info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Counties take lead as residents await vaccine

info2021-01-28T07:05:02-06:00January 28th, 2021|

As counties across Kansas are ramping up to carry out Phase 2 of the state’s COVID19 vaccination plan, Osage County is tracking things the old-fashioned way. With residents age 65 and older, as well as essential workers, now eligible for the vaccine, phones are ringing off the hook in the county of 17,000 residents south of Topeka. One of the county’s five staff members fielded over 100 calls in just one hour from residents seeking a vaccine appointment, and county health administrator Jackie Patterson said that has been a normal volume in recent days. Source: Garden City Telegram.

Municipal Bond Trends for January 27, 2021

info2021-01-28T07:02:53-06:00January 28th, 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.

Valley Center looking at quiet zones

info2021-01-28T07:01:56-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The Valley Center City Council on Jan. 19 took a step toward creating a railroad quiet zone across the city. The council directed the city's engineering firm to put together a proposal to thoroughly study the possibility. The study would include an evaluation of the measures that have to be taken to further protect train intersections to alleviate the use of train horns. Council members said they often hear complaints about train noise in town. Source: Ark Valley News

Sedgwick downtown no longer looks the same after transformation

info2021-01-28T06:58:38-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The last two years have seen quite a transformation of downtown Sedgwick. First the City purchased the empty medical building, and while it was still new, they remodeled to make it functional as a City Hall. Then they completely remodeled the old City Hall and turned it into a new, bright library. These early weeks of 2021 are significant in the continued downtown transformation. First, the Sodality Room and Truly You held a ribbon cutting last weekend, offering tours for residents to see the now beautiful insides of a building that not long ago had been condemned and near collapse. Mayor [...]

Merriam considers banning pedestrians from busy medians, but some worry it won’t address causes of panhandling

info2021-01-28T06:56:14-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Motorists traveling near Interstate 35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway may have seen individuals standing or sitting in medians, often asking for money or food. Now, Merriam city officials are considering prohibiting pedestrians from standing, sitting or otherwise being in nine major intersections across the city, citing concerns for driver and pedestrian safety. But some worry such a prohibition may put extra burdens on people already struggling on the margins of society without addressing the deeper roots of the problem. Source: Prairie Village Post

Residents can help plan for public art in Johnson County parks

info2021-01-28T06:55:52-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) has launched a new Public Art Program. The goal is to embed public art into park spaces, trails, and facilities to enhance and enrich the experience for visitors. JCPRD is undergoing a public art master plan to establish a road map for this program and seeks citizen involvement to make the plan reflective of the community. ”The COVID-19 pandemic brought patrons to JCPRD parks in record numbers, said Executive Director Jeff Stewart. “The community has a renewed appreciation for the role parks play in our overall health and well-being. We have always been about [...]

Vaccinations slow but ramping up

info2021-01-28T06:54:42-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Allen County currently gets about 100 doses of COVID-19 vaccine a week. The supply chain filters from manufacturers to the federal governments, to states and then to county health departments who will allocate it as needed. The county is nearing the end of Phase 1. Volunteers are sought for a vaccination clinic. It’s going to take a bit of time and a lot of patience before most Allen County residents can get a COVID-19 vaccine, but the local health department is starting to develop a plan for when that time comes. Source: The Iola Register

Federal Reserve leaves interest rates and asset purchases unchanged, sees growth slowing

info2021-01-28T06:53:15-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The Federal Reserve kept its foot to the floor Wednesday in terms of the help it is providing for an economy that central bank officials say has slowed down. Consistent with market expectations, the policymaking Federal Open Market Committee said it was keeping its benchmark short-term borrowing rate anchored near zero and maintaining an asset purchasing program that is seeing the Fed buy at least $120 billion a month. At the core of the move to keep policy historically accommodative was an economy in which the sectors most vulnerable to the pandemic are taking the hardest hit. Source: CNBC - Bonds

Sedgwick County commissioners add citizens advisory boards to promote transparency, accountability

info2021-01-28T06:52:24-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Sedgwick County commissioners continue to develop citizens advisory boards to keep elected officials accountable, while working to remain transparent. Commissioners Lacey Cruse and David Dennis created citizens advisory boards for their districts last year, while Commissioner Jim Howell will have the first meeting with his board next month. Commissioner Sarah Lopez is in the beginning stages of developing her own and the last commission is following suit it the near future. The citizens advisory boards are official groups formed by commissioners and the members are selected citizens who live in each district. Source: KSN-TV

Marion’s drug dog earns her keep in 1st year

info2021-01-28T06:51:41-06:00January 28th, 2021|

In her first year as a drug dog, Blue’s nose for illegal substances already has led to multiple drug busts for Marion’s city police. A few times, an arrest would not have been possible without her, said officer Aaron Slater, who serves as Blue’s handler for the department’s K-9 unit. “She has been working really well,” he said. “I’ve bonded with her for sure.” Source: Marion County RECORD

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