2021 – Page 256 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Johnson County to begin vaccinating those 65 and older this week

info2021-03-02T07:11:24-06:00March 1st, 2021|

After weeks of focusing its clinics on those 80 years and older, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment expects to expand its vaccination distribution to people 65 and older this week. First dose vaccine appointments for people older than 80 should wrap up with Tuesday’s planned clinics, county health director Sanmi Areola, Ph.D., said. Clinics for those in the 65-79 age group should begin Wednesday. Source: Prairie Village Post

Shawnee residents will be able to play pickleball on remade tennis courts at two city parks

info2021-03-02T07:16:21-06:00March 1st, 2021|

Pickleball lines and nets will be part of the new tennis courts coming to Listowel and Herman Laird parks in Shawnee. Shawnee is planning to replace the aging tennis courts at both parks and also get new fencing and court lighting. Listowel Park is located at West 71st Street and Quivira, and Herman Laird Park is on Johnson Drive near downtown. Source: Prairie Village Post

Fed policy changes could be coming in response to bond market turmoil, economists say

info2021-03-02T07:16:56-06:00March 1st, 2021|

While the Federal Reserve may not raise its benchmark interest rate for years, there are growing expectations it may tweak policy soon to address some of the recent tumult in the bond market. The moves could happen as soon as the upcoming March 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee meeting, according to investors and economists who are watching recent action closely and expect the central bank to address some distortions that have occurred. One possible move would the third iteration of Operation Twist, a move the Fed last made nearly a decade ago during market tumult around the time of the European [...]

Eight cases of COVID-19 UK variant discovered in Sedgwick County

info2021-03-02T07:17:04-06:00March 1st, 2021|

Kansas public health officials have identified eight new cases of the UK variant of COVID-19 in Sedgwick County. The cases, all found in the same household, bring the total number of UK variant cases in the state to 10, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Monday. The first two cases in the state were found last month, one in Ellis County and a second in Sedgwick. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Are curbside cocktails here to stay? Kansas lawmakers push for permanent to-go liquor

info2021-03-02T07:18:07-06:00March 1st, 2021|

To-go liquor sales, a lifeline for many Kansas restaurants and bars, could become a permanent option even after the pandemic subsides. The Kansas House passed a measure Monday that permits bars and restaurants to continue offering curbside pick-up for alcoholic beverages. The to-go provision was due to expire March 31. It was included as an amendment to a bill authorizing some businesses to sell 3.2%, or low-alcohol, beer. “This permanent change will create certainty and continue to be helpful for many restaurateurs,” said Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta, the amendment’s sponsor. “This reform would allow closed restaurateurs, closed business owners to put [...]

Yoder store transports customers to a bygone era

info2021-03-01T07:30:45-06:00March 1st, 2021|

Many people often wish time would stand still, technology would disappear and they would once again get closer to the earth. In the little town of Yoder, that wish can become a reality. Yoder Hardware sits at the center of this town whose population fluctuates at around 200. Like the hardware store’s owner, much of the population in Yoder is Amish. Because of the local presence of both Amish and Old Order Mennonites, the hardware store carries items that cater to this population, who do not use electricity from public utility lines, own a car, television or radio. Like many of [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for February 26, 2021

info2021-03-01T07:20:22-06:00March 1st, 2021|

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.

Rising interest rates may continue to test the stock market in the week ahead

info2021-03-01T07:08:28-06:00February 28th, 2021|

The tug-of-war between stocks and rising bond yields could set the tone for the coming week, particularly if positive economic data continues to push Treasury yields higher. Friday's February employment report is the highlight of the week's data and an important current look at the impact of the virus on the economy, after just 49,000 jobs were added in January. For February, economist expect to see 218,000 jobs added, and the unemployment rate should stay the same at 6.3%, according to Dow Jones. Fed speakers are also a major focus of the markets, after the rapid rise in bond yields this [...]

Munis end month quietly after largest sell-off since April

info2021-03-01T07:10:33-06:00February 28th, 2021|

Municipal bonds were little changed Friday after a sell-off in global bond rates helped send muni yields more than 40 basis points higher on the 10- and 30-year triple-A benchmark since the rout began on Feb. 17. The market took a much-needed breather Friday and U.S. Treasuries pared Thursday's losses to see the 10-year fall 12 basis points to 1.42% and the 30-year 17 basis points to 2.11%. Municipals were steady at 1.14% in 10 years and 1.82% in 30 years as trading was light but steady and participants readied for a new month and about $6.2 billion of new issues [...]

City of Winfield: Customers will not get unpayable gas bills

info2021-03-01T07:10:41-06:00February 28th, 2021|

The Winfield City Commission met on Thursday night to declare a local State of Financial Emergency due to the unprecedented natural gas pricing that occurred beginning Feb. 12 thru approx. Feb. 19. We have no immediate supply concerns and the current daily index has returned to previous lower norm pricing around $2.70/MMBtu. Just a week ago prices were over $400/MMBtu. We continue to gather the scope and full impact of the extreme pricing. We are fighting the pricing battle everyday. Whatever the amount, we will not be sending homeowners and businesses unpayable bills. We will work with our customers just as [...]

Yearly Archives: 2021