Newton Public Library to resume no-contact borrowing on May 18

Newton Public Library is pleased to announce that NPL will enter Phase 1 of its reopening plan on Monday, May 18. Books, DVDs and other physical library items will start circulating again, with a no-contact pickup procedure in place. Patrons are understandably ready to bring back the more than 6,500 books and DVDs they have been storing at home since NPL’s closure on March 24. In order to avoid an unmanageable flood of returns, special hours and procedures will be in place from May 18 to 23, and due dates for items borrowed after Feb. 29 have been extended through July 4.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:39:53-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

Johnson County Library plans phased re-opening

As part of a phased approach to reintroduction of services after Stay at Home orders are relaxed, Johnson County Library is excited to announce the resumption of drive-thru holds pickups at the Blue Valley, Lenexa City Center, and Monticello branches. Beginning Monday, May 18, patrons may return their materials to the Blue Valley, Lenexa City Center and Monticello book drops only, and can also begin placing new holds at jocolibrary.org for pickup at these locations.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:40:29-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

JoCo launches curbside food drive program to help those in need during COVID-19

A Johnson County partnership has launched a new program to address the additional food insecurity experienced across the region following COVID-19. The Johnson County Food Policy Council, Department of Health and Environment and the K-State Research and Extension are partnering for a curbside food drive to benefit local food pantries, which have reported a 30 to 40% increase in need. JCDHE Public Information Officer Barbara Mitchell said the curbside food drive addresses the misconception that food insecurity isn’t an issue in Johnson County, where nearly 60,000 residents were food insecure prior to the pandemic.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:40:43-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

Arkansas City Hall begins limited reopening Tuesday as part of Phase 1.5

The City of Arkansas City will begin a very limited reopening of City Hall on Tuesday as part of Phase 1.5 of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s Ad Astra state reopening plan. To maintain the health of its employees and help to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) locally, the city closed city hall to the public in late March. However, city staff has continued to provide public services during this time through a variety of measures, including by telephone, video conferences, in-person appointments, and online, drive-through and drop-off methods. Starting Tuesday, Arkansas City Municipal Court will resume weekly sessions with strict social distancing and other safeguards in place to protect everyone’s health.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:41:44-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

Health care relief funds pour into Cowley County

Area health care providers have received federal HHS Provider Relief Funds to help offset losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The recipients cover a variety of providers, from hospitals to medical supply companies to pharmacies. The CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provided $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus response. This money was further divided into different funds, including $50 billion for general distribution, $12 billion for high impact areas and $10 billion for rural providers.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:41:57-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

County, cities applying for grants in response to COVID-19

Gov. Laura Kelly announced May 11 that more than $9 million in federal funding is being made available in CDBG grants to support community responses to the COVID-19 crisis. Applications for the grants are to be submitted by counties or cities on behalf of their local businesses. The Miami County Economic Development Department is gathering information to submit an application on behalf of businesses located outside of any city limits but within Miami County, as well as businesses within the cities of Paola, Fontana, and the Miami County portion of Spring Hill.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:42:16-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

Walnut River in Winfield one of worst spots for flooding

This past week’s heavy rainfall caused rivers and creeks to rise sharply in parts of South-Central and Southeastern Kansas leading to flooding and flash flooding. The worst flooding was at Winfied where the Walnut River was 6 feet above flood stage, Sunday (5/17). However, the water level was falling fast and should drop below flood stage on Monday. Officials urge drivers to avoid crossing any flooded roads.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:42:23-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

Finney Co. healthcare workers come together, distribute supplies to people in need

As coronavirus cases continue to increase in Finney County, organizations are stepping up to help provide supplies to the area. Finney county currently has the second highest number of confirmed cases. Healthcare workers from Centura Health, St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, and a group from LiveWell Finney County distributed supplies Saturday including masks, hand sanitizer and information. Centura health was able to round up 25,000 masks and 2,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to hand out to neighborhoods in need. Dr. Toni Greene,group vice-president and physician executive at Centura Health, says the groups did all this out of a mobile site serving a few hundred people.
(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2020-05-18T08:42:31-05:00May 17, 2020|News|

Ark City’s Nick Hernandez leaves trail of accomplishments

Nick Hernandez is ready to saddle up and head west to Dodge City to become city manager there. His last official day as city manager for the City of Arkansas City is May 22. Reflecting on his nine years steering municipal government here, Hernandez said that some of the major accomplishments include the new water treatment facility and helping Creekstone Farms to recover from a fire and supporting its expansion. He is also pleased with improvements made to recreational facilities and streets. A hike-bike trail around the southwest part of the city is expanding, and more Wilson Park Master Plan improvements are pending. “The numerous grant opportunities we have received for trails, parks and roadways have certainly been bright spots over the past eight years,” he said.
Read more: Cowley Courier-Traveler.

Ranson Financial2020-05-15T09:36:39-05:00May 15, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for May 14, 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 Financial2020-05-15T09:33:36-05:00May 15, 2020|News|