Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

First COVID 19 Death in Bourbon County

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

April 7, 2020

It is with our deepest regret that we need to announce the loss of our first resident of Bourbon County, KS (elderly male), due to COVID-19, plus other health conditions. We would like to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of this individual during this difficult time and encourage the public to do the same as his family and friends mourn his loss.

The individual was and had been hospitalized out of state prior to 3/22/20 and was Bourbon County’s first positive COVID-19 case. Bourbon County Health Department’s first step was to contact those people who were a contact of this individual. The contact investigations have been completed. If you have not been contacted, your risk of exposure from this individual is minimal.

The overwhelming opinion of medical professionals across the country is that we MUST all do our part to help reduce the spread of this virus. Even though many will only experience mild symptoms, the higher risk/elderly population and those with underlying health issues could experience more severe symptoms.

In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that everyone stay home if you are able, utilize social distancing, use frequent hand hygiene, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow, work from home if possible, and stay home if you are ill.

If you feel you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) please call your clinic first. If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, please call 911!

If you have questions, the Bourbon County Health Department will answer your call at (620)223-4464. Due to the volume of calls, we are not answering messages via Facebook or Messenger.

You can also call the COVID-19 hotline at (866)534-3463 OR visit COVID-19 Resource Center at: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm See KS COVID-19 Case Summary for more details: https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData

You can also visit Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates regarding COVID-19.

The Bourbon County Health Department is aware that daily case updates from KDHE may not always align with County case numbers. This may be due to the individual’s location vs. their physical address.

We appreciate everyone’s efforts to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Please continue this effort.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

The Beacon Is Here to Help: Donations Needed

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Gary Murrell, director of the Beacon.

The Beacon, a local helping agency,  is continuing to serve the community. And although they are currently serving the same number of people, the current medical/financial crisis in America and the world will likely increase the need for free food and financial assistance.

 

Donations of food and money are welcome at this time, Director Gary Murrell said. Financial donations can be sent to The Beacon, 525 E. Sixth, Fort Scott, 66701. For more information call 620-223-6869.

Paying of Bills Urged

Murrell urges people to continue paying their utility and rent bills, even though the bills may have been deferred because of the crisis.

“If you stop paying your bills, they will be so large at the end of this there is little we can do,” Murrell said.

 

Changes In Food Items

Murrell said that there have been questions about food received from The Beacon recently.

“If you get food from us, you may not get what we have given in the past. It’s because we don’t have it,” Murrell said. “We don’t have bread and eggs. We are doing the best we can with purchasing.”

 

New Procedures In Place

As of March 16, The Beacon put a new procedure in place for obtaining food, if one is eligible.

To minimize spread of the virus, the public is not allowed in the building at 525 E. Sixth, until further notice.

Also when picking up items, individuals must call ahead to arrange it.

Eligible individuals are to call the Beacon with their name and when they would like to pick up their food order.  The order will then be filled between normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and will picked up off the back deck of the building.

 

 

History of The Beacon

The Beacon organization was established in 1985 to serve Bourbon County residents in need.

It is funded by donations from churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses and individuals.

Also, each year the Beacon applies for various grants to help with food and monetary assistance.

They serve approximately 960 individuals a month and if a person is on food stamps, they are automatically eligible, according to Murrell.

In addition to food packages, The Beacon provides non-food items like blankets, toiletries, laundry powder, and diapers.

 

To receive assistance, individuals must be willing to share information about their current income levels and proof of Bourbon County residency. Families in crisis are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Bourbon County, Government

No Bourbon County Commission April 7

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: April 7, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

There will not be a regular Commission meeting on April 7, 2020.

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

We’re here for you, as always

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.
For almost as long as Kansas has existed, K-State Research and Extension has been here to help you and every other Kansan thrive.

In the middle of this current challenge, that mission remains unchanged. With offices in all 105 counties across Kansas, our promise has always been to provide relevant, science-based education and information to help you make decisions to maintain and improve your health, build and sustain businesses, grow your community, steward resources, feed the world, and raise the next generation of capable, responsible, thoughtful community leaders.

While we remain steadfast in our commitment to that mission, we have had to adapt how we deliver to you during this time of public distancing.

Kansas State University is on a limited-operation status. As of March 23, classes are being taught online, and most employees on campuses in Manhattan, Salina and Olathe have been working from home since well before Gov. Kelly’s statewide stay-at-home order.

In accordance with guidance from the university and the State of Kansas, here’s how K-State Research and Extension is responding:

  • All K-State Research and Extension face-to-face events are canceled through May 15.
  • As of March 31, at least one-half of county and district-level K-State Research and Extension offices have closed their physical buildings.
  • Southwind District extension agents are practicing social distancing, too, but continue to work during this time and are available by email or phone.
  • Outreach continues across the state via distance education tools, Facebook videos and Zoom sessions. To find out how to reach your local Southwind District agents and participate in learning activities, visit www.southwind.k-state.edu Email may be the quickest way to reach your local agent.
  • K-State Research and Extension has compiled numerous publications and other information to help people take care of themselves and others during times of crisis. The Southwind District website is updated daily. See the complete list of resources online.

No matter where you live in Kansas, K-State Research and Extension is nearby – no matter the circumstances. We are a steady voice during trying times. Together, we can do this and will emerge stronger than ever. #inthistogether


Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

…
Bourbon County, Government

Seven Confirmed COVID 19 Cases In Bourbon County

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

April 5, 2020;

3 more Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 tests were confirmed this morning, making Bourbon County’s total number of cases 7. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The individuals were already in quarantine in their home, as a result, the chance for community spread from these individuals is minimal. Additionally, the Health Department is aware of each person’s exposure source and all individuals are isolated to their homes. All potential exposures have been notified and are/have been in quarantine.

The following information is provided by Rebecca Johnson

SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator

 

This is guidance received from KDHE on Licensed Childcare Facilities if you are needing any info on that topic-due to the child that tested positive in Bourbon County and attends a daycare: https://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/toolkit/Interim_Guidance_for_Child_Care_Facilities_Licensed_by_KDHE.pdfif

 

Due to the number of cases in Bourbon County, we will no longer issue a Press Release each time we get a new case. You can find current case count for Bourbon County at the internet address below. KDHE usually updates the site around 10:00AM daily.

https://public.tableau.com/profile/kdhe.epidemiology#!/vizhome/COVID-19Data_15851817634470/KSCOVID-19CaseData

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Everyone should practice good hygiene, stay informed, practice social distancing and limit in-person interactions, and avoid travel whenever possible.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of Breath

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

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

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

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

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

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

Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County COVID 19-Four Cases

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

April 4, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon, making Bourbon County’s total number of cases 4. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The individual was in a daycare in Bourbon County. This individual is now in isolation at their home, with their family who are now in quarantine. The Bourbon County Public Health Department has contacted the daycare and the provider has been notified and is taking precautions to prevent any spread of COVID-19. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is working diligently to investigate, identify and contact the other individuals who have been exposed.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Everyone should practice good hygiene, stay informed, practice social distancing and limit in-person interactions, and avoid travel whenever possible.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of Breath

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

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

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

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OR ARE IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS:

  • Call your local clinic/family physician’s office OR 911, where you will receive further instructions.

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

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

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter for April 2020

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Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter
April 2020

The Library Is Closed

The library will remain closed until the government and library administration deem it safe to reopen.
This edition of our newsletter will summarize some of the options available to you while the library is closed.
If you don’t want to receive future editions of the newsletter, you can unsubscribe by emailing the library at either [email protected] or [email protected].

Information about Physical Items

Library Items That Are Already Checked Out

Everything already checked out when we closed the library on March 16th has been renewed with a new due date of April 15th. We will extend that date as necessary, so don’t worry about overdue items.

If you want to return items, feel free to use our bookdrop, located near the 2nd Street entrance.
If you want to keep items until we reopen, that is absolutely fine with us.

Library Items That Are On Hold

If you weren’t able to pick up your holds before we closed, don’t worry. We will still have them here for you to pick up when we open.

If you have placed holds on items that aren’t here yet, those holds have been temporarily suspended. When we reopen, you will still have your spot on the holds list.
If you have tried to place holds since we closed, you have probably discovered you couldn’t do it. Until the library world is back to normal, you can’t place holds using your login. If you email us at either [email protected] or [email protected], we will place a hold for you on any items. These holds will also be temporarily suspended until we reopen.

Information about Digital Resources

Digital Only Accounts/I don’t have a library card

We have created a new type of account for people who don’t already have library cards. Go to our catalog www.seknfind.org and create a new account under the “Log in to your account” prompt. Be sure to pay attention to the password you are assigned. (We encourage you to log in and change the password to something more easily remembered.)

We will adjust these accounts daily so that you will have access to digital resources. If you would like access sooner, first create the account, then send an email to either [email protected] or [email protected] with your name and email address.
When we adjust the accounts, we will send you an email with your account number and information about setting up your accounts with hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

I have a library card but I need help with digital resources

First look below and see if anything here helps. If you still have any problems getting set up, please email me at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your name and account number plus a description of the problem.
You’ll need your library card number, your pin/password, and the email address you used when you signed up for your library card.
Anytime a site asks for your card number or account number, it means the entire 14 digit number. Ignore the spaces when entering it.
When you first set up an account with hoopla, it will ask you for your email and a password. Use the email you used for your FSPL account and create your own password. The next screen will ask for your library, library card number, and pin/password; your pin/password is the last 4 digits of your card number, or if you’ve changed it, use the pin/password that you changed it to. Hoopla has a limit of 15 items checked out per month. Usually it will send you an email near the end of the month if you have checkouts remaining.
Hoopla also has a new category of items that don’t count against your 15 item limit. These can be found by searching “Bonus Borrows”.
When you first set up an account with Sunflower eLibrary, you will need to choose Fort Scott Public Library and enter your FSPL account number and your pin/password. If you have an Amazon account, you can link eligible checkouts to it and read them on an Amazon Kindle reader enabled device.
Hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary (Overdrive) both have apps that you can download to a mobile device. The websites should direct you to the apps.

What if I want a Kansas Library eCard?
Kansas Library eCards provide access to ebooks, databases, and other resources through the State Library of Kansas. If you need us to set you up, send an email with your name, including middle initial, and your birthdate to [email protected] or [email protected], and we will get your account created for you.
You will need the Kansas Library eCard to access ebooks, but many of the databases are available without logging in if you are using the Internet in Kansas. You can experiment by going to https://kslib.info/ and clicking the “Online Resources” link.

Links to Digital Resources

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. You will need your library card login and the email address associated with it.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. You will need your library card login.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. You will need a Kansas Library eCard.

State Library of Kansas Online Resources

Search databases, learn a language, repair your vehicle, and much more! Some resources available without logging in if you are located in Kansas; otherwise, you will need a Kansas Library eCard.

Story Time

 Miss Val is planning some virtual story times this month!
 See our library Facebook page for the latest on her plans. She has been busily researching and planning this, so you know it will be AWESOME!

We Miss You and Hope to See You Soon. Be Well.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-2882
fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools

U234 Food Service Routes For Week of April 6

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USD 234 FS Week of April 6th – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
FOOD SERVICE ROUTES (UPDATED 04/02/20)

BUSES WILL STOP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS. BUSES WILL BE AT EACH-IN TOWN LOCATION FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN MOVE TO THE NEXT LOCATION.

ROUTE D AND ROUTE E WILL DISTRIBUTE MEALS AT EACH STOP AND KEEP MOVING.

USD 234 will be doing three (3) distributions the week of April 6th
Children will receive the same amount of meals for the week but will pick them up over 3 days.

Monday – Child will receive 2 meals per child

Tuesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

Wednesday – Child will receive 4 meals per child

ROUTE A
1. St. Mary’s– 10:00 am
2. 8th & Burke– 10:15 am
3. 4th & Couch– 10:30 am
4. 5th & Judson– 10:45 am
5. Wall & Judson– 11:00 am

ROUTE B
1. 8th & Wilson – 10:00 am
2. 5th & Wilson – 10:15 am
3. 2nd & Andrick – 10:30 am
4. 1st & Cameron – 10:45 am
5. Pine & Caldwell – 11:00 am

ROUTE C
1. Emmert & Beach– 10:00 am
2. 1900 Margrave (Church of Christ)– 10:15 am
3. 15th & Ransom– 10:30 am
4. 17th & Crawford– 10:45 am
5. 19th & Huntington (CCC)– 11:00 am

ROUTE D
1. Devon Fire Station – 10:05 am
2. Fulton Community Center – 10:30 am
3. Hammond Community Center – 10:45 am

ROUTE E
1. Indian & 187th Terr. (Airport)– 10:00 am
2. 69hwy & Deer (Faith Church)– 10:25 am
3. Jayhawk & 240th– 10:50 am

Register using Google Form: USD 234 COVID-19 Food Service.

Form can be found at www.usd234.org or call 620-223-0800. You must register for each day you want USD 234 to provide meals.

*There will be NO distributions on Thursday or Friday

*Please maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

SCHOOL DRIVE THRU PICK UP

10:00 am – 11:00 am
High school- 9th street*
Eugene Ware- 4th street*

*Please remain in your vehicle and maintain social distancing recommendations of 6 feet between individuals.

*There will not be pick up at the Middle School or Winfield Scott

DROP OFF INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. CHILD MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE MEALS.

IF YOU HAVE DIETARY RESTICTIONS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE BUS ATTENDANT.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Uniontown Disc Jockey Plays Music To Cheer The Neighborhood

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Rayma Ridge joins with dancers in the street of Uniontown on Wednesday evening. Courtesy photo.

Rayma Ridge said she was influenced by scenes of people around the world who started singing from their windows or balconies while being quarantined because of the pandemic.

She works from home and has a disc jockey business (Rayma’s D.J. Services) as an extra job.

“I’m an extrovert,” Ridge said. “This (stay-at-home order in Bourbon County) is hard on me. I’m sure it’s hard on others.”

All of her disc jockey events were canceled for April because of the order to stay home.

So Ridge decided to put her d.j. skills to use for her neighborhood.

“I got permission from the City of Uniontown,” she said. “I had to ask all my direct neighbors if it was fine. All of them were cool with it.”

So Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. on Third Street in front of Ridge’s house, she put up her speakers and a sign that said “Quarantine Block Party” and began playing kid-friendly music.

Uniontown people dance in the streets courtesy of Disk Jockey Rayma Ridge.

“I picked an evening that it wasn’t going to rain so people could be outside to enjoy it.”

Soon children and some adults were in the streets dancing, socially distancing of course.

Papa Don’s Serves Uniontown

Brita Bolton and two employees served 25 families at the Uniontown Square who had called in an order to Papa Don’s on Wednesday evening.

Although Ridge did not know it, Papa Don’s Restaurant, Fort Scott, had put out on social media that they would bring orders at 7 p.m. to Uniontown’s square.

Those people also got to enjoy the music from Ridge, who was just down the street.

Brita Bolton, owner of Papa Don’s said they served 25 families at the drive-through in Uniontown on Wednesday.

 

Protective Masks Being Made

Ridge has also devoted time to making protective masks for area essential businesses and medical personnel.

“I’ve been making masks, there is a Facebook group, Masks For SEK,” she said.

 

Some of the masks for essential workers and medical personnel that Ridge has made. Courtesy photo.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 5

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: April 5, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

Special Meeting

9:00 am – Executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel – the meeting will take place over the telephone. The meeting can be viewed on the Bourbon County Facebook page.

Bourbon County Local News