info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Emporia to discuss rental property concerns

info2021-09-21T07:00:20-05:00September 21st, 2021|

The Emporia City Commission will take a look at its rental property maintenance codes during its study session Wednesday morning. Chief building inspector Kory Krause has reported an increasing number of complaints in regard to poor living conditions in rental properties and has asked the commission to consider adopting the International Property Maintenance Code. The IPMC is intended to provide safe and sanitary conditions for those living in Emporia rental units. Emporia is the only Kansas city that hosts a state university and has not adopted the IPMC. Additionally, it is one of only three of the state’s 20 First Class [...]

Johnson County school district with weak COVID rules is warned it has worst case rate

info2021-09-21T06:59:46-05:00September 21st, 2021|

The Spring Hill school district, which has the most lenient COVID-19 rules of any public district in Johnson County, has seen far higher infection rates among students than neighboring districts, health officials report. Now, health officials are warning the district they are concerned by the trend. Every other district in the county requires everyone to wear masks at all grade levels. But in Spring Hill, in southern Johnson County, masks are only required for younger students, and were made optional for high schoolers. In addition, the school board agreed to allow parents to sign mask exemption forms — which previously required [...]

High grad rates, flat test scores: Is an ambitious overhaul of Kansas schools working?

info2021-09-21T06:59:15-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe was among the first to undergo an overhaul of Kansas’ public school system, creating seismic shifts in how students are taught and prepared for life after graduation. Now, a few years later, students are job shadowing and taking courses where they solve real-world engineering and environmental problems. They have more access to counselors and lessons on social-emotional skills. On “Exploration Days,” they are immersed in experiences and classes outside of the regular curriculum. And they are required to spend time volunteering or serving the community. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

How Johnson County Hospitals Are Trying To Cope With Staffing Shortages, Nurse Burnout

info2021-09-21T06:58:12-05:00September 21st, 2021|

As COVID-19 transmission in Johnson County continues to remain high, area hospitals and their staffs are still working around the clock to treat and discharge patients, roughly a year-and-a-half into the pandemic. The struggle to endure long shifts and multiple days working can be physically taxing and mentally draining, health officials say. “There are some weeks where I’m here at the hospital more than I’m at home,” Julie Rojas, a respiratory therapist with KU Health, said last week during one of the hospital’s daily COVID-19 briefings. “Your coworkers become like your family, and they understand the things you see and deal [...]

Could Century II be private Tuesday?

info2021-09-21T06:57:27-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Tuesday may be the day the city stops managing Century II after more than 50 years. "What's in the contract?" asked Celeste Racette, founder of Save Century II. "The City manager office scheduled them (city council) to approve a deal Tuesday?" Racette is talking about details on a deal between the city and ASM Global Management to operate Century II. ... "I definitely think privatization is the right way to go," said [City council member] Cerullo. "I would be in agreement to possibly doing a one-year at a time deal. Five years is a long time." Source: KSN-TV

City of Green celebrates 140th Anniversary

info2021-09-21T06:55:45-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Several dozen people gathered outside of the brand-new Green City Hall and Museum at 11 a.m. on Saturday to commemorate the 140th Anniversary of the founding of the town. Local historian Bev Caley thanked everyone in attendance and gave particulars for several of the items on display in the new museum. She said the museum had been a labor of love for both herself and the community, with ample opportunity to continue growing in the future. Source: www.ccenterdispatch.com

Municipal Bond Trends for September 20, 2021

info2021-09-21T06:48:01-05:00September 21st, 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.

Nebraska Furniture Mart And The Battle Over ‘Dark Stores’

info2021-09-21T06:47:25-05:00September 21st, 2021|

Nebraska Furniture Mart, one of the busiest retailers in the region, stands to get a nearly $1.5 million property tax refund on its Kansas City, Kansas, location after winning an appeal to a state tax board. What could this mean for other big box retailers?Podcast: KCUR News

Isolation And Stigma Push Suicide Rates Higher In Rural Kansas

info2021-09-20T21:18:58-05:00September 20th, 2021|

Kyle Carlin understands first-hand how hard a mental health crisis can hit in rural Kansas. He dealt with depression starting as a teenager. It eventually led him to attempt suicide. But he didn’t think about seeking counseling until he was preparing to leave the Army Reserve in Hays roughly 12 years ago. Even then, asking for help wasn’t easy. “Stigma is such a big issue around mental health,” Carlin said, “especially in western Kansas.” His story illustrates a growing trend stressing rural communities across Kansas and the nation. While suicide rates have increased by nearly 45% statewide over the past two [...]

Public restrooms at Wichita splash pad vandalized

info2021-09-21T06:43:45-05:00September 20th, 2021|

The City of Wichita said the Boston Park Splash Pad public restrooms will be closed until further notice. City staff found the restroom facilities vandalized and sinks broken over the weekend. The city said they had seen increasing amounts of vandalism at facilities. However, there is no word on whether park vandalism is tied to the ‘devious licks’ challenge. Recently, kids across the U.S. have been posting TikTok videos of themselves vandalizing school bathrooms and stealing soap dispensers and even turf from football fields. The “devious licks” social media challenge went viral last week and bedeviled principals and school district administrators. Some [...]

About info