News – Page 1372 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Rent soaring across the state as affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce

info2021-08-01T07:21:55-05:00August 1st, 2021|

The housing market has been hot lately, but it’s not just homes for sale that are going up in price, rent has also seen a spike across the Sunflower State. Approximately one-third of Kansans are renters. According to property manager Ryan Smith, those searching for a new place or thinking of resigning a lease can expect to spend 5-to-10 percent more than last year. “I even have some units that increased 15%,” said Smith. Smith mentioned that although prices are soaring, renters are doing what they can to get an upperhand in a scarce market. “If I have a new listing, [...]

Requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, proof could place school districts in legal gray area

info2021-08-01T07:20:43-05:00August 1st, 2021|

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and Kansas schools contemplate precautions to make sure students can learn in person this fall, one possible option stands out above the rest — requiring eligible students and staff to get vaccinated. But whether schools are willing to consider such an option remains to be seen, likely because it’s unclear whether they are even allowed to. “The short answer is we don’t exactly know because this issue has never been tested,” said Mark Tallman, associate director of advocacy and communication for the Kansas Association of School Boards. “There is no specific authority for school districts [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for July 29, 2021

info2021-07-30T08:17:48-05:00July 30th, 2021|

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.

Fed holds rates near zero, says economy has gotten better even with pandemic worries

info2021-07-29T23:43:33-05:00July 29th, 2021|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its benchmark interest rate near zero and said the economy continues to progress despite concerns over the pandemic spread. As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee concluded its two-day meeting by keeping interest rates in a target range between zero and 0.25%. Along with that, the committee said in a unanimously approved statement that the economy continues to "strengthen." Despite the optimism about the economy, Chairman Jerome Powell said the Fed is nowhere near considering a rate hike. "Our approach here has been to be as transparent as we can. We have not reached substantial [...]

USD 465 considers employee child care

info2021-07-29T23:41:45-05:00July 29th, 2021|

Childcare facilities could be coming to Winfield USD 465 buildings in an attempt to help retain staff. The USD 465 board of education discussed the issue at their Monday meeting, said Tom Fell, the district’s business and finance director/board clerk. Board members discussed the pros and cons of offering daycare, how to meet code requirements set by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and ways to reconfigure rooms at existing buildings into daycare facilities. The proposal under discussion would establish daycare centers at Irving and Country View elementary schools, and possibly also at the district office, Fell said. Those facilities [...]

Emporia continues wage discussion

info2021-07-30T08:13:37-05:00July 29th, 2021|

The Emporia City Commission returned to a discussion of wage increases for city staff during its study session Wednesday morning. In a previous discussion held on June 23, human resources director Jo Lynne Herron informed the commission that the last official compensation study was completed in 2007, and in that time the consumer price index had increased by 24%. There was only one wage increase for city staff during that period, a 2% cost of living adjustment in 2014. A modest 12% increase in the wage scale was proposed in order to combat difficulty with the hiring and retention of city [...]

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple and City of Wichita facing a lawsuit over violating the Americans with Disabilities Act

info2021-07-29T23:36:41-05:00July 29th, 2021|

A former political candidate and current deaf activist is suing the City of Wichita and Mayor Brandon Whipple claiming he is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the complaint, Chris Haulmark of Olathe claims Whipple's live streams on Facebook exclude members of the deaf and hard of hearing communities because those live streams do not have captions. The lawsuit claims Whipple's use of his Facebook page to discuss public matters, like the pandemic qualify as a public forum that deaf and hard of hearing people cannot participate in. On top of that, the suit claims Whipple banned Haulmark from the [...]

Shawnee City Council considers new code of conduct, including provisions against ‘personal attacks’ and ‘bullying’

info2021-07-29T23:32:50-05:00July 29th, 2021|

Following a string of tense meetings over the past year, which at times have included raised voices and heated debates, the Shawnee City Council will consider a new code of conduct f0r c0uncilmembers that includes provisions against “personal attacks” and “bullying” on the dais. City staff this week formally proposed changes to Policy Statement 7, the rules governing the conduct of city meetings. Of note is an entirely new proposed section that spells out the “do’s and don’ts” of city leader conduct. The proposed rules were discussed during the city governing body’s retreat in February 2021, according to city documents. Source: [...]

RCHD, community entities offering incentives for vaccines

info2021-07-30T08:15:11-05:00July 29th, 2021|

In an effort to encourage residents to get vaccinated, the Riley County Health Department and other entities are hosting vaccine events with incentives in August and September. Mall clinic The health department and Manhattan Town Center are hosting a vaccine clinic for those 12 years and older from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 14 in the mall across from Foot Locker. The first 50 people will receive a $15 mall gift card. In addition, those first 50 will get 45 points for an elementary of one’s choice for the Grand for Grade school points program. Nurses will administer the Pfizer vaccine. [...]

Kansas hospitals reporting surge in COVID-19 patients

info2021-07-29T23:29:01-05:00July 29th, 2021|

A COVID-19 surge in Kansas fueled by the faster-spreading delta variant is filling up hospitals in some areas. A survey from the Kansas Hospital Association said four times as many patients with confirmed COVID-19 infections were hospitalized this week as were hospitalized in early June. The association said that 116 Kansas hospitals surveyed this week reported having 399 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. For early June, 125 hospitals reported having 99. For about a month, the Salina Regional Medical Center has sometimes has been near full capacity and its chief medical officer says it has struggled to find beds for patients who have [...]