News

The city of Plevna, with a population of fewer than 100 residents, does not carry insurance on its municipal buildings. Many residents are also facing property damage at their own homes, leaving limited local resources to fund repairs to public structures. Source: KSN-TV

Recovery is just beginning in Grinnell after an EF-3 tornado struck the town. Community leaders say financial donations will be key. Source: KSN-TV

The first order of business for Brian Wells, who will become Marion city administrator June 16, will be getting to know the community and council and then deciding the best paths to take from there, he said in an interview last week. Source: Marion County RECORD

A major manufacturing plant in Wamego will stay open under new ownership. A Caterpillar Inc. spokesperson confirmed plant workers were informed the facility will stay in the Caterpillar family and pass into the hands of a subsidiary of the company: Solar Turbines. The facility currently employs hundreds of workers locally who will now get to keep their jobs. Source: KSN-TV

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

Treasury yields moved higher on Wednesday as investors feared a new U.S. tax bill could worsen the country's deficit following a Moody's downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. At 6:57 a.m. ET, the 30-year Treasury bond yield was up over 6 basis points at 5.03%. The 10-year yield was more than 5 basis points higher at 4.537%. The 2-year yield advanced just over 2 basis points, reaching 3.994%. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01%, and yields and prices move in opposite directions. Investors are keeping an eye on discussions around U.S. President Donald Trump's budget bill as some Republicans said they wouldn't support the bill [...]

Municipals were little changed Tuesday as U.S. Treasury yields rose out long and equities ended down. The two-year ratio Tuesday was at 72%, the five-year at 72%, the 10-year at 73% and the 30-year at 90%, according to Municipal Market Data's 3 p.m. ET read. ICE Data Services had the two-year at 70%, the five-year at 71%, the 10-year at 73% and the 30-year at 90% at 4 p.m. As the second half of the month gets underway, munis are seeing small gains of 0.1%, bringing year-to-date returns to negative 0.96%. This compares to 2024, when returns for the month were [...]

A vibrant transformation is in store for the parking structure outside of Merriam Plaza Library and the Merriam Community Center. The Merriam City Council last week unanimously approved a $50,000 contract with New Orleans-based artist duo Milagros Collective for a vibrant, colorful mural to span the stairs in and around the parking structure at 6040 Slater St. This is part of the city’s larger public art master plan, which is an overarching effort to bring more public art to Merriam’s streets. Source: Johnson County Post

With Memorial Day on the horizon, Riverview Cemetery is getting a little extra attention—but for Sexton Marcus Lynn, the work never really stops. Home to more than 13,300 graves, Riverview is managed by Lynn and one other full-time city employee. While other departments help when they can, much of the weekly upkeep is Lynn’s responsibility. Source: KSN-TV