News – Page 1319 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

From Prohibition to pandemic

info2021-09-29T07:02:16-05:00September 29th, 2021|

Once the land of the country’s toughest liquor laws and the birthplace of its most ardent opponents to the evil of the drink, including the hatchet wielding Carrie Nation, Kansas has made strides in modernizing its liquor laws in recent years. Lawmakers are weighing what changes, if any, should come next. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a wave of moves, including the birth of togo cocktails and drive-through drinks, as a way to help out bars slammed by restrictions on operating hours and a declining number of patrons due to the virus. Many of these provisions were made permanent during the 2021 [...]

Coffeyville Sales Tax Ballot Question Information

info2021-09-29T07:00:35-05:00September 29th, 2021|

On November 2, 2021, Coffeyville voters will be asked to vote to impose a ½ cent sales tax for (40%) housing & economic development, (40%) development of public parks & community improvements, and (20%) economic development of the historic downtown. Source: Coffeyville, KS

Demel honored for 50 years with Barton County

info2021-09-29T06:59:53-05:00September 29th, 2021|

n 1971, the average price of a home was $25,200, an average car cost $3,500 and gas was 40 cents per gallon. Also in 1971 50 years ago, Gary Demel started working for the Barton County Road and Bridge Department. That landmark was recognized by the County Commission Tuesday morning. “I was 2 years old,” said County Works Director Darren Williams, who is now Demel’s supervisor. “That kind of puts it into perspective.” “I’m still here because it’s fun to come to work,” Demel said. But, “I’m looking forward to a good retirement.” Source: Great Bend Tribune

Proclamation marks MFG Day in Barton County/City of Great Bend

info2021-09-29T06:59:06-05:00September 29th, 2021|

The face of manufacturing may change, but it is not going away. That is the message Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield had for the Barton County Commission Tuesday morning. It was also the point of joint Barton County/City of Great Bend proclamation approved by commissioners making Friday as Manufacturing Day. Each year, Manufacturing Day is held on the first Friday in October in order to provide students, parents and the public with information on modern manufacturing. Events continue throughout the month, showing the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the [...]

Wichita tweaks new law to exempt some witnesses to street racing and vehicle stunts

info2021-09-29T06:53:11-05:00September 29th, 2021|

A week after approving an ordinance to punish people who watch street racing, donuts, burnouts, wheelies and other vehicle stunts, the City Council rewrote part of it to try to prevent innocent bystanders from getting swept up in the ordinance’s mandatory fines. In the week between first approval and the final passage that occurred on Tuesday, City Attorney Jennifer Magana recommended changing the ordinance’s definition of a “spectator” to exempt those who are “unintentional witnesses or passersby to events.” While street racing and exhibitions of automotive speed and power were already illegal, the new ordinance makes it illegal for the first [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for September 28, 2021

info2021-09-29T06:52:50-05:00September 29th, 2021|

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.

Muni yields rise to a more ‘normalized’ absolute range

info2021-09-29T06:52:09-05:00September 29th, 2021|

Municipal yields rose as much as seven basis points in spots along the curve Tuesday as municipal investors rode the rapid rise in U.S. Treasuries and a volatile equity market as a time to move the asset class into a higher-yield environment. Triple-A benchmark yield curves cut levels by two to seven basis points. Selling pressure was felt across the curve, but most in the belly once again, where high-grade names were trading off, but bid-side depth was weak, traders noted. Municipals have not tracked directly with the UST moves, where the 10- and 30-year UST has risen 24 and 26 [...]

Douglas County Commission to consider proposal to bar more housing near Lawrence unless the city expands

info2021-09-28T07:03:55-05:00September 28th, 2021|

County leaders will soon consider approving regulations that would prohibit new neighborhoods in rural areas near the City of Lawrence unless that land is ready to be added to the city. As part of its meeting Wednesday, the Douglas County Commission will consider an amendment to subdivision regulations for Lawrence and the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. The proposed changes represent a turnaround from the relative ease of subdividing rural or agricultural land into residential lots in recent decades, and would prohibit subdivisions for rural residential developments going forward unless the city approves expanding its boundaries to incorporate the land. Source: [...]

Bird scooters now available in Prairie Village

info2021-09-28T07:02:26-05:00September 28th, 2021|

Residents and visitors can now ride Bird scooters throughout Prairie Village. After the city council approved a one-year pilot program with Bird Rides, Inc., the scooters are now available throughout the city. Riders can use the scooters in bike lanes and on the road, but not on sidewalks. Source: Shawnee Mission Post

10-year Treasury yield tops 1.54%, reaching highest point since June

info2021-09-28T06:50:43-05:00September 28th, 2021|

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield topped 1.54% on Tuesday morning, its highest point since June, amid concerns around persisting inflation. ... Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, in prepared remarks to be delivered on Tuesday, warned that higher inflation may last longer than anticipated. ... In the prepared speech, he said that economic growth has "continued to strengthen" but has been met with upward price pressures caused by supply chain bottlenecks and other factors. "Inflation is elevated and will likely remain so in coming months before moderating," Powell said. Source: CNBC - Bonds