Firefighters keep the water flowing even when hydrants freeze

The freezing temperatures are challenging firefighters across the state as more house fires ignite so firefighters have to make sure they keep the water flowing. That means checking fire hydrants and having a back up plan. “It is vital to what we do,” said Wichita firefighter Jake Carney, “Continuous water supply is very important.” It is as simple as popping off the cap and turning a few bolts and just seeing the rush of water.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-11T08:39:33-06:00February 11, 2021|News|

Fort Scott Fire Department joins risk reduction pilot program

A Southeast Kansas Fire Department will soon be helping itself – and the United States – become a safer place. Cheryl Adamson, Fort Scott Resident, said, “It’s just fitting for us and our community and the fire department to take that lead.” The Fort Scott Fire Department has entered into an important partnership with the National Fire Protection Association. Dave Bruner, Fort Scott Fire Chief, said, “It’s a community risk reduction pilot program, we were one of 250 departments across the country selected for this program.” With those fire departments across the country they will help create a new resource for fire safety and risk reductions in communities.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2021-02-11T08:39:52-06:00February 11, 2021|News|

Program paying workers up to $15K to move to Topeka extended through 2021

A program to pay people to move to the capital city will see another year, according to Topeka’s Joint Economic Development Organization. GO Topeka said JEDO approved extending the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative Incentive through 2021. It granted $300,000 in incentives meant to attract people to Topeka. Of that amount, 40% will be granted to remote workers in the incentive program. People who purchase a home can receive up to $15,000 while those who rent can get up to $10,000. “GO Topeka is ecstatic to see this program extended into 2021,” said Barbara Stapleton, GO Topeka’s vice president of business retention & talent initiatives. “Choose Topeka really flourished in its first year, but there is only more opportunity ahead of us as more people set their sights on Topeka, Kansas.”
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-02-11T08:40:01-06:00February 11, 2021|News|

Grant money saves historic building in downtown Topeka

The Thacher building in downtown Topeka was recently approved for two grants totaling $110,000. One of the grants, worth $90,000, comes from Governor Laura Kelly who also awarded grants to 14 other historical sites. The grants were allocated to the Thacher building after Jeff Carson, co-owner of the building and the company Gizmo Pictures that it homes, applied for them. The historical venue was suffering from some structural deficiencies that were accumulated over the years and needed saving. Some tenants, including Juli’s Coffee and Bistro, had to move out. The venue was designed in 1888 by world-renowned architect John G. Haskell. Haskell was also the architect for the Kansas Statehouse located just a few blocks from the Thacher Building.
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-02-11T08:40:09-06:00February 11, 2021|News|

Gathering sizes grow to 300 for Shawnee County with new COVID-19 health order

Beginning Friday, mass gathering limits in Shawnee County have increased to 300 participants or 50% of total capacity, according to a press release. Restaurants, bars and nightclubs can increase their hours until 12:00 a.m. Karaoke is now allowed as well as other live performances. Consumption of food and beverage at counters is also allowed with appropriate social distancing and barriers. Organizations that are planning events that are expected to go over 300 participants must submit a written plan for the COVID-19 Incident Response Team and the Shawnee County Health Officer to review.
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-02-11T08:40:24-06:00February 11, 2021|News|

Up to 2 inches of snow, wind chills as low as negative 30 in Kansas weather forecast

More snow is in the forecast for this weekend as many parts of Kansas still have snow on the ground from this past weekend’s snowfall. People who have been staying inside due to the weather may want to get groceries or run any necessary errands soon, because the forecast calls for even colder temperatures. The additional snow and any potential ice may make driving on roads more dangerous. “Bitter cold temperatures and very dangerous wind chills expect this weekend,” forecasters with the National Weather Service office in Wichita said in a tweet. “Be prepared for extreme cold.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-11T08:40:29-06:00February 11, 2021|News|

Recreational Trail Funding opportunity

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is not currently accepting applications for Recreational Trails Funding. The 2021 application will be uploaded in the Spring for a September 1, 2021 due date. The program provides 80 percent reimbursement to selected outdoor recreation projects. Projects that provide for motorized recreation activities are encouraged, as 30% of the funding is to be devoted to motorized projects. Qualifying projects include new trail or trailhead construction, maintenance or reconstruction of existing trails, enhancements or upgrades to existing trails/trailheads, development and planning, or land acquisition and easements.
Learn more here.

Ranson Financial2021-02-10T10:44:30-06:00February 10, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for February 9, 2021

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Ranson Financial2021-02-10T07:11:45-06:00February 10, 2021|News|

How The Search For Water Is Pitting Farmers Against Cities In Western Kansas

In the late 1980s, drought left the wells that supply water to the city of Hays and Russell in western Kansas precariously low. The near-catastrophe sent city leaders on the hunt for more water. “We were just trying to survive from one year to the next,” former Hays mayor and city councilman Eber Phelps said. The cities researched their options, including looking into purchasing water from several nearby reservoirs.
Source: KCUR News

Ranson Financial2021-02-10T07:05:24-06:00February 9, 2021|News|

Young generations aren’t staying in Kansas after graduating from college. Here’s why

Taelyr Blehm could have stayed in Kansas. When the KU senior accepted a position as a community organizer with the DART Network — an interfaith advocacy organization focusing on social justice — she had the option to work in Kansas City, Kansas, or Lawrence. Instead, she headed to Ft. Lauderdale. “I really appreciate some of my more rural beginnings. I spent summers on the farm, I knew the same people from preschool all the way through high school,” she said. “But I feel like the town I’m from perfectly represents the stagnation of Kansas as a state.” Blehm, a 21-year-old Russell native, is part of a continuing and possibly increasing generational exodus, as college-age students and graduates pursue opportunities elsewhere. Young Kansans leave for a mix of reasons. Many, like Blehm, are drawn to bigger, more diverse cities. Others seek livelier social scenes, even if that means moving across the state line to Kansas City.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-10T07:05:47-06:00February 9, 2021|News|