Wichita police report success with new license plate reading devices

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said a new license plate reading system that was put into use in November has had big results. The Flock readers are installed in areas of the city with high crime activity. Chief Ramsay told reporters that since the devices were turned on on November 9th, “we’ve been astounded at really the amount of information that we’re getting from them and how it has impacted our ability to fight crime.” He said with the help of the system, police have recovered 68 stolen cars with a value of over $580,000.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2020-12-18T08:03:30-06:00December 17, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County to pay Intrust Bank Arena operator for COVID-19 losses

Sedgwick County will pay the operator of Intrust Bank Arena $200,000 next year to manage the county-owned facility, plus cover ongoing operating losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 loss is estimated to be $1.1 million, as the arena struggles to bring operations back to normal after being almost entirely shut down for nine months by coronavirus concerns, said county Chief Financial Officer Lindsay Poe Rousseau. The county will also cover this year’s arena losses, which will be invoiced in January and are expected to be as much as $500,000, county spokeswoman Kate Flavin said.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2020-12-18T08:03:45-06:00December 17, 2020|News|

Olathe mayor: After a rough year, ‘we’re hopeful for better days ahead’

We’ve almost made it. With just two weeks left in 2020, many of us are filled with mixed emotions. We’re eager to wrap up a difficult year and feel sorrow for the struggles many faced over the past months. But we’re hopeful for better days ahead. My heart goes out to all who have suffered loss this year, and I know there are many. I think of our friend, the late Mayor Mike Copeland. I pray for those who have lost loved ones, as well as for those who have lost jobs, businesses and even for those who have lost precious time in the classroom.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:42:36-06:00December 17, 2020|News|

Fed raises its economic outlook slightly, sees 4.2% growth next year and 5% unemployment rate

The Federal Reserve dialed up its economic expectations slightly for the end of this year as well as for 2021, according to the central bank’s Summary of Economic Projections released on Wednesday. The central bank now expects real gross domestic product to fall just 2.4% in 2020, compared to a decline of 3.7% predicted in September. The Fed also upped its 2021 real GDP forecast to 4.2% from 4.0% expected previously. The Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement Wednesday that it would continue to buy at least $120 billion of bonds each month “until substantial further progress has been made toward the Committee’s maximum employment and price stability goals.”
Source: CNBC

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:41:55-06:00December 17, 2020|News|

New grocery store opens in south central Kansas town

A year ago, the only grocery store in Oxford, Kansas was shut down, turning the Sumner County city into a food desert. Today residents are celebrating the opening of a new grocery store, right where the old one stood. “It is a blessing to have one here” says Oxford resident Mary Robinson. Wednesday was the store’s grand opening. Providing relief for many people who live in Oxford. The city’s previous grocery store closed last year. Before today, townspeople had to travel upwards of 15 to 20 miles out of town, just to go to the grocery store.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:39:45-06:00December 17, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for December 16, 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.

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:31:55-06:00December 17, 2020|News|

Topeka council bans discrimination against LGBTQ persons

The Topeka City Council has voted to expand the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance to include LGBTQ residents and military veterans. The council unanimously approved an the ordinance Tuesday that prohibits discrimination in work, housing and public accommodations because of gender identity, genetic information, sexual orientation or veteran status. The ordinance also was updated to prevent discrimination through telecommunication, which includes harassment over social media, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. A first offense could result in a misdemeanor charge, a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. A second offense carries a possible $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:28:07-06:00December 16, 2020|News|

Long named Derby Firefighter of the Year

While he may have only joined the Derby Fire Department two years ago, Frank Long has plenty of experience in the field – two decades’ worth, to be exact. That experience has been a boon to Derby Fire and Rescue and is part of why Long was recently recognized as the 2020 Derby Firefighter of the Year. Prior to joining Derby FD in June 2018, Long had spent 18 years serving with the Overland Park Fire Department. While family brought Long and his wife to the area, the chance at a new opportunity is what drew him to seek a firefighter position in Derby.
Source: Derby Informer | News

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:30:05-06:00December 16, 2020|News|

Gary Haller leaves major legacy in Johnson County

Johnson County recently lost a champion of green space and recreation activities who was instrumental in impacting the quality of life in Johnson County. Longtime JCPRD employees have lost a friend. Former JCPRD Executive Director Gary L. Haller passed away in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 10. He had retired from the agency in March 2001 after 27 years with JCPRD, but had remained in touch with many current and former employees. “Many of you, like me, had the privilege of working with him and seeing his true genius that left lasting impacts on JCPRD and Johnson County, as well as beyond those boundaries,” JCPRD Administration Manager Jo Ann Courtney wrote in a Thursday email to staff. “He will not be forgotten, and the Gary L. Haller Trail on the Mill Creek Streamway Park will tell a part of his story to generations to come.”
Source: Shawnee Mission Post

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:30:38-06:00December 16, 2020|News|

City of Wellington Public Utility Electric Department receives national commendation for mutual aid support

The City of Wellington Public Utility Electric Department has received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association for its mutual aid support in electric power restoration efforts in Blackwell, Okla. On October 27, 2020, a powerful ice storm caused significant power outages in Blackwell, Okla. so the City of Wellington sent a crew of three and a bucket truck to assist efforts of restoring power to the city. The City of Wellington participates in the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network, which coordinates with utilities and authorities during widespread power outages. Mutual aid is at the heart of what public power does, and the public power community steps up to help a neighbor in need – whether they are next door or thousands of miles away.
Source: Sumner NewsCow

Ranson Financial2020-12-17T08:30:45-06:00December 16, 2020|News|