News – Page 628 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Knife competition comes to Columbus, KS

info2023-09-11T10:18:47-05:00September 11th, 2023|

The steel was sharp, the atmosphere charged with excitement, as Columbus, Kansas played host to an exhilarating Knife Competition today. This unique event brought together blade enthusiasts, forging aficionados, and fans of the hit TV show "Forged in Fire" for a day filled with impressive displays of craftsmanship and skill. The competition not only showcased the talents of those who participated but also reinforced the importance of passing down the tradition of bladesmithing to future generations. Source: KOAM News

City commission to discuss future downtown plans

info2023-09-11T10:17:02-05:00September 11th, 2023|

Manhattan city commissioners will go over the Beyond Tomorrow Downtown Plan during Tuesday’s upcoming meeting. Senior planner Ben Chmiel will present an update to the improvements made in downtown and present upcoming projects. Commissioners will take no action during the meeting because it is a work session. Source: themercury.com

Is Wichita’s disorderly conduct law unconstitutional? Kansas Supreme Court to decide

info2023-09-11T10:15:39-05:00September 11th, 2023|

The Kansas Supreme Court is poised to consider whether a provision of Wichita’s disorderly conduct ordinance unconstitutionally limits freedoms of speech and assembly protected under the First Amendment. On Tuesday, the court will hear an appeal brought by Gabrielle Griffie, the Project Justice ICT organizer who was sentenced to probation for her role in demonstrations demanding accountability after the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The city accused Griffie of planning the protest to engage in “disorderly conduct,” more specifically, engaging in “noisy conduct tending to reasonably arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others.” Griffie argued that the [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for September 8, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-09-10T21:34:59-05:00September 10th, 2023|

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.

Kansas property tax increases have homeowners objecting and legislators looking at new laws

info2023-09-08T12:37:19-05:00September 8th, 2023|

Despite record-breaking temperatures, an overflow crowd of frustrated taxpayers crammed into the Shawnee County Commission chambers recently to voice concerns about rising property taxes driven largely by growing home values. ... It’s a scene playing out across the state as local governments hold public hearings on their budgets required by state law. Local budgets continue to rise and some taxpayers are frustrated as their property taxes increase and they feel their voices aren’t being heard. The interest shows that legislative action in recent years didn’t resolve concerns over rising property taxes. Lawmakers, local officials, and taxpayers alike are gearing up for [...]

Minneapolis building kept alive as The Farm and the Odd Fellows meeting place

info2023-09-08T12:24:02-05:00September 8th, 2023|

he Farm and the Odd Fellows has transformed a century-old building to help "plant and cultivate relationships" in the Minneapolis community. Sitting at the corner of Second and Sheridan Streets in downtown Minneapolis, this business, which opened in May of 2021, isn't just one thing for the community, but six different and unique pieces and parts, including a coffeehouse, pickleball court, brewhouse, brewpub and games environment, all in one location. The Farm and The Odd Fellows, 205 W. Second St. opened in 2021 to be a place for the community of Minneapolis to gather. The century-old building was renovated but continues [...]

Experience life as an inmate during this Saline County event celebrating its new jail

info2023-09-08T12:22:53-05:00September 8th, 2023|

Those who might wonder what it is like to spend a night in jail will have the opportunity to try it in early November. The Saline County community is invited for a Slumber in the Slammer event hosted by the Saline County Sheriff's Office, where participants will experience life as an inmate without the usual prerequisite of breaking the law. Among other benefits, the event will aim to help spread community awareness of how inmates are treated and the day-to-day routines that take place in a jail facility. Source: Salina Journal

Pittsburg Middle School unveils new facilities & more after $16.5 million bond project

info2023-09-08T11:23:43-05:00September 8th, 2023|

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The historic Pittsburg Middle School building unveils some newly completed renovations Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of the $16.5 million bond project. New additions include a fully renovated auditorium and flexible learning spaces. Over the last ten years, administrators say certain sections of the 1921 building were unable to house students and staff. The new space now allows the middle school to function at full capacity. ... "So we have a lot of open collaborative spaces. It was also built in such a way that if we do need to put up walls for additional classrooms [...]

Update on Fort Scott water warning

info2023-09-08T11:23:13-05:00September 8th, 2023|

"Because dry conditions normally can lead to fires," said Dave Bruner, Fort Scott Fire Chief. That's a big reason why officials with the Fort Scott Fire Department and School District are trying to limit their water usage. City officials announced water storage has fallen below 70% capacity on Tuesday -- and will not recover in the usual amount of time. "We are on water conservation efforts right now, our lake levels are really low, they're probably as low as they've been historically. And so the city has put out that they want us to conserve water," said Destry Brown, Fort Scott [...]

Bridge projects in Kansas benefiting from BIL revenue

info2023-09-08T11:22:35-05:00September 8th, 2023|

Bridge projects across Kansas are getting a boost thanks to two local bridge improvement programs benefiting from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Thirty-five local and off-system bridge projects across the Sunflower State will receive a combined total of $42.3 million - which combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, comes out to $48.8 million. Governor Laura Kelly along with Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed announced the projects in Dodge City on Thursday. KDoT's Off-System Bridge program (OSB) awarded $20.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025 funds to 20 projects. The Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program (KLBIP) awarded $21.8 million in [...]