info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

This Overland Park hotel might be converted to affordable housing

info2021-02-23T08:09:12-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

Developers in Johnson County have long said the costs of land and construction are too high for them to make much of a profit off more affordable apartments — a housing market the area sorely needs. But now a Utah-based firm has a solution, using existing buildings that are very similar to apartment buildings. The developer plans to convert two Overland Park hotels into apartments — with rental prices more attainable for middle-income workers who can’t afford most Johnson County housing. It’s not a new idea, but it is one that has grown in popularity across the country in recent years, [...]

Sterling’s power plant helps keep the lights on

info2021-02-22T07:09:48-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

This week's rolling blackouts and high energy prices were a reminder, said Sterling's city manager, why the city keeps its 100-year-old municipal power plant operating. While now just a "peaking plant" that usually runs less than a dozen days each summer, its operators worked 24/7 for four days during this week's power demand crisis. That guaranteed the lights stayed on for residents and businesses in the city of 2,500,... Source: Hutchinson News.

Treasury yields climb amid economic recovery hopes

info2021-02-22T07:07:03-06:00February 22nd, 2021|

U.S. Treasury yields climbed on Monday morning, signaling growing market confidence that an economic recovery is close, following the coronavirus pandemic. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 1.369% at 3:45 a.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond advanced to 2.162%. Yields move inversely to prices. The White House said it expects to finish sending out millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines this week, after a sweeping winter storm disrupted its distribution logistics. Source: CNBC - Bonds

Municipal Bond Trends for February 19, 2021

info2021-02-22T07:05:47-06:00February 22nd, 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.

Fed’s Williams says rising Treasury yields reflect more optimism

info2021-02-22T06:59:57-06:00February 21st, 2021|

Rising Treasury yields are a sign of optimism in the economic recovery, said a senior Federal Reserve official Friday, signaling no inclination from the central bank to take steps to halt the shift. “We’re seeing signs of rising inflation expectations, back to levels that I think are closer to consistent with our 2% long-run goal, and signs of somewhat higher real yields off in the future, reflecting greater optimism in the economy,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams told CNBC in an interview. “So it’s not to me a concern. It’s more of a reflection of the market’s [...]

Municipal bonds end week with largest increase in yields since COVID-induced turmoil

info2021-02-22T07:00:49-06:00February 21st, 2021|

Municipals ended weaker Friday with triple-A benchmark curves rising the most in a week since COVID-19 disrupted all markets in March and April of last year. Muni yields rose another five basis points on the 10- and 30-year Friday, bringing the total cuts to scales to 18 and 17 basis points, respectively, from Tuesday as the asset class moved closer to U.S. Treasury movements after lagging weakness in taxables since the start of the year. Treasury yields hit 1.35% in 10-years and 2.15% in 30 after news of stimulus out of Washington gaining ground. Source: The Bond Buyer

Small cell antennae installed on Lenexa street lights

info2021-02-22T07:01:03-06:00February 21st, 2021|

Small cell antennae are a targeted way for cellular and data providers to enhance 4G service in specific areas and prepare to provide 5G service. The City of Lenexa has received more than 100 applications for these, with the majority being installed within the I-435 loop. These small cell antennae are installed by private service providers. Most installed in Lenexa belong to Verizon. As many of the antennae are being installed on City-owned streetlights, service providers must apply for a right-of-way permit to install them. Staff review the applications and inspect streetlights that had to be replaced to accommodate the weight [...]

Kansas energy crisis: heating bills could be 25 times normal in some cities

info2021-02-22T07:01:11-06:00February 21st, 2021|

Ordinarily, the city of Winfield spends about $1.5 million a year on natural gas for customers of its public utility department. During the brutal cold spell a week ago, Winfield had to buy $10 million worth of gas in six days. “It’s incredible,” said City Manager Taggart Wall. “It’s devastating financial impacts to our customers. A normal bill would be in the $100 range, just natural gas. We’re estimating $2,500 for this event, for one month, if we were just to straight pass that on.” Winfield is one of dozens of municipal utilities with thousands of customers spread across Kansas, all [...]

Fredonia schools closed due to inflated utility prices

info2021-02-22T07:02:38-06:00February 21st, 2021|

School was out in Fredonia ..., but not because of the weather. Utilities have spiked so much in town, the district had to make the decision to close its doors Thursday and Friday to conserve energy and money. City officials have determined that this week, it would cost an excess of $25,000 per day just to keep school buildings open. Fredonia Mayor Bob McKenney says right now this is a team effort, and the town needs to come together once again. Source: KAKE - News

KSDE task force prepares to convene for oversight of pandemic funds for schools

info2021-02-22T07:03:12-06:00February 21st, 2021|

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson has created a task force to offer guidance and oversight of school districts’ plans for expenditure of federal funds focused on supporting student learning and student needs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commissioner’s Task Force on Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief and Emergency Assistance for Nonpublic Schools Funding Oversight is comprised of 19 people, including superintendents, legislators, teachers, local school board members, business managers and private school personnel. The task force will direct oversight to $368 million in ESSER II funds and $26 million in EANS funds. Source: The Miami County Republic

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