Category Archives: Submitted
Federal Grant to Help Traumatic Brain Injuries
KDADS Awarded Federal Grant to Expand and Improve TBI Services
TOPEKA – The federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living has awarded the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) a three-year grant to expand and improve the services the state provides to individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
KDADS will use the $150,000-a-year grant to create and strengthen a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence, well-being and health of Kansans with TBI in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators and other key stakeholders.
The objectives of this project are to increase representation of people affected by TBI on Kansas’ TBI Advisory board, develop an annual State TBI Action Plan, develop a TBI Registry, increase enrollment of at least 30 people onto TBI Medicaid waiver, conduct annual seminars and educational events that increase knowledge and build capacity for advocacy, and create a sustainability plan to maintain and expand services in the future.
“We expect this project to result in an increased number of individuals with TBI receiving services under the state’s 1915(c) Medicaid waiver for TBI, which currently serves about 425 individuals,” KDADS Secretary Tim Keck said. “Another aim of this project is to educate people experiencing TBI, and the public, about brain injuries and to make them aware of the community resources available to support them.”
Kansas’ TBI Medicaid waiver provides a range of services and supports to individuals with TBI and their families with the aim of ensuring that individuals can remain in their homes and be as independent as possible in a safe, healthy environment. The HCBS/TBI program serves individuals who would otherwise require institutionalization in a TBI rehabilitation facility. The TBI waiver is designed to be a rehabilitative program for consumers to receive therapies and services that enable them to rely less on supports as their independence increases.
In 2018, the Kansas Legislature enacted a law requiring that the TBI Medicaid waiver cover children and people with acquired brain injuries as well as those with traumatic brain injury. Kansas is in the process of renewing federal approval for its TBI waiver and the proposed new waiver will include children and individuals with acquired brain injuries as required. The waiver is due for renewal in July of 2019. If approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Kansas will become the first state in the nation to establish a rehabilitation program for children who have a brain injury.
Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission June 12
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
2nd Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: June 12th, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-Firework permit
9:45-Decker Electric
10:00-10:30-Benefits Direct-Andrew Allen
10:30-11:00-Bill Martin-trash bids for the new jail/sheriff
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-15 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-15 min.
Bids and contract title insurance-7 min.
Sale of County Property-5 min.
Update on NRP-5 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
` 1:30-1:45-Old Jail/New Jail-Justin Meeks
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
KDOT Funding Improvements For Local Public Agencies
Governor Colyer, KDOT Announce Local Projects Funding Improvements
Topeka – Governor Jeff Colyer today announced that the Kansas Department of Transportation is increasing the exchange rate for local public agencies seeking to fund local projects with state funds through the Federal Fund Exchange Program, returning the exchange rate to $.90 in state funds made available for every $1.00 in federal funds awarded a local agency, upon that agency’s request.
“By participating in the Federal Fund Exchange Program, we are hoping to increase the control that localities have over their transportation projects and make sure that funds are available when they need them,” said Governor Colyer. “It is important to me that local governments have access to resources for local projects with less federal regulation and bureaucratic red tape. We want Kansas solutions for Kansas transportation issues.”
The Federal Fund Exchange Program is a voluntary program allowing local public agencies the option to sell all or a portion of their federal funds for state transportation dollars, which provides greater flexibility of use and allows local agencies the opportunity to fund larger projects that may not have been possible with federal funding.
“We value the partnership we have with local public agencies and we are looking forward to maximizing our capacity to help them improve their local transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “We want to continue providing a statewide transportation system that meets the needs of the people of Kansas.”
Federal funds exchanged for state funds can be used for local projects such as road construction, maintenance or preservation, safety improvements, sidewalks, ADA ramps, bridge construction, rehabilitation or repair, and low water crossings. The funds exchange program allows local agencies to deposit federal funds over a period of years to bank funds for larger projects or to fund projects that would not have fallen under federal requirements.
Max Dibble, Phillips County Commissioner and Kansas Association of Counties President, said, “Restoration of the $.90/$1.00 ratio in the federal funds exchange program will allow counties to further stretch our transportation dollars. This means safer local roads and bridges for our citizens, farmers and businesses depending on them.”
Michael White, Executive Director of the Kansas Contractors Association commented that, “our economy depends on good roads and infrastructure. We appreciate the Governor and KDOT’s leadership to leverage innovative opportunities for transportation funding. This is a perfect example of how we can all work together – at the local, state and federal level – to repair and grow our economy through results-driven infrastructure investments.”
“As we travel the state and talk to cities, we repeatedly hear transportation funding and infrastructure development is critically important to maintain and grow our state,” said Erik Sartorius, Executive Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities. “We appreciate the Governor and KDOT for reinstating the 90-cent exchange rate for local projects. These funds are used to build important projects in cities including the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of roads and bridges.”
The exchange rate was $.90 for fiscal years 2011-2017 and was at $.75 for fiscal year 2018. Approximately $30 million in federal funds has been eligible for the program. The new rate will take effect with all new contracts.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 11
SEK Republican Chairs to Host Governor’s Forum
Several Southeast Kansas (SEK) Counties have been working together to organize and host a Republican Governor’s Forum. The intent of the Forum is to educate voters and promote the SEK region. Four Republican county chairs, Don Alexander of Neosho County, Marsha Wallace of Crawford County, Mike Howerter of Labette County and Virgil Peck of Montgomery County have invested many hours in preparation for what they expect to be a big event for SEK.
The event will take place in Parsons, at the Parsons Municipal Auditorium, located at 112 S. 17th – one block west of the main north-south corridor (Hwy 59 or 16th street) in Parsons on the evening of June 16th. The doors will open at 5:00 and the Forum will formally start at 6:00.
Virgil Peck, the “unofficial chairman” of the group, said the idea came to him in the middle of the night several months ago. Soon after, he approached the other county chairs about the idea and says, “They all liked the idea and were immediately willing to join together to make it happen”.
The group first met at the Republican State Convention in Wichita last February to start the process. Peck reports that they have worked hard at planning and making the necessary arrangements to ensure that the Forum is a first-class event for SEK. He says he is very grateful to the many area businesses and individuals who have made financial contributions to cover the expenses, especially the Platinum sponsors: Monarch Cement of Humboldt, Taylor Crane and Rigging of Coffeyville and Ash Grove of Chanute. “Their contributions make it possible for the event to be free to the public,” said Peck. He went on to say that some Forums and Debates around the State have charged an admission of as much as $20 per person to attend their event. “We didn’t want to exclude any Republican voter, so we are making this happen at no cost to those who wish to attend.”
All five leading Republican candidates for Governor have confirmed their attendance and participation. They are Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Kris Kobach, State Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer, Dr. Jim Barnett and Patrick Kucera. In addition to the candidates seeking the office of Governor, several Republican candidates running for 2nd District Congress and other statewide offices will be at the event to visit with voters.
Alexander said, “This forum gives the people of SEK an unprecedented opportunity to personally meet future leaders in Topeka and Washington.” He encourages voters to: “Come talk with the candidates, shake their hands, and ask serious questions.” Alexander adds, “The forum also gives these future leaders a look at what we have to offer in SEK – so a good turnout is important.”
Howerter informs area residents that if they just can’t make it to Parsons on the 16th, they can listen to the forum live on KGGF radio (690 AM) or view it live on the internet – as it will be live-streamed worldwide. “I have run several of this type of meeting in the past. I commend my fellow chairs, especially Virgil (Peck) and Don (Alexander), they have really been doing a great job.”
There will be free literature and yard signs from the many different candidates attending the Forum. It is recommended that attendees arrive early to get the best seats. Additionally, at 5:40 there will be a pre-forum event to introduce and hear from the candidates for Second District Congress.
Joining with the other Chairs to encourage attendance at the Forum, Wallace says, “Although it is beneficial to read about the candidates and listen to what they have to say on the radio or internet, there is no better way to get a feel for who a person truly is than to look them in the eye, shake their hand and visit with them in person.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 8
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The jail can be reached at (620) 223-2380.
What’s Happening in Fort Scott
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 7
Dramatic Rise in Kansas Suicides
CDC Report Outlines State Suicide Rates
Kansas ranks 19th overall, experiencing dramatic increase
TOPEKA – Suicide is a tragic reality in our state and throughout the rest of the country. Today, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released its latest Vital Signs series, which addresses a single, important public health topic each month. This month’s edition looks at suicide rates across the United States. The report details a dramatic increase in incidents of suicide in Kansas, particularly among females. The state ranked 19th overall, and fifth for overall change. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) also tracks this cause of death through its division of Vital Statistics. This information is shared with our federal partners for reports such as this.
“Many of us have been personally impacted by this unfortunate reality,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, KDHE Chief Medical Officer. “It’s important that everyone, whether it’s a medical professional, family, friends or co-workers, take an active role in offering help before it’s too late.”
The CDC report indicates the following:
- In 2016, nearly 45,000 suicides occurred in the U.S. among people 10 years and older.
- From 1999-2016, suicide rates increased in nearly every state, with 25 states experiencing increases of more than 30 percent each.
- Data from 27 states participating in the National Violent Death Reporting System in 2015 indicate that more than half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.
- A range of factors contributes to suicide beyond mental health conditions alone, including relationship, substance use, physical health, job, financial and legal problems.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) offers programs and services to address suicide. It also heads the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council, that produced the Kansas Suicide Prevention Subcommittee 2017 Annual Report, which outlines steps the State is taking to regarding this issue.
“Too many Kansans are lost to suicide each year,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “It’s imperative that we continue to make suicide prevention a top priority, by promoting public awareness of the issue, evaluating risk factors and encouraging appropriate treatments and interventions.”
Suicide warning signs include the following:
- Feeling like a burden
- Being isolated
- Increased anxiety
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increased substance use
- Looking for a way to access lethal means
- Increased anger or rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressing hopelessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking or posting about wanting to die
- Making plans for suicide
Suicide has risk and protective factors similar to other behavioral health issues. Kansas has many resources available, ranging from prevention and behavioral health promotion strategies to guidance in responding effectively to suicidal thoughts, plans, and actions. Learn more about how to support friends, family, and neighbors after a suicide attempt. To learn more, visit the Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Kansas at 785-841-2345, or 800-273-8255. Free and confidential crisis counseling is available 24/7. Other resources include Kansas chat, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and Lifeline Chat.
For behavioral health, mental health or medical resources in your area, please visit the Local Resources page of KansasSuicidePrevention.org or dial 211. KDADS also offers training regarding suicide prevention. The next session will take place June 28, in Hays.