Rural areas see spike in thefts and petty crime

An increase in thefts and petty crime — two police chiefs in Kansas are responding to an uptick in people breaking the law. Police in Ark City said since January, there has recently been a spike in thefts. Traveling 30 miles northwest of Ark City 30 miles, Wellington Police are saying the same — it’s a trend that’s keeping the departments busy. In the last four months, both Wellington and Ark City Police Department Chiefs said catalytic converter thefts are the most notable. Wellington Police Chief, Tracy Heath, said he has seen about 12 thefts in four months. “We’re a small, rural community, we’re a small police department, but we still face big city issues,” said Heath. “The pain in our sides right now is converter thefts.” Ark City Interim Police Chief, Eric Burr, said there have been 15 stolen converters since January and a third of those occurred in April alone. “It’s really hard to determine locations, they’re kind of all over the place,” he said.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:11:25-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Douglas County staff to begin developing regulations for solar farms in rural areas

After getting the go-ahead from elected leaders, Douglas County staff will soon start developing regulations for solar farms in rural areas of the county. As part of its meeting Wednesday, the Douglas County Commission voted unanimously to initiate a text amendment to the zoning and land use regulations for rural Douglas County for the development of standards for “solar energy conversion systems,” or solar farms. Commission Chair Shannon Portillo, noting that Kansas is one of the sunniest states in the U.S., said developing the regulations would support the renewable energy goals in the county’s new comprehensive plan, Plan 2040.
Source: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:33:30-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for May 5, 2021

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 Financial2021-05-06T07:19:29-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Senate property tax bill strikes chord with homeowners, schools and businesses

A property tax bill adopted with bipartisan support in the Kansas Senate was notable for delivering for retirees struggling to stay in their homes, advocates of public school funding and the smaller retailers hit with government orders to temporarily close during the pandemic. The bundle of tax legislation shipped to the Kansas House was broadened with addition of Sen. Tom Holland’s amendment to provide qualifying Kansans over 65 years of age or disabled veterans the opportunity to have residential property taxes “frozen.” Under the Baldwin City Democrat’s amendment, the state would moderate property tax increases at the local level by issuing rebates of no more than $5,000 each year per applicant.
Source: Kansas Reflector

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:12:06-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

Sedgwick County judges dismiss mask lawsuits from parents at Derby and Mulvane schools

Two Sedgwick County judges have allowed face mask requirements at area schools to remain in place after dismissing lawsuits brought by parents under the state’s new emergency management law. The judges ruled against the parents, who argued that requiring masks in the classroom amid the coronavirus pandemic violated Senate Bill 40. In separate orders filed this week in Sedgwick County District Court, Judge Eric Commer and Judge William Woolley denied petitions from Mulvane parent Lara Payton and Derby parents Richard Coleman and Michael Blankenship.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:12:46-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

Road improvement project to benefit new Amazon facility

Sedgwick County commissioners have approved a funding agreement with Park City and Valley Center to make road and drainage improvements that will benefit a planned new Amazon distribution center. The project will reconstruct 77th Street North from the Big Ditch to I-135, with plans for a truck roundabout and other improvements to help what is expected to be a large increase in truck traffic in the area. The Amazon center will be around 1 million square feet and it will employ around 500 workers. County public works director Jim Weber said the total cost of the road project will be $6.3 million. He said Park City and Valley Center have obtained an economic development grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation that will fund $3.5 million. Sedgwick County, Park City and Valley Center will split the remaining cost, with each paying around $936,000. Sedgwick County will provide in-kind services and cash for its share of the project.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:15:40-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

City of Pittsburg and Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce to Host Job Fair

The City of Pittsburg and the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce will host a citywide Job Fair on Wednesday, May 12, from 11:00am – 7:00pm at Memorial Auditorium … Local employers will be available to discuss open positions and interview candidates. Individuals are encouraged to apply for open positions prior to attending the event, but pre-application is not required. The event is free and open to everyone.
Source: City of Pittsburg

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:16:30-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

Governor Laura Kelly Announces 247 New Jobs in Dodge City, Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly today applauded the announcement from Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. of their plan to build a major production facility in Dodge City. The new $460 million investment is slated to create 247 new full-time jobs, with significant plans for further expansion in the future. “Hilmar’s decision to invest in Dodge City will truly be transformational for Southwest Kansas, and I am thrilled to welcome this world-class company to our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Dodge City and Southwest Kansas are perfect for this new facility because of its proximity to high-quality producers and a top-notch workforce. It’s great to see another major food manufacturer recognizing the benefits of locating in Kansas, and I’m grateful to Hilmar for putting their trust in our state as the best place for their investment.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:17:01-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

Young men help people with tasks around Wamego community for free

A group of young men is helping people complete tasks around the Wamego community for free. What started as a task for church has now become a part of their daily routine. They said they just want to help people and that money is not the important part. They help people with tasks like yard work and moving and help those who might not be able to physically complete the tasks themselves. They said they have received the best kind of payment possible. “Nothing but a lot of love really,” Leonard Poulson, one of the Wamego helpers said. “Everything they said is typically just ‘thank you’ and stuff like that. We’ve made a couple of lasting friendships and people talk to us pretty regularly.”
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:17:19-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

Marion to give ballpark to school

City council members unanimously endorsed plans Monday to turn over youth recreation to Marion’s school district. David Mayfield plans to draft a letter of understanding with the district for a plan of cooperation, which would include turning over the city’s ball fields to the school district. The school district would take over most youth sports, but the city would continue to support Art in the Park, Chingawassa Days, holiday events, and similar celebrations. “I think that is the best thing for everyone,” Mayfield said. “They would represent their school district, not just the city.” The move would allow the city to do away with its recreation budget, Mayfield said, and would save the district money because it would not be charged to use baseball fields.
Source: Marion County RECORD

Ranson Financial2021-05-06T07:18:05-05:00May 5, 2021|News|

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