info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

GPT in local government: The age of hyper productivity in government has begun

info2023-05-04T10:35:47-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Seems like everyone is talking about ChatGPT nowadays. It’s the hot new buzzword, and the source for anything from delighting examples of writing rhymed poems about any topic, to people worried it’s the harbinger of doom. GPT, or Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is a machine that generates human-like text based on a given text. GPT is pre-trained on vast amounts of data to develop a comprehensive understanding of language patterns and structures, enabling it to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses that are mostly accurate but not always. However, it is surprisingly good at things like summarizing text and data tables, supplying [...]

Governor Kelly Announces $30 Million to Increase High-Speed Internet Availability

info2023-05-04T10:31:22-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced a new program aimed at helping Kansas communities that lack high-speed internet. The Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program will provide $30 million in competitive funding opportunities to build the infrastructure needed for more homes and businesses to access broadband.  “This investment builds on my administration’s commitment to bring critical high-speed internet to every corner of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These funds will ensure that reliable internet is available regardless of location so every Kansan can participate in the global economy.” Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Derby City Council, staff work on honing next sales tax ballot question

info2023-05-04T10:29:27-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Starting in March, staff and the Derby City Council began to take measures to shape the ballot question regarding a new sales tax (with the current Derby Difference sales tax to expire in 2024). With the council in general agreement to pursue a new 1% sales tax to be voted on in the 2023 general election, staff brought forward three usage options for where exactly to dedicate those funds in the city, which the council considered at its April 25 meeting. Source: Derby Informer | News

City commission approves design contract for $10 million fire station project

info2023-05-04T10:26:37-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Preliminary design work on a proposed $10 million fire station build and renovation project in Emporia was given the greenlight Wednesday, when Emporia City Commissioners approved a design contract between the city and Lenexa-based firm Archimages for architectural services. Emporia Fire Chief Brandon Beck said Archimages was one of three firms that submitted requests for qualification for the project, which will move Fire Station No. 1 from the southeast side of the Civic Auditorium into a newly constructed building — possibly in the 500 block of Market Street. Source: Emporia Gazette

City makes moves toward increased housing options

info2023-05-04T10:23:03-05:00May 4th, 2023|

The Hiawatha City Commission met last Monday, with the group making a pair of decisions that will begin to address the housing crisis in town. The Commission authorized City Administrator Becky Berger to sign a development agreement with The Anderson Group, LLC for duplex development, and also voted to create an ordinance forming a Housing Rehabilitation Advisory Board, consisting of the Hiawatha City Administrator, the Director of the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development and other at-large stakeholders. Source: hiawathaworldonline.com

Wednesday marks 24 years since deadly Haysville tornado

info2023-05-04T11:18:49-05:00May 4th, 2023|

On this day in 1999, an F-4 tornado ripped through the heart of Haysville. The tornado touched down about four miles north of Wellington and tracked north for 24 miles, according to the National Weather Service. The storm was so powerful that winds were estimated between 207 to 260 miles per hour. Debris was found as far north as the College Hill area in Wichita. Overall, the tornado killed six people and damaged 150 homes and 27 businesses. Source: KAKE - News

Construction at Wichita’s Northwest Water Treatment Facility is on schedule

info2023-05-04T10:14:10-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Construction at Wichita's Northwest Water Treatment Facility is on schedule. The new $500 million plant, near 21st Street and Hoover, will replace the city’s 80-year-old water plant that is at risk of failing, and it will serve nearby communities. Work by Wichita Water Partners began at the location back in October 2020. On Wednesday, KSN News toured the site and was able to speak to those involved with the construction. Source: KSN-TV

Louisburg may get its own dog park

info2023-05-04T10:11:24-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Dog owners in Louisburg soon may have a new park to take their furry friends. Work is paying off for a group of community members who have spent the past several months organizing a campaign to get an off-leash dog park built in Louisburg. It started with a Facebook group called “Friends of Louisburg Dog Park” and has evolved into a committee working closely with members of the Louisburg City Council and Louisburg Park & Tree Board. Louisburg residents Jessica Crozier and Michelle Olson have been spearheading the effort for about nine months. Source: Local News | republic-online.com

McGowin sworn in as Louisburg’s new city clerk

info2023-05-04T11:19:55-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Jessica McGowin is Louisburg’s new city clerk, and she also will continue her duties as utilities clerk for the city. McGowin was sworn in as the newly appointed city clerk after recent action taken by the Louisburg City Council. Kelly Bond had been serving as temporary acting city clerk... Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Johnson County homelessness advocates urge chair Mike Kelly to take action

info2023-05-04T11:20:45-05:00May 4th, 2023|

Local religious leaders on Tuesday night pressed Johnson County Chairman Mike Kelly to take action to address mental health, homelessness and affordable housing in the Kansas City area’s wealthiest county. The Good Faith Network, an interfaith coalition of 27 local congregations and houses of worship, is seeking commitments from Kelly on a number of items, including plans for a mental health crisis stabilization center and the use of state and federal funds to address housing issues in Johnson County. On Tuesday, hundreds of people gathered at Leawood’s United Methodist Church of the Resurrection for a “Nehemiah Assembly,” billed as the “largest gathering [...]

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