info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Lenexa installs new electric vehicle chargers

info2023-04-21T10:49:00-05:00April 21st, 2023|

Electric vehicle owners can now conveniently charge their cars while working out, attending a meeting or enjoying a meal on the Lenexa civic campus. The City of Lenexa recently installed four electric vehicle chargers in the Lenexa civic campus parking garage. They’re located just south of the garage’s Winchester Street entrance. To use the chargers, download the EV Connect app and follow the instructions to charge your vehicle. Rates are set at 20 cents a kilowatt hour. The four parking spots equipped with chargers are reserved for charging electric vehicles only. Cars left plugged in for excessive periods will be charged [...]

Governor signs bill establishing new State Park in Allen County

info2023-04-21T10:48:04-05:00April 21st, 2023|

Governor Laura Kelly signs House Bill 2039 today, establishing a new state park in Allen County: Lehigh Portland Trails. According to Thrive Allen County, Iola Industries gifted the land valued at around $2 million for the park. It includes nearly 360 acres, a lake, a cave and more than 14 miles of existing trails. Plans for the park include a visitor's center, RV hookups, floating cabins and primitive campsites. Two full-time positions will be added, and the entire cost could potentially be covered through a SPARK grant. Source: KOAM News

City and county pushing for a juvenile detox center

info2023-04-21T10:47:38-05:00April 21st, 2023|

Over the next 18 years, the state of Kansas will receive $190 million as part of a nationwide opioid settlement. The City of Wichita is currently using some of the funds it received to support the Safe Streets Coalition. However, some local leaders say they hope to use even more of that money to fund a juvenile medical detox center. Wichita Vice Mayor Mike Hoheisel says the city council is pushing for an RFP (Request For Proposal) with Sedgwick County on the best way to spend their combined opioid settlement money. "We're looking to consolidate as many of the interested parties [...]

Park City sales tax for misc. projects

info2023-04-21T10:36:38-05:00April 21st, 2023|

Park City residents could vote on a citywide 1 percent retail sales tax as early as Aug. 1. The tax could help fund a range of community projects without a property tax increase. The city council on April 11 voted 5-2 in favor of a 1 percent sales tax referendum. The city has a June 1 deadline to submit the paperwork to get on the Aug. 1 ballot. If an election were held on that date, the sales tax would take effect in January 2024. "The sales tax could go for anything that we already pay with mill levy support dollars," [...]

45 years later, employee wants to keep on driving

info2023-04-21T10:35:22-05:00April 21st, 2023|

In a job that can be stressful and challenging, Valley Center bus driver Gail Johnson made it look easy for 45 years. That's because she's enjoyed nearly every minute of it. "I have enjoyed driving," Johnson said. "I've always enjoyed driving… I've been doing it a long time, just getting out and going and keeping busy. For the most part, I've had a good bunch of kids and I've really enjoyed it." This school year marks her 45th with the Valley Center school district. She started in 1978. Source: Ark Valley News

Lindsborg museum to celebrate 125th anniversary of Old Mill

info2023-04-21T10:32:16-05:00April 21st, 2023|

With 2023 marking 125 years since the construction of the Smoky Valley Roller Mills in 1898, this year’s annual Millfest on May 6 is looking to be the best it’s ever been. Held the first Saturday every May, Millfest is the one time every year that the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum turns on the antique machinery across the four floors of the mill and opens it up for guided tours. Lenora Lynam, the museum Executive Director, said it’s a rare sight, especially since the Old Mill is the only working mill using 19th century roller mill technology in [...]

NIOSH launches National Firefighter Registry for Cancer to understand and reduce cancer in the fire service

info2023-04-21T10:29:39-05:00April 21st, 2023|

hose who work in the fire service face hazards every day while on the job, but one hazard they might not think about is cancer. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through its National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), announced the launch of the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer online enrollment system for firefighters across the nation. ... While participation is voluntary, all U.S. firefighters, with or without cancer, are encouraged to join the NFR for Cancer; these include: active and retired firefighters; career, paid-on-call, and volunteer firefighters; structural firefighters; wildland firefighters; instructors; fire investigators; and [...]

Wichita lands $191 million EPA loan to reduce sewage stench, improve Arkansas River water

info2023-04-21T10:23:28-05:00April 21st, 2023|

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the city of Wichita a $191 million loan to improve the quality of treated sewage the city discharges into the Arkansas River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The federal WIFIA loan covers up to 49% of the cost of the project, putting the estimated total cost at or above $391 million. The low-interest loan is expected to save the city $89 million compared to what it would cost without federal assistance. Source: Wichita Eagle

Checking in on JoCo’s biggest redevelopment projects: Part 1

info2023-04-21T10:24:00-05:00April 21st, 2023|

Nothing stays the same forever. Nowhere is that more true right now than in Johnson County, where gleaming strip malls, four-lane roads and convenient parking as far as the eye can see were once considered heaven on earth for young families. That was more than 50 years ago. Building on vast open fields was the easy part, it turns out. Now that a lot of that available space has been built out, there’s a new question local city leaders are asking themselves: how can they prevent decay in underused, aging commercial centers that may be at a low point in their [...]

Claflin pool picked as next BAM mural

info2023-04-21T09:58:06-05:00April 21st, 2023|

To add a new splash of color and summer vibes to the City of Claflin’s swimming pool, the mural-promoting group Barton Arts Movement has selected the facility’s entrance as its next project. BAM is still seeking the last of the funds needed to make it a reality. “We’re excited about this next project in Claflin this summer,” said Andrea Bauer, who is spearheading effort for BAM. “We’re planning for early summer installation.” But, she said, “the timeline is still a little fluid at this point.” Great Bend artist Anna Popp will handle the creative endeavors, but she is finishing up the [...]

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