The City of Wellington is closing all offices starting Tuesday

The following is a press release issued through the City of Wellington on Monday, March. 23.

Due to the current national health emergency relating to the concerns of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), the City of Wellington will no longer allow public access to most City Offices effective at 8 a.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020, until further notice. During this time, staff will be working and available by phone or email.

If you require face-to-face contact for an essential service and you are not exhibiting any symptoms of illness, please contact the City Office you are needing to conduct business with by phone or email and an appointment may be scheduled, if necessary.

The City continues to encourage utility customers to pay utility bills by phone using MasterCard or Visa (620-326-2821), online via the City website cityofwellington.net, by mail, or through the drive-thru at the City Building. Payment may also be deposited in the utility payment drop box located near the drive-up window on the south side of the City Administration Building. You may contact the Utility Billing Office by email at utilitybilling@cityofwellington.net Per executive order by the Governor, utilities will not be disconnected for non-payment between now and May 1. The City is also currently waiving late fees.

(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T20:28:02-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

City Hall in Ark City to close starting Monday

To maintain employee health and help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) locally, the City of Arkansas City will close City Hall to the public starting Monday.

This closure will be for a minimum of two weeks and will be re-evaluated in early April. The City will strive to disrupt services as little as possible during this time through a variety of measures, including telephones; video conferences; and online, drive-through and drop-off methods (see Page 2 for details).

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T20:16:37-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

Fed expands reach of new credit facility to muni bond market

The Federal Reserve is expanding its facility backing money market mutual funds to also provide support to the municipal bond market as the economy grapples with fallout from the virus pandemic.
The Fed announced the creation of the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility Wednesday night among a host of recent emergency measures to preserve the flow of credit to households and businesses that could face financial difficulties as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on communities.
On Friday, the Fed said the program will also serve as a backstop for state and local governments through municipal bonds.
(Read more: The Latest)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:27:30-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

NABL (National Assoc. of Bond Lawyers) Sends Letter to Congress/Treasury on COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic stimulus package moving through Congress, NABL has submitted a letter to Congress, as well as to Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. In the letter, NABL asks Congress and the Treasury to adopt certain bond-related proposals that will allow state and local governments to access much needed capital now, at a time when support to our communities is of paramount and immediate concern. Additionally, the tools we discuss will position state and local governments to mitigate damages affecting our nation and your constituents.
Read more: NABL.

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:20:44-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

Sedgwick County to draft stay-at-home order as top doctor says it isn’t yet necessary

Sedgwick County government staffers are drafting an order for people in the largest city in Kansas to stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, even though the county’s top public health official says it is not necessary now.
County commissioners met in a special meeting — sitting at least 6 feet apart — Sunday afternoon to discuss the coronavirus pandemic. Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner asked county staff to draft a stay-at-home ordinance by Wednesday’s scheduled meeting.
County Manager Tom Stolz said he hopes county staff will have a draft ready earlier and asked commissioners to consider calling a special meeting once a draft is prepared.
(Read more: Local News |)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:17:11-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

Kansas City metro under stay-at-home order effective Tuesday as coronavirus spreads

Kansas City and its surrounding counties will be subject to a stay-at-home order effective Tuesday morning in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, Mayor Quinton Lucas announced Saturday.
The order, which will go into effect 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, requires residents of Kansas City and Johnson, Jackson and Wyandotte counties to remain at home except for activities “essential to the health and safety” of themselves, family members or friends.
(Read more: KC Star Local News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:15:44-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

Leavenworth County issues stay at home order, joining other counties in KC metro

Another county in the Kansas City area is taking similar precautions following the metro area’s stay at home order announced Saturday.
Leavenworth County issued a stay-at-home order Sunday that goes into effect Tuesday, March 24. Like the order for Kansas City and its surrounding counties, which takes effect the same day, Leavenworth County residents are being told to stay home unless they’re performing an “essential activity.”
(Read more: KC Star Local News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:15:52-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 20, 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 23, 2020|Finance|

Douglas County orders residents to ‘stay at home’ beginning Tuesday, in order similar to KC metro

The Lawrence-Douglas County health department has issued a “stay at home” order that will go into effect early Tuesday morning to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The order includes restrictions similar to those announced earlier this weekend by counties in the Kansas City area and will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Tuesday until at least April 23.
Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health announced the order Sunday night, under the authority of Douglas County’s health officer, Dr. Thomas Marcellino.
“With full community cooperation, this proactive public health order can minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our Douglas County community,” Marcellino said.
The order says all community members should stay at home except to perform essential duties for business continuity or government functions, to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care or perform activities related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as going outside for walks while not in a group and practicing proper social distancing.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:16:01-05:00March 23, 2020|News|

Wichita police chief says WPD has been searching for more protective gear

Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay says his officers are showing up for work now more than ever during this time of COVID-19.
“Our sick leave as of (Friday) yesterday when I looked at it, we are lower than the average throughout the year,” said Ramsay. “And that speaks volumes about our workforce and the people that we have policing our community.”
Ramsay also addressed the need for protective gear for officers.
“There is a significant supply issue with N95 masks and protective gear right now,” said Ramsay.
He says they have been working on the issue for some time.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-03-23T09:09:22-05:00March 23, 2020|News|