The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department is now able to offer Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year-olds.
If a parent is interested, they would need to call the local health department to make an appointment. This is a 2-dose series and the 2nd dose is to be given at least 21 days after the first.
Only Pfizer has been approved for 5-17 year-olds.
There is no recommendation at this time for a booster for this age group.
Vaccination promises to help kids more safely resume school and social activities
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is now offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 by appointment in its Baxter Springs, Coffeeville, Iola, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and Pleasanton locations. The initial number of Pfizer for children’s vaccinations is limited, however, CHC/SEK expects the vaccine supply to become more readily available and will have children’s Pfizer vaccine ages 5-11 at more clinics in the coming weeks.
To speed the process for parents and to prevent vaccine waste (open vials have a short shelf life), CHC/SEK is requesting that children’s COVID-19 vaccinations be administered by appointment when possible.
Parents wishing to have their children vaccinated can schedule an appointment through the CHC/SEK website, www.chcsek.org. After submitting the request, a vaccine scheduler will call to confirm an appointment. Those without web access can call their local clinic or 620-231-9873 to schedule.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for administration to children under emergency use authorization. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice (ACIP) voted unanimously to recommend the Pfizer vaccination, with Kansas officials adopting the authorization on Wednesday.
This latest vaccination authorization includes children 5-11 and those with underlying conditions and previous COVID infection. Vaccinating ages 5-11 allow children the protection to resume normal childhood activities without risking their own health and reduces the risk of bringing the virus home to a more vulnerable family member.
Pfizer’s child shots contain just a third of the vaccine dose that is already been used to vaccinate millions of people 12 and older. The 5- to 11-year-olds will receive two shots, three weeks apart, the same schedule as everyone else but with a smaller amount in each shot, using a smaller needle.
According to U.S. health authorities and leading doctors’ groups, COVID-19 is causing much preventable suffering among youngsters. About 1.9 million kids ages 5 to 11 have been sickened with COVID-19. Some 8,300 were hospitalized, about one-third needed intensive care, and at least 94 deaths have been verified.
There is never any out-of-pocket expense for any COVID-19 vaccine recipient at CHC/SEK. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.
While the U.S. has seen a recent downturn in COVID-19 cases, experts worry about virus variants and another uptick in infections with holiday travel and as winter sends more activity indoors where it is easier for the coronavirus to spread.
The Kiwanis Club of Fort Scott Pioneers will hold their 33rd annual Chili Feed on Thursday, November 18 at the United Methodist Church at 301 South National in Fort Scott. “The annual fundraiser will be a drive through only event this year” according to Kiwanis Pioneer President Elizabeth Schafer.
A meal of the Pioneers’ signature chili with crackers and a homemade cinnamon roll will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for a free will donation (suggested minimum $6.00 donation per meal) to be collected at the door. Pick-ups will be available under the canopy on the National Avenue side of the church. Please take care not to block private driveways as you are waiting in line for service.
This is the Kiwanis Pioneers’ major fundraiser for the year. In keeping with the Kiwanis motto of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”, the Pioneers support more than 40 community projects including College scholarships, CASA, the Backpack food program, FSHS Key Club, playground equipment, the Beacon, United Way, Foster Kids, Feeding Families in his Name, Care to Share, and school reading and arts programs. “All of the funds raised stay in Bourbon County” stated Schafer.
Deliveries will be available for orders of ten or more by calling 620-224-0563 during serving hours.
The community is invited to the Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse monthly gathering at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 11, in the conference room of Rodeway Inn, 101 State Street.
This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for women, men and youth to worship, pray, fellowship and grow in unity. We desire to propel the Kingdom forward through the elevation of the knowledge of God. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.
We will share a teaching given at our international conference in September.
Our Lighthouse desires the body of Christ to come together to meet the needs of those that cannot speak for themselves.
We are forming a committee and looking for property to get temporary shelter ready for those in need.
For more information contact Amanda Gilmore at (620) 215-0418 or Bob Reazin at (620) 363-0257.
Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
When it comes to weather, this fall has been a pretty good one in my opinion. But it won’t be long and winter will be upon us. Before the bitter cold hits, fall lawn weed control and fertilization needs to be done.
Lawn weeds are probably the last thing on your mind right now. But think back to last spring. Did you have a purple cast to your lawn from henbit or a good crop of dandelions? If so, believe it or not, they were already growing in your lawn last fall!
Cool season broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions and chick weed all germinate in the cool moist periods of September and October. They overwinter as small plants, barely visible unless you get down close to the ground to look. Once warm weather arrives in the spring, the plants grow rapidly and flower.
Fall control is ideal for these cool season broadleaf weeds. The weeds are storing food in their roots and will send a leaf applied herbicide to their roots as well. The herbicides will translocate to the roots and will kill the plants from the roots up. These plants are also small and easily controlled right now.
There are several products on the market that are effective on these fall germinating weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCCP and Dicamba, sold under the trade names of Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out, can be used. A product called Weed Free Zone is also an option. It contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone.
Newly planted lawns should not be treated with any herbicide until the new grass seedlings have been mowed two or three times depending on the product. Read and follow label directions closely.
Herbicide drift can be a problem during the spring when warm temperatures prevail along with winds. The cooler fall temperatures and the dormant state of most plants reduce this problem considerably, making it an ideal time for application.
As we enter November, it is also the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season. Why November? November is a good time because it will really help the grass next spring. As the top growth slows due to the cool temperatures in November, grass plants continue making food (carbohydrates). Carbohydrates that are not used in growth are stored in the crown and other storage tissues in the plant. These reserves help the turfgrass green up earlier in the spring and sustain growth into May without the need for early spring nitrogen application.
How much fertilizer should you apply? One to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area is sufficient. A quick nitrogen carrier such as urea or ammonium sulfate should be used.
Take action now to have a beautiful, weed-free lawn next spring!
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Ryan Edgecomb, 46, is a new real estate agent for Lyons Realty Group.
Lyons’ Realty Group office, 8 E. Wall, taken from its Facebook page.
“I will assist clients with buying and selling real estate,” he said. “I plan to use my agriculture background to specialize in hunting and agriculture properties.”
“I have been involved in ag-related careers my entire life including livestock feed and equipment sales as well as agriculture education,” he said.
He started this month.
He pursued this career because he has a strong interest in property and land values, he said.
“After Kylie and I got married, we started watching real estate and looking for a house to buy,” he said. ” We also kept our eyes open for some small acreage suitable to build a house. We successfully found 20 acres and built our dream home. Furthermore, I have always been intrigued by the real estate and land trends in our area. This has prompted me to pursue this position.”
Edgecomb has been involved in the agricultural community.
“I am very active in Kansas Farm Bureau by serving a leadership role on the county level and representing District 3 on the state beef advisory committee,” he said. “I have also served on many local ag advisory boards, extension boards, and participated in numerous community service projects.”
Edgecomb attended Kansas State University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
“My wife, Kylie, and I live on a small farm in rural Crawford County. We raise a small herd of commercial Angus and balancer cattle,” he said.
The Uniontown 4-H Club met on October 10, 2021, at the Uniontown City Hall for the regular monthly meeting. Before the meeting the club attended the Mount Opurum Church service as part of their national 4-H week activities.
The newly elected club officers were installed into their new positions. The new officers are; President Kendyl Bloesser, Vice President Seth Shadden, Secretary Ziggy Barbour, Treasurer Austin Maycumber, Reporter Marley Sutton, Historian Makiah Woods, Parliamentarian Hailey Shadden, Song and Recreation Leaders Zane, and Zeb Barbour. MaKinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, Austin Maycumber, and Kendyl Bloesser will serve as the 4-H council representatives.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office has been chosen as the recipient of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Champions Award, granted by Special Olympics Kansas.
Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.
“The presentation will be at Woodland Hills Golf Course at 1 pm on November 16th,” Erin Fletcher, Director of Grants and Development at Special Olympics Kansas, said. “Ben Cole and Steve Anthony will accept the award for their outreach during the year and fundraising at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Golf Scramble.”
This award is given to members of the LETR community that have gone above and beyond to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Kansas. Only one award is given out yearly throughout the entire state of Kansas.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office also won the Southeast Kansas Regional Organization of the Year in 2020.
“This award recognizes all the hard work, dedication, commitment, and care they have provided for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and our Kansas Athletes,” said Fletcher. “This continued commitment to improving the quality of life for all athletes is greatly appreciated and we are thrilled to honor them with the Law Enforcement Torch Run of Kansas Champions Award.”
Among other fundraisers, the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office recently raised over $32,000 from their Bourbon County Golf Scramble held in July 2021.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS) is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs, and leadership development. SOKS is a non-profit organization supported almost entirely by corporate and individual gifts, and events. The generosity of Kansas organizations, individuals, and statewide businesses enable the program to continue.
ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN (LETR) The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 with founder Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon and five law enforcement officers carrying the torch for the Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games in Wichita. The LETR has since evolved to a volunteer partnership with Special Olympics to champion acceptance and inclusion. It has become a worldwide community of law enforcement officers rallying to support Special Olympics, the impetus for millions of new friendships around the world, and a series of events including Torch Runs, Polar Plunge fundraisers, and Tip-A-Cop® events. The LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 100,000 law enforcement participants around the world. Visit LETR.org for more information. www.facebook.com/specialolympicskansas www.flickr.com/specialolympicskansas Twitter @sokansas Instagram @sokansas ###
To help us with the decision on when to return to face-to-face meetings only, please let Billie Jo Drake know if your agency is continuing the ban on face-to-face meetings. If still not attending in person, is there a timeline for when it is possible?
Welcome: Fifteen members representing fifteen agencies attended. Billie Jo reported that we will continue to have our General Membership meetings at the Scottview Apartments; the December meeting will be at noon; beginning in January, we will meet at 1:00 p.m. In an effort to resume face-to-face only meetings, she will poll the membership to ascertain when we might be able to discontinue the Zoom meeting option. She also thanked the members for making a last minute location change due to the heating problems at the HBCAT office.
Member Introductions and Announcements:
Megan Rogers, Safehouse, noted that they have programs available for those in crisis situations; call 620-231-8251 for more information.
Shana McClure, DCF, updated members on several programs available now or in the near future; consult www.dcf.ks.gov to get information. She also noted that LIEAP applications will be available in December.
Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, noted that the Early Childhood Coalition is making good headway with school readiness. She provides in house support for children before they enter school; she has several openings.
Christine Abbott, SEKansasWorks, noted that the recent Youth Summit had 94 participants; another summit will be planned for the spring. She has funding available for helping youth with careers. She continues to be available at the HBCAT office on Mondays.
Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department, announced that WIC will be on Monday next week due to Veterans Day. She reminded members that there are incentives for those who successfully participate in the “Baby and Me – Tobacco Free” program.
Jody Hoener, HBCAT, urged county residents to complete the HBCAT survey which is available until the end of November; survey can be accessed at HBCAT.org. There is an incentive to complete and submit the survey. Jody then introduced Rachel Carpenter.
Rachel Carpenter, HBCAT, shared that the organization has developed three grant programs, funded by the Patterson Family Foundation, for minority, women-owned or low-income start-up businesses, restaurants and food retail, and farmer/ranchers. Rachel will be the program coordinator.
Sandy Haggard, RSVP, informed members that she now has twelve volunteers in Bourbon County working at the Scottview Apartments and The Beacon.
Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reminded members that all monies raised in the Salvation Army bucket campaign will remain in Bourbon County; he can always use more volunteers to ring bells. Because Compassionate Ministries received a Fort Scott Area Community Foundation grant, he is able to help people with heaters and taxi tickets, as well as, provide help to the homeless.
Allen also shared some news from Jackie Sellers, Bourbon County Senior Citizens: There will be no Meals on Wheels delivered on November 24 and 25; there will be no taxi service on November 25and 26.
Amanda Gilmore, Fort Scott Lighthouse, announced that they have a service on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Scott Inn. They host a Bible study and prayer meeting every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at 728 Heylman.
Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has a waiting list for one-bedroom apartments but has several two and three-bedroom apartments ready for occupancy now. She also noted that the Kansas KEBA program is still taking applications for rental assistance.
Elizabeth Schafer rejoiced that the handicapped swing donated by the Pioneer Kiwanians has now been installed at Gunn Park.
Jean Tucker, Feeding Families in His Name, announced that she has 34 more days as the director of the program; then, a committee of volunteers will be taking over that duty. She noted that they were providing 300-350 meals each Wednesday and several other churches and organizations were helping with the process which has been in existence for ten years. Jean also introduced Chris Eshelman, minister of the First United Methodist Church
Hannah Geneva, SEK Multi County Health Department, was unable to attend because they were doing a booster dose clinic at the health department. They are now offering COVID-19 booster vaccines; contact 620-223-4464 for further information/scheduling.
Program: Stacy Dickerhood, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. This is a non-profit agency serving seniors (60+) in Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties. The Area Agency on Aging provides attendant care and homemaker services to those individuals meeting functional and financial guidelines with the goal of keeping people in their homes. The agency also provides funding for information and assistance, Meals on Wheels, Medicare counseling, Legal Services, caregiver support, case management, and respite care. Additional information can be found at 620-431-2980 or 1-800-794-2440. The care giver support group in Fort Scott meets the third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at Papa Don’s
Open Forum: Nothing further came before the group.
Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 1, 2021.
Due to a problem with the heating system at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office, the Bourbon County Coalition will meet today at noon at the Scottview Apartments, where they have been meeting.
The apartment manager has another meeting scheduled for the room at 1 p.m., so the meeting will be finished by that time.
