info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Wichita introduces new facade improvement program aimed at small businesses in low-income areas

info2021-02-26T09:20:35-06:00February 26th, 2021|

City Hall would like to make its facade improvement program more accessible to Wichita's small-business owners located in lower-income neighborhoods. Sally Stang, director of the city's housing and community services department, shared details during a Thursday media briefing about a new program that provides a deferred, 0% interest loan to owners or tenants with matching funds to help renovate building facades. "We're very excited to roll this out, we think this is a great opportunity for small businesses and our low-income neighborhoods," Stang said. Source: Wichita Business Journal

Former mayor/TV reporter to lead community development in Harper County

info2021-02-26T09:20:05-06:00February 26th, 2021|

Shelly Hansel has been named new community development director for Harper County. Hansel, who was a reporter and weather anchor at KAKE-TV in the early 2000s, was the mayor of Wellington from 2014 to 2019 and was executive director of the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2015. Source: Wichita Business Journal

Municipal bonds collateral damage of improving economy, climbing rates

info2021-02-26T09:19:22-06:00February 26th, 2021|

Municipal bond yields continued their ascent, following U.S. Treasuries higher, as markets adjust to rising rates and an improving economy that created an environment in which stocks sold off not because of economic uncertainty but stabilization. The atypical relationship — falling stocks and rising USTs — is likely temporary as global markets essentially recalibrate, moving away from COVID-impacted investments, such as technology companies, and back into traditional investments that were put on the wayside during the pandemic. Municipal triple-A benchmarks rose another three to six basis points, with the largest cuts longer out the curve. Munis are correcting after sitting idle [...]

Pawnee County lowered to Level Green on COVID risk assessment

info2021-02-26T09:17:52-06:00February 26th, 2021|

Pawnee County continues to see a drop in COVID-19 cases as the county health department lowered the COVID risk assessment matrix to Level Green, which indicates no to minimal risk of spreading the virus. Pawnee County has dealt with fewer cases than in months past as conditions continue to improve. The county’s weekly COVID report shows 1,132 cases as of Feb. 23, which is an increase of two cases from a week ago. Total community cases (excluding Larned State Hospital, individuals in long-term care and Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility) were 594, which is up by only three cases from last [...]

The gradual return of events to Wichita

info2021-02-26T09:17:28-06:00February 26th, 2021|

Century II is hosting four public events over the next four weeks -- a first for the venue in nearly a year. But it's no easy task to put on an event during a pandemic. ... "We work with the Sedgwick County Health Department on a case by case basis working with the needs of each event to make sure that staff, attendees, and the people putting in the events are as safe as possible," explained Megan Lovely, the city's communication and special events manager. Source: KSN-TV

Hutchinson Fire Department: Fighting future fires with fire

info2021-02-26T09:17:06-06:00February 26th, 2021|

If you noticed smoke or flames in Reno County on Thursday, do not be alarmed. Fire Crews are doing what they can to keep wildfires from igniting. Thursday was the last day the Hutchinson Fire Department is fighting future fires with fire. "If this field was on fire it would allow the crew to come and start working without a lot of other resources," said Doug Hanen, the Division Chief of Operations for the Hutchinson Fire Department. As the temperatures in Kansas begin to warm up, so does the risk of wildfires. Source: KSN-TV

Municipal Bond Trends for February 25, 2021

info2021-02-26T09:14:52-06:00February 26th, 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.

Iola wants rules on incentives

info2021-02-26T09:14:08-06:00February 26th, 2021|

Iola City Council members are keen on developing a policy to codify what incentives can be offered for new business development. Councilman Carl Slaugh has taken the reins to the endeavor, asking his fellow Council members for their thoughts on what should be considered when drafting the policy, which would require approval of the full Council’s approval.... The subsequent discussion covered several areas, from setting criteria to determine how much, if any, can be offered. Members pointed to such criteria as the number of employees or revenue generated from sales taxes or utility usage. Mayor Jon Wells said incentives, and criteria, [...]

Johnson County city reports thieves are stealing this essential vehicle part

info2021-02-26T09:15:09-06:00February 25th, 2021|

Lenexa police say they have seen a substantial increase in catalytic converter thefts over the last couple of months, mainly at businesses where fleets of vehicles are parked overnight. “While most any type of vehicle is at risk, lately we are seeing thieves targeting work vans, trucks and larger utility-style work vehicles,” the city said in a news release. “Stealing a catalytic converter only takes a few seconds, but can be expensive to replace and costs businesses valuable time while their fleet vehicles are out of service.” Source: Joco 913 News

City governments in Kansas didn’t launch the tech revolution. But they’re embracing it.

info2021-02-25T17:04:59-06:00February 25th, 2021|

With residents demanding 24/7 access to information online, cities across the state are improving their communications infrastructure, an imperative made more pressing by the covid-19 pandemic. Their efforts create more than just increasingly sophisticated websites. The roles and duties of city officials are evolving in conjunction with their communication strategies, creating both strains and opportunities for strengthening the social fabric. Source: KLC Journal.

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