News – Page 37 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Olathe set to get $2.4M from opioid settlement — Here’s how city wants to use it

info2024-10-07T09:53:06-05:00October 7th, 2024|

Olathe plans to use some of its opioid settlement funds to build on existing health programs and add to a growing coalition of city employees and contractors working to address substance abuse issues. That will include a brand new pilot program specifically focused on addressing barriers to substance abuse recovery for individuals and some new hires to aid in that effort. At least initially, all of these additions will be covered by settlement dollars. On Tuesday, representatives from the Olathe Fire and Police departments presented their plans for the new positions and program to the Olathe City Council. Source: Johnson County [...]

Big road project planned for Osborne County, open house planned

info2024-10-07T09:52:02-05:00October 7th, 2024|

A major road project is scheduled for more than three miles of U.S. Highway 281 in northern Kansas starting in January. The project is big enough that the Kansas Department of Transportation is holding a public open house about it on Oct. 21. The project will reconstruct over three miles of U.S. 281 and replace the North Fork Solomon River bridge south of Portis in Osborne County. KDOT’s open house about the project will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, at the Portis Community Center, 206 Market Street. During the open house, KDOT staff will provide a [...]

Baxter Springs hosts 7th annual Back the Badge event

info2024-10-07T09:50:53-05:00October 7th, 2024|

Baxter Springs community members came together today to raise money for local reserves through an annual event. The 7th annual Back the Badge event was held in the American Bank parking lot in Baxter Springs. It’s a collaboration between the Baxter Springs Police Department reserve officers and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies. Donations of any amount were raised through 2024 Back the Badge shirts, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and drinks. This year also included a raffle for a gun. All proceeds go toward equipment and needs for reserve officers and deputies. Source: KSNF/KODE

Shawnee County offers new incentive for snow plow drivers

info2024-10-07T09:49:22-05:00October 7th, 2024|

Shawnee County is trying to make it easier to find snowplow drivers for the winter months. Snowplow drivers are getting a boost from Shawnee County with an offer of some financial incentives while they apply for their licenses. A major hurdle for these drivers is obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). “We give them an opportunity, a single opportunity, to gain a class-A CDL,” said Curt Niehaus with Shawnee County Public Works. “And while they’re attempting to obtain a class-A CDL, Shawnee County pays their salary and benefits.” New employees are expected to repay the money over two years once they [...]

Police officer won’t be charged after pedestrian struck, killed in southwest Wichita

info2024-10-07T09:47:58-05:00October 7th, 2024|

A Wichita police officer will not face charges in an incident where a man was struck and killed by police cruiser in southwest Wichita. “Our office has completed its review of the case and determined there is insufficient evidence of criminal liability on part of the officer involved,” Sedgwick County Deputy District Attorney Aaron Breitenbach said in a statement. “As a result, no charges will be filed.” Jeffrey Moss, 51, of Wichita, was on foot crossing West MacArthur in the 1300 block when he was struck by a WPD cruiser driven by a 29-year-old officer heading east shortly before 8 p.m. [...]

A ‘silver lining’ in Wichita’s drought? Cheney water levels low enough to repair dam

info2024-10-07T09:46:46-05:00October 7th, 2024|

The city of Wichita is planning to take advantage of Cheney Reservoir’s historic-low water levels by fixing its crumbling dam. The Wichita City Council on Tuesday approved a $13.85 million project to repair 1.5 miles of soil cement “armor” that protects Cheney Reservoir’s dam. The reservoir, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Wichita, provides up to 80% of the city’s raw water that is then treated and delivered to customers as clean drinking water. “If there’s any silver lining to this drought at all, it’s the ability to go in and make these repairs,” said Gary Janzen, director of public works [...]

City of Lawrence’s downtown ambassadors aim to keep the district clean and current

info2024-10-07T09:45:51-05:00October 7th, 2024|

The City of Lawrence started its Downtown Ambassador Program to get parking staff back to work during the pandemic. Since its return in July 2023, the program has aimed to keep the cultural hub of Lawrence clean, beautified and welcoming. This year alone, parking staff and volunteers have removed more than 1,000 graffiti tags, collected more than 15,000 gallons of trash, maintained more than 200 pieces of city infrastructure and helped more than 200 visitors around the downtown area. Source: The Lawrence Times

Leavenworth hires next City Manager

info2024-10-07T07:39:22-05:00October 7th, 2024|

At the Sept. 24, 2024 meeting, the Leavenworth City Commission hired Scott Peterson as the next City Manager for the City of Leavenworth. Peterson begins his new role Nov. 4. Peterson takes over the job of City Manager after the resignation of Paul Kramer, who served in this role from 2015 through April of this year. ... Peterson is a 2011 K-State graduate and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas, which he earned in 2014. Peterson comes to the City of Leavenworth with more than 10 years of leadership positions at municipal governments including his [...]

Governor Kelly Announces $6.8M Investment for Nine New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

info2024-10-04T09:28:59-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that more than $6.8 million in federal funds will be directed to nine new locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. These new direct current (DC) fast-charging stations add to Kansas’ existing electronic vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, forming a more complete statewide EV charging network. “These investments enhance Kansas infrastructure and help meet the needs of all who travel throughout our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By strengthening our network of electric vehicle charging stations, we are addressing current EV charging needs while preparing for our future demands.” Source: Governor of [...]

Concerns raised over rabies in Kansas

info2024-10-04T09:28:01-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Kansas health officials and the state agriculture department are calling attention to human health risks after a second case of rabies was reported in outdoor cats that were not vaccinated. The cases were reported over the past two weeks in Harvey County and Jewell County, and both involved outdoor cats which exposed multiple humans and other cats. The known human exposures have started rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, a series of five vaccinations to prevent rabies in humans. There have been six positive cases of rabies in cats this year, as well as several cases in wildlife. Both of the cases this month [...]