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Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of August 9

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August 9, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with two Commissioners (Jim Harris and
Clifton Beth) and the County Clerk present.
Susan Bancroft, Michael Hoyt, Teri Hulsey, Trace V. Evans, Austin Bahr, Alvin Metcalf, Kevin
Davidson, Bill Martin, Jason E Silvers, Mark McCoy, Matt Quick and Brian Allen were present
for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve meeting minutes from July 18th, July 26th and July 29th. Jim
seconded. All approved.
Eric Bailey stated that the asphalting on 55th to Yellowstone to Zinc is finished. We are now up
on Maple 45th and Native area west of Uniontown. We are working on base coat and then we’ll
put the leveling coat on. Update on compost permit. I got an e-mail from Emery and he said I
received no comments regarding the addition of the compost facility so he is going to begin the
processing the application to go through concurrence to get signed permit which requires 8
signatures plus the signed permit. If he forgets to update me on the signature process, he said to
feel free to contact him. That tells me we are going to be a little while yet. Prairie Pathways
have been in touch with me regarding signs. You approved the signs going west and now they
are ready for the signs going east. Clifton made a motion for sign placement. Jim seconded. All
approved. Eric provided an updated map of roadside mowing and an update of where they are
with that. Eric stated between Tomahawk 205th and 185th have done some crossroad tubes and
are working on some ditching. Kansas west of Hwy 3 is the same thing with crossroad tubes,
one entry tube and ditching there as well. The stop sign at 240th & Jayhawk has been replaced.
Jim thanked Eric for including him in on the meeting with Van Keppel Equipment we are on our
way to a new engine for our paver at a very reduced cost. Jim asked Eric what his thoughts were
on a belly dump. Jim stated that when you’re asphalting, you’re not hauling any gravel. We’ve
been lucky but if we get into a wet winter, we’re in trouble. Eric said he had no problem with
buying another belly dump but wanted to set down with Susan and see where we are with the
budget. Fuel has been very hard on us this year with the fluctuating prices. Clifton said that he
was in Crawford County on gravel roads recently and our roads are no better but no worse. Our
roads are as good or better than the roads I was on.
Bill Martin stated a couple of weeks ago there was an individual questioning the investigation in
regards to some drugs that were seized and questioning the ability. I’ve invited Deputy Metcalf
and Kevin Davidson that are the drug detectives for the sheriff’s office and they will explain how
this process works. Kevin Davidson said he was here to clear up the fuzzy number’s
information. We’ve brought documentation to clear up the fuzzy numbers. I have the KSOR
(Kansas Offense Report). This report is open to public record. At the bottom it lists the property
that was seized. You can verify that there was 8.4 pounds enlisted in the property. The second is
the compliant information on the case. I brought a copy of the Kansas Statutes where it can be
verified through KSA statutes. The charging and what it’s for and quantities for charges listed.
The incident originated just inside the Bourbon County line approximately a mile inside of
Bourbon County it did end inside the city limits of Fort Scott. I can’t go into much more detail
than that. As far as official weight on any drug seizure, it’s not official until the KBI weighs it.

Anything and everything are presumptive positive until it is verified through the KBI. Any drug
seizure falls under that. We weigh it here, but KBI gives the official testified weight. They also
give the final say on whether it’s meth, marijuana, we send it as a white crystal substance, clear
liquid or green leafy substance. We don’t pretend to be chemist or botanists. Kevin stated that it
is very frustrating to be perceived as slandering when it’s said a certain department has fuzzy
numbers when you don’t know how the department operates. Jim thanked them for coming
forward and answering questions and taking care of the KORA request. Kevin stated that
Deputy Trim will be here next week to address the ammunition concerns.
Bobby Reed stated no promises but I’m hoping by the end of the month all of our Bourbon
County inmates will be back in Bourbon County. We’ve hired some people; a couple back. We
will lose another one soon. He’s been with me for 2 ½ years. If we keep on the same track that
we’re on we should be pretty good employee-wise; have everybody trained and get the inmates
back.
Teri Hulsey, Director of EMS gave an update. July call activity we had 210 calls for service; 78
were 911 transports; 7 to other ER’s (going directly from the scene to other ER’s); two were
flown from the scene; 35 transfers that went straight to Pittsburg from our ER here; 21 transfers
went to other facilities; 55 dry runs (12 were cancelled prior to arrival on scene). At this point
for this month, we’ve already had 56 calls. If things continue, we are on point to have 200+ this
month. We made an update and change to our transfer policy. At this point, we are not taking
any non-emergent transfers after the hours of 0300 to 0700. We will only be taking stat transfers
during those hours. I have updated the policy and Dr. Burke, our Medical Director, signed off on
it. If it is a true stat transfer, they need to be contacting flight services. I and Jon Lowery have
offered, if they are busy, we will contact flight services for them. If flight services are grounded
due to weather or pilot out of hours, we will take the transfers. At this time, I want to introduce
you to Trace Evans and Austin Bahr. They recently graduated Paramedic school and have
passed their test and are now operating as Paramedics. They’ve also been in touch and been
working closely with Osage and they are going to discuss with the possible remount of two of
our trucks. Austin stated that a lot of people don’t know the difference between EMT and
Paramedic. EMT is a basic level providing basic life support. ALS is advanced life support.
More of a level of an RN. We can actually bridge to RN back and forth. We can hand off to a
nurse and receive from a nurse. It’s a great asset to the community and hope to do a good job for
you. Clifton expanded on the paramedics. I am a nurse. EMT’s are great, but Paramedics are
better; they can literally save your life. More so than probably most RN’s to be honest. Austin
stated that we are only as good as our equipment. We have two ambulances that are getting up in
miles; less reliability. One of them has been in the shop 3 times already this month. Three times
in approximately a week. What we are looking at are remounts. You can get a remount which is
where they take the box and refurbish and put it on a new chassis. New engine, new frame and
get more life out of your box. Some boxes can be remounted 4 or 5 times depending on taking
care of it. We take very good care of our boxes. The guy from Osage that has come and talked
with us has expressed that as well. They give you a kick back from that. Susan stated that
approval from one remount was made previously. I told them it is good for us to discuss it and
we’ll see if the funding is available through ARPA funds. Trace stated that they did approve one
but that bid is outdated. They only last around 30 days. Austin stated they are looking at three
possible options. One is upgrading from a type 3 chassis to a type 1 chassis. Trace stated the

main difference between type 1 and type 3 is the chassis is a truck chassis and 4 wheel drive.
The type 3 is a 15 passenger van chassis. Austin stated type 1 will be four-wheel drive, gasoline
and safety wise they are a longer wheel base. They’ve got a larger front-end to absorb more
impact if you were in an accident. The front end is a lot stronger and more durable to stand up to
gravel roads. Suspension on the type 1 truck will be upgraded to a liquid spring suspension; it
auto-levels and is much safer. They use these in RVs and commercial vehicles to make them
easier to handle. It makes for a smooth ride for the patient and safer ride. It will be four-wheel
drive which will make it much better; we’ve had to go out into pastures before to pick up the
patient. Also, will help in the winter time. The ease of maintenance on the type 1 trucks is a big
thing. We’ve talked with Tom who does our maintenance on all of our trucks and he would be
ecstatic to get them. Instead of the engine being mounted in between the cab of the truck and the
front. It would be all out front. Would be looking at less labor time for maintenance. If we get
these and do future remounts on those trucks it will be cheaper than the initial cost. The initial
cost will be more but, in the future, will be less. Life expectancy of these trucks are longer due
to upgraded suspension and everything. Jim asked how long before another remount would be
needed. Austin estimated at least 10 to 12 years. A remount is when they remove the box and
completely refurbish it; put everything new back in it. There is a savings of $25 to $50,000
savings by keeping your box. You take the refurbished box and mount it on a new chassis. We
have pricing for remounting two of our trucks, EMS 1 and EMS 3. One is a Chevrolet Duramax
with roughly 233,000 miles; the other is EMS 3. It’s a 60-power stroke which has a lot of
emission issues and is in the shop right now. Each of those with an upgraded power load cot
system we priced those in there because they are a lot safer; that is the industry standard now.
Kansas doesn’t regulate it but in Missouri any remounted box has to have that system.
You basically push the cot up and it locks in, you push a button and it loads the patient versus us
standing there having to lift the patient in. These prices are with that $42,000-$43,000 cot
system. The remount EMS 1 it would be $199,594.05. The remount of EMS 3 would be
$198,889.05. The third option is upgrading to a type 1 chassis. If we want to get into a type 1
chassis, we have to get rid of our boxes; our boxes structurally can’t mount on the truck chassis.
We have to sell our boxes to them $8,000 per truck and then would buy an Osage supply box that
they have bought back from another company making sure it is safe and structurally fine. They
would gut it, refurbish it and do the same thing they would do with our box and then it would be
mounted on the truck chassis. An F550 with a 73-gas four-wheel drive. That cost would be
$250,374.05. You are looking at roughly a $50 to $52,000 difference. However, looking at
longevity, safety and suspension and stuff like that I think it would be well worth it. In the future,
remounts would not be that expensive. Trace stated that with the Stryker power cot system is
going to have their price raised 9% by October. They said we could go ahead and order them
now and store them in the back building for the price that they have us locked in at. That would
save us approximately $8,000.00 by ordering two systems now. Trace said this is a lengthy
process. We would be looking at 2024 before we got the trucks. One of the reasons we went
with Osage is they’ve manufactured these trucks from the get go. They offer lifetime warranty
on their box. If we went with someone else that is cheaper, they would not offer the warranty.
They are a local company in Linn, Mo, about 3 to 3 ½ hours. That way if we do have any
trouble, they are close. We are asking for approval of two, or at least one, of the type 1. The
total for the two ambulances with the cot system included would be $500, 748.10. You don’t
pay for the ambulances until you receive them. We would be locking in the price now. Clifton
asked they get a price to bullet-proof the ambulance with OEM parts, not aftermarket parts. Jim
stated they would visit with Susan and find out if the funds are there.
Ashley presented a renewal cereal malt beverage permit for KC Mart. Clifton made a motion to
approve the license permit for KC Mart for cereal mart beverage. Jim seconded. All approved.
Susan presented a gas line contract for the Medical Building. A few months ago we signed a
contract with Hamlin and they basically do all of our bidding for us for gas contracts. Our
contract was up at the Medical Building, we were with Symmetry, but they have come back with
Clear Water Enterprises as being the lowest at this time. We are asking that you approve this
contract so we can move forward with getting a better price. Clifton made a motion to approve
the Clear Water Contract for the transportation of gas to the Medical Building. Jim seconded.
All approved.
Justin asked for a 30 minute for several things. Personal matters, contract negotiations and other
things that will be going on this week. It is attorney-client privilege. He requested Nelson
Blythe, even though he is not a commissioner yet, he has expertise in this area. Clifton made a
motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public
body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship including 2
commissioners, Justin Meeks, Susan Bancroft and Nelson Blythe returning here at 10:19am. Jim
seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session in this room at
10:19am. Jim seconded. All approved.
Susan discussed Pilot Funds. We received our first distribution last April and we allocated all
those funds with about $100,000.00 left over. We have started allocating for this year but the
problem is our funding from the Jayhawk Wind will not come to us until December. We are
really a year behind. We had this set up as a separate fund but I would like to move it back to the
general fund and run everything through the general fund and put that as a department. Then you
can make your allocations and use the cash that is available in the general fund and then in
December when you get your distribution from them then that helps pay back what you have
allocated. We probably should have waited a year before we started making allocations but I
didn’t know how the contract read until this week. I wanted to let you know how I’m organizing
that and putting the funds together. I’m hoping to have a budget work session next week as I get
everything put together.
Shane Walker – CIO (Not present)
Public Comment: Michael Hoyt stated that Nelson Blythe will be able to jump right into the
budget and he needs to understand that he’s going to own it as much as you two do. He needs to
be involved and if he has any problems understanding Susan needs to help him.
Commission Comment: Clifton congratulated Nelson on his primary win. Ashley announced
Canvass is Thursday at 10am.
Clifton made a motion to allow myself and Chairman Harris to do the election canvassing on
Thursday at 10am. Open to the public. Jim seconded. All approved.
Clifton made a motion to adjourn at 10:26am. Jim seconded. All approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Nelson Blythe, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
August 16, 2022, Approved Date

 

Obituary

Obituary of Sandra (Sandy) K. Hrenak

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Born August 10,1954 in St. Louis, Mo., the only child of Richard and Kathen Ohnemus. Sandy grew up in North St. Louis County and pursued music though this portion of her life. She was an accomplished accordionist who competed in several national events.  This is how she met her future husband, John.

 

Sandy married John Hrenak in 1979 in St. Louis and re-located to Fort Scott so John could pursue a career in Civil Engineering with the Kansas Dept of Transportation. She initially worked for Brown’s Refrigerated Express and briefly in the County Clerk’s Office before finding her career in medical and dental claims processing for several firms.  She worked in this capacity for Western, Insurance, American States, Lincoln National, Great West, and retired with Cigna Insurance.

 

Sandy was an avid bowler, holding positions as a league and association officer. She also shared her husband’s interest in auto racing. Together, they attended many racing events in several states before taking the step into ownership and participation in racing.  Sandy was an integral part of the 2H racing team as it competed on tracks in SE Kansas and Western Mo for more than 12 years.

 

Sandy is survived by her husband John, Timothy (Debbie) Hrenak of Florissant, MO., Thomas (Donna) Hrenak of Marthasville, MO., Michael Hrenak, William (Laura) Hrenak, and Andrew (Jackie) Hrenak all of St. Charles, MO. She is also survived by 7 nieces, and 6 nephews.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents.

 

Sandy passed away at home on August 31st, may God bless her soul.

 

There was cremation.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening, September 7th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Care to Share 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.

 

 

 

 

Area News, Health Care

Be the One to Make a Difference

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Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center Observes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

#BeThe1To

 

Sept. 1, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Suicide doesn’t discriminate. Suicide doesn’t care whether you’re young or old. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States with an average of 130 suicides daily. All month mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members, including Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, are observing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Organizations and communities will create awareness with tools and resources to empower people to make a difference and save lives. Special attention comes on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and during National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10) to share resources and promote suicide prevention awareness.

Many activities are planned throughout the region during the month of September. SEK Mental Health Center will be joining the effort by distributing awareness ribbons and bookmarks to area schools and local libraries, along with an active social media campaign.

How can Southeast Kansas Participate in other ways?

  • Use #BeThe1To1: Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center encourages community members to be the one to make a difference. Students, teachers, neighbors, coworkers, parents, friends – we can all be the one to listen, persuade and help. Use #BeThe1To in social media posts about suicide prevention awareness and tag SEK Mental Health Center. Also, feel free to post wearing your suicide prevention ribbon or the colors teal and purple in support of awareness.
  • Connect: Reach out to loved ones to show them you care. Check in through a text or a quick phone call just to say, “How are you?” or “Thinking of you!”
  • Know the signs and have the conversations: Learn the signs of mental health crisis or suicide indicators. It can feel awkward, but it’s essential to engage with those you see in distress. Learn more about the signs of and risk factors for suicide2.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.

About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.

 

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Ascension Via Christi, Jobs

Ascension Via Christi: on List of America’s Best Employers

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Ascension Via Christi Kansas’ best overall, best hospital and health system employers, says Forbes

Last week, Forbes released its 2022 list of “America’s Best Employers by State” across all industries. Nationwide, 262 hospitals and health systems made the cut.

Ascension ranked No. 15 out of all Kansas employers and was one of only three hospitals/health systems to make the list in Kansas. Ascension Via Christi was the only healthcare employer in Wichita.

“Being named one of the state’s best employers is a direct representation of our amazing associates doing their meaningful work in a positive environment,” says Kevin Strecker, Ascension Via Christi’s chief executive officer. “It’s even more impressive given that it is based on feedback from our associates and that of other Kansas businesses’ employees.”

To compile its list, Forbes, in collaboration with market research company Statista, surveyed 70,000 employees working for businesses with more than 500 employees. A total of 1,382 employers in varying industries were ranked, with multi-state employers being able to be ranked more than once.

All the surveys were anonymous, allowing participants to openly share their opinions and rate their employers on a variety of criteria, including fair pay, safe working conditions, inclusive culture, remote work benefits and diversity initiatives. Respondents then were asked how likely they’d be to recommend their employer to others and to nominate organizations in industries outside their own.

Forbes then ranked the 1,382 employers with the greatest number of recommendations in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Other recent recognitions include:

  • Ascension Via Christi St. Francis having been named by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Regional Hospital for 2022-2023, the only Wichita hospital and one of a dozen Ascension hospitals nationwide to make the list.
  • Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph and Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan having made U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
  • Numerous recent accreditations, including Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg being re-accredited as a Level III Trauma Center following a survey with zero deficiencies and Ascension Via Christi St. Francis was re-accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. It also received re-accreditation for adult autologous hematopoietic progenitor and a first-time accreditation of immune effector cellular therapies by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. Additionally, St. Francis’ ER became an accredited Geriatric Emergency Department — making it the second in Wichita and fifth Ascension Via Christi ER with that distinction.

“The challenges facing healthcare providers nationwide are daunting after two years of a pandemic like no other in our lifetime,” says Strecker. “This latest recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our associates to a Mission that has endured for more than 135 years.

“They are the foundation of our ministry. It is through their collaboration with our Medical Staff, volunteers and community partners that our hospitals and clinics are a great place to give and receive care.”

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About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Dove Hunting Opens: Publicly Accessible Fields List Available

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Fields Managed Specifically for Dove Hunting Now Open

Kansas City, Kan. – The 2022 Kansas dove hunting season has officially begun and quality public hunting opportunity awaits at more than 90 locations managed specifically for dove hunting by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). See https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Dove2 for a complete list of publicly-accessible dove fields open this season.

Though drought events earlier in the year have had a significant effect on spring plantings across the state, KDWP’s public land managers have once again gone above and beyond to provide optimum wildlife habitat for public enjoyment, to include crops of sunflowers, milo and wheat stubble that are sure to attract good numbers of fast-flying quarry.

Hunters can increase their odds of successful hunts this year by:

  • Checking the latest reports for the specific wildlife area they are interested in, or by calling the wildlife area office for the most up-to-date information.
  • Ensuring only non-toxic shot is utilized on public lands. And, making sure shotguns are plugged and incapable of holding more than three shells at a time.
  • Downloading the Go Outdoors Kansas mobile app, which gives hunters instant access to their license and permit purchases, current regulations, and public lands check-in/check-out system.

The 2022 Kansas dove hunting season runs September 1 through November 29, during which time hunters may take mourning, white-winged, Eurasian collared, and ringed turtle doves. After the season closes, only Eurasian collared and ringed turtle doves may be harvested.

Hunters may keep a daily bag limit of up to 15 doves total, which can be mourning and white-winged doves in any combination; There is no limit on Eurasian collared or ringed turtle doves, but any taken in addition to the mourning and white-winged dove daily bag limit must have a fully-feathered wing attached for identification while in transport. The possession limit for dove is 45.

Lastly, hunters should keep in mind that migratory doves may only be taken while in flight.

To learn more about doves in Kansas, including the dove hunting season, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Migratory-Birds/Dove2. To purchase 2022 Kansas hunting licenses and permits, visit GoOutdoorsKansas.com or download the Go Outdoor Kansas mobile app, here https://ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits/KDWP-Mobile-Apps/GoOutdoorsKS-Mobile-App.

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Government, Kansas

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

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Governor Laura Kelly Proclaims September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

~~Kansas Takes Steps to Increase Access to Mental Health Resources~~

TOPEKA – To raise awareness and educate Kansans on suicide prevention, Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed September “Suicide Prevention Month” in the State of Kansas as part of the larger National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) campaign, “Together for Mental Health.”

“We must continue working to break past the stigma surrounding mental health issues and address these issues head on,” said Governor Kelly. “By advancing initiatives like the 9-8-8 suicide and crisis hotline and funding mental health resources in our schools, my administration is doing everything in our power to support Kansans’ mental health.”

Over the past four years, the Kelly Administration has made suicide prevention and mental health accessibility a priority. She has:

  • Approved a state-funded investment of more than $15 million annually in the area of suicide prevention and crisis services;
  • Reformed 26 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to be Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) with capabilities to treat mental health and substance abuse crisesthrough integrated physical-behavioral care;
  • Invested in the Mental Health Intervention Teams Program. Governor Kelly has provided $33 million in funding for the program and has grown the program from 9 districts to 67 and from 1,708 students to close to 5,000 served annually;
  • Increased funding to address the competency evaluation and restoration process at Larned State Hospital and fund additional mobile competency and restoration services through community mental health centers;
  • Launched the 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline, allowing any Kansans who may be experiencing a mental health emergency to dial 988 and receive professional support. Kansas is one of the first states in the country to have the new hotline funded and operational;
  • Modernized 26 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) to be Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by 2024 with capabilities to treat mental health and substance abuse crises through integrated physical-behavioral care;

“There is still a lingering stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, leaving some Kansans feeling they are alone,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “At KDADS we’ve made significant and impactful advances with our mental health partners across the state to implement new programs and open new crisis centers. And of course, the recent transition to the 9-8-8 dialing code represents a valuable opportunity to transform the way we respond to people in crisis and let them know they are not alone.”

Governor Kelly’s proclamation highlights the many ways Kansas is dedicated to eliminating suicide and raising awareness. It recognizes Kansas is united in raising awareness, that prevention is possible, treatment is effective, and people do recover.

“We lose too many people each year to suicide and each loss is an immeasurable tragedy. At the same time, 2022 has seen advancements in crisis service accessibility, and stronger partnerships across the state which will support increasing suicide prevention opportunities,” Monica Kurz, LMSW Vice President Policy & Prevention at Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ, said. “I am hopeful that there are ways we can continue to act as individuals and systems to protect more lives.”

For free, confidential support or prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones 24/7, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Suicide Prevention Month is observed in conjunction with “Creating Hope Through Action” World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and National Suicide Prevention Week September 4-10.

View the Governor’s proclamation here.

Government, Kansas

Sports Betting is Legal in Kansas

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Governor Laura Kelly Places First Legal Sports Bet in Kansas

KANSAS CITY – Today Governor Laura Kelly traveled to Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas to kick off legal sports betting in Kansas. The Governor placed the first legal sports wager in Kansas, betting $15 – the same as Patrick Mahomes’ jersey number – on the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LVII this upcoming football season.

“Every day I hear from Kansans across the state who are eager to finally place legal wagers on sports. I’m glad we were able to move quickly to get this bipartisan effort done in time for football season,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, casinos, restaurants, and other venues will have another way to attract Kansans to their establishments—creating jobs and driving economic growth. And I’m willing to bet on that. Go Chiefs!”

“We are so grateful for the leadership of Governor Kelly and the legislature to finally get legalized sports wagering over the goal line this year,” said Lydia Garvey, Vice President and General Manager of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway.  “We have been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive, and I’m confident many of our customers will follow her lead in betting on Kansas City to emerge as champions once again.”

The four casinos contracted with the state to offer sports wagering through independent platforms are Boot Hill Casino & Resort; Ford County near Dodge City; Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane; Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS; and Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel in Pittsburg.

Tribal casinos are also working to align on contracts with the State of Kansas for sports wagering. These casinos will be authorized to launch as soon as they are ready.

Learn more about Kansas sports wagering rules and regulations here.

Fort Scott, Government

Eddy and 17th Intersection Closed Sept. 6-13

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The City of Fort Scott in conjunction with J. Richardson Company will be closing the intersection of 17th and Eddy beginning Tuesday, September 6th through Tuesday, September 13th.  This includes vehicle traffic as well as pedestrian traffic.

The reason for this closure is the drainage project at 17th and Eddy.  This project was started some time ago but is continuing.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call City Hall at 620-223-0550.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Resources and Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Month

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Resources and Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Month

 

By Clara Wicoff

Southwind Extension District

 

Two weeks ago, I attended an agent update in Manhattan where I was presented with some sobering statistics about youth depression and suicide in the state of Kansas. According to a 2022 report from the Kansas Communities That Care student survey, nearly one in three youth surveyed in Kansas responded “yes” when asked if they had ever seriously thought about killing themselves. Youth are not alone in this.

According to that same report, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in our state (and the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 34).

With the month of September designated as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th designated as World Suicide Prevention Day, it is an appropriate time to review some of the wellbeing and mental health resources available to you as well as some of the action steps we can all take to help prevent suicide.

 

First of all, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

 

Kansans working in agriculture may also benefit from the resources available at KansasAgStress.org. This webpage has a list of resources compiled to help Kansas farmers, ranchers, and their families with their wellbeing.

 

In addition to being aware of available resources, what else can we do to help prevent suicide this month and beyond?

According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can all take action by talking about suicide and following up with loved ones.

#BeThe1To is the Lifeline’s five-step message for communicating with someone who may be suicidal.

The five #BeThe1To steps are: Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up. Start by asking if they are thinking about suicide. Listen to their answers, while never promising to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret. Secondly, be there for them. Next, help keep them safe by putting time and distance between the individual and their chosen method for a suicide attempt. Help them connect with ongoing supports (such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as well as resources in their community). Finally, follow up to see how they are doing.

While this is a brief overview, you can learn more about these five crucial steps at bethe1to.com.