News

Tuesday is the final day to register to vote, and across Kansas, sales tax permissions are on the ballot. That is, what sales taxes can be used for. The goal, two counties say, is to reduce the burden on home and property owners. In Pawnee County, voters will decide whether or not to approve the use of sales tax funds for emergency services. County attorney Douglas McNett says it could insulate homeowners from the possibility of raising property taxes. People living in Pawnee County have been living with a 1% sales tax for over 15 years. It was originally implemented to [...]

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place today in Parsons to celebrate a new mural. It’s one that serves as both a reminder of the community’s past and a way for folks to come together. Not just to look at it. Part of the grant-funded creation features a large white area where movies will be projected. Early plans are to have showings of The Wizard of Oz and Star Wars. More movies will be shown next summer through a collaboration with the Parsons Public Library. “To see something like this come to fruition. Just it’s heartwarming. It means that the city is continuing [...]

A rural Bitcoin mining farm is the new hot button topic in southeast Kansas. “It’s miserable. You know, we listen to it day in and day out when I get up in the morning over a fan and a TV, you hear a humming noise. I don’t care what they do over there. I just don’t want to hear it in my yard,” said Dereck Ranes, Home Owner Across From Facility. Ranes, who lives across the street from a Bitcoin mining facility in rural Kansas, is fed up with the noise and vibrations — making life untenable. The facility holds four [...]

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.

Members of the Topeka City Council talked about the pros and cons of letting officers wear their uniforms while working in the service of private companies. The Topeka Police Department believes the community would be safer if law enforcement hired by private companies were able to show the public that they are trained police officers. However, some city councilmembers are worried about where the liability will fall. Police Chief Chris Vallejo weighed in on the issue during the Oct. 14 city council meeting. He said the department will take accountability. “Modifying this ordinance, which says gives the chief of police full [...]

THC-infused beverages like those being sold at several locations were among items seized as illegal in Kansas Bureau of Investigation raids statewide executing search warrants at vape shops and CBD dispensaries. “Some THC-infused beverages were seized during these search warrants, but this was not a major focus of the investigations,” Melissa Underwood, communications director for KBI, said. KBI began the investigation Oct. 1 in hopes of seizing marijuana plants, THC vape cartridges, and other items containing suspected illegal concentrations of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. In some instances, weapons and currency were also seized, Underwood said. Read more: Marion County [...]

Dustin Raney’s application for a short-term rental at Marion County Lake received some pushback Monday from Marion County Commissioners. Clarke Dirks was the most vocal, saying too many questions needed answers. The commission voted 4-0 to delay action on the proposal. It had been approved by the county Planning and Zoning Commission. Read more: Marion County RECORD

Since the announcement of the recently retired City Administrator Doug Allen, the city commissioners have been searching for someone to fill the role. In a special meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 8, the commissioners agreed on a contract and hired Nick Rizzio, who currently resides in Arkansas City, Kan. The commissioners agree that Rizzio’s experience and background make him a good fit for Sabetha. Read more: The Sabetha Herald

With encouragement from city government, the Chamber is trying to attract the Bill Gates-owned company TerraPower. TerraPower announced on Sept. 23 that they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Evergy and the Kansas Department of Commerce to build a facility within Evergy’s service area in the state. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

There was a good reason why Renwick Superintendent Tim Hayden had a big smile on his face when being interviewed about this year’s enrollment: its up. And not just a few students, but 71. Last school year, the district had 1,990 students; this year, it has 2,061. “We’re at a fortunate pace,” Hayden said to the USD 267 Board of Education Monday evening. “We’re growing, and ’that’s helpful for your district.” Full-time equivalent, which is a key factor in state funding, also grew. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune