info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Popularity growing, Great Bend Rec getting involved with eSports

info2023-02-15T10:16:46-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The gaming world of eSports has been around for some time, but the explosion in popularity over the last few years has caused many markets to get involved. The Great Bend Recreation Commission is now in the process of bringing eSports, video games turned into a spectator sport, to the community to enjoy. Getting advice from Barton Community College eSports coach Curtis Rose, Great Bend Rec Business Director Joe Henry said the Rec wants to create tournaments and leagues for gamers to compete, but also for those interested in watching. Source: GC Telegram

Inflation Brings Back the Heat

info2023-02-15T00:22:13-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The Federal Reserve can probably take last month’s bump up in inflation in stride. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t care about it. The Labor Department on Tuesday reported that overall consumer prices rose a seasonally adjusted 0.5% in January from December and it revised December’s monthly change from down 0.1% to up 0.1%. Core prices, which exclude the often volatile food and energy categories in an attempt to better capture inflation’s trend, rose 0.4% in January, with December’s gains revised to 0.4% from 0.3%. Source: WSJ.com: Markets

U.S. inflation is likely ‘far stickier’ and could last a decade, Bill Smead says

info2023-02-15T00:21:09-06:00February 15th, 2023|

U.S. inflation is likely to be "far stickier" and could last a decade, according to Bill Smead, chief investment officer at Smead Capital Management. Wall Street is gearing up for key inflation data later Tuesday, when the Labor Department releases its January consumer price index. It is a widely followed inflation gauge that measures the cost for dozens of goods and services spanning the economy. "The enthusiasm … right now is the hope that we'll get a friendly Fed out of a soft landing, and we do not believe that is going to be the case," Smead told CNBC's "Streets Sign [...]

Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants

info2023-02-15T00:20:04-06:00February 15th, 2023|

Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31. “The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and [...]

City sponsoring logo design contest

info2023-02-15T00:16:23-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The City of Hiawatha has announced its first ever Logo Design contest. City officials said the current logo has served the city well, but they are looking to freshen it up with a high quality digital image. The city is looking for talented local artists who can design a logo representative of the City of Hiawatha. Examples include the Davis Memorial, Clock Tower, maple leaf and clock tower. Submissions are due by Friday, March 31 to mgreen@cityofhiawatha.org or drop off at City Hall. The winner will receive $150 in Chamber Bucks. Source: hiawathaworldonline.com

Mission Hills removes coyote traps from park after dogs injured

info2023-02-15T00:14:38-06:00February 15th, 2023|

Mission Hills officials say they plan to re-evaluate how to handle an increase in coyote activity after two dogs were injured this month after being caught in traps placed for coyotes at a city park. City officials say a city staff member is licensed to trap through a nuisance wildlife control permit, and signage and mailers went out as a warning the week before the “non-lethal” traps were set in an “unmaintained” corner of the park. Source: Prairie Village Post

Commerce Department seeks to expand mega project incentives

info2023-02-15T00:12:52-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The state Commerce Department is asking lawmakers to expand a lucrative tax incentive to land a new major economic development project on the heels of securing Panasonic and Integra. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Hughes appeared before the House commerce Tuesday, asking for an extension of the incentive program though Dec. 31, 2024 as well as more incentives for training and employee relocation. Hughes said interest in Kansas from mega projects has slowed since the Legislature approved the first package of incentives that are set to lapse at the end of the 2023. Source: Sunflower State Journal

State funds will allow apartment expansion

info2023-02-15T00:12:07-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The City of Winfield has been awarded more than $1.8 million in state housing funds to help expand an apartment complex currently under construction, according to Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. The funds from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation include $650,000 in Moderate Income Housing funds and $1.2 million in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits. The money will go toward an additional 48 units in the 71-unit moderate income apartment complex being built at 19th Avenue and Bliss Street in Winfield. This project is being built by Petra Development. Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

Nearly $20 Million in Grants Aim to Reduce Number of Kids in Foster Care

info2023-02-15T00:10:52-06:00February 15th, 2023|

Governor Kelly announced a new set of Family First Prevention grants totaling nearly $20 million. The grants will create and grow programs aimed to prevent children from entering the foster care system. The Governor said in a statement, “Family First programs have been proven to keep families together, improving outcomes for our children long-term and saving our state money down the road. They have contributed to the nearly 20% drop in the total number of children in foster care since the start of my administration. That’s why we have worked across the aisle to direct both state and federal funding to [...]

Newton school district will keep two schools open, with fewer classes

info2023-02-15T00:08:25-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The Newton school board has agreed to keep two schools open for the next school year, but they will have fewer classes. There have been concerns about declining enrollment at the Walton Rural Life Center, which is a special education agriculture charter elementary school. There are also concerns about enrollment at Northridge Elementary. The school board voted to reduce classes at Walton from two classes to one in kindergarten through fourth grade, with one teacher per grade. At Northridge Elementary, kindergarten and the first and second grades will be reduced to one class each. There will be two classes in grades [...]

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