Ranson Financial, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Moundridge officials receive updates on pool and substation progress

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 the electrical substation was switched over shortly after 4 a.m. on May 26. The interruption in service was brief for both business and residential customers. The substation is now online and working correctly.
Source: McPherson Weekly News » Feed

Ranson Financial2021-06-17T08:03:09-05:00June 17, 2021|News|

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

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 job. A co-worker pleaded an absolute fear of heights as a reason not to make the climb.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Ranson Financial2021-06-17T08:10:18-05:00June 16, 2021|News|

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

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.

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:06:06-05:00June 16, 2021|News|

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

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 — Commissioner Jennifer Ananda was absent — agreed that the next step would be to get input from residents about the task force’s recommendation ahead of potentially putting the issue on the ballot.
Source: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:05:35-05:00June 16, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for June 15, 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.

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:01:02-05:00June 16, 2021|News|

A full rundown of what to expect from the Federal Reserve on Wednesday

The Federal Reserve is not expected to take any policy actions after its two-day meeting this week, but it is likely to signal that it is thinking about them. Stock futures were flat on Wednesday morning as investors awaited the 2 p.m. ET Fed statement and Chairman Jerome Powell’s news conference 30 minutes later. Some economists expect the Fed to mention a coming tapering of its bond-buying program and give preliminary guidance on the discussion but not fully commit to tapering yet. The Fed will also release new economic forecasts, which it does quarterly. There’s a chance it could pencil in an initial rate hike in 2023. In its previous forecast, there was no consensus for a rate hike among Fed officials though 2023.
Source: CNBC

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:02:14-05:00June 15, 2021|News|

Hillsboro Downtown Cruise a big success

Main Street in Hillsboro was busy Saturday evening thanks to an event put together by the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. It all started earlier in the day with the 23rd Annual Car Show in the park. Guests could check out the cars for free. Then later that day was the Hillsboro Downtown Cruise. From 5-6:30 p.m. there was a contest for all the cars that entered. There was plenty to do though even for those without cars. Lots of fun food was available from various vendors and restaurants and several businesses were open. There was also lots of music with DJ Darcy Unrau sponsored by Hillsboro Community Hospital and free sodas from Great Plains Federal Credit Union. Even the kids had fun with treats and sidewalk chalk.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:02:31-05:00June 15, 2021|News|

Women in policing

When you think lights and sirens, handcuffs and arrests, most of us picture men in these uniforms. But there’s a changing dynamic in law enforcement sweeping not just the nation but Wichita Police Department…it’s women. They’re stepping up to back the blue and you on the streets while breaking barriers and smashing stereotypes that’ve kept women off the force for years. “I think over the years we’ve proven we’re just as capable, we’re just as necessary for this job.” WPD Community Policing Officer Lori Kimrey and detective Anna Hoyt set the tone when it comes to power women in policing. “We want to help people. That’s why we do our jobs,” detective Hoyt told KAKE News.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:02:55-05:00June 15, 2021|News|

New report on food insecurity in southwest Kansas indicates barriers to assistance

A new report examining barriers to food access faced by many southwest Kansans shows that participation in nutrition assistance programs remained flat during the pandemic even though the need for help increased. The report by the Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is focused on food insecurity in Stevens, Seward, Grant, Ford and Finney counties. In these areas, the report indicates, the number of households receiving federal benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program declined slightly while unemployment spiked. This finding stood out to Martha Terhaar, a new campaign advocate for Kansas Appleseed, because unemployment is directly linked to food insecurity. “One of the main things you do when you file for unemployment is also apply for food stamps and SNAP benefits,” Terhaar said. “So to not see that correlation happen means, you know, something’s missing, there’s a piece of the puzzle missing.”
Source: Kansas Reflector

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T08:04:53-05:00June 15, 2021|News|

Express Lanes Could Ease Traffic Jams On Highway 69, But Proposed Tolls Raise Concerns About Equity

The Kansas Department of Transportation is inching closer to adding express toll lanes to relieve major traffic jams on U-S Highway 69. After two decades contending with traffic congestion and high collision rates on the Overland Park stretch of the highway, KDOT proposed the solution at a Overland Park City Council Monday night. The project would add an express lane going each direction between 103^rd Street and 179^th Street. Under the current proposal, drivers would have the option of paying the toll to use the faster lane or not. Deputy Transportation Secretary Lindsey Douglas sought to reiterate that tolls are associated only with express lanes. “People that use U.S. 69 today can continue to use that roadway without any change to their patterns or their behaviors,” Douglas said. The recommendation is based on a KDOT report stating that creating new lanes without imposing a toll would cost an additional $85 million to fund. According to the report, the recommended approach has the benefit of a smaller carbon footprint, as well as lower maintenance costs. The cost of using express lanes would fluctuate depending on time of day and distance traveled in the express lane. For a partial corridor trip in the morning, Douglas estimates the toll would reach somewhere near 50 cents; a full-corridor trip in the morning would be closer to $1.50, and the same trip in the afternoon would likely reach $1.75, according to Douglas.
Source: KCUR News

Ranson Financial2021-06-16T07:53:42-05:00June 15, 2021|News|

About Ranson Financial

Moundridge officials receive updates on pool and substation progress

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

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

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

Municipal Bond Trends for June 15, 2021

A full rundown of what to expect from the Federal Reserve on Wednesday

Hillsboro Downtown Cruise a big success

Women in policing

New report on food insecurity in southwest Kansas indicates barriers to assistance

Express Lanes Could Ease Traffic Jams On Highway 69, But Proposed Tolls Raise Concerns About Equity

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