News – Page 455 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Topeka contemplates city manager in special meeting

info2024-04-24T15:30:52-05:00April 24th, 2024|

The city council had another special session to again discuss the two finalists for the vacant city manager position. The choice is down to Alan Howze of Kansas City, Kansas and Robert Perez of Dallas, Texas. Both candidates have over 20 years of experience working in leadership positions for local governments. At a press conference Tuesday morning ahead of the special session, Mayor Padilla and Nienstedt said they were confident no announcement would be made, which held true. No information was provided following the two-hour meeting. KSNT 27 News spoke to district 8 Topeka councilman Spencer Duncan, who says there is no need to [...]

Lenexa has a new master plan for parks and recreation — What’s in it?

info2024-04-24T15:20:54-05:00April 24th, 2024|

The framework for the next decade of development for Lenexa’s Parks and Recreation department is in place. On April 16, the Lenexa City Council unanimously accepted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Last updated in 2012, the plan is a living document that sets goals and objectives, and shapes policies to help guide the future development of the city’s parks and recreation department over the next 10 years. “It’s certainly not something we just put on a shelf and never look at again,” said Logan Wagler, parks and recreation director. “It’s something we use on a daily basis, almost — how we plan our [...]

Nichols named new Junction City Police Chief

info2024-04-24T15:18:21-05:00April 24th, 2024|

A new police chief has been appointed in Junction City. According to a Tuesday release from the City Manager’s office, Kirt Nichols will assume that role effective immediately. The 33-year-old veteran of JCPD has served as Captain of Operations for the past four years and was interim police chief for four months in late 2019. The city is also re-creating the position of Assistant Police Chief and has appointed Cory Odell to that position. Odell has been with the department since 2009 and most recently served as a Captain on the force since 2021. The shakeup in the police department comes amid the recent [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for April 23, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-04-24T08:27:30-05:00April 24th, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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.

Municipal Bond Trends for April 22, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-04-23T09:25:20-05:00April 23rd, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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.

Wichita district wants bond issues to rebuild, consolidate schools

info2024-04-23T07:49:14-05:00April 23rd, 2024|

Wichita school officials want to know if voters would support a series of bond issues to rebuild and renovate schools over the next two decades. On Monday, consultants hired by the school board laid out four options ranging from a major investment in 27 new or renovated schools to doing nothing but focusing on deferred maintenance needs at existing buildings. All four plans outlined by the Ohio-based firm Woolpert include consolidating either 18 or 19 schools — a process district officials say is different than a closure because students and staff at low-attendance schools would all be moved together into a [...]

Cost to buy JoCo hotel being eyed for homeless shelter goes up

info2024-04-23T07:48:43-05:00April 23rd, 2024|

Buying a La Quinta Inn and Suites in Lenexa to convert it into a homeless shelter is going to cost more and may take longer than expected — should the county commission ultimately go ahead with the move. The growing cost and elongated timeline are due to an increase in the amount required to buy out the hotel and a delay in finding an entity to run it. Source: Johnson County Post

Visiting commissioners impressed with Crawford County

info2024-04-23T07:46:14-05:00April 23rd, 2024|

County Commissioner Carl Wood said he enjoyed attending the recent Kansas County Commissioner Association Conference at Kansas Crossing this past week, adding that he learned a lot. Commissioners were offered classes in state law, media relations, budgets, and many other subjects. But what made the biggest impression on Wood was how impressed other commissioners from around the state were with Crawford County. Ranking 11th in population out of 105 counties, Crawford is not on the same level as Johnson, Wyandotte, or Sedgewick Counties in terms of resources, but the county still makes a big impression across the state. Source: Morning Sun

Emporia PD unveils fleet redesign to boost visibility

info2024-04-23T07:45:46-05:00April 23rd, 2024|

The Emporia Police Department is rolling out a striking redesign for its 13-vehicle fleet, aimed at enhancing visibility and community engagement. The decision to update the department’s vehicle aesthetics came after careful consideration and collaboration within the department, according to Police Chief Ed Owens, as the department’s new vehicles become available through a fleet agreement with Enterprise Leasing. Source: Emporia Gazette

Leawood taps department veteran Brad Robbins to be next police chief

info2024-04-23T07:44:03-05:00April 23rd, 2024|

Leawood police Capt. Brad Robbins will become the new chief of police beginning May 4, the Leawood City Council has decided. Councilmembers unanimously approved Robbins’ appointment during a special meeting called Wednesday afternoon for that purpose. Robbins, a 29-year veteran of the Leawood police department, has most recently served as support services division commander, supervising the investigation, traffic safety and community education units. He has also acted as the department’s public information officer. Source: Johnson County Post