info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

The Fed moves up its timeline for rate hikes as inflation rises

info2021-06-17T08:15:23-05:00June 17th, 2021|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday considerably raised its expectations for inflation this year and brought forward the time frame on when it will next raise interest rates. ... As expected, the policymaking Federal Open Market Committee unanimously left its benchmark short-term borrowing rate anchored near zero. But officials indicated that rate hikes could come as soon as 2023, after saying in March that it saw no increases until at least 2024. The so-called dot plot of individual member expectations pointed to two hikes in 2023. Source: CNBC.

Municipal Bond Trends for June 16, 2021

info2021-06-17T08:03:47-05:00June 17th, 2021|

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.

Excitement renews for possible train stop in Ark City

info2021-06-17T00:47:38-05:00June 17th, 2021|

Top Amtrak officials have endorsed a plan that would bring back passenger rail service to Cowley County. The plan is to extend the existing Heartland Flyer route linking Fort Worth and Oklahoma City to the north, to Wichita and Newton, with a stop in Arkansas City. The expanded line would include stops in Edmond, Guthrie, Perry and Ponca City in Oklahoma; and Arkansas City and Wichita in Kansas. “There is a lot of excitement surrounding passenger rail and its impact on our community,” Ark City Mayor Scott Rogers said in an email on Monday. “Our community and citizens would have direct [...]

Humboldt gives lessons in diplomacy

info2021-06-17T08:07:20-05:00June 17th, 2021|

It appeared they were at an impasse. Josh Works had asked Humboldt city council members to close off three of the streets surrounding the downtown square for the better part of the Aug. 14 Water Wars. Dan Onnen protested, saying the 2019 event “cost me an entire day of business,” at his liquor store, Freedom Liquor, on the south side of the square. “I lost hundreds of dollars in sales that day,” Onnen said. “I’m all for A Bolder Humboldt, but I also have a business to run.” Read the diplomatic ending here: The Iola Register

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Dairy Ingredients Expansion to Create 40 Jobs, $45 Million Investment in Hugoton

info2021-06-17T07:57:41-05:00June 17th, 2021|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Kansas Dairy Ingredients (KDI) Cheese Company will expand its operations in Southwest Kansas, creating 40 new jobs and investing $45 million new business dollars in the Hugoton community. “Due to our talented workforce, central location, and agricultural excellence, Kansas’ reputation as a global leader in the agribusiness and food manufacturing sectors is undeniable,” Governor Kelly said. “Congratulations to KDI on its expansion into Hugoton – I look forward to watching the company turn our state’s natural advantages into world-class products enjoyed across the globe.” The facility will produce American-style, Italian-style, Hispanic-style Cheese and European-style cheese [...]

Pipeline windfall plus tax lid replacement could cut 9.363 mills

info2021-06-17T08:02:15-05:00June 17th, 2021|

Unless it invokes special procedures, Marion County will have to reduce its property tax rate by 12.7% next year to comply with a new state law discouraging increased spending attributable to valuation windfalls. Primarily because of the end of a 10-year exemption for the Keystone pipeline crossing the county, the county will be able to raise as much money for 2022 as it raised for 2021 by imposing a tax rate of just 66.412 mills instead of its current 76.048 mills, county clerk Tina Spencer said Monday. Don’t expect the county to cut its rate by 9.363 mills, however. Source: HILLSBORO [...]

Moundridge officials receive updates on pool and substation progress

info2021-06-17T08:03:09-05:00June 17th, 2021|

The Moundridge City Council recently received an update on progress at the city pool, as well as progress to bring the electrical substation online. Murray McGee was able to share positive progress on both projects with the council. McGee advised the pool basin has been painted and striped, the walls and roof of the bathhouse are finished and fencing is now being changed over from temporary fencing to permanent fencing. Work continues in the bathhouse, as well as the concession area. McGee says the pool will likely open in mid-June with finishing touches to be completed after opening. New service for [...]

For nearly a decade, public servant has kept Marion County clock tower ticking

info2021-06-17T08:10:18-05:00June 16th, 2021|

For nearly a decade, Mike Hurst has climbed three flights of narrow, wooden stairs at the county courthouse every week to keep its centuries-old clock chiming. He visits a stuffy room that houses the clock’s mechanics and cranks a handle to wind it — ensuring that it will keep on ticking. “I love it,” he said during a Monday visit to the clock tower. “I love taking care of the clock here and I am just glad I have been able to continue through the years.” Hurst stepped up as keeper of the county’s clock when no one else wanted the [...]

Lawrence City Commission approves change that permanently allows retail, other shops the ability to sell alcohol

info2021-06-16T08:06:06-05:00June 16th, 2021|

City leaders have voted to permanently allow more types of businesses to sell alcohol as a secondary aspect of their overall sales. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted 4-0, with Commissioner Jennifer Ananda absent, to adopt a code change that permanently allows businesses other than restaurants in the downtown and other commercial areas to have an accessory bar. Commissioners agreed that businesses, especially retail businesses downtown, needed additional options. Source: LJWorld.com.

Lawrence to get public input on potential change to directly elected mayor, 6-member commission elected by districts

info2021-06-16T08:05:35-05:00June 16th, 2021|

The City of Lawrence will soon be asking residents what they think about a task force’s recommendation that the city consider a form of government with a directly elected mayor and a six-member commission elected by districts. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received the recommendation of the City Government Study Task Force and directed city staff to proceed with a process to engage the public on the issue ahead of potentially putting changes to a public vote. Commissioners did not give their personal thoughts on the potential changes, but all four commissioners at the meeting — [...]

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