All in plein sight: Overland Park-based art competition went wide open this year

Painting outside seems like a perfect social distancing pursuit, but the Stems Plein Air Paint is usually anything but solitary. The annual Overland Park-based art competition went ahead this year — but with some major modifications. The competition started about 12 years ago as part of the Stems: A Garden Soirée fundraiser held by the non-profit Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. The event supported the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, as well as various city art installations. In the past, artists have had to create their works outside, either at the Farmstead or the Arboretum during a two-week time period. When the amount of activity at the farmstead made it a more difficult painting area, the event was opened up to all of Overland Park.
Source: Joco 913 News

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:54:40-05:00September 22, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for September 21, 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 Financial2020-09-22T07:53:25-05:00September 22, 2020|News|

Riley County Law Board approves early purchase of new RCPD vehicles

Rather than waiting until January to purchase vehicles for its fleet, the Riley County Law Board is allowing RCPD to do so now to ensure they can fulfill their request. The Law Board gave the police department early permission to use funds from its 2021 budget to purchase seven 2021 Dodge Durango SUVs totaling about $292,000. RCPD Director Dennis Butler says they had to submit a request now, due to the manufacturer shutting down production for an extended period this year. “It delayed just everything and so the guidance we received from them was that if we wanted to receive vehicles in a timely manner for next year, we need to order them now,” he said.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:28:02-05:00September 22, 2020|News|

JoCo firefighter, girlfriend recognized by Board of County Commissioners for rescuing three people on Kansas River

Andrew Eccles and his girlfriend, Breanna Shannon, were fishing on the Kansas River on Aug. 22 when they saw several people in need of help. Eccles, an off-duty Johnson County firefighter, and Shannon ended up saving three lives that day. The Board of County Commissioners last week recognized the couple for their heroism with medals of courage and honor during the commission meeting. Eccles said he’s glad he was there, but he still mourns for the family he helped. While Eccles and Shannon were able to help rescue two children and an adult, a fourth family member, 11-year-old Rebecca drowned.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:22:41-05:00September 22, 2020|News|

Governor voices concerns about increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases

Kansas governor Laura Kelly said Monday she is concerned about the state’s ability to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and she’s concerned about the rise in cases and deaths over the past few weeks. The governor held her weekly news briefing after the state reported an increase of over 1,600 cases from the weekend, bringing the state’s total to almost 54,000 cases with 600 deaths. She said the virus continues to spread at an alarming rate. Kelly said because of certain legislative leaders, Kansas has been left with a patchwork of local mask mandates, instead of a statewide policy like 34 other states have.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:25:32-05:00September 21, 2020|News|

Buhler school suspending in-person classes because of coronavirus

Because of several positive COVID-19 cases, the Buhler Grade School is closing to in-person classes and will remain closed through September 29th. Reno County health officials said five cases were identified within the school and there are classrooms that need to quarantine. It was decided to close in-person classes through the 29th if no further cases are confirmed. All Buhler Grade School students will be going to a Flex Learning program during the closure.
Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:25:44-05:00September 21, 2020|News|

Wyandotte County officials unveil new $27 million juvenile justice center in KCK

Local leaders in Wyandotte County cut the ribbon on a new juvenile justice center Monday. $27 million building is located near 7th and Ann. Until now, kids who got in trouble with the law were housed across the street in a facility that shared a building with adult inmates. A local judge said they want this new center to be focused less on punishment and more on rehabilitation.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:26:06-05:00September 21, 2020|News|

Revenue continues to rebound at Kansas Star

Revenue at the Kansas Star Casino grew again last month, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth for the casino following a shutdown in part of March and through the entirety of April. Gambling revenue was more than $14.1 million in August, the casino’s highest since the shutdown. But the revenue still hasn’t met pre-pandemic numbers. For the entirety of 2020, Mulvane’s 1 percent share of the casino revenue has totaled $863,272.
Source: Derby Informer | Area

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:27:16-05:00September 21, 2020|News|

Shawnee County reports drop in revenue, expenses in 2020 budget update

Shawnee County is still “financially healthy” despite the economic damage that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Betty Greiner, the county’s director of administrative services, provided an optimistic budget update to Shawnee County commissioners during their Monday meeting at 701 N. Kansas Ave., saying revenue and expenses are both below projections. Revenue is $3.8 million under previous estimates, while expenses are $3.5 million under budget, according to Greiner. The drop in revenue was offset by the additional money saved from departments spending wisely, she said.
Source: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:28:29-05:00September 21, 2020|News|

After Decision Upholding FCC’s 5G Rules, Cities Now Weighing Appeal

Dozens of cities and counties were on the losing end of a federal court decision last month that largely upheld Federal Communications Commission rules restricting their ability to regulate technology for 5G infrastructure. Local governments that objected to the rules now have until Sept. 28 to file an appeal for a new hearing before the entire 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals—a step at least some are considering. “We are speaking with our clients right now about whether or not to do that,” said Gerry Lederer, an attorney with Best, Best and Krieger, who represents the National League of Cities and a coalition of cities and counties in the litigation.
Source: Route Fifty – All Content

Ranson Financial2020-09-22T07:29:53-05:00September 21, 2020|News|