News – Page 1011 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

County questions mosquito population forecast

info2022-08-09T23:52:32-05:00August 9th, 2022|

Is Topeka abuzz with mosquitoes? The answer is — depends on who you ask. One the side of “yes” is a new forecasting tool created through a partnership between from Google and Off!, the insect repellant. That tool says city’s predicted population of that blood-sucking insect Monday was at its highest possible level of “severe” and should remain so through Thursday. ... On the “no” side is testing by the Shawnee County Health Department, which says the mosquito population is lower than average this year. “We did see a small increase last week in mosquitoes, but overall for the year, our [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for August 9, 2022

info2022-08-09T23:46:59-05:00August 9th, 2022|

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.

Will Wichita firefighters get a 30% pay hike?

info2022-08-09T23:40:00-05:00August 9th, 2022|

Wichita firefighter negotiators are asking for a big pay increase. "Yes," said Ted Bush with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) local 135. "We're looking at a 30% raise across the board. That would get us to industry standards." ... "I think we have to do something big," said Wichita City Council Member Jeff Blubaugh. "I think we need to be close to that." Blubaugh says he and at least two others on council want to make a move on pay. Source: KSN-TV

Risk level remains high in Sedgwick County for COVID-19

info2022-08-09T19:53:41-05:00August 9th, 2022|

Sedgwick County health officials said Tuesday that the county remains at a high risk level for COVID-19 transmission for the third week in a row. That is based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At a high community level, the CDC recommends that people wear masks indoors in public settings, stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and test if they have symptoms or if they are exposed to someone with COVID-19. The Sedgwick County Health Department has resumed its COVID-19 dashboard on the county’s web page. Source: 101.3 KFDI

Topeka road condition study project starts soon

info2022-08-09T23:40:58-05:00August 9th, 2022|

A project to inventory the condition of all roads maintained by the City of Topeka is slated to begin on Wednesday. According to Gretchen Spiker, director of communications for the City of Topeka, Roadway Asset Services has been hired to undertake the project. ... Starting on Aug. 10, RAS vehicles will collect imagery on all pavement and above ground transportation-related assets located within the public right-of-way. The vehicles will be traveling on all City-maintained roads, including alleys. Source: KSNT 27 News

USD 413 to enact stringent new safety protocols

info2022-08-09T23:43:24-05:00August 9th, 2022|

After a few weeks of deliberation and ironing out details, the district will enact a set of new security measures for the upcoming school year and beyond. “I hope this exemplifies that we are taking the situation seriously, because we are,” said Superintendent Kellen Adams. The new protocols coincide with recent upgrades at each of the district buildings, which were partially funded by the state through the Safe and Secure Schools grant. Visitors will now be required to buzz in through a video doorbell prior to entering a district building, and front doors will remain locked throughout the school day. Once [...]

Lawrence city leaders to consider putting proposal for directly elected mayor, other changes to form of government on Nov. ballot

info2022-08-09T11:18:12-05:00August 9th, 2022|

Lawrence city leaders will soon consider putting changes to the city’s form of government on the ballot. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider a resolution to put the question of whether the city should transition to a system with a directly elected mayor and a six-member commission elected by districts on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. All terms would also be changed to four years long. Source: LJWorld

Lawrence board could close schools due to budget issues

info2022-08-09T23:45:18-05:00August 9th, 2022|

The Lawrence school board is looking at another way to solve budget issues that could include cutting schools. The school board is considering hiring a consultant to look at future enrollment and the use of school buildings in the district. The consulting firm is RSP and Assoc. If approved, RPS would provide 5-year enrollment projections, a development and housing analysis and a demographic profile for the district. The team would also include a community engagement process to talk future educational needs, the district's wants and available financial resources. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

Municipal Bond Trends for August 8, 2022

info2022-08-08T23:37:33-05:00August 8th, 2022|

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.

The child-care choice: Employers and talent alike realize daycare challenges are hindering part of the workforce

info2022-08-08T00:41:33-05:00August 8th, 2022|

Conner Hampton was a stay-at-home dad for about five months because, like many Wichita parents, he couldn't find an opening at a daycare center for his newborn son. He turned down a few jobs because of it, too. After months of trying, Hampton eventually found an available slot and re-entered the workforce. Now, he's development director of Center City Academy, a new early child development center planned in downtown Wichita — a role in which he hopes to be part of finding a solution to a growing problem. Source: Wichita Business Journal