Newton moves to voluntary recycling

Mandatory recycling in the city of Newton is nearly dead as the city commission chose Tuesday to explore creating a voluntary program in response to changes in recycling rules and fees at the county level.

The city commission did not set new rates or decide how the program’s rates will be set.

The commission could choose to only charge those residents who use the service or charge a flat fee to all sanitation customers. Voluntary recycling would mean changing the number of trucks on the road as well — with three trash trucks operated four days a week and one recycling truck four days a week.

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:32:47-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Lenexa acquiring property along Quivira Road for street improvements

Lenexa is acquiring right-of-way access for construction improvements along Quivira Road.

City leaders on Dec. 3 agreed to move forward with acquisition of lands by condemnation of property abutting Quivira Road between 75th Street and 87th Street Parkway. The city requires easements and rights-of-way for construction improvements.

The approved ordinance authorizes the City’s property acquisition counsel to file a condemnation petition with the district court to acquire the easements and rights-of-way necessary for the project. The project requires property from four tracts, but only three will be included in the condemnation proceedings because the city acquired one tract before filing for condemnation, according to city documents.

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:31:13-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

AT&T Invests More Than $110 Million Over 3-Year Period to Boost Local Networks in Topeka

At AT&T, we’ve invested more than $110 million in our Topeka wireless and wired networks during 2016-2018. These investments boost reliability, coverage, speed and overall performance for residents and businesses. We’ve also improved critical services that support Public Safety and first responders using the FirstNet communications platform.

AT&T’s wireless network covers more than 99% of all Americans and has become the fastest wireless network in the nation, according to the third quarter 2019 results from tests taken with Speedtest® and analyzed by Ookla®.²

In 2018, AT&T made 12 wireless network upgrades in the Topeka area.

(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T20:28:57-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Growth or commercialization? Overland Park Arboretum expansion approved over concerns

A $12.4 million expansion of the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens won final approval this week. But plans could stall if a group of angry neighbors decides to protest the decision, sending the issue to the City Council.

The Overland Park Planning Commission on Monday approved the project, which has been in the works for years. The plan includes adding a new visitors center, outdoor amphitheater and event spaces, plus more parking at the venue, off U.S. 69 and 179th Street.

While dozens of neighbors say they support the expansion, they argue the project would “commercialize” the gardens and draw noisy events and concerts. Many said the city hasn’t done enough to plan for added traffic on the already congested highway and 179th Street.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T07:02:02-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

The new Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center has opened in Lenexa

The new Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center has opened at 17251 W. 87th Street Parkway in Lenexa’s rapidly developing City Center area.

A dedication ceremony for the $28 million facility was scheduled for Dec. 5, just before the first swim meet on Dec. 7.

The building, financed with bond money approved by school district voters in 2015, includes two pools, a diving well and bleacher seating for up to 1,000 spectators, with additional seating for viewers on the mezzanine. The 50-meter pool is the largest in Johnson County, the city said, and part of the smaller pool has a movable floor with depths ranging from zero to 7 feet.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T07:00:31-06:00December 12, 2019|News|

Safety concerns mean changes for Wall Park

Following action by the McPherson City Commission on Monday, changes are coming to Wall Park.

The biggest change comes at the behest of the city insurance company — Travellers Insurance.

Playground equipment installed in 1988 will be removed.

“The equipment contains a number of deficiencies including head/torso entrapment hazards within the equipment,” Travellers wrote in a report to the commission. “Replacing this play structure with a new piece of equipment that meets current playground safety standards would be a sound risk management decision.”

(Read more: Newton Kansan)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T07:04:36-06:00December 11, 2019|News|

‘Major win’: Walmart to invest $200 million, bring 300 jobs to Topeka

Walmart has picked Topeka to become the site of its biggest distribution center in Kansas.

The retail giant unveiled plans Wednesday evening to invest $200 million and create 300 full-time jobs at competitive salaries over the next five years while developing that center in south Topeka’s Kanza Fire Commerce Park.

“This is a great day in our community — 300 new jobs!” said Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.

“It is thrilling to know that Topeka has captured the attention of the world’s largest retailer,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “It’s major wins like this that really accelerate the capital city’s already powerful momentum.”

Ranson Financial2019-12-11T21:22:00-06:00December 11, 2019|News|

Wichita establishes Community Improvement District for portion of Tokola’s redevelopment projects

The City Council approved the creation of the Community Improvement District with a unanimous vote Tuesday.

The financing method isn’t new to the project; the Council approved a development agreement with Sudha Tokala’s Douglas Market Development back in November. The group is redeveloping a five-building, $75-million complex that includes the under-construction Kansas Health Science Center on Douglas Avenue.

(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T07:05:30-06:00December 11, 2019|News|

USD246 receives Commissioner’s Award

Arma School District was recently recognized for its postsecondary success.

The district received the Commissioner’s Award from Dr. Randy Watson, Commissioner of Education for Kansas, for being above the standard deviation in postsecondary success.

According to Arma School Counselor Beth Gabern, the state used to award schools based on state assessments. Now they are focusing on goals. The Commissioner’s Award is based on the district’s postsecondary effectiveness rate by looking at how many of the district’s students are going to college, completed college or other certifications two years after they graduate high school, Gabern said.

(Read more: Community – Morning Sun)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T06:51:31-06:00December 11, 2019|News|

Kansas ag department offers website for stressed farmers

Kansas farmers and ranchers who are stressed over finances or emotional issues have a new place to turn for help.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture, along with several other partners, is now providing a website that offers farmers, ranchers and their families resources and support. The department announced the website, kansasagstress.org, on Tuesday.

The site offers several topics, including the Kansas Suicide Prevention Line and the Crisis Text Line. The site comes during a time when the suicide rate for farmers and ranches is climbing across the nation.

(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Ranson Financial2019-12-12T06:50:07-06:00December 11, 2019|News|