Gov. Kelly imposes CDC limit of 50 people at gatherings, Kansas documents 11 cases

Gov. Laura Kelly issued an executive order Monday to immediately ban gatherings of 50 or more people in Kansas churches, restaurants, concerts, recreational facilities and other venues for eight weeks to counter the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statewide mandate aligned with recommendations Sunday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid large crowds.
“This is an essential step to further encourage social distancing and to stem the spread of the virus,” Kelly said at the Capitol. “When we slow the spread of the virus, we are flattening the curve. The steps we are taking are designed to flatten that curve and keep communities safe.”
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T08:03:00-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Johnson County, WYCO/KCK and neighboring metro governments mandate closure of restaurants, bars, movie theaters due to coronavirus risk

The governments of Johnson County, Kan; Jackson County, Mo.; Kansas City, Mo., and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan. on Monday evening collectively agreed to implement measures to close restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs and movie theaters in their jurisdictions for 15 days. The closures begin effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 17. Exceptions are delivery, pickup and drive-through service.
The jurisdictions agreed to revisit the decision on April 1 with an evaluation of conditions at that time.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T07:53:59-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 16, 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 17, 2020|Finance|

AG Derek Schmidt: KOMA requirements remain in effect amid COVID-19 response

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is offering guidance to state and local governments on how to comply with the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) if in-person meetings of any public body are replaced with remote meetings by telephone or other communications equipment amid the developing federal, state and local response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Nothing in state law allows for the suspension of the KOMA or its open government requirements,” Schmidt said. “In fact, in times like these, it’s more important than ever to ensure government remains open and accessible so Kansans are able to observe and understand how responses to an emergency situation are being developed.”
(Read more: Kansas Attorney General News Releases)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T07:48:16-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Finney County Health Department setting up mobile coronavirus testing center

The Finney County Health Department is working to set up a mobile coronavirus testing center.
The center isn’t operating yet and when it does, will only be used if needed, and if more testing resources become available. The idea with the center is for it to serve the same function as the health department.
(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T07:54:38-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Parsons Municipal Building closed to public

The Parsons Municipal Building is one of the many facilities that has been either closed to the public or restricted because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Parsons Recreation Commission also is closed, and the Parsons Public Library has suspended its activities. The Labette County Sheriff’s Office is considering changes for inmate visitations.
While workers will still report for their jobs, the city of Parsons blocked the public’s access to the Municipal Building following the close of business on Monday.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T07:52:46-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Round 2: Pittsburg, KS vs. Watertown, SD

Welcome to the second round of the fifth annual Strongest Town Competition! This contest is our annual celebration of the towns and cities across North America (and even the world) who are building stronger communities, even in times of uncertainty and change.
We’re down to our top eight contestants, and for this round, we asked them to cut back on the text and instead send us five photos, with a caption for each explaining how it illustrates the strength of their city.
Check out the photo submissions from two of our elite eight contenders below, and cast your vote at the bottom of the page!
(Read more: Strong Towns Blog)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T07:51:12-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

City of Emporia issues restrictions for municipal buildings

The city of Emporia released a coronavirus (COVID-19) schedule and operations of City Buildings on Monday afternoon.
City Offices are highly recommending the public have limited access to the building and departments. In conjunction with the recommendation of health officials these schedules will remain in effect until further notice.
The City of Emporia is working toward keeping employees and the public safe by discouraging crowds and encouraging distances of at least 6 feet of each other for a period less than 10 minutes in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-03-18T08:40:33-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Louisburg City Hall to close to combat coronavirus

City Hall will close to the public beginning March 17, 2020, to follow the White House directive of “15 Days to Slow the Spread” of the coronavirus.
If you need to make a utility payment, please drop your payment in the drop box located next to the doors on the west side of the building. You may also pay online and those instructions are in the next News & Announcement brief.
(Read more: Louisburg, KS-Newsflash)

Ranson Financial2020-03-17T07:51:49-05:00March 17, 2020|News|

Kansas lawmakers moving to extend unemployment benefits

Kansas lawmakers are moving to give unemployed workers an extra 10 weeks of benefits and allow them to start collecting the relief a week earlier than normal.
The House commerce committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would allow people who’ve filed for unemployment benefits since Jan. 1 through April 1 to receive 26 weeks of benefits instead of the 16 weeks now allowed.
(Read more: KAKE – News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-18T08:41:12-05:00March 17, 2020|News|