Making a difference keeps deputy going

A deep-seated desire to help people who needed it led deputy Joel Womochil to his 16 years in law enforcement. “I wanted to be a cop since I was 6 years old,” Womochil said. Growing up in Abilene, he liked to tag along with his grandfather who cleaned the police station. Womochil liked the atmosphere of the police department. … Womochil has been with Marion County sheriff’s office since 2020 and became Burns police chief in February. He also has been a part-time Peabody officer.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T16:04:31-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

What’s in a name? A free trip to Florida for 100 lucky Tampa, KS residents

An all-expense paid trip to Tampa, Florida, is up for grabs for 100 Tampa residents. “Visit Tampa Bay,” a tourism promotion group is offering the trips, complete with bus transportation from Tampa, Kansas, to Kansas City International Airport; a charter flight to Florida; rooms in a downtown Tampa, Florida hotel; and a welcome reception with dignitaries, including the mayor. Tickets to area attractions will be provided, but transportation to the events will not. Meals will be at travelers’ expense.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T16:03:05-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Hiawatha mural is talk of the town

Quite simply, it states “Welcome to Hiawatha, Kansas.” But the meaning behind these simple words is expressed in each letter. This is exactly what the owners of the old Maple Lanes Bowling Alley building wanted with the new mural that was finished this week by 5 artists that hail from as far away as Los Angeles and Arkansas, but have settled in the Kansas City area. Wendy and Andy Pederson purchased the building earlier this year and have been working on renovating it. Andy Pederson said that while the purpose of the building for his family — or company Pederson Seed — remains undetermined, he didn’t just want a brown wall on the south side of the building welcoming visitors to town. “We have family out in Clay Center and saw some of the murals these guys painted out there,” he said. “They call this type of mural a postcard.”
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T16:06:17-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Lawrence & Douglas County eco devo leaders create position to capitalize on Panasonic; new hire says addressing housing woes is critical

Rob Richardson knows a thing or two about speed, given that a good part of his professional career has involved overseeing new development around the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas. Richardson, who for 17 years was the director of planning for Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County, has been hired by local economic development leaders to fill the new position of “Panasonic Opportunities Manager.” That title, of course, refers to the pending $4 billion, 4,000-job Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant in nearby De Soto that is expected to create both challenges and opportunities for Lawrence and Douglas County.
Source: LJWorld

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:40:06-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

As Kansas winds down COVID-era housing aid, advocates worry about impact

Kansas will begin winding down a COVID-19-era rental assistance program, a move that was expected but still has housing advocates worried about whether renters and the nonprofits that help support them will be prepared. The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program was created in March 2021 as the latest iteration in a series of efforts to provide aid to renters affected by the adverse economic conditions created by the pandemic. Backed by $200 million in federal funds and run by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the program’s launch was rocky at first due to limited staffing and high demand, though things eventually stabilized.
Source: CJonline

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:20:41-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for October 19, 2022

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 Financial2022-10-20T07:19:36-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Treasury yields climb sharply, 10-year yield hits highest level since 2008

Treasury yields rose sharply across the board on Wednesday as concerns over a recession spread among investors, with the benchmark yield hitting its highest level since 2008. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.127%, up by about 13 basis points after hovering just below the key 4% level for much of Tuesday. It rose as high as 4.136% during the session, its highest level since July 23, 2008. The policy-sensitive 2-year Treasury yield rose by 11 basis points to 4.55%. … Concerns about a recession have been growing louder among investors as the Federal Reserve continues to follow a hawkish path lined with interest rate hikes. This has begun filtering into earnings projections, with some companies and analysts revising their outlook downward for the coming quarters. A fourth consecutive 75 basis point rate hike is now widely expected from the central bank at their meeting in early November and Fed speakers have suggested that this trend could continue.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:29:17-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

SEC muni chief warns issuers away from ‘problematic structures’

State and local governments experiencing times of fiscal surplus and strong credit ratings should be careful not to ignore certain bond structures that came around to bite issuers during the global financial crisis a decade ago. That’s according to Dave Sanchez, director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Office of Municipal Securities, speaking at the Government Finance Officers Association’s 4th annual Minimuni conference. Sanchez returned to lead the office this year after serving as an attorney fellow from 2010 to 2013, and noted the stark contrast in the financial conditions of state and local governments from then to now.
Source: The Bond Buyer

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T01:48:12-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Harvey County adopts wind regulations with some changes

The Harvey County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution Oct. 13 that puts into place regulations for commercial renewable energy projects. Commissioners adopted the regulations approved by the Harvey County Planning Commission last month with six changes, the most significant of which was narrowing the setback requirement from a neighbor’s land from 1,500 to 1,000 feet. Commissioner Randy Hague requested the change because he said the longer setback would prevent those who own a quarter section to earn revenue with a wind turbine unless the neighbors also agreed to it. He initially suggested the distance should be 800 to 900 feet. Commissioner George “Chip” Westfall said he would compromise with a distance of 1,000 feet.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T07:10:41-05:00October 20, 2022|News|

Planning commissioners discuss what went into wind regulations

After the Harvey County Planning Commission spent months putting together a list of recommended regulations for renewable energy, the Board of Harvey County Commissioners lowered the setback requirements to 1,000 feet. Thus, one of the most contentious issues to face the county in years now is officially on the books. The breakdown of the opposing forces has pitted neighbors against neighbors and reflected a divide between those who live in a city and out in the country.
Source: Harvey County Now

Ranson Financial2022-10-20T01:39:52-05:00October 20, 2022|News|