info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Kansas is considering a lottery for people who are vaccinated against COVID-19

info2021-05-28T07:00:58-05:00May 27th, 2021|

A chance to win a $1 million prize has helped boost Ohio's COVID-19 vaccination rate by 45%, Gov. Mike DeWine said Wednesday. An now, Kansas is considering a similar incentive for residents to get the shot. Dr. Lee Norman with the KDHE said Thursday that Kansas is looking at some type of lottery open to vaccinated people. People who are already vaccinated would be eligible.He also warned that while the state legislature is looking to terminate the emergency declaration, it doesn't mean the emergency is done. Source: KAKE - News

Larned’s water tower light project in full swing

info2021-05-28T07:01:37-05:00May 27th, 2021|

Since the Larned Water Tower lost its Christmas lights some years back, due to painting and restoring of the tank, the citizenry has not been happy. Alumni returning home for Christmas have missed the crown on the nostalgic Christmas tower. And ever since, there has been a move to restore the lights. Earlier this month the Larned City Council recommended proceeding with lighting plans for the water tower to replicate the crown as in the past. The attitude has been, “We will have Christmas lights on the tower again,” and the word spread quickly. Source: Great Bend Tribune

Lenexa considers what to do with 55 acres of land near Black Hoof Park — here are some options

info2021-05-28T07:02:13-05:00May 27th, 2021|

Some city-owned woodland in Lenexa is back on the radar as city leaders and staff think of expanding Black Hoof Park. Back in 2007, the city bought roughly 55 acres just north of the 135-acre park and Lake Lenexa, which sits northeast of the junction between Kansas Highways 7 and 10. On Tuesday, the Lenexa City Council briefly discussed with city staff the options for uses for that property, including an option to dedicate the site as additional parkland and an expansion of Black Hoof Park. Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Topgolf will build $25.8M facility at K-96, Greenwich in joint venture with BigShots

info2021-05-28T07:03:05-05:00May 27th, 2021|

After it was initially expected to build its first Wichita location at 13th and Greenwich, Topgolf is now headed to K-96 and Greenwich, city staff says, and it will be a joint venture with BigShots, the similar but smaller golf driving range concept it was originally going to compete against in the Wichita market. "For us, we're just pleased to have a good golf amenity," Scot Rigby, assistant city manager, told the WBJ on Thursday. According to city documents, the new project headed to the southeast corner of 29th and Greenwich — just north of Greenwich Place Shopping Center — will [...]

Committee will consider allowing e-bikes on Shawnee County trails, but e-scooters may have a tougher road ahead

info2021-05-27T07:06:42-05:00May 27th, 2021|

Terri Bond used to be an avid biker, but now she finds herself using electric bikes more often. Bond even calls her e-bike her “magic carpet ride.” “It made us get out and enjoy the fresh air, take on the trails,” she said. Bond and multiple other e-bike users spoke in support of the bikes and their ability to expand access to less able-bodied riders. The bike's potential for increased accessibility to the park system was supported by some members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. “Our trails are intended to make parts of our community and nature in our [...]

Reno County Commission agrees to discuss expansion

info2021-05-27T07:03:12-05:00May 27th, 2021|

The Reno County Commission agreed Tuesday to begin discussions on whether to put a question on the November ballot about expanding the county commission from three members to five. Commissioner Daniel Friesen, frustrated by his inability to discuss issues outside of county commission meeting with another member, suggested “engaging in a conversation” about such an expansion. Under Kansas Open Meeting laws, a majority of a quorum of a public body cannot discuss business outside of a meeting. With only three members on the commission, two members make up a majority of a quorum, which means no outside discussions. With a five-member [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for May 26, 2021

info2021-05-27T07:02:08-05:00May 27th, 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.

Proposal would provide identification cards to homeless persons in KCK

info2021-05-27T07:00:09-05:00May 27th, 2021|

A program that would provide identification cards to homeless persons in the community was discussed Monday by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department officials. Deputy Chief Pam Waldeck with several police officials described the program, which is modeled on one currently in operation in Topeka, Kansas. The police outreach team, in coordination with Cross-Lines Community outreach, identified a need, the difficulty that unsheltered people here have in getting identification cards, according to police officials. Under the proposed program, identification cards would be issued by the Police Department and would be valid for one year. Police would verify the identity of persons applying [...]

Wichita City Hall minimum wage may come up to $15; state law prohibits citywide hike

info2021-05-27T06:59:38-05:00May 27th, 2021|

Wichita City Hall appears to be moving toward a $15 minimum wage, but it would be for city employees only because the state bans local governments from setting minimum pay for anyone else. Kansas was one of the last states in America to match the federal minimum, starting in 2009, and had the nation’s lowest minimum wage for years. It will be a while before the City Hall salary structure could be changed to accommodate a $15 minimum, but after a Wednesday budget workshop where most council members expressed support for the concept, City Manager Robert Layton said he won’t hire [...]

Governor Announces $42 Million Investment to Support 30 Transportation Projects Statewide

info2021-05-27T06:56:35-05:00May 26th, 2021|

Governor Laura Kelly and Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz today announced that more than $42 million will support 30 transportation construction projects across Kansas through an expanded list of recipients of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for Spring 2021. Cost Share is a component of the Kelly administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE. Cost Share is designed to help both rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion and improve access and mobility. ... KDOT is investing $21 million in this cycle of Cost Share with recipients [...]

About info