News – Page 38 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Leaders to discuss how to resuscitate local economy in wake of report

info2025-01-24T09:54:25-06:00January 24th, 2025|

According to a report earlier this year by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Manhattan under-performed in several metrics that indicate economic health. Manhattan posted 0% job growth, according to a 2024 report, which was well below that of the four peer cities the report used for comparison. For instance, Ames, Iowa, had 10.1% growth, and Columbia, Missouri was at 8.2%. Morgantown, West Virginia had 7.8% job growth for the same period, and Stillwater, Oklahoma, was at 7.7%. Manattan was near the bottom compared to the other middle-of-the-country college towns in other economic categories, as well. Source: 1350 KMAN

Municipal Bond Trends for January 23, 2025

Henry Schmidt2025-01-24T09:42:20-06:00January 24th, 2025|

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.

Jackson County residents sue to stop 5,000-acre solar farm from moving forward

info2025-01-24T07:13:21-06:00January 24th, 2025|

Four Jackson County residents ... are claiming multiple federal agencies failed to provide an environmental impact report required by the National Environmental Policy Act for any “major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment." Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for January 22, 2025

Henry Schmidt2025-01-23T10:27:21-06:00January 23rd, 2025|

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 first EV batteries will come out of De Soto’s massive Panasonic plant this spring

info2025-01-22T13:40:34-06:00January 22nd, 2025|

One of the largest economic development projects in Kansas history will start churning out lithium-ion batteries as soon as March, Panasonic announced on Friday. Executives from the Japanese tech giant gave updates on its 300-acre manufacturing facility in De Soto, alongside a suite of lawmakers who helped bring the project to Kansas. Source: The Lawrence Times

Andover adopts new city logo

info2025-01-22T13:39:52-06:00January 22nd, 2025|

The City of Andover adopted a new city logo on Tuesday evening during the City Council meeting. The logo, which was created by Greteman Group based out of Wichita, simplified and modernized the old design while keeping key aspects. Source: Andover American

Communication, honest transparency top traits focus groups desired in next Lawrence superintendent

info2025-01-22T09:38:30-06:00January 22nd, 2025|

Focus group members said they’d most like the new permanent Lawrence Public Schools superintendent to be effective in communication and honest with transparency, according to a search firm. Lawrence school board President Kelly Jones called a special meeting Tuesday to hear an update from the Kansas Association of School Boards. Board members voted 6-0 in November to approve a contract with KASB for an amount not to exceed $11,500 to assist with the ongoing superintendent search. Britton Hart, assistant executive director of KASB’s leadership services, on Tuesday shared with the board data from 16 focus groups of teachers and staff, principals [...]

Year begins busy for Arma FD

info2025-01-22T09:35:03-06:00January 22nd, 2025|

It is only three weeks into the new year, already becoming a busy time for the Arma Fire Department and Crawford County Fire District #2, carrying over from last year’s busy schedule. At Monday’s Arma City Council meeting, Fire Chief Mike McLeod spoke to councilmembers, offering statistics from last year into the new year. “We’ve had probably the busiest year we’ve ever had (in 2024),” he said. “From when I first got here, we are probably running 50 to 70 calls a year, we’re up to 726 calls. We already had 50 calls this month … We had 107 lift assists, [...]

Interest rates won’t fall as fast as expected if tariffs stoke inflation, UBS CEO says

info2025-01-22T09:33:21-06:00January 22nd, 2025|

An expected decline in interest rates could be stalled if the prospective tariffs of Donald Trump’s second White House administration bleed into markets and shore up inflation, UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti warned Tuesday. Markets have been on alert for the next trade steps of the newly inaugurated Trump, who has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, while also floating a separate set of retaliatory trade measures against China in a bid to pressure Beijing to force ByteDance’s sale of TikTok. Source: CNBC - Bonds

Merriam becomes latest JoCo suburb to allow accessory dwelling units. What are they?

info2025-01-22T09:29:35-06:00January 22nd, 2025|

A new housing option is now allowable under the city of Merriam’s municipal code. The Merriam City Council last week voted 7-0 to approve an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units, sometimes called mother-in-law suites, within city limits. Councilmember Reuben Cozmyer was absent. Other Johnson County cities like Olathe, Overland Park and Westwood already allow accessory dwelling units. Source: Johnson County Post