Monthly Archives: March 2020

Government, Kansas

Kansas Food and Ag Industry Continues to Focus on Essential Functions

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MANHATTAN, Kan. —   The Kansas Department of Agriculture continues to support the state’s food and agriculture industry as it serves an essential role across the state. With today’s announcement that Governor Laura Kelly has issued a statewide “stay home” order (Executive Order No. 20-16), it is important to emphasize that those food and agriculture businesses must keep a strong focus on their essential functions and follow safety protocols.

 

The Governor’s Kansas Essential Function Framework, outlined in the executive order, clearly identifies food and agriculture businesses as essential functions that are exempt from the stay home order. KDA will continue to provide support and guidance to those businesses as needed, but urges all of those in the food and agriculture industry to scrutinize their activities and staffing and limit them to those which are essential to the food supply chain, public health and safety, and protection of animal health and welfare.

 

The food and agriculture industry truly serves an essential role in this statewide response, and all those who work within that industry are playing an important part in keeping the state fed, healthy and safe. “Since Kansas is the fifth largest state in regard to value of agricultural production, our state’s role in the production of food, fuel and fiber remains critical for consumers everywhere,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “KDA is grateful to these dedicated Kansans who are working every day throughout this crisis, and appreciates their commitment.”

 

KDA reminds those food and agriculture businesses that while they continue to operate, they must — to the extent possible without significant disruption to essential functions — use telework capabilities to avoid meeting in person. Any essential functions being performed on-site or in-person must — to the extent possible without significant disruption to essential functions — follow appropriate safety protocols, including maintaining a six-foot distance between individuals and limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people. When not performing an essential function, or traveling to or from work to perform an essential function, individuals must adhere to the stay home order.

 

In addition, all food and agriculture businesses should continue to follow all Kansas Department of Health and Environment protocols to protect the health of their employees: regular handwashing; routine cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces; adequate supplies of soap and water, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, and tissues; promoting proper coughing and sneezing etiquette; and especially sending home any employee who is sick or who has been exposed to COVID-19.

 

All of these efforts are critical to slowing the spread of the virus and limiting the impact on local healthcare workers and hospitals. Although many rural areas have not seen the effect of the virus thus far, the health care system in those rural areas has a more limited capacity and could feel the impact quickly if precautions are not taken now.

 

Information about the state’s response to this emergency event can be found the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s COVID-19 Resource Center at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus, and ag-related support and guidance can be found on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/coronavirus.
Government, Kansas

Kansas Public COVID 19 Update for March 28

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For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results
Updated 3/28/20 at 10 a.m.

Total Positive Cases
261
Private Labs
183
Kansas Health and Environmental Lab (KHEL)
78

Deaths (included in above numbers)
5

Out-of-State Resident Positive Cases*
(not counted in Kansas numbers)
2

Total Negative Cases for Kansans
3,671

Positive Case Information
County Number

Bourbon
3
Jackson
1
Osage
1
Butler
3
Jefferson
1
Ottawa
1
Cherokee
2
Johnson
80
Pottawatomie
1
Clay
1
Leavenworth
15
Reno
5
Coffey
5
Linn
4
Riley
1
Crawford
3**
Lyon
4
Sedgwick
33
Doniphan
1
McPherson
1
Shawnee
7
Douglas
23**
Mitchell
2
Sumner
1
Franklin
6
Morris
2
Woodson
1
Gove
1
Neosho
1
Wyandotte
53
Harvey
1
*Ford and Miami Counties reported positive cases in out-of-state residents.
**1 case in Douglas and 2 cases in Crawford are presumptive positive at a reference lab, but were not confirmed through the KDHE lab, so are included in the county numbers, but not in the overall state total or demographics at this time.

Demographics
Gender

Female
127

Male
134

Age Range
Age range on patients is 7 to 95 years of age, with a median age of 53.

Hospitalized
50 hospitalizations to date reported*
* this is a cumulative number, based on 175 cases where information is available.

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly issues temporary, statewide Stay Home order in ongoing effort to combat COVID-19

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Executive Order 20-16 makes Kansas 22nd state to issue statewide stay-home measure

 

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of novel coronavirus in Kansas, today Governor Laura Kelly issued Executive Order 20-16, making Kansas the 22nd state in the nation to institute a temporary, statewide stay-home order. It will exist in conjunction with the Kansas Essential Function Framework for COVID-19 response efforts and will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 30. The measure will be in place at least until Sunday, April 19.

“Our modeling continues to suggest that the number of confirmed positive coronavirus cases in Kansas could reach as high as 900 over the next week,” Kelly said. “While I left these decisions to local health departments as long as possible, the reality is that the patchwork approach that has developed is inconsistent and is a recipe for chaos and, ultimately, for failure in our statewide fight to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Under Executive Order 20-16, Kansans are directed to stay home unless performing one of the following essential activities:

 

  • Obtaining food, medicine and other household necessities;
  • Going to and from work at a business or organization performing an essential function as identified in the Kansas Essential Function Framework;
  • Seeking medical care;
  • Caring for children, family members or pets, or caring for a vulnerable person in another location;
  • Engaging in an outdoor activity, provided individuals maintain a distance of six feet from one another and abide by the 10-person limitation on gathering size.

 

“I know this is hard, and I can’t tell you how much I wish it weren’t necessary,” Kelly said. “But we have a small window to ensure that Kansas does not suffer the same terrible fate of other hard-hit states like New York and Missouri. We’ve all got to do our part to help stop the spread of the disease. Stay home. Stay Safe.”

In a public address to Kansans on Saturday morning, Kelly explained that this action became necessary for three key reasons:

 

  • To provide statewide uniformity in response efforts;
  • To prevent overwhelming hospitals – especially rural hospitals – who may not have the same capacity to handle an influx of COVID-19 patients;
  • To buy Kansas more time as the state officials work with federal partners to secure badly needed protective personal equipment (PPE), additional ventilators and COVID-19 testing supplies.

 

Kelly also commended federal efforts in recent days to support state and local response efforts in the form of an historic emergency relief package. More details about implications the federal stimulus bill will have for Kansas will be released as they become available.

 

The executive order can be viewed here: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/executive-orders/

 

Please visit kdheks.gov/coronavirus for additional virus-related information, and visit getkansasbenefits.gov for federal stimulus benefits updates or to file for Unemployment Insurance benefits.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes for the Week of March 30

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USD 234 FS Week of March 30th – Monday & Wednesday only
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 03/28/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS.

BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION. ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing two distributions the week of March 30th.

On Monday, March 30th, the child will be receiving a total of 4 meals per child.

On Wednesday, April 1st, the child will be receiving a total of 6 meals per child.

Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 2 days.

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am
ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP
10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS

Tiger Food Service – Meals Monday, March 30th and Wednesday, April 1st

No distributions on Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 03/28/20) What days will meals be distributed?
o Monday and Wednesday only for the Week of March 30th.
o There will not be any distributions Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.
o The child will still receive the same amount of meals. Do I need to bring my kids with me?
o Yes. According to federal and state regulations we must be able to visually see the child. At this point, we are still requiring this. Do I have to go to the school my child attends?
o No. These are distribution points and are not in connection to the school your child attends. I have kids attending at each of the schools, do I need to go to each school?
o No. Pick up where it is most convenient for you. Can I pick up a meal to take home to my child?
o No. We must be able to visibly see the child. What ages can be served?
o We can serve ages 1-18. Do I need to call ahead?
o No. Does a parent have to be present?
o No. Kids can pick up the meals if you, as a parent, feel comfortable letting them. How do I pick up my children’s meals using the food service route (bus route)?
o The meals will be distributed from the back of the bus by USD 234 staff.
o Please form a line practicing social distancing starting at the back of the bus. Are foods going to be delivered to my door?
o No. The safety of our kids and our staff is the highest priority. We do not have the resources nor the capability to deliver to each household. How do I pick up at the school pick-up points?
o We will be running these like a drive-thru line.
o Please pull into the line.
o Please remain in the car for all our safety.
o If you walk up to the school, there will be a table for that purpose. We highly recommend that you drive through the pick-up line. Do I have to qualify for free or reduced meals with the school?
o No. Any child 1-18 can participate.

Opinion

A Matter of Life and Death

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“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:10

“Am I going to die?” he asked. I looked up from where I was sitting at his bedside and locked eyes with the doctor who was standing in the doorway. The expression on the doctor’s face told me his answer. “Yes,” I said.

The young man’s expression didn’t change. The doctor turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. The hospital room was silent except for the noise of the machines that were keeping the young patient alive.

For a moment, I thought he was asleep. I was startled when he asked, “What will happen when I die?”

“That depends.” I answered.

“On what?”

“On your choice. There are two options for where you go when you die: heaven or hell. You make that choice.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well, you see, we have all done things wrong. We are all sinners. Our sin separates us from God. If we don’t do something about it, we will be separated from God forever in a place called hell. The Bible calls hell the ‘lake of fire.’”

“What can I do?”

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. You see, God became a man in the person of Jesus. He lived a perfect sinless life. He willingly sacrificed His life on the cross for you. His death paid the price for your sins. They buried Jesus and three days later, He rose from the dead. Because of what Jesus did, God offers you salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life as a gift that you must receive by faith. Just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

“Will I then go to heaven and not hell?”

“Yes.”

“My mom believed that. She used to tell me that I needed Jesus. Do you really believe?”

“Yes.”

“I do too.”

I took his hand and prayed with him. The next morning, he left this world.

In my years as a U.S. Army Chaplain, hospital chaplain, and pastor, I have witnessed many scenes like the one described here. I have watched as many people have died. I am familiar with the reality of death.

For perhaps the first time in the history of our nation, the reality of death is on everybody’s mind. The hysteria surrounding the coronavirus, or COVID-19, is causing most Americans to consider their own mortality. Our country is confused and scared.

As Christians, we have the answer to the fear that surrounds death. Right now, we have an opportunity to have conversations with nonbelievers about death and what happens when you die. We have an opportunity to share the truth of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The point is: Death is a reality we must all face. Whether we face death with fear or with confidence depends completely on if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. So, let me ask you: If you died tomorrow, would you go to heaven?

You had better be sure.

It’s a matter of eternal life and death.

James Collins is the pastor of First Southern Baptist Church. He can be reached at (620) 223-2986 or through the website www.fortscottfsbc.com.

Government, Kansas

KDHE adds states to travel quarantine list:Louisiana and Colorado

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Louisiana and Colorado

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has added two new states to the quarantine list: Louisiana and Colorado. Previously, just certain counties in Colorado were included. This is effective for persons returning today, March 27, and moving forward.

A comprehensive list of those Kansans needing to quarantine for 14 days includes those who have:

  • Traveled to Louisiana or anywhere in Colorado on or after March 27.
  • Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (California, Florida, New York and Washington state) on or after March 15.
  • Traveled to Illinois or New Jersey on or after March 23.
  • Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week of March 8 or after.
  • Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
    • People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their cruise ship travel should finish out their quarantine.
  • Traveled internationally on or after March 15.
    • People who have previously been told by Public Health to quarantine because of their international travel to China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran should finish out their quarantine.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case.  (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)

Important Note: These mandates do not apply to critical infrastructure sectors needed to continue operations during this pandemic. Public health, including hospitals, clinics, etc. need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans. While KDHE strongly recommends these quarantine restrictions for everyone, we do recognize that medical care needs to continue and no healthcare facility should ever be to a point where it would need to close due to staff being quarantined. We ask facilities to ensure they have updated their Emergency Preparedness Plans and implement protocols to ensure that no employee comes to work symptomatic. Other examples of critical infrastructures include pharmaceutical and food supply, along with others defined by the Department of Homeland Security.

For more information, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. KDHE has a phone bank that is staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected].  Please note these contacts are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Update

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Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate on March 27, 2020 – 2:55pm

picture of desk with office supplies around the edges, the word "update" in the middle with the FSCC seal on the left of it

Date: March 27, 2020

Time: 12:00 P.M.

RE: FSCC novel coronavirus, COVID-19 update

 

Bourbon County Health Department issued an emergency stay-at-home order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 until April 26, 2020. Due to the order, campus access will change from the last update on March 19. Community Colleges are considered an essential service by the state of Kansas and we will begin with all courses online March 30th as planned.

 

The stay-at-home order requires essential services to comply with social distancing requirements which includes maintaining at least six-feet social distancing for both employees and members of the public at all times. FSCC faculty/staff are encouraged to work remotely if possible. Some employees will be asked to work an altered schedule to minimize contact. Please use email as your primary source of communication. All department emails can be found on our directory at fortscott.edu/directory.

 

All Courses Online

 

ALL FSCC courses will be online for the remainder of the semester. This includes all technical courses/programs taught at CTEC, Construction Trades at La Harpe, Fort Scott John Deere/Welding, Harley-Davidson in Frontenac, Allied Health/Nursing at Burke Street, and Welding, Construction Trades, Criminal Justice, and Allied Health/Nursing in Miami County. All courses (including general education) will resume in the online format beginning March 30th.

 

 

Internet

 

For students without readily available internet access, please contact your local area internet service and cellular service providers. Many companies are working with students during this time to ensure access to internet services. If this is unsuccessful, please contact Janet Fancher ([email protected]) or Adam Borth ([email protected]).

 

 

Updated Closures

 

The Bookstore, Library, Computer Labs, and Student Success Center will be closed until at least April 26, 2020 when the stay-at-home order is lifted.

 

Advising and Enrollment:

 

Fall enrollment will open March 30, and advising will be assisting students via phone appointments and email. To schedule an appointment please contact via email:

 

·         Russ Souza ([email protected])

·         Ashley Keylon ([email protected])

·         Quentin Choice ([email protected])

 

You may call 620.223.2700, ext. 3630 and leave a detailed message, including name, student ID (if applicable), and contact information.

 

 

The situation is still evolving and may change at any time. We want to make sure that everyone stays safe and will continue to comply with local and state guidelines and orders. We will keep the students, faculty/staff, and community updated on any changes for work requirements, campus access, etc.; as needed to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19

 

 

Stay safe!

 

Alysia Johnston, FSCC President

 

March 19th Update

March 17th Update

March 15th Update (pdf)

COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan

Obituary

Obituary of Lofton Carpenter Younge

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Lofton Carpenter Younge, age 52, a resident of Arcadia, Kansas passed away Saturday March 21, 2020, in Arcaida, Kansas.

He was born July 20, 1967, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the son of Llewellyn Younge and Lillie Leora Zimmerman Younge. Lofton was a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and went by the name Winds Along the Creek.

Survivors include his mother, Leora Younge; two daughters, Moria Turner and Lilly Steichen and grandson, Tommy. as well as his former wife, Rhonda Steichen. Also surviving are brothers and sisters, Llewellyn Christopher Younge, Laura Charis Younge, Loren Cary Younge, Luana Carole Younge, Lowell Christopher Younge, Laurel Carmel Younge, Lynetta Cathleen Younge, Landon Cory Younge and Lauren Cooper Younge and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Lynden Younge.

Private burial took place Friday at the Hiattville Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com

Obituary

Death Notice of Lanita Tucker

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Lanita Rochelle Tucker, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the Select Specialty Hospital, Kansas City, KS.

Private burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will announce a public memorial service at a future date including a full obituary. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Info For Small Businesses Online

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Kansas officials to provide information to small businesses via First Friday online session April 3

Heads of agencies will take part in K-State monthly program in light of COVID-19

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Officials of two lead Kansas agencies responding to the COVID-19 outbreak will provide information for small businesses online Friday, April 3 at 9:30 am, as part of K-State Research and Extension’s First Friday monthly webinar series. The call will be recorded and archived.

The session, to be conducted via Zoom, is free and open to anyone interested in resources available to the public, particularly small businesses and employees in Kansas affected by the global pandemic.

Speakers include:

  • David Toland, Kansas Secretary of Commerce
  • Delia Garcia, Kansas Secretary of Labor
  • Laurel Klein Searles, Kansas Director of Unemployment Services

“Kansas has responded quickly to the concerns of small businesses and employees who have lost their livelihoods because of COVID-19,” said Nancy Knopp Daniels, community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “This call occurs every month in support of small business, but this month we have a special edition to highlight these response programs.”

She noted that a record 3.3 million Americans filed unemployment claims in the past week, which eclipsed the old record of 695,000 new claims in 1982.

To participate, go to https://ksu.zoom.us/j/2636377104; or One-Tap Mobile, + 13462487799,,2636377104#.

 

More information about First Friday e-Calls is available online or by contacting Daniels at 785-410-6352 or [email protected].

 

Government, Kansas

March 27, 2020 Public Update COVID-19

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For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results
Updated 3/27/20 at 8 a.m.

Total Positive Cases
202
Private Labs
135
Kansas Health and Environmental Lab (KHEL)
67
Deaths (included in above numbers)
4

Out-of-State Resident Positive Cases*
(not counted in Kansas numbers)
2

Total Negative Cases for Kansans
3,229

Positive Case Information
County Number

Bourbon
3
Jackson
1
Osage
1
Butler
3
Jefferson
1
Ottawa
1
Cherokee
2
Johnson
66
Pottawatomie
1
Clay
1
Leavenworth
12
Reno
5
Coffey
1
Linn
4
Riley
2
Crawford
3**
Lyon
3
Sedgwick
20
Doniphan
1
McPherson
1
Shawnee
5
Douglas
14*
Mitchell
2
Sumner
1
Franklin
2
Morris
2
Woodson
1
Gove
1
Neosho
1
Wyandotte
43
Harvey
1
*Ford and Miami Counties reported positive cases in out-of-state residents.
**1 case in Douglas and 2 cases in Crawford are presumptive positive at a reference lab, but were not confirmed through the KDHE lab, so are included in the county numbers, but not in the overall state total or demographics at this time.

Demographics
Gender

Female
97
Male
105

Age Range
Age range on patients is 7 to 90 years of age, with a median age of 53.
Hospitalized
27 hospitalizations to date reported*
* this is a cumulative number, based on 135 cases where information is available.