A little bit of heavenly goods in Haven

The small community of Haven decided to open up a farmers market twice a month. After mulling over the idea for years, the Chamber of Commerce thought this year was the time to act. The market opened on Tuesday and it went well. An estimated 100 shoppers showed up and bought vegetables, baked goods, ice cream and soap from 12 vendors. The farmers market will take place from 5-7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. “We’re trying to grow this organically,” said Shannin Rettig, secretary at the chamber. “Eighty-five percent of the vendors are from Haven.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T08:06:16-05:00July 9, 2020|News|

Hesston grocery store task force in early talks with potential store owner

Although they didn’t meet as much during the stay at home time of COVID-19, the grocery store task force continues to work to actively bring a grocer back to the Hesston community. In fact, last week they met with a potential owner/operator for a grocery store in Hesston. Chamber of Commerce Director Megan Smith, who sits on the task force, said that the potential store owner is local to Kansas and is a pre-existing owner/operator considering the possibility of expanding to Hesston. “We had a very positive conversation, both, I believe, from our perspective and from their perspective,” Smith said. “We’re still in the very early stages of these conversations but I’m hopeful that we’re on the right path.”
(Read more: Harvey County Now)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T08:05:14-05:00July 9, 2020|News|

With 4 city employees testing positive for COVID-19, Mission council discusses particulars of mask rules, quarantines

The Mission City Council Monday evening discussed Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mask mandate and concerns with exceptions in light of news that four city staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 to date — though not all of the cases came at the same time. Although Mission is adhering to the statewide mandate, the city council briefly discussed enforcement and current procedures when staff members test positive for coronavirus. As positive cases are identified, other staff members who may have been in close contact with that person are taking precautionary measures and self-quarantining for 14 days, City Administrator Laura Smith said.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T08:02:47-05:00July 9, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for July 8, 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 Financial2020-07-09T07:58:46-05:00July 9, 2020|News|

Keeping Pittsburg beautiful one project at a time

In 1998, a small group of citizens got together to discuss how they could help beautify the city, and make Pittsburg a place prospective residents and visitors would like to live. These early members formed the “Mayor’s Beautification Committee” later to be renamed “Pittsburg Beautiful.” For 22 years, this group of around 15 community members has organized, funded, and implemented multiple projects to enhance city parks and landmarks. Their numbers may be small but their influence has been significant. Pittsburg Beautiful, working hand in hand with parks and recreation staff, is responsible for maintaining a number of green spaces in the city. While shopping downtown, have you noticed the petunias hanging from the light poles or stopped to smell the flowers planted in the decorative urns along Broadway? While driving into the city at Christmas time, have you admired the festive twinkle lights adorning the “Welcome to Pittsburg” signs? If so, you have appreciated the efforts of their volunteerism.
(Read more: City of Pittsburg)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T08:10:44-05:00July 9, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County will now require face masks in public

Sedgwick County’s health officer has signed an emergency public health order requiring most residents to wear face coverings in public beginning Friday. Health Officer Dr. Garold Minns announced the order during Wednesday’s County Commission meeting. The order begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 10 and will be in place until at least midnight on Sunday, August 9. Masks will be required in the following situations: Indoor and outdoor public spaces where social distancing of six feet is not possible, while in line waiting to enter indoor public spaces, obtaining services from the heath care sector, waiting for or using any public transportation or ridesharing service, businesses, nonprofits and organizations will require employees, customers, members, etc., to wear masks in most situations.
(Read more: KAKE – News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T07:55:05-05:00July 8, 2020|News|

Gov. Kelly to meet with Department of Education on schools opening next month

With the 2020 school year only about a month away, there’s still a lot of uncertainty on what it will look like, or if kids will even be in school. As Governor Laura Kelly prepares for a meeting with the State Department of Education Wednesday, there’s pressure from the White House as President Trump said he wants governors to open schools. Crystal Chambers’ daughter will be a freshman in high school, and Mariama Payne has a kindergartner. They think it’s too soon to let their kids go to class. “I don’t think it’s gonna go over good. I don’t want to go on back right now,” said Chambers. “He’s young, and when they’re young, their immune systems and is great. And this virus is kind of scary. I don’t think it’s the time,” said Payne. But Sarah Hallacy disagrees.
(Read more: KAKE – News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T07:55:19-05:00July 8, 2020|News|

Kansas reporting 717 more confirmed cases of COVID-19

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting 717 more confirmed coronavirus cases since Monday, an increase that brings the total to at least 17,618 cases. The department on Wednesday also reported 282 COVID-19 deaths, up two since Monday. Health and environment Secretary Lee Norman announced on Tuesday that Kansas is among the top 14 states in the country for the most rapid spread of the coronavirus, and in the top 14 states for having the least restrictions on activities. The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people who have the virus have not been tested.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T07:55:34-05:00July 8, 2020|News|

Newton adjusts operations in response to COVID-19 cases

Because of a recent increase in local COVID-19 cases, the city of Newton made some operational changes beginning Monday, July 6. That rise included a single-day increase of eight cases last week — the largest individual day on record for Harvey County. Newton City Hall remains open to the public, but residents are encouraged to pay bills and do other business online or over the phone to limit in-person exposures. Visitors to City Hall are encouraged to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible. The Newton City Service Center will be closed to the public. Requests for service should be called in to 316-284-6070 or submitted online at newtonkansas.com.
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T07:55:46-05:00July 8, 2020|News|

Southwest Kansas says ‘NO’ to mandating masks

Masks, across much of Kansas, are now required to be worn in public. However, some counties are taking a different approach to the governor’s order. On this map of the southwest part of the state, you can see the counties that are enforcing the governor’s order. Many are not requiring the wearing of masks, but instead are recommending them. So far, every county in southwest Kansas has shot down the governor’s mask order by not mandating them in public. While a select few counties are still waiting on their county commissions to vote on the matter.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-07-09T07:56:12-05:00July 8, 2020|News|