(Editor's note: The headline on the original version of this release misstated the change to the outlook.) CHICAGO (Standard & Poor's) Aug. 7, 2003--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its 'BBB+' rating on Ward County, N.D.'s revenue bonds issued for the Trinity Obligated Group (Trinity Health System), but has revised the outlook to stable from negative. "The rating reflects Trinity's enhanced competitive position, offset by substantial additional debt; improved profitability that has generated adequate coverage for the rating category; volume stability, despite Trinity's rural location, provided through employment of virtually the entire medical staff; and anticipated buildup in liquidity during the next several years," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Brian Williamson. In 2001, Trinity Health System acquired its
