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Government, Kansas

Conservation Commission Meets May 28

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State Conservation Commission Virtual Meeting Scheduled for May 28

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The State Conservation Commission regular meeting will be held using internet meeting services on Wednesday, May 28, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. Anyone interested in the meeting can participate using video conferencing or by utilizing a call-in option. This meeting is open to the public.

 

The State Conservation Commission consists of five elected commissioners; two ex officio members representing the Kansas State University Agriculture Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service; and two appointed members representing the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.

 

The KDA Division of Conservation consults with the SCC to protect and enhance Kansas’ natural resources through the development, implementation and maintenance of policies, guidelines and programs designed to assist local governments and individuals in conserving the state’s renewable resources.

 

To request a copy of the agenda or directions on how to participate in the virtual meeting, please contact the KDA Division of Conservation at 785-564-6620 or [email protected].

 

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WHO:            State Conservation Commission

 

WHAT:          State Conservation Commission Virtual Meeting

 

WHEN:          9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business

Drive Through Job Fair May 27 in Pittsburg

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Southeast KansasWorks is hosting a drive-through job fair on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Pittsburg.

 

 

ATTN: Employers Who Are Hiring
Here is how you can submit your
information for the Job Fair!
Please complete the form linked here and get your job opening information to Southeast KANSASWORKS – see contact info. below.
Southeast KANSASWORKS will be hosting a “Drive-Thru Job Fair” from 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, May 27th and we’re inviting you to participate! This particular Drive-Thru Job Fair will be held at the Workforce Center in Pittsburg (address below). The Chamber will be assessing in the near future whether to hold a similar drive-thru format here locally, or an actual Job Fair when feasible to do so.
During the May 27th event, Southeast KANSASWORKS staff will distribute packets filled with information containing job applications and job orders as well as additional information about community resources to job seekers looking for immediate employment. This will be a “no-touch” event meaning that all packets will be assembled by staff who are wearing masks/gloves with one staff member handling the packets during the event as customers remain in their cars.
To have your job openings/applications included in the packets, please fill out the attached form completely and return no later than close of business on Friday, May 22nd. If you have a paper application, return that with the completed form and we will make additional copies to distribute.
We understand this is different from your typical job fair but feel like this could be an excellent opportunity for your business to recruit the employees needed to maintain normal operation, as much as possible, during this time.
Click here for the printed flyer you may hang in your business. As always, make sure to share the event and flyer on your Facebook pages, let your employees know you are hiring and will be participating in the event. KANSASWORKS will hang flyers around the community, share throughout social media platforms, submit a newspaper press release, run PSA’s on the radio and promote the event as much as possible.
Send the completed job form, and a printed application if you have one, to Jolene Ray with Southeast KANSASWORKS:
Fax: 620-222-0218
Mail: 216 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS 66762
You may also send the forms to the Chamber and we can forward them to Jolene.
Fax: 620-223-3574
Get Prepared for your next JOB FAIR with help from KANSASWORKS!
click HERE!
Remote Services Available
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Southeast KANSASWORKS Workforce Centers will be providing remote services until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. For additional assistance, please visit KANSASWORKS.com to access the chat function or call 620-231-4250 for general questions.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits
If you are not working or working reduced hours due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Visit: https://www.getkansasbenefits.gov/ or call (800) 292-6333 to learn more.
Work Experience, Try-out Employment, Work-based Learning, & Classroom Training Participants – If you have questions or concerns please contact:
Regan Rose at 620-687-0462– Adult, Dislocated Worker, & Kansas Health Profession Opportunity Programs
Christine Abbott at 620-779-3727 – Youth Program
Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)
If you have questions or concerns about your appointment, please contact:
Debbie Cherry at 620-238-8506
Employers
If your business is forced to temporarily lay off employees due to COVID-19, you can assist your employees by filing an application for Unemployment Benefits on their behalf. Visit: www.kansasemployer.gov/uitax/Tax/LayoffSelect.aspx to get started.
If your business needs assistance posting a job order on KANSASWORKS please contact:
Jolene Ray – 620-238-8783
For additional resources and up-to-date information visit: https://www.dol.ks.gov/covid19response.
Government

Direct Assistance to Farmers from USDA

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USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.

“America’s farming community is facing an unprecedented situation as our nation tackles the coronavirus. President Trump has authorized USDA to ensure our patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers are supported and we are moving quickly to open applications to get payments out the door and into the pockets of farmers,” said Secretary Perdue. “These payments will help keep farmers afloat while market demand returns as our nation reopens and recovers. America’s farmers are resilient and will get through this challenge just like they always do with faith, hard work, and determination.”

Beginning May 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses.

Background:

CFAP provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

Farmers and ranchers will receive direct support, drawn from two possible funding sources. The first source of funding is $9.5 billion in appropriated funding provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act to compensate farmers for losses due to price declines that occurred between mid-January 2020, and mid-April 2020 and provides support for specialty crops for product that had been shipped from the farm between the same time period but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channels. The second funding source uses the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to compensate producers for $6.5 billion in losses due to on-going market disruptions.

Non-Specialty Crops and Wool

Non-specialty crops eligible for CFAP payments include malting barley, canola, corn, upland cotton, millet, oats, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, durum wheat, and hard red spring wheat. Wool is also eligible. Producers will be paid based on inventory subject to price risk held as of January 15, 2020. A payment will be made based 50 percent of a producer’s 2019 total production or the 2019 inventory as of January 15, 2020, whichever is smaller, multiplied by the commodity’s applicable payment rates.

Livestock

Livestock eligible for CFAP include cattle, lambs, yearlings and hogs. The total payment will be calculated using the sum of the producer’s number of livestock sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rates per head, and the highest inventory number of livestock between April 16 and May 14, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head.

Dairy

For dairy, the total payment will be calculated based on a producer’s certification of milk production for the first quarter of calendar year 2020 multiplied by a national price decline during the same quarter. The second part of the payment is based a national adjustment to each producer’s production in the first quarter.

Specialty Crops

For eligible specialty crops, the total payment will be based on the volume of production sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020; the volume of production shipped, but unpaid; and the number of acres for which harvested production did not leave the farm or mature product destroyed or not harvested during that same time period, and which have not and will not be sold. Specialty crops include, but are not limited to, almonds, beans, broccoli, sweet corn, lemons, iceberg lettuce, spinach, squash, strawberries and tomatoes. A full list of eligible crops can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Additional crops may be deemed eligible at a later date.

Eligibility

There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined. Applicants who are corporations, limited liability companies or limited partnerships may qualify for additional payment limits where members actively provide personal labor or personal management for the farming operation. Producers will also have to certify they meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitation of $900,000 unless at least 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching or forestry-related activities. Producers must also be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions.

Applying for Assistance

Producers can apply for assistance beginning on May 26, 2020. Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap. Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.

Payment Structure

To ensure the availability of funding throughout the application period, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date as funds remain available.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Government, Kansas

Taskforce For State’s Economic Recovery Announced

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Governor Kelly Announces Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce to Lead State’s Economic Recovery  

 

As part of her commitment to rebuilding Kansas and the economy, Governor Laura Kelly today announced the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce to lead the state’s economic recovery. The taskforce is charged with leading Kansas forward in recovery from the far-reaching effects of COVID-19.  

 

The Recovery Office team will be responsible for the statewide distribution of significant CARES Act funding. A five-member executive committee will oversee the process, and the office will have a steering committee with an additional 15 members who will form three subcommittees. The three subcommittees will focus on communication and engagement, finance and policy development and implementation and accountability.  

 

“The state’s recovery effort must serve urban and rural areas alike across the state, and all sectors of the economy,” Kelly said. “I am grateful that our team membership reflects these ideals, and I want to thank these leaders for their willingness to serve in such challenged times.  

 

“The health and economic challenges COVID-19 inflicted on our state truly are unprecedented – and we must use our collective talents to develop strategies to not only regain what we lost, but build a better, more inclusive and resilient economy.”  

 

Earlier this month, Governor Kelly announced she had selected Cheryl Harrison-Lee as the Recovery Office’s executive director and Lyle Butler as the chair. Harrison-Lee has more than 30 years of experience in strategic leadership positions in a variety of corporate, entrepreneurial, private and public environments, and Butler has years of experience working with the business community and economic development as the President and CEO of several local Chambers of Commerce, most recently retiring from the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.  

 

“Cheryl and Lyle understand the needs of local communities in Kansas,” Governor Kelly said. “Their experience and dedication will be paramount during our state’s recovery effort and in the statewide distribution of CARES Act funding.”  

 

“I look forward to working with these committees on a process that ensures transparency, equity and accountability, while leading Kansas’ recovery efforts from this challenging period in the world,” Executive Director Harrison-Lee said. 

 

Other members of the SPARK Taskforce, appointed by the governor, include representatives of the business community, economic development and the Kansas Legislature. These taskforce members are:  

 

Executive Committee  

 

·         Tom Bell, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association, Topeka, Kansas; 

·         Lyle Butler, President and CEO, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce (retired), Manhattan, Kansas;  

·         Senator Jim Denning, Vice President, Discover Vision Centers, Overland Park, Kansas; 

·         Jill Docking, Senior Vice President, The Docking Group – Baird Financial, Wichita, Kansas;  

·         Alise Martiny, Business Manager, Greater KC Building and Trades Council, Shawnee, Kansas.  

 

Steering Committee  

 

·         Natalie Haag, Attorney, Capitol Federal Savings, Topeka, Kansas; 

·         David Harwood, Senior Vice President, Terracon Consultants & Chair, KANSASWorks State Board, Olathe, Kansas; 

·         Senator Tom Hawk, Ranking Minority Member, Senate Ways and Means Committee, Manhattan, Kansas;  

·         Representative Dan Hawkins, House Majority Leader, Wichita, Kansas; 

·         Edward Honesty, Jr., President & Chief Operating Officer, Best Harvest Bakeries, Kansas City, Kansas;      

·         Chuck Mageral, Proprietor, Free State Brewing Company, Lawrence, Kansas;   

·         David McCarty, Owner, McCarty Family Farms, Colby, Kansas; 

·         Senator Carolyn McGinn, Chair, Senate Ways and Means Committee, Sedgwick, Kansas;  

·         Shelia Nelson-Stout, President and CEO, OCCK, Inc., Salina, Kansas; 

·         Neelima Parasker, President & CEO, SnapIT Solutions, Overland Park, Kansas; 

·         Jim Robinson, Partner, Hite Fanning & Honeyman, Wichita, Kansas; 

·         Secretary David Toland, Department of Commerce, Topeka, Kansas; 

·         Representative Troy Waymaster, Chair, House Appropriations Committee, Bunker Hill, Kansas;  

·         Representative Kathy Wolfe-Moore, Ranking Minority Member, House Appropriations Committee, Kansas City, Kansas. 

 

The final member of the taskforce will be a representative of the aviation industry and will be announced at a future date. Over the coming days and weeks, information on the Recovery Office and the SPARK Taskforce can be found at covid.ks.gov.  

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly moves Kansas into modified Phase 2 On May 22

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To keep Kansans safe, details in Phases 2 and 3 amended

 

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will sign Executive Order 20-34, which moves Kansas into Phase 2 of “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas.” Phase 2, effective Friday, May 22, 2020, will be modified to include data-driven restrictions necessary to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.

 

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, all of my administration’s decision-making regarding our reopening efforts has been driven by data – not dates,” Kelly said. “Because of the great work Kansans and businesses have done to keep others safe, data now indicate we are seeing a more consistent decline in hospitalizations, COVID-19-related deaths and a consistent decrease in disease spread. This puts our state in a position to safely move into a modified version of Phase 2.

 

“I would like to be clear – moving forward in Kansas’ reopening plan does not mean that COVID-19 no longer threatens our communities. Modifying Phase 2 to keep some restrictions allows us to reopen Kansas’ economy as quickly and safely as possible, while exercising necessary caution to keep Kansans healthy.”

 

Key changes to Phase 2:

 

  • Mass gatherings of more than 15 individuals will be prohibited;
  • All businesses and activities slated to open during Phase 2 will be allowed, with the exception of bars, night clubs and swimming pools. These will be moved to Phase 3;

 

  • Businesses and activities that will be allowed to open in Phase 2 include:

 

  • Recreational organized sports facilities, tournaments and practices will be allowed to begin on Friday, May 22, and must adhere to social distancing requirements and follow Parks and Recs guidelines, which can be found on covid.ks.gov;
  • Community Centers will be allowed to open, except for indoor and outdoor swimming pools;
  • Indoor leisure spaces such as arcades, trampoline parks, theaters, museums and bowling allies will be allowed to open on May 22;
  • State-owned-and-operated casinos will be allowed to open once their re-opening plan has been approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment;
  • In-person group exercise classes will be allowed to begin with groups of no more than 15 at a time. Locker rooms remain closed except for restroom facilities;
  • Everything opened in Phase 1 and Phase 1.5 remains open pursuant to the restrictions outlined in Executive Order 20-34.
  • Phase 2 will last until Sunday, June 7, assuming the current trends continue. Phase 3 is expected to begin on Monday, June 8, with mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals prohibited.

Under Phase 2, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed to the public:

  • Bars and night clubs, excluding curbside and carryout services;
  • Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more;
  • Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades;
  • Swimming pools (other than backyard pools);
  • Summer camps (with the exception of licensed childcare facilities).

 

The Governor will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next “Phase.” Regardless of phase, the State Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk.

 

Throughout all phases, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

 

  • Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;
  • Remaining home when sick or running a fever;
  • Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;
  • Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;
  • Working remotely, if possible.

Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS Commission Special Meeting May 22

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There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22nd, 2020 in the City Commission Meeting Room, at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This special meeting will be held to hold a public hearing to consider an application to be submitted to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Cities Community Development Block Grant funds under the CDBG-CV category. The specific project application to be discussed is for the Economic Development program within the City limits of Fort Scott. The maximum amount of the grant request will be for $300,000 for both micro and regular business assistance category.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 15 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available by calling 620-724-9910, enter access code 515698#, and when prompted state your full name followed by the # tag.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Scout Trees for Troubles

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Trees are a huge asset to the landscape. Did you know that according to research, just three properly placed trees can save between $100 and $250 per year in energy costs? Whether you have just planted new trees or have large majestic trees, they can become the targets of disease, insects and human error that can slow their growth and even kill them. This article will cover several tree troubles to be on the lookout for in the next few weeks.

First, I want to address mulching. Unfortunately, as I drive around our communities, I continue to see what is known as the “mulch volcano.” This is the practice of piling mulch high up the trunk of a tree and sloping it down towards the ground – like the shape of a volcano!

When mulch is applied in this manner, it is very detrimental to the tree. It confuses the tree to thinking that the soil level has changed. This will cause the tree to start growing roots into the mulch and can even start to cause decay in the trunk. Mulch applied too deeply can actually prevent moisture from reaching the soil and suffocate the roots – causing the tree to die.

If you are guilty of the mulch volcano, it can easily be fixed by dragging the mulch away from the trunk and reshaping the pile. Mulch should be kept 3-6 inches away from the trunk and should be spread out away from the tree in each direction at least 3 feet – more if you can. As for mulch thickness, 3 to 4 inches is all that is needed.

The pine trees in our area have taken a beating and it is really showing. Have you noticed how most of the pines are exhibiting an abnormal amount of browning to the needles? The trees have been hit by a double whammy – Dothistroma needle blight and two years of excessive moisture! There isn’t anything we can do about the amount of rainfall, but we can try to tackle the needle blight.

Dothistroma needle blight is a common and serious disease of pines. This needle blight is characterized by the heavy loss of older, inner needles, plus the appearance of small black fruiting structures on needles in the spring. Copper-containing fungicides can be used for control. However, many of the trees in our area may have already been lost.

Finally, bagworm season is nearing. They are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Eastern red cedar and junipers are the most commonly affected species, although bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce, pine and some broadleaf trees and shrubs. Last year was a bad year!

Bagworm larvae will begin emerging any time now. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. When hatched, they will be very small and rather difficult to see. As they consume plant material, the larvae will become larger and larger and so will the new bags.

Many times, homeowners don’t begin worrying about bagworms until they are large and easy to see! At that point, chemical controls are a waste of time and money. Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. There are a number of insecticides that are effective against bagworms this time of year.

Trees are an investment! Don’t let disease or insect damage take hold. The Extension office is available to help you with any tree issues you may be facing. For assistance, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

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

Fort Scott

Kansas Sons Of American Legion Is Recruiting

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Fort Scott has a Sons Squadron and we are always accepting new members. Jeff Norris is our local Squadron Commander.
To join the Sons, one must be a male descendant of a Veteran.  The Veteran could be a parent, grandparent or great grandparent. A grandson of a Legionnaire is also eligible to join the Sons.
Eligibility for the Sons can be confusing. I was able to join the Sons through my grandfather’s World War One service, not through my own Navy service. I signed up two of my grandsons as Sons members and Myra signed up one of hers based upon our military service.
The Sons, like the Auxiliary and the Legion, is about service to veterans and the community. Recruit a member today!
Department of Kansas Sons of the American Legion SALute newsletter is attached for your reading pleasure.
Carl Jowers. SAL Squadron 25 Adjutant.
Opinion

Holt Speaks Out To Legislators For Long-Term Care Residents

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On May 18, 2020,  Fort Scott residents, Tara Holt, her husband, Bryan,  and her siblings sent a letter to the Kansas House and Senate regarding making allowances for residents of long-term care facilities to see visitors who have been approved, during the pandemic.

Holt sent a copy to fortscott.biz.

It is being published as a letter to the editor.

” I am sharing this letter with you to raise awareness of this situation and asking others to reach out to the Governor and their Legislators,” Holt said. “Lawmakers will meet in Topeka on Thursday, May 21st to wrap-up business. I am told that they are hoping to work on a solution to some of what is addressed in our letter. Our elderly need us to speak out.”

“Dear Kansas Lawmakers,

We are asking for your immediate action to make allowances for residents of long-term care facilities to have an approved list of visitors during this, as well as any potential future, pandemic lockdowns.

While the state acted quickly, and used seemingly prudential judgment, to protect the lives of elderly Kansans, the legislature has to realize that there is more to life than a beating heart and a “one size fits all” lock down is not the answer for Kansas. The residents of these facilities, particularly those that are immobile or bed-ridden,
need to see their loved ones and know that they are not forgotten.

Mental, spiritual, and psychological wellbeing should be as much of a concern for this population as their physical wellbeing.

We give our parents as one example of how people are affected by state directives. They have been married for over 50 years and our mom has been in a nursing home for three years. She has progressive multiple sclerosis and dad is no longer able to care for her. He does, however, come and sit with her every day and make sure that her needs are being met by the staff of the facility.

Now, however, he is reduced to standing outside her closed window (sometimes in the rain) and speaking to her via cell phone for maybe ten minutes a day. This is an unjust and inhumane action! Our dad is no more likely to infect her than any of the staff that work at the
facility, all of whom go home every day and see family members, go to the store and other places in public.

We are requesting legislation that addresses the following:

• Currently, facilities take the temperatures of staff and ask pertinent health questions when they come to work at the facility. Allow this practice for a limited number (2-3) of family
members or “like family” to be with the elderly in their room.

• Place restrictions on litigation so that facilities cannot be sued if one of their residents contracts COVID19.

• Let residents have a say in having visitors. Many of them have lived through way worse than COVID19.

• Modify or remove “social distancing” measures for approved visitors.

Upon speaking with the local health nurse, she said that with the current phase system, phase three would not allow anyone visiting to be within six feet of an elderly person in the nursing home.

So even if you can eventually go in, or if you have a facility bring your loved one outside (which some may not do) you’d still have to stay six feet away. These people need to be hugged and touched so
that they know they are loved.

Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are regulated by the state, so we need the legislature to take action in this instance.

 

When we think of what is happening here, CRUELTY comes to mind. Please do not allow our elderly people to be isolated and without human touch and love from those dearest to them any longer.

Respectfully,
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan and Tara Holt, Fort Scott, Kansas”