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Bourbon County, K-State Extension

4-H Geology

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

 

Did you find a rock at the park and don’t know what kind it is? What about fossils? If you would like to learn more about rocks, minerals and fossils, then dive into the geology project! Discover the types of minerals, rocks and fossils that can be found where you live. Learn about geological formations across the state and in other states.

There is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased for anyone interested in the geology project. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at different levels:

Ages 7-8:

  • Learn how the earth was formed and its three main parts

  • Learn the difference between a rock and a fossil

  • Collect, clean, identify and label rocks, minerals and fossils found in Kansas

  • Learn the types and impacts of erosion

Ages 9-11:

  • Use different tests to identify minerals by hardness and color

  • Find out what rock types occur in Kansas

  • Learn how to identify fossils

  • Learn to display and evaluate geology exhibits

Ages 12-14:

  • Learn how mountains are formed

  • Discover the impact of glaciers

  • Learn to measure specific gravity

  • Read and use a topographic map

Ages 15 and Older:

  • Measure formation thickness

  • Test to determine chemical properties of minerals

  • Locate sites on a plat map

  • How to prepare for geology careers

In addition to the curriculum, youth are also offered the opportunity to attend project meetings held by volunteers. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair.

The geology project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Families to Receive Additional Food Support Through Pandemic EBT Program

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DCF and KSDE partner to offer one-time benefit

 

The Department for Children and Families in collaboration with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) announced today the creation of the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT). The program will help families who have been impacted by school closures due to COVID-19 to purchase food for their children.

 

“We know the pandemic has made it difficult for families to access food, especially if they relied on school meals,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Thanks to the partnership between DCF and KSDE the state will be able to automatically enroll most families into the P-EBT program, so they receive their benefit as quickly as possible.”

 

“Food insecurity should be the last thing our Kansas children should have to face right now,” Cheryl Johnson KSDE director of child nutrition and wellness said. “P-EBT provides temporary funding to address emergency food needs and avert financial hardship for families affected by the pandemic. I am thankful that through this partnership, Kansas is able to put healthy food on the table for Kansas children.”

P-EBT provides a one-time benefit of up to $291 on a Kansas Benefits Card to Kansas families whose children between the age of 5 to 18 would receive free or reduced-price meals at participating schools. There is no application process to receive the P-EBT benefit.

 

DCF will issue the benefit in phases. Those Kansas families who currently receive free or reduced-price meals and are enrolled in the food assistance or TANF programs should begin to receive their benefit later this week.

 

The second phase also will include an automatic match with those families on free or reduced-price meals and who also are receiving Medicaid or child care assistance.

 

The final phase will include families that need to provide additional information to receive the benefit. Those families will receive access to a parent portal to register for the program beginning June 5. Parents should receive information from their school district on how to access the parent portal.

 

 

“Most families should expect to see their benefit in the next two weeks,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “If families have not yet received information about P-EBT, I encourage them to reach out to their local school district.”

 

In order to provide additional information about P-EBT and to answer questions, DCF is hosting a virtual town hall meeting tomorrow from 11 a.m. to noon.

 

Virtual P-EBT Town Hall Thursday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Use this link to join: https://bit.ly/KansasP-EBTTownHall

Opinion

Reflecting on Hospital Week by Randy Cason

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Randy Cason, Submitted photo.

By Randy Cason, CEO of Ascension Via Christi

We are here for you, thanks for being here for us

 

As we work our way back to “our new normal,” we are taking every necessary step to help ensure a safe environment as we restore the services and programs that were temporarily paused and continue to care for individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19. We have restarted scheduling elective procedures and non-urgent appointments. Some of our providers are also offering virtual visits to help us continue caring for our community.

 

As we look toward the future, our patients coming to Ascension Via Christi for care can expect enhanced safeguards, expanded access to healthcare services and the personalized treatment you all have come to expect. We are committed to ensuring that our hospital and clinics remain a healing environment — one where quality care is delivered with the highest levels of safety and compassion.

 

While we understand people are concerned with exposure to COVID-19, but please do not delay receiving care. Our Emergency Department and care teams are here to provide 24/7 treatment for those experiencing illnesses and injuries. Delaying essential care for chronic conditions could lead to complications and in worse cases, bad outcomes or even death.

 

Each year, we take what is known and celebrated nationally as Hospital Week, to thank the dedicated caregivers who help make our community a great place to live. We are grateful for their service to our mission, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I also want to thank all of the local businesses, schools and individuals in our community who over the past few months have joined us in protecting the health of others.

 

Rest assured, together we will come through this stronger and more courageous, capable and unified than before.

—

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Seventh Case of COVID 19

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Bourbon County has its seventh case of COVID 19, Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator, said.

The county had seven prior to this, but one was a resident of Woodson County and living in Bourbon. Has since been removed from Bourbon’s count.

The following is a press release from the county health department:

May 20, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this morning, making Bourbon County’s total number of cases 7. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The individual works in multiple counties in the health care capacity and was tested as a requirement for work. This case is symptomatic. The individual is in isolation in their home. Their household is in quarantine in their home. Co-workers are taking necessary safety precautions. All potential contacts have been notified and the investigation is complete.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

Call before going to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department

Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.

If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, PLEASE CALL 911.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the

COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.

 

Obituary

Obituary of Susan Large Brown

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Susan Lynn Brown, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died late Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at her home.

She was born December 12, 1954, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Merle Eugene and Dorothy Wiley Large.

She married James Michael Brown on July 18, 1974, in Fort Scott.

Susan worked for several years in claims processing for American States insurance Company and others. She later worked as a secretary for Mid Continental Restoration.

She enjoyed crocheting, bingo, fishing and helping with the family annual Christmas light display. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Jim of the home; a daughter, Lori Brown, Ft. Scott; her mother, Dorothy Hofman, Ft. Scott; three brothers, Curtis Large, Meredosia, IL, Charles Large, Meredosia, IL, and Fredrick Large, Ft. Scott; three sisters, Dianna Brown, Kenney, IL, Joyce Mills, Houston, TX, and Eugena Surratt, Meredosia, IL; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christopher and Michael Moore; and grandmother, Enid Large, Ft. Scott.

She was preceded in death by a son, Aaron Brown; a brother, Thomas Large; and her father.

There was cremation. A private memorial service will be held. Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

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.