A burning passion: A 7-year veteran, he’s fire chief at age 25

When Colton Glenn became Peabody fire chief at age 25, he found himself leading a department in a town where he had fire trucks race down streets as a kid. Despite seven years of firefighting experience, Glenn is one of the youngest fire chiefs leading a volunteer department in Kansas. “I never in a million years thought I’d end up becoming fire chief when I joined,” he said.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

2026-03-13T09:28:58-05:00March 13, 2026|News|

Kansas property tax system is akin to ‘Titanic that’s hit the iceberg,’ lawmaker says

Kansas legislators’ lineup of property tax relief legislation could chip away at state and local revenue, but some see the proposals as course correction, making up for years of rising property taxes. One bill would phase out Kansans’ property taxes in favor of added sales taxes, and another would exempt seniors from paying property taxes that go toward funding school districts. But legislators, who have eagerly pursued tax relief legislation in recent years, were conflicted about the proposals. Sen. Mike Murphy, a Sylvia Republican, said Tuesday that the Legislature needs to look at property tax relief differently. Past measures haven’t made much of a dent, he said, and he often hears from constituents who are struggling to pay their property taxes.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

2026-03-13T09:28:28-05:00March 13, 2026|Finance, Legal|

ICE detention center in Kansas can open after Leavenworth granted a private prison company’s permit

This historic Kansas prison town will allow CoreCivic to hold federal immigration detainees after a year of legal wrangling and public outcry from opponents. Four out of five city commissioners voted to grant CoreCivic’s application for a special use permit. The decision allows the company to operate its dormant 1,000-bed facility as a detention center on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The compound has sat at the center of a drawn-out legal battle — and furious criticism from opponents of Leavenworth becoming a regional hub for President Trump’s immigration agenda. Commissioners said they had amended the permit to ensure accountability and transparency, by including plans to form a community review board or task force.
Read more: The Lawrence Times

2026-03-13T09:20:01-05:00March 13, 2026|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 11, 2026

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.

2026-03-12T10:02:15-05:00March 12, 2026|Finance|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 10, 2026

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.

2026-03-11T07:56:58-05:00March 11, 2026|Finance|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 9, 2026

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.

2026-03-10T10:55:25-05:00March 10, 2026|Finance|

County leaders debate role of proposed administrator

Department heads met with Riley County commissioners Thursday for the first time since officials last week announced plans to develop a county administrator position. During a 45-minute work session, the three commissioners heard concerns and suggestions from department leaders as the county considers recommendations from its outside consultant. Emergency services director David Adams spoke on behalf of a collective of department heads. He noted the group is generally behind the concept but also sought further clarity on how the position will be structured.
Read more: News Radio KMAN

2026-03-10T09:34:03-05:00March 10, 2026|News|

Newton Rec Center runs through eight decades of activity

The Newton Recreation Center is celebrating its 80th anniversary. That’s 80 years of adults and children playing games, attending special events and using the wellness center and swimming pools to lose weight, get in shape and have fun. At least thousands of people have benefitted from the rec center with the sports teams in which they can play things like baseball, softball and soccer, and various classes from arts and crafts, dance, cheer, baking and exercise.
Read more: Harvey County Now

2026-03-10T09:33:29-05:00March 10, 2026|News|

Volunteers, fundraising surge for Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Usually, Harvey County Big Brothers, Big Sisters is begging for mentors. This year, things are a little different. “Our waiting list is almost gone,” Rachel Bachman, who recruits volunteers to the local program, said. “It’s the best problem to have.” The organization puts local youth who might need a little extra help or another adult in their life together with a mentor or Big Brother/Sister. Volunteers participate in different levels, from meeting kids at lunch at school to taking them on outings or participating in group activities. The program’s operated in the county for 36 years. Right now, the organization has 82 matches between “bigs” and “littles.” Bachman has set a goal to help 100 community children with the program and believes it will hit the goal in 2026.
Read more: Harvey County Now

2026-03-10T09:32:27-05:00March 10, 2026|News|
Go to Top