Sunshine Shack has opened their new season with a new menu and new hours, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The food truck is located at 606 Sherman in Uniontown.
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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Commission Agenda April 28
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: April 28, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00 – 9:30 Jim Harris
9:30 – 10:00 Financing bids for dump trucks
10:00 – 10:15 Commission to open fish food bids for Elm Creek Lake
10:15 – 10:30 Commissioners to open bids for title work for tax sale
10:45 – 11:00 Rachel Pruitt, Airport Runway Expansion
11:00 – 11:45 Jeff Fischer, MRI Global
11:45 – 12:00 Executive Session – Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch
To view the COVID-19 Surveillance,Diagnostic Testing and Population Monitoring Proposal and Project Agreement, click, below:
Maintaining Social Connections
I’m not the best one to start talking about technology. Believe me, I am learning with everyone new ways to communicate and reach others at a distance through technology. Covid-19 has forced us to learn new communication strategies.
Some of our older adults may have felt some sort of isolation prior to the social distancing recommendations we have received lately. Living in rural areas can contribute to isolation. Others of us may enjoy that extra space. However, when family, friends, and neighbors pass on or move away, those feelings of isolation can be amplified for those feeling left behind.
Let’s look at some ways that we might use the time we have with this stay-at-home order to keep connected and strengthen distance relationships.
Start using or learn new technology. If we have a smartphone, a computer, or an iPad, we might already have access to some video technology, such as Skype, Zoom, or Facetime. A live video conversation is the next best thing to being there in person. If you’re like me, you may need the assistance of someone from a younger generation to talk you through the steps of doing the process, but after a time or two of doing it, you’ll get the hang of it. It can be very rewarding to connect through a video conversation.
If technology isn’t your thing, then pick up the phone and catch up the old-fashioned way. A quick text or email are great ways to stay in touch between conversations.
Engage Family and Friends. Encourage members of your social group, faith group, or volunteer group to support each other or reach out to those who are socially isolated. Just a quick check-in with them can mean a lot. Involve kids by having them create artwork that can be shared with grandparents, older neighbors, or other isolated individuals you may know. You never know how important it may be to someone to know that they were thought of that day.
If you want to step it up a notch, consider hosting a digital dinner with family or friends. Everyone joins online from their respective homes and eats together with family discussions. Some of our best discussions take place over the dinner table.
If you don’t relish the idea of watching each other eat, try playing games over video or read books to young ones. To encourage staying active, create an online exercise group where all meet at the same time by a video process. Research shows we are more accountable to our exercise program when we exercise as a group rather than individually.
Quality relationships that have developed with close family, friends, and neighbors help provide ongoing joy, excitement, support, and purpose. Maintaining meaningful relationships take a conscious effort. While we may not be able to carry on some of those relationships in person, now, more than ever, it’s important to follow through in sustaining those connections.
Whatever you do, check in on the well-being of family and neighbors who are more isolated at this time. Hopefully, they are sticking close to home as directed. A check-in call or running a quick errand for them could be what it takes to lift spirits right now.
For more information on overcoming feelings of isolation, contact the Yates Center Southwind Extension District Office at 620-625-8620.
SEK Multi-County Health Department Update April 23
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
April 23, 2020
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 0 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 0 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 5 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 1 |
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 1 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 4 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 5 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.
Total positive counts changed in Bourbon and Woodson, because one case was living in Bourbon County, but a resident of Woodson County. This person has recovered and was listed as so last week.
Teaching Young Children During the Pandemic: A Teachers Viewpoint
Uniontown’s school district began a continuous learning plan to allow students to learn from home during the nationwide closure of schools, due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Last week, a parent’s story of how the learning plan was working was published on FortScott.Biz.
This feature is from a teacher’s view.
Rose Gauthier teaches kindergarten at West Bourbon Elementary School.
Following is an interview by email from Gauthier.
When did the USD235 Continuous Learning Plan begin?
“We began Thursday, April 2nd with a practice run with the parents and students to work out kinks. We started our remote learning officially on Monday, April 6th. We will finish on Tuesday, May 19th.”
How much daily planning do you have for the classes?
“A lot. A teacher’s job has never been a 9:00 to 5:00 job, but even more so with this new way of teaching. It is hard to put a certain time frame on all the work the teachers, administration, and staff have put into it. From getting devices into student’s hands, the tech department working out tech issues for teachers and parents, and teachers creating different ways to teach their students with this new way of learning.”
Did you get together as a group of teachers and decide what the most important things to teach are?
“Yes. The school began with many “Zoom” meetings that included administration and teachers, with guidance from KSDE, to determine the best way to reach the kids.”
(Zoom provides users with a cloud (internet) platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems, according to the Zoom website).
“I create a meeting on Zoom and send the parents an invite.,” she said. “The students click on a link and have a password to log in.”
“Our focus, as for many schools, is primarily the social and emotional spirit of the kids. This is a difficult and confusing time for them and many of the kids do not understand what is going on, especially at the primary levels. Letting them know that we are here for them, we miss and love them. Academically we are focusing on maintaining what the kids have already learned and limited new material to the essential outcomes that were agreed upon as a team”
Do you teach from home or do you go to school?
“Both, the less I need from my classroom the more I teach from home. I go in once or twice a week.”
Have you seen any good come out of this difficult situation of not having the students in a classroom?
“Out of every bad situation, something good always comes out of it. Nothing will replace the social and emotional aspects of being together in the learning environment. The hugs, the high fives, being right beside them to guide them in their learning.”
“This situation has given us the appreciation of each other, the parents an opportunity to be a bigger part of the learning experience, and for all of us to step back and remember what is really important in life. And mostly, we get reminded of what a great community we have. We couldn’t do this without the support of great parents.”
What are some of the challenges?
“The biggest challenge is not seeing the kids every day. Adjusting to remote learning and tech issues are some other challenges, which gets easier as we go along. Also, reaching those kids without internet access is a challenge.”
How do you grade the kindergartners in this new plan?
“In Kindergarten we don’t give a traditional letter grade. We use checklists to provide feedback to parents about where the students are academically. During this time, we will still focus on those checklist skills while understanding that we will need to be prepared to provide the needed remediation to students at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year.”
“The district has worked together to provide a similar learning experience for all students, but obviously this looks slightly different based on the grade, content, teaching style, etc.”
Gardens Can Provide Some Food Security
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Just like many of you, I’m having difficulty wrapping my mind around how quickly our lives have changed in a very short period of time. Seeing the panic and chaos that’s happening around us can be concerning. Now more than ever, it might be the time for folks to think about becoming more self-sufficient and grow some of their own food.
I have been in contact with a couple of our local suppliers and have seen social media posts that they are stocked with garden seed and supplies. Like many other local retailers, I know they are willing to work with you if you do not feel comfortable going inside the business. Just give them a call and arrange for outside pick-up.
If you are reading this and thinking to yourself that you have never grown anything in your life and just don’t think it’s possible, let me assure you that it is possible. Even for the most novice! You might be thinking that you don’t have space for a garden, or maybe you don’t have a tiller or other equipment. Don’t let that stop you because almost all vegetables can be grown in containers.
The containers don’t have to be anything fancy. Literally, anything that can hold soil and have drain holes drilled in the bottom can be used. Containers that are 16 to 24 inches in diameter work well. Containers less that 12 inches are probably too small – except for lettuces. The most important component of growing vegetables in a container is getting the right potting media. Potting mixes are ideal (instead of soil from your yard). The components are lightweight and hold water and oxygen much better. Make certain that you don’t forget to drill some drainage holes into the bottom of the container.
Fertilizer should be added at planting time and mixed into the soil. If you want to go the organic route, mix blood meal or bone meal into the soil before planting. If you use a synthetic fertilizer, add a slow-release type when preparing the container.
Another benefit to growing vegetables in containers – you don’t have to fight the weather quite as much. Right now, traditional garden soils are way too wet to even think about planting. But with the container system, you can keep them dry inside a garage until you are ready to plant.
Early spring is the ideal time to plant cool season vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, radish, onions, carrots and potatoes. All can be easily grown in containers, even potatoes!
Gardening is a great stress reliever. It also allows for good social distancing. If you have kids at home, gardening is the perfect activity to get them outside to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, all while learning at the same time!
Here’s where I come in. I have lots of resource material to help you. In addition, I’m always available by phone, e-mail or social media to answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask! In Extension, we say there are no “dumb” questions! I am here to help you in any way that I can. The Extension mission continues. We are committed to being innovative to connect you with research-based resources and education. We appreciate your patience as we all navigate the challenges associated with this time.
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.
Kansas COVID 19 Update April 20
Bourbon County has six cases.
Corrected:
“The reason the number of cases went from 7 to 6 is because one of the positive cases was living in Bourbon County, but was actually a resident of Woodson County, KS. So, now Woodson County has 5, where they had 4 cases,” according to Rebecca Johnson, administrator of Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/912/4-20-20-update-numbers
The Census Is Important For Future Funding And More
“The census affects many aspects of funding, legislative apportionment, and our official population count for the next 10 years ~ it’s important to get as many people to respond as possible,” Lindsay Madison, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director said. “Your help is appreciated!”
Why participate in completing the census?
According to the census website: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/about/why.html
Here are the reasons:
Federal funds, grants and support to states, counties and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race and other factors. Your community benefits the most when the census counts everyone. When you respond to the census, you help your community gets its fair share of the more than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.
A post from the Kansas Dept. of Commerce explains some more detail of why it is important for rural areas to send back the census forms:
The current census response rates compared to the state and national average and Bourbon County were pulled together by Madison.
The response rates:
National- 48.6%
State- 53.3%
Bourbon County- 45%
City of Fort Scott- 46.8%
“Becki Roberts is our local ‘on the ground’ contact for the census leading the local census takers, etc.,” Madison said.
Online, phone and mailed self-responses will continue throughout the data collection process, according to information provided by Madison.
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to:
- Protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees.
- Implement the guidance from Federal, State, and local authorities regarding COVID-19.
- Ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities.
Under the adjusted 2020 Census operational plan, field activities would resume after June 1, 2020, as Area Census Offices begin returning to full staff capacity.
Extended Time To Collect Data
Due to health and safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, this will be the first-ever decennial census that has been delayed, according to Steve Hale, Sr. Partnership Specialist (Kansas) with the U.S. Census Bureau / 2020 Census, in the information provided by Madison.
For more info: 2020census.gov
The U.S. Commerce Department officially is seeking statutory relief from Congress for 120 additional calendar days to deliver final apportionment counts, according to the info provided by Madison.
Under this plan, which must receive congressional approval, field data collection and self-response will be extended from the original July 31 date until October 31, 2020. Apportionment counts would then be delivered to the President on April 30, 2021, and the redistricting data to be delivered to the states by July 31, 2021.
Here’s a quick link to those Operational changes:
Delivery of 2020 Census Paper Questionnaires
Also of note is those households that have not yet responded online or by phone to the initial 2020 Census mailings are now receiving a paper questionnaire.
While more than half of Kansas households have already responded online, some may prefer the paper-and-mail option.
Phone Response Wait Times
Persons using the phone to respond to the Census are experiencing increased call wait times. This is primarily due to social distancing measures. There’s a link in the Infogram
explaining a call-back option and the Census Bureau making more employees available to respond to requests.
Response Map
The public is encouraged to go to the 2020 Census response rate map to see how its community is responding by county or city or census tract. The map is updated daily.
4-H Wildlife
District Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development
Southwind District – Erie Office
620-244-3826
Kansas wildlife is a large part of our state ranging from buffalo to birds to fish to deer and more. In this project youth will learn about wildlife behavior, habitat requirements, how wildlife species fit into nature’s scheme, how they are managed, and how they relate to humans.
To learn more about the 4-H wildlife project there is 4-H Curriculum that can be purchased. Here is a breakdown of what youth can learn at ages and stages:
Ages 7-8:
-
Characteristics of reptiles and amphibians
-
What is habitat
-
Unique features of birds
Ages 9-11:
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Characteristics of reptiles and amphibians
-
What is habitat
-
Unique features of birds
Ages 12-14:
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Characteristics of mammals, carnivores and omnivores
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Significance of wetlands
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Protective coloring of wildlife
Ages 15-18:
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How wildlife adapt to urban environments
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Effect of humans on wildlife habitat
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Learn about the prairie as an ecosystem
In addition to the curriculum, youth are also encouraged to reach out to professionals within the wildlife industry to learn more. Each year, youth are able to demonstrate their hard work locally at the county fair and depending on age and placing, the Kansas State Fair.
The wildlife project is a great opportunity for youth to learn important life skills. For more information about this project, contact Jennifer K. Terrell, 4-H Youth Development for K-State Research and Extension – Southwind District at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 16
Blood Drive at Buck Run April 21-22
Spring into life.
Give blood.
Spring into action, schedule today!
Download the Blood Donor App | 1-800-RED CROSS
Blood Drive
Ft Scott Community
Buck Run Community Center
735 Scott
Tuesday, April 21
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Please call 620-223-5946 to schedule an appointment
Special offer from our supporter, Amazon: To thank you
for coming to give blood April 1-30, we will send you a $5
Amazon.com Gift Card* via email. *Restrictions apply, see
amazon.com/gc-legal. Terms and conditions apply; visit
rcblood.org/together
County Map For Moving Forward in Pandemic
The world-wide COVID 19 Pandemic has been dealt with by state-of-emergency declarations and a stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the disease.
Now governments are making plans for economic recovery.
Yesterday, President Trump spoke of his plan.
“Last night President Trump announced ‘Guidelines Opening Up America Again’,” Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County’s Economic Development Director, said in an email. “The President’s plan mirrors the Bourbon County Framework and Roadmap we have created to prepare. We are in phase one.”
To view the President’s plan, click here:
“Governor Kelly has said in a daily briefing, implementation of plans will be county-by-county,” Hoenor said.
Bourbon County Commissioners approved a framework, a beginning of a plan, at their meeting on April 14, proposed by Hoenor.
“The most prominent plan widely used that outlines a phased approach is called National Coronavirus Response: A Road Map to Recovery by the American Enterprise Institute,” Hoener said in a press release.
“The phase we are in right now is called ‘Slow the Spread,'” Hoenor said. “Experts are saying to move on we must see a slowed rate of infection and our healthcare infrastructure must be scaled up to safely manage the outbreak and care for the sick.”
“Today, nationwide, healthcare workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 are contracting the virus and are dying,” she said. “To scale up our healthcare infrastructure, the framework identifies the need to put in place technology, for today’s pandemic as well as the need for if/when the outbreak of COVID-19 should rise again.”
Government planning for the transition to opening-up the economy should begin now, Hoenor said.
The framework of the county plan:
1. Technology:” Experts are saying for us to have the ability for screening and data collection, technology (like a phone app) for healthcare providers and other essential front line workers is a must,” Hoenor said.
The frontline workers are the healthcare workforce, ambulance crews and law enforcement officers.
2. Testing and Test Kits: “Testing accessible for those who meet the criteria for testing,” she said.
“Those are the framework, the skeleton, to have in place to move forward,” she said. “Where the access is, who the partners are, how it will be funded, and the details of the equipment are to be developed like a working document. We have developed the framework… to facilitate a path forward.”
Many chambers of commerce, cities, counties, and state governments are working on plans, Hoenor said.
“We have to have a starting point, and this is our starting point” Bourbon County Commission Chairman Lynne Oharah, said, in a press release. “This is a long-term process. Our team does an extraordinary amount of data mining and researching expert advice. We do not have a timeline, but we know what the triggers are to move to the next phase.”
History
On March 14, 2020, Bourbon County Commission declared a state of disaster as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a press release from Hoenor.
On March 26, 2020 the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Officer Rebecca Johnson issued an order to stay at home.
Since that time there has been measurable progress at the county level, building a framework and preparing for when Governor Kelly tells Kansans we can reopen, according to the press release.
“Bourbon County Commissioners acted swiftly in declaring an emergency existed in the county,” Hoenor said. “This resulted in opening doors to federal resources.”
Additionally, Bourbon County Emergency Management Director Will Wallis has worked to keep the local frontline healthcare workers safe with the necessary personal protective equipment, (PPE), she said.
“Available relief has been communicated through Facebook, email, radio, webinars, and hosting teleconference meetings with state-level government officials such as with David Toland our Secretary of Commerce,” Hoenor said.
On April 14, Hoener presented the commission the framework to move forward, with all three commissioners voicing full support.