info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Tornado recovery in Andover is still very much a work in progress

info2022-06-29T23:30:25-05:00June 29th, 2022|

It's been two months since a powerful tornado hit Andover, leaving hundreds of people to pick up the pieces. Today many of the houses that were damaged still look the same. Many houses have shattered windows and a lot of the damage remains from the storm two months ago. Homeowners say the biggest reason they have had to wait on repairs is because a lack of supplies. Things like windows are taking multiple months to come in and so other work inside the houses have to wait until it can be sealed up. “We really... we try and keep our heads [...]

KDOT seeking comment on State Rail Plan

info2022-06-29T23:26:43-05:00June 29th, 2022|

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is requesting comments on the draft Kansas Rail Plan. This document provides an overview of freight rail networks in Kansas, commodity flows, economic data and, additionally, information about passenger rail service in the state. Rail plan updates are required every five years. Federal guidelines require a public comment period of 30 days, which concludes on July 22. The draft document for the State Rail Plan may be viewed online at https://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burRail/rail/default.asp and alternative formats are available by calling 785-296-3585. Source: Derby Informer | Area

Community Facade Improvement program picking up steam in Derby

info2022-06-30T08:10:57-05:00June 29th, 2022|

More than halfway through 2022, the city’s new Community Facade Improvement program has been utilized minimally – but that could be set to change soon. According to Assistant City Manager for Development Dan Squires, two Derby businesses have been approved for CFIP grants so far, two more applications have been received and a handful of other business owners have been calling with questions about additional submissions. Source: Derby Informer | News

Fire departments in Lyon County receive state tax help

info2022-06-30T08:11:26-05:00June 29th, 2022|

Some of your fire insurance payments have returned to Lyon County to help local fire departments. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced Wednesday that $162,447.57 has been distributed to seven Firefighter Relief Associations across the county. The allocation occurs each year under state law. The funds come for a two percent tax paid by insurance companies on “fire and lightning insurance premiums written in Kansas,” a statement from Schmidt's office said. FRAs can use the money to pay firefighters' health and life insurance costs. They also can purchase new fire trucks and gear, while improving fire stations. Source: Emporia Gazette

Kansas small town recognized by national travel website

info2022-06-29T23:21:30-05:00June 29th, 2022|

A small town with deep historical connections has been recognized by a national travel website. Abilene was doubly recognized by TravelAwaits during their "Best of Travel Awards" for 2022. Abilene was recognized along with other scenic towns and cities from around the world. Abilene claimed two awards this year from TravelAwaits: Favorite U.S. Small Town and Friendliest U.S. Small Town. This is the second year in a row that Abilene was recognized as the Favorite U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits due to its strong ties to the Wild West and cattle trade. Source: KSNT 27 News

Flag retirement just got easier for one Kansas county

info2022-06-29T23:19:27-05:00June 29th, 2022|

Anytime a U.S. flag becomes tattered or worn to the point it's no longer a fitting symbol, it requires a proper retirement in a dignified manner. This week, one local county is making that retirement process a little easier. In the heart of downtown Manhattan, there is now a depository box for those flags that need to be retired. Installed on Monday in the lobby of 110 Courthouse Plaza, flags damaged or worn down over time will be accepted, and sent off to the local American Legion for a proper disposal. For one county worker, having that option available for people [...]

Golden petitioners drop their appeal

info2022-06-29T23:18:06-05:00June 29th, 2022|

Petitioners have dropped their appeal of the County Commission’s decision not to approve incorporation of a proposed city of Golden in northwest Miami County. District Judge Steven Montgomery granted the petitioners’ dismissal without prejudice Thursday, June 23. During a hearing in Miami County District Court conducted via Zoom on Monday, June 6, Judge Montgomery set bond in the Golden appeal at $3,500 and scheduled an in-person bench trial for October 2023. In October 2021, the County Commission voted 3-1 against incorporation of a proposed city of Golden. Jennifer Williams, who filed the initial petition to incorporate about 9 square miles north [...]

McPherson residents to vote on sales tax

info2022-06-29T23:16:39-05:00June 29th, 2022|

On Tuesday, Aug. 2, citizens of McPherson will vote in the primary election. Among items on the ballot, voters will consider a renewal of the city’s second half-cent sales tax. The city has scheduled eight public meetings during the next few weeks for citizens to get more information about the proposed renewal as well as have the opportunity to speak with city officials about the purpose of the sales tax. The meetings will consist of a 20-minute presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with various representatives from the different city departments. This is not an additional tax; it is a renewal [...]

Panel makes recommendations for addressing housing affordability in Prairie Village

info2022-06-30T08:12:45-05:00June 29th, 2022|

The Prairie Village City Council on Tuesday unanimously directed city staff to begin work on implementation of attainable housing strategies as recommended by a city committee. These recommendations were borne out of the ad hoc housing committee, which Mayor Eric Mikkelson charged with focusing on how to diversify the city’s housing stock and preserve its currently available attainable housing options. Source: Prairie Village Post

Lawrence’s Sustainability Advisory Board to consider plastic bag ban

info2022-06-30T08:13:15-05:00June 29th, 2022|

The city’s Sustainability Advisory Board on Thursday will hold a special meeting to discuss a draft ordinance that would prohibit establishments from providing or selling single-use disposable plastic bags. The city has been discussing similar measures for a few years now. A previous draft of the ordinance would have required establishments to charge customers 15 cents per single-use disposable bag for any purchase. Produce bags and reusable bags are not included in the proposed ban. Single-use disposable paper bags would still be allowed. Source: The Lawrence Times

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