Answers sought in price gouging investigation

The Kansas state treasurer, a legislator and a former school board member Wednesday called on Attorney General Derek Schmidt to advance a slow-moving investigation of potential price gouging tied to spikes in natural gas prices during Winter Storm Uri one year ago. Last February, Schmidt launched an investigation into the natural gas prices, which left Kansas with more than $1 billion in economic fallout. Gas prices rose by nearly 200 times, and experts expect Kansas utility payers will be feeling the aftereffects for a decade. Seven months after the storm, as utilities were negotiating plans to pass higher rates onto costumes, Schmidt said the high prices “appear to violate Kansas law” and noted he was seeking outside counsel to aid in the investigation.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

Ranson Financial2022-02-25T00:05:25-06:00February 25, 2022|News|

Lenexa’s annual State of the City address

Lenexa in 2021 saw high resident satisfaction, a return of some popular local events and continued growth and development at some much-watched sites, including the Lenexa Public Market and City Center. These were some of the key takeaways in a virtual State of the City video released Wednesday by the city. Mayor Mike Boehm had been set to give an in-person address earlier this month during a Lenexa Chamber of Commerce luncheon, but that event was canceled due to rising COVID-19 cases at the time. Here are a few takeaways from the State of the City video: Once again, Lenexa has enjoyed high ratings in its annual citizen satisfaction survey, with 97% of Lenexans saying they’re pleased with the city as a good place to live.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Ranson Financial2022-02-25T09:00:51-06:00February 25, 2022|News|

Senate passes bill limiting regulations of plastic bags

A bill barring local governments from regulating plastic grocery bags and other material easily cleared the Senate on Wednesday. The Senate passed the bill 27-13, answer calls for the Legislature to bring consistency to state regulations for so-called “auxiliary containers,” which include bags, cup, packages, containers and bottles. The bill now goes to the House. Supporters of the legislation said that when cities try to limit or ban certain types of containers it leads to a “hodgepodge” of regulations that vary from one jurisdiction to the next and cause confusion for businesses. “This does not prohibit anyone from choosing to use or not to use a plastic bag or any kind of auxiliary container,” said Republican state Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita. “Businesses can choose if it fits in their business model and many do choose not to have plastic bags because it does not fit with their values as a company,” Erickson said.
Source: Sunflower State Journal

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:57:19-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

Appraisal shock: tax valuations rise for nine out of 10 Sedgwick County homeowners

When you get your property tax appraisal notice in the mail early next month, prepare to see a higher number than you’re used to. As a result of an overheated housing market, the median sale price of homes in Sedgwick County topped $200,000 for the first time. Consequently, tax appraisals are up this year for 88% of residential property owners, appraiser Mark Clark reported to the County Commission on Wednesday. Only 3% of homes declined in value. The median increase is 7%, largest for homes in the coveted $175,000-$225,000 band where the market is hottest, Clark said.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:54:33-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

Rural entrepreneurship highlighted during 2nd Rural Revitalization Conference

The Riley County Extension held its second ever Rural Revitalization Conference Wednesday in Riley. The event is an opportunity for those interested in rural economies and starting their own business. Extension Director Gary Fike says the most important aspect is hearing from local entrepreneurs . One of the speakers Wednesday was Trish Purdon, who is the Director of the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity. She says the most fundamental aspect of supporting a rural community is to be a community of the future. Ron Wilson, owner of the Lazy T Ranch and is the director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at K-State encouraged folks in rural communities to think strategically about their future.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:47:54-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

Johnson County Charter Commission delivers final report to BOCC

Johnson County Charter Commission Chair Greg Musil presented the 2021 Charter Commission’s final report to the Board of County Commissioners today, Feb. 24. The presentation during the regular BOCC meeting included a summary of the Charter Commission’s activities. The Johnson County Charter Commission is required to convene every 10 years to review Johnson County Government operations and can propose amendments and/or recommendations to the BOCC. Any proposed amendments must then be placed on the ballot at the next general election for Johnson County voters to accept or reject. “Everybody took it very seriously and worked very hard through a year-long process,” Chair Musil said. “It’s important to note there was an appointment process, so the membership was diverse – geographically, politically, ideologically, urban and rural.”
Source: Johnson County Kansas |

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:36:20-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

Sedgwick County Commissioners and Wichita City Council discuss mental health changes

A new report says that higher pay, more resources, and new facilities are just a few things that would help mental health services in Wichita and Sedgwick County. The 55-page report from the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition came out in late February. It lays out solutions for what some are calling a “mental health crisis” in the Wichita community. On Thursday, February 24, Leaders in Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita took a closer look. “We can make an impact, I think we can make a real positive impact and the leadership I have a lot of faith in,” said Sedgwick County commissioner Pete Meitzner. “The need is greater than what we can serve – that one to me is very telling that our staff and associates realize that the need in our community is overwhelming and I’m not making a difference that is what that says to me,” said Robyn Chadwick, Ascension Via Christi.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:31:12-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

Prairie Village sends prayers to sister city Dolyna, Ukraine

The city of Prairie Village, Kansas has sent thoughts and prayers to their sister city Dolyna, Ukraine as the country deals with military action from Russia. The city said staff are actively reaching out to their contacts in Dolyna and Global Ties KC to look for ways to help. Late Wednesday night (Thursday in Ukraine), Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other nations not to interfere or it would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” In a televised address, Putin accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees. He said Russia’s goal was not to occupy Ukraine.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:29:29-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

Pittsburg PD gets new equipment through City’s sales tax

New equipment will soon be coming to the Pittsburg Police Department. The City Commission voted to approve the $33,000 purchase, using funds through the City’s “Public Safety Sales Tax.” This will include 24 sets of ballistic armor vests, 24 covert vest carriers, 24 ballistic trauma plates, and 39 over-the-shirt carriers. The department expects to receive the equipment within six to eight weeks, depending on availability.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:27:11-06:00February 24, 2022|News|

What’s a frost quake? Listen to one in Kansas

A couple in Kansas said they recently witnessed a winter weather phenomenon known by several names: cryoseism, frost quake or ice quake. Melody Gillan, who recently moved to Concordia with her husband, explained what she discovered. “I was outside one day and kept hearing these ‘pops’ that sounded like firecrackers going off underground, right by where I was standing,” Gillan said. “My husband thought I was crazy. He said it was someone shooting a gun off in the distance.”
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2022-02-24T23:25:39-06:00February 24, 2022|News|