Lawrence moves forward with survey to ask residents how to handle and pay for sidewalk repairs

City leaders will soon ask residents their opinion about a policy that generally requires property owners to help pay for repairs to sidewalks bordering their homes and businesses unless their income qualifies them for city assistance. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received information about how other municipalities handle sidewalk repair, expansion of the city’s repair assistance program, and a plan for asking residents for input through a community survey. After discussing the wording of some of the survey questions, commissioners agreed to have the final draft of the survey come back to them as part of the city manager’s report and thereafter move forward.
Source: LJWorld

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T07:16:36-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for August 16, 2022

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T06:56:32-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

The Pittsburg Aquatic Center goes to the dogs

The Pittsburg Aquatic Center is going to the dogs. The Aquatic Center opened up to canines and their families this evening (8/15). The Pittsburg Parks and Recreation hosts this event every year. It’s the last night the pool will be open, before it’s all drained tomorrow (8/16). But, before being emptied, nearly fifty dogs of all shapes and sizes enjoyed the last swim of the summer season. “I like them coming down to Parks and Rec. and just enjoying the water with us. You don’t get to see a lot of the dogs all together unless your down at Schlanger enjoying the dog park, so it’s nice to see them in the water just having fun and splashing around,” said Sydnie Crawford, Manager of the Pittsburg Aquatic Center.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T02:04:03-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Great Bend sends dog kennel zoning amendment to Planning Commission

A Great Bend couple is hoping Great Bend zoning regulations can be amended and allow them to continue operating a dog boarding kennel in their west Broadway residential neighborhood. This is a possibility after the City Council Monday night voted to initiate a change for consideration by the city’s Planning Commission.
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T06:57:02-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Tabor College receives $90,000 USDA Grant to promote rural entrepreneurship

Tabor College has been selected for a $90,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The grant, set for Aug. 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023, will provide services to Hillsboro, Marion County, and much of central Kansas for starting and growing businesses. The former Tabor Welcome Center, located on the corner of D and Washington streets, will serve as the program incubator. Staci Janzen, professor of business administration at Tabor, has been named program director.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T02:00:40-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

After years getting trapped by parked trains and ignored, neighborhood demanding action

After years of being blocked in their homes by trains for hours on end, a small Butler County neighborhood says that no matter what they do or who they call, nothing ever changes. Now, the family is turning to KAKE On Your Side and demanding action. … So, we decided to call the company ourselves. After confirming we were talking to a BNSF employee, who we won’t identify, he said there are “hundreds” of possible reasons this is happening, and says it’s a problem everywhere. When we asked if that means there’s nothing they can do, the worker said “they can build a bridge.”
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T07:01:28-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Opening of route between Newton, Hesston a week away

Motorists will be able to drive Hesston Road (Old 81) between Newton and Hesston as soon as next week. Construction on the stretch of road has kept it closed since March. This week Harvey County stated in a release that the construction will soon be completed by Pearson Construction on that stretch of road. “Shoulder work, permanent striping and permanent signing on that section will begin later this week and is projected to be completed early next week, and upon completion, will reopen Hesston Road in full between the Hesston and Newton city limits,” the release stated.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T01:56:45-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Wichita passes new pilot program to boost home renovations, construction

The idea from the city’s perspective is simple, by waiving these fees, leaders hope people will use that money to put back into their homes, improving property values, hopefully opening up more current homes to rent or making it easier for new housing to be built. “We need many more affordable units, but we just need housing in general. This helps take care of the stock that we have, hopefully, build on some of those open lots and again, with saving folks’ money on doing that. Hopefully we see a shot in the arm to really help them,” said Johnson.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T07:01:59-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Shawnee could adjust zoning to encourage more small, artisanal businesses downtown

The public thirst for handcrafted and artisanal goods has become strong enough that Shawnee officials are considering adding a new land use category in the city’s downtown and eastern gateway districts. Driving the news: The Shawnee Planning Commission Monday night unanimously approved “artisanal manufacturing” for its Town Square and Commercial Highway Overlay districts – a move intended to encourage small businesses like breweries, handmade clothing and food businesses.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T01:53:11-05:00August 17, 2022|News|

Overland Park discusses short-term rentals following community survey

A city-led analysis in Overland Park concludes that problems associated with short-term home rentals are less common than some may believe. Nonetheless, the Overland Park City Council will continue exploring options for regulating or possibly completely banning these types of rentals within city limits in the future. The Overland Park City Council in its Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night discussed how short-term rentals, such as AirBnb vacation homes, could be regulated.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2022-08-17T07:02:50-05:00August 17, 2022|News|