info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Lawrence is short a fire engine because of staffing shortages, union says

info2024-05-20T13:54:49-05:00May 20th, 2024|

Lawrence has been short a fire engine most of the day Thursday, and firefighters expect that to happen again — maybe as soon as this weekend — because of staffing shortages and overtime cuts. Seamus Albritton, president of IAFF Local 1596, the firefighters union, said normal daily staffing for Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical operations is 39 firefighter-paramedics, but that minimum has been cut to 36. “Usually if we did not have 39 people available to work due to various reasons such as leave, we would call firefighters back for overtime to fill those vacancies allowing us to keep all units in service for [...]

Westmoreland Mayor says $105,000 has been raised for tornado relief

info2024-05-20T13:53:38-05:00May 20th, 2024|

Westmoreland Mayor Mark Jack recently updated the relief efforts taking place in Pottawatomie County. He said that city council has not yet decided on how to disperse the raised funds, but noted the council will soon be meeting with local groups and individuals for input. Jack also updated the total amount raised. The next steps for the city, he says, are for residents to reach out to the local government or one of the humanitarian organizations set up if they have major needs. Sen. Jerry Moran hinted last week that Westmoreland wouldn’t qualify for FEMA money, but Jack says they’re not done trying and [...]

Rural Kansas needs health care providers. K-State’s first PA cohort is stepping up

info2024-05-20T13:52:10-05:00May 20th, 2024|

They all came for different reasons and from different sources of inspiration, but the end goal was the same — to help people with broken noses, bacterial infections and any other number of medical maladies. As the inaugural cohort of Kansas State University’s physician assistant studies program finishes 27 months of intensive classroom and clinical training, its students are excited to make a difference in treating acute and chronic illnesses and injuries, especially in areas that face health care shortages. “Our first cohort set the standard for the program,” said Gwen Ferdinand-Jacob, director of the program and a physician assistant herself. “They helped [...]

City of Russell hit with golf-ball sized hail, 82 mph winds; homes and vehicles damaged

info2024-05-20T13:50:47-05:00May 20th, 2024|

The City of Russell says they have been hit with extensive damage caused by severe weather on Sunday afternoon. "The damage to our community is extensive," the City said in a Facebook post. "Numerous power poles and lines are down and trees block roadways. Buildings are damaged, including a garage that is flattened. We have requested mutual aid from other utilities. We do not have an ETA on power restoration. When we can estimate the restoration time, we will update." In a release Sunday afternoon, the city says they were hit with golf ball-sized hail and 82 mph wind gusts as [...]

Gearhead Curios in Galena wins award and grant for roadside attraction

info2024-05-20T13:49:40-05:00May 20th, 2024|

The souvenir shop Gearhead Curios in Galena has received an award and grant. The Jefferson Highway Association recently presented Gearhead Curios the first-ever Roadside Attraction Award. The Galena attraction is the first Jefferson Highway Information Center, with souvenirs. Aaron Perry bought the establishment in 2018, and began to transform it into what it is today. One of the next additions to the souvenir shop will be a 22-foot muffler man. Kansas Tourism awarded a $12,500 tourism attraction grant to cover a third of the cost. "When you take the trip on roadside America, for that weekend, that week, that month, you're going back [...]

ATV vs UTV: What’s the difference?

info2024-05-20T13:44:08-05:00May 20th, 2024|

Warmer weather means more people are beginning to head outside, and one popular way to travel off-road is by using ATVs and UTVs. But what is the difference between an ATV and a UTV? All-terrain vehicles, better known as ATVs, quads or four-wheelers, are typically designed to seat one rider, but some have a second seat for another rider. The vehicles are compact and maneuverable, making them ideal for a variety of riders. There are many types of ATVs on the market, including those used for trail riding, mudding (driving on muddy terrain) and even small utility uses. Another distinctive feature of ATVs is [...]

Florence Grand Prix riding again Memorial Day weekend

info2024-05-20T13:40:33-05:00May 20th, 2024|

Hundreds of riders from across the U.S. will descend on Florence in Marion County Memorial Day weekend. The Florence Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, May 26. The original Florence Grand Prix was held from 1972 to 1978 and saw hundreds or riders and thousands of spectators during its original six-year run. The race was revived in 2022 for its 50th anniversary. This is now the third Florence Grand Prix since its revival. The race begins at 10 a.m. with vintage motorcycles racing across the Flint Hills, followed by the 100-mile modern-bike Enduro race, which kicks off at 1 p.m. It will [...]

Wichita Fire Department hosting Summer Kids Camp

info2024-05-20T13:39:45-05:00May 20th, 2024|

The Wichita Fire Department is hosting Summer Kids Camp. The summer camp will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, at Wichita Sports Forum & Aviate Jump Park, 2668 N. Greenwich Rd. The WFD says the camp is designed to introduce kids to roles and responsibilities of the WFD with hands-on experiences. "Through education, demonstration, and participation, campers will gain a unique perspective of firefighting tasks," said the WFD. "Daily activities include exciting team exercises crafted to demonstrate a day in the life of a Wichita Firefighter." Summer Kids Camp is for 8 to 13 [...]

New coloring book showcases Southeast Kansas attractions

info2024-05-20T13:36:03-05:00May 20th, 2024|

There's a new coloring book highlighting attractions in Southeast Kansas. The unique project was completely designed by art students at Pitt State, with Gus as the tour guide. The first installment of the coloring book was created and released in the spring of 2022. Tourism officials say the demand for it every year continues to grow. It won first place in the Small Budget Print category at the Kansas Tourism Conference - and was so popular with residents and visitors, the decision was made to do a reprint. "We wanted something that the hotels in particular could give to kids when they walk [...]

City of Emporia reveals $500,000 skate park design

info2024-05-20T13:34:52-05:00May 20th, 2024|

The City of Emporia has released design images for the new skate park that will be built in Emporia. The project started after an anonymous donation of $250,000 was given to the city for a skate park. The city matched the funds and hired American Ramp Company to make the final designs. The City of Emporia took feedback from an advisory committee and reviewed designs. City staff will present the design to the City Commission on May 15. The skatepark design features a bowl, a hip, a bump to rail, a down rail, a manual pad, two handrails, a double stair set [...]

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