Dodge City cancels fireworks display

The effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt as the City of Dodge City announced the cancellation of the Dodge City Fourth of July Celebration fireworks display. According to city officials, the planning committee made up of city staff, community partners and volunteers, made the decision to cancel the display. Co-chair of the planning committee, Dodge City Fire Chief Ken Spencer, said there were two reasons for the cancellation.
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)

Ranson Financial2020-06-24T07:54:03-05:00June 23, 2020|News|

Riley County to receive around $15 million in CARES act funds

Riley County commissioners Monday approved a contract for advisory services for dispersing federal coronavirus relief funds. The county will contract with Witt O’Brien’s, a Risk Management and Emergency Response Consulting Firm. Budget and Finance Officer Tami Robison says Riley County’s portion of the governor’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) spending plan is around $15 million. The county is working on a resolution to be signed by July 15. The county selected this firm based on the magnitude of the dispersal and the firm’s ongoing work with helping Sedgwick County. Robison says neither county administration, nor any entity in the county has the manpower to take this on 24/7. The county has till the end of the year to complete this process. This process needs a firm that is well versed in single audit requirements, because any slip up could affect the county’s future federal funding. The Flint Hills Regional Council reached out to the county clerk to see if they could help, but Robison says they would have to drop everything for this audit. However, they will not turn away local help. This will help identify areas of the county that need those funds and get them that money.
(Read more: 1350 KMAN)

Ranson Financial2020-06-24T07:54:13-05:00June 23, 2020|News|

Shawnee County pools to open Monday; retail restrictions removed

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation pools and aquatic centers will reopen at noon Monday at 50% capacity. … Rossville Community Pool will remain closed for repairs. Pools received the OK on June 4 from Shawnee County commissioners to reopen effective immediately, but preparations and hiring of additional staff was needed before they could open. According to a news release Friday from parks and recreation spokesman Mike McLaughlin, all aquatic facilities will implement a safety break every hour in which staff will disinfect high-touch areas, such as railings, slides and diving boards. Restrooms will be cleaned every half hour. Staff will disinfect lounge chairs if requested to do so by guests, and all pools and aquatic centers will be cleaned every morning and evening. The new health order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-06-24T07:55:21-05:00June 23, 2020|News|

Storms tore through Great Bend leaving one business picking up the pieces

The city of Great Bend felt the brunt of the winds brought in from Sunday night’s storms. On Monday, many community members were busy cleaning up the damage left behind. One business, in particular, was hit hard. The owners say all that’s left to do is clean up and get back to work.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-06-23T07:46:34-05:00June 23, 2020|News|

Memorial tribute to Thayer fire chief

Despite rain Saturday morning, family, friends and fellow emergency responders gathered in Thayer city park to share tears, laughs and memories of former volunteer fire chief Larry Myers. Myers, 82, died June 16 and the Neosho County dispatcher called a “last page” at the end of the observance Saturday. Emergency vehicles surrounded the park and friends displayed a sign that will be installed at the Thayer fire station, which will be dedicated to him.
(Read more: www.chanute.com)

Ranson Financial2020-06-23T07:46:29-05:00June 23, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 22, 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 Financial2020-06-23T07:38:00-05:00June 23, 2020|News|

Derby Vision 2040 plan focuses on connected community

Brought forward for review before the Planning Commission on June 18, Derby’s Vision 2040 comprehensive plan was unveiled as it enters its final stage of public comment — a key component in the eyes of the city. Vision 2040 is intended to be a comprehensive plan for growth and development in Derby over the next 20 years. Trying to figure out where Derby — all of Derby — wants to be is a big part of that, with feedback sought on key principles of the plan focused on land use, transportation, parks, health, the environment, housing and community facilities. City Planner Scott Knebel also noted that all of the plans from recent years (joint plans done with Wichita and Mulvane, the West End Development Plan, K-15 Area Plan, etc.) were factored into Vision 2040.
(Read more: Derby Informer | News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-23T07:32:53-05:00June 22, 2020|News|

Riley County to issue more restrictions after increase in coronavirus cases

The Riley County Health Department will be issuing a new health order following 29 new positive cases over the weekend. Julie Gibbs, director of the Riley County Health Department said in a virtual news conference on Monday that the details are not prepared yet but they will have a new order out either Monday or Tuesday. Gibbs said the gathering number “will not rise” and that there will be “new restrictions” on businesses. Gibbs added that they were “a little shocked at the rise in cases” the department saw over the weekend. Gibbs said the restrictions will likely be to bars and restaurants. Gibbs said 18 to 34-year-olds is the hardest hit group in the past week.
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-23T07:33:43-05:00June 22, 2020|News|

Shawnee County pools, aquatic centers opening at half-capacity Monday

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation will open community pools and aquatic centers Monday with some restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. Topeka’s three aquatic centers and three community pools will be open at half-capacity. Aquatic Supervisor David Allacher said restrooms will be cleaned every half hour. Each facility will also take a “safety break” every hour. This is when staff will disinfect highly touched and trafficked areas, like lounge chairs. “If they want to move them so there’s more distance apart they are more than welcome to,” Allacher said. “If they want them disinfected just let staff know. We’ll give you a towelette or we’ll disinfect them before you sit down.”
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-23T07:33:56-05:00June 22, 2020|News|

County to consider revising health officer’s pay arrangement

The Shawnee County Health Department is asking county commissioners to temporarily switch county health officer Gianfranco Pezzino from a salaried employee to an hourly one – which could potentially increase his pay – while making arrangements to have state and federal grant funding cover his compensation. Shawnee County Commissioners Bill Riphahn, Kevin Cook and Aaron Mays are to consider making an amendment to Pezzino’s contract when they meet Thursday, according to a news release put out Monday by the health department’s deputy public information officer, Amanda Monhollon. “This amendment proposes altering the pay of the health officer to $125.00 per hour for up to 60 hours per month through the end of the 2020 calendar year,” the release said. “The proposed restructuring of Dr. Gianfranco Pezzino’s compensation to an hourly rate is intended to ensure reimbursement to Shawnee County as an eligible expense through the CARES Act and the state’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) initiative.”
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-06-23T07:34:56-05:00June 22, 2020|News|