News – Page 1228 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Humboldt makes big splash on worldwide tourism list

info2022-01-12T23:39:41-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Wow. There are a lot of Humboldts in this world, but yes, Humboldt, Kansas is on the list of the 2022 “52 Places” published by the New York Times. The newspaper describes it: “Our annual list of destinations to visit this year looks at spots where visitors can be part of the solution to problems like overtourism and climate change.” Humboldt is No. 36. Gabriela Herman of the Times wrote the description. “In 2016, a group of Kansas locals who had left decades ago began asking themselves, ‘What would it take to move back home?’ The answer lay in tiny Humboldt, [...]

Kansas reduces requirements for substitute teachers

info2022-01-12T23:36:43-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Substitute teachers in Kansas will not be required to have college credit hours under an emergency declaration approved Wednesday in response to a worsening staff shortage in the state’s schools because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rule temporarily eliminates a requirement that substitutes have a minimum of 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university. The Kansas State Board of Education said the changes will last only until June 1, when the more stringent requirements will return. Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson said during the state board meeting that he knew of four school districts ready to [...]

Bonner Springs, Edwardsville schools canceling classes due to spike in illnesses

info2022-01-12T23:34:35-06:00January 12th, 2022|

The Bonner Springs/Edwardsville School District announced Wednesday that it is canceling classes for the rest of the week due to an uptick in student and staff absent due to illness. The school district released a statement Wednesday afternoon stating "in an effort to give our school community time to get well and avoid causing further disruption in the learning process, school will not be in session on Thursday, January 13 and Friday, January 14. The school district will also be off Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

Newton Police become marshals

info2022-01-13T07:43:15-06:00January 12th, 2022|

There’s a new marshal in town or, marshals. With Newton’s 150th Anniversary coming up, (sesquicentennial, if you want to get fancy) the police department decided to pay homage to an earlier time. “The first law enforcement officers in Newton were called city marshals,” Newton Director of Communications Erin McDaniel Stated. “This was Chief (Craig) Dunlavy’s idea to tap into the anniversary year to show the department’s community pride and do something fresh and fun to set our department apart.” Newton police officers will have badges identifying them as marshals. The patrol cars will also have a logo that says marshal, as [...]

Main Street Newton saturated in color

info2022-01-13T07:43:43-06:00January 12th, 2022|

A years-long process has come to a completion with the installation of the Newton Murals & Arts Project’s latest project last week on Main Street. The artwork features Newton and Kansas symbols and images, including a meadowlark, Newton flag, water tower, railroad tracks, Old Mill, Harvey House girl, Santa Fe railroad emblem and saloon doors. The mural is called the Newton Historic Mural, which is located in Railroad Park. The mural is hard to miss driving north on Main Street, as it stands on the west side of the road just before the train tracks. The freestanding structure is done in [...]

County workers get ARPA pay bonus

info2022-01-12T23:30:12-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Both full and part-time county employees have received a “one-time, premium pay bonus” for their efforts as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been reported. The Jackson County Commissioners recently approved a motion to utilize American Rescue Plan Act funds for the bonuses. A total of 117 full-time employees received $1,000 each and 14 part-time employees received $500 each. The bonuses totaled $124,000, it has been reported. The bonuses are for “maintaining the continuity of operations and essential services through the pandemic,” which qualifies under ARPA stipulations, it has been reported. Source: Holton Recorder

Kansas has billions of dollars in surplus. Here are 9 ways the governor wants to spend it

info2022-01-12T23:27:09-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s administration laid out a plan Wednesday to cut taxes while spending more on education, law enforcement and mental health services as state lawmakers consider what to do with a surplus that could top $3 billion. The details came as her administration revealed the budget plan hinted at in her State of the State address Tuesday night. “There’s a host of investments,” Budget Director Adam Proffitt told lawmakers. “There’s debt paid down. There are savings accounts. There’s investing in core programs.” Source: KCUR News

El Dorado schools closing due to staff shortage, absent students

info2022-01-12T23:25:41-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Schools in the El Dorado school district, USD 490, will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 13 and Friday, Jan. 14. According to a post on the El Dorado Schools Facebook page, the final decision to close school buildings was made based on staffing shortages and student absenteeism. El Dorado school officials are working to reschedule any athletics and activities impacted. The two extra days off give students in the district a five-day weekend, as Monday, Jan. 17 is a federal holiday that celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Source: KSN-TV

County, city honor outgoing mayor

info2022-01-12T23:24:30-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Dec. 30 was Mark Govea Day in Miami County. County Commission Chair Rob Roberts and Commissioner George Pretz, who represents the Osawatomie area, presented a proclamation to the outgoing Osawatomie mayor during the City Council’s Dec. 30 meeting at City Hall. The commissioners thanked Govea for his service to the community. Govea was elected mayor in April 2013 and had served in the position for nearly a decade. He was defeated in the Osawatomie mayoral race in the November general election by Councilman Nick Hampson. Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Spring Hill superintendent announces retirement

info2022-01-12T23:23:06-06:00January 12th, 2022|

Spring Hill USD 230 Superintendent Wayne Burke recently announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Upon his retirement, he will have served 32 years in education, 22 years in USD 230 and seven years as a superintendent, according to a school district news release. “We are grateful for the leadership and insight Dr. Burke has provided during his tenure in the Spring Hill School District,” Spring Hill Board of Education President Doug Updike said. “During his tenure, he has built and led strong teams that have successfully accomplished major initiatives ranging from continuous improvement in student [...]