News – Page 1860 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Neosho County discusses economic development

info2020-02-17T20:47:25-06:00February 17th, 2020|

The director of the Chanute Regional Development Authority met with Neosho County Commissioners Thursday to discuss a comprehensive economic development plan for the county. CRDA director Matt Godinez said now is an excellent time for a comprehensive plan. He said asking a third party to develop a plan would cost $15,000 to $20,000. “We have a lot of strengths in Neosho County that we need to highlight and I’d like to do that,” Godinez said. “We’ve got to call ourselves out on what we could be better at.” (Read more: www.chanute.com - RSS Results in news,news/* of type article)

Conway Springs rewarded Community Development Block Grant for wastewater improvements

info2020-02-17T16:10:37-06:00February 17th, 2020|

Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today the award of $600,000 in Community Development Block Grants to Conway Springs. The city intends to use these funds to make wastewater improvements for the city. The city will provide $2,977,275 in matching funds it secured through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Quality of life is key to economic development,” Secretary Toland said. “This investment in critical infrastructure helps keep communities like Conway Springs competitive as they work to retain and recruit residents and businesses. Governor Kelly and I are proud to support projects in rural communities across our state.” The CDBG [...]

Scott County’s health insurance spikes 14%

info2020-02-17T20:47:01-06:00February 17th, 2020|

A 14 percent hike in health insurance premiums is being felt by Scott County taxpayers and county employees. The county's share of the premium increase for Blue Cross/Blue Shield health coverage will amount to about $70,464 based on current employees on the payroll. Costs can fluctuate slightly as employees leave or are hired by the county. The county pays the cost of a single plan for each of its employees. Those who opt for additional coverage (employee/spouse, family, etc.) pay 25 percent of added cost. (Read more: Scott County Record RSS)

McPherson hits $1 million in housing grants

info2020-02-17T16:01:29-06:00February 17th, 2020|

For the third time in about four years, the city of McPherson has picked up a grant to help homeowners replace windows, roofs, siding and other home improvements for those who qualify. Since 2016, the city has been able to make an investment of about $1 million in housing using similar grant funds. “We’ve done rehab on 30 or 32 houses,” said Nick Gregory, city administrator for McPherson. ”... The outside of house, once we have done it, is a fairly noticeable difference.” (Read more: McPherson Sentinel)

Kansas could allow fireworks to be sold year-round under proposed bill

info2020-02-14T08:25:25-06:00February 14th, 2020|

Kansas lawmakers are considering allowing fireworks to be sold year round and repealing a ban on bottle rockets. Under the proposed bill, retailers would be allowed to sell fireworks every day of the year. Seasonal retailers, who temporarily sell fireworks around Independence Day, would get an extension. Kansas law allows those retailers to start selling fireworks on June 27, but the proposed bill would push it back a week. The sales period would run from June 20 to July 5. Read more: Wichita Eagle.

Treasury Sells 30-Year Bonds at Record Low Yield

info2020-02-14T08:15:00-06:00February 14th, 2020|

The U.S. Treasury Department sold 30-year bonds at a record low yield on Thursday, highlighting investors’ demand for longer-term debt and its benefits to the government. The Treasury sold $19 billion of 30-year bonds on Thursday afternoon at a 2.061% yield. That beat the previous record of 2.170% set last October, according to data from BMO Capital Markets. The auction came as Treasury yields generally moved lower after Chinese officials changed the way they counted coronavirus infections, leading to a big jump in the number of confirmed cases in the country’s Hubei province. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for February 13, 2020

info2020-04-16T08:06:38-05:00February 14th, 2020|

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 Advisors.

County looks for feedback on Johnson County Square in downtown Olathe

info2020-02-14T08:12:44-06:00February 14th, 2020|

Johnson County this month unveiled its preferred vision for the new Johnson County Square in downtown Olathe, which will be created after a new courthouse is finished next year and the existing one is razed. The concept includes an iconic art element at the northeast entrance on Santa Fe and Cherry streets, a community green, an art garden with a non-traditional play area, a history/education plaza and a structure that can be used for performances and weddings. An existing fountain will remain with the idea of upgrading it later. Through Feb. 29, the county is seeking feedback on the concept at [...]

The most congested highway in Johnson County could get $300M expansion — with tolls

info2020-02-14T08:12:05-06:00February 14th, 2020|

Officials with the Kansas Department of Transportation and Overland Park on Thursday said funding a $300 million expansion of U.S. 69 — the most congested four-lane highway in the state — could likely mean adding toll lanes. During his annual State of the City address, Mayor Carl Gerlach said improving the infamously backed-up highway is one of the city’s top priorities — saying that leaders have been “knocking on doors, texting and calling state and federal representatives,” pleading for support. The city and Kansas Turnpike Authority are conducting a study to determine the financial feasibility of widening U.S. 69 to six [...]

Crawford County Deputy named Deputy of the Year in Kansas

info2020-02-14T08:11:10-06:00February 14th, 2020|

A Crawford County Sheriff’s Deputy is being recognized for being one of the best in the state. Sheriff Deputy Kurt Grotheer, said, “It was a great honor. I mean I don’t even know how to explain that because it was like. It really took me by surprise.” Crawford County Deputy Kurt Grotheer was honored with a Kansas State Senate Tribute last month, recognizing him for being named the 2019 Kansas Deputy of the Year by the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association. (Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)