KDHE launches ‘online resource center’ for coronavirus

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) formally announced Tuesday the launch of the agency’s online resource center for Kansans to learn more about COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, get answers to commonly asked questions about the virus and review other helpful information. The site is part of KDHE’s ongoing efforts to inform Kansans about the latest COVID-19 news and to address misinformation about the virus.
“The best thing Kansans can do is be informed,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “COVID-19 is a new virus and, as a result, many people have questions about it and how to keep their families safe. The COVID-19 resource center will provide a centralized location for Kansans to go to learn the most up-to-date information.”
The public can visit www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus to learn more about the virus. The site contains detailed information, answers to frequently asked questions and updated videos from Secretary Norman. Information will also be shared on KDHE’s social media channels.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T05:58:58-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Planning board recommends zoning Reno County’s southeast corner

The Reno County Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend that the county commission implement zoning in the southeast corner of the county, which a number of the area’s residents petitioned for some nine months ago.
About 30 people turned out for a 4:30 p.m. public hearing on the issue at the County Public Works building, and half of them spoke.
Only one resident voiced opposition to the change, concerned that it would limit future expansion of her growing vehicle repair and salvage business.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T05:59:50-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Hutchinson will stay neutral on bill on State Fair open alcohol sales

Although it would mean about a $24,000 annual hit to the city’s budget, the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday agreed to stay neutral on a bill pending in the Kansas Legislature that would allow alcohol to be carried anywhere on the grounds during the Kansas State Fair.
The impact for the city comes from a clause in proposed Senate Bill 408 that would allow the fair to keep all liquor tax proceeds from alcohol sales at the fair. It currently receives only about 16% of that money.
Currently, those revenues are divided between the city and county, with most of that going to the city, city manager John Deardoff explained to the city council on Tuesday.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T06:00:11-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Greensburg survivors learn hard lessons about coping with distaster

March 2 to 6 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. Two Marion residents learned more than they ever wanted to know about severe weather in 2007, and offered tips to be prepared.
Marion residents Chelsi and Javan Koehn lived in Greensburg on May 4, 2007 when the town was devastated by an F5 tornado that flattened 95% of the town and killed 11 people at 9:47 p.m.
It pretty well wiped the town off the map,” Chelsi Koehn said.
The Koehns purchased their home one month to the day before the deadly storm hit. Chelsi was nine months pregnant at the time.
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T06:12:37-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Shawnee city leaders propose new solution for electing council president, giving mayor power to chair and vote in council committee

After nearly three hours of deliberations Tuesday, the Shawnee city council has come up with a plan for self-electing its president.
The main outcome of last night’s council committee meeting: The city councilmembers unanimously agreed that they want the mayor to be a participating and voting member at future council committee meetings. They would also like to see her chair those meetings as well.
If the city council officially adopts this change, then the council president would no longer chair council committee meetings. However, the council president would still serve as acting mayor in the absence or disability of the mayor.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T06:14:07-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Shawnee Mission administration, teachers bring on federal mediator for lingering issues from 2019-20 contract process

Shawnee Mission School District Superintendent Mike Fulton and National Education Association-Shawnee Mission President Linda Sieck on Tuesday issued a joint announcement that the parties had retained a federal mediator “in order to resolve issues related to the 2019-20 contract for certified staff.”
“The parties have reached an agreement to use a federal mediator to facilitate the process,” read the announcement, which was sent to district staff Tuesday morning. “Mediation is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2020. This meeting is not open to the public. Out of respect for the collaborative discussions that are occurring, this is the extent of any update at this time.”
It’s unclear what issues, specifically, the parties will be discussing. The timing of the Department of Labor’s decision rendering the second and third years of the three-year unilateral contract approved by the board unenforceable added complexity to the process for adoption of a unilateral contract laid out by the state.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T06:00:51-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Federal loans and grants available to bring high-speed broadband to rural areas

The Kansas State Department of Commerce announces today that applications are being accepted for the second round of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program. ReConnect is a USDA program that furnishes loans and grants to fund the costs of construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
As with the first funding round, USDA scoring includes points for states which have a broadband plan, and commit to expediting certain processes. Commerce is working with the USDA to ensure Kansas applicants are as competitive as possible.
Applications will be accepted until 6:00PM EST on March 16, 2020. Applications are made through the USDA, but Kansas applicants must obtain a state certification letter from the Kansas Department of Commerce to submit with their USDA application. The state certification letter can be obtained at www.kansascommerce.gov/sign-up/.
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T06:01:50-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Boot Hill to receive loan from city

Despite concerns raised by Dodge City commissioners, a memorandum of understanding was approved Monday during the city commission meeting with Boot Hill Museum.
According to city officials, the agreement would assist Boot Hill Museum with funding for its expansion project in a loan amount not to exceed $850,000, an amount that will need to be paid back within three years once temporary notes are issued.
“Normally the city does not do this with a nonprofit organization, however, it is tied back to the STAR bonds project to complete the building,” assistant city manager Melissa McCoy said. “Interior exhibits weren’t covered under STAR bonds due to the statutes in place. Boot Hill Museum has had to raise funds and have been doing so the past few years.”
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T06:02:25-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Emporia approves Cargill tax abatement

The Emporia City Commission approved an ordinance granting a 10-year property tax abatement to Cargill Animal Nutrition Wednesday afternoon.
The abatement, which exempts Cargill from tax liability on its property, was previously discussed during a May 2, 2018, action session during which commissions approved an incentive compliance agreement with the dog food manufacturer in relation to its $4.5 million warehouse expansion project. At the time, Cargill had invested more than $5 million in new equipment and upgrades at its Emporia Facility.
David Belpedio, a partner with MarksNelson accounting firm out of Kansas City, said Cargill was excited to continue its commitment to Emporia with projected investments of $1.6 million to be made in 2021 and $2.5 million by 2022 at the local facility.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Ranson Financial2020-03-05T05:58:29-06:00March 4, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 3, 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 Financial2026-10-22T10:29:41-05:00March 4, 2020|Finance|