Johnson County needs more affordable housing. Is converting these hotels an answer?

Developers in Johnson County have long said the costs of land and construction are too high for them to make much of a profit off more affordable apartments — a housing market the area sorely needs. But now a Utah-based firm has a solution, using existing buildings that are very similar to apartment buildings. The developer plans to convert two Overland Park hotels into apartments — with rental prices more attainable for middle-income workers who can’t afford most Johnson County housing. It’s not a new idea, but it is one that has grown in popularity across the country in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as more hotels closed amid a damaged tourism industry.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:03:27-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Lenexa works to create more walkable, bikeable connections within residential areas

After more than an hour of discussion, the Lenexa City Council last week unanimously approved city code changes that call for wider sidewalks as well as trail connections between homes every 800 feet. The changes are a prompt from city staff to improve connectivity, ease of access and safety issues for bicyclists and pedestrians, as recommended by the city’s Complete Streets plan. The plan, which the city accepted in December 2019, is intended to guide development of pedestrian and cycling transportation channels through the city.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:04:33-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Municipal bond yields increase as correction continues

Municipal bonds sold off by as much as 10 basis points outside of five years but triple-A benchmarks were cut across the curve as customer selling pressure increased again and investors are demanding more yield as economic data shows an improving economy and federal stimulus more likely. Trading to higher yields was swift out of the gates. Large blocks of high grades, such as Maryland, Georgia and Washington, traded as much as 20 basis points higher than prints from last week and double-digit higher than benchmark yields Monday.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:06:14-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Coronavirus positivity rate in Sedgwick County still dropping

Good news. The positivity rate for COVID-19 is still declining. The rate is now down to below five-percent. Those numbers had been in the high teens. “Our trajectory is good,” said the top doctor in the state, Dr. Lee Norman. “Cautiously optimistic we are really on the right path forward.” In Sedgwick County on Monday the county manager said they will consider loosening restriction. County health leaders will take a look at that possibility. “But based on these numbers and based on how fast we’re beginning to roll the vaccine,” said Sedgwick County Manager Tom Stolz, “I think he (Dr. Garold Minns) will visit about that and will probably visit the commission some time within the next week or so.” Commissioners have the ability to drop restrictions or make changes.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:06:27-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Kansas legislators consider raising minimum age for tobacco to 21

A Kansas Bill heard Monday seeks to bring the state in line with federal regulations regarding minimum age for cigarettes and tobacco use. In late 2019, the federal “Tobacco 21” bill was signed into law, raising the federal minimum age for the sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. The Kansas measure would bring the state even with nationwide regulation for the minimum age to purchase or possess cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and tobacco products. Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican and physician, sponsored the bill to curb the “catastrophic downstream health effects” teenage tobacco and cigarette use can have throughout one’s lifetime.
Source: Kansas Reflector

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:06:50-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Kansas COVID case report is best since September; KU doctor says keep wearing masks

Monday’s coronavirus pandemic update for Kansas was the best in more than five months for new cases of COVID-19. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 883 new COVID-19 cases on Monday. That is the first report below 1,000 since Sept. 16 and the fewest since Sept. 9. Kansas has now had pandemic totals of 291,715 confirmed and probable cases, 9,103 hospitalizations, 2,466 ICU admissions and 4,643 deaths. The weekend increase was 883 new cases, 32 new hospitalizations, nine new ICU admissions and 29 new deaths.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:06:58-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Wichita schools will send seniors and freshmen to in-person classes four days a week

Starting next week, Wichita Public Schools will begin transitioning some secondary students to in-person classes four days a week. District officials announced Monday evening that on March 1, seniors and 6th-graders will start attending class on-site every day except for Wednesdays, which will remain remote. Freshmen will join starting March 8. The learning model change applies only to students whose parents opted for on-site learning. Parents who chose the remote learning model will continue to keep their children at home. School officials have previously said about 40% of students were enrolled in online-only education.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:07:05-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Governor Laura Kelly Announces new KANSASWORKS.com Site to Connect Job Seekers with Kansas Employers

Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced the launch of the newly redesigned KANSASWORKS.com website to provide a more user-friendly experience for job seekers and employers. Dubbed KANSASWORKS: NextGen, the new site features an updated user interface, making it easier for employers and job seekers to find the services they need. These changes came from careful consideration of user feedback and efforts to align the needs of Kansans looking for careers with hiring businesses. “The new KANSASWORKS.com is a much improved, easier-to-use service to help Kansans seeking a job connect with employers across the state,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “With the help of our partners, we have created a modern, effective tool to address the needs of our state’s workforce and our business community to spur our economic recovery statewide.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:07:18-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

Enrollment now open for Garden City Citizens Academy 2021

The City of Garden City Citizens Academy will begin March 25 and finish on May 13. Interested residents are invited to take part and learn more about the role the City plays in their everyday lives. Citizens Academy is an excellent opportunity for residents to get a behind-the-scenes look at local government and its services. It allows anyone who has ever wondered what the City does on a daily basis to find out and learn more. Citizens Academy is a free, eight-week course for area residents. Classes will be held once per week at various City facilities. It is led by City staff and will include tours of facilities, as well as group activities. Space will be set up to allow for social distancing. Masks will be available for any participants that do not have a mask for the session.
Source: Greater Garden City » Feed

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:07:44-06:00February 22, 2021|News|

It’s not every day (or year) you see Overland Park firefighters practice their ice water rescue skills

With the help of the recent arctic blast, the Overland Park Fire Department practiced their ice water rescue skills. A snow-covered South Lake Park and its ice-covered lake became the department’s training site on Friday afternoon, when temperatures still hovered below freezing. Firefighters estimate the ice was about six to eight inches thick but cautioned that it would quickly thin and become very dangerous for humans and pets with the forecasted temperatures expected to reach into the 60s this week. Tyler Carey, one of the firefighters who helped put on the training, described ice water rescue calls as being very high risk and very low frequency.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-02-23T08:07:55-06:00February 22, 2021|News|