News – Page 1726 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

The City of Merriam Enters Phase 3 on June 8

info2020-06-08T06:20:29-05:00June 7th, 2020|

The City of Merriam will enter Phase 3 of the state’s Ad Astra reopening plan on Monday, June 8. All City facilities, playgrounds, and sports courts will reopen to the public. The Irene B. French Community Center will remain closed as the City prepares to open the Merriam Community Center later this month. Phase 3 of the Ad Astra plan recommends gatherings of 45 people or less. Residents are encouraged to wear masks inside City buildings and at playgrounds, practice physical distancing of 6 feet or more, use hand sanitizer if unable to wash hands with soap and water, and to avoid touching [...]

Retail, residential development approved in Gardner

info2020-06-08T06:20:51-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Grata Development received rezoning approval from the Gardner City Council for a $200 million mixed-use development located at the southeast corner of 175th St. and I-35 in Gardner. According to the press release, the 262-acre development comprises retail (New Trails), multifamily (Prairie Forge) and single-family housing (Prairie Trace). “We are grateful for the partnership we have formed with the city staff and elected officials in Gardner to bring this exciting project to life. The goal of the New Trails Project is to provide amenities for people to enjoy life together as they live, work and play,” said Travis Schram, Grata Development [...]

Hutchinson demonstration remains peaceful despite rumors of counter-protest

info2020-06-08T06:21:00-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Multiple peaceful demonstrations were held on Saturday across the state of Kansas. In Hutchinson, a group of protesters walked along 25th and main street despite the hot sun. “It’s very hot and I’m especially very proud of everyone for sticking with it,” said Teresa Delgado, rally organizer. Protesters took a knee for more than eight minutes, the time a Minneapolis officer had his knee on George Floyd before his death. (Read more: KSN-TV)

Hutchinson announces Small Business Emergency Relief program

info2020-06-08T06:21:18-05:00June 7th, 2020|

The City of Hutchinson has been approved for $132,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, allowing it to establish a Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program. Applications are now being accepted for the program which will assist small businesses of up to 50 employees who employ people from low- to medium-income households. Businesses must have at least 51% of its employees who fall within household income guidelines and submit an Employee Certification form for each employee. (Read more: Local - The Hutchinson News)

Three area police departments receive grants to hire officers

info2020-06-08T06:21:57-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Three area police departments received grants from through the U.S. Attorney’s office to hire Community Policing officer. Area departments receiving grants included: Cheney Police Department, $250,000; Hesston Police Department, $125,000; and Pratt Police Department: $125,000. The grants, which went to 15 departments in Kansas, were part of nearly $400 million nationwide for law enforcement hiring announced by the Department of Justice, through its Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). (Read more: Local - The Hutchinson News)

Topeka city government furloughs non-union employees

info2020-06-08T06:22:22-05:00June 7th, 2020|

As part of an ongoing effort to cut costs, Topeka’s city government is requiring non-union employees to spend five days on furlough, the city’s spokeswoman said this past week. Non-union employees, of which the city has 285, must take five unpaid days off between June 13 and Sept. 18, said Molly Hadfield, the city’s media relations director. But the city is no longer seriously considering asking groups of employees to accept pay cuts, city manager Brent Trout said this past week at the monthly news conference he holds with Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “In the sense of specific salary percentage [...]

Counter protest by white supremacists fails to materialize at Hutchinson event

info2020-06-08T06:22:33-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Jarin Berger said he may have overprepared with 600 water bottles in an ice tub outside his home for the roughly 75 people who marched in support of social justice down Main Street in Hutchinson on Saturday. Despite concerns about potential violence from protesters and counter-protests from white supremacists that led to several businesses being boarded up, the event went off without a hitch. All along the route, police stopped to block off traffic at intersections and every couple blocks someone handed out water to chanting protesters. “I just wanted to let them know they were welcome here and we just [...]

County health officer sounds a warning as COVID-19 numbers rise in Wichita area

info2020-06-08T06:22:43-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Sedgwick County’s health officer is raising concerns that the Wichita area may have moved too fast to fully reopen the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. He’s recommending a retreat to an early phase of health precautions to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Dr. Garold Minns is recommending backing up to Phase 2 of the “Ad Astra Plan,” Gov. Laura Kelly’s now-abandoned effort for a slower, more deliberate reopening after two months of strict stay-at-home orders and mass gathering limits. (Read more: Local News |)

Kansas county baling straw to help curb ‘banner year’ for blue-green algae

info2020-06-08T06:23:07-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, it may soon be time to bale. Pun intended. With this week’s oppressive heat wave cranking up water temperatures across the state, the annual battle between pond and lake managers and the scourge of blue-green algae is right on our doorstep. After seeing an earlier-than-normal outbreak of blue-green algae in April at Lake Shawnee, three Shawnee County waterways are now taking part in an experimental pilot program attempting to allay the threat of future blue-green algae outbreaks this summer. (Read more: Pittsburg Morning Sun)

Shawnee anticipates $8 million drop in general fund revenues for upcoming budget

info2020-06-08T06:23:18-05:00June 7th, 2020|

Shawnee city staff and leaders considered ways to to reduce expenses while continuing to provide services for the community, during a council discussion on how the budget could be affected by a potential second wave of COVD-19. In a presentation to the city council on the upcoming budget, city management and department heads discussed the impact of COVID-19 on city services as well as ways the city has significantly reduced expenses to accommodate the loss in revenue. City staff anticipate a roughly $8 million drop in tax revenues and other miscellaneous revenues in the general fund this year, from about $55.6 million to [...]