Andover begins tornado recovery efforts

Andover officials said Sunday that search and rescue teams and first responders have completed their final rounds through the neighborhoods damaged by the April 29th tornado. The storm damaged around 1,000 homes and buildings, but city staff continue the process of using GIS software to determine an exact number. Four people had minor injuries from the storm, and there were no fatalities. Andover police were restricting access to the hardest-hit areas by allowing only residents, requiring identification before letting them in.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2022-05-01T23:35:42-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Johnson County commission votes to split from KCATA, bring transit service in-house

Johnson County will soon end a contract with a regional transit authority to bring bus management services in-house. Thursday, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) voted 7-0 to end an interlocal agreement with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA). In 2014 the BOCC entered into an interlocal agreement with KCATA to manage the county’s transit services. The county currently pays KCATA roughly $584,000 annually for the management of three third-party contracts with First Transit for fixed route, paratransit and dispatching services. KCATA also oversees a contract with WHC Inc., for micro transit and taxi services and EcoLane for administration services.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF

Ranson Financial2022-05-01T23:34:32-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Wyandotte County leaders won’t confirm if data breach was ransomware attack

A mid-April attack on Wyandotte County’s computer systems continues to cripple key services in the county — including the court system. FOX4 News has learned the breach may be a ransomware attack — similar to others where the victims ultimately pay the attackers to free up their locked down systems. Victims are often faced with either paying high sums of money or losing access to their records and computers. On Wednesday, FOX4 asked leaders with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, if this security breach is a ransomware attack, as we’ve been told. However, county spokespeople refused to address the randomware topic directly, saying only the effort to repair the trouble continues.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF

Ranson Financial2022-05-01T23:32:30-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

KCK officials release few new details on cybersecurity attack

Officials with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas gave few new details on the nature of a cybersecurity attack during a press conference Friday. Mayor Tyrone Garner and Interim County Administrator Cheryl Harrison-Lee spoke for less than 10 minutes, calling the cyberattack a “fluid situation.” “What we may have realized tomorrow may not be what we have realized today,” Garner said. The cyberattack took place April 16 and was discovered later that day by a Unified Government employee. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI were notified. Local, state and federal officials are assisting in the investigation. Garner acknowledged that there have been questions about transparency surrounding the cybersecurity attack.
Source: KC Star

Ranson Financial2022-05-02T07:10:53-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Kansas governor, legislators offer support for Andover after ‘stunning and heartbreaking’ tornado

Gov. Laura Kelly on Saturday surveyed damage in Andover and promised to help the town recover from the large and destructive tornado that tore through the town the night before. Legislators from the area offered prayers and assistance for the Butler County community. The National Weather Service in Wichita said the severity of damage indicated the tornado had an EF3 intensity on the 0-5 rating scale while on the ground for about 20 minutes. The governor declared an emergency Friday evening after a large storm system spawned tornadoes, large hail and strong straight-line winds across the state. On Saturday, she traveled to Andover to meet with first responders, local government officials and residents impacted by the storm.
Source: Wyandotte Daily

Ranson Financial2022-05-01T23:28:07-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

UG Commission delays half-cent sales tax proposal until next year

The Unified Government Commission, meeting late into the night on Thursday, delayed the half-cent sales tax increase proposal for this year, but it may come back next year. After a sometimes heated discussion on the proposed sales tax, Commissioner Christian Ramirez proposed continuing the discussion on it, with the possibility of putting it on the ballot in 2023. The original proposal was to put it on the ballot in the August 2022 primary. In a show of hands, commissioners agreed with the delay. During discussion, Commissioner Andrew Davis said he felt the commission was wasting its time. He said the commission has been very clear on its stance previously. “The commission wasn’t even considered, and we keep talking about it,” he said. “I would think that we would be considered.”
Source: Wyandotte Daily

Ranson Financial2022-05-02T07:12:04-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Emporia plants tree for Arbor Day

The weather was perfect for tree planting Thursday morning at Soden’s Grove Park. City Horticulturist Joshua Nelson, assisted by Lori Edie planted a Cottonless Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) in honor of Mayor Becky Smith as part of Arbor Day festivities. Mayor Smith proclaimed April 29th as Arbor Day in Emporia during the April 20th City Commission meeting. The Cottonless Cottonwood is a fast-growing tree that it does not produce the cotton that the eastern cottonwood does, making it a less messy variety. They can reach heights of 70-80 feet. A tree is planted each year in honor of the mayor. It is part of the Tree City USA application and is a requirement to maintain that designation.
Source: Emporia Gazette

Ranson Financial2022-05-02T07:12:20-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Manhattan looks to phase in pay increases for government employees

The Manhattan City Commission on Tuesday will consider approving raises for 77% of government employees with implementation broken into phases over 2.5 years. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall. In a first reading, the commission passed the updated classification and compensation system recommended by AGH Consulting with a 3-2 vote. Commissioners Wynn Butler and John Matta voted against it. For the final vote, administrators provided commissioners with information on the phasing of the salary implementation.
Source: themercury.com

Ranson Financial2022-05-02T07:15:43-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Looking for help after Andover tornado? United Way offers aid at community center

If you were affected by the Andover tornado that hit Friday night, United Way of the Plains will be in Andover on Sunday to help, the nonprofit said over social media. Volunteers from the nonprofit set up a disaster assistance center at the Andover Community Center, 1008 E. 13th St., from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday to provide residents with water, snacks and other supplies, a news release says. The agency said hours for Monday will be announced later. Those needing assistance with shelter, basic needs or cleanup can also dial 211 to find resources.
Source: Wichita KS Breaking News, Sports & Crime |

Ranson Financial2022-05-01T19:14:44-05:00May 1, 2022|News|

Here’s how you can volunteer to help out in Andover after devastating tornado

Volunteers who want to help in the clean-up effort after the tornado that ravaged Andover and the surrounding area can sign up starting Monday. The city of Andover said in a Facebook post Sunday that prospective volunteers can sign up and get registered at the United Methodist Church at 1429 N. Andover Road. Information about when the church will open for registration was not immediately available early Sunday afternoon. “Our hope is to start volunteers at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3 to avoid upcoming severe weather,” the post reads. More severe weather is forecast for the area Monday afternoon.
Source: Wichita KS Breaking News, Sports & Crime |

Ranson Financial2022-05-01T19:03:54-05:00May 1, 2022|News|