Monthly Archives: May 2021

Area News, COVID-19, Health Care

COVID-19 Health Challenges Persist For Many

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Cognition and Swallowing Among the Common Challenges Persisting for Many Americans After COVID-19

Speech-Language Pathologists Can Help Patients Regain Health and Quality of Life, NRMC Expert Stresses During Better Hearing & Speech Month

With an estimated 10 to 30% of COVID-19 survivors experiencing “long-haul” symptoms including brain fog and swallowing difficulties, Nevada Regional Medical Center speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is encouraging the public to seek care from qualified experts who can help them regain their functioning and quality of life. Wydick is sharing this message in recognition of May being national Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“The pandemic has posed so many challenges to us all as a society, but one of the persisting and most vexing ones right now is the daunting set of difficulties many people are having for months after contracting COVID-19,” said Wydick. “From brain fog, to difficulty eating and drinking, to speech and language problems, these can affect return to work, the ability to take care of one’s family, and overall recovery. Many people don’t know about the services of speech-language pathologists—professionals trained in these areas who can make a huge difference for these people. This is an important time for us to spread the word: Help is available.”

How They Help

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with, or recovering from, COVID-19 who are having short- and longer-term difficulties in the following areas:

• Cognition

Many COVID-19 “long-haulers” are reporting persistent brain fog as a debilitating symptom after their bout with the virus. This can prevent a return to work and impact their ability to tend to family responsibilities. SLPs can work with individuals to improve their memory, attention, organization and planning, problem solving, learning, and social communication—such as re-learning conversational rules or understanding the intent behind a message or behind nonverbal cues. The focus is on the person’s specific challenges as well as regaining the skills that are most important to their daily life and priorities.

• Swallowing

People diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience swallowing problems that can put them at risk for choking or aspirating, which is when food goes into the lungs instead of the stomach. This may be the result of time spent on a ventilator, or it may be another side effect of the virus. SLPs use different types of tests to determine what happens when a person swallows and how the related muscles are working—helping a patient’s medical team, including the SLP, decide on the best course of action with the patient and their family. SLPs may recommend modified textures of food and drink for patients; therapy exercises to strengthen the tongue, lips, and muscles in the mouth and throat; and strategies to make eating and drinking safer, such as modifying the pace of chewing/eating, size of food, and more.

• Communication

People diagnosed with COVID-19 are also experiencing speech and language difficulties. Some, such as those who spent a significant amount of time on a ventilator or experienced low oxygen to the brain, may have muscle weakness or reduced coordination in the muscles of the face, lips, tongue, and throat—making it difficult to talk. Others, particularly those who experienced a COVID-related stroke, may experience a language disorder called aphasia—which makes it hard for someone to understand, speak, read, or write. SLPs work with patients through targeted therapy to improve their communication and understanding.

People who have severe speech and/or language difficulties may need to find other ways to answer questions or tell people what they want, such as through gesturing with their hands, pointing to letters or pictures on a paper or board, or using a computer. These are all forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). SLPs help find the appropriate AAC method to meet an individual’s needs.

Where to Find Care

SLPs work in settings that include hospitals, long- and short-term care facilities, private practices, and patients’ homes. Many SLPs are also providing their services via telehealth at this time. If you or a loved one are experiencing communication challenges, Wydick recommends letting your doctor know.

For more information, Vernon County and area residents can contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790, or visit www.asha.org/public.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Restaurants: Apply For Revitalization Grants

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Governor Laura Kelly Encourages Kansas Restaurants Apply for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grants

~Revitalization Fund Grants will boost hospitality industry and aid continued economic recovery~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today urged Kansas restaurants and eligible businesses in the hospitality industry to apply for federal funding through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Registration for the RRF began on Friday, April 30, 2021, at 8 AM CT and applications will open on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 11 AM CT.

“These RRF grants will boost our hospitality industry and aid our continued economic recovery as we get our state back to normal,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to apply for this program and thank the SBA for their partnership to provide relief for Kansas businesses.”

The SBA will be co-hosting a webinar for Kansas businesses with the Governor’s Office of Recovery, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, May 5 at 9 AM CT. Learn more about the webinar at https://covid.ks.gov/rrf/.

“Restaurants are vital to our state’s hospitality sector, and this program exists solely to help them,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Hospitality businesses have been incredibly resilient through this historic and unprecedented challenge, and restaurants have had to be creative to get through the storm. This program is a lifeline for them, and I would encourage all Kansas restaurant owners who need help to take full advantage.”

The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.

Entities eligible for the RRF include:

  • Restaurants;
  • Food stands, food trucks, food carts;
  • Caterers;
  • Bars, saloons, lounges, taverns;
  • Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars;
  • Additional entities if onsite food or beverage sales are at least 33% of gross receipts (e.g. Bakeries, brewpubs, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries and/or microbreweries, Wineries and distilleries, Inns).

“Restaurants and the food service industry are critical to the economic wellbeing of our communities,” said Michael Barrera, District Director, SBA-KC District. “Restaurants are gathering places for our cities and towns and are where many milestones and everyday conversations take place in our lives. The RRF will help keep these ‘centers of influence’ going and we here at the SBA look forward to working with our Kansas partners to make this program a Kansas success!”

“The RRF provides critical support to restaurants, food trucks, small caterers, coffee shops and other food service companies hit hard by the pandemic,” said Wayne Bell, District Director, SBA-Wichita District. “We want Kansas small businesses to be fully prepared for this opportunity.”

“As we look toward the future, it is crucial that we support the restaurant industry in every way we can,” said Ryan Wills, Kansas Department of Commerce Hospitality Industry Liaison. “Food service organizations provide nourishment to our community not just through food, but also through fellowship. They are essential to our economic vitality, and the Department of Commerce is looking forward to the RRF providing much needed relief to businesses across our great state.”

Learn more about the RRF and apply at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee hosted by Nu Grille May 6

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Chamber Coffee hosted by Nu Grille announcing celebrating 15 year anniversary!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee hosted by Nu Grille, Thursday, May 6th at 8 a.m. located at 24 N. National Ave. to announce their 15 year Anniversary at their current location.

John and Cindy Bowman want to invite everyone to join them to celebrate their family business that has been running strong for 75 years, and 15 years of that is at the location they are now serving the community and travelers. Coffee, biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls, will be served and a drawing.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Government

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter

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Resources

To find further resources on how to protect you and your family, visit
coronavirus.gov or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website here.

Vaccines in Kansas

Visit kansasvaccine.gov for information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in Kansas, including availability and FAQs.

To find providers offering COVID-19 vaccinations, use KDHE’s Find My Vaccine map tool. Enter your zip code or address to find the providers nearest you.

Assistance

If you are a Kansas resident and you or your family needs assistance with matters related to COVID-19, please click here.

If your employment situation has been impacted by COVID-19, including reduced work hours, please refer to these resources from the Kansas Department of Labor:

–Response Resources

–Frequently Asked Questions

–Unemployment Insurance Application

–Helpful videos

Federal Informational Resources

–Coronavirus.gov

–Situation Summary

–Prevention & Treatment

–High-Risk Populations

–Pregnant Women Guidance

–Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas Informational Resources

Please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here.

U.S. Small Business Administration Resources

For information regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including second draw loans, please visit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website by clicking here.

For information regarding Economic Injury Disaster loans, please click here.

Veteran Resources

For information on veteran and VA related topics, resources and contact information, please click here.

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Phone Calls to Kansans

Shane Bangerter, Bangerter Law, Dodge City

Bill Feuerborn, Kansas Board of Regents, Garnett

Hon. Allen Schmidt, Developmental Services of NW Kansas, Hays

Superintendent Shelly Kiblinger, USD 447, Cherryvale

Cheryl Harrison Lee, Kansas Board of Regents, Overland Park

Ann Brandau-Murguia of Kansas City

Caden Nicholson, Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village

Will & Liz Ruder, Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, Overland Park

Daniel & Melissa Knight, Bible Baptist Church, Coffeyville

Dr. Paul Fallon, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Overland Park

Ryan Click, AMI Metals, Wichita

Duane Hawkins, Spirit AeroSystems, Wichita

Teresa Dimitt, DJ Engineering, Augusta

Brian Moroney, TW Metals, Wichita

Dr. Darrell & Barbara Werth of Hays

Ken & Mary McCauley, KM Farms, White Cloud

Stephon Alcorn of Gardner

Rob McKnight of Overland Park

Doris Riley of Overland Park

Dr. Dan & Karen Sanchez, Rooks County Health Center, Plainville

Nate Spriggs, Koch Industries, Wichita

Rob McKnight of Overland Park

 

 

 

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Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.

 

Senate Passes My Legislation to Honor Women of the Six Triple Eight

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed my legislation to honor the brave women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal. The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale. The women of the Six Triple Eight deserve to hold a special place in history for their service to our country, and I appreciate the Senate passing this legislation and will work to advance it in the House of Representatives. Learn more about their service during WWII by clicking here or by watching the video below.

 

 

Pledges for Unity Mean Nothing Without Compromise

After President Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday evening, I released the following statement:

Unity, bipartisanship, working together – I agree with President Biden that these are all things that should and can represent the federal government, but we are falling far short. Pledges for unity mean nothing without listening to those with opposing points of view, finding common ground with them and agreeing to compromises. The President demonstrated he was unwilling to work with Republicans by forcing his partisan $1.9 trillion relief package through Congress without a single Republican vote. Overreaching, partisan legislation that costs trillions of taxpayer dollars isn’t the right path forward.

While I am eager to work with the President and my colleagues on improving America’s infrastructure, the President’s $2.3 trillion proposal isn’t affordable, and it isn’t infrastructure. I also agree that we should focus on supporting families and education, but these things are achieved through creating jobs and opportunities, not by adding an additional $1.8 trillion spending package.

Even amidst this divisive political climate, I’ve seen through my work on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee that we are capable of working together to get things done, especially on behalf of our nations’ veterans. I am committed to working with the President to continue serving our veterans by further implementing the MISSION Act, improving care for veterans suffering from toxic exposure and improving VA accessibility for minority and women veterans.

 

Discussing Ongoing Vaccination Efforts with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky

On Monday, I spoke with Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dr. Rochelle Walensky to follow up on our previous discussion at a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing in March.

During our conversation, we discussed the vaccine rollout and opportunities that would continue to encourage Kansans to receive the vaccine. We also spoke of the assistance the United States will be sending to India and other nations who are battling high COVID-19 mortality rates, as India’s COVID surge is a tragedy that America must help address to save lives and stymie new variants. Additionally, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I assured Dr. Walensky of my longtime support for adequate funding of the CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH) to retain America’s position at the forefront of biomedical research. I’m grateful to Dr. Walensky for her time, and I look forward to continuing to work together during her tenure as Director of the CDC.

 

Introducing Data Privacy Legislation and Discussing Big Tech

Giving Americans Authority Over their Personal Data
More and more Americans are recognizing the need for a clear federal standard for data privacy that guarantees them the ability to determine how their personal data is used. This week, I introduced the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act to strengthen the laws that govern consumers’ personal data and create clear standards and regulations for American businesses that collect, process and use consumers’ personally identifiable data.

Americans need to be able to count on strong baseline responsibilities that businesses must uphold when collecting, processing and protecting their personally identifiable information. Without action from Congress, consumers will continue to be vulnerable to future threats against their personal data, and innovators and job creators will be plagued with regulatory uncertainty resulting from a growing patchwork of state laws. It is clear that Congress needs to act, and I encourage my colleagues to support the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act as the federal standard for comprehensive privacy legislation.

 

Continue reading U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Weekly Newsletter →

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Sports

FS Hurricanes Swim Team Pre-Season Parents Meeting on May 5

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The Fort Scott Hurricanes Swim Team will be having their pre-season parents meeting and registration on Wednesday, May 5th at 6:00 pm at Buck Run Community Center.

 

The Hurricanes are a competitive summer swim team for kids ages 6U-18.

 

Swimmers need to be able to swim one length of the pool , 25 yards, of any stroke unassisted in order to participate.

 

The Hurricanes practice in the mornings, Monday through Friday starting June 1st-August 6th.

 

Swim meets are on Wednesday nights and on the weekend.

 

Please attend the meeting to learn more and to register your swimmers.

 

If you are unable to attend you can contact team President April Stock though the Fort Scott Hurricanes Swim Team Facebook page

Obituary

Obituary of Jessie Hicks

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Jessie Leona Hicks, age 74, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Sunday, May 2, 2021, at her home. She was born May 11, 1946, in Lebanon, MO, the daughter of Alexander Lee Williams and Jewel Lonnie Sherrer Williams. Besides raising her family, Jessie managed multiple rental properties. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, fishing, and shopping. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Larry of the home; 5 sons, Eddie Piatt and wife Glenda, Nevada, MO, Michael Piatt, Lenexa, KS, Donald Piatt and wife Heather, Reno, NV, Troy Piatt and wife Tonya, Ft. Scott, and Nathan Hicks and wife Latisha, Ft. Scott; 2 daughters, Julie Tavis and husband David, Jasper, MO, and Joie Moore, Ft. Scott; 3 brothers, John, Joe, and Jeff Williams; 2 sisters, Janet Jackson-Materanek, and Pat Nance; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Jerry and James Williams; a sister, June Loomis, a great grandson, Canaan Rons; and her parents.

Rev. Kevin Moyers will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Thursday, May 6th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested the American Kidney Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

City of Fort Scott Seeking Nominations

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Photo of Fort Scott’s downtown in 2017.

One town. One pic. One MAJOR upgrade.

 

 The City of Fort Scott is seeking nominations from the community to enter a Hometown Techover Contest offered by T-Mobile.

 

T-Mobile is offering one lucky town the makeover of their dreams with a tech upgrade valued at $3 million.  This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for one small town to get a multi-million-dollar Techover.

 

Cities can have multiple nominations which will show community support.  The nomination form is simple, upload a photo or video of Fort Scott and tell what makes it special.  Entries must be submitted by 8pm on Friday, May 7th.   Complete nominations at

T-MobileHometownTechover.com.

 

If selected, the City intends to utilize this opportunity for downtown placemaking projects.

“Placemaking projects assist in developing a community’s identity, which in turn not only creates a deeper connection for the locals who call that community home, but also shapes a place that people are inspired to visit.” said Allyson Turvey, Community Development and Tourism Manager.

 

Downtown Fort Scott has overcome devastation from the 2005 fire creating a remarkable destination.  “While the accessibility of US 69 provides tremendous convenience, the downtown is the heart of our community.  What an incredible story of rebuilding the local economy.  The downtown district offers unique urban amenities in an unwavering and welcoming rural community” according to Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director.

 

Complete nominations at T-MobileHometownTechover.com no later than 8pm on Friday, May 7th.  Additional information on the Hometown Techover Contest at https://www.t-mobile.com/news/un-carrier/t-mobile-unveils-hometown-techover-contest.

Hometown Techover: No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of all 50 United States and the District of Columbia aged 18 or older. Enter April 8, 2021 through May 7, 2021. Full rules at T-MobileHometownTechover.Com. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: T-Mobile USA, Inc. Most Reliable 5G according to an audit report conducted by independent third-party umlaut containing crowdsourced data for user experience collected from September 2020 until February 2021. Full details at: www.umlaut.com/en/benchmarking/USA

About T-Mobile:  T-Mobile U.S. Inc. (NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and undisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Sprint. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Cleo Cagle

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Cleo Margarete Cagle, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the Medicalodge in Ft. Scott.  She was born September 15, 1937, in Greenfield, Missouri, the daughter of Frank Pierce and Cecil Witt Pierce.  She married Richard Cagle on December 25, 1953, at Filley, Missouri.  Cleo was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed quilting and embroidery and was always in the mood for a cup of coffee.

 

Survivors include a daughter, Kathy Kelly, and two sons, Bob Cagle and Richard Cagle; seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a sister, Hazel Purdy.  Cleo’s husband, Richard, preceded her in death on June 13, 1994.  She was also preceded in death by a son, Jack Cagle, three sisters, Earlene Mitchell, Opal Calhoun, and Alberta Pierce and two brothers, Carl and Orville Pierce.

 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Arma American Legion and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.