info2020-05-06T09:12:25-05:00May 6th, 2020|
Look to the sky! Team McConnell is scheduled to perform a #AmericaStrong flyover on Wednesday between 10 and 11 a.m. Note: Times are subject to change. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.
info2020-05-06T09:06:17-05:00May 6th, 2020|
In an update to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Tuesday, Johnson County Health and Environment Director Sanmi Areola, PhD, said COVID-19 trends in Johnson County suggest spread of the virus is slowing here — but noted that cases are rising in neighboring communities. “Johnson County trends are encouraging,” Areola wrote. “However, while our numbers continue to trend in the right directions, those of our immediate neighbors are not.” (Read more: Prairie Village Post)
info2020-05-06T08:57:10-05:00May 6th, 2020|
House lawmakers are working on separate and equal federal aid packages for counties and municipalities at the same time that the National League of Cities has doubled its federal aid request to $500 billion over two years. NLC’s director of federal advocacy predicted Tuesday that some small rural communities may have to opt for dissolution because of their dire revenue shortfalls related to the pandemic. Some assistance could be on the way through a “municipality fund” that would designate 30% of the federal aid for municipalities with populations less than 50,000. House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., disclosed those plans [...]
info2020-05-06T08:57:25-05:00May 6th, 2020|
Johnson County cities can open pools for the summer as early as May 18, according to Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for reopening Kansas amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But some cities say they aren’t ready to dive into the deep end. On Monday night, both the Prairie Village and Roeland Park city councils decided to keep their cities’ public pools closed this summer. And on Wednesday, an Overland Park committee will consider whether the city should open any of its outdoor pools. Officials across Johnson County and the region are deciding whether it’s safe to open community centers and pools, many of which draw [...]
info2020-05-06T08:57:47-05:00May 6th, 2020|
While it won't be the eight years like the last time the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to the zero lower bound, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans said he “doesn’t think there will be reason to raise rates anytime soon.” “We just came through a long expansion, although we are in a much different environment right now, I think interest rates will remain low for a quite a long time,” Evans said on a virtual conference call on Tuesday morning. He spoke mostly about the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the economy and presented a baseline case of [...]
info2020-05-06T08:58:52-05:00May 6th, 2020|
Today, the National League of Cities, the voice of the over 19,000 cities, towns and villages in the United States, launched a campaign to secure economic relief for the communities on the frontline of America’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Cities Are Essential campaign calls for $500 billion in direct federal aid and economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic over the next two years to support the communities who support America’s people. “Cities are essential – to the fabric of this nation, to the pandemic response effort, and to the 200 million residents we provide essential services for,” said Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive [...]
info2020-05-06T09:14:23-05:00May 6th, 2020|
Revisiting a discussion about nuisance mowing violations that began last December, the Larned City Council Monday night considered the pros and cons of utilizing in-house staff over bidding and contracting for mowing the yards those who allow their grass and weeds to grow too tall. Of primary concern was the risk of liability and damage to equipment.... the city’s code enforcement officer... in 2019... surveyed 14 Kansas cities similar to Larned to find out how they handled and charged for mowing. She found an almost even split between those that contract and those who perform the work in-house. Some, like Hoisington, [...]
info2020-05-06T08:59:26-05:00May 6th, 2020|
The Greater Wichita YMCA announced that reopening its facilities in phases begins in less than two weeks. While details are still being ironed out, phase one will begin on Monday, May 18 to coincide with Kansas Laura Kelly's plan to reopen the state. Local YMCA branches closed on March 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to the YMCA's website, hours will be modified and each facility will comply with state and local guidelines. More details are expected on Monday, March 11. (Read more: KAKE - News)
info2020-05-06T08:59:50-05:00May 6th, 2020|
With lots of confusion and debate around what youth recreational activities might be allowed under the governor’s “reopening” order concerning the novel coronavirus, the Reno County Commission on Tuesday agreed to adopt language recommended by the county’s health officer for local enforcement. Health Department Director Nick Baldetti noted that a “frequently asked questions” sheet put out by the governor’s office on the issue specifically stated that organized sporting activities, including practice, are prohibited. That, however, Baldetti said, does not restrict “outdoor play,” such as playing tennis or catch, as long as social distancing rules can be followed. “There’s been a lot [...]
info2020-05-06T09:00:20-05:00May 6th, 2020|
In 2020, the Wichita area will lose nearly twice as many jobs as during the 2008-10 recession, according to a new WSU economic forecast. On Tuesday, Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research released a forecast that shows Wichita will lose roughly 44,000 jobs from 2019. That’s nearly twice as many jobs from the Great Recession. The Wichita area is expected to see a roughly 30% drop in nonfarm employment during the second quarter before bouncing back to end the year at a 14.6% decline in employment from 2019, the forecast shows. The statewide projection is a 10.2% [...]
