info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Local libraries offer so much more than books

info2022-10-27T08:06:14-05:00October 27th, 2022|

According to Jackie Nelson, the Hesston Public Library (HPL) director, HPL has around 40,500 books and 6,300 other items for a total collection of about 46,800 items, not counting their e-collection. And while libraries took a hit during the pandemic, readers are returning. The McPherson Public Library has had over 200 new cardholders in the last two months, according to Director Mckenzie Murphy. Murphy wants people to know that the library is more than a building full of books. Source: Harvey County Now

Wichita police, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office receive federal funding for cameras, license plate readers

info2022-10-27T08:03:02-05:00October 27th, 2022|

State leaders announced the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office have received a federal grant for new technology to help prevent violent crime. Sen. Jerry Moran was in Wichita Wednesday to announce the funding. Combined, both law enforcement agencies will receive portions of over a million dollars in federal resources. “I do have some good news to announce today that I think will be beneficial not only to law enforcement, the sheriff and police chief, but…and as well as their officers, but valuable to the community as well,” Moran said. Wichita Police will receive $1.6 million. Interim Chief Troy [...]

Allen County looks at leasing tractors

info2022-10-27T08:00:34-05:00October 27th, 2022|

Allen County will take a test drive, of sorts, with a decision to lease two tractors from the local John Deere dealership. Mark Griffith, road and bridge director, asked commissioners to consider a proposal to lease tractors rather than purchase them outright, especially as county departments have faced numerous equipment breakdowns this year. Over the summer, the county’s newest boom mower caught on fire and was destroyed. It was covered by insurance, but led to a debate over how to best replace the county’s fleet of large, expensive machinery. The proposal from John Deere offered four tractors available for lease for [...]

South Hutchinson explores additional water sources

info2022-10-26T13:32:57-05:00October 26th, 2022|

The South Hutchinson City Council made a couple of decisions Monday night in the ongoing pursuit of additional water for the city. But larger questions continue to loom on the complex issue. The council, by consensus, directed City Administrator Joseph Turner to pursue a water rate study while continuing negotiations with the city of Hutchinson on a plan to buy water from it in the future. The board also advised Turner to file an appeal with Equus Beds Groundwater Management District on its denial of an application to allow the city to tap an existing well for additional water by converting [...]

Airbnb host, Wichita officials speak about short-term rental recommendations

info2022-10-26T09:53:11-05:00October 26th, 2022|

For the past year, Travis Dorion has been hosting guests at one of his properties through Airbnb and VRBO. He plans on listing two more short-term rentals in the near future. "The Wichita area is just starting to get traction in the Airbnb space," Dorion said. In the past four years, the number of Airbnb's in Wichita has more than doubled. However, City officials claim that every single one of the more than 400 short-term rentals are out of code. Dorion says while he (and dozens of others in Wichita's tight-knit short-term rental community) is all for additional health regulations and [...]

Undersheriff faces trial in fatal shooting

info2022-10-26T09:47:50-05:00October 26th, 2022|

A rural Kansas undersheriff who shot and killed an unarmed man with a homemade beanbag round faces trial in Kansas City, Kan. The case against Vergil Brewer is likely to focus on whether his lack of knowledge and training with the munitions amounts to reckless involuntary manslaughter. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Champions of forests — and burbs. These Johnson County trees stand the test of time

info2022-10-26T09:44:34-05:00October 26th, 2022|

Color, character and championships — Johnson County trees have it all. The county’s annual autumn brilliance may be delayed and dulled by drought this year, but the trees have much to offer in other ways. Consider, for example, the trees recognized not for seasons of color but for decades of resilience and majesty: The Kansas Champion trees. Of 144 Champion Trees on the 2022 list, Johnson County is home to 28. “It’s taken years of growth and love to make a champion tree,” said Dennis Patton, horticulturist at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office. Source: Joco 913 News

Hiawatha’s maples show their grand color

info2022-10-26T09:35:29-05:00October 26th, 2022|

Hiawatha’s beautiful maples have a rich history that makes the fall splendor of the town even more intriguing. Hiawatha has long been known for it’s beautiful maples — first planted so many decades ago by Theodore H. Korthanke. He lived from 1860 to 1941 and was considered one of the founding fathers of Hiawatha — certainly the founding father of the maple trees found nearly on every block. ... What Mr. Korthanke envisioned so very long ago — indeed a full century — has blossomed. The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau reports they start getting phone calls in late September from [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for October 25, 2022

info2022-10-26T09:34:28-05:00October 26th, 2022|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Progress reported on task force recommendations for the Wichita-Sedgwick County juvenile justice system

info2022-10-26T09:33:33-05:00October 26th, 2022|

Wichita and Sedgwick County are reporting progress in implementing the recommendations made by a community task force on the juvenile justice system. The task force was created after the September, 2021 death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton during a struggle with staff at the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center. Wichita police lieutenant Scott Moon provided an update to City Council members during a Tuesday workshop discussion on the 14 recommendations made by the task force. Moon said the Wichita Police Department will continue its ICT One program, which teams a police officer with an EMS and mental health professional. Funding will be [...]

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