info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Mortgage rates have hit 5% for the first time in more than a decade

info2022-04-14T21:09:27-05:00April 14th, 2022|

Mortgage rates rose again this week, reaching 5% for the first time in over a decade. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5% in the week ending April 14, up from 4.72% the week before, according to Freddie Mac. That's the highest since 2010. Rapidly rising rates, along with sky-high home prices and rapid inflation continue to push homeownership out of reach for many Americans, according to Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist. "This week, mortgage rates averaged 5% for the first time in over a decade," said Khater. "As Americans contend with historically high inflation, the combination of rising mortgage rates, [...]

Federal grants may help Lawrence make quicker progress on $32M list of storm water projects in flood-prone area

info2022-04-14T07:27:34-05:00April 14th, 2022|

With as much as $32 million needed to increase the city’s storm water system capacity in the Jayhawk Watershed and reduce neighborhood flooding, city engineers are hoping federal funding could help get projects done more quickly. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received an update on the findings and recommendations of a study of the Jayhawk Watershed completed by JEO Consulting Group. The study included a recommendation of four projects, estimated to cost from $23 million to $32 million total, to increase the amount of rainwater the system can handle. Source: LJWorld.com

After disruptions last week, Douglas County leaders say outbursts from audience members will no longer be tolerated at meetings

info2022-04-14T07:26:06-05:00April 14th, 2022|

After members of the audience disrupted the Douglas County Commission’s meeting last week and forced a brief recess, commissioners have made it clear that future outbursts won’t be tolerated. At the beginning of their meeting Wednesday, commissioners took time to clarify when members of the public may be removed from meetings for their behavior. County leaders agreed that members of the public who direct profanity or name-calling toward public servants — such as law enforcement officers or the commissioners — or people who cause excessive outbursts at any point in the meeting will be asked to leave. Source: LJWorld.com

Municipal Bond Trends for April 13, 2022

info2022-04-14T07:15:16-05:00April 14th, 2022|

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.

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Infrastructure Project Funding Grant Awardees

info2022-04-14T01:42:17-05:00April 14th, 2022|

Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $100 million is going toward 35 infrastructure investment projects associated with economic development across the state. This funding is made available through the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. “The BASE program is vital to enhancing Kansas’ economic competitiveness,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants provide essential funding to our local communities, positioning them to succeed and be a place of continued economic growth.” As approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee, the BASE grant program offers matching funds to address economic development opportunities to expand the state’s base of businesses [...]

Olathe school budget looks bleaker, cutting $28.6 million, eliminating 140 more jobs

info2022-04-14T01:40:17-05:00April 14th, 2022|

The Olathe school district is facing a larger budget deficit than originally announced, as officials now look to cut $28.6 million next school year, including 140 more job eliminations. Last month, officials said that due to declining enrollment and other challenges, the district would need to cut more than $20 million for the next school year. They announced the closure of the district’s virtual school. Reductions in department budgets were expected across the board. Library clerk positions — about 15 total at middle and high schools — as well as kindergarten aides and some other aide positions would be cut. Source: [...]

Police warn of new trend involving water beads

info2022-04-14T01:38:13-05:00April 14th, 2022|

Over the weekend the El Dorado Police Department received reports from multiple citizen’s regarding individuals who were in a vehicle firing water beads at people at random. While the water beads may initially seem harmless, multiple people received welts after being struck by the beads and one child was almost hit. “This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the department said in a statement. “Firing any type of firearm, even a ‘fake gun’ out of a vehicle is extremely dangerous… this has the potential to turn a ‘fun’ trend into a deadly situation.” The department also said this [...]

Axe on Kansas Grocery Tax likely to keep shoppers’ dollars in Atchison

info2022-04-14T01:36:13-05:00April 14th, 2022|

Elimination of the 6.5 percent sales tax on groceries is currently pending in the Kansas Legislature and is an issue that Governor Laura Kelly is hopeful lawmakers will hear all about from constituents throughout the spring break. Kelly said she is hopeful the elimination of the 6.5 percent grocery tax will become effective July 1. “People need it now,” Kelly said in an interview with the Atchison Globe and added Kansas consumers need the relief as inflationary cost of living expenses are on the rise. Source: Atchison Globe Now

Wichita City Council approves grants for small business, workforce development programs

info2022-04-14T01:28:20-05:00April 14th, 2022|

Wichita City Council members have approved a first round of grants for programs to help small businesses and promote workforce development. The city received $72 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and $10 million of that will be dedicated to workforce and business efforts. The council approved a total of $6.3 million in grants to 14 organizations. WSU Tech is getting about 60 percent of the funding from the first round, for partnerships with the Wichita school district and other agencies to train workers for health care and manufacturing jobs. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Recycling alive in Newton but won’t be cheap

info2022-04-14T01:26:40-05:00April 14th, 2022|

Continued curbside recycling service in Newton now hinges on 300 households being willing to pay $151 a year to continue having service. The City of Newton revealed private recycling bids for service at its Tuesday meeting. Nisly Brothers out of Hutchinson was the only company to respond to a bid request for service from the city and submitted two options. The first option would cost $8.80 a month to provide and bill recycling to all city customers. The other bid cost $12.63 per month to be assessed to only recycling customers. Option two would have Nisly handle the billing. The bid [...]

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