Hutchinson announces Small Business Emergency Relief program

The City of Hutchinson has been approved for $132,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, allowing it to establish a Small Business Emergency Relief Grant Program. Applications are now being accepted for the program which will assist small businesses of up to 50 employees who employ people from low- to medium-income households. Businesses must have at least 51% of its employees who fall within household income guidelines and submit an Employee Certification form for each employee.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:21:18-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Three area police departments receive grants to hire officers

Three area police departments received grants from through the U.S. Attorney’s office to hire Community Policing officer. Area departments receiving grants included: Cheney Police Department, $250,000; Hesston Police Department, $125,000; and Pratt Police Department: $125,000. The grants, which went to 15 departments in Kansas, were part of nearly $400 million nationwide for law enforcement hiring announced by the Department of Justice, through its Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP).
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:21:57-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Topeka city government furloughs non-union employees

As part of an ongoing effort to cut costs, Topeka’s city government is requiring non-union employees to spend five days on furlough, the city’s spokeswoman said this past week. Non-union employees, of which the city has 285, must take five unpaid days off between June 13 and Sept. 18, said Molly Hadfield, the city’s media relations director. But the city is no longer seriously considering asking groups of employees to accept pay cuts, city manager Brent Trout said this past week at the monthly news conference he holds with Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “In the sense of specific salary percentage reductions, I think that that probably is not something that we’ll look at,” Trout said. “We’ve been studying the issue and looking at things and we believe that if there’s changes that need to be made, that furloughs is a better option.”
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:22:22-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Counter protest by white supremacists fails to materialize at Hutchinson event

Jarin Berger said he may have overprepared with 600 water bottles in an ice tub outside his home for the roughly 75 people who marched in support of social justice down Main Street in Hutchinson on Saturday. Despite concerns about potential violence from protesters and counter-protests from white supremacists that led to several businesses being boarded up, the event went off without a hitch. All along the route, police stopped to block off traffic at intersections and every couple blocks someone handed out water to chanting protesters. “I just wanted to let them know they were welcome here and we just thought water would be the best way,” Berger said, adding 600 water bottles was too much. “But, I mean it’s got all of our neighbors out. We are all kinda banding together and helping out so. That’s kinda what it’s all about.”
Read more: Local News |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:22:33-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

County health officer sounds a warning as COVID-19 numbers rise in Wichita area

Sedgwick County’s health officer is raising concerns that the Wichita area may have moved too fast to fully reopen the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. He’s recommending a retreat to an early phase of health precautions to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Dr. Garold Minns is recommending backing up to Phase 2 of the “Ad Astra Plan,” Gov. Laura Kelly’s now-abandoned effort for a slower, more deliberate reopening after two months of strict stay-at-home orders and mass gathering limits.
(Read more: Local News |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:22:43-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Kansas county baling straw to help curb ‘banner year’ for blue-green algae

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, it may soon be time to bale. Pun intended. With this week’s oppressive heat wave cranking up water temperatures across the state, the annual battle between pond and lake managers and the scourge of blue-green algae is right on our doorstep. After seeing an earlier-than-normal outbreak of blue-green algae in April at Lake Shawnee, three Shawnee County waterways are now taking part in an experimental pilot program attempting to allay the threat of future blue-green algae outbreaks this summer.
(Read more: Pittsburg Morning Sun)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:23:07-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Shawnee anticipates $8 million drop in general fund revenues for upcoming budget

Shawnee city staff and leaders considered ways to to reduce expenses while continuing to provide services for the community, during a council discussion on how the budget could be affected by a potential second wave of COVD-19. In a presentation to the city council on the upcoming budget, city management and department heads discussed the impact of COVID-19 on city services as well as ways the city has significantly reduced expenses to accommodate the loss in revenue. City staff anticipate a roughly $8 million drop in tax revenues and other miscellaneous revenues in the general fund this year, from about $55.6 million to roughly $47.9 million, especially with the possibility of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic later this year. City staff expect revenues to increase again next year.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:23:18-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Louisburg approves use of UTVs, golf carts on streets

Owners of UTVs and golf carts can drive their vehicles on Louisburg streets under certain conditions and speed limitations. The Louisburg City Council voted 5-0 in late May to allow work-site utility vehicles, utility task vehicles and golf carts to be operated inside the city limits. UTV owners must register their vehicles with the Louisburg Police Department and purchase a city-issued tag to display on the vehicle. UTVs can be operated on any highway, street or roadway in Louisburg that has a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. Utility vehicles must have bench or bucket-style seats. Vehicles that require the driver to straddle the seat are not allowed.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:23:31-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

KDHE looks to open schools

Kansas remains optimistic that its school buildings will reopen in the fall. However, the lingering impact of COVID-19 will impact the opening in a variety of ways. Kansas schools will have to be prepared for any scenario that comes their way in the fall. Kansas Commissioner of Education Randy Watson, Ed.D., assembled a task force in May to develop comprehensive guidance for safely reopening school buildings and for ensuring the continuity of academic rigor and assessment in the event school is interrupted for any reason.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:23:51-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Winfield’s Walnut Valley bluegrass music festival postponed due to coronavirus

The Winfield festival known for its bluegrass and other music is being postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Walnut Valley Festival organizers announced on Thursday that the 2020 festival will be postponed until September 2021 due to public health recommendations on mass gatherings.
(Read more: Local News |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-05T11:14:36-05:00June 5, 2020|News|

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