info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Coronavirus positivity rate in Sedgwick County still dropping

info2021-02-23T08:06:27-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

Good news. The positivity rate for COVID-19 is still declining. The rate is now down to below five-percent. Those numbers had been in the high teens. "Our trajectory is good," said the top doctor in the state, Dr. Lee Norman. "Cautiously optimistic we are really on the right path forward." In Sedgwick County on Monday the county manager said they will consider loosening restriction. County health leaders will take a look at that possibility. "But based on these numbers and based on how fast we're beginning to roll the vaccine," said Sedgwick County Manager Tom Stolz, "I think he (Dr. Garold [...]

Kansas legislators consider raising minimum age for tobacco to 21

info2021-02-23T08:06:50-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

A Kansas Bill heard Monday seeks to bring the state in line with federal regulations regarding minimum age for cigarettes and tobacco use. In late 2019, the federal “Tobacco 21” bill was signed into law, raising the federal minimum age for the sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. The Kansas measure would bring the state even with nationwide regulation for the minimum age to purchase or possess cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and tobacco products. Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican and physician, sponsored the bill to curb the “catastrophic downstream health effects” teenage tobacco and cigarette use can have [...]

Kansas COVID case report is best since September; KU doctor says keep wearing masks

info2021-02-23T08:06:58-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

Monday’s coronavirus pandemic update for Kansas was the best in more than five months for new cases of COVID-19. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 883 new COVID-19 cases on Monday. That is the first report below 1,000 since Sept. 16 and the fewest since Sept. 9. Kansas has now had pandemic totals of 291,715 confirmed and probable cases, 9,103 hospitalizations, 2,466 ICU admissions and 4,643 deaths. The weekend increase was 883 new cases, 32 new hospitalizations, nine new ICU admissions and 29 new deaths. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Wichita schools will send seniors and freshmen to in-person classes four days a week

info2021-02-23T08:07:05-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

Starting next week, Wichita Public Schools will begin transitioning some secondary students to in-person classes four days a week. District officials announced Monday evening that on March 1, seniors and 6th-graders will start attending class on-site every day except for Wednesdays, which will remain remote. Freshmen will join starting March 8. The learning model change applies only to students whose parents opted for on-site learning. Parents who chose the remote learning model will continue to keep their children at home. School officials have previously said about 40% of students were enrolled in online-only education. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Governor Laura Kelly Announces new KANSASWORKS.com Site to Connect Job Seekers with Kansas Employers

info2021-02-23T08:07:18-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the launch of the newly redesigned KANSASWORKS.com website to provide a more user-friendly experience for job seekers and employers. Dubbed KANSASWORKS: NextGen, the new site features an updated user interface, making it easier for employers and job seekers to find the services they need. These changes came from careful consideration of user feedback and efforts to align the needs of Kansans looking for careers with hiring businesses. “The new KANSASWORKS.com is a much improved, easier-to-use service to help Kansans seeking a job connect with employers across the state,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “With the help of [...]

Enrollment now open for Garden City Citizens Academy 2021

info2021-02-23T08:07:44-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

The City of Garden City Citizens Academy will begin March 25 and finish on May 13. Interested residents are invited to take part and learn more about the role the City plays in their everyday lives. Citizens Academy is an excellent opportunity for residents to get a behind-the-scenes look at local government and its services. It allows anyone who has ever wondered what the City does on a daily basis to find out and learn more. Citizens Academy is a free, eight-week course for area residents. Classes will be held once per week at various City facilities. It is led by [...]

It’s not every day (or year) you see Overland Park firefighters practice their ice water rescue skills

info2021-02-23T08:07:55-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

With the help of the recent arctic blast, the Overland Park Fire Department practiced their ice water rescue skills. A snow-covered South Lake Park and its ice-covered lake became the department’s training site on Friday afternoon, when temperatures still hovered below freezing. Firefighters estimate the ice was about six to eight inches thick but cautioned that it would quickly thin and become very dangerous for humans and pets with the forecasted temperatures expected to reach into the 60s this week. Tyler Carey, one of the firefighters who helped put on the training, described ice water rescue calls as being very high [...]

Lenexa forges ahead with plan to make residential areas more walkable, but concerns linger

info2021-02-23T08:08:03-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

After more than an hour of discussions, the Lenexa City Council last week unanimously approved city code changes that call for wider sidewalks as well as trail connections between homes every 800 feet. The changes are a prompt from city staff to improve connectivity, ease of access and safety issues for bicyclists and pedestrians, as recommended by the city’s Complete Streets plan. The plan, which the city accepted in December 2019, is intended to guide development of pedestrian and cycling transportation channels through the city. While the code changes were adopted, some discussion was driven by city leaders and developers voicing [...]

Columbus Fire Department is giving safe practices with space heaters

info2021-02-23T08:04:27-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

Fire departments are encouraging safe practice with space heaters as we still have some colder nights ahead of us. It's recommended to keep the unit out of the way of travel corridors like hallways and exit areas, along with placing it on a solid, non-carpeted surface. If carpet is the only flooring inside your home, find something to put over the carpet that doesn't transduce heat back into the heater. The unit should also be in an area that is not easily accessible to children and pets. Source: KSNF/KODE

Wichita opens applications for rent, utility assistance. Here’s what you need to know

info2021-02-23T08:08:08-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

The city of Wichita opened online applications Monday for residents to apply to have overdue rent and utility bills covered, as well as future bills. Funding for the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program comes from the federal economic stimulus bill passed in December. The legislation set aside money specifically for emergency rental assistance. About $200 million went to the state of Kansas. Wichita received about $12 million. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

About info