News – Page 685 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

KHP has split decisions in two court cases

info2023-07-23T23:52:11-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

A federal judge has ruled against the Kansas Highway Patrol in a case challenging its policies of detaining motorists without reasonable suspicion. The judge ordered the KHP to stop using the infamous “Kansas Two-Step” technique, where a trooper would end a traffic stop by taking two steps toward his patrol car, then he would turn back and begin a new conversation with the driver to ask more questions. The technique starts a second effort to get information and get entry to a vehicle to search for contraband. Source: 101.3 KFDI

Lyon County first responders welcome furry friend to Law Enforcement Center

info2023-07-26T08:56:54-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Justice reigns at the Lyon County Law Enforcement Center. Justice, the new Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center companion and emotional support dog, that is. At around seven months old, the Labradoodle and Golden Retriever mix is quickly becoming a friend to all at the center. Her floppy ears and puppy personality are helping to spread cheer and reduce stress — for sheriff staff and inmates alike. “The jail actually purchased the puppy through the Inmate Welfare Fund as a support dog for staff and the inmates,” Captain Jay Whitney said. Source: Emporia Gazette

Fort Scott Commissioners want input on Certified Local Government program

info2023-07-23T23:48:04-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The Fort Scott City Commission plans to hold a work session in the future to discuss the idea of becoming a Certified Local Government, which, according to Mayor Matthew Wells, would provide an opportunity for building owners to apply for more grants for their historic properties. Source: Fort Scott Tribune

Professional Pickleball Association’s World Championship Series plans a stop in Overland Park

info2023-07-26T08:57:34-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The nation’s “most pickleball-obsessed city” has clinched a big win: hosting the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, which will bring more than 1,000 professional and amateur players to Overland Park. The Vulcan Kansas City Open will be Aug. 24-27 at Elite Tennis and Wellness and is a “golden ticket” qualifier event, which means those winning their division will earn a spot in the bracket at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships in November in Dallas. Source: Kansas City Business Journal

Many Park City residents welcome proposed sales tax

info2023-07-26T08:57:57-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The city of Park City is proposing a new 1 percent sales tax to its community and according to Mayor John Lehnherr, the community has responded positively. The sales tax will help with some of the city's needs such as adding additional law enforcement and helping fix the roads. Lehnherr said the city conducted a recent study and found that 88 percent of Park City's revenue comes from outsiders visiting. He said because they are near the interstate with four exits, people stop in to dine, shop, and get fuel. Lehnherr added leveraging this 88 percent can also be a benefit [...]

Girard Fire Department hosts annual community event

info2023-07-23T23:35:45-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The Girard Kansas Fire Department today hosted its annual event with the intention of making it a recurring tradition. Organizers say the event aims to provide an opportunity for the public to view the department's equipment and raise awareness about the needs of different departments. It also serves as a platform for the public to ask any questions they may have. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy bounce house and offer tours of the fire trucks and police cruisers. "The goal is to keep the public informed on what we do here and our equipment and where we are," said Chris [...]

The Kansas tax subsidy law that gave millions to Panasonic and Integra projects is ending

info2023-07-23T23:32:12-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

In February of last year, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed APEX (Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion) into law. It allows for tax incentives to be given to for-profit companies when they select Kansas as the site of their billion-dollar megaprojects. Through APEX, Kansas was able to secure a $4 billion Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto and a $1.8 billion Integra semiconductor plant in Wichita. But now, it's unclear if the Kansas legislature will extend the law past its expiration date, putting the prospects of future development deals in limbo. Dylan Lysen of the Kansas News Service says some influential conservative lawmakers are worried the state [...]

Dolly Parton to visit Kansas to celebrate Imagination Library program

info2023-07-23T23:25:56-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Singer, songwriter and philanthropist Dolly Parton is set to visit Kansas next month to celebrate her Imagination Library program. The Office of the Governor announced the plans for the visit for Monday, Aug. 14 in a press release. This was accompanied by an announcement that every child in Kansas from birth to the age of five can receive free books every month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. In total, the Imagination Library has gifted more than 200 million books worldwide since it was launched in 1995. "I am pleased that we have reached this amazing milestone – being able to provide [...]

Pittsburg City Hall updates accessibility

info2023-07-23T23:23:36-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

The front entrance to City Hall is now open after an extensive exterior renovation and accessibility improvements. “The previous steps to the front entrance were deteriorated and the exterior needed updated and preserved,” said City Manager Daron Hall in a statement. “With the help of our team, we were able to protect the structure, improve the aesthetics, and increase safety and accessibility to this important public asset.” The city partnered with Sprouls Construction Inc. and Echelon Architecture and Design to make City Hall more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Façade improvements were also included in the project, as well [...]

Derby moves to hybrid vehicle leasing approach

info2023-07-26T09:00:03-05:00July 23rd, 2023|

Like the average customer walking onto lots right now, the city of Derby is having a tough time buying cars at the moment. A little over a year after entering into a fleet leasing agreement with Enterprise, challenges remain, which has led to city to reassess its approach and shift gears to a hybrid model. The city will still continue to lease hard-to-find vehicles through Enterprise (police units, one-ton trucks, etc.) but will also look to purchase some through its own authority as needs – and availability – arise. Staff noted changing the approach has little to do with the efforts [...]