Pittsburg gives update on facility restrictions, event cancellations including July 4 fireworks

Although Gov. Laura Kelly’s stay-at-home order and phased reopening plan are no longer in effect statewide, and Crawford County has not issued a countywide order to replace them, local municipalities have the authority to implement their own coronavirus safety measures. The City of Pittsburg released an update Monday on its current plans.

While many public spaces are reopening, the City of Pittsburg is suspending access to some city facilities and cancelling large-scale events, including the city fireworks display and July 4th Celebration in Lincoln Park.

“The City of Pittsburg has and will continue to operate regardless of the circumstances,” according to the release. “All closures and cancellations, while inconvenient, are intended to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and keep our employees and community safe.”

(Read more: Community – Morning Sun)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T16:34:10-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County looking at antibody testing for coronavirus

Sedgwick County commissioners have delayed a decision on whether to provide antibody testing for the coronavirus.

The county’s health officer, Dr. Garold Minns, told commissioners that he has talked with other health officials in Wichita and Kansas City and they have no confidence in the testing. He said it’s not known how they would be used, and the tests cannot determine if someone has immunity from COVID-19. Dr. Minns said the tests have not been validated by independent labs, and it would not be a good use of taxpayer money to fund a test where doctors would not know what the results mean.

County commissioners plan more discussions at their June 17th meeting. The county is calling residents at random this week to set up appointments for nasal swab testing. This program is intended to get an idea of the spread of coronavirus across the county.

(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T16:31:39-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

Counties still following Ad Astra Plan move into Phase 3 Monday

Governor Laura Kelly said those still following the state’s Ad Astra Plan for reopening can move into Phase 3 tomorrow – meaning gathering limits can increase to 45. This comes as reopening decisions have been placed on individual counties and many, including Sedgwick, have only issued guidance and not hard rules. The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is keeping track on each county’s reopening plan with a website. The website shows that 42 counties are still following the governor’s plan.
(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:40:24-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

Local bars reopen as Shawnee County enters phase 3 of reopening plan

On Monday, phase three of the reopening plan will begin in Shawnee County and local bars can once again allow customers to come back through their doors for a cold one. Topeka’s Speck’s has been closed since March 18th, a tough challenge to take on for any small business but they’ve made it through and now will start getting things back to normal. Shawnee county is keeping the restriction on people, up to 50% capacity or 45 people total, and the owners say that masks will be work by employees at all times as well as temperature checks before their works come inside. In the end, they’re more excited to just get back and see their customers that feel more like friends.
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:39:02-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

Superintendent says goodbye to Goessel community

Most people who live in Goessel and those who have attended the Goessel Unified School District 411 in the last 24 years know who John Fast is. The soft-spoken man who clearly loves all things education as well as the town of Goessel, has spent most of his career teaching and being an administrator in the small town. Fast worked in education for 38 years. He started his career teaching fourth-grade science in Wichita and taught there for two years. Fast then went to Halstead for 12 years teaching elementary and middle school science and working as a curriculum director. In the fall of 1996, Fast made the move to Goessel where he started as the elementary principal. He added the role of superintendent in the fall of 2004. Fast speaks fondly of his 24 years working at Goessel.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:38:22-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

$3.75M federal grant will help City of Lawrence purchase its first zero-emission buses

Lawrence transit officials say a federal grant to purchase the city’s first fully electric buses is a step in the right direction for the city’s sustainability goals and for eventually converting the city’s fleet of diesel buses. The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the city a $3.75 million federal grant to purchase zero- or low-emission buses. Transit and Parking Manager Adam Weigel said the grant, which requires a local match of $2.2 million, would enable the city to replace five diesel buses with zero-emission electric buses, purchase charging stations and work with the nonprofit Center for Transportation and the Environment to plan and evaluate the program.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:31:50-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 5, 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 Financial2020-06-08T06:24:57-05:00June 8, 2020|News|

The City of Merriam Enters Phase 3 on June 8

The City of Merriam will enter Phase 3 of the state’s Ad Astra reopening plan on Monday, June 8. All City facilities, playgrounds, and sports courts will reopen to the public. The Irene B. French Community Center will remain closed as the City prepares to open the Merriam Community Center later this month. Phase 3 of the Ad Astra plan recommends gatherings of 45 people or less. Residents are encouraged to wear masks inside City buildings and at playgrounds, practice physical distancing of 6 feet or more, use hand sanitizer if unable to wash hands with soap and water, and to avoid touching your face.
(Read more: Merriam, KS news)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:20:29-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Retail, residential development approved in Gardner

Grata Development received rezoning approval from the Gardner City Council for a $200 million mixed-use development located at the southeast corner of 175th St. and I-35 in Gardner. According to the press release, the 262-acre development comprises retail (New Trails), multifamily (Prairie Forge) and single-family housing (Prairie Trace). “We are grateful for the partnership we have formed with the city staff and elected officials in Gardner to bring this exciting project to life. The goal of the New Trails Project is to provide amenities for people to enjoy life together as they live, work and play,” said Travis Schram, Grata Development president.
(Read more: Gardner News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:20:51-05:00June 7, 2020|News|

Hutchinson demonstration remains peaceful despite rumors of counter-protest

Multiple peaceful demonstrations were held on Saturday across the state of Kansas. In Hutchinson, a group of protesters walked along 25th and main street despite the hot sun. “It’s very hot and I’m especially very proud of everyone for sticking with it,” said Teresa Delgado, rally organizer. Protesters took a knee for more than eight minutes, the time a Minneapolis officer had his knee on George Floyd before his death.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-06-08T06:21:00-05:00June 7, 2020|News|