News – Page 1019 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Homebuilders around the nation are boosting incentives as they suddenly struggle to sell homes

info2022-07-28T08:42:44-05:00July 28th, 2022|

After two years of not being able to build homes fast enough to keep up with demand, the nation's homebuilders are now experiencing a slowdown in sales and an increase in supply. Sales of newly built homes fell more than 8% in June from the prior month and were 17% lower than June of 2021, according to a report Tuesday from the U.S. Census. Inventory also rose to a 9.3-month supply, up from 5.6 months at the end of last year. Chief executives of major builders are saying they have to respond more quickly to the sudden turnaround in the market, [...]

Topeka’s underpaying of engineers results in ‘astronomical’ consulting costs, city leader says

info2022-07-28T08:36:23-05:00July 28th, 2022|

Topeka's city government's practice of paying its engineers considerably less than what the market offers is forcing it to pay "astronomical" amounts in consulting fees, interim city manager Bill Cochran said Tuesday evening. The mayor and council will learn Aug. 9 about strategies proposed to help resolve that, they were told during a work session in which they discussed the city's proposed 2023 budget. The topic came up as the mayor and council heard from Councilman Tony Emerson, who owns a contracting firm that carries out projects that include replacing streets, sewers and water lines. Source: CJonline

Halstead Police Officer Recognized For Saving Infant’s Life

info2022-07-28T08:35:12-05:00July 28th, 2022|

Some quick thinking—and quick driving—by Halstead Police Officer Logan Miller saved the life of a three-day-old infant, recently. “Officer Miller’s immediate, decisive actions on March 27 resulted in the saving of this infant’s life, and because of him, the family is thriving and the family is whole today,” Police Chief Josh Orem said. Miller was recognized for his actions during the Halstead City Council meeting Monday night, during which Orem presented him with a Life Saving Award plaque and a commendation bar to go on his uniform. The Rutherford family whom he helped was also present to express their gratitude. Source: [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for July 27, 2022

info2022-07-28T08:14:22-05:00July 28th, 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.

Fed hikes interest rates by 0.75 percentage point for second consecutive time to fight inflation

info2022-07-28T08:07:39-05:00July 28th, 2022|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday enacted its second consecutive 0.75 percentage point interest rate increase as it seeks to tamp down runaway inflation without creating a recession. In taking the benchmark overnight borrowing rate up to a range of 2.25%-2.5%, the moves in June and July represent the most stringent consecutive moves since the Fed began using the overnight funds rate as the principal tool of monetary policy in the early 1990s. While the fed funds rate most directly impacts what banks charge each other for short-term loans, it feeds into a multitude of consumer products such as adjustable mortgages, auto [...]

Aquatics International Splashes Award On Newton Municipal Pool

info2022-07-28T08:08:59-05:00July 28th, 2022|

The Newton Pool’s design has made a big enough splash to be recognized by an aquatic magazine. Aquatics International placed a spotlight on the Newton municipal pool for its bright color exterior and the city’s ability to wisely use its budget in the recent “2022 Dream Designs” issue. The architectural design of the pool was worked on by Lamp Rynerson and was submitted to the magazine by project manager Kyle McCawley. Director of Public Works Suzanne Loomis said the people in this city have been waiting a long time for this pool and it’s nice to see it win. Source: Harvey [...]

Halstead council hashes out new golf cart rules

info2022-07-28T08:09:26-05:00July 28th, 2022|

Golf cart users in Halstead take note: the city has revised its regulations. The city council approved a new ordinance Monday that eases some restrictions and lowers fines for violations. Among these, golf carts will no longer be prohibited on First Street and any driver with a valid license can operate a golf cart. This means a 16-year-old with a restricted license could drive one whereas previously drivers needed to be at least 18. It also modifies the rules for child restraints. Children ages 4 and under are required to ride in a property installed car seat with a seatbelt. Children [...]

Sedgwick’s superintendent feels energized by his new role

info2022-07-28T08:09:39-05:00July 28th, 2022|

So far USD 439’s new superintendent Greg Lehr, who started his post on July 1, has wrestled with the district’s annual budget, strived to build relationships with his new co-workers and adjust to a new work environment, and spent time working from home because construction meant the building went without power for a time. Yet he goes home each night with a smile on his face and excited for the next day. “Hopefully that’ll continue for a long time,” Lehr said. “I have no doubt that it will. I just feel like every day has been a great day and looking [...]

County tables wind energy moratorium

info2022-07-28T08:10:03-05:00July 28th, 2022|

Before a full house, including proponents of wind energy, the Board of Harvey County Commissioners tabled its plan to adopt a temporary moratorium on wind farms Tuesday. Commissioners voiced unanimous support a week earlier for giving the Harvey County Planning Commission more time to update county regulations. The county also is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan, which is due to arrive this coming Monday. Commissioner Randy Hague was the first to break ranks after Fiona Bagwell, with NextEra Energy, said a moratorium would have a negative impact on her company’s ability to secure leases from landowners. She said [...]

Hillsboro to seek grant for child care

info2022-07-28T08:13:16-05:00July 28th, 2022|

Hillsboro City Council voted Tuesday to pay Ranson Financial $7,500 to write a $600,000 grant for a child care center that has been high on the city’s strategic plan since the plan was last updated. City administrator Matt Stiles said donations had been raised toward the project, mostly through Hillsboro Community Foundation. Others who have given money toward a child care center include the health department, the extension district and the school district. ... Rosemary Saunders of Ranson said she expected Hillsboro to have a better chance of getting a grant because the county does not have enough child care facilities. [...]