News – Page 79 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

The city of Wichita is selling its public housing. Where are the tenants going?

info2024-11-26T09:46:43-06:00November 26th, 2024|

About one-third of the city’s 352 single-family public housing units were still occupied as of last December. The city is offering housing vouchers to the tenants who have to move. As of last December, 110 of the city’s single-family public housing units were occupied. By the end of June, about 60 of those households had been impacted by the city’s sale of public housing, according to the city of Wichita. Each had the option to receive a voucher to help with rent, and a city contractor recommends an available housing unit to tenants and also pays for moving assistance. Source: KSN-TV

Dickinson County wind farm project approved

info2024-11-26T09:44:16-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Dickinson County Commissioners are moving forward with the Hope Ridge Wind Project. The commission voted 2-1 to approve the plan, which will be located in the southeast part of the county near Hope. The permit states that the windmills cannot be taller than 600 feet and must be 1,300 feet from the road. Source: KSN-TV

Shawnee County considers adding new walking trails

info2024-11-26T09:42:59-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Shawnee County officials are looking at increasing walking opportunities for locals with the addition of new trails and sidewalks. Shawnee County Parks and Recreation (SCP+R) is working to update its trail systems and Greenway Master Plan. This plan would connect the current trail network in Topeka to parts of the county without sidewalks. Shawnee County commissioners were hesitant given the cost and number of master plans already in the works. However, a planner with the county said this could give more people a safe place to walk. Source: KSNT 27 News

Historic Topeka theatre asks for $5 million from city, county

info2024-11-26T09:41:54-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A historic local theatre nestled in downtown Topeka is asking for several million dollars from the county to help it stay running. The Jayhawk Theatre has long been a staple of the Capital City’s downtown area ever since it opened its doors for the first time in 1926. Now, theatre representatives are asking for $5 million from the City of Topeka and Shawnee County to help keep it going. Jayhawk Theatre Director Joanne Morrell asked city councilmembers on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to consider a contribution to the theatre which is currently undergoing its first phase of renovation work. The theatre received [...]

Emporia residents to decide on new recreation center

info2024-11-26T09:40:43-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Emporia voters will be the ones deciding whether or not a new recreation center will be built. Wednesday, Nov. 20 the Emporia City Commission decided to let the public get the final say on the future of a new recreation center. The facility would cost taxpayers by increasing the sales tax by a half-cent. The project is expected to cost $59 million and includes renovations to the soccer fields. Source: KSNT 27 News

Iola council to consider solar purchase Monday

info2024-11-26T09:39:31-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Iola City Council members will decide whether to enter a solar agreement to provide up to 3 megawatts of power via solar energy produced in Pratt County. The allocation would price the 3 megawatts at $50 per megawatt hour. City administration will present Iola City Council members with documents for the final approval of a 3-megawatt solar allocation at their 6 p.m. meeting Monday. At the Nov. 12 meeting, council members agreed to diversify the city’s energy profile by entering into a solar agreement with the Kansas Municipal Energy Association (KMEA). Source: The Iola Register

Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy

info2024-11-26T09:38:09-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A new policy imposing a cell phone-free school day is on the table, and though some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers and students’ mental health, others said they’re worried about the safety implications. The Lawrence school board will consider approving a cell phone policy draft that says personal cell phones and devices must be “turned off and stored out of sight at all times during school hours” across the district. Ann Hossler is the parent of a Free State freshman who previously attended Raintree Montessori School, which enforced a strict cell phone ban. “There is hard evidence that [...]

City rezoning debate pits older neighborhoods against need for housing

info2024-11-26T09:34:29-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A question about rezoning on Tuesday brought to the forefront a larger philosophical debate: should Manhattan prioritize preserving older residential neighborhoods or allowing mult-unit buildings to increase housing stock? Manhattan city commissioners on Tuesday approved rezoning two adjoining lots, each with three-unit dwellings that the owner wants rezoned so he can make improvements. Source: themercury.com

Commerce Announces New Housing Workforce Development Grant

info2024-11-26T09:33:00-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Governor Kelly Announces More than $1.4 Million Investment for Safer Streets and Roads

info2024-11-26T09:32:11-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that four Kansas communities have secured over $1.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Leveraging federal dollars to supplement state and local investments in vital infrastructure is essential to economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Safe Streets and Roads for All program provides our communities with the resources needed to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure. I appreciate the Legislature’s continued support of this initiative, as it represents a true bipartisan win for Kansas.” Combined [...]