United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $16,155,000 toward nine community projects across the state. “Public infrastructure like water systems, parks and emergency response help communities thrive,” Fischer said. “USDA Rural Development puts rural people at the forefront of investment and opportunity. With these improvements Kansas towns will be able to better serve their residents and their communities will be safer and healthier.” Background: The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste [...]

Worsening economic data may force central banks to blink and take a less aggressive rate-rise stance, money markets are betting, having steadily dialled back expectations of where U.S. and British interest rates might peak. The equivalent of a half-point rate hike from the Federal Reserve has been priced out over the last three weeks, putting the peak in rates at 3% next June. That implies cumulative U.S. rate hikes of 210 basis points this cycle, versus 255 bps at the start of May, according to Fed Fund futures that reflect expectations of future interest rate moves. Source: Reuters

As educators prepare for a new open enrollment policy scheduled to go into effect after two more school years, parents who are looking for homes may be able to consider more affordable houses outside their preferred district. Open enrollment is a school choice policy that allows parents to enroll their children as students in a school outside the district they live in. While supporters of the policy pushed it as a way to increase academic opportunity, they also say it could help homebuyers find more affordable housing. Source: CJonline

As people drive down Iron Avenue in Salina, they may notice a new sign and name at a familiar and popular destination in the downtown area, Theatre Salina. Earlier this year, what was once Salina Community Theatre made the change in its name after a couple of years of discussion about what the theater means to people inside and outside the community of Salina. "We are much more regional than we've ever been," said Michael Spicer, executive director for Theatre Salina. According to Spicer, about 40% of the ticket sales for the various theatrical productions at Theatre Salina come from people [...]

Veterans’ banners that honor those who fought in wars and conflicts from 1861 until today hang from poles on Main Street in Pretty Prairie.... The Pretty Prairie Community Association organized the veteran banners program for the community, selling the banners for $100 for a one-sided banner and $150 for a two-sided one, for three years. Then renewal costs are $75. The banners hang on Main Street for the entire month of May and November for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Pretty Prairie city clerk Jenifer Albright said the Community Association began the program last year with 12 banners, and this year [...]

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.