info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Pittsburg area economy continued to improve in 2021

info2022-03-15T11:26:35-05:00March 15th, 2022|

Despite the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburg area economy continued to improve in 2021, according a new report from the Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University. The recently released 2021 economic summary and projections for the Pittsburg Micropolitan Area, also known as Crawford County, shows that for the most part, Pittsburg has made progress on its economic development goals over the last several years. According to the report, Pittsburg “is gaining a reputation nationwide for economic growth and a high quality of life.” Source: Pittsburg Morning Sun

Salina’s new fire chief starts work today

info2022-03-15T08:51:48-05:00March 15th, 2022|

New Fire Chief Anthony “Tony” Sneidar Jr. may be coming from a big city, but he knows and loves everything about the small-scale and country feel of a city like Salina. Sneidar, who officially begins as the head of the Salina Fire Department Tuesday, spent 28 years in the Philadelphia Fire Department, working his way up the ranks of that department before retiring as an assistant fire chief in 2020. Source: Salina Journal

Municipal Bond Trends for March 14, 2022

info2022-03-15T08:49:56-05:00March 15th, 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.

10-year Treasury yield hits 2.14% — its highest point since July 2019

info2022-03-15T08:45:39-05:00March 15th, 2022|

The 10-year Treasury yield hit 2.145% on Monday, its highest level since July 2019, with investors focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note last jumped 12 basis points to 2.135%. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond rose 10 basis points to 2.471%. ... In addition to the war in Ukraine, investors are also looking ahead to the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting, which starts on Tuesday. The Fed is expected to announce on Wednesday that it will be raising its target funds rate [...]

RCPD testifies neutrality on constitutional amendment requiring sheriff elections

info2022-03-15T08:46:07-05:00March 15th, 2022|

As Kansas lawmakers consider a bill proposing a constitutional amendment requiring most counties to continue electing sheriffs, Riley County police administration are staying neutral in light of a provision grandfathering in municipalities that abolished the office prior to 2022. HCR 5022 was before the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday, having received the House’s go-ahead on a voice vote in February. If approved by two thirds of both bodies, 104 of Kansas’ 105 counties without consolidated police forces will be required to maintain the office of sheriff and ensures they can only be removed from office by recall or the State attorney general. [...]

Streaming services seek exemption from Kansas franchise fee as local governments protest

info2022-03-15T08:47:18-05:00March 14th, 2022|

Kansas senators debated Monday extending an exemption from a local government-collected franchise fee to streaming giants such as Netflix and Hulu. Under Kansas law, cable companies are required to pay up to 5% of their revenue to municipal governments because they rely on the public right of way to deliver services to customers. Companies are also required to register with the Kansas Corporation Commission and pay a fee to the state. Senate Bill 547 would ensure streaming services would not be subject to these requirements. The issue has come to a head in Fort Scott, where the city filed a lawsuit [...]

10 Kansas counties to share over $6 million for road projects

info2022-03-14T23:52:28-05:00March 14th, 2022|

Some Kansas counties will get to make some road safety improvements now that they've been chosen to receive more than $6 million from the Kansas High-Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) program. HRRR is a federally funded state/local partnership initiative designed to make rural roads safer. This year's 10 projects were chosen from more than 40 applications. Source: KSN-TV

Hesston Tornado remembered 32 years later

info2022-03-14T23:50:58-05:00March 14th, 2022|

For some the Hesston/Burrton tornado seems like it wasn't 32 years ago. The memories are still fresh on their minds. "When we found damage around Burrton from first responders that's when it hit me, this could get worse," said Ron Hoffman. Hoffman, who is retired, was 9-1-1 director in Harvey county the day the F-5 tornado hit. "It brings back memories. But good memories, too," said Hoffman. "The response and professionalism of everyone involved is what I remember. The agencies that responded. The volunteers that came in after." Source: KSN-TV

Merriam hopes $500K approved by Congress will ‘kickstart’ work to solve Turkey Creek flooding issues downtown

info2022-03-15T08:48:04-05:00March 14th, 2022|

Congress has sent a $1.5 trillion omnibus appropriations package to President Joe Biden’s desk that includes $500,000 in federal funding for a design and analysis project to remove downtown Merriam from the Turkey Creek floodplain. Turkey Creek runs along downtown Merriam and frequently floods, discouraging investment in new and existing businesses, city officials have long complained. The $500,000 included in the massive omnibus spending bill will go specifically toward a design and analysis project conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Source: Prairie Village Post

Riley County expresses interest in cost-share project for paving Wildcat Creek Road

info2022-03-15T08:48:43-05:00March 14th, 2022|

Riley County commissioners on Monday indicated their interest in working with the Manhattan city government to improve Wildcat Creek Road. Brian Johnson, city engineer for the Manhattan city government, asked the county commission if it would be interested in a cost-share project to pave the road, which is currently gravel. Johnson said the intent is to pave Wildcat Creek Road from Scenic Drive to the Wildcat Creek bridge. The county government would be responsible for the portion from the city limit to the bridge. Johnson said the cost-share would be a 55/45 split, with the county responsible for 55% of the [...]

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