Sedgwick first responders visit scouts

Cub Scout Pack 487 got a special treat Monday evening as first responders attended their meeting to show off the large vehicles and equipment used to serve others in the community. Each rank of Cub Scout requires the kids to interact with first responders and to learn more about what they do and how they contribute to our community. The firefighters, EMT, and police officer talked about what they do, the equipment they use, and they answered any questions the kids asked. This was the first time we’ve organized an event like this but judging from the success of the event it likely won’t be the last.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T01:36:38-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Armstrong takes helm of hospital

Jeremy Armstrong, the new administrator for Allen County Regional and Anderson County hospitals, is no stranger to small towns. He grew up in Wetmore, a town of about 300 north of Topeka, and served as the leader of small-town hospitals in Marion and Beloit. He knows that it takes time to get to know a community. He took over the hospitals in Iola and Garnett on Sept. 19, and has spent the past month getting to know the staff and physicians in each town. “Then I’ll make my way through the community,” he said. “Each community is a little unique in their culture and what makes them tick.”
Source: The Iola Register

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T01:32:50-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Derby begins discussion of ward redistricting process

Per Derby charter ordinance 60, a review of the city’s ward boundaries was triggered this year, with the City Council starting that process at its Oct. 11 meeting. As outlined in the ordinance, when the total population deviation exceeds 10% between all four wards, adjustment to the ward boundaries is required. Currently, the population deviation sits at almost 34%. All four wards are also not within the required 5% of the average ward population.
Source: Derby Informer | News

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:12:02-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Emporia discusses allowing chickens in city limits

The Emporia city commission is moving forward with the drafting of an ordinance that would allow for chickens within the city limits. The city has had a moratorium on permits for chickens since 2012, with chickens allowed in agricultural-zoned districts but not within residential areas. Recommended restrictions included a yearly $50 permit fee and inspection with a maximum of four chickens per lot or parcel. No roosters would be allowed and chickens would have to be enclosed in chicken coops or runs that meet the specified size and location requirements.
Source: Emporia Gazette

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:12:25-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Marion to curb week-long parking

Marion’s streets aren’t parking lots. That’s what city council members decided Monday when they unanimously passed an ordinance to make it illegal to “park, store, or leave standing” any motor vehicle on public streets, parking areas, sidewalks, parks, and other city-owned property for more than seven continuous days. “I don’t think that’s unreasonable,” council member Zach Collett said.
Source: Marion County RECORD

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:17:22-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Record Interest in Rural Housing Development

Governor Laura Kelly has announced that months after she signed legislation to fund the expansion of rural housing development, a record number of rural cities and counties are planning to build more homes. “I’ve said it time and again: We need to build more housing so that every Kansas family can afford to put a roof over their head – and so we can attract and retain the workers needed to continue our record-breaking economic success,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation and the bipartisan legislation I signed earlier this year, we are poised to address that need and continue creating a better future for rural communities across the state.”
Source: News | atchisonglobenow.com

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:17:51-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Overland Park unveils city’s first all-inclusive playground at renovated Strang Park

After undergoing $4 million worth of renovations, the new and improved Strang Park in Overland Park is officially open, with the city’s first-ever all-inclusive playground as its centerpiece. … The playground has several handicap accessible features, such as deck platforms for wheelchairs. A communication board with common words and symbols is also on site to appeal to nonverbal kids.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:18:38-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Wichita looks looking at procedural change to broaden daycare availability

In response to a desperate need for child care availability in the Wichita area, city and Sedgwick County officials will soon consider a change to its joint zoning code that could increase the capacity of home daycares from 10 to 12 children and more closely align with state regulations. If approved, the change would impact about 300 home daycares in Wichita.” By having them be able to have more kiddos, that’s more kids that can have access to child care,” said Wichita vice mayor Becky Tuttle, who was involved in the initiation of amending the Wichita-Sedgwick County unified zoning code.
Source: Wichita Business Journal

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T01:01:17-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

When is low too low? Topeka police chief and union are at odds regarding staffing question

Topeka’s police chief and an officeholder with the local Fraternal Order of Police voice starkly contrasting views about whether Topeka has as many sworn police officers as it needs. “We are operating fine, and we will continue to do so,” Police Chief Brian Wheeles said at a news conference last week. But Matt Blassingame, a Topeka Police Department officer who serves as the FOP’s chief steward here, disagreed. “TPD is currently experiencing a staffing crisis,” he said. The FOP represents Topeka police officers with the rank of sergeant and below in collective bargaining.
Source: CJonline

Ranson Financial2022-10-19T07:34:49-05:00October 19, 2022|News|

Lawrence City Commission approves raising age to buy tobacco, vaping products to 21

Lawrence city leaders have voted to raise the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 and to establish a local tobacco sales license and enforcement process. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 5-0 to adopt two ordinances that raise the age to buy tobacco, establish the local license procedures, and various new provisions regarding tobacco use. The changes would cover traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes as well as synthetic products such as e-cigarettes or vapes.
Source: LJWorld

Ranson Financial2022-10-19T07:32:56-05:00October 19, 2022|News|