News – Page 831 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

City sponsoring logo design contest

info2023-02-15T00:16:23-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The City of Hiawatha has announced its first ever Logo Design contest. City officials said the current logo has served the city well, but they are looking to freshen it up with a high quality digital image. The city is looking for talented local artists who can design a logo representative of the City of Hiawatha. Examples include the Davis Memorial, Clock Tower, maple leaf and clock tower. Submissions are due by Friday, March 31 to mgreen@cityofhiawatha.org or drop off at City Hall. The winner will receive $150 in Chamber Bucks. Source: hiawathaworldonline.com

Mission Hills removes coyote traps from park after dogs injured

info2023-02-15T00:14:38-06:00February 15th, 2023|

Mission Hills officials say they plan to re-evaluate how to handle an increase in coyote activity after two dogs were injured this month after being caught in traps placed for coyotes at a city park. City officials say a city staff member is licensed to trap through a nuisance wildlife control permit, and signage and mailers went out as a warning the week before the “non-lethal” traps were set in an “unmaintained” corner of the park. Source: Prairie Village Post

Commerce Department seeks to expand mega project incentives

info2023-02-15T00:12:52-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The state Commerce Department is asking lawmakers to expand a lucrative tax incentive to land a new major economic development project on the heels of securing Panasonic and Integra. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Hughes appeared before the House commerce Tuesday, asking for an extension of the incentive program though Dec. 31, 2024 as well as more incentives for training and employee relocation. Hughes said interest in Kansas from mega projects has slowed since the Legislature approved the first package of incentives that are set to lapse at the end of the 2023. Source: Sunflower State Journal

State funds will allow apartment expansion

info2023-02-15T00:12:07-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The City of Winfield has been awarded more than $1.8 million in state housing funds to help expand an apartment complex currently under construction, according to Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. The funds from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation include $650,000 in Moderate Income Housing funds and $1.2 million in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits. The money will go toward an additional 48 units in the 71-unit moderate income apartment complex being built at 19th Avenue and Bliss Street in Winfield. This project is being built by Petra Development. Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

Nearly $20 Million in Grants Aim to Reduce Number of Kids in Foster Care

info2023-02-15T00:10:52-06:00February 15th, 2023|

Governor Kelly announced a new set of Family First Prevention grants totaling nearly $20 million. The grants will create and grow programs aimed to prevent children from entering the foster care system. The Governor said in a statement, “Family First programs have been proven to keep families together, improving outcomes for our children long-term and saving our state money down the road. They have contributed to the nearly 20% drop in the total number of children in foster care since the start of my administration. That’s why we have worked across the aisle to direct both state and federal funding to [...]

Newton school district will keep two schools open, with fewer classes

info2023-02-15T00:08:25-06:00February 15th, 2023|

The Newton school board has agreed to keep two schools open for the next school year, but they will have fewer classes. There have been concerns about declining enrollment at the Walton Rural Life Center, which is a special education agriculture charter elementary school. There are also concerns about enrollment at Northridge Elementary. The school board voted to reduce classes at Walton from two classes to one in kindergarten through fourth grade, with one teacher per grade. At Northridge Elementary, kindergarten and the first and second grades will be reduced to one class each. There will be two classes in grades [...]

Inflation rose 0.5% in January, more than expected and up 6.4% from a year ago

info2023-02-14T12:57:37-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Inflation turned higher to start 2023, as rising shelter, gas and fuel prices took their toll on consumers, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. The consumer price index, which measures a broad basket of common goods and services, rose 0.5% in January, which translated to an annual gain of 6.4%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for respective increases of 0.4% and 6.2%. Excluding volatile food and energy, the core CPI increased 0.4% monthly and 5.6% from a year ago, against respective estimates of 0.3% and 5.5%. ... That has come despite Federal Reserve efforts to quell the problem. The [...]

Shawnee hires Doug Gerber as the new City Manager

info2023-02-14T12:55:21-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Mayor Michelle Distler and the Shawnee City Council announced Doug Gerber as the new City Manager. The Governing Body approved a contract with Gerber at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023. Gerber was one of five finalists who met with the Governing Body and City staff late last month in an extensive interview process. “As with any change in this community that I love, I am confident our staff will embrace it and support the new City Manager.” said Mayor Michelle Distler. When asked about his new position, Doug said, “I am humbled that I was selected as [...]

Lawrence City Commission to consider putting changes to form of government on upcoming ballot

info2023-02-14T08:12:07-06:00February 14th, 2023|

Lawrence city leaders will soon consider asking voters to change the city’s governing body to include some seats elected by districts and a directly elected mayor. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting a resolution to put the changes on the November 2024 ballot. The commission will also consider an ordinance to amend city code to establish four-year terms on the commission, a change that would occur regardless of the outcome of the ballot question. In January, city leaders expressed support for asking Lawrence voters about changing the city’s form of government to a hybrid [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for February 13, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-02-14T05:29:24-06:00February 14th, 2023|

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, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.