News – Page 2384 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

City of Pittsburg explains tornado policy

info2018-08-22T06:47:04-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

On Sunday, a storm blew across Crawford County. Pittsburg residents notification systems on their cell phones warned of a tornado and they were told to “take shelter now.” However, in Pittsburg, no sirens sounded. “Radar is incredibly advanced and the desire to prepare the public to prevent loss of life is tremendous,” Pittsburg Public Information Director Sarah Runyon said. “While the conditions and radar reading were enough for the National Weather Service to broadcast a tornado warning for the Crawford County area, Pittsburg staff could not justify using the sirens as we could not confirm a tornado inside the city limits.” [...]

Reno County and USD 309 still discussing school resource officer

info2018-08-22T06:43:58-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

As expected, the Reno County Commission made no final decision about adding a position to the Reno County Sheriff’s Office. The addition would include a school resource officer for the Nickerson School District. The plan is for the district to pay 85 percent of the wages and benefits with an estimated cost of over $74,000 — more than what was first indicated. Dr. Dawn Johnson with USD 309 explained why the district feels it needs the officer. The two commissioners present at the meeting Tuesday didn’t seem to have a problem moving ahead with negotiations with the district. At this point, [...]

Rental inspection program could be eliminated in Hutchinson

info2018-08-22T06:41:39-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

It was controversial and even lead to threats of legal action. There was eventually legislation by the state over its legality. In March 2015, the Hutchinson City Council approved establishment of a Rental Registration and Inspection Program. But the city was forced to amend the program in June 2016 to comply with the new state statute. The change required tenant consent before conducting an interior rental inspection. The change basically took the teeth out of the city program, which was put in place to pressure landlords to keep their property up to standards. The program was also met with much resistance [...]

South Hutchinson Police Chief starts GoFundMe page to assist officers being laid off

info2018-08-22T06:40:23-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

The South Hutchinson Police Department has started a GoFundMe page to assist two officers and a records clerk whose jobs will be eliminated Sept. 5 as part of budget cuts imposed by the South Hutchinson City Council last week. Officers Matt Gabrielson and Keith Zerger, and records clerk Jaime Hedger will have little time to prepare for the layoff, said Police Chief Mark Thompson. He’s hoping to raise at least $2,000 for each employee to help with health insurance or other bills they might face before being able to find new jobs. He based the amount sought on estimated COBRA insurance [...]

South Hutchinson fire truck will remain in service after accident

info2018-08-22T06:38:15-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

A South Hutchinson fire truck damaged in a collision Sunday while responding to an alarm will remain in service, said Fire Chief R.C. Watson, until the vehicle is scheduled for repair. The crash at the intersection of Blanchard and Main damaged to the truck’s front bumper and driver’s side door. “The door is not working properly,” Watson said. “It’s got a hitch when you try to close it. And the bumper will need to be replaced. But all our trucks remain in service. It just won’t be the first-out apparatus.” He had no estimate on the cost of repairs. The truck, [...]

Saline County Commission selects interview board for county engineer

info2018-08-22T06:34:06-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

On Tuesday morning, Saline County commissioners unanimously selected a six-person interview board to conduct job interviews with applicants for county engineer. The interview board will consist of County Administrator Rita Deister, Assistant County Administrator Andrew Manley, Road and Bridge Administrator Darren Fishel, Commissioner Mike White, Human Resources Director Marilyn Leamer and a professional engineer to be selected by Deister and Leamer. Saline County’s previous county engineer, Neil Cable, retired at the end of July. Saline County is accepting applications for the position through Aug. 26. Leamer told commissioners that three people already have applied. The board will recommend a candidate with [...]

Dodge City changes residential zone; applies for housing grant

info2018-08-22T06:32:47-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

Community housing projects took up most of the city commission meeting agenda on Monday. Community Housing Association of Dodge City, Wagon Wheel addition, Candletree #8 and a commercial zoning change to residential, were all topics addressed. The commercial zone change was for 2.54 acres of land to an R-3 residential higher density zone for multi-family development. The 2.54 acres is between Ross Boulevard and Canterbury Road west of Avenue A and east of Cannery Row. According to planning and zoning director of development services Kevin Israel, it is unclear at this time at the type of housing development that will be [...]

Wichita allows tiny house development to move forward; neighbors hire lawyer

info2018-08-22T08:17:38-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

Saying they have no choice and over the objection of dozens of neighbors, Wichita City Council members on Tuesday approved the city’s first “tiny house” subdivision. The neighbors left the meeting angry. They say they plan to sue to try to stop the development and plan to oppose the council members at the ballot box. “This isn’t over,” said J.D. Munley, who lives near the planned development. “I have already talked to my attorney.” The issue involves plans to put about 90 tiny houses on 15 acres of land just outside the city limits at Harry and 143rd Street East. More [...]

Great Bend receives another push to place turf at the Sports Complex

info2018-08-22T06:28:20-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

n case the idea of installing turf was not on the minds of city officials and councilmembers, several baseball- and softball-minded individuals showed up at Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting to encourage the placement of turf on ballfields. Mike Minton, president of the Great Bend Bombers Baseball organization, presented before the Council on the advantages of placing turf on the baseball and softball fields at the Great Bend Sports Complex. Minton outlined the amount of visitors the Sports Complex brings into the city each spring and summer with youth tournaments and turning that traffic into dollars spent in the community. [...]

Ark City to place stop signs at four more uncontrolled intersections

info2018-08-22T06:26:00-05:00August 22nd, 2018|

Starting this week, the City of Arkansas City will place stop signs at four uncontrolled intersections in northwest Ark City. East-west traffic will be required to stop. The move is intended to reduce the frequency and severity of vehicle collisions at the intersections. The City Commission voted 4-0 on Aug. 7 to approve a resolution authorizing the placement of eight new traffic control devices. City staff plan to use reflective tape and flags on the sign poles to call attention to the new stop sign placements. Tree trimming and removal will be performed as needed to improve visibility at the most [...]