info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Here’s what ‘smart’ traffic signals in east Wichita corridor could mean for drivers

info2023-04-26T07:16:57-05:00April 26th, 2023|

By the end of 2024, some traffic signals in east Wichita will be equipped with radios that allow them to communicate back and forth with smart vehicles. “Right now, it’s really nothing more than letting a driver know when a signal is about to change, which should provide a safer environment and help drivers make better decisions,” Public Works Director Gary Janzen said. The high-tech signals will be installed on Greenwich Road from Central to Kellogg. Janzen said eventually, signals may be able to advise drivers what the optimum speed is to hit more green lights along the corridor. The new [...]

USD 501 will be first in Kansas to offer district-wide free lunches

info2023-04-26T07:16:31-05:00April 26th, 2023|

Topeka USD 501 will offer free lunches to all students starting next school year - and it's the first district in Kansas to do so outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nicole Jahnke, USD 501's general director of child nutritional services, said the idea behind providing students with free lunches is to eliminate lunchroom inequity. Jahnke said it's an every day mission to offer nutritious food to all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. "If you have a child in primary school and they have breakfast and lunch with us, they'll be saving just under $700 a year per student," Jahnke said. [...]

Significant Kansas drought affecting farmers and consumers

info2023-04-26T07:16:13-05:00April 26th, 2023|

Since last year, the state of Kansas has experienced a drought. This drought is one of the most significant the Sunflower State has seen in quite some time. While the drought is more so affecting the western part of the state, that doesn't mean we're not feeling it right here in northeast Kansas. Last month was one of the driest months that Kansas has seen in 128 years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the state only saw an average of 0.54 inches in total precipitation. That's down 1.51 inches from normal. "March was the 14th driest month since [...]

Governor Kelly Announces Awardees of Nearly $50 Million of Infrastructure and Economic Development Grants

info2023-04-26T07:12:29-05:00April 26th, 2023|

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced awardees for the second round of the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) economic development grant program. Thirty-eight awardees will receive a share of nearly $50 million in BASE grants, which will be used to address infrastructure and economic development needs where solutions were delayed or slowed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kansas Department of Commerce reviewed more than 400 applications from the first round and more than 100 new applications from the second round. In total, more than $2 billion in funding was requested for the nearly $50 million program, demonstrating both the need [...]

On-Demand bus service could spread throughout Topeka

info2023-04-25T10:38:44-05:00April 25th, 2023|

Topeka’s new micro transit service has been up and running for nearly three months now. City leaders tell 27 News that while the program is still in its early days, the response so far has been promising. Now, the city is working to get the word out to even more people about the new service. Keri Renner is the Director of Marketing and Communication for Topeka Metro. She says Metro-On-Demand, or MOD, offers a more personalized mass transit option than traditional bus service. Topeka’s buses run either every hour or half hour, and travelers must go to a bus station or [...]

Kansas shakes up liquor laws: Gov. signs alcohol bill

info2023-04-25T10:36:49-05:00April 25th, 2023|

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bill that includes several changes to state alcohol laws. The governor signed House Bill 2059, which amends several provisions of the Kansas Liquor Control Act, the Kansas Cereal Malt Beverage Act and the Club and Drinking Establishment Act. One of the more highlighted features of the proposal is the expansion of common consumption areas in the state. This would allow for local governments to have more flexibility in designating areas for drinking. Source: KSNT 27 News

School board votes 4-3 to close Walton Rural Life Elementary School

info2023-04-25T10:34:50-05:00April 25th, 2023|

The Newton School Board has voted 4-3 to close Walton Elementary School. The board meeting was held in the auditorium of Newton high school because of the number of people who wanted to publicly voice their opinions. Board members and administrators say revenue and the size of the building can't keep up with the school remaining open. "With the data and information related to enrollment decline versus the cost to run facilities, and the fiscal resources available, the board of education would like to pursue the adoption of the resolution to close the Walton Rural Life Center at the end of [...]

Federal funding to advance technology in Andover one year after tornado

info2023-04-25T10:32:29-05:00April 25th, 2023|

Nearly a year after an EF-3 tornado ripped through Andover, Sen. Jerry Moran announced Monday federal funds for education and law enforcement in the city. In total, $385,000 will be allocated to the Andover Police Department, and $200,000 will go toward the Andover School District. "Everything was empty," Prarie Creek Elementary school art teacher Jamie Clark said. "There was nothing on the boards, nothing on the walls." Source: KSN-TV

Pittsburg community members discuss needs in town

info2023-04-25T10:30:19-05:00April 25th, 2023|

Area residents in Pittsburg on Monday gathered to discuss changes and improvements for the community through the year of 2030. Area Chamber of Commerce officials say, the discussions will be taken into consideration and the group will come back in the fall to present projects for the community. This was the first one of the community conversations. Another one all Pittsburg residents can attend will be Thursday, April 27th at Meadowlark Elementary School at 6pm. Source: KOAM News

Baxter Springs students will soon have a 4-day school week

info2023-04-25T10:28:35-05:00April 25th, 2023|

It's going to be a shorter week with longer days for Baxter Springs students. The Baxter Springs School District will adopt a four-day school week. The Tuesday through Friday schedule will begin with the start of the new school year (2023-2024). The Superintendent David Pendergraft says the new schedule is designed to give students an extra day off. He also says the main reason for the transition is due to the lack of qualified staff. "Over the years, the number of applicants that are applying has been diminishing across the board, and we've experienced some of our upper-level courses where we're [...]

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