City of Lawrence denies excessive-force claims, states motorist’s conduct led to his being shot by police

The City of Lawrence has denied claims that its police department used excessive force against a motorist who was shot by police and instead claims that the motorist’s conduct led to the incident.

Akira S. Lewis was shot by police after a traffic stop turned violent and in September filed a lawsuit claiming that police used excessive force against him and that the city failed to properly train its officers. Lewis filed the lawsuit against the City of Lawrence, the Lawrence Police Department, the police chief and the two officers involved in the traffic stop: former officer Brindley Blood and Officer Ian McCann.

In city survey, about half of respondents support a ban on disposable plastic bags in Lawrence

Just over half of respondents to a city survey about potential ordinances regarding disposable plastic and paper bags indicated they favored banning plastic bags, a city advisory panel learned Wednesday.

Lawrence-Douglas County Sustainability Director Jasmin Moore presented results from the survey to the Sustainability Advisory Board as part of its regular meeting. Moore said more than 600 people completed the survey and that the results, along with some demographic data provided by respondents, would be forwarded to the Lawrence City Commission.

Exterior Home Improvement Grants Coming Back in 2020

The City of Merriam is again investing $50,000 in grants to help fund homeowners’ repairs and renovations for exterior home improvements. In 2020, residents only need to invest in $2,500 to receive a 20% reimbursement from the City. Eligible improvements include new paint, siding, a fence, deck, roof, driveway, and more projects.

The Community Development Department will start accepting applications in person at City Hall on Jan. 2 starting at 8 a.m. Grant money – up to $2,500 per property – will be available until all funds are allocated.

(Read more: Merriam, KS news)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:52:07-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

‘Convenience fee’ catches some Wichita taxpayers off guard

Property taxes are due in Sedgwick County next Friday, December 20. A “Convenience Fee” in paying those taxes could cost more than a hundred dollars more than you’re already paying for taxes.

“We have a few people that, when they find out what the fees are going to be, they’ll ask if there’s another method they could pay with,” said Sedgwick County Treasurer Linda Kizzire. She said you have a few ways to avoid charges you may not be prepared for.

“As you go through each screen, it does tell you about the convenience fee,” said realtor Stephanie McCurdy, who recently filed taxes on several properties. McCurdy said the website doesn’t list the specific amount until the end of the process, since it’s based on a percentage of your total taxes.

The county treasurer said the convenience fee covers the credit card service fee Sedgwick County paid in the past.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:50:23-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Wichita Transit unveils first battery-electric zero-emission buses in Kansas

Wichita Transit on Thursday unveiled the first battery-electric zero-emission buses in Kansas at a press conference. The four new buses will begin operating on routes early next year and will replace several diesel buses.

The city scored a nearly $2 million federal grant to purchase the buses from ProTerra. Wichita Transit estimates each electric bus will last 12 years and save the city $462,000 in that time compared to its diesel counterparts. The buses will charge overnight and should have enough power to run 150 miles by morning. Officials hope the buses will attract new riders.

“As you can see it is quiet, no emissions, no sound. We can carry on conversations. These are things no one ever thought of 10 or 15 years ago in public transportation,” said Mike Tann, Wichita Transit Director.

Mokhtee Ahmad, one of two members of the Federal Transit Administration on hand at the dedication, said the advantage of taking a bus is that you can text and ride instead of driving.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:47:54-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Local law enforcement pack food boxes for needy families this holiday

On Wednesday, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputies, fire, EMS, 911 dispatch and Wichita police packed boxes for their annual food basket drive at the Dillons warehouse.

The sheriff’s office says it will enhance the holiday season for 500 Sedgwick County residents who are in need of assistance. They will receive two boxes filled with various food products. Names of families are submitted by citizens and first responders in Sedgwick County. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office says they have been doing the event for 26 years.

In Harvey County, it is their third year for the event. The food boxes packed will benefit 200 families.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:46:00-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Wamego Superintendent says proposed traffic signal long overdue; school board considering joining Juul lawsuit

A new traffic signal is coming soon to Wamego’s west side after the city and Pottawatomie County recently entered into an agreement.

It will be installed at the intersection of US-24 and Columbian Road using a Kansas Department of Transportation grant to fund construction. The remaining costs will be split between the two entities. USD 320 Wamego Superintendent Tim Winter says students use that intersection frequently as it’s near the sporting complex

US 24 and Columbian Road intersection in west Wamego, where a new traffic signal will be constructed. (Google Maps street view photo)

Construction is estimated to cost around $300,000 with an additional 60 to 80,000 for engineering design and inspection.

(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:43:38-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Reno County DA to retire, run for district judge seat

Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder announced Wednesday that he is retiring to run for a district judge seat.

Schroeder served as the elected DA for the 27th Judicial District, Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas for years. He is set to retire June 1, 2020.

“My decision was made with great pause and reflection,” Schroeder said in a statement. “I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my community in the District Attorney’s Office for more than thirty years, including nearly five terms as the District Attorney.”

Schroeder plans to run for the position of Reno County District Court Judge, Division II.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:39:30-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Wichita transit rolls out fleet of electric buses

Wichitans will get to see the state’s first fleet of electric buses Thursday.

Wichita transit rolls out its first ever zero-emission battery-electric transit buses at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a demonstration of the ProTerra buses.

The buses will charge overnight and should have enough power to run 150 miles by morning. Wichita Transit estimates each electric bus will last 12 years and save the city $462,000 in that time compared to its diesel counterparts.

(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:38:00-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

City insurance to increase by 20%

The cost of a commercial insurance package for the city of Leavenworth is going up next year by more than 20%. And officials are blaming the increase largely on the settlement of a wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit that stemmed from an officer-involved shooting in the city.

Relatives of Antonio Garcia Jr. reached a $1 million settlement with the city of Leavenworth and former Leavenworth police Officer Matthew Harrington earlier this year.

Garcia was fatally shot by Harrington on July 11, 2017, in Leavenworth. The shooting occurred while Harrington was a member of the Leavenworth Police Department.

(Read more: Leavenworth Times)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:35:00-06:00December 12, 2019|News|