Kelly administration kicks off creation of new economic development strategy for Kansas

Gov. Laura Kelly pledged to work with Kansas industries and economic development specialists Monday to craft the first comprehensive blueprint for hastening statewide business growth since the 1980s.

The project coordinated by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the McKinsey consulting firm has the central goal of analyzing the state’s economy, outlining a plan for seizing opportunities and shaping implementation a development strategy to advance such economic indicators as population growth, labor participation and gross domestic product.

“It’s been more than 30 years since the state had a formal strategy to accelerate economic development,” Kelly said. “The economic challenges facing Kansas require innovative solutions and a well-coordinated approach.”

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T19:39:31-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

Labette County Commission Chairman Doug Allen wants commissioners to create setback restrictions in case a wind developer wants to build wind turbines in the county.

Wind farms are being built or in the process in Allen and Neosho counties and commissioners previously heard that developers have been talking to Labette County landowners.

The setbacks would set the distance between wind turbines and non-participating property owners. Commissioners have discussed having setbacks start at the property line rather than any house foundation but commissioners only spoke in broad strokes on Monday.

(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T20:48:08-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

Two derelict hotels that became an eyesore and crime magnet near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Metcalf Avenue are back on track to be torn down, this time with a hard deadline of Nov. 30.

Actions by the Overland Park City Council put the Metcalf Crossing project – which will bring a self storage building, car wash and office space to the site – back on track Monday. The developer, Wes Grammer, also has until Feb. 1, 2020 to begin construction.

Council members were excited about the development and the prospect of bulldozing the hotels when the development was first brought forward more than a year ago. But in the months that have passed and as the development plans have changed, their enthusiasm has morphed into resignation. A few expressed regret Monday that the city did not prepare a vision plan for the Shawnee Mission Parkway corridor at Metcalf, a northern gateway to the city.

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T19:30:32-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

A Pathways Grant will be used to purchase 40 bicycles for bicycle safety and education in USD 475 grades five and six, and PE One at Junction City High School. The Board of Education authorized the use of the grant funds, totaling $30,000 for the acquisition of the bicycles.

This Blast curriculum is designed to teach the skills for safe and effective riding. The curriculum has been developed by bicycle advocates and reviewed by educators and parents.

The bikes will spend about two-and-a-half to three weeks at each school beginning with modules which emphasize safety including helmets, bikes and rules of the road, along with the fundamentals of riding a bicycle. The bikes would consist of three different sizes and would be stored in a 24-foot trailer.

The Blast curriculum will become part of the K-12 Physical Education curriculum.

(Read more: Junction City Post)

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T19:25:50-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

After more than two hours of public comment and discussion with the developer, the Shawnee planning commission on Monday approved a rezoning and site plan for Stag’s Spring, a multi-family residential project downtown.

The proposed plan includes a three- to four-story U-shaped building of 67 luxury apartments on about 2.7 acres just east of Old Shawnee Pizza between Roger Road and Ballentine Avenue.

Shawnee developer Kevin Tubbesing, who led the Stag’s Creek development down the street, has proposed the $16.1 million multi-family luxury apartment complex.

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T19:24:30-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

Atchison Public Schools stakeholders are invited to stop by and start their day with coffee and conversation in the company of Superintendent Renee Scott.

Scott officially came on board to serve as the superintendent of USD 409 on July 1 in time for the start of the new schoolyear. Since her hire and relocation from Garden City, Scott has made concerted efforts to get acquainted with staff in the buildings and students in the classrooms in the 409 district.

“I have met a few people informally in passing,” Scott said. “But I just wanted to give people a chance to come in, ask questions they may have about me, buildings, local or state budgets, etc.”

(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T19:22:11-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

The City of Atchison governing body saw a rare divided vote on Monday afternoon on the matter of bringing in an outside consultant to assist with the government’s long term plan for city infrastructure and improvements.

…

Commissioners agree that a consultant is necessary for several reasons, chiefly to market public engagement with the strategic plan process and ensure that enough residents participate for city leaders to have a good idea of the public’s governing priorities.

(Read more: Atchison Globe Now)

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T20:49:07-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

Lots of people say they wish Wichita would utilize the Arkansas River better, and the city agrees.

“We’ve been wanting to activate the river,” says Troy Houtman, director of the Park and Recreation Department.

The question, he says, is, “What kind of things could we do?”

That might be some sort of barge service with a floating restaurant or bar, a dinner cruise, a water taxi or a tourist ride with fun facts about the city from downtown to Delano. Houtman says the city is open to ideas, so it put out a request for qualifications several months ago.

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T20:49:29-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

Despite lingering skepticism about the strength of a city-level nondiscrimination ordinance, Overland Park officials on Monday agreed to prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

The vote came on the eve of the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday hearing arguments over whether federal civil rights law protects LGBTQ people from job discrimination. A ruling is expected by next summer, in which the justices will determine whether it is legal to fire employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Overland Park leaders warned that the city’s ordinance could become moot depending on the outcome of the closely watched federal cases. Officials called for state and federal laws prohibiting LGBTQ discrimination, arguing they would be more effective.

(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Ranson Financial2019-10-08T20:54:05-05:00October 8, 2019|News|

The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources (KDA-DWR) will host two public meetings on Monday, October 21, 2019, to share information related to upcoming action responding to the impairment complaint by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on behalf of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Water rights owners in the area were sent notice this week of the KDA-DWR plan to regulate water rights. The meetings will review the anticipated regulation and the ongoing work with local stakeholders to develop a Water Conservation Area (WCA) that will provide flexibility in use for those regulated water rights.

Groundwater Management District 5 and the R9 Ranch in Edwards County (owned by the cities of Hays and Russell as a long-term water supply) are included in Zone A.

(Read more: Hays Post)

Ranson Financial2019-10-07T21:38:19-05:00October 7, 2019|News|

Kelly administration kicks off creation of new economic development strategy for Kansas

County Commission Chairman: Setback restrictions needed for future wind farm

Overland Park council approves new finance package for Metcalf Crossing contingent on demolition of derelict hotels

School board approves use of grant funds for bicycle fleet to teach bicycle safety training

Shawnee approves site plan for Stag’s Spring downtown apartment project amid mixed support, concerns from neighbors

USD 409 superintendent coffee sip and sit set for Friday

City leaders divide on plan consultant

Have an idea to activate the Arkansas River? Let the city know by Friday

Overland Park becomes largest city in Kansas to add LGBTQ protections

City manager: ‘Quivira water impairment claim should have little effect on R9’

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