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.
The Kansas State Finance Council has allocated more than $254 million of federal coronavirus relief funds mostly toward efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and boost the state’s economy. The group’s unanimous approval on Wednesday slated the federal funds for public health, education and economic development proposals as recommended by the executive committee of the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas task force. More than $100.9 million is going toward public health. Economic development proposals will get $78.6 million, and education will receive about $74.9 million.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
“Blatant noncompliance” has been the only problem with an ordinance that requires most people to wear face masks in buildings open to the public in Parsons. The city commission approved the ordinance in a July 6 meeting to help fight the spread of COVID-19, and it took effect on July 9. The ordinance included a two-week education period when it wasn’t enforced, but since July 23 individuals not wearing masks in indoor places of public access can face a fine. Violators at first will be warned, followed by a ticket that could be forgiven by paying a $15 processing fee. Upon the third violation, individuals could be fined $50.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Roeland Park and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District are hosting a socially distant family fun bingo night on July 31 at 6 p.m. The event, normally held inside the Roeland Park Community Center at 4850 Rosewood Drive, will be held on the front lawn and families are to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Masks are required for the event, and dinner is to be served at 6 p.m.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Citing concerns about pay and working conditions, City of Lawrence sanitation workers have taken a step toward unionization, and other employee groups may follow. Teamsters Local 696 recently filed a petition with the City of Lawrence on behalf of the sanitation workers, whose duties include handling trash, recycling and yard waste collection, asking that the city conduct a union election. Matt Hall, secretary-treasurer and business agent for the Teamsters, told the Journal-World that more than 90% of the 70 sanitation workers supported the petition. Hall said the sanitation workers have multiple concerns, including pay and working conditions, such as work rules about routes, safety and equipment.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
A new local campaign aims to promote health and safety conscious behavior in Manhattan and the Flint Hills region. The safe and open campaign highlights businesses, organizations and individuals who have pledged to abide by recommended public health practices such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing face coverings in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Officially launched as of Thursday, July 30, eight businesses have already signed the pledge committing to follow federal, state and local guidelines. Those that have pledged will receive a badge and other marketing materials that can be displayed on windows or inside their place of business. They’ll also be added to lists at MHKsafeandopen.org or FlintHillssafeandopen.org for those in the region outside of Manhattan. “When people see the Safe & Open logo, they will know those businesses and organizations have made a commitment to help protect the community,” reads a City of Manhattan press release.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has announced that fall activities and athletics will proceed as planned. A motion to push back the start date was rejected by the executive board. The vote failed 5-4. All fall activities and athletics will now be able to proceed as scheduled on Monday, Aug. 17. Additional safety protocols, including fan participation, will still come. KSHSAA did say that those decisions will be made by local health officials.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
Dodge City Public Schools will have nearly 7,000 students returning to school in less than a month. The Board of Education voted 6-1 Monday to start school on August 25 with teachers reporting on August 17. USD 443 reached out to their teachers through a survey asking if teachers would be able to conduct face-to-face instruction, 78% of the teachers responded to the survey with nearly 95% percent responding ‘yes’ saying they want to get back into the classroom. Those who responded ‘no’ due to health concerns may have the option to teach online.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Local hospitals have seen a rising number of COVID-19 cases over the last several weeks and an increase in ICU patients. This second wave that we are dealing with now, its doubled and tripled than the first wave,” said Ascension Via Christi Medical ICU Manager, Jenifer Phelps. “We are having a lot more traffic coming through and the traffic we are having the patients are a lot sicker and they’re staying here a lot longer in the ICU.” Sedgwick County Manager, Tom Stolz said the public hospital system in Wichita has a total of nearly 200 ICU beds. The county met with Wesley, Via Christi, the VA and McConnell Air Force base on Monday to discuss what they’re seeing and to get an understanding of how much space is available for COVID patients.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Almost three weeks after the City of Wichita was presented with a petition to “Save Century II,” the City has responded with legal action challenging the validity of the petition. The Save Century II group delivered the petition with 17,000 signatures to Mayor Brandon Whipple on July 10. Today, the City of Wichita filed a petition in the 18th Judicial District Court seeking declaratory judgment challenging the validity of the petition. In a news release, the City says it supports the petition process and the right of citizens to express their opinion. But the City believes the petition is legally invalid and does not serve the citizens’ best interests.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
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