Columbus launches new trash program

The city of Columbus has a new program to tackle trash and provide some uniformity in the community. Starting August 3rd, the city will begin taking requests for 95-gallon trash carts. Carts will be available upon request at no cost to residents. There is a limit of 200 carts as the city pilots the trash cart program, so you’ll want to get your name on the list early. Residents will receive the brochure for the trash cart program with your August water bill. The city says they will go to complete cart system by 2022.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)

Ranson Financial2020-07-31T07:55:46-05:00July 30, 2020|News|

Lenexa discusses Climate Action Playbook, citywide approaches to combating climate change

While Lenexa already supports portions of a regional playbook on mitigating climate change, the city has room for improvement. That was a summary of a discussion Tuesday evening among Lenexa city leaders at a committee meeting to discuss the Climate Action Playbook, a compilation of approaches and resources for cities in the Kansas City metro area to consider in efforts to reduce or reverse the effects of climate change. In a presentation to the Lenexa City Council, Community Development Director Scott McCullough said the playbook would act as a guide, similar to Lenexa’s Complete Streets policy, to inform decision-making across a range of areas of city government.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-31T07:56:23-05:00July 30, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for July 29, 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 Financial2020-07-30T08:24:06-05:00July 30, 2020|News|

Fed holds rates steady, says economic growth is ‘well below’ pre-pandemic level

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in a decision announced Wednesday that came along with a tepid outlook on the coronavirus-plagued economy. In a move widely expected, the central bank kept its benchmark overnight lending rate anchored near zero, where it has been since March 15 in the early days of the pandemic. Along with keeping rates low, the Federal Open Market Committee, which sets monetary policy, expressed its commitment to maintain its bond purchases and the array of lending and liquidity programs also associated with the virus response.
Read more: CNBC.

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:45:23-05:00July 29, 2020|News|

Fight over demolishing Century II goes to court as city files to overturn petition

The city of Wichita has gone to court to try to get a citizens’ petition declared invalid and preserve the city’s right to demolish the publicly owned Century II Convention and Performing Arts Center and the nearby former central library building. The citizen’s petition, if ruled valid, would require the City Council to hold a public vote on destroying either of the two buildings or other city-owned structures deemed to have historical or architectural significance. The city’s filing questions whether voters are qualified to make such decisions.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:28:20-05:00July 29, 2020|News|

Merriam sales taxes down less than expected during COVID-19 shelter-in-place order

The Merriam City Council on Monday evening heard the latest sales and use tax update for the month of May, when COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were still in place. Merriam’s report showed May sales taxes were down 20% overall, Finance Director Donna Oliver said. Despite being down 20%, Oliver said she thought it “was very good news” since city staff forecasted sales taxes to be down by 80% due to the shelter-in-place order. “That was quite a bit of a swing, that was good news,” Oliver said. “That disbursement made about a $500,000 difference on our ending fund balance.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:26:18-05:00July 29, 2020|News|

Classroom ‘gating criteria’ still unknown as Shawnee Mission families face decision about in-person vs. remote learning models

The Shawnee Mission School District will ask parents this week to choose an in-person or fully remote learning model for individual students for the fall semester. But district officials don’t yet have the final “gating criteria” from the county health department on when and how in-person instruction would be permitted. At a board of education meeting Monday, Superintendent Mike Fulton said that administrators were waiting on guidance from county public health officials before they could make a determination about what class might look like on day one for students who choose the in-person option.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:20:18-05:00July 29, 2020|News|

Full measure of mask impact still weeks out

Reno County commissioners and the county’s health officer agreed on Tuesday that individual school districts in the county should each draft their own reopening plan for the coming school year — rather than have a countywide plan — and have the county health officer review it for recommendations. Reno County Health Department director Nick Baldetti, meanwhile, advised it will probably be at least another two weeks — and possibly three to five — before the county sees the effects of a mandatory mask order imposed in the county two weeks ago. That estimate is based on data from Douglas County, which he said has developed a good model for measuring the success of interventions in reducing the spread of the virus, he said. Contributing to the data lag in measuring success are continuing delays in getting test results back promptly, with results now taking 10 days and longer, Baldetti said.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:20:48-05:00July 29, 2020|News|

Riley County health officer issues new health order

New coronavirus-related rules are coming to Riley County. Beginning 12:01 a.m. Thursday, large gatherings of up to 2,000 people will be allowed. But you’ll need to get a permit at least 14 days in advance. You can fill out a request form here. Strict safety measures would have to be put in place for a gathering to be approved. According to the order, regularly held church services aren’t considered to be events and are exempt. Also under this new order, people must be seated at restaurants and bars. No standing is allowed at bar counter-tops. Dancing also isn’t allowed. Bars and restaurants are still required to stop service by midnight and customers must leave by 12:30 a.m. County health leaders said they will start inspecting restaurants and bars to make sure they’re following the rules.
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:20:57-05:00July 29, 2020|News|

Lawrence schools to begin online classes after Labor Day

The Lawrence school district has decided to start its school year after Labor Day with at least six weeks of online learning because of the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. The Lawrence Journal-world reports school board members voted Monday to begin with fully remote learning and consider later in the year whether to adopt a hybrid model that would allow for students to spend some school days in classrooms and others at home with remote learning. Three of Kansas’ largest school districts voted last week not to resume their classes until after the holiday.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Ranson Financial2020-07-30T08:21:07-05:00July 29, 2020|News|