Main Street Chanute receives accreditation

Main Street Chanute has been designated as a 2020 Accredited Main Street America™ program. Accredited status is Main Street America’s top tier of recognition and signifies a demonstrated commitment to comprehensive commercial district revitalization and a proven track record of successfully applying the Main Street Approach™. “We are proud to recognize this year’s 860 Nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have dedicated themselves to strengthening their communities,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “These Accredited Main Street programs have proven to be powerful engines for revitalization by sparking impressive economic returns and preserving the character of their communities. During these challenging times, these Main Street programs will be key to bringing economic vitality back to commercial districts and improving quality of life during the recovery process.”
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:52:51-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Winfield talks crowd control

With the 2020 Walnut Valley Festival canceled due to the coronavirus, what happens if people just show up at the fairgrounds anyway? City officials discussed how to be prepared for this scenario during a budget work session on Thursday. The festival, held annually since 1971, attracts 10,000 to 12,000 attendees every year. Some people begin camping at the Winfield Fairgrounds weeks beforehand, and the camp life is as big a part of the festival as the concert lineup.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:53:27-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

JoCo Parks and Recreation begins partnership with RideKC for bike share program

The Johnson County Parks and Recreation District this month launched a partnership with RideKC Bike for a bike share program. RideKC bikes became available at several Johnson County parks on June 1, and the partnership features hybrid “dockless” bikes. RideKC Bike has enhanced sanitation to be completed “with every maintenance check, movement between hubs and repairs,” according to a release. Although the bikes are considered dockless, they must be returned to an authorized hub location.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:53:48-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County unemployment rate fell in May, but is well above year-ago numbers

The unemployment rate in Kansas fell nearly two percentage points in May from its April high and fell four percentage points in Sedgwick County, as the economy began a phased reopening in early May and full opening in some counties later in the month. Although the statewide and county unemployment rates fell, both remained unusually high. While the state saw an increase in most employment sectors compared to April, government employees saw job losses. Kansas’ unemployment rate in May was 10%, according to the state Department of Labor — down from a high of 11.9% in April. The unemployment rate in Kansas in May 2019, however, was 3.1%.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:54:46-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Reno County planning board agrees to amend wind farm regulations

The Reno County Planning Commission agreed after about a 90-minute public hearing on Thursday to amend county zoning regulations on commercial wind developments. A majority of the evening’s two dozen speakers asked the commission to adopt a 21-page draft document submitted by Reno County Citizens for Qualify of Life that included significant additions and modifications to current regulations. At least two planning commissions, however, after the commission unanimously voted to proceed to make changes, voiced a desire that it be “more of a clean-up than a total rewrite.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:55:18-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Fireworks planning underway at cities

Despite the recent pandemic, and with some changes, area fireworks shows will proceed. Edgerton fireworks show will be held July 3 at Martin Creek Park with updated daily activities and cook out. Currently, Gardner and Spring Hill have not announced a headliner or daily events planned for Independence Day, although fireworks are permitted.
(Read more: Gardner News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:55:44-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Saving the old school will benefit the entire community

Current and former Chase County residents know the historic elementary school in Cottonwood Falls as a place of fond memories. From “first day of school” pictures with moms and dads to “last day of school” tears, and everything in between, the old school has a story to tell. “We are saving Chase County history,” says Lee Anne Coester, Chairman of the Chase County Old School Development District board. “Too often, old schools such as ours become a blight; we are working hard to prevent that from happening. With the support of our community, the four square blocks — 7-plus acres — of the 1904 school will, instead, become a vibrant community center.” “A series of meetings demonstrated the passion of locals to see this building preserved,” continued Coester. “Repurposing this beautiful old building will benefit everyone in our community — it will channel those feelings of nostalgia into a structure that will continue to be used for many generations.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:58:01-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Former utility worker with digestive disease sues City of Lawrence for alleged discrimination; city says he was fired for just cause

A former utility worker is suing the City of Lawrence for allegedly discriminating against him because of his disability, but the city says that he was fired for legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons and that awarding him damages would be “unjust enrichment.” … In the lawsuit, filed in April in U.S. District Court, Simmons claims his inflammatory bowel disease qualified him as disabled and that in response to related absences and requests for leave due to required surgeries the city discriminated and retaliated against him in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T08:12:23-05:00June 21, 2020|News|

Open Range riders take on wind, sand and scenery in Barber County

While an unanticipated windy start to the 2020 Open Range Gravel Race added to its challenge, most participants just kept on pedaling through Pratt and Barber counties last weekend, doing their best to stay upright amid strong blasts of wind. The number of tour participants, 18, was only a fraction of the 322 who signed up for the Open Range race option, but the two-day noncompetitive Open Range Gravel Tour will likely see increased numbers in the years ahead, if comments from tour riders are any indication. The tour route exactly mirrored that of racers in the 200K Open Range Gravel Race, who completed the course in one day. Since the Gravel Tour was no race, participants had ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Red Hills without worrying that someone might catch up with and overtake them as they stood on the side of the road snapping photographs or perhaps taking a cool nap in the shade.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:58:15-05:00June 19, 2020|News|

Kansas starts spending $1B in coronavirus aid, but leaders differ on where it’s needed most

Kansas officials will distribute $1 billion of federal aid to help cope with the fallout caused by the coronavirus, but Republicans and the Democratic governor disagreed on where some of the initial funding should go — to the unemployed? to businesses? to private universities? Gov. Laura Kelly and the legislative leaders that make up the State Finance Council met this week and are targeting local governments with the first $400 million going toward health care needs, like county health departments, protective equipment or other coronavirus-related costs. The money will be distributed on the county level based on population, about $200 per Kansas resident, though about $50 million of this round will be set aside for areas that saw high COVID-19 case numbers or unemployment, like counties in southwest Kansas that are home to meatpacking plants.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-06-22T07:58:26-05:00June 19, 2020|News|