Save Century II loses in bid at state Legislature to protect Wichita buildings

After a lengthy hearing in Topeka, the state Legislature won’t be taking action to save Century II and the former Wichita downtown library. The Save Century II group argued their case for state intervention before the House Local Government Committee. Save Century II members Celeste Racette, John Todd, Karl Peterjohn and Walt Chappell were asking lawmakers to require a binding public election before any decisions are made to tear down the historic buildings to replace them with a sweeping redevelopment of the Arkansas River front where they stand.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2021-02-25T07:58:39-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

McPherson receives update from BPU regarding gas prices

Tim Meier with BPU provided commissioners with an update on gas prices, production and the cold snap during Monday’s city commission meeting. Meier advised that, beginning on Feb. 9, BPU became curtailed on their production and had to begin receiving oil. They maintain approximately one million gallons of oil in stock at their facilities, but with gas prices going through the roof, they knew they needed a lot of fuel generation. “Typically, natural gas is substantially cheaper than oil, but oil was actually the cheaper option,” Meier said.
Source: McPherson Weekly News » Feed

Ranson Financial2021-02-25T08:00:27-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Muni yields climb 30-plus basis points in weeklong sell-off

Triple-A municipal benchmarks saw another seven basis point cut in yields on bonds outside of 10 years on Wednesday, pushing municipal to U.S. Treasury ratios higher amid sloppy trading and cheaper pricing levels on high-grade competitive deals. Municipal bonds could not ignore another rise in U.S. Treasury rates, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell’s congressional testimony and a resulting equity rebound, along with approval of emergency use of a new COVID vaccine and the likelihood of more federal stimulus. “The municipal yield curve continues to steepen, and refuge from significant price losses only exists at the very short end of the market at this time,” said Michael Pietronico, chief executive officer at Miller Tabak Asset Management.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2021-02-25T08:02:32-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Sedgwick county leaders to discuss changes to current health order on Friday

The current COVID-19 positive rate is down to 4-point-7 percent. That’s the lowest it’s been since the last week of September. County leaders are set to meet on Friday to discuss the current health order which expires on March 20. County commissioner Pete Meitzner said he is pleased with the community’s role in lowering the positivity rate. The county manager says fewer restrictions could be on the way but ultimately it’s up to the health officer. “Now the order that we currently have is in effect until sometime in March, we will talk with Dr. Minns on Friday about a number of things — but one of them is going to be what his feelings are on regulation right now and I would bet he will definitely want to discuss that,” said Tom Stolz, Sedgwick County manager.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-25T08:02:38-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Hays energy company protects customers from skyrocketing bills

The recent arctic blast led to skyrocketing energy demands across the midwest and now many customers are fearing skyrocketing bills. Midwest Energy, Inc. is a company that provides gas and electric services to a large portion of western Kansas. Following the recent weeks’ weather and events, the company had hundreds of concerned customers reach out to ask if they too could expect higher bills in the coming months and if they needed to prepare for a financial hit. In response to the calls, company CEO Patrick Parke said, “We will stand with our customers.”
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-25T08:02:56-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Shawnee uses eminent domain to expand sidewalk and build trail along 75th Street

Shawnee is claiming eminent domain to acquire private property for construction improvements along the 75th Street corridor. Located along a section of 75th between Quivira and Switzer Roads, the project involves the widening of a sidewalk on the north side of 75th as well as building a new 8-foot multipurpose trail along the south side. Paul Lindstrom, senior project engineer with the city, said nearly all of the permanent and temporary easements are required to make room for the sidewalk expansion and new trail.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2021-02-25T08:03:07-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for February 23, 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 Financial2021-02-24T07:14:25-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

New casino in Park City opens for business next week

The new Crosswinds Casino in Park City will open at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, according to a news release from Wyandotte Nation. The casino will be 20,000 square feet and is located at 777 N Jackpot Way. The casino will have 500 slot machines and 200 VGT machines with Red Spins. The casino will also have a bar and cafe. … “Park City has worked hard and has been successful over the years with their redevelopment plans and have welcomed us as partners,” Wyandotte Nation Chief Billy Friend said. “The great thing about this project is it will not only create jobs for the area, but will bring in increased revenues through tourism, and create new opportunities for additional development.”
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2021-02-24T07:13:21-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Municipal yields rose for the sixth day in a row

Municipal yields rose for the sixth day in a row Tuesday, pushing the 10-year above 1%, a level not seen since May 2020. High-grade deals priced and secondary trading showed bonds exchanging hands at yields higher than triple-A benchmarks in some cases, but a healthy two-way flow was evident, even if there are signals that yields have not yet found a ceiling. U.S. Treasuries held steady for most of Tuesday as Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell testified before Congress that the bond buying would continue and the economic recovery was far from complete.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2021-02-24T07:03:27-06:00February 24, 2021|News|

Grant Opportunity for Businesses in Historic Downtown Merriam

The City of Merriam is reimbursing up to $5,000 to eligible property owners in the downtown area to make exterior improvements to their businesses. The Historic Downtown Exterior Improvement Grant is for business and property owners to make outdoor enhancements for items, including new: Painting, Siding, Awnings, Building additions, Landscaping, Door/Window replacements, Foundation repair and Floodproofing (must meet FEMA standards).
Source: Merriam, KS news

Ranson Financial2021-02-24T07:05:13-06:00February 24, 2021|News|