News – Page 39 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

New Wichita water facility complete but not ready to use

info2024-10-04T09:15:16-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Wichita’s new Northwest Water Facility, in the works since 2018, is now complete. The half-billion-dollar facility will eventually replace Wichita’s 80-year-old water treatment plant in the Riverside area, but it won’t be fully up and running for some time. Although the facility looks ready to go, it won’t be fully operational until April, and the City of Wichita says it’s not planning on closing the old Riverside facility and fully relying on this plant until summer 2025. Source: KSN-TV

WSU study says house prices to go up

info2024-10-04T09:14:05-05:00October 4th, 2024|

The Kansas housing market is seeing a shift. A new forecast from Wichita State University says prices will go up 6% across the state, but low inventory of houses continues to be an issue. KSN spoke with researchers and a local developer. House prices in Kansas are going up. Dr. Stan Longhofer with the Center for Real Estate at WSU says we’re still dealing with the effects of the housing crisis from 2008. “Those homes that we didn’t build in 2010, 11 and 12, those would be the move-up homes that would be out in the market right now that buyers [...]

City of Russell to vote on sales tax for water reserve fund

info2024-10-04T09:12:42-05:00October 4th, 2024|

A push to secure water for the City of Russell is on the ballot this November. The City is voting on a three-quarter cent sales tax. It is teaming up with the City of Hays to pipe water in from Edwards County, but doing that will take a lot of money. The sales tax would bring in an estimated $400,000 each year. “All taxes are unfavorable in any way you look at it, but the sales tax is more equitable to everyone because not only to the people spending money in Russell but outside. The citizens won’t have it solely as [...]

Gordon Parks celebration starts in Fort Scott

info2024-10-04T09:11:30-05:00October 4th, 2024|

The 21st annual Gordon Parks celebration is officially underway in Fort Scott. The three-day event includes a jam-packed schedule on the Fort Scott Community College campus. We were there for Thursday’s “lunch and learn” event, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the film Solomon Northup’s Odyssey. Photojournalist Fred Watkins spoke about the film and gave insight into what it was like working with legendary photographer and Fort Scott native Gordon Parks during filming. Watkins also wanted to leave some advice for any of the younger generation who might be listening. Source: KSNF/KODE

Kansas law enforcement wear pink badges in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

info2024-10-04T09:10:13-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Law enforcement across the Sunflower State are supporting breast cancer awareness month with their uniforms. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; state and local law enforcement are showing their support in their uniforms. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Lyon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and Emporia Police Department (EPD) are wearing pink on their uniforms as a way to show their support for the cause. Source: KSNT 27 News

Four KS communities selected for $600k clean energy grant

info2024-10-04T09:09:04-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Four Kansas communities have been selected to receive part of $607,815 to invest in renewable energy as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program. Wichita State University (WSU), Holton, Leavenworth County and Paola were all selected to receive grant funds. They are part of a larger national program that distributed grant funds to 29 other states. “Rural Development is investing in rural Kansas to help expand power generation and improve efficiency.” Director Davis said. “These projects will ensure rural Kansans have access to reliable, affordable energy no matter where they live.” Source: KSNT 27 News

Lawrence school district, law enforcement work to manage surge in gun threats, rumors

info2024-10-04T09:07:40-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Desensitization to violence and social media usage among youth are contributing to an influx of alleged gun threats aimed at Lawrence schools, according to the school district and police. School shootings continue to afflict communities — the most recent to capture national attention occurring at a Georgia high school on Sept. 4 and resulted in four deaths. Laura McCabe, a spokesperson for the Lawrence Police Department, said the department is maintaining long-standing relationships with FBI task force partners, Lawrence Public Schools administrators, the National School Resource Officer Association, and additional agencies to keep students and staff safe. Source: The Lawrence Times

NAC explores options to incentivize property owners

info2024-10-04T09:06:30-05:00October 4th, 2024|

Pittsburg’s Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) met on Wednesday to explore options to possibly streamline the process of cleaning up neglected or abandoned properties. Many properties in the city are owned by people who do not live in the city, or even the state, and these areas are often neglected by the owner. Codes Enforcement officers send notifications and issue fines, but the owners either ignore the citations or are simply unable to be reached. NAC members are looking to explore ways to incentivize, rather than penalize, these property owners so they will maintain their properties. The legal process to rectify the [...]

Douglas County Commission approves plans for property tax rebate program for qualifying older people, veterans

info2024-10-04T09:04:54-05:00October 4th, 2024|

The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday approved a pilot program aimed at providing property tax relief to older people with low incomes and veterans who are disabled. The Low-Income Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Rebate Pilot Program is designed to assist eligible homeowners by offering a rebate on their property taxes. The maximum rebate amount is $300 per household or the county portion of the property tax, whichever is less. Source: The Lawrence Times

Municipal Bond Trends for October 2, 2024

Henry Schmidt2024-10-03T08:50:37-05:00October 3rd, 2024|

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.