Category Archives: Area News

Domestic Violence in Child Welfare

 

Strategies and Skills to Address Domestic Violence in Child Welfare:
2-Part Virtual Training Series

 

Part 1: Getting to Know the Family
Thursday, August 5, 2021
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
OR
Thursday, October 7, 2021
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Part 2: Documenting Domestic Violence
Thursday, September 9, 2021
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
OR
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

 

 

Presented By:
Kristina Scott, L.M.S.W
KCSDV Child Welfare Project Coordinator
Carolyn Allred, M.A.
KCSDV Child and Youth Project Manager

 

AUDIENCE:  Child Welfare Professionals, including DCF Staff, Reintegration and Family Preservation Case Managers and Family Support Workers; Social Workers; Mental Health Professionals; Foster Home, Kinship, and Adoption Workers; CASAs

 

Join us for a two-part live virtual training series on addressing domestic violence in child welfare. Part 1 will focus on getting to know the family, including identifying risk and dangerousness factors of batterers, understanding the safety and protective actions of the non-abusive parent, and supporting the parent/child bond between children and non-abusive parents. During Part 2, participants will practice strategies and skills to document batterer tactics and accountability, as well as the safety and protective actions of the non-abusive parent. Participants will also learn how to identify interventions appropriate for families experiencing domestic violence and interventions that are not recommended. A PDF copy of the Domestic Violence Manual for Child Welfare Professionals will be provided to all participants and utilized as a training tool during each training.

 

 

 

Registration deadline: One week prior to each session.

 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

 

Total Training Hours: 6.0 (per session)

 

This training has been approved for 6 CEUs (per session) through the BSRB provided by DCF.

 

 

Training Questions:

Kristina Scott
[email protected]
or 785-232-9784

Registration Questions:
Shelly Newman
[email protected]
or 785-232-9784

 

 

Sponsored by:

 

 

Funding provided through Department for Children & Families (DCF) Grant.
www.kcsdv.org/train

 

Share
Tweet
Forward

 

 

Copyright © 2021 Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV), All rights reserved.
You received this email, because you’re a supporter of KCSDV. Thank you!

Our mailing address is:

Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV)

634 SW Harrison

Topeka, KS 66603

Add us to your address book

 

Evergy schedules conference call to discuss 2nd quarter results

 

Kansas City, MO – July 15, 2021 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) announced today it will release its 2021 second quarter earnings Thursday, August 5, 2021, before market open.  The company plans to host its quarterly conference call and audio webcast to discuss the results Thursday, August 5, 2021.

 

Event:              Evergy Q2 2021 Conference Call and Webcast

 

            Date:                August 5, 2021

 

            Time:               8:00 a.m. Eastern (7:00 a.m. Central)

 

            Location:         1) Phone conference call at (888) 353-7071, conference ID 3065454, or

2) Log on to the webcast at investors.evergy.com  

 

In conjunction with the earnings release and conference call, the company plans to post on its website supplemental financial information related to second quarter 2021 performance. The materials will be available under Supplemental Materials in the Investors section of the company website at investors.evergy.com.

 

A replay of the conference call will be available from about 1 p.m. Eastern, August 5, through August 12, 2021, at (855) 859-2056, conference ID 3065454.The replay will be available on the Evergy website at investors.evergy.com.

 

 

About Evergy, Inc.

 

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG), provides clean, safe and reliable energy to 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. The 2018 combination of KCP&L and Westar Energy to form Evergy created a leading energy company that provides value to shareholders and a stronger company for customers.

 

Evergy’s mission is to empower a better future. Today, half the power supplied to homes and businesses by Evergy comes from emission-free sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment. We will continue to innovate and adopt new technologies that give our customers better ways to manage their energy use.

 

For more information about Evergy, Inc., visit us at www.evergy.com.

Johnson County U.S. 69 Hwy. Expansion/Modernization Announced

Governor Laura Kelly Announces U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization Project in Johnson County

~Kelly Administration’s Bipartisan Transportation Plan to Improve Accessibility, Safety, and Spur New Business Growth~

OVERLAND PARK – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced in Overland Park that the region’s number one priority, the U.S. 69 Expansion and Modernization project – totaling a $300 million investment – has been committed to construction as part of the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan transportation plan.

“This project will enhance accessibility, address long-term safety concerns, and relieve congestion to recruit new businesses and families to Johnson County,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Since day one, we’ve honored our commitment to ending the practice of using infrastructure dollars for projects they were never meant for – and instead use these dollars to directly fix our roads, bridges, and expand broadband access. Today’s announcement is further proof that our commitment to good stewardship of these funds is benefitting our communities, taxpayers, and businesses.”

Express toll lanes (ETLs) are a new-to-the-region strategy for managing congestion along busy highway corridors like U.S. 69. While the two existing lanes will remain free for drivers to use, the project will add a new, third tolled lane in each direction from 151st and 103rd streets, replace 50-year-old pavement and reconfigure interchanges at Blue Valley Parkway and I-435.

“This project improves traffic flow for all drivers on U.S. 69,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “The Overland Park Council voted to use this approach to manage congestion and provide their local contribution through tolls. The Kelly Administration’s transportation program is built on partnerships.  Communities across the state are providing a local funding contribution or phasing projects so their projects can be constructed sooner.”

“I’m glad to join Governor Kelly, Secretary Lorenz, and Overland Park City Councilmembers as they take the next step on this project to expand US 69—a project that has been a longtime priority for our community. It’s a team effort, and with the recent passage of the bipartisan INVEST in America Act through Congress, we are one step closer to bringing home additional federal funds for the US 69/167th Street interchange,” said Rep. Sharice Davids. “I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to secure smart, sustainable infrastructure investments that create good-paying jobs here in the Third District.”

“Commuters on U.S. 69 corridor are frustrated with increasing congestion and travel times,” said Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach. “We must address these issues to keep the Overland Park community and economy growing.”

Moving this project to the construction phase will take place as soon as preliminary engineering and right of way acquisition is complete. The U.S. 69 project is scheduled to be let for construction in fiscal year 2022 and open to traffic in 2025.

KDOT will turn to informing the public on what to use ETLs between now and when the project opens to traffic.

For more information, visit www.69Express.org or follow @69ExpressKS on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Nextdoor. Social media posts can be tagged with #69Express.

The below photos of today’s event are available for media use:

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/OP_KDOT8.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/OP_KDOT4.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/OP_KDOT1.jpg

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/OP_KDOT7.jpg

Tri-Valley Raffled Truck Winner: Gary Thomas

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Announces Winner of 21st Annual Raffle Truck Drawing

The Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 21st Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing: Gary Thomas.

Mr. Thomas’ ticket was drawn from 1,894 entries on Friday, June 25th at 1:30 pm by TVDS CEO Bill Fiscus. Mr. Thomas was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that he had won the raffle drawing. Mr. Thomas is now the proud owner of a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Long Horn Edition Truck, purchased from Shields Motor Company in Chanute, KS.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing.

This year’s raffle drawing raised $29,600 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired six houses and one duplex. These thirteen houses are home to 62 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle (RAF000005).

Unvaccinated Individuals Comprise 90% of New COVID Cases In The Region

CHC/SEK requests patients to wear masks in clinics

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinics are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases and is reminding all patients to wear a mask during their clinic visits. Masks are also available for patients who need them. 

COVID-19 testing is also available at all locations, and patients are asked to call ahead to their local clinic and request a test, and to remain in their cars for testing. 

Unvaccinated individuals have comprised about 90% of the new cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 98% of virus-related deaths in our region, according to CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer Linda Bean D.O.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be the best way to protect yourself and others from serious or long-term effects of the virus,” Bean says.  “CHC/SEK has now given over 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine which has shown to be safe and effective protection from the virus.”

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all CHC/SEK clinics for anyone age 12 and older. People can walk-in or can request an appointment by calling their local CHC/SEK clinic or by going online at https://chcsek.org/getmyshot/

At this time the current vaccines appear to be effective against the variant Delta strains of COVID-19 which is more transmissible and can cause more significant illness in younger patients.

51 Ventilated COVID Patients Last Week in Crawford County

Local health professionals encourage people to celebrate safely

Crawford County Covid-19 cases are increasing, as well as throughout the region and they are already affecting local and regional hospitals, according to Dr. Tim Stebbins, Crawford County Health Officer and Director at Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department.  

 

With the July 4 holiday approaching, Stebbins is concerned that traditional celebrations, including family and community gatherings, will increase the risk for transmission of Covid-19 and cause possible serious medical impact, especially on those who are not vaccinated against the disease.  

 

Since the initial wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, Via-Christi Hospital in Pittsburg has gone from single digits of Covid-19 patients weekly back up into the 20s, and last week to 51 including ventilated patients with admissions on track for similar numbers this week. 

 

Stebbins says nationally, 80-90% of new infections are in the unvaccinated/nonimmune group, with more than 90% of hospitalizations in the same group. Over the last few months, 98% or more of the deaths from Covid-19 are in the unvaccinated/nonimmune group. 

 

Health officials have confirmed some of the new infections in Crawford County are the Delta variant of Covid-19.  

 

As of mid-June 2021, the CDC estimates the Delta variant is accounting for 20% of new cases in the United States. The delta variant is challenging because it is highly transmissible and affects the younger age groups. 

In milder cases, infected individuals may mistake the symptoms for a bad cold and not realize they need to isolate. Common symptoms reported have been headaches, sore throat, a runny nose, or fever.

 

Testing for COVID-19 is an essential part of containing the disease, and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has rapid testing available seven days a week. The Crawford County Health Department can also provide rapid testing.  

 

For most vaccinated people, the current COVID-19 vaccines effectively prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from all current strains of the virus. Previous illness with Covid-19 also seems to provide some immunity from the disease. 

 

“Everyone should consider their own risk when celebrating, including their own current health and vaccination or immune status,” Stebbins says. “If you have any immune compromising disease or illness, such as cancer, you should carefully weigh the risks and consider mitigation.” 

 

Strategies to help prevent Covid-19 infection include handwashing, social distancing, and wearing a mask. It is especially important that all individuals, regardless of immune status, stay home if they think they might be ill. 

 

The single greatest protection against COVID-19 for individuals age 12 and up is vaccination. Crawford County has a robust vaccination capability and vaccinations can be found through nearly all local pharmacies, SEK Urgent Care, PSU Health, Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas, and the Crawford County Health Department. Three different vaccines are available in the County and vaccination is available to anyone 12 or older.

 

It is possible for all of us to celebrate this holiday safely and to minimize the risk of harm to our family and friends, Stebbins says. “Everyone should consider their own risk when celebrating including their current health and vaccination or immune status. We must all be smart in what we do, consider the risks, mitigate if appropriate, and seriously consider vaccination to prevent further spread and impact of this disease.”

 

Southeast Kansas Library Newsletter June 2021

The SEKnFind Newsletter
June 2021

This newsletter about new books is distributed to people who are registered adult users at a southeast Kansas library participating in the SEKnFind catalog. We hope you find it useful, but if you don’t wish to receive this anymore, you can click on the “Manage Subscriptions or Unsubscribe” link at the bottom.
All the books included in this newsletter are new additions in one or more SEKnFind libraries–and since the catalog is shared, that means they are available to you whether they are in your local library or not!  Just place a hold on the item(s) you want.  If you don’t know how, your librarian can show you.

New Nonfiction

On Juneteenth
by Annette Gordon-Reed

In this intricately woven tapestry of American history, dramatic family chronicle, and searing episodes of memoir, the descendant of enslaved people brought to Texas in the 1850s, recounts the origins of Juneteenth and explores the legacies of the holiday that remain with us.

Mom genes : inside the new science of our ancient maternal instinct
by Abigail Tucker

Part scientific odyssey, part memoir, this fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the biology of motherhood reveals the hard science behind our tenderest maternal impulses. 75,000 first printing.

The music advantage : how music helps your child develop, learn, and thrive
by Anita Collins

An expert in cognitive development and music education explains how learning music and listening to it can positively impact numerous aspects of a child’s development, improving language abilities, social skills, concentration, impulse control, emotional development, working memory, and planning competence.

Vibrant : a groundbreaking program to get energized, own your health, and glow
by Stacie Stephenson

“With pracitcal steps to improve everything from brain health and energy to immunity and weight, Vibrant introduces readers to a new way of looking at health, as something each person can control for themselves, rather than something that happens to them”

100 plants to feed the monarch : create a healthy habitat to sustain North America’s most beloved butterfly
by Eric Lee-Mäder

An in-depth portrait of the endangered North American monarch butterfly describes its life cycle and extraordinary migration and provides instructions for designing monarch-friendly landscapes with plants that provide it nourishment, including milkweed and flowering plants and shrubs. Original. Illustrations.

Cook for your gut health : quiet your gut, boost fiber, and reduce inflammation
by America’s Test Kitchen (Firm)

This cookbook presents nutritious, high-fiber meals that promote gut health and are perfect for those trying to calm occasional gastrointestinal symptoms, those who are among the 1 in 5 Americans who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or those simply seeking to nourish themselves with whole foods. Illustrations.

Craft your own happy : a collection of 25 creative projects to craft your way to mindfulness
by Becci Mai Ford

“Craft Your Own Happy is a collection of mindful craft projects to make you smile! Perfect for those moments when you need a bit of self-care and relaxation time.Do you ever feel like you spend too much of your day staring at screens, feeling anxious or stressed out? If the answer is yes – then you need this book! The cute colorful projects have all been designed with the feel-good-factor in mind. Crafting can help to take you away from the worries and pressures of your daily life, and give you back those moments of slowness and focus which can help to reduce anxiety.Unlike other craft books, this is a book that you can dip into and find projects based upon how you are feeling. So you can craft to suit your mood! There are 25 beginner friendly projects to choose from including cross stitching, embroidery, paper craft and more…”

Dream first, details later : how to quit overthinking and make it happen
by Ellen Bennett

A former line cook shares her experiences about turning a flash of inspiration about better kitchen aprons into an internationally-recognized brand as well as presenting her creative problem-solving tactics to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps. Illustrations.

The ground breaking : an American city and its search for justice
by Scott Ellsworth

“The definitive, newsbreaking account of the ongoing investigation into the Tulsa race massacre In the late spring of 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma, erupted into the worst single incident of racial violence in American history. Over the course of sixteen hours, mobs of white men and women looted and burned to the ground a prosperous African American community, known today as Black Wall Street. More than one thousand homes and businesses were destroyed, and scores, possibly hundreds, of people lost their lives. Then, for nearly a half century, the story of the massacre was actively suppressed. Official records disappeared, history textbooks ignored the tragedy, and citizens were warned to keep silent. Now nearly one hundred years after that horrible day, historian Scott Ellsworth returns to his hometown to tell the untold story of how America’s foremost hidden racial tragedy was finally brought to light, and the unlikely cast of characters that made it happen. Part true-crime saga, part archaeological puzzle, andpart investigative journalism, The Ground Breaking weaves in and out of recent history, the distant past, and the modern day to tell a compelling story of a city-and a nation-struggling to come to terms with the dark corners of its past”

New Fiction

The plot
by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Wildly successful author Jacob Finch Bonner, who had stolen the plot of his book from a late student, fights to hide the truth from his fans and publishers, while trying to figure out who wants to destroy him. 200,000 first printing.

Lemon drop dead
by Amanda Flower

When a surprise guest at Emily Esh’s lemon-themed baby shower claims to know about her secret shame, and then winds up dead, Emily’s sister, Esther, is accused of the crime and Bailey King must put the squeeze on the real killer to keep this family together. Original.

The lost village
by Camilla Sten

Obsessed with the vanishing residents of an old mining town, dubbed “The Lost Village,” documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt and her crew set up camp and are soon plagued by strange events that makes them realize they are not alone. 100,000 first printing.

Local woman missing
by Mary Kubica

When Delilah, who disappeared 11 years earlier when she was only 6 years old, shockingly returns, the residents of a quiet suburban neighborhood want to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find. 200,000 first printing.

What’s mine and yours : a novel
by Naima Coster

When the community rises in outrage of the integration in the Piedmont schools, two students, Gee and Noelle set off a chain of events that will bring their two families together in unexpected ways

Like cats and dogs
by Kate McMurray

“The fur flies when new veterinarian Caleb Fitch moves in next door to the Whitman Street Cat Cafe and gets on the wrong side of cafe owner Lauren Harlow. Caleb is cute and Lauren is instantly attracted, but he’s a dog person through and through, and Lauren is a dyed-in-the-wool cat person. Still, the friction between them is fascinating, and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Determined to smooth things over, Caleb comes to the rescue when a litter of abandoned kittens is left on Lauren’s doorstep. But the kittens are only the first obstacle Lauren and Caleb are about to face, and they’ll have to learn to work together and confront the fiery attraction that’s been building between them from the start”

One last stop
by Casey McQuiston

Cynical August starts to believe in the impossible when meets Jane on the subway, a mysterious punk rocker she forms a crush on, who is literally displaced in time from the 1970s and is trying to find her way back. Original. 250,000 first printing.

Project Hail Mary : a novel
by Andy Weir

The sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission to save both humanity and the earth, Ryland Grace is hurtled into the depths of space when he must conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

Breakout : a thriller
by Paul Herron

An imprisoned ex cop and a rookie correctional officer team up to survive and exact vengeance when their Miami jail is abandoned in the wake of two colliding Category 5 hurricanes. 40,000 first printing.

Surviving Savannah
by Patti Callahan Henry

A tale based on the Pulaski disaster of 1838 follows the efforts of a Savannah history professor to guest-curate a museum collection of wreck artifacts while researching the stories of 11 family members who were aboard the doomed steamship.

The Warsaw orphan
by Kelly Rimmer

Set during World War II in Poland, this novel, based on real-life heroes, follows Emilia over the course of the war, her involvement with the Resistance, and her love for a young man imprisoned in the Jewish ghetto who’s passion leads him to fight in the Warsaw Uprising. 10,000 first printing.

Branded
by Eric Red

Joe Noose, with the help of two U.S. Marshals, hunts down a serial killer who is cutting a bloody swath through the American frontier, branding his victims with a “Q” as he goes. Original.

Even more reading suggestions

NextReads Sneak Peek
Looking for something else to read? Try subscribing to our free NextReads newsletters. Newsletters are divided into a variety of genres and topics so you can get recommendations tailored to your interests sent directly to your inbox every month to two months.
Each issue contains around 9 to 10 reading suggestions. If we don’t have a copy, make a purchase suggestion or ask your library about interlibrary loan. Here’s a sneak peek of titles from this month’s Travel & Adventure newsletter:

[Message clipped]  View entire message

Clean Energy Jobs

Kansas Leaders Highlight Benefits of Renewable Energy on the State’s Workforce
Panel addressed job creation and economic benefits through wind and solar energy growth
Wichita, KS – Boost Kansas hosted a panel discussion today that took a closer look at job creation and career development in the clean energy sector. The virtual event, “Boosting Kansas’ Workforce Through Renewable Energy,” featured local leaders in education, industry, and workforce experts today who highlighted that Kansas is well-positioned to lead the nation’s transition to renewable energy generation.
The Kansas Department of Commerce’s International Deputy Director, Randi Tveitaraas Jack, kicked off the conversation, “Renewable energy has brought remarkable economic opportunity to Kansas. It has put us on the map as a hub for specialized manufacturing and helped attract new business in search of clean energy to our state.”
Watch the event here.
Kansas ranks second in the nation in share of electricity generated by renewables, accounting for 42 percent of the state’s energy generation – enough to power 2.2 million homes.
“In a time of uncertainty with the pandemic on our heels, one thing the state can count on is renewables and its expected growth at the national scale,” said Riley Scott, Executive Director of Boost Kansas.” Our state’s natural resources along with the advancing renewable energy sector will play an integral role in boosting the state’s economy, setting an example for other states to follow.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that wind and solar technicians are two of the fastest growing jobs in the nation. Supporting 3,000 jobs in Kansas, wind and solar energy provide unparalleled opportunities for workforce expansion.
Kristin Brighton, founder of HirePaths added, “By providing young Kansans with the right opportunities and proper training, the renewable energy sector can provide opportunities to retain young people in our state while adding diversity to our local economies.”
“Renewable energy not only creates direct jobs, it creates workforce opportunities up and down the supply chain,” said Michael White of The Kansas Contractors Association. “The benefits of renewables in Kansas extend far beyond what meets the eye.”
With more than $13 billion invested in the state, clean energy industry provides $52.5 million in annual revenue for state and local governments and another $32.3 million in annual lease payments to landowners – offering a stable source of income for farmers and ranchers during unprecedented weather events.
Kansas has 41 wind projects and 1,104 solar installations across the state. With more projects in the works, renewable energy will play an integral role in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity in local communities.
“Pitt State does its part to keep Kansas on the map for its renewable energy excellence by helping to fuel its workforce,” said Shawn Naccarato, Chief Strategy Officer at Pittsburg State University. “I am proud to be a part of an institution that champions the renewable energy sector and all of its benefits for future generations.”
To set up an interview with a panelist or speak with a Boost Kansas representative, please contact Riley Scott at [email protected] or (785) 766-3885.
###
About Boost Kansas
Boost Kansas, an initiative of the American Clean Power Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development. Learn more at BoostKansas.com
About the American Clean Power Association
The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the voice of companies from across the clean power sector that are providing cost-effective solutions to the climate crisis while creating jobs, spurring massive investment in the American economy and driving high tech innovation across the United States. ACP works to transform the U.S. power grid to a low-cost, reliable and renewable power system. By uniting the power of wind, solar, transmission and storage companies, along with manufacturers and construction companies, developers and owners/operators, utilities, financial firms and corporate purchasers, we are championing policies that enable the continued and aggressive growth in renewable energy in the United States. Visit ACP’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits renewable energy brings to America and be sure to follow us on FacebookTwitter, and LinkedIn.

Hands-On Learning for Summer

Summer Break Offers New Opportunities for Hands-On Learning, Offline Time for Children

With a Difficult School Year in the Rear-View Mirror, NRMC Expert Offers Families Tips for Skill-Building at Home This Better Hearing & Speech Month

After a challenging year of virtual, hybrid, and modified in-person learning, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is offering advice and encouragement to families on low-stress ways they can support their children’s language, literacy, and learning skills at home this summer. Her message is a timely one, as May is celebrated nationally as Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“Many parents have been understandably concerned about their child’s academic progress this school year, given all of the changes necessitated by the pandemic,” explained Wydick. “This may be especially so for families whose children receive support services in schools, such as speech and language therapy. These services may have looked a little different this year than they typically do, and they may to some degree next year as well. I want to encourage families to use the summer season as a much-needed reset—and to rest assured that there are many ways you can support your child’s learning at home, without workbooks, learning apps, and other programs and purchases that add to the family’s stress level.”

Wydick is providing advice on what most children—especially those with speech, language and social communication disorders—need more of this summer. She notes that so-called “down time” is actually time well spent when it comes to building communication and learning skills. This is true for children of all ages.

Activities Children Need More of This Summer

Wydick encourages families to prioritize these activities:

 

  • Reading. Use this time to nurture the joy of reading. Let kids be in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing what they read so it doesn’t feel like work. While independent reading is always valuable, children of all ages also benefit from nightly reading together with an adult. Many libraries that were closed due to COVID-19 are reopening or offering curbside book pickups and returns.
  • Outdoor Play. Hands-on activities, no matter a child’s age, are the best way to learn new skills, build vocabularies, and boost learning through the senses. Try taking a nature walk and discussing the sights, smells, and sounds. Plant a garden—outside or in containers. Start by researching your options, and then shop for materials, do your planting, and care for your garden daily. Plan a picnic—discuss your menu, where you’ll go, and what you hope to see.
  • Quality time. Many families have spent more time together than ever this year, but the quantity of this time has not always translated to quality. Focus on one or two daily opportunities for uninterrupted conversation and bonding. A morning or evening walk together, a device-free meal each day, or a nightly board game are some ideas.

Wydick is also providing some recommendations for activities to take a break from, including these:

  • Screen time. For many children, it’s been a year of exponentially more screen time—as much of daily life moved online. Kids also have been exposed to a constant barrage of negative news about the pandemic and other issues on TV, with many experiencing online fatigue and stress. When school is out, consider revisiting boundaries around daily technology use. Talk to kids about the effects of too much screen time, how they feel after being online for a long time, and other activities they can do in place of screen use.
  • Formal work, workbooks, and “educational” programs/apps. Families may feel pressure to work with children over the summer by ordering workbooks or subscribing to online programs. However, everyday real-world activities and interactions are generally most effective. Play is one of the main ways that children learn, with direct benefits on cognitive skills, math, language, literacy, and much more.
  • Academic pressure and expectations. This school year, even the youngest of children had to deal with stress in the academic environment—from technological challenges to limited engagement with adults and peers. Although you as parents are understandably invested in their child’s development and academic success, try to remain positive about where your children are after one very tough year.

If you’d like to learn more, contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790.

###

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Diagnostic Imaging at NRMC Sees Continued Growth

Diagnostic Imaging employees at NRMC who provide patients with ultrasound exams include, (L-R) Matt Law, Jackie Karleskint, and Joe Heathman.

 

April marked a record number of ultrasounds performed at NRMC with a total of 329 exams. Diagnostic Imaging at NRMC involves many different types of imaging machines and exams. Ultrasounds are used by physicians to study soft tissue structures, such as the gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and bladder. 

Ultrasounds can also measure the flow of blood in the arteries to detect blockages. It is most commonly understood for its use in studying the developing fetus during pregnancy.

Being non-invasive, ultrasound is a strong alternative for certain imaging exams while providing no ionizing radiation exposure to the patient, says Todd Fine, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at NRMC. “The number of ultrasounds performed in April reinforces the decision to beef up our ultrasound imaging department to meet the needs of the area providers.”

With the addition of new providers, NRMC has seen the need for ultrasounds grow steadily and has begun to invest in expanding its capabilities and staffing accordingly.

###

About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Evergy’s Plan: Public Comments Sought

KCC invites public comments on Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has opened a public comment period beginning today through July 7 to allow Evergy customers the opportunity to weigh in on the company’s proposed Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP). The plan, approved by Evergy’s Board of Directors in August, is designed to cut operating and maintenance expenses while increasing capital expenditures.

To protect the interest of Kansas ratepayers, the Commission opened a General Investigation on August 27 to provide KCC staff, stakeholders, and Evergy an opportunity to discuss and evaluate the plan.

As part of the investigation, a series of workshops were scheduled and broadcast for the public on the KCC’s YouTube channel.  The final workshop is scheduled for May 24 at 10 a.m. At that time, Evergy will present an updated STP plan incorporating feedback from earlier workshops and answer questions from intervenors and Commissioners.

Recordings of the three previous workshops are available on YouTube for anyone who missed them. Topics covered include grid modernization investments and related benefits, operational efficiencies, and enhanced customer experience.

Additional information is available in Docket No. 21-EKME-088-GIE on the KCC’s website .  The Commission has requested all participants in the docket file background information explaining the proceeding and their respective positions.

Public comments can be submitted online via the KCC website, through email ([email protected]) or in a letter to the agency’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1500 SW Arrowhead, Topeka, KS 66614. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on July 7 and will be included in the case record.

Bourbon County Local News