Local firms may get grants

The city of Parsons and Labette County will both file for grants that would be distributed to local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of Kansas will receive approximately $9 million in Community Development Block Grant funding under the federal coronavirus relief bill. Counties, cities and other localities will likely receive applications sometime next week. The maximum grant that will be allocated to any single municipality under the program will be $200,000. Jim Zaleski, the economic development director for the city of Parsons, said he’ll work with the city and county to file applications requesting the maximum of $200,000.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:28:40-05:00May 11, 2020|News|

Parsons Public Library to offer curbside service

Beginning Monday, the Parsons Public Library will begin contactless curbside pick-up on the east side of the library. While the library building remains closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the no-contact pick-up service will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. “While the library is still closed, the library staff is excited to serve our community again,” Samantha Graven, library director, said in a prepared statement. “We are taking extra precautions because this pandemic is still affecting us locally and statewide. Our dedication to the safety and health of our staff and patrons remains our top priority.”
(Read more: Parsons Sun)

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:29:07-05:00May 11, 2020|News|

Hospitals receive federal funding as revenues drop

Revenues at the two local hospital have dropped considerably in the past few months as elective procedures are postponed due to the coronavirus. As a result, both have applied for and received federal aid to help meet payroll costs. William Newton Hospital is projected to lose more than $1 million in revenue between February and April due to the coronavirus, according to figures provided by hospital spokesperson Sarah Johnson. Net patient revenue for March was down 10.4 percent from February, even though there were two extra days in March. Although final numbers for April are not available yet, the hospital estimates net patient revenue for that month will be down about 32 percent compared to February.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:30:02-05:00May 11, 2020|News|

City offices to open with restrictions

Most Winfield city offices will reopen to the public Monday with safeguards in place, after being closed since March due to the coronavirus. All offices, including city hall and the operations center, will reopen with their regular hours, Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall said on Thursday. The only exception is the fire/EMS department, which will remain closed at this time due to the sensitive nature of the work performed there. The first floor of city hall, where the customer service department is located will only be accessible through the front door facing Ninth Avenue. The west door facing Millington Street will be unlocked to allow access to the second floor offices, but the door allowing access to the customer service area will be locked, Wall said.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:31:21-05:00May 11, 2020|News|

Louisburg, Spring Hill delay opening aquatic centers

The Louisburg Aquatic Center will not open Memorial Day weekend, May 23, as previously planned, the city of Louisburg announced Thursday, May 7 . “Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and ensuing business closures, lifeguard training has been delayed,” the city of Louisburg said in a post on its website and in a press release. The city of Louisburg said its staff has been working with the city’s training partner to see if and when lifeguard training might occur.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:31:33-05:00May 11, 2020|News|

City projections estimate multimillion-dollar revenue loss due to pandemic; Lawrence leaders to consider budget changes

Revenue projections estimate the City of Lawrence will lose millions — more than $8 million in the most optimistic scenario — due to the coronavirus pandemic, and city leaders soon will discuss potential changes to the budget as a result. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive updated 2020 revenue projections due to the pandemic and resulting economic slowdown and direct city staff regarding several policy decisions impacting the budget. Those include how much of the city’s savings commissioners are willing to spend down, what service reductions they would consider, and what fee or tax increases they would or would not consider.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:39:52-05:00May 10, 2020|News|

Lawrence inspected less than 1% of rental properties last year; commissioner calls for city to reassess program

There are more than 20,000 rental properties in the City of Lawrence, but there is very little chance any one of them will be inspected. Last year, of the 21,174 rental units that were licensed by the city, only 206 were inspected, or less than 1%, according to the city’s annual rental licensing and inspection report. After Commissioner Courtney Shipley pointed out that the regulations the city is developing for Airbnbs and other short-term rentals seem stiffer than regulations for long-term rentals — where more than half of Lawrence residents live — the commission will soon receive a report on the overall program.
Read more: LJWorld.com.

Ranson Financial2020-05-11T08:38:57-05:00May 10, 2020|News|

Kansas stocks up on PPE to prepare election workers, voters

Kansas voters will encounter masked election workers seated behind plastic panels when they head to the polls this fall and use disposable stylus pens to cast their ballots. Secretary of State Scott Schwab said in a news release Thursday that the state is receiving $4.6 million in federal aid to prepare for the election, with $2.6 million going to county election officials. The state also plans to spend $1 million on personal protective equipment, including hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, face masks and disposable gloves. Each polling site also will receive two plexiglass shields to protect election workers and voters, as well as disposable stylus pens for voters.
(Read more: KSN-TV)

Ranson Financial2020-05-08T09:28:49-05:00May 8, 2020|News|

Shawnee to reopen city offices May 11 with limited staffing

The city of Shawnee is planning to reopen city offices on Monday, May 11. In a memo to the governing body, City Manager Nolan Sunderman said the reopening of offices will occur with limited staffing, social distancing requirements and other preventative measures. City staff will provide an update on the COVID-19 situation during Monday’s city council meeting. The reopening of Shawnee public buildings coincides with Johnson County’s stay-at-home order, which is set to expire May 10. Without an extension, the county remains on track to begin gradually reopening businesses Monday with distancing and capacity restrictions in place.
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)

Ranson Financial2020-05-08T09:26:18-05:00May 8, 2020|News|

City of Wichita facing potential loss of revenue with empty Riverfront Stadium

…the City of Wichita could lose up to a million dollars if Riverfront Stadium, home of the Wind Surge remains empty for the rest of the year. “You know we have these incentives it pays for itself or should be paid back, debt by sales tax and businesses up and around that area,” Brandon Whipple, the Mayor of Wichita said. “We have no one going out right now with that sales tax. That’s something that wasn’t thought of.” Local restaurants and bars in the Delano neighborhood, where the stadium is located, were preparing for an uptick in business once the Wind Surge started playing games back in April.
(Read more: KAKE – News)

Ranson Financial2020-05-08T09:25:40-05:00May 8, 2020|News|