News – Page 2028 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Kansas schools, including metro districts, get $5 million in grants to upgrade security

info2019-08-20T21:35:34-05:00August 20th, 2019|

Several area school districts will be a little more prepared for an active shooter this year. The Kansas State Department of Education doled out $5 million in grants for schools to make safety improvements. School districts were eligible for up to $19.24 per student in matching grants for installing security systems or for securing classroom doors, windows or entrances. Blue Valley Schools already had taken steps to secure its front doors, but teachers told staff they were worried having to step into the hall to lock classroom doors could put them in harms way. (Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - [...]

A leaky situation for Great Bend

info2019-08-20T21:33:03-05:00August 20th, 2019|

During the Administrator’s Update at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, City Administrator Kendal Francis addressed water leaks that have been occurring throughout town and were gaining some popularity on social media. Francis noted he has been aware of the leaks, especially ones just south of 24th Street, since October 2018. At that time, there were approximately 60 reported leaks, a number that has since grown. “We dedicated a couple of crews to addressing the water leaks, but a couple of those senior employees were terminated,” said Francis. “We lost some of the staff and capabilities to fix leaks in a [...]

USD 309 bond issue tax impact revealed

info2019-08-20T21:31:32-05:00August 20th, 2019|

The owner of a $100,000 home in Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 would pay an additional $232.88 in annual property taxes to support a school bond issue. The $29.9-million, 25-year bond issue will go to voters in the Nov. 5 general election. The school district includes the cities of Nickerson, South Hutchinson, Willowbrook, and The Highlands, as well as the western edge of Hutchinson and rural areas. School board members recently received a report on the additional property tax impact from the estimated 20.25 mill levy increase that would be triggered by the passage of the bond issue. (Read more: Local - [...]

KDOT reintroduces bridge improvement program

info2019-08-20T21:30:30-05:00August 20th, 2019|

KDOT has reintroduced its Kansas Local Bridge Improvement program. Through the iniative, if a bridge meets the department’s criteria, it can qualify to be renovated by funds with the grant. Some of qualifications for the grant are that bridge must see 100 vehicles or less a day and the bridge must range between 20 to 50 feet in the length. Crawford County applied for the grant back in 2014 and received some funding. So, this time around, county leaders plan on doing the same in the hopes to keep area roadways in good condition. (Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)

City officials address concerns regarding proposed new flag

info2019-08-20T21:16:39-05:00August 20th, 2019|

Topeka city officials are responding to concerns raised regarding the proposed new city flag. Officials plan to ask the city’s mayor and council in coming weeks to consider adopting it, city manager Brent Trout said Tuesday. City officials have been working to explain to “those that are doubters” that the new flag has the same purpose as the old one, Trout said Tuesday at his monthly news conference with Mayor Michelle De La Isla. When asked if those doubters include city council members, Trout said that while he didn’t know if he would call them “doubters,” some council members have asked [...]

Reno County Planning Commission recommends permit for portable building maker

info2019-08-20T21:10:28-05:00August 20th, 2019|

The Reno County Planning Commission voted last week to let a portable storage building company operating in violation of zoning codes several miles south of Hutchinson to continue operating — and to expand. The board, however, voted to deny a rezoning request from a longtime local commercial construction company allowing it to relocate its business to a site near 43rd and Plum, voicing concerns about potential flooding impacts to a nearby housing subdivision. The board also was scheduled to open preliminary discussions on potential land use regulations for unzoned portions of the county that might offer protection from specific industries, such [...]

South Hutchinson tax rate flat; election set for Sunday liquor sales

info2019-08-20T21:09:08-05:00August 20th, 2019|

No citizens commented on the proposed 2020 budget for the city of South Hutchinson during a public hearing Monday night, and the council adopted the budget. It relies on a mill levy of 43.5 mills, which City Clerk Denise McCue described as essentially flat. The current levy is 43.835 mills. One mill generates $1 in tax revenue for every $1,000 in assessed valuation. The city’s new property tax rate on a house with a market value of $100,000 would result in an annual property tax bill of approximately $500. (Read more: News - The Hutchinson News)

Major power outage in Ark City halts business, causes heat concerns

info2019-08-20T21:06:57-05:00August 20th, 2019|

About 2,000 electricity customer in Arkansas, including in downtown, were without power starting 1:45 p.m. Monday, according to Westar Energy. The problem is believed to be at the Paris Park Substation and was affecting a larger portion of the west half of Ark City. Businesses were closing doors to customers, and traffic lights were not working. (Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Prairie Village mayor breaks tie to advance proposed drone regulations for final consideration

info2019-08-20T21:03:03-05:00August 20th, 2019|

Mayor Eric Mikkelson broke a tie vote at a Prairie Village city council committee meeting on Monday to send a proposed drone ordinance to the governing body for final consideration in the coming weeks. Prairie Village has been looking into whether and how to regulate the use of drones over the city since 2017, when a woman hired a drone pilot to fly a banner over the crowd at the Prairie Village Jazz Festival in hopes of reconnecting with a potential lover interest. That incident, which spooked some in the crowd, combined with a handful of reports about drones of unknown origin [...]

Dodge City USD 443 honored for nutrition, wellness program

info2019-08-20T21:01:23-05:00August 20th, 2019|

Dodge City USD 443 was among seven schools and organizations honored Tuesday for outstanding practices in child nutrition and wellness programs. According to the Kansas State Department of Education, this was the third year the Kansans Can 2018-2019 Best Practice Awards were presented during the Kansas State Board of Education meeting in Topeka. Dodge City USD 443 was honored for its Kansans Can Serve It Safe program. (Read more: News - Dodge City Daily Globe - Dodge City, KS)