News – Page 1326 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

High grad rates, flat test scores: Is an ambitious overhaul of Kansas schools working?

info2021-09-21T06:59:15-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe was among the first to undergo an overhaul of Kansas’ public school system, creating seismic shifts in how students are taught and prepared for life after graduation. Now, a few years later, students are job shadowing and taking courses where they solve real-world engineering and environmental problems. They have more access to counselors and lessons on social-emotional skills. On “Exploration Days,” they are immersed in experiences and classes outside of the regular curriculum. And they are required to spend time volunteering or serving the community. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

How Johnson County Hospitals Are Trying To Cope With Staffing Shortages, Nurse Burnout

info2021-09-21T06:58:12-05:00September 21st, 2021|

As COVID-19 transmission in Johnson County continues to remain high, area hospitals and their staffs are still working around the clock to treat and discharge patients, roughly a year-and-a-half into the pandemic. The struggle to endure long shifts and multiple days working can be physically taxing and mentally draining, health officials say. “There are some weeks where I’m here at the hospital more than I’m at home,” Julie Rojas, a respiratory therapist with KU Health, said last week during one of the hospital’s daily COVID-19 briefings. “Your coworkers become like your family, and they understand the things you see and deal [...]

Could Century II be private Tuesday?

info2021-09-21T06:57:27-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Tuesday may be the day the city stops managing Century II after more than 50 years. "What's in the contract?" asked Celeste Racette, founder of Save Century II. "The City manager office scheduled them (city council) to approve a deal Tuesday?" Racette is talking about details on a deal between the city and ASM Global Management to operate Century II. ... "I definitely think privatization is the right way to go," said [City council member] Cerullo. "I would be in agreement to possibly doing a one-year at a time deal. Five years is a long time." Source: KSN-TV

City of Green celebrates 140th Anniversary

info2021-09-21T06:55:45-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Several dozen people gathered outside of the brand-new Green City Hall and Museum at 11 a.m. on Saturday to commemorate the 140th Anniversary of the founding of the town. Local historian Bev Caley thanked everyone in attendance and gave particulars for several of the items on display in the new museum. She said the museum had been a labor of love for both herself and the community, with ample opportunity to continue growing in the future. Source: www.ccenterdispatch.com

Municipal Bond Trends for September 20, 2021

info2021-09-21T06:48:01-05:00September 21st, 2021|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Nebraska Furniture Mart And The Battle Over ‘Dark Stores’

info2021-09-21T06:47:25-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Nebraska Furniture Mart, one of the busiest retailers in the region, stands to get a nearly $1.5 million property tax refund on its Kansas City, Kansas, location after winning an appeal to a state tax board. What could this mean for other big box retailers?Podcast: KCUR News

Isolation And Stigma Push Suicide Rates Higher In Rural Kansas

info2021-09-20T21:18:58-05:00September 20th, 2021|

Kyle Carlin understands first-hand how hard a mental health crisis can hit in rural Kansas. He dealt with depression starting as a teenager. It eventually led him to attempt suicide. But he didn’t think about seeking counseling until he was preparing to leave the Army Reserve in Hays roughly 12 years ago. Even then, asking for help wasn’t easy. “Stigma is such a big issue around mental health,” Carlin said, “especially in western Kansas.” His story illustrates a growing trend stressing rural communities across Kansas and the nation. While suicide rates have increased by nearly 45% statewide over the past two [...]

Public restrooms at Wichita splash pad vandalized

info2021-09-21T06:43:45-05:00September 20th, 2021|

The City of Wichita said the Boston Park Splash Pad public restrooms will be closed until further notice. City staff found the restroom facilities vandalized and sinks broken over the weekend. The city said they had seen increasing amounts of vandalism at facilities. However, there is no word on whether park vandalism is tied to the ‘devious licks’ challenge. Recently, kids across the U.S. have been posting TikTok videos of themselves vandalizing school bathrooms and stealing soap dispensers and even turf from football fields. The “devious licks” social media challenge went viral last week and bedeviled principals and school district administrators. Some [...]

Lawrence playground invites children of all abilities to play, thanks to donation from late benefactor

info2021-09-20T21:12:18-05:00September 20th, 2021|

School and business leaders are gearing up to celebrate an inclusive playground for youngsters on Lawrence’s southeast side. Featuring wide pathways and ground-level entry, the play equipment provides accessibility, no matter a child’s method of mobility. A celebration for the William Dann Playtown will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21 at the Kennedy Early Childhood Center, 1605 Davis Road. The Lawrence Schools Foundation and Lawrence chamber of commerce will host the event. The shiny play equipment features two covered areas connected by a slightly elevated pathway, as well as bars to climb on and hang from, and a tunnel [...]

Plastic bag ban: Could this be a Wichita ordinance by next year?

info2021-09-21T06:44:42-05:00September 20th, 2021|

Banning plastic bags in Wichita is a discussion that's been brought to the Wichita City Council several times. As a result, the city started the Wichita Plastic Bag Ban Task Force in February of 2020. The group includes some city council members, businesses like Dillons and Goodwill, and other advocates. Member Lori Lawrence said it has been a slow process to present an actual ordinance to the council. COVID-19 has pushed back meetings and outreach efforts. The task force has also been working on getting an economic impact and litter study finalized. Source: KSN-TV