News

Kansas City, Kansas, fire officials held a press conference on June 27, 2025, to warn families about the risks of consumer fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Demonstrations included how hot sparklers can burn and safety reminders for using mortars, fountains, and other fireworks legally and responsibly. Source: Local Kansas City Missouri & Kansas News |

A proposed hog farm in rural Ottawa County is drawing public attention ahead of a scheduled hearing next month. The facility, named Smoky Hills Pork, would house more than 45,000 pigs and be located near Minneapolis. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a public hearing on July 9 in Minneapolis to discuss a proposed water pollution control permit for the project. Source: KCLY Radio

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year 2025-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document. The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System. The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at ksdot.gov/about/publications-and-reports/state-transportation-improvement-program-stip. The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes July 10. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at 785-296-3254. Source: KDOT

Early this year, during the dead of winter, we spoke with Clay Center Zoo Curator Garett Payne on how they care for animals in the extreme cold and snow. Recently, we spoke to Payne on how the animals are cared for during the heat of summer. Payne said the addition of the new buildings makes it much easier for the animals and caretakers.  Most of the animals have full access to air conditioning when they get too hot. He spoke about the few animals that don’t have access to AC. Source: KCLY Radio

A public library's core services of allowing patrons to read and borrow books and media fit within these common and ordinary meanings of recreation. In fact, a brief internet search reveals the terms "recreational reading," a.k.a. "leisure reading," are in common use and many articles, studies, and books have been published on the subject. ... Therefore, we decline Zaragoza's request to narrowly interpret the term "recreational" in the statutory immunity exception to include only those recreational activities that "involve physical activity or any increased risk of injury." Source: Zaragoza v. Johnson County.

Local hosts expected to earn $3,500 per stay. Source: Kansas City Business Journal

This Fitness Court® Studio was developed ... to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities across the region. The Fitness Court® is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets users leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations. Source: The Sunflower State Radio Network

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.

Since May 27, kids in the northeast corner of the county have had the chance to swim free at the Arma Pool courtesy of numerous donations from community members.    Source: - Latest Stories

Plans to renovate and convert a house in Holton into a duplex sparked conversation among members of the Holton City Commission about what property owners are — or could be — doing to solve the problem of available rental housing in the city. Source: The Holton Recorder