Reaping the benefits of the hyperconnected city

A virtuous circle exists in hyperconnected cities where economic prosperity, business growth and social well-being combine to become increasingly efficient and effective. Many of the factors that feed into this iterative growth, such as social, health, environmental and business advantages, are difficult to calculate. However, the statistics that prove qualitative benefits – creating new business opportunities, filling talent gaps, improving public health, reducing crime, boosting productivity and addressing income inequality – are more measurable. The ability to establish a measurable framework through which to accelerate transformation is critical in order to justify the time and resources required to take a smart city to the next level. This framework, which includes defined ROI, benefits to citizens and businesses, and any learnings from those who have trod the path already, will ultimately speed up the arrival of truly hyperconnected cities.

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T13:03:45-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

Gove County implements COVID-19 regulations

Gove County is yet another community to put mask mandates in place. However, they are taking it one step further and implementing added restrictions. Since the start of the pandemic, Gove County has had six positive COVID-19 cases. Three that are currently active. “We’ve not had any right here in our local small town,” said said Gove resident Deloris Steinike. However, even with the low infection rate, after consulting with local health officials and law enforcement, the county is now under COVID-19 regulations. As of 12:01 a.m. Thursday, the county has enacted three different orders to prevent the spread of the virus. The first order is a mask mandate requiring every person in Gove County to wear a mask when social distancing can not take place. The second, a limit on mass gatherings. Gatherings must be less than 75 people or under 50% of the State Fire Marshal’s official capacity.

(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T13:02:59-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

City approves incentive compliance agreement with S&S Quality Meats, Smoots Enterprises

Emporia City Commissioners approved an incentive compliance agreement between the City of Emporia and S&S Quality Meats and Smoots Enterprises during a Wednesday afternoon action session. The agreement is related to plans to expand the Fanestil Meats facility at 4200 W. Highway 50. Owner Dan Smoots said the company plans to invest $8.42 million into the expansion, which will move all of its production from its current facility on S. Highway 99. “It’s been a long time getting here and we’re pretty excited about it,” he said, adding that once construction begins he was looking at a 12 month timeline. Mayor Danny Giefer said it was exciting to see the expansion coming to light. The flooding issues at the S.Highway 99 facility have been a longtime issue, he said, and this is a project he has been working on since he joined the city commission.

(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T12:58:38-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

City of Lawrence to create economic development plan to respond to pandemic, address other issues

As the COVID-19 pandemic causes financial hardships for both local governments and the general public, the City of Lawrence will soon create its first economic development strategic plan aimed at helping the city respond to the pandemic and improve the economy. The economic development plan, which will be developed with assistance from an outside consultant, will guide the city’s actions in cooperation with businesses and community partners, with the goal of responding to the negative effects of the pandemic and developing an action plan for increasing economic growth and prosperity, according to a city news release. Economic Development Administrator Britt Crum-Cano told the Journal-World that the city has been thinking of creating such a plan for the past couple of years, but that the pandemic necessitated a plan for now and for the future.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-08-10T07:50:40-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

Lawrence dog park users voice opposition to city’s plan to build road along park

A group of Lawrence residents has come out against the city’s plan to build a road adjacent to the local dog park that would connect the Youth Sports Complex to the Clinton Lake spillway.
The project would install an approximately 1-mile paved roadway connecting existing segments of West 27th Street on both the east and west sides of the spillway, creating a continuous roadway from the Kansas Highway 10 and 27th Street intersection to East 902 Road at the city’s Mutt Run Off-Leash Dog Park. A group of 30 residents sent a letter to city commissioners and staff asking the city to delay the project and address their concerns.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T08:22:37-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for August 6, 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 Financial2020-08-07T08:20:04-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

Closed hospital to become ER in Wellington

The city of Wellington’s recent agreement with Ascension Via Christi to place an emergency room in the vacated Sumner Community Hospital will make it possible to treat patients locally who would otherwise be transported, Wellington Fire/EMS Chief Tim Hay said. “There’s quite a few patients that could be treated and evaluated locally that wouldn’t have to be taken to Wichita, Winfield or Derby,” Hay said. “They get to choose what hospital they go to within reason.” The City of Wellington, which owns the approximately 50-year-old hospital facility, has approved $700K in the capital improvements needed to renovate the space that will house the ER and associated services.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T08:17:41-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

Interns bring collaboration benefits to St. John

Waking up before dawn and biking 80 miles in the summer heat may sound extreme to some, but doing so is just a normal day for participants of Bike and Build, an affordable housing nonprofit that bikes cross country annually. In years past, Bike and Build teams have stopped in Stafford County, spending two nights in St. John to work with Stafford County Economic Development (Eco Devo). Due to COVID-19, the summer of 2020 is the first time in its 17-year history that Bike and Build has not sent riders across the country. Eco Devo and Bike and Build adapted quickly to this change of plans in the spring, and the two organizations collaborated to create a summer internship in St. John.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T08:17:02-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

Destination Kansas: The OZ Museum in Wamego

Kansas is known for many things – being the Sunflower State, its role in the Civil War, the large agriculture industry. But for those outside the state, its perhaps best known as the home to Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz.” A trip to the OZ Museum, 511 Lincoln, Wamego, will put you right into the world L. Frank Baum created when he wrote “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” “We cover over 120 plus years,” said Chris Glasgow, curator, OZ Museum. “Everything from the birth of the author in 1856 to today.” A visit to the museum includes interesting tidbits about the classic Wizard of Oz books.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T08:19:12-05:00August 7, 2020|News|

City pursues outside study to inform ‘transformation’ of Lawrence police department

City leaders are pursuing an outside study to help inform potentially fundamental changes to the role of the Lawrence Police Department, including proposals to move some funding and duties from police to social services. All of the specific issues the study will tackle aren’t determined right now, but city leaders are expecting it to be broad in scope. In a recent request for proposals for a consultant to conduct the study, the city states that it wants a comprehensive report that will aid in the “transformation” of the police department in response to changing operational needs, community expectations and the national narrative around policing and race relations.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-08-07T08:22:03-05:00August 7, 2020|News|