Inflation increased 0.4% in September, more than expected despite rate hikes

Prices consumers pay for a wide variety of goods and services rose more than expected in September as inflation pressures continued to weigh on the U.S. economy. The consumer price index for the month increased 0.4% for the month, more than the 0.3% Dow Jones estimate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a 12-month basis, so-called headline inflation was up 8.2%, off its peak around 9% in June but still hovering near the highest levels since the early 1980s. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, core CPI accelerated 0.6% against the Dow Jones estimate for a 0.4% increase. Core inflation was up 6.6% from a year ago.
Source: CNBC

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T07:42:36-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Hutchinson, Reno County shatter sales tax records with October receipts

The city of Hutchinson and Reno County both shattered all-time sales tax records with their latest receipts. Local officials indicated they had not reviewed the figures in detail, so they couldn’t comment on why. However, it’s likely that higher prices from continuing inflation, resulting in additional taxes collected, were a factor. State data show the city received a cumulative $1.846 million in sales taxes in September. Retailers collected the taxes on July sales. That was about $412,000 more than was received in September last year, a nearly 29% jump.
Source: Hutch News

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T06:28:13-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

USDA Invests $1.25 Million to Improve Health Care in Three Kansas Communities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is awarding $1,255,209 million in grants to improve health care facilities in three Kansas communities. These grants will help rural health care facilities expand critical services in Republic, McPherson and Mitchell counties…. The Emergency Rural Health Care program is designed to help rural hospitals and health care providers implement telehealth and nutrition assistance programs, increase staffing to administer COVID-19 vaccines and testing, build or renovate facilities, and purchase medical supplies.

The details of the Kansas investments are:

A $792,340 grant will help the Republic County Hospital purchase equipment and fixtures during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will also add telehealth infrastructure to provide services to rural residents.
An $87,464 grant will be used to help reimburse Mercy Hospital for lost health care revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will allow the residents of Moundridge and surrounding communities to continue to receive health care services from the hospital.
A $375,405 grant will help Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems recover from lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will also help replace flooring and improve the heating and air conditioning systems in areas of the hospital to aid in infection control and prepare for future pandemics.

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T06:22:10-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Boom! Street Art and Mural Festival underway in Salina

Anyone visiting downtown Salina this week has the opportunity to see art in action as work for the Boom! Street Art and Mural Festival is in progress. Boom is part of the Salina Kanvas Project, and by the end of the month, a total of five murals by seven artists will be displayed on downtown walls facing alleyways and parking lots.
Source: Hutch News

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T06:17:22-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Salina schools can have Narcan

The USD 305 Board of Education approved a policy change Tuesday that will allow the district to possess and administer a drug used to counteract opioid overdose. Naloxone, better known as Narcan, is known to be effective when administered to counteract an opioid overdose. As drug overdose is now a leading cause of injury deaths in the U.S., school districts across the nation have been looking into or implementing similar policies. Eryn Wright, executive director of human resources and legal services for Salina Public Schools, said the Kansas Association of School Boards provides guidelines if a policy were to be developed in a district for Naloxone.
Source: Salina Journal

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T06:16:08-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for October 12, 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 Financial2022-10-13T06:14:40-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Fed officials expect higher rates to stay in place, meeting minutes show

Federal Reserve officials have been surprised at the pace of inflation and indicated at their last meeting that they expect higher interest rates to remain in place until prices come down, according to minutes released Wednesday from the central bank’s September meeting. In discussions leading up to a 0.75 percentage point rate hike, policymakers noted that inflation is especially taking its toll on lower-income Americans. They reiterated rate hikes are likely to continue and higher rates prevail until the problem is showing signs of resolving.
Source: CNBC

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T05:53:07-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Sedgwick County to support Wichita application for rail traffic study

Sedgwick County commissioners have agreed to support the City of Wichita in a grant application for a study of rail traffic that has caused delays along a major north side corridor. The Wichita City Council has approved a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a Reconnecting Communities grant program. The city is applying for $1 million to fund a study that will find solutions to the impact of rail traffic along 21st Street, from Waco to Grove. There are delays for traffic several times a day because of trains that have stopped to change crews or uncouple rail cars.
Source: 101.3 KFDI

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T01:22:31-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Atchison holds some of Kansas’ favorite haunts

Kansas is like every other state that has its share of haunting tales that make for wonderful road trips. Our dear Atchison is said to be the home of one of the most eerie hauntings recorded. Located on N. 2nd Street, the house looks normal. But it isn’t the looks of the house that is the problem, The Sallie House was built in the mid-1800s, commissioned by the Finney family and home to Dr. Charles Finney, he practiced medicine from the house, using the bottom floor for surgery and examination, and a bedroom as an office. The Finney family lived upstairs until moving out due to a lack of space.
Source: Atchison Globe Now

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T01:20:31-05:00October 13, 2022|News|

Kansas to receive $17 million to help address the opioid crisis

Governor Laura Kelly announced Oct. 6 that the State of Kansas and the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas (KTIK) have together received $17.2 million in federal grant funding to address the opioid crisis. The funding will be used to increase access to treatment for substance use disorders, remove barriers to public health interventions like naloxone, and expand access to recovery support services. “The opioid crisis impacts families across Kansas, which is why it’s critical that we make opioid treatment and prevention resources available in every community,” Gov. Kelly said. “This funding will help make that possible, and in doing so save lives and bring relief to struggling Kansans.”
Source: Derby Informer | Area

Ranson Financial2022-10-13T01:16:16-05:00October 13, 2022|News|