News – Page 1712 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

City of Pratt approves open-air prom plans

info2020-06-19T08:19:10-05:00June 18th, 2020|

Pratt City commissioners unanimously approved requests from Pratt and Skyline schools to hold at their postponed proms at Merchants Park, during a regular meeting Monday, June 16, at Pratt City Hall. Both Pratt and Skyline High School Prom Nights have exchanged tradition prom activities (which were canceled due to the coronavirus this year) for open-air affairs, and school officials presented their requests to the commission. Prom night for Pratt High School is set for Saturday, June 20, and Skyline High Prom is set for Saturday, June 27. “At least, they’ll have a prom event for pictures,” said City Manager Bruce Pinkall, [...]

Ellis County to get $5.5M windfall

info2020-06-19T08:19:35-05:00June 18th, 2020|

Ellis County will get an estimated windfall of $5.5 million from federal CARES Act COVID-19 relief money. Interim county administrator Darin Myers broke the news to the Ellis County Commissioners at their regular meeting Monday evening. “I’m going to save the best news for last,” Myers said, taking his turn to give his weekly report as the nearly three-hour meeting neared its close. “I still find it kind of hard to believe, but they’re looking at a per-person amount,” Myers said. “I really hate to say the amount because, like I say, it’s just too hard to believe, $194 a person, [...]

City leaders approve code changes to allow for new downtown Lawrence layout; parking details still up for discussion

info2020-06-19T08:46:23-05:00June 18th, 2020|

City leaders have voted to approve code changes that would allow downtown businesses to expand their operations into what are currently angled parking spots, but exactly what that downtown layout will look like and how much parking will be retained is not yet decided. Late Tuesday, during a meeting that stretched into early Wednesday morning, the Lawrence City Commission voted 3-2, with commissioners Lisa Larsen and Stuart Boley opposed, to approve a resolution that allows businesses to use the city right-of-way that is currently angled parking spots along Massachusetts Street. The resolution is needed for the city to put in place [...]

Lawrence City Commission approves changes to no-camping ordinance, making some exceptions for homeless people

info2020-06-19T08:45:37-05:00June 18th, 2020|

City leaders have approved changes to the city’s no-camping rules to be more accommodating to homeless people when local shelters are full. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-1, with Mayor Jennifer Ananda opposed, to add an exemption to the city ordinance that currently makes it illegal to camp on public right-of-way. The exemption, aimed at decriminalizing homelessness, would allow people to camp on any public right-of-way or public property downtown when there is no available space at the overnight homeless shelters, according to a city staff memo to the commission. Read more: LJWorld.com.

Biting dogs must get microchips in Parsons

info2020-06-18T08:38:54-05:00June 18th, 2020|

Dog owners in Parsons will have to pay for an identifying microchip implant if their dogs bite someone. City commissioners on Monday evening approved an ordinance that will make dog owners liable for the charge of nearly $30. If the dog is later declared not vicious by a municipal court judge, the owner will be reimbursed for the fee. If, however, the judge rules the dog is vicious, the city could easily identify the dog in the future and fine the owner for keeping a vicious dog in the city if already ordered to remove the dog. (Read more: Parsons Sun)

Municipal Bond Trends for June 17, 2020

info2020-06-18T08:38:45-05:00June 18th, 2020|

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.

Prairie Village takes steps toward allowing residents to keep hens — though home owners associations still have their own prohibitions

info2020-06-18T08:37:04-05:00June 18th, 2020|

Prairie Village took a step this week toward allowing residents to keep chickens — though individual homes associations may have their own restrictions that would prevent people from taking advantage of the city relaxing its regulations. The City Council ... voted 9 to 3 Monday night to approve amending the city’s animal control regulations to allow residents to keep hens but not roosters. (Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Merriam sends solar installation ordinance to Planning Commission for review

info2020-06-18T08:37:00-05:00June 18th, 2020|

The Merriam City Council last week directed the planning commission to review the current zoning ordinance related to solar installation, in an effort to ease up on resident requirements. Community Development Director Bryan Dyer said the city consistently receives resident comments that some solar installation requirements are cumbersome and can increase costs — specifically the requirement to go through the planning commission for approval if solar panels have to face the right-of-way. (Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Parsons makes licensing easier for plumbers

info2020-06-18T08:22:16-05:00June 18th, 2020|

The city of Parsons will make it easier for plumbers to get licensed to do local work. City commissioners on Monday approved a charter ordinance that will lower the score on standardized testing required to get a permit for plumbing work within city limits. The city, based on a state statute, now requires plumbers to score at least a 75% on the test to be licensed. The charter ordinance will lower the minimum score to 70%. (Read more: Parsons Sun)

Old schools find new uses – as homes

info2020-06-18T08:21:08-05:00June 18th, 2020|

A former country school moved to Marion in the 1940s still stands on Lincoln St. where it is used as a home. The former Bixler School, originally located three and a half miles northwest of Marion, was purchased by Lonnie and Betty Tidwell in the 1940s and moved to 110 N. Lincoln St. in Marion to serve as a home, which it does to this day. The Tidwells added an attached garage, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. (Read more: Marion County RECORD)