info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Popular pool in Olathe won’t open for summer because of COVID-19 impact

info2021-04-13T07:07:52-05:00April 13th, 2021|

It's almost pool time, but a popular location in Olathe won't open for the 2021 summer season. Because of COVID-19 impact on staffing, no one will be diving into Frontier Pool this summer. The city said there is a chance it could open late if staff determines there is enough personnel to safely operate. The pool had extensive repairs that forced it to close for part of the 2016-2017 season as crews worked to locate and repair a leak. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

Fort Riley getting new elementary school with $24M Department of Defense grant

info2021-04-13T07:08:09-05:00April 13th, 2021|

The Department of Defense awarded a $24,387,000 grant to Geary County's school district to replace the current school facility with a new Jefferson Elementary School on Fort Riley. The grant will be used to build a new elementary school in place of Jefferson Elementary on Custer Hill in Fort Riley. The funding for this grant comes from the Department's Public Schools on Military Installations Program. A federal evaluation team determined the current facility was overcrowded and in desperate need of repair, meaning it was eligible for a grant for schools considered in poor condition. Source: KSNT News

Shawnee City Council establishes task forces for public art, community input

info2021-04-13T07:09:20-05:00April 13th, 2021|

Shawnee is establishing two new task forces to enhance community engagement and public art opportunities in the city. The Shawnee City Council was divided last month on whether to set up the task forces. On the one hand, half of the council spoke in favor of any initiatives that draw the public further into conversations with the city’s future, as well as initiatives for public art to enhance their experiences living here. But some councilmembers opposed the two task forces’ creation, arguing that they lacked real purpose or goals. Some also suggested the task forces could cost money for the city at a [...]

Lawrence’s affordable housing board calls for prohibitions against source-of-income discrimination in housing

info2021-04-12T07:32:03-05:00April 12th, 2021|

For those struggling to afford housing or already experiencing homelessness, being approved for housing assistance can seem like a solution is finally at hand. The reality is that even with that money guaranteed, it can be months before recipients of housing assistance are able to find a landlord or property management company willing to rent to them. Dana Ortiz, executive director of the housing support program Lawrence Family Promise and member of the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board, said that a family who qualifies for a housing voucher is initially given 90 days to find a landlord, and sometimes that isn’t [...]

Utilizing a pilot program, the Topeka Fire Department finds never-before-seen stats

info2021-04-12T07:21:50-05:00April 12th, 2021|

The Topeka Fire Department is one of 200 departments nationwide to participate in the National Fire Protection Association’s second phase of a pilot program mapping out community risk. [Alan Stahl, public education officer with the Topeka Fire Department] said the website can provide the Topeka Fire Department with information it has never had before. He said the department has always known the downtown area can pose a great fire risk because it is a “swell population.” Not as many people live there, but over 18,000 people drive down to work every day. The fire department can use the information to tailor [...]

Century-old barn returns to Wilson

info2021-04-12T07:13:02-05:00April 12th, 2021|

Barns normally stay put. But a century-old stable in Wilson has the distinction of moving twice. The first time, was just after World War II ended. The second was last Tuesday. The barn was first housed in the center of Wilson, Kansas. After a little less than half a century, it moved to rural Ellsworth County, and now it is back in town. In 1906, this stylish structure wrapped in tin housed racehorses in the city center. When it moved to the country, it housed livestock. Starting on Memorial Day, this historic 40-by-60-foot structure will cater to humans. Source: Salina Journal.

Municipal Bond Trends for April 9, 2021

info2021-04-12T07:11:25-05:00April 12th, 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.

Nearly 7,500 fans in attendance to watch Wichita State beat Houston in first game at new Riverfront Stadium

info2021-04-12T07:01:02-05:00April 12th, 2021|

Wind Surge officials said Riverfront Stadium was nearly at capacity; with 7,500 people in attendance to watch Wichita State defeat Houston 10-1 in a college ballgame hosted by Riverfront Stadium. This was the first game played at Riverfront Stadium after much waiting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wind Surge officials thanked the community for their ongoing support, saying they are very excited for the team’s official home opener on May 11th. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Local gathering limits loosened, but vaccine numbers ‘too low’ in Cowley County

info2021-04-12T07:07:01-05:00April 12th, 2021|

Cowley County’s public health officer is loosening restrictions on mass gatherings and mask requirements at school events, while at the same time pleading with residents to get vaccinated against the coronavirus. Thomas Langer on Friday announced updated health orders that take affect Monday. Mass outdoor gatherings no longer have any size limits, which will allow for more traditional school graduations and upcoming community events such as the county fair or Tacolalah. Social gatherings indoors of 300 people or more where space is available can now allow 60 % occupancy instead of just 25 %. On-site operations of businesses or other entities [...]

Seward County takes step toward better mental health for its community

info2021-04-12T07:07:12-05:00April 12th, 2021|

Mental health remains a concern for many across the country as COVID-19 rages on. In southwest Kansas, Seward County officials are stepping up to help their community. School, work, daily routines -- almost everything has been turned upside down over the past year. With that, can come things like stress and anxiety, taking a toll on many people’s mental health. According to a recent study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 35% of Americans and more than a third of Kansans are facing mental health-related issues. In Seward County, a COVID hotspot last spring, county officials say they [...]

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