Tornado sirens sent false alarms to parts of Wichita early Friday

Sedgwick County’s siren system is undergoing a six-year improvement, and currently, two different system communicate with the sirens. The devices are split into zones so sirens can target various parts of the county. In this week’s case, the wrong zone was activated. “Because the city of Mulvane falls in both counties and the programming challenges we have with two systems, it did activate our zone in the southeastern part of the county,” … When a tornado warning is issued, it’s for a specific area. In weather broadcasts, the area under a warning will appear as a polygon. That polygon is issued by the National Weather Service and, when under a warning, every siren in that polygon is activated. In response to Friday’s issue, the county has readjusted its zones.
Read more: Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2026-03-09T08:10:33-05:00March 9, 2026|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 5, 2026

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.

Henry Schmidt2026-03-06T10:27:38-06:00March 6, 2026|Finance|

Kansas lawmakers are advancing property tax relief. Here are the major proposals

The leading proposals this year are similar to the bills and resolutions that failed just a year ago. But lawmakers are more optimistic that relief will come this time around. Here are the two leading proposals: Constitutional amendment to cap valuation increases, and Spending caps on local governments.
Read more: Johnson County Post

Ranson Financial2026-03-05T11:56:52-06:00March 5, 2026|Finance, Legal|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 4, 2026

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.

Henry Schmidt2026-03-05T10:19:16-06:00March 5, 2026|Finance|

Interim city administrator hired at Hillsboro

Hillsboro City Council approved an agreement Thursday with Michael Webb to serve as interim city administrator after Matt Stiles steps down until the city recruits a permanent replacement.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Ranson Financial2026-03-05T09:48:21-06:00March 5, 2026|HR|

Marion County approves rental rules

The updated definition states that owner-occupied means the owner lives on the property at least 180 days during the calendar year. New language states that a rental unit must be located within the primary residential dwelling on the property and may not be located in an accessory building unless the main dwelling is owner-occupied.
Read more: Marion County RECORD

Ranson Financial2026-03-05T09:47:30-06:00March 5, 2026|News|

Landlord Incentive Program expanding housing access to those in need in Johnson County

Since launching in 2023 as a grant‑funded initiative, the program has brought more than 80 new landlords into local housing programs and helped remove barriers that often prevent property owners from participating in federal rental assistance. The incentive program offers landlords a sign-on bonus and access to a damage reimbursement fund.
Read more: Johnson County Kansas

Ranson Financial2026-03-05T07:55:29-06:00March 5, 2026|Finance|

Municipal Bond Trends for March 3, 2026

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.

Henry Schmidt2026-03-04T09:55:11-06:00March 4, 2026|Finance|

Top Fed Official, Wary of Inflation, Calls for Extended Rate Pause

Beth M. Hammack, head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, says it is too early to gauge the economic impact of the Iran war and backs holding interest rates steady for “quite some time.”
Read more: NYT > Business

Ranson Financial2026-03-04T09:20:18-06:00March 4, 2026|Finance|

Newton USD 373 Voters Approve $50M Bond Issue Tuesday

Voters in Newton USD 373 gave overwhelming approval to a $50M bond issue Tuesday. Unofficial results from the Harvey County Clerk’s Office indicated 2.316 votes were cast in favor to 2,116 votes against. Most of this bond will go towards projects at Newton High School including upgrades to science labs and culinary arts kitchens original to when the school was built in the 1970’s along with other remodeling and pool upgrades. Other projects include updates at Chisholm Middle School, addition of a classroom that will double as a storm shelter at Cooper Early Education Center, and HVAC, roof and elementary playground projects across the district. Harvey County Commissioners will conduct their vote canvass on March 10, including provisional ballots. 18 advance by mail ballots will be counted Wednesday.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio

Ranson Financial2026-03-04T09:19:02-06:00March 4, 2026|Finance|