Wichitans use 3D printers to make face shields for first responders and health officials

First responders and health officials are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. They are battling more than the virus, but also a shortage of protective gear.
“They are in need of face shields and part of the way you can do that immediately is with 3D printing,” said Nathan Smith, WSU Project Innovation Hub Manager.
Wichita Police Department, Sgt. Teddy Wisely is teaming up with other community members to use 3D printers to make personal protective equipment. “Our goal is to produce this equipment, donate it, and help slow the spread of the virus,” said Sgt. Wisely.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T09:08:38-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

Some private golf courses are open, while Overland Park and Leawood shutter courses during COVID-19 shutdown

Private golf courses in the Shawnee Mission area may be an option for members who want to get outside and enjoy some exercise while practicing safe social distancing.
The golf course at Milburn Country Club in Overland Park remains open for members to use. An email distributed to members on Tuesday afternoon provides instructions and guidelines on practicing safe social distancing, and describes staff’s efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.
The golf course at Mission Hills Country Club is also open for members only, although golf carts will not be made available.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T09:06:53-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

City manager search down to four in Ark City

Arkansas City commissioners are moving forward with hiring a new city manager, planning to conduct candidate interviews in private tomorrow.
…
Four candidates will be interviewed for a total of four hours in executive session, according to the agenda and information provided by spokesperson Andrew Lawson.
The names of the candidates were not revealed publicaly, but Lawson said all four will be interviewed in person. He also said the commission plans to keep the same general timeline as previously outlined for making a hire.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T09:06:31-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

Chanute says worker quarantine won’t have an effect on water

The Chanute Water Department continues to do routine hourly tests on drinking water despite a city employee in quarantine.
City Manager Jeff Cantrell did not specify that the employee was from the water department, but said the employee having been quarantined would have no impact on drinking water or other utility operations.
(Read more: www.chanute.com)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T09:05:54-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

Lyon County has one more positive COVID-19, one presumed positive

Lyon County Public Health officials confirmed two more cases of COVID-19 in the county Wednesday.
There is one more confirmed COVID-19 case in Lyon County and another patient who is presumed positive, according to Lyon County Public Health.
Wednesday’s announcement doubles the amount of cases in the county.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T09:05:09-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

Lyon County-wide stay-at-home order begins Thursday

Lyon County Public Health Officer Renee Hively issued a stay-at-home order for all county residents during a Facebook live press conference Wednesday morning.
The order … will remain in effect through April 25, unless amended sooner, superseded or rescinded.
“A stay-at-home order was signed by me and the county commissioners yesterday,” Hively said. “What does this mean to you? It means currently all individuals living in Lyon County, Kansas, are ordered to stay-at-home or at their place of residence, unless they are going for reasons of essential activities.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T09:04:50-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 25, 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 Financial2026-10-22T10:29:40-05:00March 26, 2020|Finance|

Interest rates starting to come back down; Dramatic municipal bond rally reverses recent coronavirus-driven selloff

The municipal market experienced an enormous rally Wednesday, swiftly reversing from the pronounced sell off it had experienced over the course of several wrenching, dislocated trading sessions due to the effects of the coronavirus.
Municipal benchmark yields were lowered by 60 to 80 basis points (0.60% to 0.80%) across the curve. Some trades pointed to nearly a 1% bump on short-term paper.
… The Fed’s actions to buy short-term munis clearly is having a meaningful impact on this market.
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T08:55:27-05:00March 26, 2020|News|

MSRB responds to COVID-19 rocking the market

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board will be publishing daily data summaries, pushing back comment deadlines and suspending a price alert in response to market volatility and COVID-19 concerns.
The MSRB published its first data summary Wednesday morning and plans to publish them every morning. Since the spread of the virus, the municipal market has tumbled through high “unprecedented” trade volume and large outflows.
“The municipal market touches the lives of every single American because it finances over two-thirds of the state and local infrastructure that is bearing the brunt of the coronavirus crisis,” said MSRB Board Chair Ed Sisk. “Dislocation in this critical capital market damages investor confidence and has an outsize effect on the financial health of communities around the country.”
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T08:41:13-05:00March 25, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County has 11 reported coronavirus cases, official says

Sedgwick County now has 11 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus — and Kansas has 126 — the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Wednesday afternoon.
The increase in Kansas from 98 to 126 represents a roughly 29% increase and is the first 20-plus increase in a 24-hour period.
Johnson County (44 cases) and Wyandotte County (27 cases) account for about 56% of Kansas cases.
(Read more: Local News |)

Ranson Financial2020-03-26T08:41:31-05:00March 25, 2020|News|