News – Page 1705 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Idea for pocket park in downtown Parsons is blossoming

info2020-06-26T07:49:32-05:00June 26th, 2020|

A group dedicated to the beautification of Parsons hopes that the city commission will look favorably on a proposed downtown pocket park. Rod Landrum, representing SEK Point of Pride, has been working with city staff to develop the empty lot where the Parsons Theatre stood before it was destroyed by a fire. The city-owned property is on the south side of the 1800 block of Main Street, just east of a Commercial Bank building. (Read more: Parsons Sun)

Municipal Bond Trends for June 25, 2020

info2020-06-26T07:34:58-05:00June 26th, 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.

After demands for reform, Wichita police chief addresses policy changes

info2020-06-26T07:33:57-05:00June 26th, 2020|

Organizations with demands for Wichita police reform had mixed feelings about Thursday’s announcement of changes at the Police Department. The Wichita Racial Profiling Advisory Board and Project Justice ICT were two of the groups that submitted demands to the Wichita Police Department in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes last month. Floyd’s death has led to widespread protests and demands for police reform. On Thursday, Police Chief Gordon Ramsay announced the department’s response to demands by the groups. The 16-page document, available at wichita.gov/wpd, addressed 16 [...]

Kansas communities see dramatic spikes in coronavirus cases

info2020-06-26T07:33:25-05:00June 26th, 2020|

A spike in reported coronavirus cases has prompted a northeast Kansas community to take a step back in reopening its economy and led the commanding general of a nearby U.S. Army post to restrict soldiers' visits to a popular bar and restaurant district. Riley County's health officer this week issued an order reimposing a 50-person limit on public gatherings, limited bars and restaurants to 75% capacity and mandated that they screen employees for coronavirus symptoms daily. Those restrictions are set to remain in place through July 6. But an even more dramatic increase in Crawford County in southeast Kansas tied to [...]

‘Napa Valley of the Midwest’ at Somerset Ridge in Paola

info2020-06-26T07:29:38-05:00June 26th, 2020|

Surrounded by thousands and thousands of grapevines, Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery boasts being the “Napa Valley of the Midwest.” Believe it or not, the Midwest has a rich history of producing wine, and you’ll want to come out and taste it for yourself. “We had customers in last weekend, and they sent a note to their friends in California saying, ‘Sorry, you can’t be with us. We’re out in Ka-Napa!’ And what a great name is that? Ka-Napa!” said owner Cindy Reynolds. “Ka-Napa” may seem new, but the Midwest has a rich history of producing wine. (Read more: KSNT News)

Reno County eligible for rural development funding

info2020-06-26T07:23:52-05:00June 25th, 2020|

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development has announced $2.7 million in funding for Kansas counties affected by natural disasters through the agency’s Rural Communities Infrastructure and Equipment program. “President Trump and USDA Secretary Perdue continue to prioritize rural America through resources and funding opportunities to help communities rebuild,” said U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall. “These grant dollars will be valuable tools for our municipalities and nonprofits to support community growth and recovery efforts.” Reno County is eligible for grant funding that will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in grants of up to $50,000. Funding will be provided [...]

Johnson County Election Office prepares for in-person voting with PPE, hand sanitizer, disposable pens

info2020-06-26T07:24:00-05:00June 25th, 2020|

On Election Day — Aug. 4 for the primaries and Nov. 3 for the general — in-person voting will look different, Schmidt said. All 170 polling places will be open, but social distancing will play a factor in ballot-casting. Poll workers — who are currently going through small-group election training — will be given personal protective equipment kits that includes masks, face shields and gloves. Additionally, hand sanitizer will be available at several points, Schmidt said. Voters will be given the option to choose a paper or digital ballot. No matter which they decide, they will be given a double-ended writing utensil [...]

Wichita releases draft document on police reform issues

info2020-06-26T07:26:05-05:00June 25th, 2020|

The city of Wichita has released a 16-page document outlining a response to recent protests and calls for reform after fatal officer-involved shootings across the country. Mayor Brandon Whipple, city council members and police chief Gordon Ramsay talked about the document at a city hall news conference Thursday. Mayor Whipple said it’s a response to demands and grievances from several community groups on policing policies. The mayor said he, the council and Chief Ramsay are united in addressing the wishes of the various groups and there will be more discussions. He said the council is not necessarily in full agreement [...]

New mayor find his way in Haviland

info2020-06-26T07:27:13-05:00June 25th, 2020|

Aaron Stokes was elected Mayor of Haviland last November and took office in January. Stokes has used his first six months in office finding his footing and figuring out how to navigate his new role. “I think the temptation is to try to do right away, but it’s more important to listen right away,” said Stokes. Stokes first thought about running for mayor because he feels that participation in local government is very important, especially for someone who is younger. Being the mayor is a way that Aaron feels he can give back to the community. During these first months of [...]

New sculpture in Prairie Village memorializes ‘freedom of roaming on bicycles’ for ’50s kids

info2020-06-25T07:54:41-05:00June 25th, 2020|

A Prairie Village native whose formative years in the city included the “exhilarating sense of freedom roaming on bicycles” in northeast Johnson County has donated a new piece of public art. The sculpture on the southeast corner of the intersection of 71st Street and Mission, catty-corner from the Village Shops, is entitled “Fifties Freedom in the Village” and depicts a young boy on a bike pointed toward the sky with the help of a ramp elevated by books. (Read more: Prairie Village Post)