News – Page 2138 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

USAF brass bullish on McConnell and Wichita’s future

info2019-05-09T10:42:44-05:00May 9th, 2019|

As it blends new aircraft with old, a top U.S. Air Force leader says the growing global importance of McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita will make it a continued economic powerhouse in south-central Kansas. Maj. Gen. Sam Barrett, commander of the 18th Air Force, which is the parent command of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell, was in Wichita last week, marking a return to the base where he enjoyed his first command in the USAF by leading the 350th Air Refueling Squadron in the early 2000s. Barrett, who oversees McConnell and the service’s four other stateside aerial refueling [...]

Leavenworth County Commissioners discuss economic development

info2019-05-09T10:38:15-05:00May 9th, 2019|

Leavenworth County commissioners discussed economic development when they met Tuesday for a work session. Commissioners discussed a possible economic development policy for the county as well as funding for the Leavenworth County Port Authority and Leavenworth County Development Corporation. The Port Authority is an economic development organization that was created through an agreement between the County Commission and the city of Leavenworth. LCDC serves as a partner organization to the Port Authority. The county government provides funding to both organizations. County Administrator Mark Loughry said the issue of economic development was discussed Tuesday after Commissioner Vicky Kaaz had approached him about [...]

Vote ensures city of Topeka will keep employee residency rule

info2019-05-09T10:36:12-05:00May 9th, 2019|

Topeka City Councilman Tony Emerson, who voted last January in support of doing away with the city’s residency requirement for employees, changed his vote Tuesday evening on that matter to a “no.” As a result, the proposed rules change failed in a 5-5 vote, with six “yes” votes being needed for approval. That means the residency rule will stay in place. Emerson said he switched sides due largely to “an outpouring of input from constituents who were adamantly opposed.” He said another reason he switched was because the Topeka Police Department is doing more “creative recruiting,” consequently reducing the city’s need [...]

In Overland Park, proposed murals spark conversation about what represents the city

info2019-05-09T10:35:15-05:00May 9th, 2019|

The murals are bright, vibrant and — if greenlighted by city officials — would grace four buildings in downtown Overland Park. The artworks would be the first major multi-mural project in Overland Park, where last year city leaders designated the downtown area as an “innovation, design, entrepreneurship and arts district” meant to serve as a “hub of creativity.” But the proposed art also has the community talking about what images best represent the community. Craig Sole, who owns the florist shop on Conser near two of the proposed murals, said he was instantly excited about designs he called “modern and moving-forward.” [...]

Commissioners issue disaster declaration in Reno Co.

info2019-05-09T10:28:06-05:00May 9th, 2019|

Reno County Commissioners have signed an emergency declaration and emergency management officials urged residents in the usual flood-prone areas around Cow Creek to evacuate their property if they haven’t done so. Emergency Mangement Director Adam Weishar says the evacuation is not mandatory, but an Everbridge alert was sent out to residents in that area asking they leave before all roads become impassable. (Read more: The Salina Post)

Attending the KMU conference in Wichita this evening and tomorrow? Come by our booth and say hello!

info2019-05-08T09:30:29-05:00May 8th, 2019|

We are proud to be a Silver sponsor of the 2019 KMU (Kansas Municipal Utilities) Conference at the Hyatt in Wichita. Stop by our booth and say hello to some of our staff. Learn how we can assist your community!

Shawnee relaxes rules on where small alcohol-related businesses can open in the city

info2019-05-08T09:10:24-05:00May 8th, 2019|

Shawnee has amended its city code to allow small alcohol-related establishments to open in more areas across the city. The new code follows the recent opening of two microbreweries in downtown Shawnee: Transport Brewery and Servaes Brewing Company. Under the old code, these businesses would be restricted to three areas in the city of Shawnee: areas zoned for commercial highway or planned industrial uses, or downtown in the Townsquare District (both businesses are downtown). Under the new code, microbreweries, microdistilleries and boutique liquor establishments can operate in areas zoned for commercial neighborhood use, expanding the number of location options for future [...]

After marathon meeting, Lawrence City Commission denies permits for controversial downtown apartment project

info2019-05-08T09:08:39-05:00May 8th, 2019|

After hearing hours of comments on proposed plans to build a five-story apartment and retail building complex in downtown Lawrence, the Lawrence City Commission early Wednesday morning denied the project the necessary permits to move forward. With a unanimous vote cast shortly after 1 a.m., the commission denied special unit permits to Chicago-based developer Core Spaces to build the Hub on Campus development at the northeast corner of 11th and Massachusetts streets in downtown Lawrence. In their decision, the commissioners cited the local Historic Resources Commission’s earlier decision to deny the company two required certifications. Read more: LJWorld.com.

Leavenworth County still in running for USDA agencies

info2019-05-08T09:07:17-05:00May 8th, 2019|

The Kansas City region is one of three finalists in the search for a new home for two U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies. And this means Leavenworth County is still in the running to serve as the new headquarters for the agencies.The Leavenworth County Development Corporation has submitted two business parks in the county for consideration. Leavenworth County is being considered under the umbrella of the greater Kansas City area. (Read more: News - SJ News Online - St. John, KS)

Hutch City Council in agreement concerning federal grant for Woody Seat project

info2019-05-08T07:03:54-05:00May 8th, 2019|

The Hutchinson City Council wants public works to draw up a proposal for federal funds for a major construction project involving Woody Seat Freeway. The city recently received the results of a study on how to deal with the traffic issues surrounding the Woody Seat interchange and the two aging bridges over avenues A and B. The proposal from KDOT would mean a $6 million-plus reconstruction of the interchange. The council was in agreement that the city should spend $42,000 to apply for a federal transportation grant that could pay for 80% or more of the project. The grant is similar [...]