Kansas communities see dramatic spikes in coronavirus cases

A spike in reported coronavirus cases has prompted a northeast Kansas community to take a step back in reopening its economy and led the commanding general of a nearby U.S. Army post to restrict soldiers’ visits to a popular bar and restaurant district. Riley County’s health officer this week issued an order reimposing a 50-person limit on public gatherings, limited bars and restaurants to 75% capacity and mandated that they screen employees for coronavirus symptoms daily. Those restrictions are set to remain in place through July 6. But an even more dramatic increase in Crawford County in southeast Kansas tied to an outbreak at a bacon-processing plant isn’t prompting local officials to go back to previous restrictions.
(Read more: Politics & Government News |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-26T07:33:25-05:00June 26, 2020|News|

‘Napa Valley of the Midwest’ at Somerset Ridge in Paola

Surrounded by thousands and thousands of grapevines, Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery boasts being the “Napa Valley of the Midwest.” Believe it or not, the Midwest has a rich history of producing wine, and you’ll want to come out and taste it for yourself. “We had customers in last weekend, and they sent a note to their friends in California saying, ‘Sorry, you can’t be with us. We’re out in Ka-Napa!’ And what a great name is that? Ka-Napa!” said owner Cindy Reynolds. “Ka-Napa” may seem new, but the Midwest has a rich history of producing wine.
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-26T07:29:38-05:00June 26, 2020|News|

Reno County eligible for rural development funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development has announced $2.7 million in funding for Kansas counties affected by natural disasters through the agency’s Rural Communities Infrastructure and Equipment program. “President Trump and USDA Secretary Perdue continue to prioritize rural America through resources and funding opportunities to help communities rebuild,” said U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall. “These grant dollars will be valuable tools for our municipalities and nonprofits to support community growth and recovery efforts.” Reno County is eligible for grant funding that will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in grants of up to $50,000. Funding will be provided on a graduated scale; smaller communities with the lowest median household income are eligible for a higher proportion of grant funds. More than 100 types of projects are eligible for funding and must be in eligible rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
(Read more: Kansas Agland – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-26T07:23:52-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

Johnson County Election Office prepares for in-person voting with PPE, hand sanitizer, disposable pens

On Election Day — Aug. 4 for the primaries and Nov. 3 for the general — in-person voting will look different, Schmidt said. All 170 polling places will be open, but social distancing will play a factor in ballot-casting. Poll workers — who are currently going through small-group election training — will be given personal protective equipment kits that includes masks, face shields and gloves. Additionally, hand sanitizer will be available at several points, Schmidt said. Voters will be given the option to choose a paper or digital ballot. No matter which they decide, they will be given a double-ended writing utensil that has a pen on one end and a stylus on the other. The ink pen will be used for those who fill out paper ballots and the stylus end will be used to sign in and vote on the touchscreen.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-06-26T07:24:00-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

Wichita releases draft document on police reform issues

The city of Wichita has released a 16-page document outlining a response to recent protests and calls for reform after fatal officer-involved shootings across the country. Mayor Brandon Whipple, city council members and police chief Gordon Ramsay talked about the document at a city hall news conference Thursday. Mayor Whipple said it’s a response to demands and grievances from several community groups on policing policies. The mayor said he, the council and Chief Ramsay are united in addressing the wishes of the various groups and there will be more discussions. He said the council is not necessarily in full agreement with every response in the document, and he said the goal is to have more dialogue, more action and more listening.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-06-26T07:26:05-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

New mayor find his way in Haviland

Aaron Stokes was elected Mayor of Haviland last November and took office in January. Stokes has used his first six months in office finding his footing and figuring out how to navigate his new role. “I think the temptation is to try to do right away, but it’s more important to listen right away,” said Stokes. Stokes first thought about running for mayor because he feels that participation in local government is very important, especially for someone who is younger. Being the mayor is a way that Aaron feels he can give back to the community. During these first months of his term as mayor, Aaron is in a listening phase, but he has a vision for what he would like to do, which primarily revolves around the quality of life that residents of Haviland have.
(Read more: Kiowa County Signal)

Ranson Financial2020-06-26T07:27:13-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

New sculpture in Prairie Village memorializes ‘freedom of roaming on bicycles’ for ’50s kids

A Prairie Village native whose formative years in the city included the “exhilarating sense of freedom roaming on bicycles” in northeast Johnson County has donated a new piece of public art. The sculpture on the southeast corner of the intersection of 71st Street and Mission, catty-corner from the Village Shops, is entitled “Fifties Freedom in the Village” and depicts a young boy on a bike pointed toward the sky with the help of a ramp elevated by books.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-06-25T07:54:41-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

Hillsboro hospital bankruptcy case ends

After 17 months in bankruptcy court, Hillsboro Community Hospital has emerged from bankruptcy protection. At the request of the bankruptcy’s trustee, a judge dismissed the case Thursday. Trent Skaggs, chief executive officer of the company that now owns the hospital, said he was unaware of what might happen to any hospital debts not resolved during bankruptcy. He said Tuesday his company bought the hospital without responsibility to pay pre-bankruptcy debts.
(Read more: HILLSBORO Star-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-06-25T07:54:18-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

Fuel coming back to Tampa

When Tampa’s last service station closed last year, residents were without a local option to fuel their vehicles. Agri Trails Co-op is stepping in to fill the void and will be installing a fueling station just to the east of its seed plant. A firm date for completion has not been set, but property has been acquired and tanks ordered. When finished, the site will provide 24-hour access to gas and to clear and dyed diesel. It will accommodate everything from cars to combines and semis.
(Read more: PEABODY Gazette-Bulletin)

Ranson Financial2020-06-25T07:51:07-05:00June 25, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 24, 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 Financial2020-06-25T07:48:37-05:00June 25, 2020|News|