info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

110 mph wind causes damage in Kansas town of Almena

info2023-08-08T07:35:46-05:00August 8th, 2023|

The National Weather Service in Goodland said a high-end supercell thunderstorm produced straight-line wind of 110 mph in the town of Almena in northwest Kansas. The storm moved over the town in Norton County around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday. As it moved into town, the storm intensified. The storm also had hail ranging from golf ball to tennis ball-sized hail. The wind caused damage to trees ranging from limbs being blown down to tree trunks being snapped. Source: KSN-TV

Kansas sees smallest wheat crop in half a century

info2023-08-08T00:25:08-05:00August 8th, 2023|

This summer's wheat harvest is finally coming to a close in Kansas after weeks of delays, and it's the smallest crop for the state since 1966. Farmers were up against weather-related challenges this year. Wheat needs a lot of moisture when it's planted in the fall and actively growing in the spring. However, in the summer, it needs to be dry for harvesting. This year, the weather did the opposite of what was needed. The fall and spring were dry, which made some crops so stunted farmers gave up on them entirely. About 15% of crops were abandoned, compared to the [...]

KDHE announces recipients of $333k in waste reduction grants

info2023-08-08T07:39:48-05:00August 8th, 2023|

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is pleased to announce the recipients of the solid waste reduction grants. Grants totaled $333,037.56 and were awarded to 14 different cities, counties and organizations. The solid waste tire reduction grant is used to support projects related to the development and operation of recycling, source reduction, waste minimization and solid waste management public education programs. The grants are funded by revenue collected through the solid waste tonnage fee; a $1.00/per ton of solid waste disposed at any solid waste disposal area in the state. A list of the map of awards is available here. [...]

As water dries up, SE Kansas communities enact mandatory water conservation

info2023-08-07T14:33:49-05:00August 7th, 2023|

In parts of southeast Kansas heat and parched conditions are drying up the water supply for several Kansas communities. This week, people living in Chautauqua County and parts of Montogmery and Elk Counties are under mandatory water conservation measures. That means no watering lawns, washing cars or filling pools. Kathi Barlow has seen the impact of the drought drying up the land. “People just say they haven’t seen it at this point ever. It’s hard. Yeah, it’s bad,” said Barlow. Source: KWCH

Olympics in Moscow, Kansas?

info2023-08-07T09:28:11-05:00August 7th, 2023|

Efforts to boycott the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow did not go well. No alternative site was picked. In the midst of all this, here came Moscow, Kansas, with what it hoped was the answer. The 250 people in town started passing out bumper stickers. They wanted to keep the games in Moscow, if not Russia, then Kansas. At Moscow International airport, they expected big crowds, if they could find a plane that seats more than one. “We have a man who works at the post office,” said Doug Bell. “He knows all about air mail. And then there’s the guy [...]

Council to ponder declaring McPherson’s seat vacant

info2023-08-06T23:32:53-05:00August 6th, 2023|

Should the Great Bend City Council Ward 4 seat currently held by Brock McPherson be declared vacant due to his continued absences? That question will be before the council as it meets Monday night. It will consider using for the first time an ordinance created to deal with these sorts of issues, one crafted because of McPherson’s lack of council participation. Should a vacancy be declared, Mayor Cody Schmidt “with advise and consent of the council” will begin the process of finding a suitable elector for appointment at the next council meeting Monday, Aug. 21, the agenda for Monday night reads. [...]

‘Right thing to do’: Wichita police award eight citizens for response during stabbing

info2023-08-06T23:31:21-05:00August 6th, 2023|

Isaac Stegman was in west Wichita driving home from work when he saw something he had never seen before: an accident in which one driver was out of his vehicle and stabbing the driver inside the other vehicle. Both people involved were men. The victim had a woman and two children in his vehicle. Stegman, who owns a carpentry business, turned his truck and trailer around, parked in the road and got out to help. By the time he arrived, the victim was on the ground, the suspect held at gunpoint by another bystander. He quickly used his shirt and belt [...]

Valley Center named Purple Heart City

info2023-08-06T23:24:36-05:00August 6th, 2023|

Following in the footsteps of Derby and Haysville, Valley Center become the third city in Sedgwick County in the span of roughly one year to officially be declared a Purple Heart City. An official proclamation was made at the Sedgwick County Commission meeting on Aug. 2. The official proclamation serves as a statement of support for military personnel, veterans and families of those who have served through the Armed Services in recalling one of the oldest military decorations still given out. Source: Derby Informer | News

Local 911 call centers address staffing issues

info2023-08-06T23:23:36-05:00August 6th, 2023|

Across the country, 82% of 911 call centers are understaffed. Here in Sedgwick County, the emergency communications department has experienced similar issues. The Sedgwick County 911 Call Center has experienced a time when staffing dipped below 65% capacity. A new $430,000 renovation started in April to address the concern. The project is now complete and its staff will move into the updated facility as soon as next week. The updates include knocking down walls to create more space for additional new hires. Additionally, updates to flooring and other parts of the building were put into place to make the staff feel more [...]

McPherson Fire Department gets enough donations for baby box

info2023-08-06T23:21:23-05:00August 6th, 2023|

The McPherson Fire Department announced Friday it has received enough donations to pay for the installation of a baby box. A news release says several donations were received through the McPherson County Community Foundation: Newborn Safety Device page, Countryside Covenant Church, A local family trust (who wished to remain anonymous), and A McPherson firefighter and their family (who wished to remain anonymous). MFD says they were also contacted by Oliva Fetsch, who lost her sister Vanessa Leite in April this year. She donated the remaining amount needed to install the box in Leite's honor. Source: KSN-TV

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