News – Page 350 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Lawrence parents weigh advantages, concerns of cell phone-free schools; school board to vote on policy

info2024-11-26T09:38:09-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A new policy imposing a cell phone-free school day is on the table, and though some Lawrence parents believe it would better support teachers and students’ mental health, others said they’re worried about the safety implications. The Lawrence school board will consider approving a cell phone policy draft that says personal cell phones and devices must be “turned off and stored out of sight at all times during school hours” across the district. Ann Hossler is the parent of a Free State freshman who previously attended Raintree Montessori School, which enforced a strict cell phone ban. “There is hard evidence that [...]

City rezoning debate pits older neighborhoods against need for housing

info2024-11-26T09:34:29-06:00November 26th, 2024|

A question about rezoning on Tuesday brought to the forefront a larger philosophical debate: should Manhattan prioritize preserving older residential neighborhoods or allowing mult-unit buildings to increase housing stock? Manhattan city commissioners on Tuesday approved rezoning two adjoining lots, each with three-unit dwellings that the owner wants rezoned so he can make improvements. Source: themercury.com

Commerce Announces New Housing Workforce Development Grant

info2024-11-26T09:33:00-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The Kansas Department of Commerce today announced the launch of the Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program, a groundbreaking initiative that will address both housing needs and workforce development in Kansas. This new opportunity will provide up to $2 million to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes, while training the next generation of well-skilled trade workers. Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Governor Kelly Announces More than $1.4 Million Investment for Safer Streets and Roads

info2024-11-26T09:32:11-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that four Kansas communities have secured over $1.1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). “Leveraging federal dollars to supplement state and local investments in vital infrastructure is essential to economic growth,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The Safe Streets and Roads for All program provides our communities with the resources needed to build, operate, or maintain critical infrastructure. I appreciate the Legislature’s continued support of this initiative, as it represents a true bipartisan win for Kansas.” Combined [...]

Program offers help for utilities

info2024-11-26T09:31:01-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The City of Iola is working with local churches and organizations to remind utility customers of a program that helps neighbors in times of financial hardship. When paying your utility bill, you have an option to round up to the nearest dollar or make an additional donation. With cooler temperatures rolling in, the City of Iola wants people to know they can help their neighbors keep their house warm this winter. “If you choose, you can round up your utility payment to the nearest $1, $5, or $10 and it can go towards someone who needs assistance with their bill,” explained [...]

Making a masterpiece: Thrive honors achievements in leadership

info2024-11-26T09:29:51-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The theme of Thrive's 17th annual awards ceremony, "Creating a Masterpiece, Together," recognized individuals, businesses and organizations that create a healthy, vibrant community. After 17 years, Thrive Allen County’s vision is more clear than ever. In fact, some might call it a masterpiece. Thrive CEO Lisse Regehr said that’s exactly what her team hoped to create as they celebrated the organization’s anniversary with an annual awards banquet Friday evening at Allen Community College. The theme was “Creating a Masterpiece, Together.” Source: The Iola Register

Halstead approves official partnership with economic development council

info2024-11-26T09:27:54-06:00November 26th, 2024|

After months of discussion between the parties involved, Harvey County Economic Development requested an official agreement from the City of Halstead. Beth Shelton, executive director of the economic development council, addressed the council. “Since the EDC was established, it’s always been an informal agreement that we’ll do what our mission is for each one of the communities,” Shelton said. “This just puts it into writing.” Source: Harvey County Now

Hesston dog park finally opening

info2024-11-26T09:26:09-06:00November 26th, 2024|

Finally, after several delays, Hesston’s four-legged friends will have access to the Ridge Pointe Dog Run. The new dog park will officially open with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 12 p.m., and dogs and their humans are invited to attend. Source: Harvey County Now

Talks of moving AGCO production to 32-hour work weeks in 2025

info2024-11-26T09:23:51-06:00November 26th, 2024|

There is discussion in the works for the AGCO workforce to move to 32-hour work weeks, starting when calendar rolls over to 2025. The reason for the cut back in hours is the downward trend in agricultural equipment buying. Local USW 11228 President Ray Salas said farmers just aren’t buying the equipment, and the company is looking to save costs. “The union hasn’t agreed to this,” Salas said. “We’re negotiating it, because our contract is for a 40-hour work week. There has to be a stipulation that 32-hour work weeks are full time so we can keep the insurance.” Source: Harvey [...]

Wichita officers and firefighters hand out Dillons giftcards to shoppers

info2024-11-26T09:21:50-06:00November 26th, 2024|

The Wichita Police and Fire Foundations teamed up with and to give some help this holiday season. They handed out gift cards purchased by the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation for its “Holiday Hand-Up” program. It was like a scavenger hunt, with officers following prompts like “find someone wearing a veterans cap” and then giving them the gift. One officer says it was great to relieve some shoppers’ stress. “Seeing the reaction to a lot of these individuals we’re going out and contacting, they get to see, ‘Oh boy, all of the sudden, this police officer’s coming up to talk to [...]