News – Page 1813 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Johnson County Commission considers 5X increase in COVID-19 testing as hospital capacity causes concern

info2020-03-27T09:20:39-05:00March 27th, 2020|

With a predicted shortage of intensive care beds fast approaching, the Johnson County Commission took the first steps Thursday toward a dramatic increase in testing for COVID-19. The county’s public health department hopes that increasing the number of tests fivefold will provide enough data to develop an intelligent strategy for containment. Commissioners asked staff to expedite a report on the cost and a game plan for increasing the testing from the roughly 700 done so far to 3,000 to 5,000 more. Once the report is done, the commission will meet in emergency session to vote on it. (Read more: Prairie Village [...]

With TP running low, Newton says to be careful what you flush

info2020-03-27T09:20:12-05:00March 27th, 2020|

Flushable wipes are a lie. Well, at least in the City of Newton’s eyes. As time passes and stores continue to remain without toilet paper, concerns grow at the City of Newton office about people’s alternative wiping methods. “We want to get the message out that the only things appropriate the flush down toilet are bodily functions and toilet paper,” Communication Director Erin McDaniel said. “Any product that says quote unquote flushable wipes should not be flushed.” (Read more: Harvey County Now)

Local grocery stores provide drive up services

info2020-03-27T09:18:00-05:00March 27th, 2020|

Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, local grocery stores said they are hoping to reduce their customers’ stress by providing drive up, or pick up, services. This allows customers to call in or order online, depending on the store. The associates will gather the groceries and meet you outside to load them into your car at a designated time. “We have a lot of older citizens or people at risk with different other health illnesses, and if they feel more comfortable not coming into the store being close to other people, then we want to accommodate that,” said Angi Thomas, store manager of [...]

Rural hospital prepares for critical Coronavirus cases

info2020-03-27T09:17:26-05:00March 27th, 2020|

The Coronavirus pandemic is leaving rural Kansas Hospitals with many questions like what happens if they reach capacity or what to do if staff members get sick. “We’ve made the best plans that we can, given the situations,” said Rooks County Health Center Dr. Beth Oller MD. Like many rural hospitals, the concern in Rooks County is how to be ready if critical Coronavirus cases come their way. “Certainly never thought that I would possibly be a leader in a hospital system and having to say to staff, I don’t have the equipment that I want you to have,” said Oller. [...]

Topeka City Council passes local state of emergency

info2020-03-27T09:16:31-05:00March 27th, 2020|

The Topeka City Council voted to establish a state of emergency at a special meeting held Thursday evening. This allows City Manager Brent Trout to make decisions necessary to continue city operations amidst the constantly-evolving circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The council voted to temporarily suspend governing body rules until May 6. Council members and city officials will work from home until then. (Read more: KSNT News)

Overland Park Fire Department confirms administrative staffer tested positive for COVID-19

info2020-03-27T08:56:48-05:00March 27th, 2020|

An administrative staff member with the Overland Park Fire Department has tested positive for COVID-19, the department confirmed Thursday. “The person’s symptoms appeared while not at work and it is believed their exposure was non work related,” read a release from the department. OPFD is also tracking the condition of two additional employees who are on home quarantine and being monitored for possible infection as a result of contact with the person who tested positive. Like the staff member confirmed to have COVID-19, neither of those individuals is a first responder who would have had contact with the general public on [...]

Lyon County establishes emergency fund for COVID-19, discusses response

info2020-03-27T08:56:32-05:00March 27th, 2020|

Lyon County's response to the COVID-19 pandemic dominated much of the conversation during Thursday's meeting of the Lyon County Commission. County Controller Dan Williams approached the commission with a request for extra funding for the emergency operations center as it continues to work through the pandemic. The funds would be used for supplies and other needs as they arise. Setting up a fund for such purposes required approval by the county commission. "During a situation like this, they might need to move quickly to make some of these purchases," Lyon County Commissioner Scott Briggs said. (Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Chase County to implement health order

info2020-03-27T08:55:58-05:00March 27th, 2020|

The Chase County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Thursday afternoon to implement a stay-at-home order from the Chase County Public Health Department. The order begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday morning and will remain in effect until April 28, unless amended sooner, superseded or rescinded. The order mandates a 14-day home quarantine for Chase County residents who have: "traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission," "traveled to Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23," visited specific Colorado counties, traveled on a cruise on or after March 15, traveled internationally on or after March 15, traveled for [...]

Emporia playgrounds closed, but outdoor activities still allowed

info2020-03-27T08:55:26-05:00March 27th, 2020|

Lyon County's stay-at-home order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, and all county playgrounds have been closed to the public until April 25. In Emporia, city employees placed caution tape on playground equipment to prevent children from using it during the order. The closures were made to prevent transmission of the COVID-19 disease, which can survive on surfaces for several days, according to the World Health Organization. (Read more: Emporia Gazette)

Edgerton City Council works hard to ensure transparency

info2020-03-27T08:54:32-05:00March 27th, 2020|

The City of Edgerton has reduced staff to only people with business in front of the council, and have asked that presenters make their presentations by telephone for the next City Council meeting, scheduled for Thursday, said Kara Banks, director of communications and marketing. “We are exploring options for a conference line or other online option for the public to view the meeting,” Banks said. “This is a very fluid situation, and we want to abide by CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and state and local health officials’ recommendations, while still adhering to state laws regarding open meetings.” (Read more: Gardner [...]