info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Open Range riders take on wind, sand and scenery in Barber County

info2020-06-22T07:58:15-05:00June 19th, 2020|

While an unanticipated windy start to the 2020 Open Range Gravel Race added to its challenge, most participants just kept on pedaling through Pratt and Barber counties last weekend, doing their best to stay upright amid strong blasts of wind. The number of tour participants, 18, was only a fraction of the 322 who signed up for the Open Range race option, but the two-day noncompetitive Open Range Gravel Tour will likely see increased numbers in the years ahead, if comments from tour riders are any indication. The tour route exactly mirrored that of racers in the 200K Open Range Gravel [...]

Kansas starts spending $1B in coronavirus aid, but leaders differ on where it’s needed most

info2020-06-22T07:58:26-05:00June 19th, 2020|

Kansas officials will distribute $1 billion of federal aid to help cope with the fallout caused by the coronavirus, but Republicans and the Democratic governor disagreed on where some of the initial funding should go — to the unemployed? to businesses? to private universities? Gov. Laura Kelly and the legislative leaders that make up the State Finance Council met this week and are targeting local governments with the first $400 million going toward health care needs, like county health departments, protective equipment or other coronavirus-related costs. The money will be distributed on the county level based on population, about $200 per [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for June 18, 2020

info2020-06-19T08:22:29-05:00June 19th, 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.

Political signs not allowed on highway right of way

info2020-06-19T08:37:16-05:00June 19th, 2020|

It’s a sign of the season – campaign signs all over the place. Political signs are prohibited on state highway right-of-ways, Department of Transportation (KDOT), officials said earlier this week in a press release. By law, all right-of-way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes, officials said. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs are allowed on the state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system. (Read more: News - The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Governor Laura Kelly Announced Kansas Wind Farm Construction in Clark County

info2020-06-19T08:16:37-05:00June 19th, 2020|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Enel Green Power has begun construction work on a new 199 MW addition to the Cimarron Bend wind farm in Clark County, Kansas. The $281.4 million expansion will consist of 74 wind turbines, will be responsible for over 250 temporary jobs and add 5-10 permanent operations and maintenance positions. “Wind energy production has been an absolute win for our state, in terms of its benefits for the environment, Kansas business and residential consumers,” Governor Kelly said. “The Enel Green Power expansion is even more proof of Kansas’ appeal as one of the nation’s top wind [...]

Plans for 620 Day move forward despite COVID-19 outbreak

info2020-06-19T08:16:49-05:00June 19th, 2020|

Despite the recent local coronavirus outbreak, plans are moving forward for Pittsburg’s “620 Day” celebration this Saturday. Pittsburg began celebrating 620 Day — named for the city’s area code and held on June 20 — last year. Citizens are encouraged to shop local this Saturday as several downtown retailers and restaurants will be offering special discounts. The health and safety of participants is the priority of the Downtown Advisory Board, which is organizing the celebration, the city noted in a press release. This year’s event has been modified to align with public health guidelines. Businesses are prepared to monitor social distancing and [...]

Sunday liquor sales approved in Winfield

info2020-06-19T08:17:03-05:00June 19th, 2020|

Winfield city commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance allowing packaged liquor sales on Sundays and some holidays during their Monday meeting. The new ordinance allows packaged liquor sales between noon and 8 p.m. on Sundays, and on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Sales will still be barred on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sales will also not be allowed on Easter Sunday. The ordinance goes into effect 60 days following its publication in the newspaper or on Aug. 20, 2020, whichever is later. It repeals the current Section 6-194 of the municipal code, which bars Sunday and holiday liquor sales, and replaces [...]

Cowley County fair deemed too risky amid pandemic

info2020-06-19T08:17:35-05:00June 19th, 2020|

The Cowley County Fair Association has canceled this year’s Cowley County Fair due to the coronavirus pandemic, with COVID-19 cases rising sharply in Cowley County in recent weeks. The announcement, made around 10:30 p.m., on social media, said the decision was made after consulting representatives from the City-Cowley County Health Department and the City of Winfield. “We know that everyone is ready to get out of the house and start attending events after being restricted due to COVID-19,” the statement read. “The Cowley County Fair Association understands the continued risk that can occur with large gatherings. Therefore, for the safety of [...]

Leavenworth city commissioners discuss new prison project

info2020-06-19T08:19:03-05:00June 18th, 2020|

When they met this week, Leavenworth city commissioners were celebrating news of a new federal prison facility that will be constructed in the community. City officials have long been advocating for a new federal prison in Leavenworth. But the Federal Bureau of Prisons is moving forward with the project now that Congress has allocated $356 million for the facility’s construction. U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran discussed the project with Leavenworth Mayor Mike Griswold and City Manager Paul Kramer as well as BOP officials Monday during a conference call. (Read more: Leavenworth Times)

City of Pratt approves open-air prom plans

info2020-06-19T08:19:10-05:00June 18th, 2020|

Pratt City commissioners unanimously approved requests from Pratt and Skyline schools to hold at their postponed proms at Merchants Park, during a regular meeting Monday, June 16, at Pratt City Hall. Both Pratt and Skyline High School Prom Nights have exchanged tradition prom activities (which were canceled due to the coronavirus this year) for open-air affairs, and school officials presented their requests to the commission. Prom night for Pratt High School is set for Saturday, June 20, and Skyline High Prom is set for Saturday, June 27. “At least, they’ll have a prom event for pictures,” said City Manager Bruce Pinkall, [...]

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