News – Page 1826 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Virus leads to growing, severe selling pressure on muni market

info2020-03-19T08:44:53-05:00March 19th, 2020|

The municipal market was essentially in free fall on Wednesday under mounting, severe selling pressure as COVID-19 fears and fallout continue to deepen. The world is a different place than it was a mere two weeks ago. The stock market sold off enough on Wednesday to again trigger automatic circuit breakers and shut down trading. ... The economy is likely entering a recession as COVID-19 fears and precautions have tamped consumer spending, the fuel for economic growth. Economists are predicting gross domestic product will contract for two quarters — with two consecutive quarters of negative readings the definition of recession. Specifically [...]

Towne East Square mall in Wichita closes amid coronavirus concerns

info2020-03-19T08:52:49-05:00March 19th, 2020|

Towne East Square mall in Wichita will be closed to shoppers for more than a week amid coronavirus concerns. Simon Property Group announced in a news release that all of the company’s retail properties, including Towne East Square, will close at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The malls will be closed until at least March 29. “The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Simon SEO David Simon in a statement. (Read more: Local News |)

City of Pittsburg urges residents: don’t flush these materials down the toilet

info2020-03-19T08:38:33-05:00March 18th, 2020|

Local utility officials are urging residents not to flush materials other than toilet paper down the toilet. Fears over the coronavirus (COVID-19) have caused many shoppers to begin panic-buying, making household essentials like toilet paper scarce. During this shortage, people may be tempted to flush other materials such as paper towels, tissues, napkins or baby wipes down the commode. Unlike toilet paper, these materials cannot disintegrate properly, which can clog sewer pipes, cause sewer line breaks, and put a strain on our local wastewater treatment facility. Even “flushable” wipes can lead to sewer backups. (Read more: City of Pittsburg)

Sprint cell tower in Shawnee getting 5-foot extension to make room for more antennas

info2020-03-19T08:38:59-05:00March 18th, 2020|

An 80-foot Sprint cell tower along Shawnee Mission Parkway is getting an extension so it can host more antennas. Located at 12902 Shawnee Mission Parkway, the Sprint monopole was built in 1996 and will have a 5 feet in height added to accommodate new antennas. The Shawnee planning commission considered the plans in its Monday meeting, which was predominantly conducted via teleconference. (Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)

National League of Cities Responds to COVID-19

info2020-03-19T08:39:10-05:00March 18th, 2020|

Over the past two weeks, life in our cities, towns, and villages has changed drastically. Our nation’s top health experts have asked us to stop gathering in large groups in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Schools, restaurants, places of worship, small businesses and even some municipal offices have moved online or closed entirely. The most vulnerable people in our communities are worried about having a roof over their heads, a paycheck to cover the bills, and a meal to feed their kids. These are unprecedented times for our nation. Local leaders are on the front line of [...]

Stevens County Entities discuss COVID-19 issues

info2020-03-19T08:40:26-05:00March 18th, 2020|

The Stevens County Board of County Commissioners met in special session Tuesday afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 issues. ... Paula Rowden [director of the Board of Health] ... said the virus was identified in the United States January 21 and in Kansas March 7. We now have 4,000 cases in the United States. ... Paula reminded that there are fatalities but there are more survivors than deaths. But she said don’t be mistaken, we will see it here in our community. (Read more: Hugoton Hermes News)

Wichita Mayor Whipple self-quarantines after possible coronavirus exposure at meeting

info2020-03-19T08:40:42-05:00March 18th, 2020|

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple and three City Council members have placed themselves in self-quarantine for the coronavirus after learning that two people at a national conference for city leaders they attended last week have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Whipple said he feels fine, but decided to work from home “out of an abundance of caution” for now after the National League of Cities informed conference attendees that the two people there had the virus. Council members Becky Tuttle, James Clendenin and Brandon Johnson also attended the conference. (Read more: Local News |)

Coronavirus Threatens Strained Rural Health Care Systems around the U.S.

info2020-03-19T08:42:25-05:00March 18th, 2020|

If you’re exhibiting coronavirus symptoms and meet the criteria, you should get tested. But if you live in rural Presidio County, on the western end of the Texas-Mexico border, be prepared to travel. County residents who are severely ill are being told to go to Big Bend Regional Center in Alpine, Texas, which is nearly 90 miles away from the city of Presidio. The hospital will stabilize those patients before sending them nearly 200 miles to El Paso, according to a hospital spokeswoman. Patients in the region seeking test results should be prepared to wait. The 25-bed hospital in Alpine takes [...]

As COVID-19 spreads in KC metro, here’s how people are stepping up to help

info2020-03-19T08:42:40-05:00March 18th, 2020|

As stores and restaurants shut down and workers head home to socially isolate themselves and their families, people in Missouri and Kansas continue to look outward. They are finding ways to help others — even as needs among the elderly, homeless and most vulnerable grow more severe. Social media sites are filled with offers to run errands and even pay for groceries for neighbors in need. Kenzie Borland, a Wichita State University student who lives with her grandparents, said she understands why the elderly and immunocompromised, who are more at risk for COVID-19, can’t leave home right now. After posting on [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for March 17, 2020

info2020-04-16T08:06:28-05:00March 18th, 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.