News – Page 3 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Lawrence city commissioners accept KU’s application for tax breaks for Gateway District

info2024-12-18T08:18:24-06:00December 18th, 2024|

The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday took the first step toward considering tax breaks to help the University of Kansas construct its planned Gateway District near the football stadium. Vice Mayor Brad Finkeldei noted that similar requests for the city to simply accept an application for tax breaks — including one the commission approved last week connected to the Reuter building — generally go on the commission’s consent agenda. (That’s a list of items that are generally considered routine and approved all at once with one motion.) The commission accepting the application doesn’t mean they’ll approve a final agreement. Finkeldei said [...]

Injunction will prohibit land alterations for proposed solar farm until lawsuit is resolved

info2024-12-18T08:17:09-06:00December 18th, 2024|

An injunction issued late Tuesday will prevent any construction or land modification associated with a proposed solar farm north of Lawrence until a lawsuit seeking to stop the project can be resolved. Chief Douglas County District Judge James McCabria issued the order after hearing arguments from attorneys representing Grant Township, the North Lawrence Improvement Association and more than a dozen other plaintiffs. The group was seeking an emergency order to prevent the Douglas County Commission from voting on updated plans for the Kansas Sky Energy Center, a 159-megawatt solar energy project planned for 1,105 acres in Grant Township. The plaintiffs filed [...]

Feds scrap plan for electric corridor in Kansas

info2024-12-18T08:14:08-06:00December 18th, 2024|

The U.S. Department of Energy has scrapped plans for an electric transmission corridor in Kansas, after hearing opposition from landowners and the state’s congressional delegation. The Department had been mapping boundaries for its National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) with one route proposed through Kansas. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Congressman Tracey Mann reported hearing concerns from state residents about the seizure of private property for the corridor. Source: 101.3 KFDI

Municipal Bond Trends for December 16, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-12-17T08:56:47-06:00December 17th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

KBI Director: System has failed sheriffs

info2024-12-17T07:32:24-06:00December 17th, 2024|

The leader of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation is asking lawmakers for money to improve the state’s “awful” offender registration compliance software used by sheriffs. “I have heard from sheriffs over and over again, and their criticism is very valid,” said KBI director Tony Mattivi. “We have failed them. We are giving them an offender registration platform that is inadequate for what they need.” Source: CJonline

Kansas lawmakers demand background checks after department hired financial felon

info2024-12-17T07:14:34-06:00December 17th, 2024|

The Kansas Department of Commerce has inadequate background check processes, according to the Division of Legislative Post Audit. ... The Department of Commerce said it felt a 2018 executive order prohibiting state agencies from ascertaining the criminal record of applicants barred them from conducting criminal background checks. Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for December 13, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-12-16T10:10:21-06:00December 16th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

New El Dorado aquatic center planning underway

info2024-12-16T08:41:02-06:00December 16th, 2024|

At Wednesday evening’s work session on December 11, the El Dorado Aquatic Center Committee met with the El Dorado City Commission to discuss intentions and plans for the future aquatic center. It was mentioned during the September 16 City Commission meeting by Jeremy Sundgren and Patrick Todd during public comment that El Dorado needed a new public pool. During the Commission comment period, it was motioned to appoint Kelly Tetrick to form a committee with private citizens and work towards plans for what the pool and facility would look like. Source: Andover American

Rose Hill Police Stuff the Squad Car

info2024-12-16T08:39:31-06:00December 16th, 2024|

The Rose Hill Police Department hosted a donation drive on December 7 to stuff a squad car as their 19th annual holiday event. The crew collected donations at the local Dollar General from 10am-2pm that included food, toys and cash or check. The cash received, which totaled $991, was used to purchase extra food and toys before dropping off all donations. Detective Melissa Tharp said the food and toys were halved between the local food pantry at Hope Connections located at the Rose Hill United Methodist Church and Sunlight Children’s Home in Andover. The agency is still collecting donations until December [...]

City of Emporia provides updates on response to Tyson Plant and Holiday Resort closures

info2024-12-16T08:37:54-06:00December 16th, 2024|

The City of Emporia has provided several updates concerning efforts to assist displaced workers in finding new employment and receiving financial assistance following the announcements of the Tyson Plant and Holiday Resort closure last week. The two closures - one expected in February and the other expected within 30 days - will result in potentially over 900 job losses in the Emporia community. Source: Emporia Gazette