Five police chiefs and sheriffs say they won’t enforce mask order from Kansas governor

Five police chiefs and sheriffs in Kansas have announced that they will not enforce a face mask order that will be issued by the governor later this week. The police chiefs in Sterling, Norton and St. Marys and the sheriffs in Comanche and Bourbon counties said in Facebook posts on Tuesday that their agencies will not enforce Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order. “There is no law in the State of Kansas that states that you will/shall wear a mask, therefore there will be absolutely no lawful enforcement within Comanche County,” Sheriff Mike Lehl said in a statement.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T08:00:49-05:00July 1, 2020|News|

New county COVID-19 rules will require bars to close by 10 p.m.

Bars and nightclubs in Shawnee County will need to close by 10 p.m. to comply with an emergency order health officer Gianfranco Pezzino issued Tuesday afternoon in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, according to a news release put out by Amanda Monhollon, deputy public information officer for the Shawnee County Health Department. Bars and nightclubs will be the only businesses affected by the order, which Pezzino said he issued after a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases here was linked to those types of businesses.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T08:00:12-05:00July 1, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 30, 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 Financial2020-07-01T07:46:04-05:00July 1, 2020|News|

Kansas State Fair a “go”

Despite a recommendation from the state’s top health officer that it cancel, the Kansas State Fair Board on Tuesday voted to proceed with the 10-day state fair in September. The 8-to-5 vote came about 4:14, after about a 35-minute discussion. The board heard from Secretary of Health Lee Norman early in the meeting but then went into executive session for nearly an hour for continuing discussion on changing the Fair Foundation.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:42:23-05:00June 30, 2020|News|

Lights On! partners with Wichita Police Department to ‘heal community relationships’

The Wichita Police Department (WPD) has launched a community-driven program “with the mission to heal relationships between communities and law enforcement agencies.”The program, called “Lights On!” means WPD officers, on traffic stops, can provide a voucher for a free repair on mechanical problems with the vehicle rather than citing the driver. Some common mechanical violations include burned-out light bulbs, broken turn signals, etc.
(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:43:05-05:00June 30, 2020|News|

Court dismisses Topeka officer’s appeal in lawsuit over excessive force

A federal appeals court said Monday it does not have jurisdiction to grant a Topeka police officer immunity after a man sued him for excessive force. The legal team of Officer Christopher Janes requested qualified immunity in a lawsuit that claims he used excessive force when arresting Timothy Harris in January of 2018. The measure gives government officials special protection. The arrest happened when Officer Janes said Harris’s car was parked in the wrong direction on the street and arrested him for an outstanding warrant and for reports of wrongful possession of his girlfriend’s things. After Officer Janes put Harris in handcuffs things turned violent, according to the lawsuit. “According to Harris, Janes threw him down onto the curb and street. Because Harris was handcuffed, he could not break his fall and landed face-first on the curb, leaving “blood in the street,” the lawsuit said, ” Janes sprayed Harris with pepper spray and punched him several times.”
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:43:15-05:00June 30, 2020|News|

City of Topeka receives silver ranking recognition for response to local challenges

The City of Topeka is being recognized nationally as a new silver level city. The 2020 What Works Cities Certification celebrates the strength a city has in effectively managing a city. The certification measures the city leaders and their decision-making. Topeka is the 16th city to be awarded at this silver level. “Even though we are a political institution, that we take feedback from our constituency,” said Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “It is also extremely important for us to have access to proper data so that we are able to serve our citizens better. By doing that, it improves the information that our governing bodies are able to receive.”
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:43:23-05:00June 30, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County health officer urges use of masks, ban on large sports tournaments

With the Wichita area’s COVID-19 rate on the rise, Sedgwick County’s top medical official is recommending a partial travel ban, limits on restaurant occupancy and more widespread use of protective face masks. The county health officer, Dr. Garold Minns told commissioners he didn’t have current exact numbers on hospitalizations for COVID, but has spoken with hospital officials in the county and it’s not looking good. One told him: “Our numbers are up significantly and I am concerned … we can still handle where we’re at, but I don’t like the trajectory of that curve,” Minns said.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:43:29-05:00June 30, 2020|News|

Kansas COVID mask order may last at least through July 4 weekend in Sedgwick County

Sedgwick County commissioners may have to wait until next week — after the Fourth of July holiday weekend — to decide whether to overturn or alter an order expected from the governor to mandate masks to combat the coronavirus. Gov. Laura Kelly has announced she plans to issue an executive order requiring protective facemasks when people shop or gather in public, to take effect on Friday morning just after midnight. That puts the commissioners in a conundrum. A law passed in a recent special session of the Legislature gives the County Commission the authority to locally overrule any restrictive orders the governor issues in connection with the COVID pandemic
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:43:37-05:00June 30, 2020|News|

Topeka mayor stresses importance of honoring mask mandate

It is “extremely important” for Topekans to show they care for their neighbor by honoring a requirement expected to take effect Friday that masks be worn in public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained, Mayor Michelle De La Isla said Tuesday. The wearing of masks is a public health issue, not a political one, the mayor said. “It’s not about fear,” she said. “It’s about the science, and making sure that we take care of each other.” De La Isla and city manager Brent Trout spoke at their monthly news conference about Gov. Laura Kelly’s announcement Monday that she plans to sign an executive order this week, taking effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces where social distancing can’t be maintained.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-07-01T07:43:45-05:00June 30, 2020|News|