info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Frustrated by lack of public comment period, Overland Park residents calling for police transparency interrupt council meeting

info2020-08-19T08:48:11-05:00August 18th, 2020|

The Overland Park City Council’s first in-person meeting since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic erupted into chaos Monday night as several people – outraged at the lack of a public comment period – shouted over the council’s scheduled discussion to demand police transparency. Councilmembers had barely sat down after the Pledge of Allegiance before they were called out for controversies surrounding the fatal police shooting two years ago of teenager John Albers and the more recent arrests of four protestors in July. About 20 attendees said they came to the meeting expecting there would be a public comment period where they could express [...]

Roeland Park amends city code to allow unlimited political signs in right-of-way

info2020-08-19T08:49:00-05:00August 18th, 2020|

Roeland Parkers can now place an unlimited number of political signs in their yard after a city council approved ordinance amendment. The adjustment brings bring the code into state statute compliance. The Roeland Park City Council Monday evening amended its city code to allow an unlimited number of political signs within unpaved right-of-ways. Previously the city’s code only allowed up to three political signs per residential lot. But this restriction did not comply with 2015 state statute prohibiting municipalities from regulating political signs. A previous Roeland Park city attorney had questioned the constitutionality of the statute but City Attorney Steve Maurer [...]

Century II’s fate will go to public vote, but a non-binding one, City Council decides

info2020-08-19T08:49:09-05:00August 18th, 2020|

Wichita voters will get a chance to vote on whether to demolish the big blue building at the Century II Convention and Performing Arts Center, the City Council decided Tuesday. But unlike a citizens’ initiative currently being challenged by the city government in court, the vote would be non-binding. It could also include as-yet-undetermined details such as how to finance either renovating Century II or replacing it in a plan to tear it down and build new facilities. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Parsons to step up enforcement of mask law

info2020-08-19T08:49:38-05:00August 18th, 2020|

Parsons police will pivot from an education to enforcement regarding the city’s mask ordinance, meaning that some blatant violators could be fined and arrested and booked. Police Chief Robert Spinks had hoped community responsibility from businesses and individuals would be enough to lead to compliance of the ordinance that took effect on July 9. Instead, a few businesses have been ignoring the law, so officers will begin writing citations for those already warned, Spinks said during a Monday evening city commission meeting. “It’s very unfortunate that we’ve had to come to this point,” Commissioner Kevin Cruse said. Source: Parsons Sun

Lawrence housing market saw 18% jump in prices in July

info2020-08-18T07:35:29-05:00August 18th, 2020|

Hot, fast, and increasingly expensive is a pretty accurate summary of Lawrence’s housing market in July. Home sales were up by nearly 13% in July, while the median selling price was up by 18% compared to the same month a year ago. Historically-low mortgage rates certainly are playing a part in the rising number of home sales. Rising prices, however, are being greatly influenced by a trend that Realtors have been pointing to for months now — a low supply of homes on the market. In July there were 144 active listings on the market. That was down from 286 — [...]

100 years ago, women nationwide gained the right to vote; In Kansas, women had that right 8 years prior

info2020-08-18T07:34:14-05:00August 18th, 2020|

People are typically surprised to learn that women in Kansas received the right to vote in all elections — state and federal — in 1912, eight years prior to the 19th amendment, which guaranteed women nationwide the right to vote. That’s according to Diana Carlin, a former University of Kansas professor who taught courses on Kansas women’s suffrage for over 20 years. “We were way ahead of the game,” she said. In 1867, Kansas was the first state to hold a referendum on women’s suffrage. In 1887, Kansas became the first state to grant women municipal suffrage. And it was the [...]

Lawrence City Commission to consider new rules that limit the number of certain Airbnbs and other short-term rentals

info2020-08-18T07:31:50-05:00August 18th, 2020|

City leaders will soon consider adopting new regulations for short-term rentals where the property owner lives elsewhere that aim to correct concerns regarding the city’s original permitting process. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting a new ordinance for whole-home Airbnb and other short-term rentals that includes restrictions that aim to prevent a concentration of such rentals in residential neighborhoods, among other limitations. The new proposal comes after the commission rejected a plan earlier this year that more broadly allowed for such rentals. This is the second time the commission will consider the licensing regulations [...]

New bridge connects visitors to natural wonders at this popular Johnson County park

info2020-08-18T07:25:11-05:00August 18th, 2020|

It’s easy for Bill McGowan to visualize the importance of the new bridge at Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center. The bridge is practical and picturesque — and a great example of the improvements going on at the 116-acre park in Olathe, says McGowan, outdoor education manager for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The $85,000 fiber-composite bridge is a critical replacement recommended by engineers. Source: Joco 913 News

Municipal Bond Trends for August 17, 2020

info2020-08-18T07:20:13-05:00August 18th, 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.

Governor Kelly announces executive orders temporarily prohibiting evictions and foreclosures, extending motor carrier relief

info2020-08-18T07:15:08-05:00August 17th, 2020|

Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Orders #20-61 and #20-62 as part of her administration’s commitment to protecting Kansans’ health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Order #20-61 temporarily prohibits initiating any mortgage foreclosure or judicial proceedings, and any commercial or residential eviction efforts or judicial proceedings due to financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic until September 15, 2020. “COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities and is creating challenges for businesses and employees alike,” Governor Kelly said. “Kansas families who miss mortgage or rent payments due to lost wages will need our support until the Senate extends unemployment [...]

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