Fed Chair Powell calls inflation ‘too high’ and warns that ‘we are prepared to raise rates further’

25 Friday, August 25

Fed Chair Powell calls inflation ‘too high’ and warns that ‘we are prepared to raise rates further’

info2023-08-25T09:41:57-05:00August 25th, 2023|

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday called for more vigilance in the fight against inflation, warning that additional interest rate increases could be yet to come. While acknowledging that progress has been made, the central bank leader said inflation is still above where policymakers feel comfortable. He noted that the Fed will remain flexible as it contemplates further moves, but gave little indication that it's ready to start easing up anytime soon. "Although inflation has moved down from its peak — a welcome development — it remains too high," Powell said in prepared remarks for his keynote address at the [...]

25 Friday, August 25

Protect Rural JoCo LLC vs. City of Edgerton (Kansas Court of Appeals opinion): Standing to challenge annexation

info2023-08-25T09:38:27-05:00August 25th, 2023|

Synopsis of the Court: Protect Rural JoCo LLC (and others) appeal the district court's dismissal of their petition challenging two annexation ordinances passed by the City of Edgerton. The individual appellants own properties around but not within the annexed area. They allege that the City violated K.S.A. 12-520(g), which precludes cities from annexing a narrow corridor of land to enhance future annexations of land. But the City successfully moved to dismiss Appellants' claim for lack of statutory standing. Finding no error, we affirm. Source: Kansas Court of Appeals

25 Friday, August 25

Salina Public Schools scramble to fill roles

info2023-08-25T09:34:31-05:00August 25th, 2023|

Salina Public Schools is coming up with unique solutions to fit the needs of applicants and the district as a shortage of classified staff has left some departments scrambling. Like most schools, a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic for Salina was fewer applicants for teaching positions the past three years. Then, a shift started to take place. Having enough teachers is still a concern, especially for math, science and substitutes. But at the tail end of last year, and during the first few weeks of 2023-24, vacant positions in cafeterias, overnight custodian and paraprofessional roles have created more problems. "We [...]

25 Friday, August 25

Shawnee County bans unauthorized camping and requires leashes for dogs on county property

info2023-08-25T09:33:20-05:00August 25th, 2023|

Shawnee County commissioners on Thursday banned unauthorized camping on county-owned property and required leashes for dogs in the county's parks and on its trails. ... The measures don't take effect immediately, as home rule resolutions don't become effective until they are published in the official county newspaper, which is the Topeka Metro News, said Amanda Monhollon, the county's public information officer. ... The measures had support from Lynn Cress, vice president of the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club. Cress said an increase in homeless camps along the Shunga and Landon trails have made those trails unsafe for club members to ride alone, [...]

25 Friday, August 25

Homeless issue remains top concern at Pittsburg city commission

info2023-08-25T09:19:16-05:00August 25th, 2023|

In a two-hour city commission meeting on Tuesday, the homeless population remains a top issue in the community, being brought up for a third time during the public input session. Pittsburg resident Kevin O’Connell made another visit to the commission, this time to outline what is laid out in a circulation petition. O’Connell is asking for the maximum legal enforcement of current laws, wanting the city prosecutor to push for jail time for repeat offenders. He asked local charities to be held more accountable in their role in attracting more homeless individuals. Source: Morning Sun

25 Friday, August 25

Wichita’s population report card: Forecast shows slowest growth among working age

info2023-08-25T09:18:18-05:00August 25th, 2023|

The working age population within the Wichita metro area is only projected to grow an average 1% over the next 50 years. That's according to an analysis of the latest population forecast released earlier this month from the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University. The findings could have major implications for the local and statewide labor market, particularly as companies have major hiring demands on the horizon. Source: Wichita Business Journal

25 Friday, August 25

Municipal Bond Trends for August 24, 2023

Henry Schmidt2023-08-25T09:13:16-05:00August 25th, 2023|

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.

24 Thursday, August 24

Kansas submits 5-year, $451M internet extension plan

info2023-08-24T23:22:14-05:00August 24th, 2023|

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development has submitted the state’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The required action plan details how universal connection will happen in Kansas, and the planned use of the $451 million NTIA has allocated to the state. Submitting the Five-Year Action Plan is a step toward securing federal funding for the state’s broadband initiatives. The plan outlines the path to making high-speed internet available to all Kansans, with a focus on unserved and underserved areas. Source: 101.3 KFDI

24 Thursday, August 24

City of Lenexa takes over historic cemetery

info2023-08-24T23:15:47-05:00August 24th, 2023|

The City of Lenexa recently took control of the historic Lenexa Cemetery, which predates the city itself by roughly 30 years. It's a move meant to make sure the necessary work around the cemetery can continue, but the first steps are already making it easier for residents and people who have loved ones buried there to navigate the space. "We pride ourselves on the service we provide and so the cemetery is just another service we can provide our residents," said Lenexa Recreation Superintendent Marisa Shartzer. Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF

24 Thursday, August 24

City of Wichita to launch property tax rebate program for seniors, disabled veterans

info2023-08-24T23:15:10-05:00August 24th, 2023|

As part of the pilot program, homeowners who receive property tax credits from one of three state programs, the Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors (SAFESR), the Homestead Refund or the Kansas Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans, would be eligible to have the city cover the 25% the state program does not. Source: KAKE - News