info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

New mask order from Sedgwick County health officer extends mask requirement to Oct. 21

info2020-09-04T08:21:47-05:00September 4th, 2020|

A new emergency order from Sedgwick County’s health officer extends the face mask requirement for more than a month while changing the definition of a mask. The order issued Thursday by Dr. Garold Minns extends the mask requirement to Oct. 21. It had been set to expire Sept. 8. The order also removes masks with a one-way valve or vent through which air can be exhaled. Face shields are still allowed. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Shawnee leaders stress need for multifamily housing to spur economic growth but admit buy-in from neighboring residents will be needed

info2020-09-04T08:21:11-05:00September 4th, 2020|

Several Shawnee city leaders last month touted the need for multifamily housing — and buy-in from neighboring single-family homeowners — to spark sustainable economic growth in the community. In a virtual discussion hosted Aug. 20 by the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee, Mayor Michelle Distler and most members of the Shawnee City Council discussed the merits of multifamily housing, particularly because of the city’s location along major arterials and highways, and quick access to downtown Kansas City, Missouri and the Kansas City International Airport. Shawnee lacks the type of multifamily housing — even luxury-priced units — for residents who [...]

Destination Kansas: Discover the hidden gems of Hutchinson with Cosmosphere and Strataca

info2020-09-04T08:17:04-05:00September 4th, 2020|

Hutchinson has been home to salt mines since 1887 and has earned the nickname “Salt City” offering visitors the opportunity to go back nearly 280 million years to explore what’s beneath the surface. “It’s a great way to get away from daily life,” said Tonya Gehring, Strataca operations manager. “When we take you underground, it’s 650-feet underground where it’s 68 degrees, and while we do have WiFi, phones stop ringing. We don’t pipe in music. It’s very quiet, very calm and we take you back through geological timeframes.” The salt mine is like a time capsule, which lets you see the salt beds that were left behind [...]

Cedar Vale to host ‘Let’s Celebrate!’ 150th birthday

info2020-09-04T08:22:21-05:00September 4th, 2020|

This year marks the 150th birthday of Cedar Vale. Founded in 1864 and recognized as a city in 1870, the theme of this year’s 108th annual Labor Day celebration will be “Let’s Celebrate.” Labor Day events will run from Saturday through Monday. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

City updates sidewalk enhancement policy

info2020-09-04T08:20:39-05:00September 4th, 2020|

City of Emporia commissioners approved amendments to the city’s existing sidewalk enhancement policy during a brief action session Wednesday afternoon. Originally drafted in 2012, the document provides guidance to area businesses on the temporary placing and permanent affixing of “enhancements” — such as displays, signs, tables, benches, bike racks and more — on sidewalks, right-of-ways, streets, and private/public parking spaces so as “not to impede traffic or pedestrian movements. “[The amendments] are proposed in order to offer additional options and flexibility for local businesses … Source: Emporia Gazette

Heritage groups unite to preserve history of Haviland

info2020-09-04T08:20:00-05:00September 4th, 2020|

The Haviland Heritage Foundation and the Southwest Kansas Antique Engine and Thresher Association announced the merger of the two groups ... HHF President Jean Jones and SWKAET Association president Andy Kimble signed a merger agreement to make it official. “This merger will unite the two groups to carry on the history of Haviland, and provide the community and the county a beautiful place to gather and hold events,” Jones said. Source: Leavenworth Times

Public art installed and Goddess of Justice in place. New JoCo Courthouse nearly open

info2020-09-04T08:18:19-05:00September 4th, 2020|

After two years of construction, the new Johnson County Courthouse is substantially complete and on track to open to the public on Jan. 4 in downtown Olathe. The certificate of substantial completion was dated Aug. 21 for the seven-story courthouse in downtown Olathe, which contains 28 courtrooms. Public art has been installed, and the Goddess of Justice statue has been relocated to the lobby. This is the third courthouse to house that statue, according to a county news release. Source: Joco 913 News

‘Game-changer’: Johnson County schools to get thousands of saliva COVID-19 tests

info2020-09-04T06:59:26-05:00September 3rd, 2020|

Johnson County is purchasing thousands of COVID-19 saliva tests for schools to use as many students return to classrooms next week, said Sanmi Areola, county public health director. During a virtual town hall meeting hosted by the Shawnee Mission school district on Wednesday, Areola announced the plan and said within the next couple of weeks, students, teachers and staff could start getting tested. Areola said that increasing testing is critical to mitigating the spread of coronavirus and keeping schools open. He said districts can test students and staff in elementary schools — many of which open next week — along with [...]

Council members say ‘there was no greater cheerleader for Olathe’ than Mayor Mike

info2020-09-04T06:59:44-05:00September 3rd, 2020|

The first 30 minutes of Tuesday night’s Olathe City Council meeting were devoted to two pieces of business: remembering the late Mayor Michael Copeland and swearing in new leadership. Copeland died Aug. 19 at age 58. He was Olathe’s longest-serving mayor, serving for 19 years. “This isn’t an easy day for Olathe. It’s the first city council meeting in 27 years without Mike Copeland as a part of this council,” said John Bacon, former City Council member and the new mayor of Olathe. “I felt fortunate and proud to live in a city with Mike as my mayor and count it [...]

All Haysville students to receive free meals

info2020-09-04T06:59:56-05:00September 3rd, 2020|

The pandemic has meant tough times for area families. USD 261 is working to make sure every one of their students still receive meals during the school year. “As a school district we're really excited to be able to provide this resource for them at least through the rest of this year because it alleviates a lot of pressure off parents. During this time and we know that it's been a lot for our students as well as our staff,” commented Adia Ludwig, communications director for Haysville Public Schools. The free meals begin September 10th on the first day of school. It [...]

About info