info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

North Newton considering breaking away from planning and zoning, historic preservation commissions

info2023-03-16T12:34:55-05:00March 16th, 2023|

North Newton Mayor Ron Braun said during the regular city council meeting Monday that allowing North Newton and Newton to have their own planning and zoning and historic preservation commissions is a matter of positivity. Currently, both towns have representatives on each of those commissions. He said the matter was formally brought up last year, and it’s just meant for each entity to deal with matters regarding their own towns. Newton takes up about 98 percent of the agendas anyway, he said. “Now the conversation focuses really not encumbering one city with another city’s agenda,” he said during the meeting. Source: [...]

Find the economic impact of the Kansas airport nearest you

info2023-03-16T12:32:45-05:00March 16th, 2023|

If you have ever wondered how vital an airport can be to a Kansas town, no matter how big or small, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has the answer. For example, Wichita's Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport supports 20,583 jobs and has an economic output of $6.1 billion. Other Airports Jobs Supported Economic Output Topeka Regional 1,774 $199.9 million Salina Regional 640 $31.9 million Garden City Regional 232 $44.5 million Great Bend Municipal 137 $22.2 million Hays Regional 170 $22 million Goodland Municipal 128 $29.8 million Courtesy KDOT Division of Aviation “Every airport serves a unique and important role for [...]

KS House passes expansive voucher-like program, ties it with Kelly’s top education priority

info2023-03-16T12:34:01-05:00March 16th, 2023|

The Kansas House narrowly passed the largest school choice program in state history while tying it to special education funding long sought by public school advocates and Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. ... The House fell far short of a veto proof majority setting up a major uphill battle if the policy reaches Kelly’s desk. But supporters are hoping the inclusion of one of Kelly’s top education priorities will earn her signature. Last week Republicans tied together the controversial voucher-like program to special education funding, essentially daring Kelly to either approve a program she has long opposed or veto additional funding for [...]

Assessing the state of the city, county and school board

info2023-03-16T09:56:31-05:00March 16th, 2023|

Growth and development were two common themes during the annual State of the City Breakfast in Paola. About 50 people attended the breakfast, which was organized by the Paola Chamber of Commerce and took place at the Paola Country Club on Tuesday, March 7. Jeremy Smail of First Option Bank served as the moderator. Attendees listened to officials from the city of Paola, Paola USD 368 and Miami County give updates. Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Parsons: Food truck rules vital for health, safety

info2023-03-16T10:11:24-05:00March 16th, 2023|

The city of Parsons enacted a new food vendor ordinance earlier this week, and it’s elicited feedback from residents on social media who wonder why it is necessary. City officials say it is necessary for the health and safety of food truck owners and patrons who eat at them. “It makes legislative sense; it makes safety sense,” said Jim Zaleski, economic development director for the city of Parsons. ... Zaleski said this ordinance is needed no matter what. He said it is positive for business with keeping the health and safety of everyone intact. “It’s not about doing what’s popular. It’s [...]

This river that starts in Johnson County is in trouble, but people are trying to help it

info2023-03-16T09:53:34-05:00March 16th, 2023|

On a warm morning last April, several hundred people fanned out along a waterway in Kansas City. In the span of a few hours, they collected about 30 tons of garbage along the Blue River. The annual effort takes on the visible scars of overdevelopment and neglect, removing nearly 2,000 tons of litter and illegally dumped trash over the past three decades. Volunteers will again roll up their sleeves this year — on April 1 — for Project Blue River Rescue, a tradition that began with the Friends of Lakeside Nature Center and a local chapter of the Missouri Stream Team [...]

Johnson County mayors oppose bill to end local food sales tax

info2023-03-16T09:50:53-05:00March 16th, 2023|

Twenty-two Johnson and Wyandotte County mayors raised their collective voice this week in alarm about a proposal in the state legislature that would eliminate local sales taxes on food – a move they say could halt construction projects already in progress and endanger their cities’ bond ratings and budgets. The mayors, members of the Johnson and Wyandotte County Council of Mayors, also warned that ending their ability to collect sales tax revenue on food would likely result in property tax increases to make up for lost sales tax revenue. Source: Prairie Village Post

Cities, counties oppose Senate president’s food sales tax proposal

info2023-03-16T09:48:42-05:00March 16th, 2023|

Cities and counties came out Wednesday against a proposal by Senate President Ty Masterson to fill a budget hole caused by a bill that would eliminate millions of dollars in local sales taxes on groceries. While they liked the intent of the Masterson's proposal, they said they were disillusioned by years of promises from the Legislature to reinstate revenues that it's taken from local government. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Lawrence announces tentative location for Pallet Shelter Village: North Michigan Street

info2023-03-16T12:30:47-05:00March 16th, 2023|

The City of Lawrence on Wednesday announced the location for its planned Pallet Shelter Village site: 256 North Michigan St., pending Lawrence City Commission approval. “The City is committed to working with the surrounding neighborhood to make the Pallet Shelter village a successful addition,” according to a news release. In December, the Lawrence City Commission approved using $4.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act money — federal COVID-19 relief funds — to purchase the modular homes for people experiencing homelessness from Pallet, a “Public Benefit Corporation.” Source: The Lawrence Times

Johnson hired as new USD 264 Clearwater superintendent

info2023-03-16T12:31:05-05:00March 16th, 2023|

Jason Johnson has been announced as the new superintendent for Clearwater USD 264. The announcement was made Tuesday morning. Johnson was chosen at a Monday night board of education meeting. The search for a new superintendent culminated with interviews last week with four finalists. The Kansas Association of School Boards assisted in the search. Johnson will replace Chris Cooper, who will retire at the end of June. Johnson will take over on July 1, although it is common for new hires to do some work ahead of time to acclimate themselves to their new districts. Cooper came to Clearwater from the [...]

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