Manhattan is making temporary changes to the powers of the city manager and how it conducts business in an effort to streamline its operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. City Commissioners Tuesday via Zoom resolved 4 to 1 to grant City Manager Ron Fehr the power to cancel city commission and advisory board meetings only when deemed necessary for the health, safety and welfare of the public. Additionally, Fehr’s spending authority — typically limited to expenditures and change orders of up to $20,000 without approval on the consent agenda — was increased to $75,000, which staff says is in line with…
Author: KMAN Staff
Three Kansas prison workers have contracted the coronavirus in the first cases reported in the state’s prison system. The Department of Corrections announced Tuesday night in a news release that the three employees at the Lansing Correctional Facility are recovering at home. Residents who had close contact with the workers have been moved to medical isolation where they will be monitored for symptoms. Meanwhile, health care providers in Kansas are facing financial strains. Topeka-based Stormont Vail Health CEO Robert Kenagy said in a statement Tuesday that cuts in wages are necessary so all staff can continue getting paid.
Authorities say a driver has struck and killed a 61-year-old woman as she was walking a dog in suburban Kansas City. Police in Olathe, Kansas, say the crash happened just before noon Tuesday. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been released. Police say the dog also was injured and was taken to an animal hospital for treatment. The driver wasn’t injured and remained on scene. The crash remains under investigation.
While many local businesses have either slowed down operations or closed altogether due to COVID-19, construction-inspection services are continuing operations. Manhattan Assistant Chief of Risk Reduction Ryan Courtright says because of this, they have had to change how they work to meet certain guidelines. According to Courtright, online services are still ongoing as well. He says guidelines have also been put in place for those working at construction sites. Those with questions for the Risk Reduction office can call 785-587-4506.
USD 383 Manhattan/Ogden Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade and board member Jurdene Coleman previewed Wednesday’s school board meeting. Manhattan Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Almes and Assistant Chief of Risk Reduction Ryan Courtright joined the show for a discussion on how fire and risk reduction services have been altered by COVID-19. UFM Community Learning Center Executive Director Linda Teener shared an update on Spring class adjustments and the Community Gardens, which are open.
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas Democrats have scrapped plans for polling sites for their May 2 presidential primary and are using only mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic. State Chairwoman Vicki Hiatt said Monday that polling sites are “going to be too risky” and some were at public schools and community colleges that have closed. The party on Monday began mailing ballots to almost 390,000 people registered as Democrats as of early March. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas has more than tripled in six days to 368 cases reported by the state health department. Nine COVID-19-related…
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Health care providers in Kansas are facing financial strains as the coronavirus leads to an increase in the cost for supplies and a sharp drop in the number of patients seeking routine and non-emergency care. Wichita-based Stormont Vail Health CEO Robert Kenagy said in a statement Tuesday that cuts in wages are necessary so all staff can continue getting paid. Staff working face-to-face with patients in acute care and emergency settings are exempt from pay cuts. Others will see reductions ranging from 10% to 50%. “Our goal is to preserve our team,” said Kenagy, who is…
Struggling Manhattan businesses will be eligible for up to $20,000 in certain cases as funds permit through a program unanimously approved Tuesday night. City Commissioners via Zoom agreed to source half a million dollars from the existing $4 million economic development fund balance to provide a lifeline for businesses amid widespread economic hurt and store closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “All the businesses that I’ve spoken to are devastated and whatever we can do to help — it falls on us,” says Mayor Usha Reddi. “This won’t take care of all of their needs, but hopefully they’ll have resources to…