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COVID-19, Kansas

Kansas COVID-19 Travel Update

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KDHE amends travel quarantine list

State of Colorado removed, specific Colorado counties added

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the state of Colorado but has added more than 20 Colorado counties to the list, effective as of May 6. Those counties are listed below.

“We recognize that adding Colorado to the quarantine list presented challenges to those living in the border communities,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “As such we looked at all of the Colorado counties individually and added those core counties that were 3x higher than the rate of Kansas.”

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine includes visitors and Kansans who have:

  • Traveled on or after May 6 to the Colorado counties of: Adams, Arapahoe, Archuleta, Bent, Chaffee, Conejos, Crowley, City and County of Denver, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Larimer, Park, Phillips, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, San Juan, Teller and Weld.
  • Traveled on or after May 6 to the countries of Cabo Verde, India, Maldives and Seychelles.
  • Traveled on or after April 22 to Minnesota or the countries of Argentina, Bahrain, Croatia, Cyprus, Sweden and Turkey.
  • Traveled on or after April 8 to Pennsylvania or the country of Uruguay.
  • Traveled on or after March 26 to Delaware, Michigan or Rhode Island.
  • Traveled on or after March 12 to the country of State of Palestine.
  • Traveled between April 22 and May 6 to Aruba or France.
  • Traveled between April 8 and May 6 to Andorra, Bermuda, Curacao, Poland or Serbia.
  • Traveled between March 26 and May 6 to Hungary.
  • Traveled between March 12 and May 6 to New Jersey or New York.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
  • Are within 6 months following receipt of the last dose in the series
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Government, Kansas

Report on Kansas Infant Mortality

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Kansas Department of Health and Environment Releases

Report on Infant Mortality

Topeka — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has released its annual report on infant mortality. The Kansas Infant Mortality & Stillbirth Report, 2019 examines trends and disparities in infant mortality and stillbirths. The full report can be viewed here.

Some notable findings include:

  • In 2019, there were 5.4 stillbirths at 20 weeks or more of gestation, per 1,000 live births plus stillbirths. This was unchanged from the 2018 rate. Since 2000, the overall trend for stillbirths has been increasing.
  • The infant mortality rate in Kansas decreased from 6.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018, to 5.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019. Since 2007, the overall trend for infant mortality has been decreasing.
  • From 2000 to 2019, infant mortality decreased among non-Hispanic White births and non-Hispanic Black births. No statistically significant trends in infant mortality were observed among Hispanic births.
  • In 2015-2019, the leading cause of infant mortality was congenital anomalies (23.9% of infant deaths), followed by Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (19.0%), short gestation and low birth weight (17.3%), and maternal complications of pregnancy (6.1%).
  • The rate of preterm-related mortality declined from 2000 to 2019. In 2015-2019, there were 190.0 preterm-related deaths per every 100,000 live births. The rate among non-Hispanic Black births (537.7 deaths per every 100,000 live births) was higher than that among non-Hispanic White births or Hispanic births.

“While the number of infant deaths reported is the lowest on record for the state, disparities in infant mortality rates among the non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations continued to exist in 2019,” said Kay Haug, State Registrar and Director of the KDHE Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics.

“Focusing on maternal health is critical to improving birth outcomes and preventing infant mortality,” said Rachel Sisson, Director of the KDHE Bureau of Family Health. “Specifically, the health, nutrition, and behaviors of a mother prior to and during pregnancy directly impacts the infant’s health at the time of birth and throughout life. Further, eliminating disparities in infant mortality starts with addressing social determinants of health for the mother by ensuring access to care, individual and family supports, education, and maternity care practices that promote breastfeeding and safe sleep.”

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

UMB Donates To CASA

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UMB Bank donates $2,000 from its community fund to support Bourbon County CASA. UMB is a proud sponsor and supporter of the local CASA program.
Bourbon County CASA, founded in May 1990, has provided advocates for over 900 local children who are victims of abuse and neglect. This would not be possible without the support of individuals and businesses such as UMB.
On Mother’s Day, we celebrated everything a mother does for her children. Mothers change their children’s diapers, fed them, teach them to walk, take them to school, protect them and so much more.
Sadly, not all children are so lucky to have a mother, or a mother figure, who can and will do these things for them.
When a child is placed in the state’s care because of evidence of abuse and neglect, a judge can appoint a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to speak up for a child’s best interest by learning everything about the child’s situation. Often the CASA volunteer is the stability a child needs during this frightful time. CASA volunteers advocate for the child’s best interests in court and in the child welfare system when no one else can.
CASA volunteers are regular people — stay-at-home moms, retirees, teachers, business people. They don’t need to be lawyers or social workers. They just need to be willing to speak up for children in need just like a mother would for her child.
“CASA volunteers become that role model because they often are the one constant in a child’s life while he or she is in the foster care system,” said Horn.
You can help break the cycle of abuse from one generation to another. You can model what a good mother looks like by becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting Bourbon County CASA.
The next training class to become a CASA volunteer for Bourbon County CASA is spring 2022. More information can be found at nationalcasagal.org or by emailing [email protected].

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

UMB Bank Contributes $2000 toward The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s “Center for Economic Growth”

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The Center for Economic Growth (The Center) is giving individuals, living in a historically impoverished rural community, an opportunity for economic stability and wealth creation. Because of generous donations like these, critical services will continue to be provided to Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott residents and businesses free of charge. The Center provides expertise, business planning, financial projections, training and more with a focus on low to moderate-income, minority, woman-owned, or food-related business.
Economic stability represents an individual’s ability to access resources such as food, housing or healthcare, as well as creating a healthy business culture to help an employer attract and retain talent, reduce absenteeism and turnover, and improve productivity. “Since 2016, we have focused intently on our mission to enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth in individuals,” Jody Hoener, President and CEO of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, “Through this collaboration, we are increasing access to employment and entrepreneurship in a population that has lacked upward mobility in employment opportunities and access to capital.”
The Center for Economic Growth has an array of state, regional, and local partnerships that include: The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, PSU Small Business Development Center (PSU SBDC), Southeast KANSASWORKS, Fort Scott Community College, and BAJA Investments. “I am constantly impressed with how well each entity works together,” Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC says, “This collaboration benefits our clients as a one-stop-shop for services. Because of The Center, Bourbon County is ahead of the pack and significantly contributing to our regional goals.” Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant, The Center has access to even more expertise and resources right at their fingertips.
According to Smart Growth America, in today’s world business growth is driven by collaboration among many types of entities, private companies, universities, and others, that must interact frequently and work together creatively. “UMB is excited to support the creative and innovative efforts of The Center for Economic Growth. We hope that our contribution will make a difference in the lives of individuals in our community.” Crystal Maddox, UMB Senior Vice President-Commercial Lender.
The Center is located in the Historic Downtown Fort Scott in the upstairs of 17 South Main Fort Scott KS. It is a “one-stop-shop” for business, employment, food, telework, and distance learning needs. Current businesses, and those looking to start a business, have a physical location to meet with a person. Additionally, services are available for those seeking employment, developing soft skills (i.e. interviewing), or other job-seeking assistance. Businesses are encouraged and welcome to contact Southeast KANSASWORKS to see how they can connect with those looking for employment.
An overview of services The Center provides Bourbon County:
• WORKERS & FAMILIES:
o Distance Learning and Telework Space
o Unemployment & Job Seeking Assistance
o Increasing Access to Healthy Food
o Building Capacity for Local Food Assistance
• ADDRESSING CHILDCARE:
o Relief in Fulfilling Educational Requirements for Centers
o Incentives for Becoming a Legal Childcare Provider
• BUSINESS TOOLS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:
o Getting Businesses Online via new Websites & Social Media
o Loans & Grants
o Special COVID Programs & Resources
Find us on social media! On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter #healthybbco
Background of The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team:
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is a Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy
Kansas Community. Its mission is to increase access to healthy food and physical activity,
promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life and encourage economic
growth. The problems of health inequity and social injustice are complex in nature and
inextricably linked to key economic indicators. A healthy workforce is a prerequisite for
economic success in any industry and in all cities.
Contact information:
Jody Hoener, President and CEO
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc
620-215-5725
[email protected]
Mary Hunt, Interim Operations Director
Southeast KANSASWorks
Desk: 620-232-1222
Cell: 620-670-0006
Website: www.sekworks.org
Dacia Clark, Assistant Director, PSU SBDC
[email protected]
785-445-2537
Lindsay Madison, President and CEO, The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
[email protected]
(620) 223-3566

Fort Scott

Aglow Lighthouse Speaker: Anna Toll Kim on May 13

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Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse welcomes guest speaker, Anna (Toll) Kim, Thursday, May 13th, 2021.
Anna (Toll) Kim was born in Kansas and raised in Fort Scott.
From a young age she loved listening to the stories of missionaries from around the world.
In high school she went on her first overseas mission trip to Ecuador, an experience that influenced her life in many ways.
After graduating from Manhattan Christian College she moved to Asia to work with urban poor.
She made friends who became like family and started a family of her own.
Most recently, she lived in the Philippines and then moved back to Fort Scott to settle down with her family for a time. She loves being outdoors, puzzles, and spending quality time with family. Also, she loves sharing about her adventures in Asia.
Guests are welcome to visit our Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 13th in the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Men’s Track and Field Wins Conference Championship; Qualify 14 for National Meet

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The Fort Scott Community College men’s track and field team traveled to Arkansas City for the regional meet this past weekend. With outstanding performance from many, the Hounds were able to bring home the first KJCCC East Conference Championship in school history. In only the third year of having the program back on campus, the Greyhounds took down the perennial power Cowley College by the score of 224-222. The meet came down to the 4×400 meter relay (Tre Buchanan, Marcus Freeman, Jarvis Miles, Jordan Collins) where the Hounds cruised to a time of 3:10.19, defeating second place Butler Community College by more than 7 seconds. Cowley finished the race in fourth place, giving the Hounds the conference crown.

Coach Philip Redrick on the men’s performance: “This was a complete team victory and came down to the last event. I told the team before the race that we needed to win the 4×400 if we wanted to take home the conference championship. It was an amazing performance and I couldn’t be more proud of the group. It takes everyone on the team competing at a high level to win a conference meet, and they didn’t disappoint.”

While there were many performances which contributed to the win, the Greyhounds were paced by the following conference champions:

Javris Miles – 400 meters – 47.57

Tre Buchanan – 400 hurdles – 52.63

Demarion Smith – High Jump – 1.95m

4×400 Meter Relay (Buchanan, Freeman, Miles, Collins – 3:10.19

4×800 Meter Relay (Lecorian Deboest, Lonnell Johnson, Alex Jaje, Marcus Freeman) – 7:41.41

Full results from the conference meet can be found at: https://kjccc.org/sports/track/2020-21/2021_Jayhawk_East_Final_Outdoor_Results.pdf

Next up will be the national meet which will be held in Levelland, Texas starting 5/11/2021. The men’s team has 14 student-athletes who have qualified for the meet. Go Hounds!

FSCC Women’s Track and Field Sweeps Season Conference Championships; Qualify 10 for National Meet

Back in March the Fort Scott Community College women’s track and field team brought home the first conference championship in school history when they took the indoor title. This past weekend, the Hounds again ran through the conference, winning the outdoor title and completing the conference sweep. The meet was again a close competition which came down to the wire, but the Hounds prevailed over rival Cowley College by the score of 190-180.

Coach Redrick on the women’s performance: “This is a special group of women. They knew what they were going to have to do to compete and bring home another title, and they did just that. We had a huge number of special performances over the weekend. I’m so proud of them.”

Leading the way for the Hounds were the following conference champions:

Trinity Sinegal – Long Jump – 5.59m

Damazvia Dames – Long Jump – 5.59m, Triple jump – 12.19m

Rachel Booker – Heptathalon – 3356 points

Full Results for the conference meet can be found at: https://kjccc.org/sports/track/2020-21/2021_Jayhawk_East_Final_Outdoor_Results.pdf

Next up the Hounds will travel to Levelland, Texas for the NJCAA National Meet. 10 Greyhound student-athletes have met the national qualifying standards for the meet. Go Hounds!

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Sharing Our Stories

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

Maybe I’m just at that point in my life, but I always find it interesting when I get a chance to hear some of the personal stories of someone who has lived a full life. They are likely remembering back in their time. They are also sharing bits and pieces of what has molded their lives to be the person they are today.

All older adults have made their mark on their families, their communities, and beyond – whether they realize it or not. Just by the fact that they have lived life, they have had many trial and error and success experiences.

Older adults bring wisdom, experience and life history to younger adults’ perspectives on their future. Purposeful sharing and connections can be incredibly valuable to both of the individuals involved. We need to make time to visit with our older adult relatives and friends and encourage them to tell their stories.

Jumpstart those memories with questions, photos and portions of stories which you may already be aware. Let them fill in the blanks and the story behind the story.

Here are some questions to stimulate the stories:

— What kinds of toys and games did you play?

— What was your schooling like? You may learn their one-room school building had been moved from one location to another in the middle of the night as a result of a neighborhood feud.

— What were you paid for your first job?

— What was your favorite vacation spot?

— What would you like to tell your 22-year-old self?

— What do you think your 22-year-old-self would want to tell you?

— What are the best and worst pieces of advice you’ve received?

— What motivated you in life?

— What were some of the turning points in your life?

— Looking back, is there something you wish you had done that you did not?

— What are you most proud of?

These are samples of questions, and most will lead to many other questions and stories. Plan on several visits. Be sure to write them down or document them in some way to share with other family members and your younger generations.

Many countries revere their older adults where older age is honored and celebrated, and respect for elders is central to the family. Our western culture often depicts aging in a negative light. We have a lot to learn.

May is Older Americans Month. It’s a great reminder for all of us to find ways to celebrate the older adults in our own lives and communities.

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

Opinion

Angels Disguised as Mothers by Carolyn Hayward Tucker

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Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Hayward Tucker

Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Even though I’ve been a mother for 34 years, I usually don’t think of myself but rather my own mother as Mother’s Day approaches. Most everyone believes they have/had the best Mom in the world, and they should. The last time my brother and I celebrated this special day with our Mom was 2015. The definition of angel is: a spiritual being who acts as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God with greater-than-human power appearing in human figure with wings and halo; a person of exemplary conduct and virtue. Hmm, this description sounds a lot like a loving mother.

According to the dictionary, a mother is the female parent of a child. That matter-of-fact definition doesn’t butter my biscuit at all. A mother is a teacher of faith, a giver of hope, and God’s earthly example of love. In addition to the usual information, Mom’s headstone has five words engraved on it: “An Exemplary Life of Love.” In 1 Corinthians 13, we find that love is the more excellent way to live. There’s faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.

The supreme goal for all mothers is to practice love. Love is most important because it lasts forever. When children have been loved appropriately during their nurturing years at home, they will continue to carry that love until their last breath.

Mom’s words still resound in the warm and fuzzy places of my heart. Her teaching topics on everyday life were quite varied: “Be sure your sins will find you out.” “Smile at everyone — it doesn’t cost you anything.” “A soft answer turneth away wrath.” “Shoes make or break your outfit.” “Never leave the kitchen while you’re baking cookies because you need to watch them so they don’t overbake.” “Keep your word, do what you say you’ll do, and be dependable.” “You might as well laugh as cry.” “If you can’t say anything good, then don’t say anything at all.“ She also proved that God had first place in her heart by her everyday lifestyle.

Country/gospel music artist Randy Travis released the song “Angels” in 2004. Buck Moore, Troy Seals, and Harvey McNalley co-wrote the song. Here are some of the lyrics that will warm your heart and make your eyes leak: “Me and some of the boys were sitting around the other night and started talking about politics, religion, love and life; and is there or isn’t there angels here on earth. And then one guy said, ’If it’s something I can see or something I can touch, well I might believe in all that stuff.’ So I just had to say to him, ’Are you tellin’ me that you’ve never seen an angel? Never felt the presence of one standing by? No robe of white, no halo in sight, well you missed the most obvious thing! Man, are you blind? Just look in your mother’s eyes.’” (I suggest you to go online and give this song a listen.)

Mom began keeping a diary when her first grandchild was born in 1970. After she died, I found multiple diaries and eagerly read them. I was tearfully impacted by her acts of love in her daily life and I decided that I wanted to be like her. Because being like her was the same as being like Jesus.

The Key: A loving mother is as close to an angel as you can get. Happy Mother’s Day!

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of April 20

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April 20, 2021                                        Tuesday 9:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Also present were the following: (some were present for a portion of the meeting and some were present for the entire meeting), Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, representatives from SEK Multi County Health Department, Susan Bancroft, Scott Shelton, Anne Dare, Will Wallis, Mr. & Mrs. Clint Walker and Mark McCoy.

 

Clifton made a motion to approve the minutes from the two prior Commission meetings, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the minutes.

 

Eric presented three culvert permits for culverts that have been completed for Ron Hillard, Doug Adamson and Nick Leighty; Eric and the Commissioners signed the permits.  Jim made a motion to allow a culvert installation for Dale Simpson at 1947 Tomahawk Road, Clifton seconded and all approved.

 

Eric reported they received $1,145 for the scrap metal at the Landfill.

 

Eric said they had poured a portion of a new deck and will be pulling forms and will have the bridge at 60th & Grand open next Thursday.

 

They have been crushing at the Beth Quarry and have been in contact with Buckley Powder regarding a blast to remove the overburden at the Blake Quarry.

 

Eric said they will be moving the bulk fuel tank from the Bronson Fire Station to Uniontown for the grader operator’s use.

 

The K39 bridge has been closed for repairs and they are detouring traffic onto County roads; Eric said they are having to add more gravel and said he will document this for possible reimbursement from the State.

 

Windfarm – Eric said they are still capping the roads between 39 and 3 Highway.  He said they have had reports of wash boarding on the roads in the area.  He said there is a bridge deck deficiency on a bridge between 60th & Arrowhead and Birch; he said they may need to reroute traffic and not use this bridge.  Eric said there is an area near 20th & 39 going north that the Windfarm company might do work to the road in order to use the road.

 

Lynne thanked Eric for cutting the road at 95th & Range.

 

Eric said after they review the budget, he might discuss purchasing trucks and a mini excavator.

 

Eric said he would give the Commissioners the Schwab Eaton report on the bridge inspections done this year.

 

Lynne plans to ride with Eric to the Southeast Kansas regional meeting on Thursday in Yates Center.

 

Rebecca Johnson with the SEK Multi County Health Department met with the Commissioners (other representatives from the SEK Multi County Health Department were also present); she presented the following speech to the Commissioners: “Fifty years. The SEK Multi-County Health Department has been serving the residents of Bourbon County as their local health department for the last 50 years.

 

In 1971, after the health departments of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn and Woodson Counties served as a health planning organization for the state, an agreement was signed by the counties, which formed the SEK Multi-County Health Department. The County Commissioners could see the benefit of the organization and how it saved their counties money and also allowed for a balance of perspectives from policymakers, medical professionals and the public.  Linn County has since left the multi-county health department, which has resulted in the 4-county configuration.

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department is made up of 4 county health departments, Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson. We share 1 medical director, health officer/administrator, regional public health emergency preparedness coordinator, accountant, and billing clerk. Each office has at least 1 nurse and clerk. We have 1 home visitor that covers Allen and Anderson counties and 1 that covers Bourbon and Woodson counties. We also have a nurse that is the WIC coordinator and we have a dietician. We have hired a 2nd nurse in our Bourbon County office this last year who has assisted with our other county COVID-19 responsibilities as well. Due to efforts needed still for the pandemic, we have been able to maintain 3 temporary staff to assist where needed.

 

Public Health is a specialty all its own. Public Health has many more trainings that are required than the average healthcare job. Trainings range from disease investigation and control to FEMA and incident command, to vaccine for children program to packaging and shipping of dangerous goods. We have a wide range of knowledge and expertise in many different areas.

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department partners with many organizations and entities, in Bourbon County, the surrounding counties, our region and at the state level. We also have worked extensively with some organizations in Missouri over the last year. These partnerships and friendships have been very beneficial to us through the years and through this pandemic. We try to maintain a well-balanced give and take relationship with our partners.

 

The Bourbon County Health Department currently provides 67 types of services to the public, many of which are at no cost. These fall under family planning, KanBe Healthy Screenings, School Physicals, Immunizations, Adult Physicals, Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Checks, Hearing and Vision Screenings, DCF referrals, MCH Home Visitor, breastfeeding education, STD testing and treatment, and lab draws. We travel to many off-site clinics to provide immunizations and physicals for children and adults. Many of our services are at times provided in client’s homes.

 

Other services provided, that are at no cost to the public and stand out are:

  • Disease investigations and contact tracing.
  • Health Officer services such as review of plans for schools and LTC facilities, recommendations related to isolation / quarantine, creation of isolation and quarantine orders, rabies investigations, review/investigation of nuisance calls and other public health hazards.
  • Provision of general medical, nutrition, immunization, etc information provided to all callers to the health department.
  • Technical assistance to medical / non-medical providers, schools, day cares, industries and other businesses related to PPE, preparedness planning, availability of COVID vaccinations.
  • Technical assistance to long-term care facilities related to PPE, preparedness planning, and review of COVID response plans,
  • Assistance to other county health departments during disasters
  • Review of mask usage in Bourbon County and mask distribution
  • Mommy & Me classes, breastfeeding support
  • Referral of clients to other providers such as smoking cessation, depression, birth spacing planning, hearing, dental, job sites, etc.
  • Management of supplies received from federal and other sources and transfer of those supplies — hand sanitizer, masks, gowns to local medical and school providers in need.
  • Education presentations for schools as well as being a member of the School Health Council, and participation in those meetings.
  • Educational presentations for long term care facilities on bloodborne pathogens.
  • On call 24/7 for public health emergencies-especially with the pandemic. Each superintendent has the Heath Officer’s personal number.
  • COVID-19 Recovery Drive. We applied for a grant and were able to have 2 recovery drives where we provided food and supplies to Bourbon County residents in need. We were blessed to partner with many businesses who helped make the recovery drives possible, such as Valu Merchandizers, G&W foods, Walmart, Dollar General and also several community members and community partners.
  • Health Fair participation.
  • Offer our conference room to local organizations, such as the LEPC for meetings, trainings such as Love and Logic parenting class and CPR.

 

January 2020, SEK Multi-County Health Department started planning for the impending pandemic by meeting with regional and local partners regarding information KDHE and CDC were issuing. We began studying, training and preparing for our role in the global pandemic. We began educating the public, by way of newspaper, internet, Facebook, radio, flyers and also participated in numerous educational/informational meetings with department heads of many different entities. KDHE provided guidance and support to the local health departments, as well as regulations for isolation and quarantine. That set the stage for the expectations for local health departments and SEK Multi-County Health Department has held strong to these regulations to pull our counties through this pandemic. We’ve worked with our schools, long term care facilities, businesses, colleges and community organizations, to list a few, on their mitigation and reopening plans, as well as contact tracing within their facilities. COVID-19 investigations and contact tracing took up most of our days for an extended period of time. Many times this had us working evenings, nights and weekends to make sure everyone’s needs were met. Our own family life was put on hold for about 9 months, as we dealt with COVID-19 related issues.

 

During the fall, in Bourbon County, we pushed through and administered 619 flu vaccines and did 21 off-site flu clinics. On December 7th, Bourbon County’s active case count rose to 152 active cases, a dramatic increase from prior to Thanksgiving. We were all exhausted by this point, but knew we had to keep going. Later in the fall we began preparing for mass vaccination clinics and what those would look like. We reached out to the Fort Scott city commissioners and staff, who helped us secure a site for these large clinics for Bourbon County. We were able to get many volunteers, businesses and community members who were willing to help us out. Because of all the volunteer work, partnerships we have and new ones we’ve formed over the last year, every COVID-19 vaccination clinic was a success and at no cost to the public.

 

SEK Multi-County Health Department wanted to ensure that our school staff were also being vaccinated, so we transferred 600 of our Moderna COVID-19 doses to CHC-SEK to vaccinate the school employees while we were vaccinating the health care workers and elderly. To date, SEK Multi-County Health Department has administered 2351 COVID-19 vaccines in Bourbon County. SEK Multi-County Health Department will continue providing until there is no longer a need.

 

On January 21st, Governor Laura Kelly recognized me as a Public Health Hero in Kansas. I do not consider myself a hero at all. I appreciate the recognition, but that tells me that my staff and I are doing something right. We’ve followed KDHE’s guidelines, state law and recommendations by our medical director. We’ve taken a more conservative approach to the pandemic and have seen less cases than other counties that did not. We have done the best that we could with what we were given and have managed to stay afloat and not given up, when many have.

 

If you do a comparison of funding for health departments across the state, SEK Multi-County Health Department asks for very little from Bourbon County. There have been talks of Bourbon County looking into contracting with an FQHC for public health. One county health department in Kansas is run by an FQHC, and that county provided approximately $666,000 this last year to the FQHC to run it. Looking at surrounding counties annual funding for health departments: Linn CO: 189,000; Crawford: 556,000; Franklin: 423,000; Coffey: 371,000; Cherokee: 108,000. Up until this last year, Bourbon County provided $80,750 per year to SEK Multi-County Health Department to provide public health services to Bourbon County. Our organization hadn’t seen an increase in 12 years, up until last year. Our staff are employed by our organization, we carry our own insurance, we own our own buildings, and apply for grants through KDHE that help aid our services we provide.

 

Bourbon County residents need a health department that have expertise in their field and prepared for public health situations as they arise, one they can count on for their children’s needs and family services and one they’ve come to trust for health-related questions and family support over the years.  Our 4 counties are stronger together and we’ve built Bourbon County Health Department to provide a sturdy leg to our organization. SEK Multi-County Health Department wishes to remain the Public Health Service Provider in Bourbon County. I cannot speak for the Commissioners of Allen, Anderson, or Woodson, but do know I have no outstanding complaints or issues that are holding them back from continuing on with SEK Multi-County Health Department as their county’s public health service provider.

 

Bourbon County Board of Commissioners, SEK Multi-County Health Department asks that you continue to allow us to be the public health service provider for Bourbon County. Look at how far we have come in 50 years!!  With your continued support, just think of how much more we can accomplish together for our residents of Bourbon County in the years to come!”

 

After her presentation, Clifton asked what the main thing they did prior to pre-pandemic was; Alice Maffet said all of the things that were listed in Rebecca’s speech.  Jim said he has heard from the public that they would like to see the Health Department open on Friday’s; Alice said have early and extended hours of 7:00 am – 5:30 pm Monday through Thursday.  Justin Meeks said the contract has been the same since 1971 and said if the County opted to not renew, then it would have to be done in May of 2021.  Lynne and Jim both said they didn’t think the County should change.

 

Scott Shelton met with the Commissioners regarding a variance on the County sanitation code; he lives in the Country Hills subdivision which is located north of Redfield outside of the city limits of Redfield.  He said in 1998 Redfield got a loan to get a sewer system and to install a pump station.  A 40-year contract was signed between the City of Redfield and the residents of the subdivision and part of the contracted stated the rates for the subdivision were to be the same as for the residents of the City of Redfield.  From 1998 – 2019 the rates were $18/month, in 2019 the sewer rates went to $30/month + $7.50 per person in the house, then the rates went to $36/month + $8.00 per person in the house for city residents and $44/month + $8.00 per person for residents in the subdivision.  In 2021 the rates were increased to $36.00/month + $8.00 per person in the house for residents living in the City of Redfield and to $51.70/month + $8.00 per person in the house for residents in the subdivision.  Scott said he questioned the City of Redfield what the reason was for the increase; he was told they increased the costs to pay the loan off faster as well as there was no money in the account to pay expenses and said they were behind on paying the loan – Scott said that USDA told him they were not behind on paying the loan and said the City later said during a City meeting that there was $20,000 in the account.  Scott questioned the different amounts being charged for the City residents vs. the subdivision residents and said he was told it costs more to operate the sewer for the subdivision than it does in town.  Scott said Redfield was in violation of the contract.  He said he as well as the City of Redfield have lawyers involved and said they are now at an impasse on the sewer rates.  He said now several residents of the subdivision would like to install septic systems, he said a contractor has said they can install the septic system, Scott has worked with the County Appraiser’s office and they told him as long as the County Commissioners say it is ok to install the system, he is ok with it.  Scott said the County sanitation code from 1998 says any resident within 400’ must connect to the sewer system and said the code requires a minimum of a one-acre area for a septic system.  Scott said some houses that want a septic system have a little under one acre and some have a little more than one acre.  Justin Meeks said he could address Scott’s legal counsel or the City of Redfield’s attorney about this issue and said the County Commissioners have no authority over the City of Redfield or the subdivision.  Justin said a KORA request could be filed with the City of Redfield for information.  Jim Harris said the County would need to work with KDHE regarding the requirements and to get the sanitation code changed.  Justin said they would need to look over the contract; Scott said he would provide a copy of the contract to them.  Jim made a motion to request Justin Meeks to get involved and review the contract, Clifton seconded and all approved.  Scott said that the County sanitation code does give the Commission the ability to grant exceptions.

 

Clifton made a motion to sign the Tri Valley agreement for services, Jim seconded and all approved and signed the agreement.

 

Lynne made a motion to transfer the operational portion of the BWERKS organization to BEDCO which includes the possession of the material assets, he said they would need to revisit this again on 12/31/2021, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

Lynne briefly discussed the KOMA training that the Commissioners participated in last week; he said the Commissioners are not required to televise the Commission meetings and said if people have a subject they want to discuss with the Commissioners, then they should schedule this on the agenda, Jim Harris agreed with this.  Lynne said if possible, people should be at the Commission meeting in person if they want to address the Commissioners.

 

Elected Officials Comment: Bill Martin and Ben Cole phoned into the Commission meeting, Bill said they had been awarded cars from seizures and said that the deputies have requested that the vehicles be used as undercover vehicles; Bill said he would contact KCAMP insurance to get the vehicles included with the fleet.  He said he would bring the cost to insure the vehicles to the Commissioners in a few weeks.

 

Justin Meeks discussed the tax sale, he said he will be sending petitions and summons to individuals and said he hopes to have a tax sale at the end of June.

Justin said APEX (windfarm) contacted him and said the County now has the $408,000 PILOT check; Susan Bancroft will work with Patty Love to get an account set up for this money.

Justin suggested putting on the agenda (scheduled for May 4th) a discussion over adding zoning to the November 2021 ballot.

 

Justin said he would start collecting data regarding population and valuation.

 

Susan Bancroft met with the Commissioners; she gave the Commissioners a 10-year recap of assessed valuation and mill levies for Bourbon County.  She said the Bourbon County audit is scheduled for the week of May 10th.  Susan will work with Diehl, Banwart, Bolton to do the audit.

 

Commissioner Comment: Jim said it was previously requested that he work with KDHE regarding the old landfill site, he presented a letter from Charles Bowers with KDHE which stated that construction at the site would be an alteration of the final cover and in accordance with Kansas Administrative Regulation (KAR) 28-29-6(b) require a permit modification application with a design and drawings sealed by a professional engineer licensed to practice in Kansas.  There is only a total of 24” of cover at the site.  Jim said the County would need to do a restrictive covenant for the site disposal area and would need to put this on file in the Register of Deeds office.

 

At 10: 15, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jim seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

_________________, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Doretta Neville, Bourbon County Deputy Clerk

April 27, 2021, Approved Date