info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Kansas Wins Nearly $43M to Build Key Infrastructure for High-Speed Internet

info2023-06-16T12:08:33-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) has awarded the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) nearly $43 million to develop infrastructure key to expanding affordable high-speed internet to remote and underserved communities. The open-access “middle mile” infrastructure will connect local Internet networks, primarily in rural areas, to major, high-capacity national and regional networks. ... The grant will fund a 682-mile fiber optic network to connect Liberal to Garden City, Pratt to Wichita, Kismet to Minneola, Wichita to Pittsburg, and Pittsburg to Overland Park.... More information about the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program is available [...]

New acting Topeka city manager has spent 43 years overseeing Kansas municipal governments

info2023-06-16T12:05:50-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Richard Nienstedt had enjoyed not having to work since he retired March 31 as city manager of Ottawa. He and his wife, Rita, visited Hot Springs, Arkansas, and took a trip along the former Route 66 highway from Galena in southeast Kansas to Shamrock in north Texas. Still, Nienstedt — who has 43 years experience as a city manager in Kansas — said he feels honored and pleased to have been hired last week to serve as Topeka's acting city manager. "When this opportunity presented itself, I thought, 'Who wouldn't want to go to their state's capital city and have some [...]

Reno County Health Department hosting child care provider orientation classes

info2023-06-16T11:03:12-05:00June 16th, 2023|

The Reno County Health Department (RCHD) is hosting child care provider orientation classes, as child care providers are needed in the area. "Child care providers play an important role in nurturing the growth and development of our youngest and most vulnerable residents," Reno County says. Reno County says the class is a great opportunity to meet the surveyor, learn Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) regulations and ask questions about providing child care. Source: KSN-TV

Ellinwood City Administrator discusses 40+ years of service to the city

info2023-06-16T10:43:02-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Ellinwood City Administrator Chris Komarek has always had a thing for lights and sirens. Both his grandfather and his father served as fire chief; Komarek finished up a 40-year stint with 26 years as chief himself in September 2021. But, as with many small towns, Ellinwood’s fire department is voluntary, so there are plenty of other hats to wear in the community. As administrator for the past seven years, Komarek has worn his share of various headwear over going on four-and-a-half decades of city service. “I like to think I have the city’s interest at heart,” he said. “This city has [...]

New Superintendent hired after busy month for South Brown County School District

info2023-06-16T09:51:59-05:00June 16th, 2023|

The South Brown County School Board met seven times over the course of the month of May after the resignation of Superintendent Jason Cline. The district has hired Dr. Rebecca Kramer as the district’s new superintendent starting July 1st, 2023. A 28-year educator, Kramer most recently served as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at the Seaman Public School District in Topeka. Dr. Kramer, who graduated from Jefferson West High School, received her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Masters in Educational Leadership from Washburn University, moving on to earn her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kansas. [...]

Kansas Office of Broadband seeking help with online speed test

info2023-06-16T10:54:05-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Kansas Office of Broadband needs your help to identify gaps in internet coverage across the state. They need to know where you have connection, as well as what speeds you’re experiencing. Let’s make sure our communities have the resources they need to thrive in the 21st century. Head over to broadbandks.com to take a quick speed test and survey to help figure out where we need upgrades. It only takes a few minutes and it’s a big help. Join in helping the Kansas Office of Broadband bridge the digital divide and ensure reliable broadband internet for everyone. Take a few minutes [...]

Small Kansas airports fighting to get SkyWest Charter

info2023-06-16T09:41:26-05:00June 16th, 2023|

SkyWest submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) almost a year ago requesting commuter authority. “We are pleading with the DOT to take action and allow SWC to serve the airports in our region,” Corey Keller, the director of public works for Dodge City. The Department of Transportation has not approved that application yet. Small Kansas airports such as Dodge City, Salina, Hays and Liberal say getting this application approved is crucial to their airports and communities. Keller says without SkyWest Charter (SWC), the next steps are unclear. “If SkyWest charter is not approved, there’s the possibility of, [...]

Ozawkie celebrates its unusual heritage

info2023-06-16T10:46:04-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Ozawkie, Kansas, celebrated its heritage this weekend. The small town put on its third annual festival that recognizes the original town of Ozawkie. The town was moved to its current spot after Kansas decided to make the Perry Lake dam in 1965. The festival included food vendors, face painting, games, old memorabilia from the original town and a special performance by Topeka High School’s marching band. The festival also gave local businesses a chance to sell their products. Source: KSNT 27 News

Washunga Days set for this weekend in Council Grove

info2023-06-16T09:34:52-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Council Grove will be the center stage for Washunga Days Friday and Saturday. The event will take place along the Neosho Riverwalk. Even with activities going into full force on Friday, there’s a free community event that’ll kick things off Thursday according to event organizer Jesse Knight. Source: KVOE Emporia Radio

Split Shawnee council agrees to put parks and pipes sales tax up for renewal vote

info2023-06-16T09:32:42-05:00June 16th, 2023|

Shawnee voters will be asked to renew the city’s special sales taxes during the upcoming general election this November. After a prolonged back and forth Monday night, the Shawnee City Council voted 4-3 to renew the 1/8-cent sales sales tax, often referred to as the “parks and pipes” tax. Previously, the council seemed poised to pursue a new tax in lieu of a renewal. Such a step — had the council opted to take it — would have allowed the city to use revenue from the sales tax for some parks operations in some situations. Source: Prairie Village Post

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