Andover Fire Department crew honored with prestigious award

2023-12-18T10:52:03-06:00December 18th, 2023|

The Andover fire department is being honored with the 2023 Tom McGaughey Fire Service Award for one of its fire crews heroic actions and dedication when working a house fire earlier this year. It was May 1st when fire fighters were heading to a home that was already full of smoke and flames. While heading there they found out there were two people who were trapped. A man and a woman, both with limited mobility. "It's what we do; we just adapt to the conditions and situations that we have," said Chad Cheslik who was the supervisor for the crew of [...]

Successful Downtowns Major Components

2023-12-18T10:50:04-06:00December 18th, 2023|

I recently participated in a book study with colleagues over “13 Ways To Kill Your Community” by author Doug Griffiths. Griffiths visits common issues that communities face when they begin to struggle and see the population relocating when trouble seeps into a community. Change in a small town is often difficult. Griffith’s publication works hand in hand with a First Friday E-Call with Nancy Daniels of K-State Research and Extension. Daniels hosted Scott Sewell, from Kansas Mainstreet to share his organization and their offerings to small-town businesses and local main street revitalization. Part of his presentation focused on what success looks like [...]

County firefighters up to speed on staffing in Sedgwick County

2023-12-18T10:46:38-06:00December 18th, 2023|

After years of struggling to keep up with staffing changes, the Sedgwick County fire department has reached full staff. Part of that has to do with recruitment, another piece is better pay. "You know the Sedgwick County Commission over the last two years has done significant salary enhancements," said Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell. "And at this time we are doing a pretty good job keeping our staff up where it needs to be." The latest recruiting class was welcomed to the team Friday evening with a ceremony. "It was my childhood dream to be a firefighter," said new recruit Josh Smith. "I started out [...]

Small town Kansas bowling alley closing after six decades

2023-12-18T10:40:55-06:00December 18th, 2023|

It's the end of an era as a small Kansas town bowling alley is closing its doors for good at the end of the year, and the community of Arkansas City says it's a tough loss. "Awesome. Like, I love these people. They have just been there for my one year of venturing to a new school," said 10-year-old Lucas celebrating his birthday at Hillcrest Lanes in Ark City. "I survived ten years. I can survive ten more," said Lucas. His parents, Colt and Katie Rose, say it was the perfect place to celebrate their little man. "It's been a great [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for December 15, 2023

2023-12-18T10:33:42-06:00December 18th, 2023|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Advocates for stray dog decry gaps in Lawrence’s animal control services

2023-12-18T10:30:51-06:00December 18th, 2023|

Animal advocates followed Shebah the dog’s plight as she ran loose in the cold November. As she made her way across Lawrence, Shebah appeared in social media photos that revealed hip bones and ribs thrusting against her fur — signs of malnourishment. Her teets hung low, weighed down and engorged. At some point, she’d been separated from a young litter. Shebah evaded several attempts by Lawrence Humane Society staff, officers and community members to rescue her; however, at least one family successfully connected with the dog. They delivered Shebah to the Lawrence Humane Society the first time on Nov. 18. Animal Control then authorized [...]

Settling into new digs

2023-12-18T10:07:22-06:00December 18th, 2023|

It was 9 a.m. on a grey, rainy, chilly Friday morning as the Great Bend Police Department’s first sift gathered for roll call before heading out on patrol. This was nothing new for the officers and Police Chief Steve Haulmark, something they do every morning. But, there was one notable difference Friday. It marked the first morning of the first full day for the department to work out of the city’s gleaming new Justice Center at 12th and Baker. The new structure houses the new Police Station and Municipal Court Office. “We’re still trying to find a home for everything,” Haulmark [...]

Groundbreaking ceremony set for new Fire/EMS station

2023-12-18T10:05:39-06:00December 18th, 2023|

The Garden City Fire Department has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Garden City Fire Department and Finney County EMS Station #3 will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The station will be located at the intersection of Schulman Avenue and Jennie Barker Road. This event marks a milestone in our community’s commitment to public safety and emergency services. Designed to house up to 10 firefighters and six EMS personnel, Station #3 will serve as a vital hub strategically positioned to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring the safety of our residents and the protection of property. Source: Garden [...]

EPA fines Lawrence landfill over methane violations

2023-12-15T12:30:30-06:00December 15th, 2023|

Owners of a dump near Lawrence will have to pay more than $34,000 in upgrades and penalties for violating clean air regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday. The Hamm Inc. landfill, which is just outside Lawrence along U.S. Highway 59, takes solid waste from Lawrence’s municipal pickup service. During an inspection of the landfill in March 2022, the EPA found the landfill was emitting an illegal volume of methane gas and failed to correct it. Methane, like carbon dioxide, is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change by trapping heat. But it’s far more potent. Landfills can release huge [...]

Wichita to sell more public housing units

2023-12-15T12:28:49-06:00December 15th, 2023|

The City of Wichita has scheduled open houses for 11 single family homes that are being sold as the city repositions its public housing stock. The 11 homes being sold are part of a group of 37 homes that have been approved for sale by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The Wichita Housing Authority will be taking offers for the following homes: 1659 N. Woodland; 550 S. Volutsia; 1213 E. Selma; 5224 S. Hydraulic; 2236 E. 53rd St. S; 2229 E 53rd St. S; 3524 S. Bonn; 2944 S. Vine; 546 S. Richmond; 450 N. Acadia; and 991 [...]

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