Municipal Bond Trends for May 1, 2024

2 Thursday, May 2

Municipal Bond Trends for May 1, 2024

2024-05-02T10:05:41-05:00May 2nd, 2024|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. 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.

1 Wednesday, May 1

Fed keeps rates steady as it notes ‘lack of further progress’ on inflation

2024-05-01T14:08:42-05:00May 1st, 2024|

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its ground on interest rates, again deciding not to cut as it continues a battle with inflation that has grown more difficult lately. In a widely expected move, the U.S. central bank kept its benchmark short-term borrowing rate in a targeted range between 5.25%-5%. The federal funds rate has been at that level since July 2023, when the Fed last hiked and took the range to its highest level in more than two decades. ... With its the decision to hold the line on rates, the committee in its post-meeting statement noted a "lack of [...]

1 Wednesday, May 1

Crawford County landowners speak out against wind, solar

2024-05-01T14:05:51-05:00May 1st, 2024|

The Crawford County Commission room was packed on Friday as dozens of local landowners were present to show support for a moratorium on any further development of wind and solar farms in the county. Calling themselves the Crawford County Coalition Against Industrial Wind and Solar, county resident Ray Huff spoke on their behalf. Huff said he is not “anti-green” or a conspiracy theorist, but focused on the potential detrimental effects wind turbines have on local wildlife. Source: Morning Sun

1 Wednesday, May 1

Historic Johnson County village is falling apart. Will Panasonic plant save or kill it?

2024-05-01T14:05:18-05:00May 1st, 2024|

Directly across from Clearview, spread along more than a half-mile of West 103rd Street, Panasonic’s $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant is rising on the grounds of the old ordnance works. Scheduled to open in 2025 with some 4,000 workers, nothing since World War II has so impacted De Soto, a mostly rural town of 6,500. That includes fueling rumors on the fate of Clearview and its 500 or so residents. Source: KC Star Local News

1 Wednesday, May 1

Evinger feels call to serve leading fire/EMT reserves

2024-05-01T14:04:35-05:00May 1st, 2024|

For nearly 20 years, Mike Evinger has been a dedicated volunteer and mentor to the Arkansas City Fire/EMS Department, a role he never imagined would become such a significant part of his life. When he’s not rushing to aid in emergencies as the reserve captain for the department, Evinger can often be found caring for yards throughout the community. As the reserve captain, Evinger is responsible for coordinating and leading the reserve team, ensuring their readiness for emergency response. It’s hard to imagine that these two worlds could merge as one, but for Evinger, being a volunteer for the department is [...]

1 Wednesday, May 1

Digging deep into the history of Olathe, this documentary filmmaker discovered gems

2024-05-01T14:04:14-05:00May 1st, 2024|

Gregory Sheffer thought he knew Olathe history. After all, he grew up in the Olathe school system and earned a history degree from MidAmerica Narazene University in Olathe. There was, Sheffer discovered, more to know about Olathe’s history. And through a documentary film project, he’s learned a lot more — and so have the people of Olathe. Source: Kansas City Breaking News & Sports | The Kansas City Star

1 Wednesday, May 1

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas Moving Forward with $451.7M High-Speed Internet Deployment Plan

2024-05-01T14:03:25-05:00May 1st, 2024|

Governor Laura Kelly announced federal approval of the state’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 2, providing an investment of more than $450 million to expand Kansas’ high-speed internet infrastructure. Funding will be granted to areas that have been identified as underserved through a competitive application process that will begin in July. ... Eligible homes and businesses within the predetermined funding areas will be made public for 60 days before the application process opens. This transparency ensures that applicants have adequate time to become aware of opportunities and to prepare for the process. Preregistration for BEAD applicants is [...]

1 Wednesday, May 1

Pittsburg area growth continues

2024-05-01T14:02:42-05:00May 1st, 2024|

The Pittsburg State Kelce College of Business has released its economic summary for the first quarter of 2024. Overall, the Pittsburg Micropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) is still growing, often at rates above the state and national averages. According to the summary, Pittsburg’s economy relies on small businesses, those with fewer than 50 employees, which make up more than 94 percent of all businesses in the area. Supporting these businesses requires a healthy local banking industry to supply capital for growth and expansion. On average, small, local banks approve 82 percent of small business loans, while larger, national banks average a 68 [...]

1 Wednesday, May 1

De Soto tackles major infrastructure upgrades amid development boom

2024-05-01T14:01:55-05:00May 1st, 2024|

Upgrading public infrastructure is the first hurdle De Soto must clear as city leaders navigate a generational boom in economic development. Panasonic’s plans to build an electric-vehicle battery manufacturing facility in De Soto kicked off a tight deadline to make water, sewer, road and electrical infrastructure upgrades before the plant’s production start date, City Administrator Mike Brungardt said. Source: Kansas City Business Journal

1 Wednesday, May 1

Fort Scott Fire water rescue stay busy; Near record flooding City Manager says

2024-05-01T14:01:07-05:00May 1st, 2024|

Due to the heavy rains across SE Kansas the past two days the Marmaton River [pron: Mar-muh-ton] has grown out of its banks, cutting off a portion of Fort Scott to nearby Missouri and north to US-54. But it’s nothing new. It just doesn’t happened all the time. The Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin stated Sunday morning, “the city has had about 10-inches of rain in the past 48 hours and we have a lot of flooding.” He continued by asking citizens to stay home Sunday. Source: KOAM News

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