info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Lawrence takes initial step toward reconsidering policy that requires most homeowners to pay for sidewalk repairs

info2022-04-08T07:06:22-05:00April 8th, 2022|

After being in place three years, a controversial policy that generally requires property owners to pay for repairs to sidewalks bordering their homes and businesses could potentially see some changes. Though clear differences of opinion existed among the Lawrence City Commission members, commissioners directed city staff as part of their meeting Tuesday to develop a plan to gather public input regarding how the city funds sidewalk repairs. Mayor Courtney Shipley, who has pushed for years to have the city’s policy reconsidered, said how the city currently handles sidewalks is inequitable and that just because the city has not historically funded sidewalk [...]

Governor announces $13.2M for public transit

info2022-04-08T07:04:40-05:00April 8th, 2022|

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly came to OCCK in Salina Thursday to announce more than $13.2 million of funding for 48 public transit projects across the state. Transit agencies in Kansas, including OCCK, will receive funding as part of the Access, Innovation and Collaboration (AIC) Public Transit Program. OCCK, provides transportation services to the general public, seniors and persons with disabilities through a variety of programs. It was chosen as the place for the announcement because of its successful expansion of the bus facility at the organization’s transportation complex, which was partially funded by Kansas Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for April 7, 2022

info2022-04-08T07:03:33-05:00April 8th, 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.

At this year’s Overland Park Farmers’ Market, shoppers have plenty of room to move

info2022-04-08T01:06:03-05:00April 8th, 2022|

If you’re looking for the Overland Park Farmers Market this year, it’s moving back to its usual spot. The market’s 85 vendors will set up shop for the Saturday market April 16 at 7950 Marty St. to start the market’s 40th season. It still won’t be the shoulder-to-shoulder crowded experience many remember from years past. Although the market will operate under its pavilion, it won’t be limited to that space. To encourage better social distancing, the market is “expanding its footprint,” said Kristina Stanley, recreation supervisor for the city’s parks and recreation department. The old pavilion set-up used about 22,000 square [...]

Say goodbye to one “road diet”: In this JoCo city, an experiment got mixed reviews

info2022-04-08T06:59:46-05:00April 8th, 2022|

Late last fall, Shawnee put the downtown stretch of Johnson Drive on a “road diet,” halving the number of through traffic lanes, creating a dedicated turn lane in the middle and adding 19 parking spots. It was an experiment that officials hoped would reduce traffic speeds, improve safety for pedestrians and others, increase street parking and promote downtown as a destination. But Johnson Drive, which is to be repaved starting in late May, will be going off its diet and returning to two through lanes in each direction. Source: Joco 913 News

Fed’s James Bullard says interest rate policy is ‘behind the curve’ but ‘all is not lost’

info2022-04-08T01:01:34-05:00April 8th, 2022|

The Federal Reserve needs to raise interest rates substantially to control inflation but may not be as "behind the curve" as it appears, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said Thursday. One of the Federal Open Market Committee's most "hawkish" members in favor of tighter policy, Bullard said a rules-based approach suggests the central bank needs to hike its benchmark short-term borrowing rate to about 3.5%. However, he said bond market adjustments to the Fed's more aggressive policy, in which yields have surged higher, suggest rates are not that far askew. "If you take account of [forward guidance] we don't look [...]

Schools close in Marion County because of gun threat

info2022-04-08T00:59:45-05:00April 8th, 2022|

Several school districts in Marion County canceled classes on Thursday after a report of a telephone threat. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said a Wednesday night call made to law enforcement in the Kansas City area reported that kids were planning to bring guns to school in Marion County. The information was given to Marion County agencies and school officials, who decided to cancel classes. The KBI has been working with the Kansas State Department of Education and its Safe and Secure Schools Unit to monitor the situation. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Wichita Approves $100K for Water Conservation Rebate Program

info2022-04-08T07:00:45-05:00April 8th, 2022|

The Wichita City Council approved $100,000 for the continuation of the Water Conservation Rebate Program. The program encourages residents to purchase water-saving household devices by offering rebates in the form of a credit to their water account. This is the 10th consecutive year of the program. Rebates are available to customers who have active utility accounts with Public Works & Utilities for the delivery of potable water. The application, list of qualifying items, program requirements and submittal instructions are available here. Online and paper applications will be accepted through December 31st, 2022 or until funds are exhausted. Devices purchased after January [...]

Emporia greenlights next phase of zoo improvements

info2022-04-08T07:00:54-05:00April 8th, 2022|

The Emporia City Commission gave the green light for the next phase of improvements at the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia, Wednesday afternoon. Zoo director Lisa Keith asked the commission to allow for a request for quotation on the expansion and renovation of the zoo education center. She expected work to begin this fall. “This would be an expansion/remodeling project that would bring the square footage from 3,600 square feet to 8,600 square feet with an additional outdoor space that would add an additional 1,500 square feet outdoors,” Keith said. The project encompasses a number of improvements including the additional of [...]

Youth to learn about Newton’s history through local program

info2022-04-08T00:52:09-05:00April 8th, 2022|

Downtown Newton has a rich history of buildings and the people who owned them and worked there. There’s the Ragsdale Opera House, which burned at the beginning of the 20th century and no longer is standing, to the Anderson’s Book Store location, which has stood the test of time for decades. There are the old and “new” courthouses with one replacing the other and the old First Presbyterian Church, torn down to make way for the current Harvey County Courthouse. Several local entities have combined efforts to help youth in grades four through eight learn about the rich history of Newton [...]

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