info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Johnson County animal shelters struggle to cope with surge in ‘pandemic pet’ returns

info2021-07-16T07:22:55-05:00July 16th, 2021|

Local animal rescue groups say they are facing an influx of “pandemic pet” returns along with a sudden drop in adoptions as the world begins to return to normal. ... three rescue groups experienced a dramatic increase last year in pet adoptions, a trend seen across the country as people stuck at home during the early months of the pandemic rushed to find pets to keep them company or break the monotony of stay-at-home orders. Now, these same groups are seeing the reverse effects. As families re-establish some of their pre-pandemic routines and people return to in-person work, pets are being [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for July 15, 2021

info2021-07-16T06:43:52-05:00July 16th, 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.

Cowley County animal shelter full as surrenders increase, adoptions decrease

info2021-07-16T06:36:19-05:00July 16th, 2021|

The Cowley County Humane Society has had to start a waiting list for people wanting to surrender animals due to several factors, including a big increase in kittens and fewer adoptions. The shelter has had 51 intakes and 18 adoptions for the month as of July 11, according to a post on the CCHS Facebook page. CCHS released a statement July 8, saying that they are aware of community members who are frustrated because the shelter cannot immediately take in animals they need to surrender. Kitten season, the time of year when a large number of kittens are born, has hit [...]

City of Lawrence Waste Workers Ratify First Teamster Contract

info2021-07-16T06:36:55-05:00July 16th, 2021|

Sanitation workers employed by the City of Lawrence unanimously ratified their first Teamster contract yesterday. The three-year agreement contains a modernized wage scale and substantial benefits as well as strong seniority language, grievance procedure, consistent work rules and improved working conditions. The group of more than 70 sanitation workers is represented by Local 696 in Topeka, Kan. "We are thrilled to be working under contract. This agreement contains countless improvements that sanitation workers in Lawrence have gone too long without. We are proud of what we have accomplished," said Jody Norcross, a sanitation driver for the City of Lawrence and chief [...]

EMS service has been a bargain for Scott County, but how much longer?

info2021-07-15T21:30:09-05:00July 15th, 2021|

When recently addressing the county’s support of emergency medical services in the 2022 budget, Scott County Hospital CEO Mark Burnett pointed out to commissioners that he’s requesting an additional $60,000 in next year’s budget. That would boost the county contribution to $260,000, compared to $200,000 this year and $180,000 two years ago. EMS, which covers staff and general operations for the ambulance service, is not a money-maker for the hospital, Burnett points out. “Even with this budget request, it will still operate at about a $27,000 loss,” says Burnett. Source: Scott County Record.

Local business owner plans large event center for downtown Junction City

info2021-07-15T10:21:22-05:00July 15th, 2021|

Business owner Todd Godfrey has purchased land across from his businesses on the 900 Block of North Washington Street. He intends to put up an event center he will christen “the Kaw” after a business that used to be located where his own businesses — Godfrey’s Range and Tactical Supply, Patriot Tattoo and Tanzillo’s Barber Shop — are located right now. The business, once it’s up, will contain an event venue as well as several restaurants and space for food trucks. He said he has a commitment with Never Surrender MMA which is located in Abilene to bring in fights about [...]

South Hutchinson challenges county on ownership of a deteriorating bridge

info2021-07-15T10:18:54-05:00July 15th, 2021|

South Hutchinson’s new city administrator asked the Reno County Commission Tuesday to pick up at least half the cost of replacing a bridge on Scott Boulevard that he contends is the county’s responsibility and whose closure to heavy county trucks is damaging city streets. Joseph Turner, who appeared before the commission during its public comment session, argued that the assumption that the city became responsible for the bridge due to a 1986 annexation of land or a 2012 unwritten agreement were questionable. However, the county commission declined to immediately take up the issue, with two of three commissioners contending county staff [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for July 14, 2021

info2021-07-15T08:45:03-05:00July 15th, 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.

Parsons has launched a new project to repurpose land

info2021-07-15T08:43:39-05:00July 15th, 2021|

A new city project could help breathe life into forgotten properties in Parsons. They're calling it a "land bank." City commissioners have just approved the formation of this project to help take on the number 1 issue in the city. The properties are falling to pieces, but instead of saying goodbye, the city is hoping to use them for future economic development. "Some of the houses that we have torn down over the past years could have easily been reworked with somebody with good DIY skills." Says Leland Crooks, Landbank Board Member. Throughout many areas, like the city of Parsons, people [...]

Columbus has a new Building Permit System for construction projects

info2021-07-15T08:43:00-05:00July 15th, 2021|

The city of Columbus is hoping to make its building process more efficient. The city has establishes a new Building Permit System for construction projects. Officials have had a system in place, but there was no permit form for residents to fill out to help the city log structure sites. As a result, utility workers would sometimes be blocked from getting to underground wires or pipes. "A lot of times we run into people in the past have built something, we'll have a drainage issue, we'll have to go in there and clear out that ditch, well come to find out, [...]

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