info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Black Squirrel City funds approved in Marysville

info2022-03-11T08:30:51-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A $10,000 allocation for marketing, merchandise and logistics for the celebration of the 50th anniversary designation of Marysville as the Black Squirrel City was approved recently by the Marysville City Council.... Toby Carrig, Marysville tourism director, made the presentation on behalf of the Black Squirrel Committee, which has planned events all year through Black Squirrel Day in October. Events so far have included naming of the Honorary Black Squirrel Citizens of Marysville and a panel discussion about the science and lore surrounding black squirrels. Source: The Marysville Advocate

Governor announces $160 million to support child care providers

info2022-03-10T21:39:05-06:00March 10th, 2022|

On Thursday, March 3, Governor Laura Kelly announced $160 million in grants available for child care providers in Kansas. The third round of Child Care Sustainability Grants will aid child care providers in meeting the costs of operating their businesses through the remaining impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we grow the economy, these grants will provide the continued support our child care facilities need to stay open and ensure that Kansas families have access to safe, quality child care,” Governor Kelly said. “This support will help our child care facilities, it will help Kansas parents, and it will help our [...]

Manhattan searches for ways to combat housing problems identified by study

info2022-03-11T08:31:46-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Consultants who conducted a housing needs analysis said Tuesday that the city government should consider a program to help people convert rental properties into single-family homes. Commissioners on Tuesday discussed the analysis. In April 2021, the city government hired a consulting firm, Development Strategies, to conduct a study for $94,000. In addition to assessment of the housing situation, the firm provided suggestions for the city government to consider. Andy Pfister of Development Strategies suggested the city government create a reconversion loan fund to provide some financial support for people who want to convert rental properties into single-family homes. He also talked [...]

Tobacco-free park ordinance presented in Clearwater

info2022-03-11T08:31:59-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Shelley Rich with Tobacco Free Wichita gave a presentation to the Clearwater City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 22 proposing the city take action to make city parks tobacco free. “This will create a healthier space for children and families, “said Rich. “It creates a healthier image for visitors. More people will use the parks and attend more city events. Source: Times-Sentinel Newspapers

Hot housing market spurs increase in appraised value

info2022-03-10T21:11:09-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A hot housing market is fueling an increase in appraised property values in Marshall County this year. Sale prices on new and existing homes have experienced large increases nationally and Marshall County is no exception, county appraiser Francine Crome said Tuesday. The county’s total appraised values in 2022 were $880,728,700, an increase of more than $42 million over 2021’s total of $838,522,620. The total includes commercial, residential, agricultural and exempt properties. Crome plans to meet with county commissioners Monday to discuss the latest figures in more detail. Her office sent out 9,922 annual appraisal notices to county property owners March 1. [...]

Unique elements of North Lawrence make up new welcome sign

info2022-03-11T08:36:21-06:00March 10th, 2022|

A new sign celebrating a few of North Lawrence’s distinct features now greets residents and visitors just past the intersection of North Second and Locust streets. Designed by North Lawrence resident and graphic designer Wade Kelly, the sign prominently features a bald eagle in flight above the slogan “Colorful Past. Bright Future.” The North Lawrence Co-op Elevator’s massive grain bins, Kansas River waves and a tiny sandrat – all features of North Lawrence – round out the sign’s distinctive facets. Don and Sarah Benda donated the sign, and the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department installed it recently just south [...]

Inflation rose 7.9% in February, as food and energy costs push prices to highest in more than 40 years

info2022-03-10T07:55:58-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Inflation grew worse in February amid the escalating crisis in Ukraine and price pressures that became more entrenched. The consumer price index, which measures a wide-ranging basket of goods and services, increased 7.9% over the past 12 months, a fresh 40-year high for the closely followed gauge. The February acceleration was the fastest pace since January1982, back when the U.S. economy confronted the twin threat of higher inflation and reduced economic growth. Source: CNBC - Bonds

Can you vote on saving Century II, former library? Appeals court hears arguments

info2022-03-10T07:55:14-06:00March 10th, 2022|

Will Wichitans ever get a vote on saving Century II, the former Central Library and other historic city buildings? That question will be decided by the Kansas Court of Appeals and judges there peppered both sides on Wednesday with hard questions about whether to allow a citizen initiative signed by 17,000 Wichita voters to proceed to a vote. If approved by voters, the initiative would require a public vote to tear down, sell or lease any prominent city-owned, historically significant buildings. Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Municipal Bond Trends for March 9, 2022

info2022-03-10T07:47:36-06:00March 10th, 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.

Interim chief: Wichita police need to change mental health, juvenile arrest policies

info2022-03-09T22:26:45-06:00March 9th, 2022|

Interim Chief Lem Moore says Wichita police need to change how they respond to mental health crises and interact with juveniles. Moore said community calls for reform prompted him to meet with representatives from the City Council, the city manager’s office and legal department about what the police department can do better. “There are things that are going on that can’t wait, that need to be addressed right here and right now — especially with mental health,” Moore said in an interview Tuesday. He replaces Chief Gordon Ramsay, who stepped down March 1 to return to Minnesota. Source: Local News | [...]

About info