info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Perry Lake staff ready for 840,000 summer visitors

info2023-06-01T11:19:29-05:00June 1st, 2023|

If there is such a thing as a normal year, Perry Lake Project Manager R.J. Harms believes this might be one as the Corps of Engineers prepares for 840,000 visitors at the lake this summer. “We had the high water in 2019 and that caused so much destruction. . . We are just now getting that behind us,” he said. “We had an extra 30 feet of water that year and it stayed with us a long time,” he said. The high-water year was followed by the pandemic and a whole lot of damage to repair and structures to replace. Needless [...]

First plan of attack on Wichita park with thick brush and poison ivy: Goats

info2023-06-01T10:15:33-05:00June 1st, 2023|

The city of Wichita plans to unleash up to 130 goats on a city park for two weeks to test whether they’re a long-term, eco-friendly way to clear thick brush and poison ivy without using heavy equipment or chemical spray. The goats are part of a multi-phase project aimed at cleaning up an area of Sim Park that connects the new city-backed River Trail Village patio home development to the city’s attractions along the river — Botanica, Old Cowtown, the Wichita Art Museum, the Mid-America All Indian Museum and the Keeper of the Plains. “We’re looking over at Riverside, right next [...]

Rides, music, ‘most unusual’ fun: This Johnson County event means summer’s starting

info2023-06-01T10:12:04-05:00June 1st, 2023|

Old Shawnee Days is often considered one of the area’s unofficial starts of summer. But it’s really so much more. “How can you not be excited about Old Shawnee Days? It is a great family-friendly event with a little something for everyone,” said Kate Kinkaid, media and publicity chairperson for the event. Old Shawnee Days will be held from Thursday through Sunday at Shawnee Town 1929, 11501 W. 57th St. The free event includes everything from a carnival to live music and food vendors to a parade. Source: KC Star Local News

Lawrence releases wastewater into Kansas River following pump failure; stream advisory issued

info2023-06-01T11:20:04-05:00June 1st, 2023|

The city released wastewater into the Kansas River Wednesday morning after heavy rain led to a pump failure in a wastewater pump station near Bowersock Dam, according to a social media post from the city. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Kansas River near Lawrence as a result, according to the post. “Early this morning, we advised KDHE about the need to directly send wastewater into the Kansas River due to a pump failure after a hard night of rain,” according to the post. “The pump failure resulted in wastewater that contains [...]

USD 428 Education Foundation supports classroom innovation with mini-grants

info2023-05-31T08:16:36-05:00May 31st, 2023|

The Great Bend USD 428 Education Foundation wrapped up the school year by announcing winners of mini-grants to enhance learning opportunities. In 2023, teachers from across the district received $23,488.75 in mini-grants, funding innovative ideas and exciting enrichment opportunities. Foundation members expressed thanks to the individuals and corporate supporters make the grants possible. Source: Great Bend Tribune

Commissioners give tax exemption to Scorpius in Hesston

info2023-05-31T08:15:42-05:00May 31st, 2023|

Harvey County Commissioners voted Tuesday morning to grant a tax exemption for Scorpius Industries, LLC (Scorpius), a small engineering design and fabrication business in Hesston that specializes in custom-designed parts and assemblies. After outgrowing its current facility, Scorpius plans to build a new facility outside of Hesston at 8501 N. West Road. The county commission previously approved Conditional Use Permit 23-01 for the construction of the facility at this location. In its letter requesting a 10-year abatement, Scorpius owner Shane Denson said that capital investment for the project would be $875,000. They expect to create seven new jobs over the next [...]

Attack of the miller moths in Harvey County en route to the Rockies

info2023-05-31T08:14:50-05:00May 31st, 2023|

Like any other moth, miller moths are attracted to light. However, they also seem to be attracted to one other thing: bugging residents of central Kansas. Miller moths are the adult form of the army cutworm larvae that destroyed so many lawns in the summer of 2020. “The full army worms two or three years ago were a big problem […] those can cause huge damage,” Jason French, a manager at Stutzman’s Greenhouse, said. “The miller moth itself in the home gardening industry doesn’t cause much issue, though it’s a pest.” Source: Harvey County Now

Wichita Riverfest a few days away, tents already setup in Downtown

info2023-05-31T08:13:00-05:00May 31st, 2023|

Wichita Riverfest is three days away. If you've noticed, part of the road by Main and Douglas is already blocked off and there are tents set up. “This is the biggest party Wichita throws every year,” said Jen Remsberg, Director of Marketing and Communications for Riverfest. Wichita's yearly party is just a few days away. People are gearing up and excited to see RiverFest 2023. “I'm always excited to see what's going on, the food, the people, just good vibes,” said Wichita resident Tiayla Maholmes. “There's so many different activities. There are something for everyone. We love the concerts, the food, [...]

Only 1 Kansas county ranks as being in persistent poverty in nationwide study

info2023-05-30T12:26:38-05:00May 30th, 2023|

A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) identified 341 counties across the country, including one in Kansas, as places where people are living at higher poverty rates. The USCB study identified places where people are living in persistent poverty. These are counties where poverty rates are maintained at levels of 20% or more for the past 30 years. Among the 341 counties named in the study, Riley County was selected as the only one from Kansas as being a place where persistent poverty exists. According to the USCB study, people living in places of higher poverty experience more severe [...]

Sedgwick County firefighter drone can now drop a lifejacket to water rescue victims

info2023-05-30T12:24:55-05:00May 30th, 2023|

A new drone with Sedgwick County firefighters is being called a game-changer. "I love it. Making a difference in people's lives is something that you truly cannot explain. You just have to do it," said Captain Maroon Faissal with the Sedgwick County Fire Department. The new drone has enough battery power and flight time to take a lifejacket and drop it where it's needed in water rescues. This weekend the county was putting the new drone through its paces. And it was a success. "So this drone is the latest and greatest," said Faissal. "So one of the options this drone [...]

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