info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Panel finds Wichita mayor violated city’s ethics policy at neighborhood cleanup

info2023-05-12T10:22:15-05:00May 12th, 2023|

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple violated the city’s ethics policy and will have to undergo ethics training for his role in an encounter with a Wichita police officer at a neighborhood cleanup. The officer stopped the mayor after he entered the wrong entrance to dump a load of trash from his rental property at a neighborhood cleanup event where residents can dispose of large objects like mattresses and tires for free. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Governor Kelly Announces $30 Million in Tourism Grants

info2023-05-12T10:19:26-05:00May 12th, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $30 million has been awarded to 18 recipients developing and improving tourism sites statewide. Funding was made available through the State Park Revitalization & Investment in Notable Tourism (SPRINT) program launched by the Department of Commerce earlier this year. “A thriving tourism sector is critical for the Kansas economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants enhance attractions that draw visitors to the state and showcase what makes Kansas a great place to live, work, and raise a family.” Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Iola to study sports needs

info2023-05-12T10:25:31-05:00May 12th, 2023|

In his travels across the state, Iola Mayor Steve French occasionally makes note of how other communities have invested in their sports facilities. “Just go south to Chanute and look at their ball diamonds, and look at what other communities are pouring into their sports complexes,” French said at Monday’s Iola City Council meeting. French’s comments were sparked by conversations he’d had with a handful of local parents in recent days, wondering if it’s time for Iola to consider an upgrade. Source: The Iola Register

Kansas legislation got ‘watered down’ but will help aquifer conservation efforts

info2023-05-12T10:17:05-05:00May 12th, 2023|

Kansas state representatives this spring voted for “historic” legislation spending more than $50 million a year on preserving groundwater and restoring the state’s reservoirs. By the time the Senate finished with the bill, it was “watered down” but “a good start.” Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said when lawmakers and farm and environmental groups come together, sometimes the least common denominator is all everyone can agree on. She said the legislation didn’t accomplish everything she hoped. Source: Kansas Reflector

Kansas Main Street Selected for Rural Main Streets Entrepreneurial Program

info2023-05-12T10:16:11-05:00May 12th, 2023|

Main Street America has announced that Kansas is one of 10 states selected to participate in the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Rural Main Streets Program, supported by the Kauffman Foundation. The program aims to spur economic development in rural Kansas not just by fostering entrepreneurship but by building out entire ecosystems. Kansas Main Street has partnered with Main Street America (MSA) to put on a one-day statewide workshop on Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem building that will be open to any rural community to attend. The workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in Great Bend. Source: Kansas [...]

Fed Official Signals Support for Further Rate Increases

info2023-05-12T10:14:51-05:00May 12th, 2023|

A Federal Reserve official said the central bank should be prepared to continue lifting interest rates because inflation remains too high and the labor market is too tight, hinting at disagreements within the central bank’s rate-setting committee. Fed governor Michelle Bowman, in remarks prepared for delivery Friday at a banking conference in Germany, said she wasn’t confident the central bank was making enough progress slowing down economic activity and inflation even though she allowed that interest rates were now at a restrictive setting. Source: WSJ.com: US Business

Wellington day care on verge of closing saved at last minute

info2023-05-12T10:12:07-05:00May 12th, 2023|

According to Child Care Aware of Kansas, only 37% of child care demand in Sumner County is being met—that means nearly 700 kids are still in need of a spot. The county has three child care centers, one of which (Angel Wings Learning Center) was slated to close for good. When Jamie Sowersby, who owns an in-home day care called The Clubhouse, heard the news three weeks ago, she says she knew she had to step in. "There would be however many kids are here would need to find a new day care, and we knew that wasn't going to happen," [...]

Paola firefighters test their skills during Pittsburgh drill

info2023-05-12T10:11:04-05:00May 12th, 2023|

Paola firefighters recently tested their abilities to work as a team to rescue fellow firefighters in tight situations during Pittsburgh drill training at the Paola Fire Station. Paola Fire Chief Andy Martin said the drill was developed in Pittsburgh, Pa., after three firefighters were killed in the Bricelyn Street fire on Valentine’s Day in 1995. The Pittsburgh drill involved Paola firefighters training on how to maneuver through tight spaces, how to work together to transport an incapacitated fellow firefighter, and how to move and utilize existing equipment to make the tasks easier. Source: The Miami County Republic

Derby adopts new pet limit ordinance

info2023-05-12T10:40:45-05:00May 12th, 2023|

At its May 9 meeting, the Derby City Council approved an update to an ordinance regarding the number of pets allowed in households – the first such change since 1974. With Derby’s status as a city of the first class, a decrease in total pets was initially discussed. Based on current pet ownership numbers, though, the council ultimately approved a new ordinance that will allow residents to license six dogs and/or cats up to a total of eight animals. Source: Derby Informer | News

‘If there is a sacred place in Kansas, this is it’: Barton County Commission puts in temporary ban on solar farms

info2023-05-12T10:04:26-05:00May 12th, 2023|

Barton County residents want the county to create tougher rules for solar farms. It comes amidst anger over plans for a solar farm that they say would hurt wildlife at the nearby Cheyenne Bottoms wildlife area. Even amidst a drought, if you ask some Barton County residents their thoughts on the Cheyenne Bottoms, they'll rave about the wildlife area. "It's a real special place, one of the most special," said Great Bend resident Jerry Nye said. "If there is a sacred place in Kansas, this is it," said Great Bend resident Bryan Witt. That's why these two and others are concerned [...]

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