Kansas Municipal News
Winfield approved food truck regulations
Winfield City Commissioners approved regulations specifically for food trucks during their meeting last week. The new regulations establish a mobile food vending license with its own fee structure. License fees are $25 for one week, $50 for one month, $200 for six months and $400 for an annual license, according to a copy of the ordinance. Previously, food truck owners could only obtain a peddler’s permit, which is good for five days before it must be renewed. Food truck owners have told city officials in the past that this is impractical.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
Roeland Park to consider additional language clarifying permissibility of fire pits
The Roeland Park City Council last week agreed to consider additional language to its existing city code clarifying that fire pits are allowed. After being asked to review and present the city’s current language, city staff conducted a survey of the following nine Johnson County cities and found six cities include firepit specific language in their city codes. City staff also checked in with the county fire marshall and determined all cities have adopted the county fire code in which recreational burning of firepits are permitted.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
KSHSAA will allow students who choose remote learning to participate in sports
The Kansas State High School Activities Association’s board last week approved a policy change that will allow students who choose to receive all of their instruction remotely for the fall semester to participate in sports and other activities. Standing policy prior to the board’s adoption of the change required that students be physically in class at least one day per week to participate in sports and other KSHSAA activities. With the likelihood that many students who would like to participate in sports and other activities may choose remote learning for the fall semester on account of the pandemic, KSHSAA deemed it advisable to update its policy.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
Gov. Laura Kelly to consider returning to Phase 2 of reopening
If current Kansas COVID-19 trends continue, Gov. Laura Kelly would consider moving the state back to Phase 2 of reopening. Kelly announced the possibility of taking a step back in the “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” during a news conference Monday afternoon at the state Capitol. Kelly said she plans to keep an eye on the numbers this week and will make a determination early next week about whether to issue an executive order that would again limit mass gatherings to no more than 15 people and close most entertainment venues, swimming pools, and bars and nightclubs.
(Read more: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 27, 2020
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.
Lawrence participating in study to test sewage for prevalence of coronavirus infections
The City of Lawrence will be taking part in a study that tests sewage as a way of tracking coronavirus infections. As part of a study contracted through the University of Kansas School of Engineering, the city has been taking weekly sewage samples at both wastewater treatment plants to test for components of the virus that are shed in excrement, according to a city news release. The city has partnered with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to share data and collaborate on the study.
Read more: LJWorld.com.
KSHSAA will allow students who choose remote learning to participate in sports
KSHSAA has announced that students will be permitted to participate in fall sports and activities if they choose to receiving academic instruction remotely. A previous policy required students to be in class in person at least one day per week. File photo. The Kansas State High School Activities Association’s board last week approved a policy change that will allow students who choose to receive all of their instruction remotely for the fall semester to participate in sports and other activities. Standing policy prior to the board’s adoption of the change required that students be physically in class at least one day per week to participate in sports and other KSHSAA activities. With the likelihood that many students who would like to participate in sports and other activities may choose remote learning for the fall semester on account of the pandemic, KSHSAA deemed it advisable to update its policy.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Celebrating 150 years of Wichita
Wichita turns 150 this month and there’s a lot to unpack in the century and a half since its founding. But viewing our story as a whole can help us uncover Wichita’s identity — our unique wins and losses that turned us into the city we are today. Here’s a breakdown of some of the events that shaped Wichita over the past 150 years…
(Read more: The Chung Report)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 24, 2020
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.
Officials give more details on Oswego storm
Residents of Oswego continue to recover from the July 11 storm that struck, leaving extensive damage in its wake. During the Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting Thursday, 911 director Brandi Grassl said the National Weather Service compiled a presentation showing what happened. “It was pretty educational,” Grassl said.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Peabody departments get PPE donation
Peabody, KS Peabody Police and Fire Departments are better equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to respond to medical calls during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a grant from Peabody Community Foundation (PCF) to Marion County Emergency Services. Randy Frank, county Emergency Management Director, presented supplies including gloves, face shields, masks, and gowns on July 7 at the Peabody Fire Station to Peabody police and firefighters.
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Baxter Springs get a chance to share a meal with the Chief of Police
Baxter Springs residents have the chance to share a meal with the Chief of Police. Rita’s event center in Baxter Springs hosted breakfast with the chief, Saturday. Residents were able to purchase a breakfast and chat with members of the local police force. The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for citizens to get to know the men and women behind the badge.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE)
Leavenworth awarded $1 million for street project
The city of Leavenworth has been awarded $1 million in funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation to replace pavement on Fourth Street in the downtown area. This project was one of 36 recently announced by the Kansas Department of Transportation as part of the City Connecting Link Improvement Program. CCLIP provides funding for improvements to state highways that extend through cities, according to a news release from KDOT.
(Read more: News – Butler County Times Gazette)
Boot Hill Distillery expansion project set
Boot Hill Distillery has plans to break ground this year on the first phase of a multi-year expansion project that will be located at the corner of 14th Avenue and US-56 highway in Dodge City. Included in the first phase of the expansion plan is the construction of a rickhouse to age barrels and a warehouse for inventory and supplies, before moving on to additional phases including: buildings for packaging, warehousing, additional rickhouses, malt houses …
(Read more: State News – Morning Sun)
JCDHE has the authority to order businesses closed, but seeks outbreak control with focus on individuals
Kansas law gives local health departments and health officers the authority to slow the spread of infectious diseases in their jurisdictions by any means known to be effective, Kristi Zears, director of communications for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said. This includes the power to instruct businesses to close if they are the location of a known outbreak or associated with high-risk behaviors. In Sedgwick County, for instance, the local health officer ordered the closure of bars until at least September as the area teeters close to an overwhelmed healthcare system. In Johnson County, however, where the cases per 100,000 people rate is higher, Barbara Mitchell, public information officer for the community health division, said the health department has not required any individual businesses to close since the initial orders from Local Health Officer Dr. Joseph LeMaster shutdown nonessential businesses in March. [The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s] approach is to focus on individual cases and work with them to trace their contacts in order to prevent the spread of the virus,” Mitchell said in an email.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
‘We’ve waited so long’: Future of Johnson County project in question, funds in limbo
The property has the hallmarks of an active construction project: a yellow crane, orange cones and temporary chain link fencing. But there are no sounds of dirt moving or concrete being poured. And no workers in sight. After 15 years of delays and tempered expectations, work has once again halted at the ill-fated $225 million Mission Gateway development in Johnson County. And it’s unclear if or when it might start back up. For now, the site of the former Mission Center Mall, at Shawnee Mission Parkway, Johnson Drive and Roe Avenue, is home to an incomplete parking garage with exposed staircases. A structure has risen with bright, white walls. But nearby, support columns jut out of the ground, bearing no weight.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Wichita mayor pleased with decision on county health order, businesses now dealing with change
The Mayor of Wichita is pleased with the new changes made to the Sedgwick County Emergency Health Order. He says he hopes the city can find a balance between supporting business owners and also slowing the spread of the Coronavirus. “You really make your money on entertainment more than the food side,” said Mike Mansor, Owner and General Manager of Hereos Bar and Grill. Mansor believes that will be harder to do now that county isn’t allowing venues like his to stay open past midnight.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
No masks, just questions, in 2 Kansas counties with no cases
Some businesses in two western Kansas counties that have yet to report a single positive coronavirus case aren’t requiring customers to wear face masks — but they are asking whether they have traveled outside the county. Business owners in Rawlins and Wallace counties say they agree with local officials’ decisions to opt out of an order from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly requiring people to wear masks in public. In Wallace County, which borders Colorado, one restaurant posted on social media a graphic of a crossed out man with a face mask.
Read more: Yahoo News.
56 Kansas Cities and Counties to Receive CDBG Grants to Support Coronavirus Response
Governor Laura Kelly announced [yesterday] a second round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 56 Kansas communities. A total of more than $7.2 million is being disbursed to assist communities affected by the pandemic and its economic effects.
“I’m pleased to announce this additional round of resources for our communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is vital assistance that will strengthen local economies, improve the lives of Kansas residents, and keep our economy open for business.”
These grants are available in two categories: Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages, and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks, or to support organizations providing meals for children impacted by the loss of school meal programs.
“This crisis is still happening, and communities throughout our state are still in need,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These CDBG-CV awards provide a way for these cities and counties to support our businesses, and our most vulnerable residents, as we rebuild our state’s economy.”
CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.
The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.
| Alma | $132,000.00 |
| Andover | $132,000.00 |
| Augusta | $132,000.00 |
| Barber County | $110,000.00 |
| Blue Rapids | $132,000.00 |
| Burlingame | $132,000.00 |
| Burlington | $132,000.00 |
| Caney | $38,500.00 |
| Cherryvale | $167,000.00 |
| Council Grove | $132,000.00 |
| Cowley County | $132,000.00 |
| Damar | $38,500.00 |
| Dickinson County | $132,000.00 |
| El Dorado | $132,000.00 |
| Ellis | $168,000.00 |
| Ellis County | $132,000.00 |
| Frontenac | $132,000.00 |
| Goddard | $132,000.00 |
| Greenwood County | $167,000.00 |
| Haysville | $132,000.00 |
| Highland | $132,000.00 |
| Hillsboro | $132,000.00 |
| Inman | $132,000.00 |
| Kingman County | $132,000.00 |
| LaCygne | $22,000.00 |
| Lindsborg | $132,000.00 |
| Lyndon | $167,000.00 |
| Madison | $66,000.00 |
| Mankato | $132,000.00 |
| Marion | $167,000.00 |
| Marysville | $171,400.00 |
| Medicine Lodge | $114,400.00 |
| Miami County | $132,000.00 |
| Norton County | $173,600.00 |
| Oakley | $44,000.00 |
| Osage City | $173,600.00 |
| Osawatomie | $167,000.00 |
| Overbrook | $167,000.00 |
| Peabody | $88,000.00 |
| Phillipsburg | $167,000.00 |
| Pottawatomie County | $132,000.00 |
| Rice County | $132,000.00 |
| Riley County | $167,000.00 |
| Rooks County | $132,000.00 |
| Rose Hill | $66,000.00 |
| Salina | $169,200.00 |
| Saline County | $132,000.00 |
| Scranton | $125,400.00 |
| Sedan | $167,000.00 |
| St. Francis | $173,600.00 |
| Stafford County | $79,200.00 |
| Stockton | $132,000.00 |
| Sumner County | $138,600.00 |
| Tonganoxie | $59,400.00 |
| Winchester | $128,400.00 |
| Yates Center | $132,000.00 |
This second round of grant funding was made possible by the Department of Commerce receiving additional CARES Act funds. If a decision is made for another (third) round, information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
Rural Hospitals Hang on as Pandemic Reaches Smaller Communities
As the COVID-19 pandemic battered large, metropolitan areas this spring, rural hospitals prepared to be next on the frontlines. But in order to ready their facilities for a potential surge in patients, those small hospitals had to forgo many of their most profitable operations. Months later, a few rural hospitals are fighting outbreaks. But others have empty beds, further threatening their viability in an era of shrinking health care options for people living in rural communities.
(Read more: Stateline)
Discover the hidden treasures in Finney County
When thinking of exciting things to do across the state, many may not turn to southwest Kansas, but Destination Kansas has found a few hidden treasures that are sure to keep you and your family entertained. What do you think of when you drive through southwest Kansas? Do you think of a giraffe, a waterslide, or how about a nursery full of unique plants and trees? No? Well, southwest Kansas is far from boring and Finney County wants to prove it.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Dodge City Days will stampede on
Dodge City Days is an annual festival that brings thousands of tourists to western Kansas, but due to COVID-19, it looks a bit different this year. Sixty years of bull riding, street dances, and cowboy hats. What is normally a two-week period packed full of events, is now limited due to safety concerns surrounding the pandemic. Dodge City Days has been scaled back.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
It’s not open yet, but new JoCo Courthouse already installing new public art
The new Johnson County courthouse isn’t expected to open until early next year, but installation already has begun on the public art to be displayed there. The work is “Open Prairie,” by Benjamin Ball with Ball-Nogues Studio in Los Angeles. His work was chosen from among 130 submissions. He’s using enamel paint plus more than 20,000 segments of stainless-steel ball chain to create an array of color above the courthouse entryway. “While the county and artists have partnered on several public art installations in Johnson County government buildings, this project is unique,” Dan Wehmueller, project manager for the new courthouse, said in a news release. “This is the first time the installation of public art has happened this early in the construction process and has been so integrated into the design of a portion of the building in such a collaborative way.”
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Disc golf course coming to Ark City
Watch out for flying saucers — Frisbee golf is coming to Arkansas City. The city commission unanimously passed a recommendation Tuesday to allow the Walnut Valley Disc Golf Association to establish a course at the Robert Cox Memorial Park. Club member Arty Hicks, an avid disc golfer, told the commission that the sport has rapidly increased in popularity over the past few years. He said a disc golf league plays each Thursday evening and will typically see eight to 20 participants.
(Read more: Cowley CourierTraveler)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 23, 2020
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.
Minibikes and motocross add to Inman economy
The Inman Motocross Track will be roaring to life Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8 and 9, with one of the first races of the year. The KMCS Race will feature a variety of classes and dozens of riders. “We have some 80-foot jumps …”
(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)
Local control downs governor’s attempt to delay the start of school
The specific date when your children return to school is now up to your local school board. “The timeline is different for every community and every school board to address this,” said Ben Jones from Sterling. “And this executive order does not give that flexibility to our local districts. Jones voted against endorsing the governor’s order. “It was all about flexibility and local control for me,” said Ann Mah, Topeka. Then she added, “But this isn’t about me. And in the time of a pandemic, it’s not about local control either. If Kansans wanted local control over all aspects of education, we wouldn’t even have a State Board of Education.” Mah voted for endorsing the governor’s order.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Andover librarian makes over 1,700 face masks, donates to community and first responders
The Andover Fire-Rescue is one of many organizations excited to receive an unexpected surprise in the form of handmade reusable face masks from a local seamstress. Retired librarian Cheri Nienke is an avid quilter who shifted her focus to mask making in March when she saw a need for those with extra materials. While many were asking how they could help, Nienke, who has been sewing since she was 8-years-old said she was happy to use her skills and surplus of fabric to help her neighbors and community. Neinke has made over 1700 masks but as never sold one. Instead, she donates them to anyone that needs or requests them in her community.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Local school districts tackle rising costs as they make plans to reopen safely
Local school districts are working on reopening plans and one of their major challenges is finances. As districts work to implement new safety measures, the costs are piling up. Local mom Brandy Nelson has got her hands full with two kids, one who’s going into first grade. “I want to send him to school,” Nelson said. “I tried homeschooling for a couple of months when the whole thing started and I can not do homeschooling.” Schools want students back too, but they’re trying to figure out how to do it safely. Lew Faust is the Director of Business Services for the Manhattan-Ogden School District. He said there’s a whole list of safety supplies they’re stocking up on. “Hand sanitizers and bottles for buses to have hand sanitizer on every bus, classrooms cleaning supplies, all the various things that are a part of it, masks for students and staff,” Faust listed.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Lindsborg’s first house undergoes renovation
When James Prugh bought the oldest house in Lindsborg, he had an idea — renovate the old stone house and open a guest house. “My contractor stripped everything away to its ‘bare stones,‘” Prugh said.” It was rebuilt to take full advantage of its historic features with every modern amenity seamlessly integrated into the structure. My vacation rental is called ‘Stenhuset,’ Swedish for ‘the stone house.’” There was a big challenge to overcome in the project — because of its age, the house lacked plumbing and electrical wiring. To create a vacation rental that had to change. Non-historic additions to the house were demolished and hauled away. Stripping away the plaster on revealed its original dark Dakota sandstone blocks, foot-thick walls and carved stone lintels, horizontal supports above each window.
(Read more: McPherson Sentinel)
McPherson County Fair goes on despite COVID-19
An event like a county fair takes months of preparation by dozens of volunteers. With the uncertainty of mandates for closures due to the COVID-19 virus, the McPherson County Fair Board decided to proceed with caution and take advantage of the open-air setting for participants and fairgoers to spread out and social distance. A few events like the Pedal Tractor Pull and free BBQ and ice cream dinner were cancelled, but the competitions went on, including the Junior Rodeo, CPA Rodeo and Demolition Derby. “Some departments were down on entries, but we were pleased overall with participation,” Vaughn Ingram, one of the fair organizers, said. Ingram organizes the floriculture division competition and there were 116 entries this year.
(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)
Roeland Park sees positive property, sales and use taxes despite COVID-19 shutdowns
The Roeland Park City Council on Monday evening heard a second quarter financial report that included the impact COVID-19 shutdowns had on sales taxes. Although the city of Roeland Park anticipated sales and use taxes to be negatively impacted due to the shutdowns, Assistant City Administrator Jennifer Jones-Lacy said the city’s overall sales taxes are up by 4% compared to 2019. The city’s larger businesses — including grocery stores, a hardware store and a general purpose store — remained open, causing the sales tax figures to “come in quite well,” Jones-Lacy said. “The good news is that Roeland Park is doing really well when it comes to sales tax,” Jones-Lacy said. “Our projections were much more bleak like all of our neighboring communities in Johnson County and the county itself. Everyone had anticipated a significant drop.”
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)
City of Wellington and Ascension Via Christi- St. Francis enters into lease agreement to build E.R. in early 2021
While most of the discussion was about mask mandates, perhaps, the biggest story of the night was the one that received little discussion of all. The City of Wellington entered into a lease agreement for a portion of the former Sumner Regional Medical Center so that Ascension Via Christi in Wichita can build an emergency care center. Under the agreement approved by the Wellington City Council at its meeting yesterday, the ER will re-open in early 2021 as a department of Ascension which is the legal entity that operates Ascension Via Christi St. Francis and Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph. The lease provides Ascension approximately 8,600 square feet of the building for the operation of an emergency department. The lease also addresses the improvements to be made by Ascension and the City’s contribution towards those improvements.
(Read more: Sumner NewsCow)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 22, 2020
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.
Governor Laura Kelly and Department of Commerce Launch New Kansas Certified Sites Program
Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Department of Commerce’s launch of the new Kansas Certified Sites program, a critical tool that will help accelerate economic development efforts throughout the state. The program, originally created and administered by the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), lets developers know when the state has deemed a potential site ideal for investment and development.
(Read more: Kansas Department of Commerce)
Emporia Main Street cancels the Taste 2020
After postponing the event to September, the Emporia Main Street Board of Directors have officially canceled The Taste. The announcement was made Tuesday. The event, originally scheduled for April 4, was postponed to Sept. 26 as the community grappled with the early stages of the novel coronavirus pandemic. “There was no way we felt like we could put the quality of people required to make that event work in an in-door location and make that safe for everyone involved,” said Casey Woods, Executive Director of Emporia Main Street. “We went through in fine detail [of research] and just didn’t think we could do The Taste justice.”
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Madison passes real estate covenant ordinance
The Madison City Council met in an online meeting Monday evening to discuss a new proposed ordinance that will affect property owners, as well as several bids for COVID-19 safety measures. “What [the real estate covenant ordinance] does is stop a current property owner trying to tie up a piece of real estate in downtown Madison and not allow it to be used for commercial purposes in the future,” said Paul Dean, Mayor of Madison. “It doesn’t make anything illegal, it just voids those provisions. It allows people to use the property they bought the way they desire to use it.” The new ordinance is only targeted in regard to commercial real estate properties when a restrictive covenant is placed that prohibits the property from being used again in the future.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Topeka City Council bans use of police no-knock warrants
The Topeka City Council has banned the use of no-knock warrants by law enforcement in the city. The Capital-Journal reports that the council voted 8-to-1 Tuesday night to adopt the ordinance banning the controversial practice. Police Chief Bill Cochran has said this department already had a policy of not allowing no-knock warrants before the ban was made local law. Councilwoman Christina Valdivia-Alcala was the only member to vote against the measure. She said while she opposes the use of no-knock warrants, she doesn’t trust the city’s police auditor to offer an independent review of possible violations because he answers to the city manager.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Local businesses react to KDHE risk levels for activities
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently released a chart that explains the risk level of ordinary activities. It ranges from low to high risk for contracting coronavirus. On the low end it includes staying at home, but also shows that visiting a park or going camping are safer than most activities. In Topeka, Einstein’s Outdoor Outfitters is seeing more people wanting to get outside. “I would say there’s more interest this summer, people looking for tents, primarily because of again, lack of long term travel, lack of flying, lack of long-distance travel, myself included, said Alan Wisman, co-owner of Einstein’s. “I have family in Colorado, well we’re not going to Colorado, we’re probably just going to stay around here.” Einstein’s sells tents, sleeping bags, and all the supplies you might need to go camping. “It offers a relatively inexpensive vacation, it offers family time, it offers getting out of doors,” Wisman said. “A lot of young people have been inside for months and months.”
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Via Christi to take over operation of closed Wellington Hospital emergency room
Ascension Via Christi will take over operation of Sumner Community Hospital’s emergency-room operations next year under an agreement between the hospital group and the Wellington City Council. Sumner Community Hospital closed suddenly March 11, leaving Wellington and surrounding communities without an emergency room. Wellington’s City Council contacted Via Christi about taking over the ER in a similar way the hospital group did in Fort Scott in 2019. “We are committed to providing Kansans access to care by collaborating with others to develop sustainable models of care,” said Don King, Via Christi CEO and market executive for Ascension Kansas ministry.
(Read more: Wichita Business Journal)
Wichita hospitals have more ICU capacity, but COVID patients trend younger and sicker
New hospitalization numbers from Sedgwick County show more COVID-19 patients are in hospital beds and intensive care units than ever before, though more ICU beds are available than previously reported. The new statistics from the Sedgwick County Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard provide a fuller picture of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on local medical facilities. The new report added numbers for total intensive care unit beds and total ICU beds in use at public hospitals in Sedgwick County. The report shows more ICU beds are available than the county had reported a week ago, though more patients with COVID-19 are in Wichita hospitals. “We continue to be concerned as the volume of patients rises, but we are not yet seeing strain on our capacity to care for them,” Dave Stewart, the director of marketing and public relations for Wesley Healthcare, told The Eagle.
(Read more: Local News | Wichita Eagle)
Municipal Bond Trends for July 21, 2020
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.
Wichita proposes an increase in police funding, privatizing Century II
Wichita plans to increase police funding by millions of dollars next year and privatize Century II, bucking suggestions from protesters and community activists on both issues, as the city grapples with an expected $50 million budget hole over the next three years due to the coronavirus pandemic. The city’s proposed 2021 budget cuts some services, pushes back deadlines on capital improvements and doesn’t raise the property tax rate. Arts and cultural funding will take a 5% cut. Fewer trees will get planted. Stray cats will be left to roam. And the Wichita Animal Shelter will no longer accept animals from people trying to put their pets up for adoption. The $50 million is what needs to be cut between 2020 and 2022 to balance the city’s nearly $630 million-a-year budget.
(Read more: Wichita Eagle)
Hoisington Labor Day Parade canceled
Monday afternoon, the Hoisington Chamber of Commerce Labor Day committee announced big changes to the 2020 weekend long celebration. In addition to canceling the 124th Annual Labor Day Parade, several other activities were canceled in an effort to curb the rise of positive cases of COVID-19. Among them, the following events have been canceled: Community BBQ & Beer Garden, Carnival, KIDSTOP activities at the Activity Center, Downtown Street Market, Demolition Derby and Street Dance.
(Read more: Great Bend Tribune)
JoCo will hold off on cutting back bus routes for now due to coronavirus uncertainty
A plan to cut some Johnson County bus routes and change operating times of others has been put on hold for now because of the coronavirus outbreak. Talks about expanding the microtransit service, however, will continue. The county commission had been considering the elimination of two routes …. Ridership had dropped on the routes to be eliminated, but after the coronavirus reached the United States, it dropped on all public transit. County documents showed ridership down 70 percent on fixed routes and 29 percent on microtransit.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)