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Government, Health Care, Kansas

Kansas Expands Newborn Screening

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Kansas Expands Newborn Screening

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that as of January 2, two lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) have been added to the Kansas Newborn Screening blood spot panel: Pompe Disease and Mucopolysaccharidoses I (MPS I).

 

With this change, Kansas is now screening for 34 of the 35 conditions on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. This screening will be part of the standard blood spot screening conducted shortly after birth. While Kansas is not the first state to add Pompe and MPS I to the blood spot screening panel, it is now one of only 23 states to routinely screen for these two LSDs.

 

Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of diseases that prevent cells from breaking down fats and sugar, causing them to swell. Cells that swell due to LSD causes tissue damage that can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as muscle weakness, enlarged heart, feeding difficulties, intellectual disability and retinal degeneration.

 

Pompe and MPS I are disorders that are inherited from unaffected parents. When both parents carry a gene for one of these disorders there is a 25% chance their child will be affected by the disorder. Pompe has an incidence rate of 1 in 40,000 and MPS I has an incidence rate of 1 in 100,000. Given these rates, KDHE’s Kansas Newborn Screening Program expects to identify approximately one Kansas infant per year affected by Pompe and one every year and half affected by MPS I.

 

As with all conditions on the Kansas Newborn Screening panel, treatments are available for these conditions and are most effective when started early. Early detection and treatment for LSDs can help prevent severe disability, early death and can help babies have the best possible quality of life.

 

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About the Kansas Newborn Screening Program

The Kansas Newborn Screening Program has screened babies for rare and serious conditions at no charge to families since 1965, starting with screening newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU). Most babies are born healthy. However, some are born with serious medical conditions that may not be visible at birth. Left untreated, these conditions can cause permanent disability or death. Over the years the program has added 31 additional disorders to its panel including hearing loss, critical congenital heart defects, and 29 additional genetic and metabolic disorders. Over 36,700 babies received this essential service in 2019, saving 20 lives and preventing serious illness or disability for more than 200 Kansas children.

 

Area News, Health Care

Carmen Pike New Administrator At Nevada Hospital

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Carmen Pike. Submitted photo.

Moore-Few Care Center Announces New Administrator

Moore-Few Care Center (MFCC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Carmen Pike, RN from Director of Nursing (DON) to Administrator. Her promotion took place in October as the previous administrator Angela Barrett moved on to the position of Controller at Nevada Regional Medical Center.

Pike brings more than 28 years of experience as a career-long employee of MFCC. She has worked her way up through the ranks over the years, with her first job at MFCC as a housekeeper. When asked what she likes about her job, she says she sees long-term care residents as the often-forgotten people of society. “I enjoy taking care of them, making them smile and feel important,” says Pike.

A self-proclaimed overachiever, Pike enjoys learning and advanced her career at MFCC by continuing her education. A Nevada, Mo native, her nursing career path began in the health occupations class at Nevada High School, by which she earned her certification as a nurse aid. She went on to earn her practical nursing license through Crowder College. Later, she became a registered nurse and most recently, in 2020, she passed rigorous state and federal exams to earn her administrator’s license.

“As Administrator, I look forward to encouraging a family-oriented team at Moore-Few,” says Pike. “I think that approach will help us provide the best home for residents, where we take care of them, as well as each other. I want our Moore-Few family to look forward to coming to work and to see that hard work pays off.”

Pike lives on a farm in Nevada with her husband of 32 years. They have two sons and two grandchildren. When asked about how she spends her spare time she says, “I LOVE fishing, especially for catfish, and caring for our cows and chickens.”

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About Moore-Few Care Center
Moore-Few Care Center, a skilled nursing facility, provides a variety of rehabilitation and health care services. The first Moore-Few nursing home was created in the old Nevada City Hospital building when the new hospital construction was completed in 1971. In 1988, Moore-Few Nursing Home was moved to a newly built facility adjoining Nevada Regional Medical Center and referred to as the Moore-Few Care Center. Boyd Ewing’s property was used in the construction of the new building.

Obituary

Obituary of George Hudiburg

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Dr. George Everett Hudiburg, 97, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021, at the Girard Medical Center. He was born June 25, 1923, in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Leo Everett and Ruth Mary (Lee) Hudiburg. He married Joyce Colleen Conley August 17, 1949, in Independence, Kansas, and she preceded him September 4, 2004.

George served during WWII in Company A of the 318th Infantry and was honorably discharged in November of 1945 with a Purple Heart for wounds he received in battle in February of 1945. He was also awarded The French Legion of Honor which is the highest French distinction for fighting in France during WWII.

George went on to teach for several at Parsons Middle School and High School. He then went on achieve his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Arkansas. George completed his career in education as a Professor and student teacher supervisor at Pittsburg State University.

Survivors include his children, Peggy Joyce Bebb of Kalispell, Montana, Leo Everett Hudiburg and wife Janene of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Kenneth Joe Hudiburg and wife Michelle of Fort Scott, Kansas; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Joyce, he was also preceded in death by his parents, and his son-in-law, Jim Bebb.

Rev. Virgil Peck will conduct graveside services Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with military honors provided by the US Army National Guard Honor Detail.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to PSU College of Education Dept. of Teaching and Leadership.

Contributions may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott City Commission Special Meeting Jan. 9

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview candidates for the City Manager position. The City Commission will recess into Executive Session for these interviews.

This meeting is open to the public, but the Executive Session is not.

 

Government, Kansas

Governor’s State of the State Is Virtual on Jan. 12

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Governor Laura Kelly to deliver State of the State Virtually, January 12

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly will deliver the annual 2021 State of the State address virtually, on Tuesday, January 12, at 7:00 pm CT.

Who:              Governor Laura Kelly

What:             State of the State

When:            7:00 pm, Tuesday, January 12

Where:          Governor Kelly’s Facebook page here:

                          https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly,

                          or watch the broadcast on the following public television stations:

                          KTWU, KPTS, Smoky Hills Public Broadcasting.

Government, Kansas

Toland Sworn In As Lt. Governor

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Commerce Secretary David Toland Sworn in as Lt. Governor of Kansas Today

TOPEKA – David Toland was sworn in as the 52nd Lieutenant Governor of Kansas in a ceremony today at the Kansas Statehouse.

Toland has served in the Kelly Administration as Secretary of Commerce since his appointment in January 2019. He will maintain the duties of Commerce Secretary while serving in this new role as Lieutenant Governor.

“There’s no doubt about it, this is a great day for Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As Secretary of Commerce, David has spearheaded efforts to provide critical assistance for small businesses and rebuilt programs within the Department that make Kansas competitive on a global scale when it comes to business recruitment. He is a smart and dynamic leader, and is ready to step up on Day One to help our administration drive our economic recovery and keep Kansans healthy.”

Toland was sworn in by Judge Daniel Creitz, Chief Judge of Kansas’ 31st Judicial District and a fellow Iolan.

“I’m honored, excited and so very humbled to be Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary working alongside Governor Kelly as she continues to rebuild our state and create a healthier, brighter and more prosperous future for all Kansans,” Lt. Governor Toland said. “I am sincerely grateful for Governor Kelly’s strong, steady quest to keep people safe and healthy, and help businesses and our communities recover and move forward. We will continue to work in a bipartisan, collaborative way on Kansas-specific strategies and solutions for the people of Kansas and the future of our state.”

As Commerce Secretary, Toland has overseen sweeping changes within the state’s lead economic development agency. Under his leadership, the Department has rebuilt its in-state, domestic and international business recruitment teams; launched the state’s Office of Broadband Development; re-established a Community Development division and the Kansas Main Street Program; and launched the state’s first new economic development strategic planning process since 1986.

Toland and his team have been at the forefront of Governor Kelly’s efforts to support the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, providing technical and financial assistance to thousands of small businesses. He also led negotiations on behalf of Governor Kelly that resulted in the end of the economic incentives “Border War” that existed between Kansas and Missouri for a decade.

Efforts across the Kansas Department of Commerce have resulted in over $2.5 billion in new capital investment by businesses in Kansas in 2020, an increase of nearly 80% over the previous year and the highest in state history.

Prior to joining the team at Commerce, Secretary Toland was the first CEO of Thrive Allen County, a nonprofit coalition that works to improve quality of life and economic conditions in Allen County, Kansas. A seventh-generation Allen Countian, Toland oversaw the organization in its efforts toward improving economic conditions, healthcare access and quality of life in the small, rural Kansas county. Toland holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas.

Toland succeeds former Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers in this position after Rogers was appointed to be the 41st State Treasurer of Kansas, filling a position left by former Treasurer Jake LaTurner’s election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Photos of the ceremony below available for media use:

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https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/swearing-in-toland-8.jpg

Government, Kansas

Kansas Tax Collections Up

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Kansas’ December Total Tax Collections Up $13.6 Million Compared to Last Fiscal Year

TOPEKA – Kansas’ December total tax collections continues the state’s trend of outperforming the estimate. Total tax collections were up $64.5 million, or 9.1%, for the month with $770.2 million collected. That is a $13.6 million, or 1.8%, increase from December of Fiscal Year 2020.

“While it appears that receipts are relatively stable, we must continue to be prudent and exercise caution as we move forward,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Additionally, we are still determining the full impact that the recent federal COVID-19 relief package will have on state receipts.”

For December, retail sales tax collections were $201.9 million; a $6.9 million, or 3.6%, increase from the estimate. That is 0.5%, or $995,601, more than the same month of last fiscal year. Compensating use tax collections grew 34.4%, or $13.4 million, over last December with the collection of $52.1 million. That’s $7.1 million, or 15.9%, more than estimated.

“With the 2020 tax filing season starting this month, we will get a clearer picture of the economic implications the COVID-19 pandemic has presented over the last ten months and how to address those issues,” Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said.

Individual income tax collections were $306.7 million; an increase of 2.2%, or $6.7 million, above the estimate. These collections were $9.5 million, or 3.0%, less than the same month of last fiscal year. Corporate income tax collections were $99.2 million for the month; $39.2 million, or 65.4%, more than estimated. That is $8.5 million, or 9.4%, more than last December.

Please find the revenue numbers here.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Will Not Meet Jan. 5

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: January 5, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

NO MEETING

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Caregivers Program Offered

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Program to be Offered to Support Family Caregivers

A couple of months ago I wrote an article on supporting family caregivers. You might remember that I mentioned family caregivers, often referred to as informal caregivers, provide 90% of the long-term care offered in America. The value of the unpaid care they provide runs into the hundreds of billions of dollars.

Caregivers frequently experience the need to ‘do it all’. ‘Doing it all,’ from the caregiver’s perspective, may not include caring for themselves so they can thrive, and not just survive during their caregiving experience.

The Southwind Extension District is joining the Wildcat Extension District and also Sedgwick County Extension in offering Powerful Tools for Caregivers. This educational program is designed to support family caregivers in taking better care of themselves while caring for a relative or a friend. The program can benefit participants who are helping a parent, spouse, child, friend or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.

The 6-session course will be offered virtually on Thursdays, January 14 – February 18, 2021, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. A $5.00 registration fee covers the postage for sending out the Caregiver Helpbook. The helpbook includes topics on: Hiring in-home help, helping memory impaired elders, making legal, financial, and care decisions, understanding depression, and making decisions about driving.

Caregiver tools provided as part of the sessions include: Helping the caregiver reduce stress; communicating effectively; encouraging ways for the caregiver to take care of themselves; reducing caregiver guilt, anger and depression; helping the caregiver to relax; making tough decisions; setting goals and problem solving.

Register online by going to https://bit.ly/tools4care or call the Yates Center Southwind office at 620-625-8620. Class size will be limited. Registering early will allow staff to help participants be able to participate virtually and to receive the Caregiver Helpbook prior to sessions beginning.

The program is being offered at a reduced cost thanks to partial funding by the K-State Research and Extension Adult Development and Aging Program Focus Team and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.