info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Kansas Board of Regents embraces goal of linking spring break for all public education

info2020-12-18T08:01:45-06:00December 17th, 2020|

The Kansas Board of Regents wants to align spring break at the six public universities as part of a broader plan to coordinate the annual respite from academic endeavors with the state’s public two-year colleges and K-12 public school districts. The state Board of Regents and the Kansas Board of Education are plowing ahead with a campaign to establish a uniform spring break throughout the Kansas education system starting in 2022. The Board of Regents voted unanimously Wednesday to direct universities to comply, but community colleges and technical colleges in the higher education system are controlled by locally elected boards with [...]

Wichita police report success with new license plate reading devices

info2020-12-18T08:03:30-06:00December 17th, 2020|

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said a new license plate reading system that was put into use in November has had big results. The Flock readers are installed in areas of the city with high crime activity. Chief Ramsay told reporters that since the devices were turned on on November 9th, “we’ve been astounded at really the amount of information that we’re getting from them and how it has impacted our ability to fight crime.” He said with the help of the system, police have recovered 68 stolen cars with a value of over $580,000. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Sedgwick County to pay Intrust Bank Arena operator for COVID-19 losses

info2020-12-18T08:03:45-06:00December 17th, 2020|

Sedgwick County will pay the operator of Intrust Bank Arena $200,000 next year to manage the county-owned facility, plus cover ongoing operating losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 loss is estimated to be $1.1 million, as the arena struggles to bring operations back to normal after being almost entirely shut down for nine months by coronavirus concerns, said county Chief Financial Officer Lindsay Poe Rousseau. The county will also cover this year’s arena losses, which will be invoiced in January and are expected to be as much as $500,000, county spokeswoman Kate Flavin said. Source: Local News | Wichita [...]

Olathe mayor: After a rough year, ‘we’re hopeful for better days ahead’

info2020-12-17T08:42:36-06:00December 17th, 2020|

We’ve almost made it. With just two weeks left in 2020, many of us are filled with mixed emotions. We’re eager to wrap up a difficult year and feel sorrow for the struggles many faced over the past months. But we’re hopeful for better days ahead. My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss this year, and I know there are many. I think of our friend, the late Mayor Mike Copeland. I pray for those who have lost loved ones, as well as for those who have lost jobs, businesses and even for those who have lost precious [...]

Fed raises its economic outlook slightly, sees 4.2% growth next year and 5% unemployment rate

info2020-12-17T08:41:55-06:00December 17th, 2020|

The Federal Reserve dialed up its economic expectations slightly for the end of this year as well as for 2021, according to the central bank's Summary of Economic Projections released on Wednesday. The central bank now expects real gross domestic product to fall just 2.4% in 2020, compared to a decline of 3.7% predicted in September. The Fed also upped its 2021 real GDP forecast to 4.2% from 4.0% expected previously. The Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement Wednesday that it would continue to buy at least $120 billion of bonds each month "until substantial further progress has been made [...]

New grocery store opens in south central Kansas town

info2020-12-17T08:39:45-06:00December 17th, 2020|

A year ago, the only grocery store in Oxford, Kansas was shut down, turning the Sumner County city into a food desert. Today residents are celebrating the opening of a new grocery store, right where the old one stood. "It is a blessing to have one here" says Oxford resident Mary Robinson. Wednesday was the store’s grand opening. Providing relief for many people who live in Oxford. The city’s previous grocery store closed last year. Before today, townspeople had to travel upwards of 15 to 20 miles out of town, just to go to the grocery store. Source: KAKE - News

Municipal Bond Trends for December 16, 2020

info2020-12-17T08:31:55-06:00December 17th, 2020|

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.

Topeka council bans discrimination against LGBTQ persons

info2020-12-17T08:28:07-06:00December 16th, 2020|

The Topeka City Council has voted to expand the city's anti-discrimination ordinance to include LGBTQ residents and military veterans. The council unanimously approved an the ordinance Tuesday that prohibits discrimination in work, housing and public accommodations because of gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation or veteran status. The ordinance also was updated to prevent discrimination through telecommunication, which includes harassment over social media, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. A first offense could result in a misdemeanor charge, a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. A second offense carries a possible $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail. [...]

Long named Derby Firefighter of the Year

info2020-12-17T08:30:05-06:00December 16th, 2020|

While he may have only joined the Derby Fire Department two years ago, Frank Long has plenty of experience in the field – two decades' worth, to be exact. That experience has been a boon to Derby Fire and Rescue and is part of why Long was recently recognized as the 2020 Derby Firefighter of the Year. Prior to joining Derby FD in June 2018, Long had spent 18 years serving with the Overland Park Fire Department. While family brought Long and his wife to the area, the chance at a new opportunity is what drew him to seek a firefighter [...]

Gary Haller leaves major legacy in Johnson County

info2020-12-17T08:30:38-06:00December 16th, 2020|

Johnson County recently lost a champion of green space and recreation activities who was instrumental in impacting the quality of life in Johnson County. Longtime JCPRD employees have lost a friend. Former JCPRD Executive Director Gary L. Haller passed away in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 10. He had retired from the agency in March 2001 after 27 years with JCPRD, but had remained in touch with many current and former employees. “Many of you, like me, had the privilege of working with him and seeing his true genius that left lasting impacts on JCPRD and Johnson County, as well [...]

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