‘We are going to see some evictions.’ Kansas ban shielding tenants, homeowners expires

As Kansas locked down to fight the coronavirus and tens of thousands of residents lost their jobs, they could still take comfort in a state-imposed pause on evictions and foreclosures tied to the pandemic. No longer. Last week, Gov. Laura Kelly allowed an executive order that had shielded renters and homeowners since March to expire. The governor didn’t publicly announce the change, but the order wasn’t included in a list of directives re-issued in recent days. Her office confirmed the expiration on Monday.
(Read more: Kansas City Government & Politics News |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-02T08:31:45-05:00June 2, 2020|News|

Just like that, Wichita’s bike share program is gone

Just like that, Wichita’s brief time as a city with a ride share bike program is over. Zagster, the Boston-based company the city of Wichita contracted with to provide bikes through stations around the city, informed bike users through a Monday e-mail that it’s ending the program. “Sadly, the pandemic has also adversely impacted Zagster’s business, and we regret to inform you that we will be shutting down the bikeshare effective immediately.”
(Read more: Carrie Rengers: Business Columns & Blogs |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-02T08:18:41-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

Extra caution needed on Kansas roads during harvest

It’s a busy time for farmers in Kansas with harvest underway and hay season in full swing. The Kansas Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to use caution and patience when traveling around farm trucks, tractors, combines and other implements. “As the busy farming season is underway, each traveler in Kansas needs to be more aware of increased farm implement and truck traffic,” said Lieutenant Adam Winters, KHP Public Information Officer. “In Kansas, we have many trucks exiting and entering the roadways at any given time. Traveling around these vehicles requires extra caution.” Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds and may only travel 15-25 mph. Farm equipment is often wider than the lane of traffic so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road. Caution should be practiced on all roads, but especially on busy rural roads with unmarked intersections.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)

Ranson Financial2020-06-02T08:19:50-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

Spirit of Kansas fireworks show to go on, officials say

The Spirit of Kansas fireworks show will still go on as planned, Shawnee County Parks & Recreation officials announced Monday. Officials said after thoughtful consideration and consultation with county officials, they decided to go ahead with the Spirit of Kansas Capitol Federal Fireworks Display July 4 at Lake Shawnee. Spirit of Kansas Golf Tournaments will start at 10 a.m. at Lake Shawnee Golf Course and Cypress Ridge Golf Course, according to a news release. Other details of the day’s events are to be determined.
(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-02T08:20:36-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

USD 373 meal program adding ‘Farmers to Families’

The USDA program has begun sending boxes to Newton USD 373 to be distributed by the summer lunch program for the month of June. As part of this program, Newton USD 373 has received boxes of various fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and dairy products to hand out with the drive up meals this summer. Contents vary per box. A sample box on Monday contained potatoes, apples, pears, carrots, celery, oranges and lettuce. One box per car will be provided in addition to Monday meals. Provided deliveries are on schedule, food boxes will be distributed each Monday through the month of June.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)

Ranson Financial2020-06-02T08:20:56-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

Johnson County voters will decide future of liquor-by-the-drink rule in November

ohnson County voters in November will decide whether they want to end the last vestiges of the county’s dry liquor laws and allow businesses to sell alcoholic drinks without also having to sell food. The county commission unanimously voted to put a ballot question in the general election that will lift a three-decade restriction – a move much sought by the new micro-brewers who have begun to open around the county. Brewery owners have been on a campaign since last year to get the law changed that requires them to make at least 30% of their gross sales in food in order to also sell alcoholic drinks. They’ve said the food sales add a layer of difficulty to their small operations, and lifting the rule would even the playing field.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)

Ranson Financial2020-06-01T08:49:22-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

Amazon to enter the Wichita market within months

For the better part of two years, there’s been talk in certain circles that Amazon is coming to the Wichita market. Now, sources say it’s finally happening in the form of a distribution center, though it doesn’t seem to be a typical warehouse for all the products Amazon sells. Instead, it sounds like the warehouse — at 4044 N. Toben, near 37th and Rock in northeast Wichita — will be mostly for larger products. Think of big appliances, such as refrigerators and washers and dryers, and sporting goods such as bicycles and kayaks.
(Read more: Carrie Rengers: Business Columns & Blogs |)

Ranson Financial2020-06-01T08:48:43-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

Demonstrations continue throughout Kansas communities

Protests and rallies continue across the state after the death of George Floyd. So far, each demonstration in the area has remained peaceful. Miranda Bachman organized a rally Sunday in Salina, and says the turnout was good. … Hutchinson held a rally Sunday as well. … Saturday, Wichita held two rallies: one at the Patrol North building, and another at Century II. Community activists say the one thing that makes these demonstrations stand out is the passionate yet peaceful behavior of attendees.
(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2020-06-01T08:41:41-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for May 29, 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 Financial2020-06-01T08:40:36-05:00June 1, 2020|News|

To respond to COVID-19, proposed downtown Lawrence layout would have less space for cars, more for pedestrians and outdoor dining

If downtown businesses are going to safely operate during the coronavirus pandemic, cars are going to have to give people more room. At least that’s the premise of a temporary layout proposed for downtown Lawrence, which downtown leaders and city officials hope to see put in place soon. Downtown Lawrence Inc., the architecture and design firm Gould Evans and other local partners helped create the proposal, which reconfigures the downtown street layout to provide more room for pedestrians and outdoor sales and dining.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-06-01T08:32:26-05:00June 1, 2020|News|