info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

‘It’s very exciting’: New coin features Kansas tallgrass prairie preserve in Flint Hills

info2020-11-30T06:57:01-06:00November 30th, 2020|

There’s big excitement in the Flint Hills over a new coin that pays homage to a stunning Kansas landmark. The U.S. Mint earlier this month released the 55th installment in its America the Beautiful Quarters Program — a coin representing the state’s Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. It is stamped on the tails side with a skyward view of the prairie, native Big Bluestem and Indian grasses as well as a Regal Fritillary butterfly. The inscriptions include “Tallgrass Prairie,” “Kansas” and the release year. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

More than half of Kansas counties now have mask mandates

info2020-11-30T06:51:59-06:00November 29th, 2020|

According to the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, at least 22 counties have added a mask mandate since Nov. 18. This also doesn’t include cities that have created a mask mandate themselves within counties that have opted out. This is a much different reaction from when the governor issued her first mask mandate at the start of the pandemic, when 80 counties rejected it. Part of that change in attitude could be due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Kansas and across the nation. Source: News - McPhersonSentinel - McPherson, KS

Christmas traditions axed as pandemic sweeps rural Kansas

info2020-11-30T06:52:29-06:00November 29th, 2020|

It’s barely a town anymore, battered by time on the windswept prairie of northwest Kansas. COVID-19 still managed for find Norcatur. Not much remains of the rural hamlet, save for a service station, a grain elevator, a little museum, and a weekend hangout where the locals play pool, eat pizza and drink beer. The roof has collapsed on the crumbling building that once housed its bank and general store. Schools closed decades ago and the former high school building is used for city offices. But for the 150 or so remaining residents, the cancellation of the beloved Norcatur Christmas Drawing has [...]

Some Wichita businesses file a lawsuit over city, county coronavirus restrictions

info2020-11-30T06:54:51-06:00November 29th, 2020|

More than a dozen businesses and business owners in the Wichita area have filed a lawsuit against almost every person who is connected in some way to coronavirus restrictions in the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County. ... The attorney representing the bars said there are some legal challenges dealing with public health and citizens’ constitutional rights, but said the businesses should not lose their constitutional rights during a pandemic. Source: KSN-TV

Topeka’s new microhospital could accept some COVID-19 patients from Stormont, St. Francis

info2020-11-30T06:55:27-06:00November 29th, 2020|

The recently opened Topeka ER & Hospital could accept some COVID-19 patients from Stormont Vail Hospital or the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis campus — though neither of those hospitals has taken Topeka ER up on the offer yet. Jared Schreiner, Topeka ER & Hospital’s chief medical officer, told The Topeka Capital-Journal on Friday that the facility has treated some "moderately ill" COVID-19 patients over the past few weeks. But it doesn’t have any inpatients positive for the coronavirus now, nor has it run into the capacity issues being faced by St. Francis and Stormont. The Capital-Journal reported Friday [...]

VA outpatient clinic in Liberal closing next next year

info2020-11-30T06:55:51-06:00November 29th, 2020|

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center said it will close its outpatient clinic in Liberal next year. The Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, which opened in 2018 in Liberal, will cease operations after Jan. 14, the Dodge City Globe reported. “We are disappointed to have to make this decision,” said Candace Ifabiyi, Medical Center director for Dole VA. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

With KC beds sparse, rural hospitals in Kansas, Missouri face new COVID ‘tidal wave’

info2020-11-30T06:56:18-06:00November 29th, 2020|

Like just about every healthcare facility in the nation, Holton Community Hospital spent the early months of the year making big plans as leaders there awaited the arrival of the coronavirus. There were disaster planning sessions, preparations to move around staff and plans to add temporary hospital beds. “Then it didn’t happen,” said Krista Eylar, nursing director at the hospital about 30 miles north of Topeka. Source: KC Star Local News

Majority of counties in Kansas have mask mandate in place following governor’s order

info2020-11-30T06:56:24-06:00November 29th, 2020|

Sixty-two Kansas counties now have mask orders in place, with many coming as Gov. Laura Kelly’s new statewide mask order went into effect, according to a list compiled by the Kansas Association of Counties. That’s up from the 50 reported counties, out of 105, with mask mandates as of Tuesday. The remaining 43 of the counties have opted out, but most are encouraging or recommending people wear masks. It’s a stark contrast to the response Kelly received to her first mask order in July, when the majority of counties opted out. But as cases of COVID-19 soar and hospitals struggle with the number of [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for November 24, 2020

info2020-11-25T07:43:14-06:00November 25th, 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.

Officials announce online portal to report businesses in violation of health order

info2020-11-25T07:39:52-06:00November 25th, 2020|

The City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and other local officials announced on Tuesday an online portal for residents to report businesses in violation of Dr. Garold Minns latest health order. "While the focus of enforcement is to educate businesses about COVID-19 safety and to encourage best health practices, failure to comply with the local health order is a violation of County code and may result in the offending business receiving a citation and notice to appear in County Court," the county said in a news release. "The penalty for any violation would be a fine." Once a complaint is received and [...]

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