News – Page 1439 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Ark City will outsource its vehicle purchases

info2021-05-07T07:10:16-05:00May 6th, 2021|

An outside company will handle buying and maintaining vehicles for the City of Arkansas City under agreements approved this week by the city commissioners. The board on Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with Enterprise FM Trust, of Delaware, for the lease, use, maintenance, selection and inspection of city-owned vehicles. Commissioners also approved an agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc., of Missouri, for vehicle repairs and service. Having someone else manage vehicles’ replacement and service issues is expected to save the city money and free up time for city employees. Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

Court upholds USD-373 mask policy

info2021-05-07T07:10:23-05:00May 6th, 2021|

A woman’s court challenge to the Newton School District’s mask policy has been denied. Harvey County District Judge Marilyn Wilder wrote in her seven-page ruling that Danica Dickson’s claims of discrimination and segregation against the district for punishing her son for improperly wearing a mask were invalid. “None of those rights is implicated in the requirement to put a small piece of cloth over one’s mouth and nose to help prevent the spread of a potentially deadly airborne disease when that cloth does not prevent any bodily function, does not impede movement in any way and is allowed to be removed [...]

Several families sue Johnson County school districts over ‘the trauma’ of COVID masks

info2021-05-07T07:10:29-05:00May 6th, 2021|

The families of 16 children in Johnson County are suing the Blue Valley and Olathe districts, arguing that their students should be allowed to attend school during the pandemic without wearing masks. Attorney Linus Baker said the parents he is representing challenged their districts’ mask requirements under Senate Bill 40, which empowers parents to quickly fight such COVID-19 restrictions. But the Olathe and Blue Valley school boards have so far upheld their mask mandates. The lawsuit, which began in Johnson County district court, was moved to federal court this week. Source: Joco 913 News

Cruise the Burg attracts vintage cars and admiring crowd

info2021-05-07T07:10:38-05:00May 6th, 2021|

More than 130 classic vehicles of numerous makes and models were on display during the Louisburg Lions Club’s 24th annual Cruise the Burg car show. The vintage cars, coupled with a craft show, drew hundreds of people to American Legion Park on Sunday, May 2, in Louisburg. “It’s a perfect day for it,” Michelle McKain of Gardner said as she watched James McKain hoist up their 8-year-old daughter Molly so she could get a closer look at the interior of a 1924 Model T coupe. Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Earthquake swarm in north-central Kansas included a 4.1 magnitude in Jewell County

info2021-05-07T07:10:57-05:00May 6th, 2021|

A cluster of five earthquakes so far has shaken north-central Kansas on Thursday, with the strongest a 4.1 magnitude in Jewell County. The Kansas Geological Survey reports the first earthquake of the day was also the strongest. The 4.1 magnitude started shaking at around 6:35 a.m. in between Mankato, Jewell, Randall and Formoso in northern Kansas. Those tremors were followed by a 2.6 magnitude at around 6:47 a.m., then a 2.3 magnitude at around 7:16 a.m. A fourth quake, this one a 3.2 magnitude, struck at around 8:04 a.m. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Relive the legend! Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City announces May 8 grand opening, Gov. Kelly stresses on importance of tourism

info2021-05-07T07:11:09-05:00May 6th, 2021|

The tourism industry creates thousands of jobs and brings in billions of dollars to the state. After a year of slowdown, a major Dodge City attraction is gearing up for the tourism season ahead. It’s been years in the making, but on Thursday the new Boot Hill Museum announced its May 8 official grand opening date." This building has been a vision for many many years. We've always talked about an expansion of the museum," said Lara Brehm, Boot Hill Museum Executive Director. "We're extremely proud of what we have." The $6 million renovation and expansion is the city’s centerpiece STAR Bond [...]

Rural areas see spike in thefts and petty crime

info2021-05-07T07:11:25-05:00May 6th, 2021|

An increase in thefts and petty crime -- two police chiefs in Kansas are responding to an uptick in people breaking the law. Police in Ark City said since January, there has recently been a spike in thefts. Traveling 30 miles northwest of Ark City 30 miles, Wellington Police are saying the same -- it’s a trend that's keeping the departments busy. In the last four months, both Wellington and Ark City Police Department Chiefs said catalytic converter thefts are the most notable. Wellington Police Chief, Tracy Heath, said he has seen about 12 thefts in four months. "We're a small, rural [...]

Douglas County staff to begin developing regulations for solar farms in rural areas

info2021-05-06T07:33:30-05:00May 6th, 2021|

After getting the go-ahead from elected leaders, Douglas County staff will soon start developing regulations for solar farms in rural areas of the county. As part of its meeting Wednesday, the Douglas County Commission voted unanimously to initiate a text amendment to the zoning and land use regulations for rural Douglas County for the development of standards for “solar energy conversion systems,” or solar farms. Commission Chair Shannon Portillo, noting that Kansas is one of the sunniest states in the U.S., said developing the regulations would support the renewable energy goals in the county’s new comprehensive plan, Plan 2040. Source: LJWorld.com.

Municipal Bond Trends for May 5, 2021

info2021-05-06T07:19:29-05:00May 6th, 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.

Senate property tax bill strikes chord with homeowners, schools and businesses

info2021-05-06T07:12:06-05:00May 5th, 2021|

A property tax bill adopted with bipartisan support in the Kansas Senate was notable for delivering for retirees struggling to stay in their homes, advocates of public school funding and the smaller retailers hit with government orders to temporarily close during the pandemic. The bundle of tax legislation shipped to the Kansas House was broadened with addition of Sen. Tom Holland’s amendment to provide qualifying Kansans over 65 years of age or disabled veterans the opportunity to have residential property taxes “frozen.” Under the Baldwin City Democrat’s amendment, the state would moderate property tax increases at the local level by issuing [...]