info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Prairie Village sends prayers to sister city Dolyna, Ukraine

info2022-02-24T23:29:29-06:00February 24th, 2022|

The city of Prairie Village, Kansas has sent thoughts and prayers to their sister city Dolyna, Ukraine as the country deals with military action from Russia. The city said staff are actively reaching out to their contacts in Dolyna and Global Ties KC to look for ways to help. Late Wednesday night (Thursday in Ukraine), Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other nations not to interfere or it would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” In a televised address, Putin accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from [...]

Pittsburg PD gets new equipment through City’s sales tax

info2022-02-24T23:27:11-06:00February 24th, 2022|

New equipment will soon be coming to the Pittsburg Police Department. The City Commission voted to approve the $33,000 purchase, using funds through the City's "Public Safety Sales Tax." This will include 24 sets of ballistic armor vests, 24 covert vest carriers, 24 ballistic trauma plates, and 39 over-the-shirt carriers. The department expects to receive the equipment within six to eight weeks, depending on availability. Source: KSNF/KODE

What’s a frost quake? Listen to one in Kansas

info2022-02-24T23:25:39-06:00February 24th, 2022|

A couple in Kansas said they recently witnessed a winter weather phenomenon known by several names: cryoseism, frost quake or ice quake. Melody Gillan, who recently moved to Concordia with her husband, explained what she discovered. "I was outside one day and kept hearing these 'pops' that sounded like firecrackers going off underground, right by where I was standing," Gillan said. "My husband thought I was crazy. He said it was someone shooting a gun off in the distance." Source: KSNT News

Scott County GMD is finally nearing LEMA adoption to take effect in ‘23

info2022-02-24T18:19:27-06:00February 24th, 2022|

A LEMA that will reduce the amount of water used for irrigation by an estimated 10.5% is close to being adopted by Groundwater Management District No. 1. A general outline of the proposal was presented during the GMD’s annual meeting in Scott City on Wednesday. Since Wichita County has already established its own LEMA, the latest proposal will target the four other counties within the district - Scott, Lane, Greeley and Wallace. The last time the GMD proposed a district-wide LEMA in 2014 it was narrowly defeated. That plan would have implemented a 20% reduction in irrigation pumping. Source: Scott County [...]

Scott City considers ‘minimum housing’ guidelines

info2022-02-24T18:17:35-06:00February 24th, 2022|

Tenants of rental housing who feel that basic health or safety conditions aren’t being met by their landlord may eventually be able to seek assistance from City Hall. The Scott City Council is weighing the prospect of establishing minimum housing standards which would primarily target rental property, though the guidelines would apply to all housing, according to City Administrator Brad Pendergast. We’re not looking at anything that should be considered out of the ordinary for a home anyone would consider liveable,” says Pendergast. This would include basic needs such as a working toilet, the absence of mold from water leaks and [...]

Nickerson Mayor Peggy Ruebke begins her next term with downtown development in mind

info2022-02-24T08:33:34-06:00February 24th, 2022|

After handling COVID-19 responses and action in her first term, Nickerson Mayor Peggy Ruebke plans to begin revitalizing and putting into motion new ideas for business developments on Nickerson Street downtown for her second term. The city council recently began meeting about new ideas to revitalize downtown. They asked the community to approach the city government with suggestions. Ruebke said she and the council enjoy it when residents visit city council meetings and encourage questions to help better put plans in motion or create new projects. "I don't think I'm the typical mayor. I like more of a hands-on approach, and [...]

South Hutchinson City Council discusses development efforts, need for changes

info2022-02-24T08:33:55-06:00February 24th, 2022|

The South Hutchinson City Council's commitment Monday of $500,000 to the chamber for a grant application is just the first step of a new economic development effort by the city, according to the city administrator. Joseph Turner advised the council he also submitted applications for state SPARK funds to use toward housing development incentives and broadband expansion in the city.... “I want to get some traction in Prairie Ridge,” Turner said, referring to a housing development on the city’s west side that has stalled for several years. Source: Hutch News

Interest rates fall as investors run for safety during Russia-Ukraine invasion

info2022-02-24T07:57:34-06:00February 24th, 2022|

U.S. Treasury yields saw steeper falls on Thursday morning, after Russia invaded Ukraine. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note dropped more than 12 basis points to 1.855% at around 7:45 a.m. ET. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond fell 11 basis points to 2.166%. ... Treasury yields dropped as investors flocked to the safe haven asset of government bonds, while gold jumped to its highest level in more than a year. Global markets fell sharply following the news of Russia's attack on Ukraine. Source: CNBC - Bonds

The market has adjusted its views of how the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates

info2022-02-24T07:55:11-06:00February 24th, 2022|

The Federal Reserve is expected to start raising interest rates next month and not slow down until well into 2023, though the slope of the increases might be a bit gentler. Events over the past week, including statements from multiple Fed officials and, to a lesser extent, geopolitical turmoil, have convinced markets that the first rate move will be just a quarter percentage point. That change came after traders had been pricing a move double that size at the March 15-16 Federal Open Market Committee meeting. Central bankers have been dousing the idea of needing to go up 50 basis points [...]

Has the Prairie Village YMCA outlived its usefulness? The debate is on for JoCo spot

info2022-02-24T07:54:18-06:00February 24th, 2022|

After shelving the matter during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prairie Village officials are again discussing a new community center. But the deliberations are wrapped up with other pending decisions about the city’s government/pool complex, as well as troubles facing the nearby Paul Henson YMCA at 79th and Delmar streets. John Mikos, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, told the City Council in mid-February that the Paul Henson Y — built more than 55 years ago — “has gone way beyond its useful life,” and is increasingly difficult to maintain. It’s been operating in the red for [...]

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