JFK’s hearse brings visitors to Hill City museum

There is just one week left to view the 1964 Cadillac Hearse that transported President John F. Kennedy’s body from Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas to Air Force One on that fateful day in 1963. The infamous automobile arrived in Hill City in April. It was part of the opening of the Graham County Auto and Art Museum, a new tourist attraction that is bringing visitors to the city. … By bringing a destination museum into this town of less than 2,000, Hill City is giving its downtown a small boost.
Source: Hutch News

Ranson Financial2021-10-02T08:36:25-05:00October 2, 2021|News|

Derby’s housing needs continue to grow

Like many growing cities of its size, there are a variety of housing options in Derby. A city website lists 14 new housing developments in town, along with five apartment complexes, six assisted living and retirement living centers, and several property management firms. And, of course, there are existing homes for sale or rent, too. Like any market, if money is no object, what a buyer wants can usually be easily obtained. Several of the developments on the housing website indicate prices of $300,000, or $400,000 and up. For others, the need is high, but the price point lower, especially for rentals, entry-level housing and affordable senior-oriented units.
Source: Derby Informer

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T08:54:48-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

The most iconic films from the Sunflower State

There’s no place like home, and if you’re looking for the most iconic movies from Kansas, we have the list for you. From Westerns to fantasy to a nuclear apocalypse, the Sunflower State has been the setting for many iconic films. Eight such movies are listed below. If you want further readings, the Center for Kansas Studies at Washburn University has compiled lists of movies with Kansas connections. The school’s listings are available online.
Source: Hutch News

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:50:53-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

Hackers hit Pottawatomie County: Cyberattack on community underscores security risks for governments

A Kansas county is still recovering from a cyberattack almost two weeks ago, underscoring the internet security risks local governments in the state face amid a national wave of attacks from hackers. Pottawatomie County was hit with the attack on Sept. 17, officials say, with some of the county’s computer system encrypted by the hackers, making them inaccessible and shutting off some services. “We are very limited,” County Treasurer Lisa Taylor told county commissioners Monday, the Wamego Times reported. “The driver’s license (system) is completely down, we can’t do taxes.” The county said such services as EMS, police and fire haven’t been impacted. Most other services are accessible in-person if residents drive to the county courthouse in Westmoreland, officials said. Federal and state law enforcement have been investigating the attack, the county said in a statement.
Source: Hutch News

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:49:43-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

Wamego gears up for OZtoberFest this weekend

Wamego celebrates … a lot. Coming up this weekend, Wamego will celebrate fall and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz with the annual OZtoberFest. This year’s theme is the Emerald City, so expect to see a lot of green — from costumes to auction items. The festival is a collaborative effort between the OZ Museum, Columbian Theatre and the Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce. “Even though many are in love with the Wizard of Oz, you don’t have to be a fan to enjoy OZtoberFest,” said Kara Holle, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “This family friendly, fun-filled festival offers something for everyone. Also, come and enjoy shopping and local restaurants.”
Source: themercury.com

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:47:57-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

One of the finest in the state: Newton City Auditorium built in 1915, torn down in 1966

The Newton City Auditorium served an important function in the community when it stood at 130 W. Sixth St. decades ago. “It’s a community center,” said Kris Schmucker, curator at the Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives in Newton. “It’s important. It served a function.” Schmucker said that going through old newspapers, she came across advertisements for shows and meetings in the auditorium. “It was used as a meeting place for WCTU,” she said, adding that stands for Women’s Christian Temperance Union. That group was focused on no drinking, getting the women’s right to vote and morals of the state.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:47:05-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

City of Pittsburg receives grant for interactive historical walking tour

The city of Pittsburg is taking a modern approach to remembering its past. The city recently received the “2020 Historic Preservation Fund Grant” from the Kansas Historical Society. The grant will go towards creating an interactive walking tour for the downtown area. While still in the developmental stages, the city hopes to have the new tour involve a mobile app and QR codes to help make its history more accessible.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:45:23-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

Rural Opportunity Zone loan assistance program expands to Crawford County

It’s the first chance many are getting to take advantage of the Kansas “Rural Opportunity Zone” program in Crawford County. The ROZ program expanded its coverage back in may to 95 counties in Kansas. Crawford County was later adopted in June. The program offers Kansas residents up to 15 thousand dollars in loan forgiveness over five years or an income tax abatement for new county residents.
Source: KSNF/KODE

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:45:06-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for September 30, 2021

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.

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:41:11-05:00October 1, 2021|News|

City updates public on natural gas cost spike

Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall said that the city tried to keep customers informed about what was happening from the beginning regarding natural gas costs, while some larger utility companies are just now starting to announce rate increases related to the storm. Kansas Gas Service, which serves Arkansas City, has presented plans showing how it plans to recover its $452 million in gas purchases over the next five, seven and 10 years. Black Hills Energy has proposed a five-year plan to recover its $88 million in gas costs. All together, natural gas customers in Kansas spent around $1 billion to meet needs during the cold spell.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2021-10-01T06:39:11-05:00September 30, 2021|News|