Thanks to a ‘great outpouring of support,’ JoCo sports more than 200 new trees

A service project masterminded by two Shawnee Mission South students has resulted in new trees planted in eight Johnson County cities, as well as at 37 school district buildings. Fittingly, the project took place between Earth Day and Arbor Day. Eighteen-year-old seniors Chase Horner and Harley Witbrod were brainstorming ideas for a National Honor Society volunteer project, when they asked random people in a local park what kind of project they would financially support. The overwhelming answer? One with an environmental focus. The two decided to do their tree-planting project last year, but the pandemic forced them to push it back to this spring. Waiting a year wasn’t all bad — the extra time allowed them to get enough money and volunteer support to plant 223 trees — 173 more than the 50 trees originally in their plan.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:09:01-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Chetopa takes down 2 buildings after wall falls

City officials in Chetopa acted quickly to demolish two structures last month that posed a danger to the public. The Chetopa City Council met in a special session on April 26 to discuss an emergency condemnation of a structure at 422 Maple St., where the front brick wall had collapsed. The city staff and council deemed the structure to be an immediate hazard, which meant that by city ordinance the building could be taken down without notice to the owners.
Source: Parsons Sun

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:09:11-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Sedgwick City Administrator resigns

Sedgwick City Administrator Joe Turner officially resigned from his position on Wednesday in order to pursue an opportunity as the City Administrator with South Hutchinson. During their meeting Wednesday evening, Turner thanked Mayor Bryan Chapman and the city council for having faith in selecting him for the position back in July, 2019. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you mayor and the council,” Turner said. “I’ve enjoyed my time and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and I will always look back at this period of time fondly. I am deeply indebted to you, Mayor. I thank you for everything.” Chapman then thanked Turner for his service.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:09:25-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Fred Harvey Building coming down

After looking over First Street for more than 100 years, the Fred Harvey Building is coming down. Bulldozers could be seen Wednesday morning, beginning demolition work on the remaining multistory building on the property that once served as a carbonation and bottling plant. The building was part of the larger Fred Harvey Farm Complex, which Fred Harvey moved to Newton and used to supply his famous Harvey Houses up and down the rail line that passes nearby. The City of Newton stated the owner of the property took out a demolition permit on Monday for the property and has begun razing the structure. The location of the structure is zoned industrial. The Harvey County Government website currently lists Builders Concrete and Supply of Newton as the owners of the property.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:09:33-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Ark City will outsource its vehicle purchases

An outside company will handle buying and maintaining vehicles for the City of Arkansas City under agreements approved this week by the city commissioners. The board on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with Enterprise FM Trust, of Delaware, for the lease, use, maintenance, selection and inspection of city-owned vehicles. Commissioners also approved an agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc., of Missouri, for vehicle repairs and service. Having someone else manage vehicles’ replacement and service issues is expected to save the city money and free up time for city employees.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:10:16-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Court upholds USD-373 mask policy

A woman’s court challenge to the Newton School District’s mask policy has been denied. Harvey County District Judge Marilyn Wilder wrote in her seven-page ruling that Danica Dickson’s claims of discrimination and segregation against the district for punishing her son for improperly wearing a mask were invalid. “None of those rights is implicated in the requirement to put a small piece of cloth over one’s mouth and nose to help prevent the spread of a potentially deadly airborne disease when that cloth does not prevent any bodily function, does not impede movement in any way and is allowed to be removed in prescribed ways, at prescribed times,” she wrote.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:10:23-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Several families sue Johnson County school districts over ‘the trauma’ of COVID masks

The families of 16 children in Johnson County are suing the Blue Valley and Olathe districts, arguing that their students should be allowed to attend school during the pandemic without wearing masks. Attorney Linus Baker said the parents he is representing challenged their districts’ mask requirements under Senate Bill 40, which empowers parents to quickly fight such COVID-19 restrictions. But the Olathe and Blue Valley school boards have so far upheld their mask mandates. The lawsuit, which began in Johnson County district court, was moved to federal court this week.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:10:29-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Cruise the Burg attracts vintage cars and admiring crowd

More than 130 classic vehicles of numerous makes and models were on display during the Louisburg Lions Club’s 24th annual Cruise the Burg car show. The vintage cars, coupled with a craft show, drew hundreds of people to American Legion Park on Sunday, May 2, in Louisburg. “It’s a perfect day for it,” Michelle McKain of Gardner said as she watched James McKain hoist up their 8-year-old daughter Molly so she could get a closer look at the interior of a 1924 Model T coupe.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:10:38-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Earthquake swarm in north-central Kansas included a 4.1 magnitude in Jewell County

A cluster of five earthquakes so far has shaken north-central Kansas on Thursday, with the strongest a 4.1 magnitude in Jewell County. The Kansas Geological Survey reports the first earthquake of the day was also the strongest. The 4.1 magnitude started shaking at around 6:35 a.m. in between Mankato, Jewell, Randall and Formoso in northern Kansas. Those tremors were followed by a 2.6 magnitude at around 6:47 a.m., then a 2.3 magnitude at around 7:16 a.m. A fourth quake, this one a 3.2 magnitude, struck at around 8:04 a.m.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:10:57-05:00May 6, 2021|News|

Relive the legend! Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City announces May 8 grand opening, Gov. Kelly stresses on importance of tourism

The tourism industry creates thousands of jobs and brings in billions of dollars to the state. After a year of slowdown, a major Dodge City attraction is gearing up for the tourism season ahead. It’s been years in the making, but on Thursday the new Boot Hill Museum announced its May 8 official grand opening date.” This building has been a vision for many many years. We’ve always talked about an expansion of the museum,” said Lara Brehm, Boot Hill Museum Executive Director. “We’re extremely proud of what we have.” The $6 million renovation and expansion is the city’s centerpiece STAR Bond project. The 13,000 square foot attraction features a dozen permanent exhibits, a gallery, gift shop, and grand entrance.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-05-07T07:11:09-05:00May 6, 2021|News|