Wichita police and fire department are cracking down on firework regulations

The Fourth of July is Saturday and Wichita’s police and fire department are teaming up to make sure everyone is staying safe this holiday weekend. Wichita firemen and police are cracking down on firework regulations, only allowing fireworks tested and approved by the Wichita fire department to be shot within city limits. The Fourth of July is off to a bang. “My favorite memory of the Fourth of July is being a kid and watching my father light fireworks in the backyard,” said the People’s family, local visitors of Wichita. Fireworks, although can be beautiful and exciting, can also be dangerous.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:24:46-05:00July 6, 2020|News|

Local town hosts 50th anniversary of an annual event

Hepler, Kansas, rang in the 4th of July by celebrating its 50th annual Rodeo and Fireworks this weekend. A parade kick started the day filled with community members handing out candy and walking through the downtown area. Games and a rodeo followed the procession. Candidate for Crawford County Sheriff, JJ Karlinger, said it’s an annual event you just have to experience for yourself. To Karlinger, it’s as American as apple pie.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:25:29-05:00July 6, 2020|News|

Cimarron Bend wind farm expansion begins

Enel Green Power started construction on the 199-Megawatt expansion of the Cimarron Bend wind farm, on June 18. At an investment of over $281 million, the 74 turbines expansion is set to increase the wind farm’s capacity from 400 MW to 599 MW, making it the largest wind farm in Enel’s North American portfolio. “As Kansas’ wind leader, Enel Green Power is proud to step forward to generate new jobs and economic growth for Kansas during this challenging time,” said Georgios Papadimitriou, Head of Enel Green Power in the U.S. and Canada. “Most importantly, we remain firm in our commitment to protect the health and safety of our workers and host communities as we execute this expansion safely and sustainably.” Construction on the expansion, is slated to be completed by the end of 2020.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:25:55-05:00July 6, 2020|News|

Northern Johnson County cities agree to comply with state, county mandate to wear face masks in public

The bigger cities of northern Johnson County have all agreed to adhere to Gov. Laura Kelly’s statewide mandate requiring face masks to be worn in public. Starting Friday, July 3, Kansans must wear a face mask in public indoor and outdoor spaces when 6 feet of distancing cannot be maintained. There are exceptions for Kansans who have medical conditions or mental health disabilities, Kansans younger than 5 and athletes in training. Following the governor’s order Thursday, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners also voted 4-2 to adhere to the statewide mandate. The orders come as local positive cases of COVID-19 are on the rise.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:26:13-05:00July 6, 2020|News|

City of Dodge City Reopening of City Hall

The City of Dodge City is set to reopen City Hall to the public on Monday, July 6, 2020. This reopening comes after City administration chose to close the facility to public access on June 11 when an employee tested positive for COVID-19. “We had already implemented health and safety procedures for cleaning public areas when one of our employees was confirmed positive for the disease,” said City Manager Nick Hernandez. “For the safety of not only the staff but the public as well, I felt it was best to close while staff recovered and additional deep cleaning could take place again.” An additional item that has been added to cleaning procedures is the implementation of ultra-violet light sanitizers that are run after business hours in the public lobbies, bathrooms, and other common use areas. An increased supply of hand sanitizer dispensers has also been placed at all building entrances.
(Read more: Western Kansas News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:26:27-05:00July 6, 2020|News|

AG Derek Schmidt provides updated guidance to law enforcement and prosecutors on enforcement of emergency orders

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today provided updated guidance to law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors statewide on the enforcement of emergency orders, following the passage of House Bill 2016 last month and the issuance of Executive Order 20-52 earlier today. The guidance, in the form of a memorandum, updates previous guidance provided by the attorney general on March 24, April 8 and May 28. The memo reflects changes to the Kansas Emergency Management Act adopted by the Kansas Legislature on June 4, and signed into law by the governor on June 8. Those amendments included changing the violation of an emergency order issued by the governor from a Class A misdemeanor to a civil violation, which may be enforced by a lawsuit filed by the county or district attorney. As such, law enforcement officers may no longer arrest or detain individuals for violations of an emergency order.
(Read more: Kansas Attorney General News Releases)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:26:38-05:00July 6, 2020|News|

Hays CVB keeping busy with projects

Despite visitors few and far between in the spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau has kept busy. Director Melissa Dixon and her staff have worked on projects they normally have not had time to attend to at the Welcome Center at 2700 Vine. "It was very different for a few weeks because we’re so focused on events and supporting events, then all of a sudden those events disappeared," Dixon said.
(Read more: News – The Hays Daily News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-06T07:36:21-05:00July 5, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for July1, 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 Financial2020-07-02T08:51:11-05:00July 2, 2020|News|

Northern Johnson County cities provide guidance on Phase 3 recommendations

As new COVID-19 cases spike in Johnson County and across the state of Kansas, the cities of Prairie Village, Merriam, Westwood and Roeland Park have publicly posted their plans to stay in Phase 3 of Gov. Laura Kelly’s reopening plan. Phase 3, though only a recommendation framework, limits gathering sizes to 45 and permits the reopening of playgrounds provided physical distancing signs are posted. Prairie Village, Merriam, Westwood and Roeland Park’s individual announcements come on the heels of Gov. Kelly’s recommendation to halt progression in the reopening process. The recommendation does not have the teeth of enforcement, as Gov. Kelly relinquished her authority to formally require this request. The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners has voted to follow the voluntary recommendations from Kelly’s administration. Now, Phase 3 in Kansas will end no sooner than July 6.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-02T08:24:51-05:00July 2, 2020|News|

Roeland Park to consider adopting ad hoc committee tasked with police policy review

The Roeland Park City Council last month agreed to consider adopting an ad hoc committee to work with Lexipol, a public safety policy service, to conduct a police policy review. City staff normally conducts periodic reviews of Roeland Park Police Department’s operating procedures, which have historically been developed and maintained in house. Although there is an option for a Lexipol annual review, an ad hoc committee would work with Lexipol’s expert staff for a one-time fee of $11,000.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-07-02T08:23:17-05:00July 2, 2020|News|