info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

More than $350B in federal recovery cash starts rolling out to states, cities, counties

info2021-05-11T07:22:08-05:00May 11th, 2021|

States, cities and counties can begin to tap their share of the $350 billion in federal funds intended to spur a national recovery from the economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, White House officials announced Monday. The Biden administration said the much-anticipated money, which was included in the massive relief law enacted earlier this year, can aid governments of all sizes in paying for a wide range of costs related to the pandemic response. ... The uses for it could include running vaccination clinics and buying personal protective equipment; paying the salaries of government employees involved in battling COVID-19; or helping [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for May 10, 2021

info2021-05-11T07:09:39-05:00May 11th, 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.

Argonia Days to move downtown

info2021-05-11T07:05:12-05:00May 10th, 2021|

There are high expectations for this year’s Argonia Days celebration, which will be held Saturday, May 15, on Main Street in downtown Argonia, rather than at Salter Park a few blocks to the east. After a year of pandemic restrictions, people are starting to get together for community events. Good weather over the last couple of weeks is helping to fuel that optimism, as well. Argonia city clerk Tara Pierce, who heads up the organizational efforts, said there is plenty to do for everyone. “It’s going to be a busy day. We’re trying to keep everything all together (downtown). We thought [...]

Kansas State changing mask policy, cites CDC guidance

info2021-05-11T07:06:05-05:00May 10th, 2021|

Kansas State University is altering its mask policy for outdoor settings, citing updated guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WIBW-TV reports that starting May 17, those who are fully vaccinated can participate in campus outdoor activities and recreation without a mask, except in crowded settings and venues. Those exceptions may include live performances, parades and sporting events. The university says masks will still be required in all indoor spaces on university property. The CDC announced the new guidance in late April, saying fully vaccinated Americans don’t need to cover their faces anymore unless they are in a [...]

The city of Parsons saw the return of some of its history recently

info2021-05-11T07:06:24-05:00May 10th, 2021|

The city of Parsons saw the return of some of its history recently. The Parsons Historical Society Museum, hosted their seasonal opening this weekend. The museum debuted their recently completed West End Hall with new display cases and exhibits including one from the Boy Scouts of America. The museum was unable to open on time last year due to the pandemic, preventing a lot of major fundraising from taking place. Since it operates off of donations from the community, opening on time held extra importance for the museum this year. Source: KSNF/KODE

Trails in Columbus entering the final stages of construction

info2021-05-11T07:06:32-05:00May 10th, 2021|

The city of Columbus is about to get a little more active. The first trails in Columbus are entering the final phases of construction. One trail will loop around the soccer fields in Eddington Park before it will connect to even more trails throughout the city. Once the trail system is completed it's estimated to be about three miles long. Officials hope the trails will help with economic development and improve community health. Dan Walters, Columbus Trails Committee, says, "We got a couple of places where people can walk off road but we're working on building up the sidewalks and the [...]

Splash Pad coming soon to Pittsburg

info2021-05-11T07:06:40-05:00May 10th, 2021|

A new city project is making a big "splash" in Pittsburg. A new splash pad will soon be coming to Schlanger Park. This will be replacing the old fill and drain pool which previously had existed in the park since the 1930's. The city plans to open it in mid-July alongside the new pavilion and butterfly garden in the park. The project was funded halfway by The Land and Water Conservation Fund grant back in 2020 but then gained community support to move the rest of the project along. Kim Vogel, Pittsburg Parks And Recreation Director, says, "Several organizations step up to volunteer [...]

New website maps local historic sites in Southeast Kansas

info2021-05-11T07:07:08-05:00May 10th, 2021|

Like local history? Then you’ll love Southeast Kansas History Online. Simply navigate to the SEK History homepage at sekhistory.com, on either desktop, tablet or mobile, and you’re ready to start exploring. Did we mention that it’s absolutely free, thanks to a generous grant from the nonprofit organization Humanities Kansas? Humanities Kansas is a cultural organization that connects communities with history, traditions and ideas to strengthen civic life. Source: The Iola Register

Senate rejects health club tax exemption

info2021-05-11T07:07:57-05:00May 10th, 2021|

The Kansas Senate late Friday rejected an agreement between committees from both chambers on a property tax bill after including a highly scrutinized property tax exemption for health and fitness clubs. House Bill 2313 includes provisions to provide financial relief for smaller retailers hurt by temporary shutdown orders during the pandemic, and expands a law exempting Kansans in the military from paying property taxes on two vehicles. The bill also includes an extension of a 20-mill property tax levy that generates $750 million annually for K-12 public schools. In a tradeoff, the House contingency offered to support a Senate-backed section of the [...]

Plan could give $500M to businesses

info2021-05-11T07:08:25-05:00May 10th, 2021|

Republicans pushed a plan through the Kansas Legislature early Saturday that could provide roughly $500 million to small businesses to offset losses tied to state and local restrictions meant to check COVID-19’s spread last year. The measure would require the state, cities and counties to set aside part of their federal coronavirus relief funds to pay claims from small businesses. It was the last bill lawmakers considered before shutting down their annual session except for a formal adjournment May 26. The Republican-controlled Legislature approved a bipartisan public school funding bill and finished a $21 billion state budget for the fiscal year [...]

About info