‘Mysterious’ drones pass through Washington County

The mysterious drones that have made headlines in Nebraska and Colorado since mid-December finally made their way through Washington County, according to reports. Washington County Sheriff Justin Cordry said the drones were reported the night of Jan. 7 in the Morrowville area. The department issued a press release the next day.
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Cordry said reports of the drones have been similar throughout the sightings, and the drones have “unique characteristics.” He said the drones, which fly at night, have six-foot wingspans, stay in the air for long periods of time and are often spotted in groups of 6 to 20. The drones were reported in the Jefferson County, Neb., area a few days before being spotted in the Morrowville area.
Read more: Washington News.

Ranson Financial2020-01-15T09:01:26-06:00January 15, 2020|News|

Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2020-1: County sales taxes; apportionment of revenue between cities and county

Synopsis: If a county imposes a countywide retailers’ sales tax to finance designated health care services, and a city within the county has not previously exercised its authority to impose a city retailers’ sales tax to finance health care services, no statutory provision authorizes remitting to a city that portion of the countywide tax revenue collected by retailers within such city. A county shall not use the sales tax revenues for any purpose other than the purpose specifically stated in the ballot proposition. Cited herein: K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 12-187; 12-192; L. 2007, Ch. 158, Sec. 6.

Ranson Financial2020-01-15T08:41:19-06:00January 15, 2020|News|

Prairie Village Environmental Committee set to put forth proposal to ban single-use plastic bags

After a six-year gap, the Prairie Village Environmental Committee is again considering the idea of eliminating single-use plastic bags from stores throughout the city.

A proposal outlined by two members of the city council calls for a ban on single-use plastic bags and to require vendors to charge a fee for paper and reusable bags.

(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-01-15T08:54:34-06:00January 15, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for January 14, 2020

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 Advisors.

Ranson Financial2026-10-22T10:29:43-05:00January 15, 2020|Finance|

Kansas gives senior care company $12 million to create 600-plus jobs in Overland Park

A Place for Mom, which helps families connect with nursing homes and other senior care facilities, plans to hire more than 600 employees in a new Overland Park office.

The company said the new office will include employees who work in management, finance, human resources and information technology. It will also house local advisers, customer service associates and other support staffers, according to a Tuesday news release. Hiring is already underway.

“We are committed to creating a world-class operation in the Kansas City area as we continue to transform our business to best serve our customers,” CEO Larry Kutscher said in the news release. “Overland Park will be home to several key areas of our business that will have a direct impact on our company’s mission to empower families to make informed and confident senior housing decisions that best fit their unique needs.”

(Read more: KC Star Local News)

Ranson Financial2020-01-14T19:34:04-06:00January 14, 2020|News|

Improvement district approved for Wichita’s East Douglas corridor

Wichita city council members have given first-round approval to an ordinance establishing a funding district to support the continued activities of the Douglas Design District, which runs from Washington to Oliver.

A Business Improvement District would provide financing and administration for more services to businesses within the district. It would be funded through a mandatory annual fee for the businesses within the district, and that would range from $100 to $550 depending on the size of the business.

The Douglas Design District has been a voluntary organization, and members told the council that it is showing signs of strain. The members want to create a financially self-sustaining organization that won’t have to rely on a volunteer staff. Some business owners told the council that the yearly fee would be a hardship for them, and they urged the council to deny the BID.

(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-01-15T08:40:37-06:00January 14, 2020|News|

Wichita’s downtown riverfront completely transformed in $1 billion plan

The Riverfront Legacy Master Plan coalition doubled down on its plan to raze most of the buildings — including Century II — near the Hyatt Regency hotel and start fresh.

Under the plan, Wichita’s downtown could get new parks, a new performing arts center and a new convention center, parking garages and a boardwalk. Downtown Wichita riverfront designers say Wichita could be the next Oklahoma City if its city leaders can convince taxpayers to pay for it.

The total price tag on the project is estimated at $1 billion-$1.2 billion. Design consultants recommend about half of the funding should come from a city- or county-wide sales tax. A new sales tax would require a public vote.

(Read more: Local News |)

Ranson Financial2020-01-14T19:30:26-06:00January 14, 2020|News|

Cell tower disapproved for safety reasons

The Pratt County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to disapprove a proposal from AT&T to place a new cell service tower at the Pratt Regional Airport last month, but the issue will come before the Pratt County commissioners again on Jan. 27 as the telephone company continues to pursue the project north of the city of Pratt.

“It is not that the zoning board is against the tower,” said Pratt County Emergency Management Director Tim Branscom. “It’s just that placing it at the airport violates our safety standards, compromises airspace minimums and could create a hazard for pilots.”

According to Randy Huitt, Fixed Base Operator for the Pratt Regional Airport, the proposed site location for the 260-foot cell tower is directly in the downwind pattern for landing to the south.

Ranson Financial2020-01-14T19:28:24-06:00January 14, 2020|News|

Merriam approves facility use agreement, letter of understanding with surrounding cities for pool usage

The Merriam city council on Monday evening approved two items dealing with pool usage, both of which involve agreements with neighboring cities.

For the first item, Merriam entered into an inter-local agreement with Overland Park as a contingency plan if the new community center is not up and running by Memorial Day, which falls on May 25. The agreement would allow the Merriam Dolphins Swim and Dive team to use Young’s Pool, 8421 W. 77th Street, for practice during the six-week season.

Merriam will let Overland Park know the team needs to use the pool by May 1, and pay Overland Park $2,000 per the agreement, Parks and Recreation Director Anna Slocum said. Below are the parameters of the agreement, as outlined in city documents:

Ranson Financial2020-01-14T19:23:03-06:00January 14, 2020|News|

City approves resolution for Orizon expansion

Chanute commissioners approved a resolution Monday evening that clears a deal for Orizon Aerostructures’ expansion.

The item was a late addition to the agenda and consents to a subordination agreement on construction of Orizon’s third building. It will serve as collateral for Crossland Construction on a second mortgage to fund the project.

Orizon Chief Financial Officer Mark Deuel told commissioners that the building is 50 to 55 percent through construction and by the end of 2020, Orizon will have a $36 million investment in the location on 21st Street. The building will house $15 million in automated riveting equipment that can service either Boeing or Airbus products.

Ranson Financial2020-01-14T19:16:04-06:00January 14, 2020|News|