info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

New proposed transmission line draws concerns

info2022-05-16T07:06:53-05:00May 16th, 2022|

Travis Wilson isn’t opposed to change in his southeast Kansas community. But for his 160-acre plot of land, there sure has been a lot of it in recent years. First came arrival of wind development in Allen County, dotting the landscape around Wilson’s property with turbines — a decision he respects, even though it means his house “sounds like a washing machine” if windows are open. But now the southern part of his land is directly impacted by a new kind of development: a proposed 89-mile transmission line from Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Burlington to another power station near [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for May 13, 2022

info2022-05-16T07:03:59-05:00May 16th, 2022|

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.

Epperson stepping away as Director of Finance

info2022-05-16T07:03:29-05:00May 16th, 2022|

After two decades with the city of Derby, Director of Finance Jean Epperson is now counting down the days to her final budget workshop – set to officially enter retirement in mid-June. Epperson joined city staff in January 2000 after several years working in the private sector (Rohm and Haas, J.I. Case) and being an adjunct finance professor for local universities. She admitted the tight-knit nature of the department sold her. “I could’ve gone to work for what was Boeing at the time, but it’s such a huge company. What I like about the size of Derby was you take a [...]

Augusta hosting benefit concert for Andover

info2022-05-16T07:02:12-05:00May 16th, 2022|

A dozen bands are taking part in a benefit concert to help people impacted by the Andover tornado. The concert is set for May 22, at the Augusta Theatre. Along with music, there will also be food trucks at the venue. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or in-person the day of the concert. Online Ticket Sales “When I asked these local musicians to help our friends and neighbors devastated by the tornado, they didn’t hesitate,” said Eric Birk, event organizer. “The music community loves to come together for a cause and give back.” Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Fed’s Mester backs half-point rate hikes in June and July

info2022-05-16T01:37:47-05:00May 16th, 2022|

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Loretta Mester backed raising interest rates by half percentage points at the central bank’s next two policy meetings in order to tamp down surging inflation. “Unless there are some big surprises, I expect it to be appropriate to raise the policy rate another 50 basis points at each of our next two meetings,” Mester said Friday in prepared remarks for a virtual appearance at the International Research Forum on Monetary Policy. Central bankers raised interest rates by a half point at their meeting earlier this month and Chair Jerome Powell told reporters that similar moves [...]

Governor vetoes bill that would limit actions on infectious disease

info2022-05-16T06:57:31-05:00May 16th, 2022|

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill from the Legislature that would prohibit governing bodies and public officials from taking certain actions related to infectious diseases, such as mask mandates. The bill also limits the powers of the state health secretary related to the enforcement of a quarantine and requiring student vaccinations. Senate Bill 34 was a response to actions taken by local government to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: Country 101.3 KFDI

Rural housing grants available to prepare for future cheese plant boom

info2022-05-16T07:04:43-05:00May 16th, 2022|

New state housing development resources have been made available since Governor Laura Kelly this month signed House Bill 2237 allocating $62 million for, among other rural housing support programs, the state’s Moderate Income Housing Program. This is good news for Dodge City and the surrounding regions where rural communities, like those in Clark, Hodgeman and Meade Counties, hope to meet the housing needs associated with the arrival of the Hilmar Cheese Company plant and the dairies destined to be a part of its supply chain. The plant is scheduled to break ground later this year, and with it as many as [...]

Andover construction demand stressing already backlogged industry

info2022-05-16T01:26:16-05:00May 16th, 2022|

It's been exactly two weeks since the devastating Andover Tornado left hundreds of people without homes. Now, as insurance claims get sorted out and finalized, the next step might be a waiting game – trying to find a builder. Andover resident Garrett Owen didn't know where to start after the tornado flattened his house. "I couldn't get to the house. There were trees down everywhere," said Owen. But instead of waiting around, he took matters into his own hands, renting a giant excavator and learning how to use it along the way. "Watching YouTube, and I talked to a couple of [...]

Record-setting Wichita housing market making it tough for Andover victims to find somewhere to go

info2022-05-16T01:23:32-05:00May 16th, 2022|

While many areas of the country are reporting improvements in the housing market, it's the complete opposite here in Wichita. New data from South Central Kansas MLS says the housing supply is lower than it's ever been, leaving people like Andover Tornado victims who need immediate housing nowhere to turn. "That's been a huge need. We have some families that have been displaced and have moved on to other family members, but we've also seen a lot of families that are temporarily housed in a hotel or motel," said Dulcy Palnau with The Salvation Army. Palnau has been working with families [...]

Biden Administration Releases $45B for Broadband to States

info2022-05-16T01:12:00-05:00May 16th, 2022|

The Biden administration on Friday made $45 billion in broadband funding from the bipartisan infrastructure act available to the states, emphasizing that they make sure any internet service that’s built is affordable not only to those with low incomes but to the middle class as well. “The internet is absolutely essential to every American’s success,” Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves told reporters on a call. “That’s why it’s unacceptable that in 2022, millions of Americans are still without it.” In addition, the department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration emphasized in its notice of funding opportunity that states should make the dollars [...]

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