News – Page 1821 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

City Hall in Ark City to close starting Monday

info2020-03-23T20:16:37-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

To maintain employee health and help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) locally, the City of Arkansas City will close City Hall to the public starting Monday. This closure will be for a minimum of two weeks and will be re-evaluated in early April. The City will strive to disrupt services as little as possible during this time through a variety of measures, including telephones; video conferences; and online, drive-through and drop-off methods (see Page 2 for details). There may be some scheduling of appointments for any services that require in-person contact. (Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Fed expands reach of new credit facility to muni bond market

info2020-03-23T09:27:30-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

The Federal Reserve is expanding its facility backing money market mutual funds to also provide support to the municipal bond market as the economy grapples with fallout from the virus pandemic. The Fed announced the creation of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility Wednesday night among a host of recent emergency measures to preserve the flow of credit to households and businesses that could face financial difficulties as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on communities. On Friday, the Fed said the program will also serve as a backstop for state and local governments through municipal bonds. (Read more: The Latest)

NABL (National Assoc. of Bond Lawyers) Sends Letter to Congress/Treasury on COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package

info2020-03-23T09:20:44-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic stimulus package moving through Congress, NABL has submitted a letter to Congress, as well as to Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. In the letter, NABL asks Congress and the Treasury to adopt certain bond-related proposals that will allow state and local governments to access much needed capital now, at a time when support to our communities is of paramount and immediate concern. Additionally, the tools we discuss will position state and local governments to mitigate damages affecting our nation and your constituents. Read more: NABL.

Sedgwick County to draft stay-at-home order as top doctor says it isn’t yet necessary

info2020-03-23T09:17:11-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

Sedgwick County government staffers are drafting an order for people in the largest city in Kansas to stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, even though the county’s top public health official says it is not necessary now. County commissioners met in a special meeting — sitting at least 6 feet apart — Sunday afternoon to discuss the coronavirus pandemic. Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner asked county staff to draft a stay-at-home ordinance by Wednesday’s scheduled meeting. County Manager Tom Stolz said he hopes county staff will have a draft ready earlier and asked commissioners to consider calling a special meeting once [...]

Kansas City metro under stay-at-home order effective Tuesday as coronavirus spreads

info2020-03-23T09:15:44-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

Kansas City and its surrounding counties will be subject to a stay-at-home order effective Tuesday morning in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Saturday. The order, which will go into effect 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, requires residents of Kansas City and Johnson, Jackson and Wyandotte counties to remain at home except for activities “essential to the health and safety” of themselves, family members or friends. (Read more: KC Star Local News)

Leavenworth County issues stay at home order, joining other counties in KC metro

info2020-03-23T09:15:52-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

Another county in the Kansas City area is taking similar precautions following the metro area’s stay at home order announced Saturday. Leavenworth County issued a stay-at-home order Sunday that goes into effect Tuesday, March 24. Like the order for Kansas City and its surrounding counties, which takes effect the same day, Leavenworth County residents are being told to stay home unless they’re performing an “essential activity.” (Read more: KC Star Local News)

Municipal Bond Trends for March 20, 2020

info2020-04-16T08:06:27-05:00March 23rd, 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.

Douglas County orders residents to ‘stay at home’ beginning Tuesday, in order similar to KC metro

info2020-03-23T09:16:01-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

The Lawrence-Douglas County health department has issued a “stay at home” order that will go into effect early Tuesday morning to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The order includes restrictions similar to those announced earlier this weekend by counties in the Kansas City area and will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Tuesday until at least April 23. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health announced the order Sunday night, under the authority of Douglas County’s health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino. “With full community cooperation, this proactive public health order can minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our Douglas County community,” Marcellino [...]

Wichita police chief says WPD has been searching for more protective gear

info2020-03-23T09:09:22-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay says his officers are showing up for work now more than ever during this time of COVID-19. “Our sick leave as of (Friday) yesterday when I looked at it, we are lower than the average throughout the year,” said Ramsay. “And that speaks volumes about our workforce and the people that we have policing our community.” Ramsay also addressed the need for protective gear for officers. “There is a significant supply issue with N95 masks and protective gear right now,” said Ramsay. He says they have been working on the issue for some time. (Read more: [...]

Gov. Laura Kelly orders expansion of telemedicine; 65 confirmed cases

info2020-03-23T09:08:57-05:00March 23rd, 2020|

Gov. Laura Kelly on Sunday announced she had issued executive orders to expand the use of telemedicine and waive restrictions on motor carriers who are delivering relief for COVID-19. At least 65 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, and two have died. Local health officials in the state’s most populous areas have accelerated restrictions on social activity in hopes of halting the rapid spread of COVID-19. The governor’s orders, signed on Friday, take effect immediately and are in place for as long as Kansas remains under a state of emergency. (Read more: Local - The Hutchinson News)