info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Possible cuts could be made to USD 383 budget at state level

info2020-05-08T08:55:18-05:00May 8th, 2020|

State revenues are projected to be halved due to the pandemic, leaving possible cuts to Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 for 2021. Preliminary numbers related to the 2021 budget planning process were presented Wednesday to the USD 383 school board. Business Services Director Lew Faust says overall, their general fund and local option funds are down around $300,000. However, since they are not over the budget authority, this is good. Recent spring state revenue estimates from the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group show an estimated $827 million decrease for this year, with an additional $445 million next year for a total of $1.3 billion. [...]

Kansas Legislature to return for 1-day virus-focused talks

info2020-05-08T08:55:49-05:00May 8th, 2020|

The Kansas Legislature will focus on the fallout from the coronavirus when it reconvenes for a single day later this month to wrap up the 2020 session, a leading lawmaker said. A panel of legislative leaders on Wednesday decided that lawmakers will return May 21. The truncated session is aimed at limiting exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. House Speaker Ron Ryckman, a Republican from Olathe, told the Topeka Capital-Journal that it appears no vote will take place on a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion. Ryckman said expansion of Medicaid will likely be discussed, but "we really need [...]

Lyon County roads to see reimbursement for 2019 flood damage

info2020-05-08T08:56:06-05:00May 8th, 2020|

Lyon County Commissioners approved a near-$50,000 agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for emergency-relief roadway repair during a regularly-scheduled meeting Thursday morning. The funds will be used in the maintenance of “federal aid roads” within Lyon County, some of which suffered damage during last spring’s flooding events. According to County Engineer Chip Woods, federal aid roads — such as Americus Road — are classified by KDOT and the Federal Highway Administration as “major collectors,” making them eligible for federal aid. “Being through KDOT and the Federal Highway Administration, this won’t have anything to do with our non-federal aid routes,” Woods [...]

WSU announces plan for reopening

info2020-05-08T08:56:30-05:00May 8th, 2020|

Wichita State University officials have announced a plan that will allow for some access to the campus starting in late May. Seven working groups across the campus have developed a plan called Shockers United. The first phase of the plan still has classes offered online or by remote and the campus is closed to students, faculty and staff. Crews will continue to disinfect facilities across campus. The second phase begins May 26th with some campus access. Students, faculty and staff will be encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing, and gatherings would be limited to 30 people or less. Classes [...]

Amtrak will soon require face masks for passengers

info2020-05-08T08:56:47-05:00May 8th, 2020|

Amtrak will soon require passengers to wear face masks, joining numerous travel companies that have recently put similar policies in place. According to Amtrak's website, the company is still operating as an essential service for those who must travel and has suspended certain services due to reduced demand, but will require facial coverings for passengers beginning May 11. "Facial coverings can be removed when customers are eating in designated areas, in their private rooms, or seated alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats," Amtrak's policy says. "Service will be denied to customers not wearing facial coverings." [...]

Cloud County Community College offers discounted tuition for summer courses

info2020-05-08T08:56:55-05:00May 8th, 2020|

As Cloud County Community College continues remote courses, it announced it will offer a reduced rate for summer courses. The college said Thursday that courses during its summer term, June 1 through July 30, will have the comprehensive fee waived. According to the college, this results in a $19 per credit hour savings for students or $57 savings on a three-credit hour course. This rate will apply to all Cloud County students taking summer courses, both via Zoom and online. The college said the rate will also apply to students attending other institutions who take summer classes at CCCC for transfer [...]

Virtual basketball practices a regional hit

info2020-05-08T08:57:13-05:00May 8th, 2020|

Kenny Eddy, head boys basketball coach at Skyline, recently started a virtual ball handling drill to help athletes get better while stuck at home. The program has doubled and tripled in area-athlete participation each week. These meetings are at 7 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Players need only their phone or laptop, and a ball to participate. “Right after all of this quarantine stuff started, I created a ball-handling zoom meeting for our Skyline guys.” Eddy said. “It was just a way for them to stay sharp for this summer or next year and for us to connect still.” (Read [...]

Support builds for direct federal aid to counties, municipalities

info2020-05-08T08:58:03-05:00May 7th, 2020|

Support is building in the House and Senate for direct federal aid to counties and municipalities in addition to separate funding for states to address their revenue shortfalls. A bipartisan group of New York lawmakers announced Wednesday plans to introduce the Direct Support for Communities Act that would evenly split federal emergency aid between counties and municipalities. The bill authored by freshman Democratic Rep. Antonio Delgado of New York’s Hudson Valley would create a new federal aid formula for counties and municipalities. The county fund would go directly to all counties based on their population. The “municipality fund” would use a [...]

There’s not much city can do with trains blocking crossings

info2020-05-08T08:58:51-05:00May 7th, 2020|

Great Bend City Administrator Kendal Francis said told the City Council Monday night that he has fielded questions from the public and council members about railroad crossings, and trains sitting across the tracks. One instance included a train blocking South Main for at least a couple hours. But, as it turns out, such delays are out of the city’s hands, he said. “We do have city ordinances in place that limit the timing of that,” he said. However, in 2018, Kansas Court of Appeals said that it infringed on federal law. (Read more: Great Bend Tribune)

The COVID-19 effects hospitals didn’t foresee: Financial distress

info2020-05-08T08:59:50-05:00May 7th, 2020|

Dr. Bill O'Callahan, an emergency physician, rested his elbows on his desk, his head in his hands. Despite his whirlwind thoughts -- a recent COVID-19 patient with failing lungs, a 30% pay cut, the dangers he faced on a daily basis -- he still counted himself among the fortunate. He was healthy, and he still had a job -- for now. A staggering number of hospital employees have been laid off or furloughed -- sent home without pay, waiting to hear whether they can return to work. Now, a fresh look at what lies ahead for hospitals post-pandemic reveals some may [...]

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