info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

What local compensation bill could mean for counties and businesses

info2021-03-25T07:04:42-05:00March 24th, 2021|

A proposed state law would compensate owners and reimburse businesses if their business was affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Under the bill, owners would get paid if their occupancy or hours of operation were limited or if the government forced them to shut down altogether. The bill was drafted after a Wichita gym owner filed a lawsuit against the state saying he should be reimbursed for the weeks he was forced to close last year. If it becomes law, owners could get money, an income tax credit, or have their property taxes reimbursed. Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell said if it [...]

Sedgwick County Commission ends COVID-19 mask mandate, pushes for vaccines

info2021-03-25T07:05:40-05:00March 24th, 2021|

Sedgwick County has dropped all COVID-19 public health restrictions, including a mask mandate that’s been in place since last summer. ... The move comes ahead of a bill that’s expected to become law by next week that would void public health orders across the state. Commissioners could have waited until bill becomes law, but they decided to drop the health order immediately in the split vote Wednesday. Businesses and organization may continue to require masks. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Library seeks to preserve Florence history

info2021-03-25T07:06:47-05:00March 24th, 2021|

“Preserving the past to enjoy the future.” The motto of Florence Public Library succinctly expresses the wide-ranging goals set by its board to not only preserve written history but also the historic building in which it is located. “We are so excited about this building,” said board president Kathy Inlow. “We want to keep it functioning.” Located at the south end of Main Street, the building originally housed the First National Bank, built in 1921. The east end housed the town’s first library, established a year later. The library was moved to two other locations before it settled at 4th and [...]

Caldwell is celebrating its 150th birthday on May 7-8, 2021

info2021-03-25T07:07:21-05:00March 24th, 2021|

Caldwell, Kansas was born on the Chisholm Trail in 1871 due to her location on the border of what was then called Indian Territory. While only a dusty trail town for a decade, the Texas cowboys looked forward to reaching Caldwell for a little rest and replenishments. Nicknamed the “Border Queen” by these cowboys, this shantytown sprung up to cater to the herds and crew passing through with plenty of saloons, gambling halls, general supplies, and gunfire. After the trail slowed down to a crawl in 1875 due to barbed wire and range wars, the anticipation of a railroad began to [...]

Allen County gets transportation grant

info2021-03-25T07:07:53-05:00March 24th, 2021|

Allen County has been awarded a transportation grant in excess of $70,000. Jessica Thompson, director of development for Thrive Allen County, confirmed the state’s award of the 5311 grant, and said it would “allow us to move forward and establish a public transportation system in Allen County.” The program will launch in July, and set the groundwork for a more “permanent” system moving forward. Thompson also said that surveys had been distributed regarding potential fares, and noted that so far residents would mostly prefer either donations or a $1 fee. Source: The Iola Register

City hall may be the last chance for continuing mask mandate as county mandate expires

info2021-03-24T08:37:03-05:00March 24th, 2021|

With Sedgwick County’s hands soon to be tied by a new state law, Wichita City Hall represents the last realistic chance to continue to require masks at area businesses to fight the spread of COVID-19, a county lawyer said Tuesday. The county’s authority to enact a mask mandate comes from the state via the Kansas Emergency Management Act, which the Legislature is rewriting to limit that authority. The city, however, is empowered by its “home rule” authority granted in the state Constitution, which the Legislature cannot override, said Assistant County Counselor Justin Waggoner. Mayor Brandon Whipple said Tuesday that he would [...]

Udall gets loan to fund new library

info2021-03-24T08:36:02-05:00March 24th, 2021|

The City of Udall has received a $440,000 low-interest loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development to help with construction of a new city library, bringing a project that has been in development for years one step closer to being a reality. The USDA Community Facilities Loan, combined with a $494,000 Community Development Block Grant that has already been awarded, will help to pay for a 5,000-square-foot facility that will also provide meeting spaces, children’s reading programs, technology classes, a wellness facility and exam rooms, according to a press release from the office of Kansas Sen. Roger [...]

Treasury yields haven’t peaked yet as experts say 10-year rate could hit 2%

info2021-03-24T08:31:24-05:00March 24th, 2021|

U.S. 10-year Treasury yield could inch higher, but that may not pose a risk to financial markets, according to Durrien Timmer of Fidelity Investments. "I think yields could push a little higher. So far, they've (got) up to about 1.75%. I have a simple bond model that suggests 2% should be the upper limit," Timmer, who is the director of global macro at the firm, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Tuesday. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note jumped above 1.7% last Thursday, its highest level in more than a year. That came despite reassurance from the Federal Reserve [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for March 23, 2021

info2021-03-24T08:23:58-05:00March 24th, 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.

Reno County Commissioners Vote To Lift Mask Mandate

info2021-03-24T08:19:25-05:00March 23rd, 2021|

Reno County Commissioners voted 2 to 1 at a meeting Tuesday to opt-out of Governor Kelly’s statewide mask mandate.The new resolution will take effect on Wednesday, March 24th. Individual businesses and organizations may still require masks if they deem it necessary. County Commissioner Ron Hirst said “Respect one another. Respect another business.” He added that he hopes community members will be considerate. At the courthouse, masks will still be required in district court areas as well as at the main entrance. The Annex will encourage visitors to wear masks and increased sanitation efforts will continue at all county locations. Source: Country [...]

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