Some Lawrence still interested in raising age to buy tobacco products; others say it’s the wrong approach

Though the Lawrence City Commission has declined to consider a proposal to ban the sale of tobacco and vaping products to people under 21, that doesn’t necessarily mean the idea won’t get its day at City Hall.

A court ruling this summer indicated that local governments have the authority to ban tobacco sales to those under 21, but because of a lack of support among Lawrence city commissioners, the commission has not joined Douglas County in passing such a ban. However, with an election coming up, Mayor Lisa Larsen said she planned to bring the topic up again.

KDA to Participate in Multistate ASF Exercise

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will be one of 15 states participating in a functional exercise the week of Sept. 23-26 focused on the states’ plans for African swine fever (ASF) response and mitigation. The functional exercise, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will test participants’ abilities to respond to a simulated animal disease event….
This four-day functional exercise, which will be based out of KDA headquarters in Manhattan, will enable KDA and its partners in other state agencies, federal and local government, industry, university and 14 other states to practice this response plan.

(Read more: Rural Messenger)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T21:13:31-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Gardner postpones water plant annexation

The Gardner City Council Sept. 16 asked Ryan Denk, city attorney, and staff to contact Miami County Board of commissioners about the city’s plans to annex the Hillsdale water treatment plant.
The council during its last meeting Sept 3 authorized the mayor to execute a “consent to annex” the plant.

The plant is located in unincorporated Miami County, and city staff said it would save money on permitting fees paid to Miami County for construction projects at the plant. Fees were estimated at $150,000.

(Read more: Gardner News)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:38:34-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

USD 308 School Board seeks approval of amendment for facilities use.

The Hutchinson USD 308 School Board will seek approval of several amendments to the shared facilities agreement with Hutchinson Community College during Monday’s agenda session. The agreement includes the use of Gowans Stadium and the USD 308 Complex.

The amended agreement now includes information related to the use and care costs of the game soccer field located at the soccer complex at 23rd and Severance. Hutchinson Community College will pay for 30% of the maintenance costs of the game field which at this time is $15,000. We have also amended the agreement to indicate that HCC staff will be responsible for the custodial services and the grounds clean up after all USD 308 events at Gowans Stadium.

The associated cost to USD 308 would be $7,740. The district feels the change will keep them from bringing in off duty staff and paying overtime to staff for the cleanup of the Gowans’ after home events.

(Read more: Hutch Post)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:30:49-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Sedgwick Co. Rural Water District 4 under boil advisory

A boil water advisory has been issued for residents in Sedgwick County Rural Water District 4. The advisory is for all services south of Kellogg Avenue.

On its website, the water district said its water line was hit at 23rd South and 167th West. Some customers could be without water service for 8 hours. When service returns, customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or preparing food, or using bottled water.

(Read more: KAKE – News)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:29:48-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Little Jerusalem Badlands state park to open October 12 in Logan County

The wait is finally over. The Nature Conservancy and Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) announce the much-anticipated Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park will open on Saturday, October 12. Located in southern Logan County, Little Jerusalem is easily accessed from Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 83. A grand opening celebration with speeches and a ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. The two permanent trails will open after the ceremony and close at sundown, approximately 7 p.m. Free snacks and water will be available.

Grand opening activities include free, guided tours departing from the parking lot on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Space for the guided tours is limited and advance registration at nature.org/littlejerusalem is required. All visitors may hike the two permanent trails at Little Jerusalem at their own pace. The Overlook Trail extends one-quarter mile along a crushed rock surface to a scenic viewpoint.

(Read more: Kiowa County Signal)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:24:00-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Bethel College capital campaign launches with seven-figure gift

As Bethel College moves full steam ahead with its Engage the Future capital campaign, a significant gift from two Baldwin City alumni has boosted the effort.

The Dick Living Trust has made a commitment of $1.5 million toward the campaign, which is focused on student wellness (physical, spiritual and emotional), information technology upgrades, academic program initiatives and annual giving.

Brad Kohlman, Bethel vice president for institutional advancement, said, “This is the type of commitment that is transformational to our institution’s present and its future.”

(Read more: Newton Kansan)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:22:00-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Lenexa, KDOT planning to improve I-435 interchange at West 87th Street Parkway

Lenexa is planning to work with the Kansas Department of Transportation to make improvements to the busy highway interchange near City Center.

The project calls for construction of interchange improvements at West 87th Street Parkway and I-435. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $6.68 million. Lenexa has been awarded $3.2 million in funding from the federal Surface Transportation Program to help cover expenses for the project. Meanwhile, the city will cover the remainder of the project costs as part of its 2019-23 capital improvement program.

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:18:52-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Pratt County approves loader purchase; flu shots available today

Pratt County commissioners approved the reconditioning of a loader at the Pratt County Landfill during their regular Monday meeting business. Jason Winkel, landfill manager, said the loader was about four years old and had 4,500 hours. Some parts of the loader were showing from 80 percent to 90 percent wear and needed to be replaced. The final drive seals are starting to show a little leakage and don’t need to be replaced right now but Winkel said it would be smart to do it at the same time to save transport expenses at a later date.

Commissioners approved $39,700 for Foley Cat to do the reconditioning. Foley is also completing reconditioning on another landfill loader and will swap out loaders when the first project is complete.

Work on a temporary land fill scale house is almost done. Some electrical work needs to be done. So far, Winkel has only received one response for bids for concrete work for the new scale house. He is expecting responses from two other contractors.

(Read more: Pratt, KS – Pratt Tribune)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:17:38-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

USDA offers disaster assistance for Kansas farmers hurt by 2018, 2019 disasters

Agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). Sign-up for this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program began Sept. 11.

“There is no doubt that extreme weather has greatly impacted Kansas’ agricultural producers over the last several years, and 2019 is no exception,” said David Schemm, State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. “With record amounts of crops prevented from planting nationwide and other devastation, more than $3 billion is available through this disaster relief package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in early June.”

(Read more: Sabetha Herald)

Ranson Financial2019-09-23T19:16:06-05:00September 23, 2019|News|

Some Lawrence still interested in raising age to buy tobacco products; others say it’s the wrong approach

KDA to Participate in Multistate ASF Exercise

Gardner postpones water plant annexation

USD 308 School Board seeks approval of amendment for facilities use.

Sedgwick Co. Rural Water District 4 under boil advisory

Little Jerusalem Badlands state park to open October 12 in Logan County

Bethel College capital campaign launches with seven-figure gift

Lenexa, KDOT planning to improve I-435 interchange at West 87th Street Parkway

Pratt County approves loader purchase; flu shots available today

USDA offers disaster assistance for Kansas farmers hurt by 2018, 2019 disasters

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