KCC Launches Website Focused on Shaping Energy Efficiency Programs, Incentives

The Kansas Corporation Commission has launched Energy Smart Kansas, a website devoted to helping shape the future of energy efficiency opportunities in the state. Kansans can provide feedback about which programs and potential rebates they are interested in. They will also find information on current state and federal offerings. With record-high temperatures and rising energy costs, the KCC is inviting all Kansans to share their feedback on how energy efficiency can help provide solutions for their energy needs and equip them with the tools to save money and energy in their homes and workplaces. You can learn more or participate by visiting EnergySmartKansas.org.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:41:09-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Kansas Infrastructure Summit begins in Wichita

Local government and business leaders from across Kansas are gathering in Wichita for the first-ever Kansas Infrastructure Summit. It’s being held through Thursday at the Wichita State University Hughes Metropolitan Complex. More than 650 people are learning about grant opportunities from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will provide close to $3.8 billion in direct funds over the next five years for transportation, water, energy, and broadband projects. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly welcomed the participants Wednesday morning and said the summit will develop a strategy on how Kansas can be strengthened for years to come. The people at the conference are hearing from experts on the resources available. They’re talking about ways the government and the private sector can work together to maximize the impact of the grants for infrastructure projects.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:41:56-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Riley County area emergency personnel conduct annual active violence training

Riley County first responders started three-day-long training exercises yesterday (Tuesday) to help improve response times and interagency coordination in the event of an active violence scenario. Members of RCPD, Manhattan Fire Department, Riley County EMS, KSU PD, volunteers, representatives from USD 383 and other law enforcement partners gathered at Anthony Middle School for this year’s training. Riley County EMS Assistant Director Josh Gering said that this training is extremely valuable and would not be possible without the support of USD 383. “Riley County is very lucky. We are unique in the state of Kansas by doing this annually and doing it to this level annually… The school district is permitting us to come into the buildings every summer and do this… To allow us to come and do this is super valuable. I hope other school districts take a page out of USD 383’s book here.”
Source: 1350 KMAN

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:42:51-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Newton softball tournament filled up local hotel rooms

More teams competing in this year’s Mexican-American Softball Tournament meant a bonanza for local restaurants and hotels. Ozell Lincoln said Coratel Inn & Suites usually filled about 30 rooms for the tournament, but this year all 53 rooms were booked during the Fourth of July weekend. He said the hotel counted on the boost provided by the annual tournament. “They do a lot for the local economy and I don’t think people realize how much business they bring,” he said.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:43:53-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Sedgwick names park after former mayor DeHaven

A longtime public servant in Sedgwick will have his legacy immortalized. The park on the east side of town has a new official name as the Mayor Donald K. DeHaven Memorial Park. DeHaven served as Sedgwick’s mayor for 44 years, as well as six years as a member of the city council. He died on May 17, 2013. Sedgwick City Council approved a resolution designating the new park name during last week’s meeting following a discussion in executive session. The resolution notes that naming the park after DeHaven will be a lasting reminder of his faithfulness and dedication in public service to Sedgwick.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:44:18-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Kansas Lands $4 billion, 4,000-Job Panasonic Energy Electric Vehicle Battery Plant

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., plans to build one of the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities of its kind in the United States in Kansas. Pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors, the company has identified a site in De Soto for the potential project. The planned project is expected to create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of up to $4 billion, which represents the largest economic development project in Kansas history. The development will have ripple effects throughout the regional and state economy, supporting an estimated 4,000 additional jobs created by suppliers and community businesses and 16,500 construction jobs as cited in an independent Wichita State University economic impact study. “As the largest private investment in Kansas history and one of the largest EV battery manufacturing plants of its kind in the country, this project will be transformative for our state’s economy, providing in total 8,000 high-quality jobs that will help more Kansans create better lives for themselves and their children,” said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:46:24-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Marion County discusses option of Fort Riley taking over receiving recycling again

Recycling was the main topic of business for the weekly Marion County Board of Commissioners on Monday. Weed/HHW/Transfer Station/Recycle Director Josh Housman gave an update on Department business letting the commissioners know that he is still a few employees short. Commissioner Kent Becker told Housman that he got a call from Fort Riley and they reported that they are ready to start taking recycling again which he feels would be really helpful to Hillsboro and Marion.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:49:37-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Marion selects Mark Skiles to become city administrator

Marion’s city council unanimously approved a contract Monday for Mark Skiles to become city administrator. Skiles’s starting date will be July 25. … Skiles, 63, most recently was city administrator in Clinton, Oklahoma…
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:51:34-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

Pittsburg’s Fox Theatre receives grant funding for refurbishment

Efforts to refurbish a historic area theatre got a boost from the state’s chief executive. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has awarded over $4 million in community service tax credits to nearly 30 nonprofits. One of which is the Colonial Fox Theater in Pittsburg. Vonnie Corsini says her organization has applied for the tax credits two times in the past, and the third time turned out to be the charm. “And we’re getting $150,000 of community service tax credits which will translate into $300,000 in gifts for us. If a person for instance would donate $1,000 to us, the State of Kansas would give them back $500 in tax credits,” said Vonnie Corsini, Executive Director, Colonial Fox Theatre Foundation.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:55:58-05:00July 13, 2022|News|

The new 988 suicide prevention hotline will connect Kansans to help near them

Think of the new 988 not just as an easier-to-remember suicide hotline. The number that goes live in Kansas on Saturday also comes with an infusion of federal tax dollars aimed at creating a more powerful and nimble lifeline to families caught in a mental health crisis. “It really spurred the initial progress to move forward with that,” said Sherrie Vaughn, the executive director of the Kansas branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “If you would have asked me four years ago, can we get there? I may have been hesitant to say yes.” The new hotline was designed to steer people to nearby help. That’s a departure from the existing system that merely connected people to therapists and social workers scattered across the country.
Source: KCUR News

Ranson Financial2022-07-14T07:56:11-05:00July 13, 2022|News|