A number of Wichita restaurants reconsider plans in light of rising COVID-19 cases

Wichita restaurants started reopening in early May when all the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted. But since then, cases have surged locally, and many restaurateurs are rethinking their plans. Over the past week or so — as several restaurants have closed after COVID-19 exposure among staff members — others have been making adjustments and discontinuing dine-in, delaying reopening plans or re-closing the doors. Here’s a roundup of the latest: CLOSING AGAIN Side Pockets, 600 S. Tyler: Owners of this popular west side pool hall, bar and restaurant decided late last week to close again “until further notice.” The rise of COVID-19 cases in Wichita, plus the fact that “our team has been placed in the difficult position of having to enforce the wearing of masks in our establishment,” are the main reasons, according to a Facebook post.
(Read more: Dining With Denise Neil |)

Ranson Financial2020-07-16T08:41:57-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

Governor Kelly shares update from Kansas Department of Labor

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has been working with a team of specialists from Accenture for just over two weeks as they provide operational and technological assessments to improve the delivery of unemployment services. “We know there have been major issues and missteps, we’ve hit the reset button and are focusing on the future,” Governor Kelly said. “Accenture is reviewing and providing recommendations to improve the stability of our systems to make sure they are readily available to support Kansans.” While the assessment is still underway, improvements are already being implemented. Since the pandemic began, KDOL has delivered $1.2 billion in unemployment claims to nearly 200,000 Kansans.
(Read more: hiawathaworldonline.com)

Ranson Financial2020-07-16T08:42:19-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

Pottawatomie County Fair to go on with adjustments

The Pottawatomie County Fair will go on, but with some adjustments due to COVID-19. The Fair Board, in consultation with the County Extension Office and recommendations with the Pottawatomie County Health Department announced plans Tuesday with some modifications. It will be open to the public July 30 through August 2. Some activities will be reduced to maintain safe social interaction. The fair board is asking attendees to check schedules carefully as some events have changed. Among them, the open class is restricted to just Pottawatomie County residents. All rabbit competitions have been canceled due to a rabbit disease outbreak.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Ranson Financial2020-07-16T08:42:26-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

Masks now required by law in Reno County

The Reno County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday morning to restore the governor’s order requiring masks or other face coverings to be worn in public. The Tuesday vote rescinds an earlier resolution to not uphold a state of Kansas executive order. As a result, the state order is now in effect in all of Reno County. “We’re trending in the wrong direction,” Nick Baldetti, the county’s health department director, said at the meeting. “From my perspective, I’m really concerned. “Every individual has the responsibility to do their part to make sure everyone is safe.” This latest development makes not wearing a mask in public anywhere in Reno County a civil infraction enforceable by civil fines and or other legal remedies.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-15T08:37:38-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

If mask mandate doesn’t get it done, what’s next for Sedgwick County, Wichita schools?

A Sedgwick County commissioner signaled Tuesday that the county may have to take stronger action to contain the coronavirus with the start of the school year about a month away. In a weekly update on COVID-19, commissioners got a grim report from County Manager Tom Stolz: rising coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, percentage of positive tests — a litany of data trending in the wrong direction. “I don’t want to shut anything down, but I want my child to go to school and be safe,” said Commissioner Lacey Cruse, who’s pushed for stronger action than the county’s largely voluntary response to virus prevention. “But the reality is we’re going to send thousands of children back to school — and we shut school down when our cases weren’t even as high — and now we’re trying to send them back?
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-15T08:36:42-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

Wichita City Council approves $250,000 in HVAC, plumbing upgrades for Century II

Century II is getting some upgrades. The Wichita City Council on Tuesday voted 7-0 to spend $250,000 to install a new a heating, ventilation and air conditioning rooftop unit on Expo Hall, replace hot and cold water circulation pumps through the building, and fix other mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural problems. The repairs — which are paid for using transient guest tax, or hotel “bed tax” funds — are part of maintenance backlog at the Century II complex. The city has earmarked $250,000 annually for the next 10 years to tackle the projects.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-15T08:36:08-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for July 14, 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 Financial2020-07-15T08:34:46-05:00July 15, 2020|News|

Wichita board endorses historic preservation status for Century II, former library

The Wichita Historic Preservation Board on Monday nominated the Century II Performing Arts building for state and national historic status, despite separate requests to delay the decision from the city manager and from local business interests that want to tear down and replace it. The board also nominated the former Central Wichita Public Library building for historic status, which could serve as a roadblock to tearing down the buildings and allow them to receive state and federal preservation grants. The action came three days after activists seeking to save the round, blue-roofed structure from demolition presented more than 17,000 signatures on an initiative petition that could force a public vote on the fate of the Century II and the nearby former library.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-15T08:28:55-05:00July 14, 2020|News|

Advocates call for group that investigates racial profiling complaints in OP to raise profile, improve transparency

The fact that there’s a culturally diverse citizen advisory board in Overland Park that looks into complaints of racial profiling by police came as news to Linnaia McKenzie this spring. A life-long city resident and co-founder of the Advocacy and Awareness Group of Johnson County, McKenzie, had been organizing an event in Downtown to raise awareness and support Black Lives Matter when she first heard the city had such a thing. She wouldn’t be alone. Even people heavily involved in city policing issues acknowledged that most people probably don’t know about the board.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-15T08:31:38-05:00July 14, 2020|News|

Integrated Roadways begins research phase with local businesses for smart technology showcase in Lenexa City Center

A project to deploy smart pavement in Lenexa City Center is moving forward as planned. Local company Integrated Roadways is working through design and research of smart infrastructure technology in and around Lenexa City Center, just west of I-435 at 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard. The $8.5 million project is a public-private partnership that will result in real-time traffic monitoring of five intersections. Smart road technology includes precast concrete sections that have embedded fiber optics and digital technology. The installations allow vehicles to connect to the internet and provide real-time traffic monitoring as well as a full record of traffic history.
(Read more: ShawneeMission Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-15T08:32:27-05:00July 14, 2020|News|