News – Page 1161 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Pittsburg PD 50 years ago: Local newspaper begins series on old-time PPD

info2022-03-20T21:19:44-05:00March 18th, 2022|

There seems to be a high level of interest (and memory) when it comes to the old-time Pittsburg Police Department (PPD), so hopefully readers will appreciate a broader view of policing as it existed 50 years ago. Therefore, I decided to write about this topic in several installments, each with a different focus. As you read over this series bear in mind that: (1) there were no computers or specialized units at PPD except for its two investigators — no units dedicated to SWAT, drugs, K-9, traffic, DARE, crime analysis, or juvenile crimes; officers were generalists; (2) “curbside policing” has probably [...]

Haven looks to expand new commerce but faces small-town challenges

info2022-03-20T15:33:41-05:00March 18th, 2022|

Reno County mom-and-pop shops are staples for its rural towns, but supporting them in places like Haven or Yoder sometimes takes more than local residents walking through their doors. Mom-and-pop shops sometimes define a small-town, with local restaurants, manufacturers or farms creating jobs, commerce and community. But according to the Haven Chamber of Commerce, keeping the doors open and the lights on requires more than just the community’s locals. Downtown Haven continues to grow, with three new businesses, including two in Haven, opening in the past nine months. The Haven Chamber of Commerce president Kaya Wells said the community welcomes the [...]

Governor declares drought emergency

info2022-03-20T15:40:40-05:00March 18th, 2022|

One day after the Barton County Commission let stand the countywide burn ban due to lingering dry conditions, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly Thursday approved updated drought declarations via executive order, placing all 105 Kansas counties either in watch, warning or emergency status. Barton County joins 60 other counties under the drought warning category, the second-most severe classification. The drought declaration also placed 19 counties into an emergency status and 25 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, director of the Kansas Water Office and chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Source: GB Tribune

Municipal Bond Trends for March 17, 2022

info2022-03-18T09:00:31-05:00March 18th, 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.

Federal Reserve approves first interest rate hike in more than three years, sees six more ahead

info2022-03-18T02:19:30-05:00March 18th, 2022|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday approved its first interest rate increase in more than three years, an incremental salvo to address spiraling inflation without torpedoing economic growth. After keeping its benchmark interest rate anchored near zero since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, the policymaking Federal Open Market Committee said it will raise rates by a quarter percentage point, or 25 basis points. That will bring the rate now into a range of 0.25%-0.5%. The move will correspond with a hike in the prime rate and immediately send financing costs higher for many forms of consumer borrowing and credit. Fed officials [...]

Governor Laura Kelly Announces First Round of Grants to Support Tourism and Economic Development

info2022-03-18T08:55:49-05:00March 18th, 2022|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced the first-round of 2022 funding recipients for the Tourism Marketing Grant Program (TMGP). The TMGP, administered by Kansas Tourism, assists Destination Marketing Organizations, tourism communities and travel industry businesses or events. The program helps with first-time marketing efforts or enhancement of current marketing with new or innovative strategies. “Our tourism industry injects millions into our economy and adds another incentive for families to put down roots in our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants will enhance local community efforts to develop quality tourism assets that will grow the economy and improve the quality of life [...]

Sedgwick County officials concerned about bill on home-based businesses

info2022-03-18T08:57:16-05:00March 18th, 2022|

A bill has been introduced in the Kansas Senate to limit restrictions on home-based businesses, and some city and county leaders across the state are raising concerns that it will hurt their ability to deal with any nuisance issues in neighborhoods. Sedgwick County commissioners had a briefing on the bill this week. Senate Bill 505 would prohibit cities and counties from enacting or enforcing zoning regulations that would be considered as barriers to home-based work. Assistant County Counselor Justin Waggoner told commissioners that the bill would wipe out county zoning regulations on home-based businesses. He said there would be no restrictions on [...]

Johnson County discusses stormwater management

info2022-03-18T08:58:02-05:00March 18th, 2022|

Johnson County Government plays a large role working with cities to manage stormwater projects, to alleviate flooding and improve water quality. March 10, the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners authorized term and supply contracts with nine vendors for stormwater management services. Johnson County’s Stormwater Management Program has used a term and supply contract for multiple years as a way to expand the program to address specialized needs without having to hire more staff. Examples of past efforts executed with term and supply contract vendors include watershed master planning, floodplain mapping updates, water quality sampling and system management support. “Having contracts [...]

What’s summer without a splash? Johnson County needs lifeguards for various pools

info2022-03-18T08:58:35-05:00March 18th, 2022|

Overland Park will be forced to curtail its outdoor swimming program unless it can hire more lifeguards, which are in short supply there and elsewhere. “Right now we have enough lifeguards to open one outdoor pool this summer with full staffing,” Aquatics Supervisor Renee Reis said in a news release. “Aquatics is an incredibly fun operation, but safety has to remain our top priority. It’s simply not safe to operate pools without a full staff of lifeguards.” Source: Joco 913 News

Municipal Bond Trends for March 16, 2022

info2022-03-17T22:09:31-05:00March 17th, 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.