topeka's effort to address the city's homeless population, specifically, homeless camping. The ordinance goes into effect on Nov. 17, according to the city, but there is still uncertainty on exactly what it will look like. It outlines where homeless individuals can't go, but not where they can go after it passes. "There are a lot of suggestions, put them here, put them there," Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla said. Source: KSNT 27 News

Fed holds rates steady, upgrades assessment of economic growth

info2023-11-03T13:20:35-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday again held benchmark interest rates steady amid a backdrop of a growing economy and labor market and inflation that is still well above the central bank's target. In a widely expected move, the Fed's rate-setting group unanimously agreed to hold the key federal funds rate in a target range between 5.25%-5.5%, where it has been since July. This was the second consecutive meeting that the Federal Open Market Committee chose to hold, following a string of 11 rate hikes, including four in 2023. The decision included an upgrade to the committee's general assessment of the economy. [...]

Goats to help with vegetation overgrowth in Wichita park

info2023-11-03T13:21:25-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Wichita Park & Recreation announced that it will have Rex and his team of goats from Restoration Grazing, LLC at Oak Park starting Monday. The goats are expected to take up to a month to clear eight acres of overgrown weeds, poison ivy, and vegetation. Wichita Park & Recreation says the goats will not interfere with the disc golf course at Oak Park. "Disc golf players will probably have a lot of spectators 👀🐐😂," said Wichita Park & Recreation. Wichita Park & Recreation welcomes the public to watch the goats in action. "We're excited to see everyone out at the park!" said Restoration Grazing, [...]

City of Wichita Library debuts new Book Bus

info2023-11-03T13:29:53-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

The City of Wichita Library debuted its new Book Bus Thursday. According to the City of Wichita Library, it was the Director of Libraries Jaime Nix's idea to bring library services to areas of Wichita that don't have quick access to a physical library location. The Book Bus will take to the streets in November to offer outreach programming and services to Wichita's youngest readers. "The Book Bus will focus on early learning resources for our youngest readers," said Wichita Public Libraries. Source: KSN-TV

Sales tax increase to be decided by Pottawatomie Co. voters

info2023-11-03T13:30:30-05:00November 3rd, 2023|

Pottawatomie County residents will soon vote to approve or deny a retailers' sales tax to fund projects across the county. On the ballots for this year's general election, voters in Pottawatomie County will either vote 'yes' or 'no' for an additional retailers' sales tax of 0.25% to be put into place Jan. 1, 2024. This proposed 0.25% retailers' sales tax is in addition to the existing retailers' sales tax of 1%. Source: KSNT 27 News

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