News – Page 1660 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

First day of school in Larned, parent’s reactions

info2020-08-21T08:47:21-05:00August 21st, 2020|

It’s the first day of school in Larned. After months of anticipation, parents are making the decision for their kids whether they’ll be in the classroom, virtual learning or home school. The district has strict guidelines for those returning, including assigned bus seating and only essential visitors allowed. Jamie Froetschner made the decision to send her kids to school. "I'm reassured knowing that they were greeted with smiling faces and they were shown where they needed to go, but it was a little bittersweet.” Holly Frick decided to home school her two youngest kids this year. "Even though I'm homeschooling my [...]

Destination Kansas – Fort Scott National Historic Site

info2020-08-21T09:01:23-05:00August 21st, 2020|

In the heart of Bourbon County, in southeast Kansas, there’s a town of only about 8,000 residents. But the land it sits on has great significance to American history, dating back more than 170 years, 19 years before Kansas was even a state. Tucked between Kansas City and Pittsburg is the town of Fort Scott where Fort Scott National Historic Site is rooted in American history. “The growth and development of Fort Scott was the growth and development of the United States,” said Carl Brenner, with the Fort Scott National Historic Site. “Everything that was happening across America was happening right [...]

Kansas celebrates 50th anniversary of completion of I-70

info2020-08-21T09:00:25-05:00August 21st, 2020|

Kansas officials and a granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the completion of Interstate 70 across the state. Mary Eisenhower joined state Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz and other dignitaries Thursday in unveiling a new highway sign for east-bound I-70 as it leaves Colorado during an event near the border. The sign welcomes motorists to Kansas, notes that it was President Eisenhower’s home and commemorates the June 17, 1970 completion of I-70. Source: KSN-TV

Kechi announces the retirement of City Administrator Robert Conger and welcomes his successor, Kamme Sroufe

info2020-08-20T11:13:16-05:00August 20th, 2020|

The City of Kechi announces the retirement of City Administrator Robert Conger and welcomes his successor, Kamme Sroufe. Robert Conger has faithfully served this small Kansas community since he began as Kechi City Administrator in 2012, following a 32-year career with the Sedgwick County Fire Department. Conger explains, “During my time as a firehouse captain, I was able to complete my Master of Public Administration Degree at Wichita State. Shortly after I retired, I received a call from the City of Kechi asking if I would interview for the City Administrator’s position. Eight years later, and I am approaching another retirement. [...]

Living at Home in Rural America: Improving Accessibility for Older Adults and People with a Disability

info2020-08-20T11:11:54-05:00August 20th, 2020|

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have released a joint informational bulletin on improving accessibility for adults and people with a disability in rural America. This Joint Informational Bulletin provides state Medicaid agencies, state and local housing agencies, state and local public health agencies, and other health and housing entities with information to better understand existing federal resources and programs that are intended to improve health and housing outcomes in rural America. These resources may address reducing physical environmental barriers in [...]

City of Olathe announces the passing of Mayor Michael Copeland

info2020-08-20T11:09:37-05:00August 20th, 2020|

It is with a heavy heart the City of Olathe announces that Mayor Michael Copeland passed away last night, August 19, at the age of 58. Mike first joined the Olathe City Council in 1993, and was elected Mayor in 2001, making him the longest serving Mayor in the City’s 162-year history. Mike first moved to Olathe from California to play football at MidAmerica Nazarene University. He fell in love with the community he would one day lead and champion. His contributions in Olathe and the region are numerous. One of Mike’s greatest joys was championing Olathe children’s causes. He created [...]

Parsons tries to move birds from downtown roosts

info2020-08-20T09:01:21-05:00August 20th, 2020|

The city of Parsons hopes the use of a fire truck will help alleviate the problem of bird droppings on downtown sidewalks. According to a press release issued just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Parsons Fire Department will drive a truck downtown, sounding a large air horn and spraying water into the trees where dozens of birds have been roosting. The city staff planned to begin the process at 9 p.m. Wednesday, about roosting time, and repeat it for four or five days. Source: Parsons Sun

Online? In person? See how each Johnson County district will start school amid COVID-19

info2020-08-20T09:01:12-05:00August 20th, 2020|

Less than three weeks before the start of school, parents in Johnson County are now learning whether their students will return to classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. As coronavirus cases continue to surge in the county, districts are taking different approaches. Some will require all students to take online classes only, while others are sending younger students back to schools. Blue Valley is the only district that has yet to determine its plan. It is also the only district that decided against following the Johnson County health department’s criteria. Source: Joco 913 News

Housing market booming in Wichita amid pandemic

info2020-08-20T09:00:57-05:00August 20th, 2020|

We often hear stories about the negative effects of COVID-19 in many industries, but real estate doesn't seem to be one of them. The housing market in Wichita is booming, and houses are selling faster than ever. Sam and Chris Frail decided it was time to sell their Wichita home and move to the country. They said it wasn't hard to find a buyer. "You can't be home. It's every night after work. It's lined up. Like tonight, we had five people that wanted to come look at our house," said Chris. Source: KAKE - News

ICT Community fridge project hopes to help city’s food insecurity issues

info2020-08-20T09:00:38-05:00August 20th, 2020|

With issues of food insecurity growing in Wichita during the coronavirus pandemic, a new group is trying a grassroots idea to help. The concept is called a community fridge. How it works is a local business or organization acts as a host site. Then members of the community stock the fridge with fresh produce, other food and supplies for anyone to take. ICT Community Fridge project started earlier this month and has already placed their first fridge at Dead Center Vintage in downtown. Source: KAKE - News