Governor Laura Kelly announces Kansas receives national economic development recognition

Governor Laura Kelly today announced Kansas has received Area Development’s Top 20 States for Doing Business recognition for 2021 – the first time in Kansas history the state has made the Top 20 list. “Our state’s positive economic development momentum is undeniable, and the rest of the country is taking notice,” Governor Kelly said. “This designation – in addition to our record-breaking economic success, our receipt of Area Development Magazine’s Gold Shovel Award, and being named as the top business climate in the West North Central region of the United States – is further proof our efforts are paying off in a big way. “My administration will continue rebuilding our economic development tools, fully funding our schools, investing in much-needed infrastructure projects, and expanding high speed internet access to build on the qualities that make Kansas the best state to live and to do business.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T23:02:57-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

100-year-old theatre brings new life to Kingman

A century-old theatre is bringing new life and new people to a Kansas town. “It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are. You still get that excitement and that nostalgic feeling when you walk in the door. You realize this is a place of value, history, and fun and excitement,” said Kingman Historic Theatre General Manager Deena Lampe. The Kingman Historic Theatre was built in 1920 as a silent movie and vaudeville house. Today, it’s a movie and live events venue boasting much of the original art deco and historic charm. “There is so much history here. The ticket office used to be a cigar bar for the men. They used to serve peanuts on a cart out in the lobby as concessions,” explained Lampe. Deena Lampe got her career start with the theatre about seven years ago. However, it was decades before that when she first experienced the space and all of its wonder. Her grandmother grew up going to the theatre.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-09-15T06:50:50-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

Edgerton plans $98 million mixed-use development near I-35

Developers could soon break ground on a new retail center just south of Logistics Park in Edgerton. On Tuesday, the Edgerton Planning Commission will discuss if a proposal to develop land near Homestead Lane fits within the city’s comprehensive plan. In 2019, the city created the Homestead Lane Retail Tax Increment Financing District. On Sept. 9 this year, the Edgerton City Council approved a Development Agreement with Woodstone Properties, LLC to construct a project on the southwest corner of Homestead Lane and 199th Street within the District.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T22:56:15-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

USDA expands assistance to cover feed transportation costs for drought-impacted ranchers in Kansas

In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help Kansas ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at www.fsa.usda.gov/elap. “USDA is currently determining how our disaster assistance programs can best help alleviate the significant economic, physical and emotional strain agriculture producers are experiencing due to drought conditions,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The duration and intensity of current drought conditions are merciless, and the impacts of this summer’s drought will be felt by producers for months to come. Today’s announcement is to provide relief as ranchers make fall and winter herd management decisions.”
Source: Sabetha Herald

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T22:54:38-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

Affordable Housing Advisory Board recommends city partner with private property owners to develop affordable housing in Lawrence

The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board would like the city to more actively pursue partnerships with private property owners to develop affordable housing in the community. As part of its meeting Monday, the board voted 12-0 to recommend that the City of Lawrence issue a request for proposals for private property owners who are interested in working with the city and other partners to develop affordable housing. If the City Commission is interested considering a future RFP, the board can put together a more specific recommendation.
Source: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T07:39:28-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

Natural gas spikes ‘appear to violate’ law

Attorney General Derek Schmidt says the natural gas price spikes during the February winter storm “appear to violate Kansas law,” and he is seeking expert help with the investigation and potential lawsuits. Schmidt announced Monday that his office has submitted a request for proposals to retain a law firm with expertise in the natural gas marketplace. The law firm would assist with the ongoing investigation and any civil litigation enforcing state anti-profiteering law. “State law prohibits ‘unjustified’ price increases for ‘necessary’ goods and services during a declared state of disaster emergency, and on their face these increases appear to violate Kansas law,” Schmidt said in a statement.
Source: Salina Journal.

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T06:58:13-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for September 13, 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 Financial2021-09-14T06:46:47-05:00September 14, 2021|News|

Derby population over 25k in latest Census data

The latest Census data from 2020 indicates Derby’s population is officially over 25,000 people. Per the Census report, Derby is still the second-largest city in Sedgwick County, behind Wichita at 397,532 people. With an estimated population of 25,625, Derby is well over twice the size of the city closest to it in size, Haysville. Derby’s estimated population has grown by more than 3,000 since the last Census report in 2010. Data indicates the population was around 22,294 at that time.
Source: Derby Informer | News

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T06:39:42-05:00September 13, 2021|News|

Hesston’s Excel Industries sold

One of Harvey County’s largest employers has been sold. Excel Industries was purchased by Stanley Black and Decker. The transaction was announced today. Excel is a leading manufacturer of lawn equipment under the brand names of Hustler and BigDog. The Hesston company has approximately 600 employees. The deal is for $375 million in cash. The deal has been approved by a majority of Excel shareholders.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2021-09-14T06:43:07-05:00September 13, 2021|News|

Buffalo carved out of butter featured at Kansas State Fair

Kansas’s state animal — the buffalo — is being celebrated at the State Fair this year with a 700-pound butter sculpture. A sculptor from Iowa, Sarah Pratt, had to do some research on buffaloes before she designed this year’s butter statue. Pratt said that if she winds up with any extra butter she may add a buffalo calf or some sunflowers. Pratt, who teaches school by day, lives in West Des Moines with her husband and three children, all of whom help her out with sculpting – from the Kansas State Fair to fairs in Iowa or Illinois.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-09-13T21:30:38-05:00September 13, 2021|News|