U.S. inflation is likely ‘far stickier’ and could last a decade, Bill Smead says

U.S. inflation is likely to be “far stickier” and could last a decade, according to Bill Smead, chief investment officer at Smead Capital Management. Wall Street is gearing up for key inflation data later Tuesday, when the Labor Department releases its January consumer price index. It is a widely followed inflation gauge that measures the cost for dozens of goods and services spanning the economy. “The enthusiasm … right now is the hope that we’ll get a friendly Fed out of a soft landing, and we do not believe that is going to be the case,” Smead told CNBC’s “Streets Sign Asia.”
Source: Economy

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:21:09-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants

Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31. “The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:20:04-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

City sponsoring logo design contest

The City of Hiawatha has announced its first ever Logo Design contest. City officials said the current logo has served the city well, but they are looking to freshen it up with a high quality digital image. The city is looking for talented local artists who can design a logo representative of the City of Hiawatha. Examples include the Davis Memorial, Clock Tower, maple leaf and clock tower. Submissions are due by Friday, March 31 to mgreen@cityofhiawatha.org or drop off at City Hall. The winner will receive $150 in Chamber Bucks.
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:16:23-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

Mission Hills removes coyote traps from park after dogs injured

Mission Hills officials say they plan to re-evaluate how to handle an increase in coyote activity after two dogs were injured this month after being caught in traps placed for coyotes at a city park. City officials say a city staff member is licensed to trap through a nuisance wildlife control permit, and signage and mailers went out as a warning the week before the “non-lethal” traps were set in an “unmaintained” corner of the park.
Source: Prairie Village Post

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:14:38-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

Commerce Department seeks to expand mega project incentives

The state Commerce Department is asking lawmakers to expand a lucrative tax incentive to land a new major economic development project on the heels of securing Panasonic and Integra. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Hughes appeared before the House commerce Tuesday, asking for an extension of the incentive program though Dec. 31, 2024 as well as more incentives for training and employee relocation. Hughes said interest in Kansas from mega projects has slowed since the Legislature approved the first package of incentives that are set to lapse at the end of the 2023.
Source: Sunflower State Journal

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:12:52-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

State funds will allow apartment expansion

The City of Winfield has been awarded more than $1.8 million in state housing funds to help expand an apartment complex currently under construction, according to Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. The funds from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation include $650,000 in Moderate Income Housing funds and $1.2 million in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits. The money will go toward an additional 48 units in the 71-unit moderate income apartment complex being built at 19th Avenue and Bliss Street in Winfield. This project is being built by Petra Development.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:12:07-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

Nearly $20 Million in Grants Aim to Reduce Number of Kids in Foster Care

Governor Kelly announced a new set of Family First Prevention grants totaling nearly $20 million. The grants will create and grow programs aimed to prevent children from entering the foster care system. The Governor said in a statement, “Family First programs have been proven to keep families together, improving outcomes for our children long-term and saving our state money down the road. They have contributed to the nearly 20% drop in the total number of children in foster care since the start of my administration. That’s why we have worked across the aisle to direct both state and federal funding to expanding these successful programs.”
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:10:52-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

Newton school district will keep two schools open, with fewer classes

The Newton school board has agreed to keep two schools open for the next school year, but they will have fewer classes. There have been concerns about declining enrollment at the Walton Rural Life Center, which is a special education agriculture charter elementary school. There are also concerns about enrollment at Northridge Elementary. The school board voted to reduce classes at Walton from two classes to one in kindergarten through fourth grade, with one teacher per grade. At Northridge Elementary, kindergarten and the first and second grades will be reduced to one class each. There will be two classes in grades three and four.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2023-02-15T00:08:25-06:00February 15, 2023|News|

Inflation rose 0.5% in January, more than expected and up 6.4% from a year ago

Inflation turned higher to start 2023, as rising shelter, gas and fuel prices took their toll on consumers, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. The consumer price index, which measures a broad basket of common goods and services, rose 0.5% in January, which translated to an annual gain of 6.4%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for respective increases of 0.4% and 6.2%. Excluding volatile food and energy, the core CPI increased 0.4% monthly and 5.6% from a year ago, against respective estimates of 0.3% and 5.5%. … That has come despite Federal Reserve efforts to quell the problem. The central bank has hiked its benchmark interest rate eight times since March 2022 as inflation rose to its highest level in 41 years last summer. … Markets expect the Fed over its next two meetings in March and May to raise its overnight borrowing rate another half a percentage point from its current target range of 4.5%-4.75%. That would give policymakers time to watch for the broader economic impacts of the monetary policy tightening before deciding how to proceed. Should inflation not fall back, that could mean more rate hikes.
Source: CNBC

Ranson Financial2023-02-14T12:57:37-06:00February 14, 2023|News|

Shawnee hires Doug Gerber as the new City Manager

Mayor Michelle Distler and the Shawnee City Council announced Doug Gerber as the new City Manager. The Governing Body approved a contract with Gerber at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023. Gerber was one of five finalists who met with the Governing Body and City staff late last month in an extensive interview process. “As with any change in this community that I love, I am confident our staff will embrace it and support the new City Manager.” said Mayor Michelle Distler. When asked about his new position, Doug said, “I am humbled that I was selected as the next City Manager for the City of Shawnee. I am passionate about good local government and I am excited to begin working with the City Council and staff to continue to move Shawnee forward.” Doug currently works for JEO Consulting Group where he helps develop the Kansas market. Before his work at JEO, Doug had a 22-year career in the public sector, most recently with work in numerous positions for the City of Topeka, KS, including Deputy City Manager, Director of Administrative and Financial Services, Interim Director of Utilities, Interim Director of Public Works and Interim City Manager. Prior to working in Topeka, Doug served as City Manager of both Goodland, KS and Beloit, KS.
Source: City of Shawnee

Ranson Financial2023-02-14T12:55:21-06:00February 14, 2023|News|

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