info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Slower economic recovery feared in Wichita

info2020-05-29T08:22:13-05:00May 29th, 2020|

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said lower demand in travel and previous disruptions to Boeing production orders could lead to a slower economic recovery in Wichita. “We may be slower to recover, the needs may still be there in Wichita,” he said. “Where employment may be slower than in other places in the country to return as we work to get our commercial airlines back in the country.” He made the remarks on Thursday while touring a food pantry, which has seen a forty percent increase in the demand for services since the pandemic began. Moran’s tour comes before he goes back [...]

Winfield celebrates National Teacher of the Year: Tabatha Rosproy

info2020-05-29T08:22:20-05:00May 29th, 2020|

Small town Kansas didn’t look so small Wednesday evening as Winfield held one heck of a party for one of its own — dozens took part in the special drive-by celebration for National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy. Rosproy’s community came out full throttle to celebrate her recognition with signs, floats, streamers, and a whole lot of smiles. “We just had the best time — it was incredible being named National Teacher of the Year during a pandemic,” Rosproy said. “We weren’t sure there was going to be a celebration, but I know Winfield and they brought it big for [...]

Rebuilding America: Local businesses down, but not out

info2020-05-29T08:20:21-05:00May 29th, 2020|

Kevin Rule put on a smile and headed to work like he’d done every day for over 30 years. Ever the optimist, he did his best to get to his business, the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery in downtown Hutchinson, which he owns with his wife. But it wasn’t just another day of work; his showroom doors had been locked following a stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “My statement forever has been that I refuse to participate in any economic downturn,” Rule said. “I get out of bed every morning; I’m an [...]

Kansas public higher education absorbs $90 million financial impact from COVID-19

info2020-05-29T08:23:05-05:00May 29th, 2020|

Kansas’ system of public higher education took a $90.7 million financial hit in the current fiscal year from the spread of COVID-19 that in March abruptly transformed operation of universities and the community and technical colleges. The financial estimate for the year ending June 30 didn’t include disruption of sports and research activities at the seven universities, 19 community colleges and six technical colleges governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. Bulk of the budget problems are at University of Kansas and Kansas State University. The KU and KU Medical Center campuses calculated current fiscal year operational costs of the pandemic [...]

Wichita mayor frustrated with county decision to let everything open during pandemic

info2020-05-29T08:23:20-05:00May 29th, 2020|

The mayor of Kansas’ largest city said he’s frustrated with a decision to lift coronavirus restrictions and wishes cities had more power to drive public health policy during the pandemic. “We actually have no authority to pass stay-in orders or to pass the types of restrictions that let’s say the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, can do,” Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said Thursday. Instead, county governments across the state have assumed responsibility for coronavirus response after Gov. Laura Kelly’s phased-reopening emergency order expired Wednesday. (Read more: Local News |)

New Dodge City manager to start June 1

info2020-05-29T08:23:36-05:00May 29th, 2020|

Nick Hernandez will officially begin his tenure as Dodge City’s new city manager, effectively replacing current city manager Cherise Tieben on June 1. Tieben will retire on June 16, but between then, will introduce Hernandez to Dodge City community partners and the operational procedures. Hernandez served nine years as city manager for Arkansas City, Kan., but is a Ford County native, having grown up in Spearville for 16 years before moving to and graduating from high school in Ashland. (Read more: News - Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS)

Rebuilding America: Local tourism spots see winds of change

info2020-05-29T08:24:09-05:00May 29th, 2020|

Boot Hill Museum planned to hold a grand reopening after the completion of its initial expansion project, but with the interruptions caused by COVID-19, it was pushed back to fall in line with Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for a phased reopening of the state. Boot Hill Museum’s Laura Tawater said the museum was then set to reopen sometime in mid-May, but that again was delayed by institution of a new Phase 1.5. Despite these postponements, Boot Hill Museum continues to work on its reopening plan. (Read more: News - Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS)

Ford County gives businesses OK to open at own discretion

info2020-05-29T08:24:20-05:00May 29th, 2020|

On Tuesday, Gov. Laura Kelly issued a declaration regarding the statewide plan for reopening, making the phases more of a guideline than a requirement for all 105 counties. Individual counties would be the ones setting gathering limits, business opening guidelines and other attempts at jump-starting local economies. On Wednesday, Ford County commissioners met in a special meeting to set adjustments for the county based on the governor’s changes. (Read more: News - Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS)

Salina playgrounds, equipment reopened

info2020-05-29T08:24:40-05:00May 29th, 2020|

The City of Salina has reopened playgrounds and equipment for use in city parks. This reopening is set to align with the Saline County health officer’s order that make Phase 2 of the Ad Astra Reopening Plan a local order. Salina Parks and Recreation said picnic shelters will remain closed until further notice. (Read more: News - Salina Journal)

Kansas news deserts leave increasingly fewer reporters to cover the COVID-19 outbreak

info2020-05-29T08:25:05-05:00May 29th, 2020|

During a pandemic, local news coverage means more than keeping tabs on the city council or high school sports. The stories published in a newspaper, broadcast on a network TV affiliate or aired on the radio bring critical information about the public health crisis to communities. People count on reporters in their town or region to let them know about the latest spread of disease, about what’s safe and what’s not — especially in small meatpacking towns that have become coronavirus hot spots. “They’re doing the best they can,” said Angela Labrier, who turns to the Fox News Channel and The [...]

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