Presenters at an Economic Outlook Conference in Hutchinson Wednesday described as “bullish” and “optimistic” the short-term outlook for Reno County and the region, thanks in part to nearly full employment and pent-up demand. While there are no quick fixes to many of the challenges that local businesses and the community seem to perpetually deal with in attracting or expanding businesses – including housing and childcare – the community continues working to figure out how to handle with them. But finding workers — one of the problems most oft-cited by local employers and which recently has become acute — is something business owners need to “look in the mirror” to address, said Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce President Debra Teufel.
Source: Hutch News

One of Salina’s largest industries is expanding. Along with bringing more jobs to central Kansas, this expansion will have a ripple effect throughout the Sunflower State. Schwan’s Company buys flour from Kansas mills, sausage from Tyson in Hutchinson and packaging supplies from a vendor in the Kansas City, Kansas area. By increasing the company’s footprint in Salina, they are increasing goods that they already buy from vendors in Kansas. The pizza’s coming out of the Salina plant, Tony’s and Red Barron, are ranked second in the U.S. frozen-pizza market and first for school pizza.
Source: Salina Journal

The Kansas Supreme Court will rule whether the state’s “stand-your-ground” law protects a fired Wichita police officer who claimed self-defense immunity after shooting a girl when aiming for a dog. The ruling is likely to have wide ramifications, both for potential prosecutions in police use-of-force cases and for any situation where a shooter can claim they feared for their safety. Lower court rulings in favor of the officer have already been used as reasons not to charge other law enforcement officers in use-of-force cases.
Source: CJonline

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 and Beth Warren.