Shawnee council works to hold meeting within parameters of social distancing, 10-person limit

An air of uncertainty hung about the Shawnee council chambers last night, while city leaders and staff conducted a council meeting in line with social distancing guidelines and a 10-person limit.
Some cities in the Shawnee Mission area canceled their meetings or agreed to conduct their meetings remotely, while other cities’ council meetings took place last week. Shawnee’s meetings fall on the second and fourth Monday each month, and last night’s meeting happened to occur the day before a metro-wide stay at home order for 30 days was to begin.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post – Community news and events for northeast Johnson County)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:25:33-05:00March 25, 2020|News|

Marion County departments tackle COVID-19 response

County department heads met with county clerk Tina Spencer Tuesday morning and are announcing procedures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus at county offices.
“Marion County is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our community and work force,” Spencer said. “We are not closing the courthouse at this time; however, we are taking steps to limit counter access within individual county offices. Many services are available online, or can by handled by phone or by mail, and we highly encourage people to use the alternative service delivery methods as they follow the recommendations to practice social distancing. …”
(Read more: Marion County RECORD)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:29:03-05:00March 25, 2020|News|

Topeka bus service safety in coronavirus crisis debated

The Topeka Metro transit service will temporarily stop charging fares as part of an effort to make its buses safer amid the current coronavirus crisis.
That was among two steps the board of directors of the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority voted 7-0 to approve late Thursday afternoon, said its president, Jim Ogle.
Topeka Metro said in a news release that the board adopted “a no-fare policy as well as rear door bus entry to improve social distancing inside the buses.”
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:31:50-05:00March 25, 2020|News|

Bourbon County Public Health Officer places restrictions on businesses

Bourbon County Public Health Officer Becky Johnson issued an order Sunday night restricting or prohibiting businesses activities in Bourbon County for all non-essential businesses and making recommendations for essential business functions.
The following have been determined to be Essential Business functions for Bourbon County:…
(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:33:22-05:00March 25, 2020|News|

Voters reject De Soto’s park plan. With COVID-19 threatening revenue, it’s on hold

De Soto Mayor Rick Walker said he was disappointed that voters on Tuesday rejected a proposed bond issue for a long-planned citywide park improvement plan.
But even if the $3.3 million bond issue were approved, Walker said officials would have had to seriously reconsider whether the project is still feasible as the coronavirus pandemic threatens city revenue.
Some officials worry the metrowide stay-at-home order that took effect Tuesday will cut into consumer spending and residents’ incomes, which could lead to plunging revenues from sales and income taxes.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:32:45-05:00March 25, 2020|News|

Osage County introduces program to bring essentials to self-isolating residents

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new program to assist those in need during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Sheriff’s Office staff and pre-approved volunteers will be available to pick up necessities, like prescription medications, groceries and more for those who are unable to leave their homes, according to a Facebook post from the Sheriff’s Office.

The Office said that they will offer this assistance Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To use the service, call the administrative line for the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-4657.

(Read more: KSNT News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-24T18:01:06-05:00March 24, 2020|News|

Schools adjust to lunch on go

For students, parents, teachers and others in Newton Unified School District 373, Monday was supposed to be the first day back to school after spring break.
It wasn’t. At least not school the way they knew it two weeks ago.
On March 17, Randy Watson, the commissioner of education in Kansas, and Gov. Laura Kelly announced that all public school buildings in Kansas would be closed for the remainder of the year in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
(Read more: Education – Morning Sun)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:18:23-05:00March 24, 2020|News|

Newton City facilities closing in response to COVID-19

To protect the health of City employees and the public and help limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Newton will close City facilities to the public starting Wednesday, March 25.

The closure is planned to last through April 12 and will be re-evaluated then. The City will strive to limit the disruption of services as much as possible during this time.

“We are taking this step to do what we can to help curb the spread of the virus,” said Interim City Manager Kelly McElroy. “Delivering services and caring for our residents remains our highest priority. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public’s understanding and patience during this unprecedented time. We are all in this together as we work to ensure the safety of our community.”

(Read more: KWCH News)

Ranson Financial2020-03-24T17:20:39-05:00March 24, 2020|News|

Parsons PD adopting new procedures amidst virus

The Parsons Police Department is making changes to the way it handles calls.
Effective immediately, the department lobby will remain open, but the records window is closed.
All business will be done through the dispatch window and requested documents will be delivered electronically.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:20:17-05:00March 24, 2020|News|

Bourbon County Declares Emergency, Issues New Guidelines

Bourbon County Commissioners announce a state of emergency declaration in response to their first confirmed coronavirus case.
In a special session, Commissioners declared a state of local public health emergency for 60 days or until they are able to recover.
During this time, all non-essential businesses can remain open but will have to prohibit the public from being allowed within their facility.
This goes for bars, restaurants and car repair shops.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)

Ranson Financial2020-03-25T08:20:34-05:00March 24, 2020|News|