More than half of Kansas counties now have mask mandates

According to the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, at least 22 counties have added a mask mandate since Nov. 18. This also doesn’t include cities that have created a mask mandate themselves within counties that have opted out. This is a much different reaction from when the governor issued her first mask mandate at the start of the pandemic, when 80 counties rejected it. Part of that change in attitude could be due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Kansas and across the nation.
Source: News – McPhersonSentinel – McPherson, KS

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:51:59-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

Christmas traditions axed as pandemic sweeps rural Kansas

It’s barely a town anymore, battered by time on the windswept prairie of northwest Kansas. COVID-19 still managed for find Norcatur. Not much remains of the rural hamlet, save for a service station, a grain elevator, a little museum, and a weekend hangout where the locals play pool, eat pizza and drink beer. The roof has collapsed on the crumbling building that once housed its bank and general store. Schools closed decades ago and the former high school building is used for city offices. But for the 150 or so remaining residents, the cancellation of the beloved Norcatur Christmas Drawing has driven home how the global coronavirus pandemic has reached deep into rural America.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:52:29-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

Some Wichita businesses file a lawsuit over city, county coronavirus restrictions

More than a dozen businesses and business owners in the Wichita area have filed a lawsuit against almost every person who is connected in some way to coronavirus restrictions in the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County. … The attorney representing the bars said there are some legal challenges dealing with public health and citizens’ constitutional rights, but said the businesses should not lose their constitutional rights during a pandemic.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:54:51-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

Topeka’s new microhospital could accept some COVID-19 patients from Stormont, St. Francis

The recently opened Topeka ER & Hospital could accept some COVID-19 patients from Stormont Vail Hospital or the University of Kansas Health System St. Francis campus — though neither of those hospitals has taken Topeka ER up on the offer yet. Jared Schreiner, Topeka ER & Hospital’s chief medical officer, told The Topeka Capital-Journal on Friday that the facility has treated some “moderately ill” COVID-19 patients over the past few weeks. But it doesn’t have any inpatients positive for the coronavirus now, nor has it run into the capacity issues being faced by St. Francis and Stormont. The Capital-Journal reported Friday that St. Francis’ intensive care unit was at 100% of capacity that morning, while Stormont’s ICU capacity sat at 97%.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:55:27-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

VA outpatient clinic in Liberal closing next next year

The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center said it will close its outpatient clinic in Liberal next year. The Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, which opened in 2018 in Liberal, will cease operations after Jan. 14, the Dodge City Globe reported. “We are disappointed to have to make this decision,” said Candace Ifabiyi, Medical Center director for Dole VA.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:55:51-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

With KC beds sparse, rural hospitals in Kansas, Missouri face new COVID ‘tidal wave’

Like just about every healthcare facility in the nation, Holton Community Hospital spent the early months of the year making big plans as leaders there awaited the arrival of the coronavirus. There were disaster planning sessions, preparations to move around staff and plans to add temporary hospital beds. “Then it didn’t happen,” said Krista Eylar, nursing director at the hospital about 30 miles north of Topeka.
Source: KC Star Local News

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:56:18-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

Majority of counties in Kansas have mask mandate in place following governor’s order

Sixty-two Kansas counties now have mask orders in place, with many coming as Gov. Laura Kelly’s new statewide mask order went into effect, according to a list compiled by the Kansas Association of Counties. That’s up from the 50 reported counties, out of 105, with mask mandates as of Tuesday. The remaining 43 of the counties have opted out, but most are encouraging or recommending people wear masks. It’s a stark contrast to the response Kelly received to her first mask order in July, when the majority of counties opted out. But as cases of COVID-19 soar and hospitals struggle with the number of patients, the switch shows local officials developing a willingness to take more aggressive action to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Source: KC Star Local News

Ranson Financial2020-11-30T06:56:24-06:00November 29, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for November 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.

Ranson Financial2020-11-25T07:43:14-06:00November 25, 2020|News|

Officials announce online portal to report businesses in violation of health order

The City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and other local officials announced on Tuesday an online portal for residents to report businesses in violation of Dr. Garold Minns latest health order. “While the focus of enforcement is to educate businesses about COVID-19 safety and to encourage best health practices, failure to comply with the local health order is a violation of County code and may result in the offending business receiving a citation and notice to appear in County Court,” the county said in a news release. “The penalty for any violation would be a fine.” Once a complaint is received and reviewed, the business may receive a notification letter from the Sedgwick County Health Department. Officials will begin an investigation and if a violation is confirmed, the business could receive a citation and a notice to appear in court. If no violation is found, there will be no further action.
Source: KAKE – News

Ranson Financial2020-11-25T07:39:52-06:00November 25, 2020|News|

316 Hotel in Wichita to be redeveloped into affordable housing

The City of Wichita announced Tuesday that the city, in collaboration with Continuum of Care, is providing funding to HumanKind Ministries to purchase the 316 Hotel located at 1011 Topeka Ave. to add to much-needed affordable housing. Both public and private funds will help transform the property into studio apartments, a 56-unit supportive permanent housing complex specifically aimed at helping our community’s most vulnerable residents. The program is currently being called the 316 Hotel Project and will serve those who are homeless or experiencing housing insecurity. This joint initiative comes at a time when The City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, the business community and the nonprofit community are concentrating their efforts to positively impact Wichita’s mental health services, education, job training, substance abuse assistance and more.
Source: KSN-TV

Ranson Financial2020-11-25T07:40:12-06:00November 25, 2020|News|