info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Wichita couple pushing for ‘No Chase Zone’ in downtown Wichita

info2021-02-11T08:37:34-06:00February 11th, 2021|

Sunday Jan. 24 will be a day Robbie Grant always remembers. He was driving downtown, headed to the gym. He says the “light turned green, I’m passing through and all of the sudden, I get hit.” The crash was the end result of a police chase that had started down the street. Police tell us an officer attempted a traffic stop of a stolen vehicle at Topeka and William. The suspect took off down the road where they hit Grant at the Market intersection. The crash totaled Grant’s car and has caused some anxiety when he gets on the road. Now [...]

Emergency crews warn people to stay off frozen bodies of water

info2021-02-11T08:37:40-06:00February 11th, 2021|

With temperatures below freezing now for several days in a row, ponds and lakes are iced over in some spots across Kansas. Local emergency crews are warning people about the dangers this could bring to you and your family. “If you fall through, then you risk obviously hypothermia, but one immediate risk is when you fall through, if the water is deep enough, and your head goes under, it can cause your body to shock,” says Lt. Taylor Parlier, Rose Hill Police Department. Bitter temperatures across Kansas keep firefighters busy patrolling large bodies of water. The ice poses danger to anyone [...]

Genesis Health Clubs’ tax exemption push could cost JoCo $1.1M

info2021-02-11T08:38:59-06:00February 11th, 2021|

A fitness club chain with a sizable presence in the Kansas City metro is urging Kansas state lawmakers to include a health club exemption in the state Senate’s property tax transparency bill. The proposed amendment would allow Genesis Health Clubs to save approximately $2.5 million annually in property taxes, including $1.1 million in Johnson County, the Lawrence Journal-World reports. The Wichita-based company is delinquent on at least $549,000 in pre-coronavirus property taxes in Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. It owes the most to Johnson County: $251,000. Source: Kansas City Business Journal - The Business Journals

Restaurants ask for property tax relief from Kansas counties that restricted business

info2021-02-11T08:32:45-06:00February 11th, 2021|

Wichita restaurant owner John Arnold says it is difficult to avoid feeling vilified by government restrictions placed on businesses in the interest of public health. ...He joined others from the restaurant industry in supporting House Bill 2142, which would punish counties that imposed health orders that limited business activities. The counties would have to reimburse businesses for 100% of their property tax bill, including property taxes paid to the state and other taxing entities, for a proportionate amount of business lost. The bill appears to be a conversation starter, but perhaps not the solution, for lawmakers eager to help restaurants recover [...]

Sedgwick County sees largest EMS recruiting class since beginning of pandemic

info2021-02-11T08:39:10-06:00February 11th, 2021|

Some much-needed relief is coming to Sedgwick County after the county announced Wednesday that they are seeing the largest EMS recruiting class since the pandemic began. The reason behind the spike is that more people are wanting to step in during this difficult time. "People are just passionate," said Kyle Burtch, special operations coordinator for Sedgwick County EMS. "They're passionate about EMS and they want to go out and help the community the best they can." That passion is why 13 recruits signed up to start training recently. Officials said they wanted to help the people of Sedgwick County, even in [...]

Hays Public Library offers help with vaccine registration

info2021-02-11T08:39:13-06:00February 11th, 2021|

Many healthcare officials urge that getting the vaccine is the next step in the fight against COVID-19. As many people sign up and wait for their turn to get the shot, one community has made it their mission to make sure everyone has the same opportunity. Many health departments across the state have moved vaccine registrations online. But what happens when you don’t have the resources to register or have a question about the forms? Well, a Library in Hays has volunteered its services to make sure the process runs smoothly. Partnering with the Ellis County Health Department, the Hays Public [...]

Topeka police introduce new therapy dog

info2021-02-11T08:39:25-06:00February 11th, 2021|

The Topeka Police Department introduced Gracie, its new furry friend, to the public Wednesday. The Goldendoodle was donated to the police department and will be used as a therapy dog. Right now, the department plans for Gracie to help promote officer wellness, assist in investigations, and join officers when they are engaging with the public. According to officials with the Topeka Police Department, the cost of having Gracie is very minimal. Donors paid the cost of obtaining the therapy dog. The department will pay the costs of a veterinarian. Source: KSN-TV

Firefighters keep the water flowing even when hydrants freeze

info2021-02-11T08:39:33-06:00February 11th, 2021|

The freezing temperatures are challenging firefighters across the state as more house fires ignite so firefighters have to make sure they keep the water flowing. That means checking fire hydrants and having a back up plan. "It is vital to what we do," said Wichita firefighter Jake Carney, "Continuous water supply is very important." It is as simple as popping off the cap and turning a few bolts and just seeing the rush of water. Source: KSN-TV

Fort Scott Fire Department joins risk reduction pilot program

info2021-02-11T08:39:52-06:00February 11th, 2021|

A Southeast Kansas Fire Department will soon be helping itself - and the United States - become a safer place. Cheryl Adamson, Fort Scott Resident, said, "It's just fitting for us and our community and the fire department to take that lead." The Fort Scott Fire Department has entered into an important partnership with the National Fire Protection Association. Dave Bruner, Fort Scott Fire Chief, said, "It's a community risk reduction pilot program, we were one of 250 departments across the country selected for this program." With those fire departments across the country they will help create a new resource for [...]

Program paying workers up to $15K to move to Topeka extended through 2021

info2021-02-11T08:40:01-06:00February 11th, 2021|

A program to pay people to move to the capital city will see another year, according to Topeka's Joint Economic Development Organization. GO Topeka said JEDO approved extending the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative Incentive through 2021. It granted $300,000 in incentives meant to attract people to Topeka. Of that amount, 40% will be granted to remote workers in the incentive program. People who purchase a home can receive up to $15,000 while those who rent can get up to $10,000. “GO Topeka is ecstatic to see this program extended into 2021," said Barbara Stapleton, GO Topeka's vice president of business retention [...]

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