info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Russell recognizes Purple Heart recipients at ceremony tomorrow

info2023-11-13T12:56:24-06:00November 13th, 2023|

The Purple Heart medal is presented to U.S. military service members wounded or killed by enemy fire. It was originally awarded by George Washington in 1782 to recognize meritorious service in combat. It is the nation's oldest and one of the most distinguished military awards. The Russell community is home to many veterans and families, including Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. The City of Russell has a long history of supporting military personnel and veterans. The Purple Heart Proclamation is an official expression of Russell’s appreciation for the sacrifices and Purple Heart recipients that were made defending our freedoms. [...]

Shawnee voters overwhelmingly renew two key sales taxes

info2023-11-13T12:45:17-06:00November 13th, 2023|

With two landslide approvals by Shawnee voters, the renewal of two existing sales taxes means promising futures for city projects. In last Tuesday’s election, Shawnee voters overwhelmingly voted to renew the “Parks & Pipes and Pavement” sales taxes, which together fund improvement projects throughout the city. Their renewal means the city will be able to move ahead with no gaps in funding. According to unofficial final Election Night results, the “Parks and Pipes” tax issue passed with nearly 75% of voters approving the measure, which renews the 1/8-cent citywide sales tax that is specifically designated for building and improving city parks, [...]

Clay Center continues discussion on lifting pit bull ban

info2023-11-13T12:37:51-06:00November 13th, 2023|

Four members of the Clay Center City Council’s Administrative Committee agreed last week they should recommend to the full council to do away with the city’s ban on pit bulls and strengthen the city’s vicious dog ordinance with stricter penalties for dogs running at large. However, they also agreed the council should have more discussion on this before they do it. The council reviewed statistics on dog attacks and looked at other cities that have lifted bans, which included Abilene, Salina, Concordia and Junction City. These cities also handle issues with dogs with a vicious dog ordinance rather than an outright [...]

Lawrence Public Library bans smoking, verbal harassment and more from its campus under new code of conduct

info2023-11-13T10:43:58-06:00November 13th, 2023|

The Lawrence Public Library has rolled out new rules for its campus and lawn — including banning smoking, vaping and verbal harassment — and prescribed consequences for breaking them. Repeated instances of such behavior could now get a patron suspended for a period of a week to six months, under the library’s new code of conduct. Violent or threatening behavior may result in longer or indefinite suspensions. The library has received numerous complaints from patrons about safety issues in and around the library. Library administrators pledged to improve public safety in the library, but the lawn and parking garage are owned [...]

Johnson County cuts bus routes to Overland Park, Olathe, Gardner

info2023-11-13T10:40:39-06:00November 13th, 2023|

Riders of three Johnson County bus routes serving Olathe, Gardner and Overland Park will have seven weeks to make other arrangements, as Johnson County commissioners look for ways to cut costs in the transit system. Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to suspend service indefinitely on three unpopular bus routes – the 482 Overland Park Flex, the 519 Olathe Express and the 595 Gardner-OP Express. Service on the three routes will be curtailed at 8 p.m. Dec. 31, following a public notification period. The routes were culled because of low ridership, with all three averaging less than four passengers per hour. Suspending them is expected [...]

Olathe to change school start times to ease bus driver shortage. Some parents are worried

info2023-11-13T10:39:03-06:00November 13th, 2023|

After a year of contentious debate, the Olathe school board is finally poised to vote on changing school start times so that bus drivers can take on more routes amid ongoing labor shortages. But some parents, especially with elementary aged children, worry the proposed later bell times would put them in a bind, concerned they will struggle to find morning childcare and make it to work on time. Since last year, the district has been studying changing school times to address the bus driver shortage. Stakeholder groups have considered 20 possible bell schedules, with several parents raising concerns along the way. [...]

Crews respond to partial building collapse in downtown Lyons

info2023-11-13T10:37:19-06:00November 13th, 2023|

Emergency crews responded to the report of a structural collapse in downtown Lyons on Sunday morning. At around 10 a.m. Sunday, crews were dispatched to the 100 block of West Main Street in the downtown business district where a partially collapsed two-story building was located. Responders were able to contact the business owners and determined there were no injuries in the vacant buildings, the City of Lyons said in a press release Sunday evening. Emergency crews remained on scene for the remainder of the day and placed barricades to provide public safety. The City's response will most likely last for several [...]

Lawrence school board to consider tax breaks for affordable housing project

info2023-11-13T10:36:03-06:00November 13th, 2023|

Lawrence school board members will meet Monday for a brief agenda that includes considering the district’s portion of tax breaks to help fund construction of a downtown affordable housing project for people ages 55 and up. The board’s agenda as of Sunday afternoon listed only reports from board members and the superintendent and consent agenda items, or a list of items that are generally considered routine and are approved with one motion unless a board member or the superintendent asks to pull something for further discussion. A report about the crossing guard and Safe Routes to School programs was postponed because [...]

Topeka City Councilwoman addresses plan for homeless ordinance, election results

info2023-11-13T10:34:54-06:00November 13th, 2023|

Karen Hiller, the Topeka City Councilwoman for District 1, joined the 27 News Morning show to talk about moving forward with a new council, after Tuesday's general election. "I'm pleased to see our two incumbents coming back," Hiller said. "And I think our two new council people are going to fit in really well. I think we are going to have a really good council." She emphasized that every person on the council has a different skill set that will be advantageous in moving the city forward in a better direction. As far as when those new members will be sworn in, Hiller [...]

Open enrollment could create issues for Kansas school districts

info2023-11-13T10:33:51-06:00November 13th, 2023|

Starting next fall, students in kindergarten through 12th grade can go to any school in Kansas, even if they do not live in the district. Wichita School Board Member Stan Reeser believes the change opens doors for students across Kansas. "I think most families today still say what is the best school district, what is the best program, where my child can succeed," said Reeser. He believes Wichita will be a coveted school district for its programs, including college credit, "IB," and AP classes. They also offer special education programs not seen in other districts. Reeser says the challenge is making sure they have [...]

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