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.

After a meeting of nearly six hours, a divided Johnson County Board of Commissioners on Friday approved new limits on public gatherings, plus set a curfew on bars and restaurants, in an effort to slow the exponential rise in COVID-19 transmission. But what the board approved, with a 4-3 vote, is a weaker version of an order proposed by Health Officer Joseph LeMaster, who warned that skyrocketing new cases are causing hospitals to reach capacity and school districts to return to online classes. The order limits gatherings to 50 people, or 50% capacity of a venue, whichever is fewer. But the board voted to include broad exemptions — shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fitness centers, health care facilities, churches and funeral homes. The restriction also does not apply to private gatherings.
Source: KC Star.

Enforcement of the latest Sedgwick County ordinance regarding masks and other COVID-19 related directives will remain local. During the city council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, council members agreed with the county’s decision to put some teeth into the countywide directives, given the spiking positivity rate. But the council felt any local situations would best be handled by local police and, if necessary, through Cheney Municipal Court. Sedgwick County is asking cities to partner with the county on enforcement. The county’s proposal would let any city official initiate a complaint against a business or individual with an email to the Sedgwick County Health Department.
Source.

Members of Wichita’s teachers’ union voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract agreement with the district over concerns about lack of salary increases, teacher workload and building safety in the pandemic, the union announced Friday. The United Teachers of Wichita voted 85% no on the collective bargaining agreement. In all, 79% of union members voted. Representatives from USD 259 and the union will both return to negotiations. The previous contract expired at the end of July. Without a new agreement, the old one remains in place. Teachers are not able to strike and not planning to do so, said Gabriel Costilla, vice president of the UTW.
Source: Wichita Eagle.

Smoke turned the air almost as dark as night early Saturday evening on U.S. Highway 50 between Burrton and Halstead as smoke from a brush fire blew over the highway. Wind gusts were strong, blowing the fire’s smoke that appeared to be far away one second and up close and causing one to put on one’s COVID-19 mask on the next. Emergency responders have been battling the grass fire near Northwest 48th Street and North Burmac Road, southeast of Buhler since this afternoon, and it didn’t appear to be anywhere near being extinguished as of 6 p.m.
Source: Harvey County Now.