Plumbers frustrated by amendment that could take away business

Plumbers filled the aisles at Topeka City Council to voice frustration over a quickly approved change to the International Plumbing Code in August. Last month, plumbers said, a change in plumbing code that could take away business from plumbers was approved too quickly. The amendments allow for other contractors, such as excavators, to do work that was exclusively done by plumbers, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported Sept. 13.
Source: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:35:39-05:00October 8, 2020|News|

Hutchinson OKs code to allow enforcement of mask rule

The Hutchinson City Council adopted updated municipal codes on Tuesday that will enable enforcement of age restrictions on buying e-cigarettes and open the door to local enforcement of a mask mandate – if Reno County should adopt one. City attorney Paul Brown explained to the council that the city considers updates to the Uniform Public Offense Code for Cities annually. There were only a few recommended changes to the code this year since the Kansas Legislature didn’t change any laws last session.
Source: Local – The Hutchinson News

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:33:46-05:00October 8, 2020|News|

Federal judge tosses challenge to Kansas electioneering law

A federal judge dismissed Wednesday a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of state law restricting electioneering at polling places. The suit was brought by the state chapter of the ACLU on behalf of groups who contended their free speech rights were limited by the law, which bars promoting a candidate within 250 feet of a polling place. It argued that some local election officials, notably former Johnson County Election Commissioner Ronnie Metsker, who was named in the suit, were using the law to stamp out other political speech, including non-partisan activism, near polling places. In dismissing the case District Judge Holly Teeter noted that all 50 states had similar laws, which also limit the displaying of signs and other campaign materials near election sites.
Source: State Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:32:40-05:00October 8, 2020|News|

JoCo finalizes $35 million COVID-19 aid package that includes help for small businesses, renters

After months of research and meetings, Johnson County leaders have settled on a $35 million package of pandemic relief that includes small business grants, rent and workforce assistance, as well as money to improve digital access. The county’s aid package also takes aim at aging and mental health needs, as well as arts, business and child care. The spending will account for about a third of the $116.3 million the county got in federal pandemic relief funds through the CARES Act, along with another $7 million from the state to address economic struggles caused by the pandemic.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:32:05-05:00October 8, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for October 7, 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 Financial2020-10-08T08:22:15-05:00October 8, 2020|News|

Wichita updates guidelines for economic growth

Wichita city council members have approved some changes and updates to the city’s policy to promote and encourage economic growth and development. The policy covers incentives, tax abatements, financing districts and other programs offered by the city. Council member Bryan Frye said the policy will make incentives more available to small businesses, and he feels the city will see its greatest growth with small businesses. Frye said the policy will also allow the city to leverage state and federal incentives to encourage more investment in Wichita. He said another feature of the policy will encourage more development of office space. Council member James Clendenin said he sees a potential for the policy to encourage more investment in areas of the city that have been declining, and he said developers should begin looking at opportunities in these areas.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:05:50-05:00October 7, 2020|News|

Houses selling in days as inventory reaches record tightness in Newton

If you want to buy a house in Newton, good luck. Two years ago, local realtors bemoaned the tightness of the housing market with only 70 homes up for sale. Today there’s 32 homes not under contract in the city of nearly 20,000. For context, there’s 8,237 units in Newton. “I get hit up and people say there’s an awful lot of (for sale) signs up,” local realtor Arlan Newell of J.P. Weigand said. “Well, half of them are sold.”
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:06:35-05:00October 7, 2020|News|

Kansas legislators, governor extend COVID-19 disaster declaration to Nov. 15

Gov. Laura Kelly and legislators on the State Finance Council avoided political fireworks Wednesday to authorize extension until Nov. 15 of the statewide disaster declaration instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. An official declaration is necessary to sustain work of state agencies collaborating with counties to deliver personal protective equipment, operate a 65,000-meal per day food pantry, support temporary housing and transport testing materials. Lack of a declaration could impede the state’s ability to handle 870,000 test kits scheduled to be sent to Kansas by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said Kansas National Guard Maj. Gen. David Weishaar.
Source: Kansas Reflector

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:06:54-05:00October 7, 2020|News|

Ellinwood Fire Department damaged when speeding truck hits it

Authorities said a truck hit the Ellinwood Fire Department late Tuesday night. The driver was heading westbound on U.S. 56 and going over 100 mph. The building and two fire trucks were destroyed. The driver was transported to a Wichita hospital with a broken hip.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2020-10-08T08:11:58-05:00October 7, 2020|News|

USDA Invests $781,127 in Rural Health Care in Barton County

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $781,127 to provide telemedicine software and equipment to ensure equitable health care access in central Kansas. … “Collaboration and strategic planning are at the heart of Barton County’s success, and this project speaks to our administrative ability to put long-term planning into action,” said Sue Cooper, Barton County Grant Coordinator. “Living in rural Kansas means we need to act cooperatively for the prosperity and well-being of our residents.” This Rural Development investment will help Barton County and three other Kansas counties establish telehealth programs that connect vulnerable populations to vital services that address public health needs and substance use disorder treatment. The grant will connect existing county services to critical healthcare providers. The interactive equipment will allow Barton and Ellsworth County jails remote access to nursing and physician services and decrease the costs associated with transporting inmates. Clients of the Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, and Stafford County Health Departments will access public health services remotely. Central Kansas Community Corrections and the Twentieth Judicial District Juvenile Services will be able to provide vital counseling, treatment, and educational programs that address substance use disorder. The program will create regional access to essential healthcare services and improve patient outcomes.

Ranson Financial2020-10-07T14:53:42-05:00October 7, 2020|News|

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