Replacement mask mandate passed in Washington County

The Board of County Commissioners has approved a new county-wide mask mandate. This mandate replaces the statewide mandate that Washington County has been under since late November. The new, local mandate is less stringent than the state-wide mandate and requires people to wear masks both indoors and outdoors in public spaces when unable to maintain 6 feet of distancing. The provisions do not apply to people who live together, and residential property and private offices or workspaces that are not open to customers or public visitors are exempt. County attorney Elizabeth Baskerville Hiltgen told the commissioners this week that the authority for local governments to opt out of the state-wide mandate was scheduled to end on Jan. 26. If Washington County did not opt out of the state mandate and create their own prior to Jan. 26, they could have potentially lost the ability to implement less stringent provisions or opt out in the event the statutory authority allowing counties to do so was not extended.
Source: www.backroadsnews.com/

Ranson Financial2021-01-29T07:51:32-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Wyandotte County is confident it can vaccinate thousands over the next few weeks

Wyandotte County is confident it can vaccinate thousands over the next few weeks. Of course, it all depends upon supply. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids said that a shortage of COVID-19 vaccine is holding up progress on fighting the virus. On Thursday, state Rep. Louis Ruiz received the first dose of the vaccine at the Wyandotte County vaccination center. “We don’t care who you are or where you are in Wyandotte County, if you’re a resident, I want your arm and I want to stick a needle into it,” said Bob Bennett, director of vaccinations for Wyandotte County. Bennett said his goal is to vaccinate 25,000 county residents a week. But that requires a key ingredient in short supply.
Source: KMBC.com

Ranson Financial2021-01-29T07:51:47-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Kansas expects over $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding

Kansas anticipates getting at least $1.1 billion from the latest federal coronavirus relief and expects to spend about half of it on K-12 schools, higher education and grants for child care. State data shows about $168 million is earmarked for testing, tracing and mitigation. Another $26 million is planned for vaccine distribution. How the money is spent is dictated by federal law. The new funding, which follows $1.03 billion in federal aid received last year, arrives as the state is working to speed up vaccinations. Governor Laura Kelly received her second dose Wednesday and used the occasion to urge continued caution, saying “we all must remain vigilant.”
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2021-01-29T07:52:35-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Counties take lead as residents await vaccine

As counties across Kansas are ramping up to carry out Phase 2 of the state’s COVID19 vaccination plan, Osage County is tracking things the old-fashioned way. With residents age 65 and older, as well as essential workers, now eligible for the vaccine, phones are ringing off the hook in the county of 17,000 residents south of Topeka. One of the county’s five staff members fielded over 100 calls in just one hour from residents seeking a vaccine appointment, and county health administrator Jackie Patterson said that has been a normal volume in recent days.
Source: Garden City Telegram.

Ranson Financial2021-01-28T07:05:02-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for January 27, 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 Financial2021-01-28T07:02:53-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Valley Center looking at quiet zones

The Valley Center City Council on Jan. 19 took a step toward creating a railroad quiet zone across the city. The council directed the city’s engineering firm to put together a proposal to thoroughly study the possibility. The study would include an evaluation of the measures that have to be taken to further protect train intersections to alleviate the use of train horns. Council members said they often hear complaints about train noise in town.
Source: Ark Valley News

Ranson Financial2021-01-28T07:01:56-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Sedgwick downtown no longer looks the same after transformation

The last two years have seen quite a transformation of downtown Sedgwick. First the City purchased the empty medical building, and while it was still new, they remodeled to make it functional as a City Hall. Then they completely remodeled the old City Hall and turned it into a new, bright library. These early weeks of 2021 are significant in the continued downtown transformation.
First, the Sodality Room and Truly You held a ribbon cutting last weekend, offering tours for residents to see the now beautiful insides of a building that not long ago had been condemned and near collapse. Mayor Bryan Chapman told those in attendance that the building had been around since the late 1800’s and Owner Rebecca Whistler had done the city a great service by remodeling and preserving the building.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2021-01-28T06:58:38-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Merriam considers banning pedestrians from busy medians, but some worry it won’t address causes of panhandling

Motorists traveling near Interstate 35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway may have seen individuals standing or sitting in medians, often asking for money or food. Now, Merriam city officials are considering prohibiting pedestrians from standing, sitting or otherwise being in nine major intersections across the city, citing concerns for driver and pedestrian safety. But some worry such a prohibition may put extra burdens on people already struggling on the margins of society without addressing the deeper roots of the problem.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-01-28T06:56:14-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Residents can help plan for public art in Johnson County parks

Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) has launched a new Public Art Program. The goal is to embed public art into park spaces, trails, and facilities to enhance and enrich the experience for visitors. JCPRD is undergoing a public art master plan to establish a road map for this program and seeks citizen involvement to make the plan reflective of the community. ”The COVID-19 pandemic brought patrons to JCPRD parks in record numbers, said Executive Director Jeff Stewart. “The community has a renewed appreciation for the role parks play in our overall health and well-being. We have always been about providing spaces for recreation, gathering, and experiencing nature. It will soon include the chance to encounter art in JCPRD facilities and natural spaces.”
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-01-28T06:55:52-06:00January 28, 2021|News|

Vaccinations slow but ramping up

Allen County currently gets about 100 doses of COVID-19 vaccine a week. The supply chain filters from manufacturers to the federal governments, to states and then to county health departments who will allocate it as needed. The county is nearing the end of Phase 1. Volunteers are sought for a vaccination clinic. It’s going to take a bit of time and a lot of patience before most Allen County residents can get a COVID-19 vaccine, but the local health department is starting to develop a plan for when that time comes.
Source: The Iola Register

Ranson Financial2021-01-28T06:54:42-06:00January 28, 2021|News|