News

The state has announced grants for small towns to attract new residents. Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson announced $1.5 million in grants for the Home in the Heartland program, which was created by the Kansas Legislature in 2025 to encourage new residents and boost local economies. The state says that many Kansas towns are losing people, which limits their growth and economic stability. These grants give local leaders extra funds to create their own recruitment efforts, the state said in a news release. Read more: KSN-TV

Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department is celebrating the arrival of its newest firetruck, Engine 53. To mark the milestone, the department is hosting a Push-In Ceremony on Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the fire station located at 115 S. D Street. This tradition dates back to the 1800s, when firefighters would push their horse-drawn wagons back into the firehouse after returning from a call. Read more: KSN-TV

BBQ served up fresh, all for a good cause. It's the annual "Back the Badge" event this morning, outside the American Bank in Baxter Springs. The fundraiser helps to raise money for needed purchases like equipment, uniforms, and gear for Reserve Law Enforcement Officers in Baxter Springs and Cherokee County. It's also a way for these officers and the community to get to know each other. Read more: KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Allen County Regional Hospital administrator Pat Patton sees a strong case for voters’ renewal of a quarter-cent sales tax extension in the November election. Proceeds would go towards support of the hospital It’s a perfect time for William “Pat” Patton to reflect on the state of Allen County Regional Hospital.  Just over a year ago, Patton was named administrator of both Allen County Regional Hospital and Anderson County Hospital in Garnett. He’s seen enough to know what Allen County Regional does well, and how it can improve. But there’s another reason to examine our local hospital. In a month, voters will [...]

From afar, they can look like large collections of plants, growing out of the lake and shooting toward the sky, but there’s a little more to the flora popping up on some Overland Park lakes. Called floating wetlands, these man-made mini islands of native Kansas plants are intended to balance the water’s ecosystem and keep harmful algae blooms at bay. Overland Park is now adding more of them to lakes at city parks. Read more: Johnson County Post

A go-cart driver, traveling illegally on Atchison streets, now faces a number of charges, including that related to his alleged escape from police. Early this year, the Atchison approved the use of certain UTVs but the ordinance, though, does not allow other, similar vehicles, to be ridden on streets, including golf carts, atv's, and go-carts. Read more: MSC News

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.

The district court correctly concluded that the Code does not regulate the number of residential structures per lot through its definitions section. ... our construction of the "duplex" definition aligns with that of the district court; we concur that the Code does not restrict the development of such structures to one per lot. Read the decision: KS Court of Appeals: First Presbyterian Church v. City of Lawrence

K.S.A. 21-6002(b)(2) provides that "[u]pon conviction of official misconduct a public officer or employee shall forfeit such officer or employee’s office or employment." Because the forfeiture is tied to the offense, and the offense is tied to the abuse of a specific position, the forfeiture is limited to the position held when the offense was committed. Cited herein: K.S.A. 21-6001; 21-6002. Read more: Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2025-23

Zack Daniel said his top goals are encouraging intentional commercial development and supporting residential growth as he takes over as city manager. Last month, the commission announced it had selected Daniel as the new city manager. His contract will be finalized in the next few weeks.  Read more: The Eudora Times He said the city has seen its “baked in advantages” help make it attractive to development. It has easy access along K-10 and swaths of developable land are available in the city and just outside the city limits. Those assets, along with the city’s strong community character, made developers take [...]