Library District reminds OP residents about power of words to inspire and console

Did you know that Overland Park has a Library District? It’s a neighborhood that extends south and east from Johnson County’s Central Resource Library at 9875 W. 87th St. Now, thanks to a project completed in time for spring walking weather, pedestrians can be reminded of both the area’s identity and the power of words to inspire and console. Ten plaques, each with a quote from a children’s book author, have been installed alongside the sidewalks on 91st and Farley streets. Starting near the library at 87th and Farley, the mile-plus route takes pedestrians south on Farley to 91st and then east almost to Antioch Road — past Strang Park and Pawnee Elementary School.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:15:59-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Overland Park task force would review chip seal, stormwater and other infrastructure needs

Overland Park needs an advisory board to consider the best ways to maintain and pay for streets, sidewalks and stormwater improvements, three city councilmembers say. …The ongoing controversy over chip seal – a road surfacing method that presses crushed rock into a sticky layer of asphalt – would likely be on the list of things to consider, as would stormwater and landscaping practices to minimize environmental harm… Chip seal has been an issue because of its unpopularity with some residents who say it is dangerous for playing children or bicyclists who may fall on the surface, in addition to posing a hazard to cars that can be hit by small chunks of debris kicked up by another vehicle’s tires.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:15:14-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

City of Manhattan could lose funding if defined as a ‘micropolitan’ by federal government

The federal government is considering changing what it considers a metropolitan area. A new proposal would raise the minimum population from 50,000 to 100,000 people. If this change moved forward, 144 cities across the country would be considered “micropolitan” by the federal government. In Kansas, this would affect Manhattan and Lawrence. Manhattan Assistant City Manager Dennis Marstall said this would put the city at risk of losing federal funds for a variety of programs.
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:12:40-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Bill would limit wind farms in Kansas

Forty-one percent of the state’s electricity is coming from wind energy. That’s second most in the nation, but some people are saying that’s high enough. A new bill would put major restrictions on wind farms in Kansas. The bill would put restrictions on where wind turbines can go, and how construction is approved. Many wind energy advocates are against the bill.
Source: KSNT News

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:12:16-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 22, 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 Financial2021-03-23T07:05:20-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Almost $57 million went to Kansas small businesses through Coronavirus Relief Fund

Nearly 3,000 Kansas small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic received nearly $57 million in Small Business Working Capital grants, according to Gov. Laura Kelly. The Coronavirus Relief Fund assisted some of the hardest-hit businesses in the state when they needed it most, according to the governor. “We’ll use every resource we can to support small businesses as we recover from COVID-19,” Gov. Kelly said. “SBWC is just one of many programs we mobilized over the last year to strengthen and protect our businesses affected by COVID-19, so our businesses and our economy emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.” Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees were eligible to apply for SBWC grant funding made available by Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce through the federal CARES Act. Grant funds could be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, insurance, rent, mortgage payments, utilities, inventory and more.
Source: Wyandotte Daily

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:05:36-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Counties to receive funding for bridge replacement projects

Six additional projects that will replace rural deficient bridges in Kansas have been selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge Program. The counties receiving projects include Atchison, Wabaunsee, Phillips, Franklin, Wilson and Reno. Projects in the first round of KDOT’s off-system bridge program were selected in fall 2020. With addition federal funds recently made available to Kansas through the Highway Infrastructure Program, additional projects were chosen as part of the state program. These projects will receive $3.94 million in federal funding and will total approximately $5 million in construction costs. “Atchison County is very excited about being selected for this program for a bridge replacement over Stranger Creek,” said Joe Snyder, Atchison County Road and Bridge Superintendent. “Without these KDOT programs, it can be difficult for counties like ours to have sufficient funding for replacement of these off-system bridges.”
Source: Atchison Globe Now

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:02:55-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Sedgwick County likely to drop mask mandate this week; say state’s forcing its hand

Sedgwick County will likely have to drop its COVID-19 mask mandate this week because of action in the state Legislature, county commissioners said Monday. A bill that passed in Topeka last week essentially strips the commission and the local health officer, Dr. Garold Minns, from placing any restrictions on businesses for the remainder of the coronavirus pandemic, commissioners said. Dropping the mandate is not on the county’s official agenda at this point, but could come up at the county staff meeting on Tuesday and/or the regular meeting Wednesday.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:03:44-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Kansas forms public-private council to tackle workforce improvement

Education and business leaders across Kansas will team up in an effort to develop, retain and attract talented workers to the state. Gov. Laura Kelly signed an executive order Monday creating the Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council (AKCC) with the targeted goal of improving the state’s workforce. “As we recover from the pandemic, we must rebuild a stronger, healthier workforce that can meet the demands of our growing economy,” Kelly said in a statement. “The Advantage Kansas Coordinating Council will empower education and industry leaders to collaborate on long-term solutions, develop the most skilled workforce in the Midwestern region, and recruit new businesses to our state.”
Source: Parsons Sun

Ranson Financial2021-03-23T07:04:27-05:00March 23, 2021|News|

Legislative Post Audit: Evaluating County Government Procurement and Contracting Practices

Audit objective was to answer the following question: Do a selection of county governments have adequate procedures and controls to manage conflict of interests in the procurement and contracting processes?
Read the audit report here.

Ranson Financial2021-03-22T09:02:13-05:00March 22, 2021|News|