Ellis County notes seniors most vulnerable to COVID-19

COVID-19 numbers continue to rise dramatically in Ellis County. All deaths related to the pandemic in the county are among people older than 65. “This virus disproportionately affects those over 65, statewide,” Jason Kennedy, Ellis County Health Services director, said Monday during the Ellis County Commission meeting. Although only 18% of those over 65 have COVID-19, Kennedy said, this age group represents “100% of mortality” in the county. In Ellis County, 20 people have died of COVID-19.
Source: News – Salina Journal

Ranson Financial2020-11-23T07:08:02-06:00November 22, 2020|News|

Saline Co. adopts new health order limiting gatherings

The Saline County Board of Commissioners approved a public health order Friday, the same day that the county passed 2,000 total cases of COVID-19, limiting gatherings at indoor spaces to no more than 15, with several exceptions. The board accepted the order by County Health Officer Jason Tiller, but voted unanimously 4-0 to make two amendments to it. The order, which goes into effect beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, will prohibit gatherings of more than 15 in indoor spaces in the county and asks people to socially distance outdoors in a park, stadium or open-air entertainment venue and wear facial coverings if they are not actively participating in a sporting activity.
Source: News – Salina Journal

Ranson Financial2020-11-23T07:08:08-06:00November 22, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for November 19, 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 Financial2020-11-20T09:25:43-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

Johnson County votes to add teeth to COVID-19 rules: Violators could be fined $500

Businesses that violate Johnson County’s new COVID-19 restrictions could face fines of up to $500, the Board of Commissioners narrowly decided Thursday. The board voted 4-3 to enforce the health order, which went into effect on Monday. By the same margin last Friday, commissioners approved the order, which includes a mass gathering limit and midnight curfew on bars and restaurants, in an effort to slow the rapid spread of coronavirus. If a business does not implement social distancing or if a bar refuses to close at midnight, for example, the owner could receive a citation and fine. But officials stressed that they would focus on educating businesses before issuing any penalties.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:24:57-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

Shawnee County commissioners tighten COVID-19 restrictions

Shawnee County commissioners voted Thursday to close bars and restaurants at 9 p.m. and suspend all organized sports until Dec. 15 in an effort to slow spread of the coronavirus in the community. The county commissioners were voting whether to adopt the health department’s order that limited mass gatherings to 10 people when Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County health officer, amended the health order to include language tightening restrictions on restaurants, bars and sporting events. Pezzino said at a news conference after the commission meeting that the ban on sports doesn’t apply to high school athletics.
Source: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:24:37-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

New downtown policing team to reduce ‘little nuisance issues,’ boost quality of life

The Wichita Police Department has launched a new community policing team in downtown aimed at reducing nuisance issues and elevating quality of life for area businesses and residents. Community policing is a decades-old program that the department has used in its efforts to address and reduce crime. But it looks slightly different in the city’s core than it does in other areas of town. Residents who live, work and visit the area will soon see officers patrolling not only in cars, but also more on foot, on bicycles and on horseback, police said during a Thursday morning news conference.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:23:56-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

Wichita to help county enforce COVID-19 mask mandate, business restrictions

Amid an unprecedented spike in COVID-19 that has stressed local hospitals to the breaking point, Wichita has agreed to help Sedgwick County enforce its orders mandating protective face masks in public settings and putting restrictions on businesses and organized sports. By a vote of 5-2, the City Council approved a resolution that will authorize city police, firefighters and code-enforcement officers to report violations to the county, which plans to take health scofflaws to court if necessary to gain compliance with public-health orders. The county will take the lead role in all citations and prosecutions, with the city acting in support by monitoring and reporting violations, said City Manager Robert Layton.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:23:36-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

Main Street remains the heart of the city in Hays and other Kansas towns

As the downtown goes, so does the city. Hays is making certain its downtown continues to thrive. Years ago, Hays was a part of the state’s Main Street program and hopes to join back up with the newly formed affiliate program the governor introduced last week. El Dorado, Garden City and Sterling are other Kansas towns that are part of the Main Street program. Like Hays, Wellington and Larned have expressed interest in becoming affiliates. By introducing more than 14 events each year, including the annual holiday Frostfest, the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, the nonprofit organization responsible for keeping downtown thriving, is helping to not only increase sales but boost enthusiasm. … “People are starting to recognize where the heart and soul in their community is,” said Sara Bloom, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation. “It’s in their downtown, and they are starting to reinvest in their downtown.”
Source: McPherson Sentinel

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:23:16-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

Ark City approves virus safety campaign

Through a resolution approved Tuesday, Arkansas City commissioners initiated an education campaign to include several other local agencies to encourage residents to help to stop the fast-spreading coronavirus. The “Squash COVID, it’s up to you,” promotion includes a poster created by public information officer Andrew Lawson urging residents to wear masks, wash their hands and avoid crowds. Those actions can help to slow the spread of the virus and keep businesses, schools and medical offices open. The plan is to post the information throughout the county and through social media and various advertising mediums.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:22:25-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

Derby officially proclaimed City of the First Class

A change that has been a long time coming officially took place at the Nov. 10 Derby City Council meeting, with the municipality officially proclaimed as a City of the First Class by Gov. Laura Kelly. Derby is the first city in Kansas to shift to First Class in more than 40 years. Per state statute, cities can choose to transition to a City of the First Class once they reach a population of 15,000 but the change becomes mandatory once it reaches 25,000. With Derby approaching that threshold, city staff decided to pursue First Class status. City Attorney Jacque Butler has been preparing ordinances for the council to adopt with regards to its new status and maintaining normal operations. While Mayor Randy White did note the transition would afford the opportunity for Derby to change forms of government if desired, there are few other potential impacts.
Source: Derby Informer | News

Ranson Financial2020-11-20T09:20:35-06:00November 20, 2020|News|

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