‘More than bricks and glass,’ Volland Store brings art, stories to Wabaunsee County

Patty Reece was new in Wabaunsee County when she and her husband first spotted the structural remains of the abandoned Volland Store, a large brick building in sad disrepair. “We have always loved old buildings and have felt sadness when they melted into the earth — as so many have,” she said. “The roof of the building was gone, as were many of the windows. Weeds were tall, trees were encroaching on the foundation, but the building was straight and strong.” Her interest in the building led her on a fact-finding mission with neighbors and community members. She began to hear funny tales of the people who had gathered there and fond memories of storekeeper Otto Kratzer, “who always gave penny candy to the neighborhood kids,” Patty said.
Source: Kansas Reflector

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T07:01:50-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Shawnee Mission School District still trying to settle $675K gas bill created by February winter storm

The Shawnee Mission School District says it is still trying to negotiate with a Texas-based natural gas company over the final price of an unusually high energy bill created by February’s record cold snap. District officials say SMSD currently owes Houston-based Symmetry Energy Solutions slightly more than $675,700. That’s a significant drop from the initial $1.6 million invoice Symmetry billed the district in March but still roughly equals what the district typically budgets for gas for an entire school year.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T07:01:18-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for August 18, 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.

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T07:00:33-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Allen County to switch ambulance services

Allen County will pursue a contract with a private company to provide countywide ambulance services starting in 2022. County commissioners voted, 2-1, Tuesday to negotiate solely with American Medical Response, and to let its existing EMS contract with the City of Iola expire on Dec. 31. The move is certain to have major ramifications within the Iola Fire Department, because firefighters man ambulances throughout the county from stations in Iola, Humboldt and Moran. “The decision was not made lightly,” Commissioner David Lee said, noting he’d had “a lot of sleepless nights” during negotiations. “But at the end of the day, I think the contract we’re gonna be pursuing is better for the county.”
Source: The Iola Register

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T06:53:50-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Unionizing new Amazon workers top priority for Wichita labor leaders

Several unions in the Wichita area are preparing to attempt to organize new Amazon workers in Wichita and Park City, local labor leaders said, despite the online retail giant’s success in so far keeping unions at bay in warehouses across the country. “I may be a bit too much of an optimist, but the only way you ever accomplish anything is by trying,” said Esau Freeman, the business representative for the Service Employees International Union Local 513, which represents workers at the city of Wichita and USD 259. Freeman said he has given his business card to any Amazon workers he has seen driving around town or run into, and that workers have received it well so far.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T06:54:10-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Wichita, Sedgwick County leaders declare formal support for Amtrak expansion

Wichita City Council members and Sedgwick County Commissioners have been involved in discussions over the past decade on returning passenger rail service to south central Kansas, but they have now declared formal support for an expansion of Amtrak service. Sedgwick County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution of support Wednesday for the extension of Amtrak services. The Wichita City Council approved a similar resolution last week. The city has not had direct access to passenger service since 1979. In recent years, Wichita residents have had to travel to Newton or Hutchinson to access Amtrak services. Amtrak has been studying an expansion of the Heartland Flyer route from Oklahoma City to Wichita and Newton, to connect to the Southwest Chief service that runs through southwest Kansas. The expansion is estimated to add 100,000 to 200,000 passengers a year. The expansion would also connect to other Amtrak routes west to Los Angeles and east to Kansas City and Chicago.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T06:55:18-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Governor Laura Kelly Announces 250 New Jobs in Emporia

Governor Laura Kelly today announced Communications Solutions, LLC (CSLLC) will expand its operations to Emporia, Kansas, creating 250 new jobs. “Our partnership with CSLCC, which will create 250 new jobs in Emporia, is a testament to our state’s talented workforce and strong economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Congratulations to CSLLC and Emporia on this exciting announcement. We’ll continue prioritizing pro-growth policies to recruit new businesses and families to our state.” CSLLC is a premier provider of Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer Call Center services. The company is purchasing a facility to create a new call center in response to growing customer demand, with hiring for the new location already underway.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T06:55:49-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

A short-staffed Sedgwick County now offers signing bonuses up to $5,000

To combat widespread staffing shortages, Sedgwick County is offering signing bonuses up to $5,000 for some new employees. The signing bonuses are available for new hires in facilities maintenance, emergency communications (911) and Comcare — departments in which the county is having trouble attracting applicants, County Manager Tom Stolz told commissioners Wednesday. “It is a trial policy to see if the use of signing bonuses is an effective way to bolster and recruit workforce in areas that have large numbers of openings of specialty positions,” Stolz said.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T03:43:01-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Board of Regents session raises open meeting questions

The Kansas Board of Regents is convening virtually Wednesday afternoon to vote on the profile that will be used to pick the next president of Kansas State University. But the only way to watch the 4 p.m. Zoom meeting is to drive to the board’s Topeka office, where it will be livestreamed. Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, said in a joint statement with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters that the board’s decision to limit access to the public meeting is irresponsible. “While the Kansas Board of Regents may not have to provide a link to the meeting to abide by [the Kansas Open Meetings Act], it begs the question why they are conducting the meeting via zoom for board members but requiring members of the public to travel to Topeka to observe that very meeting,” Mazzei wrote in an email.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T03:40:47-05:00August 19, 2021|News|

Pizza Hut can serve beer, thanks to pastor

More than four decades after opening in Hillsboro, Pizza Hut can now serve its customers a beer. Until Tuesday, the restaurant was banned from serving beer because city code prevents cereal malt beverage from being served within 200 feet of any school, college, or church. Pizza Hut is within 200 feet of Hillsboro United Methodist Church. Although no one from Pizza Hut came to talk to city council members Tuesday, the pastor of the church came to advocate letting Pizza Hut sell beer.
Source: Marion County RECORD

Ranson Financial2021-08-19T06:57:49-05:00August 19, 2021|News|