A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon. The testing has been confirmed through the KDHE laboratory in Topeka, KS. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is working diligently to investigate, identify and contact individuals who have been exposed. Updates to follow.
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
Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.
DO NOT go to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department without calling prior to arrival
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19 OR HAVE RETURNED FROM AN AREA WITH KNOWN CASES:
Remain at home
Call your local clinic/family physician’s office for questions regarding testing or your County Health Department.
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.
Tips:
Stay away from people who are ill
If you have a compromised immune system or are considered a vulnerable population, avoid large gatherings, face to face time, and practice social distancing
Stay home if sick
Practice personal hygiene habits including handwashing, covering your cough, and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
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.
6:30 pm – Emergency Declaration Meeting; the location of the meeting is in the Emergency Preparedness building located at 221 S. Judson, Fort Scott, KS 66701 – the Commissioners will be present at the meeting by telephone.
The American Legion Riders Chapter 25 basic skills ride for Saturday, March 28 is being postponed due to concerns about the Corona Virus.
The monthly ALR Chapter 25 is also cancelled for March.
As soon as a new date is set for the event, an email will be sent.
ALR Chapter 25 is still accepting new members. Members must be a member of or eligible to join the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion and own a motorcycle of at least 250 cc’s.
We also accept Legion family members from nearby Posts. You DO NOT have to transfer your post membership to join ALR Chapter 25.
Additionally, those persons who can no longer ride a motorcycle due to health reasons may also join ALR Chapter 25 if they still have their motorcycle endorsement.
Prospective Riders can call me at 620-215.1688 or email me at [email protected] for more information.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander. ALR Chapter 25 Secretary
“We are working behind closed doors. Access is limited for all outside visitors. For your safety and the safety of our staff, we are taking extra precautions.
PLEASE PHONE US IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE.
620-223-8655. Extensions 54751 or 54762.”
I could not get a clear understanding about what local health care services are available for our area Veterans. When I requested an email detailing what local services are still available, I was referred to VA Public Relations in Topeka. I have contacted the VA Public Relations Departemnt and left a voicemail asking for information on what local health care services available for our Veterans.
Also, the VA shuttle service to Topeka and KC has been suspended for the indefinite future.
As more information becomes available, I will share it with you.
Remember to check Post 25 Facebook for updates as well.
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson County, Kansas
PRESS RELEASE:
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19
UPDATED: 3/21/20, 5:00PM
March 21, 2020
Our offices currently are and have been monitoring the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time there are NO confirmed cases reported in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, or Woodson County. The SEK Multi-County Health Departments have been preparing for outbreaks and will continue working closely with local, state and federal partners to monitor, respond and inform the public of any potential threat.
On 3/18/2020 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued new mandates surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.
Our Public Health OfficerMANDATES a 14 day quarantine IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS ON OR AFTER MARCH 15:
California, Florida, New York and Washington state
Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week prior to March 15 or after.
Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
Traveled internationally
Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case. (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)
Our Public Health Officer STRONGLY RECOMMENDS a 14 day quarantine IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO: JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS OR ANY CITY WITHIN ITS BORDERS
The Public Health Officer is continuing to recommend that essential businesses remain open and non-essential businesses close if you are able, and/or practice social distancing.
If you are able to stay home from work, the Public Health Officer recommends you do so. Everyone, especially school aged children, should limit contact with others and use their best judgement.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
DO NOT go to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department without calling prior to arrival
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19 OR HAVE RETURNED FROM AN AREA WITH KNOWN CASES:
Remain at home
Call your local clinic/family physician’s office for questions regarding testing or your County Health Department.
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.
Tips:
Stay away from people who are ill
If you have a compromised immune system or are considered a vulnerable population avoid face to face time and practice social distancing
Stay home if sick
Practice personal hygiene habits including handwashing, covering your cough, and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Allen County: (620)365-2191 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm; Anderson County: (785)448-6559 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm; Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm ; Woodson County: (620)625-2484 Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm OR COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463
DCF prioritizes abuse/neglect cases and safety net services
At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, all Department for Children and Families service centers will close to the public, until further notice, beginning Monday, March 23. While the public won’t be able to access buildings, the agency’s core services will continue.
“Our mission is to protect children and strengthen families,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “Our essential staff will continue the important work of investigating abuse and neglect allegations and processing applications for vital assistance programs.”
Core services continuing during the shutdown include:
The Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) will continue taking reports of abuse/neglect
Both child and adult protection workers will continue to receive and respond to abuse reports
Foster care operations
Eligibility workers will continue to process food, cash, LIEAP and child care assistance applications
Disability Determination Services continue; and
Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will continue operations.
“We are taking prudent measures to make sure our employees are safe during this time,” Howard said. “While it might take us a bit longer to process an application, we do not anticipate any major interruptions or delays in our core services.
Additionally, we are committed to receiving and responding to reports of abuse/neglect. We may do some of those investigations virtually when possible, but be assured, we’ll work with our law enforcement partners to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe.”
Kansans also can expect no interruption in child support operations. While DCF child support workers will be on administrative leave, agency contractors will continue their work.
There are several ways for Kansans to connect with DCF during the next two weeks. If someone suspects abuse or neglect, they should call the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330. They also can report allegations online at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/KIPS/KIPSWebIntake.aspx.
Those needing to apply for services like food, cash or child care assistance can apply online at www.dcf.ks.gov. Paper applications also will be available outside each DCF service center across the state. Completed applications can be left in drop boxes outside each service center or mailed to local service center.
Kansans who need to report a change or need to provide information about their case can email or mail their local DCF service center. They also can see if their benefits have been processed by going to ebtEDGE at www.ebtedge.com.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. March 31, 2020. Each DCF region also will have a dedicated emergency service phone number.
In the Wichita region call 316-337-7222.
In the Kansas City region call 1-888-369-4777.
In the East Region call 785-296-2500.
In the West Region call 785-462-6760 ext. 206.
DCF encourages Kansans to monitor the agency’s Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information about office access and services.
Wind turbines just off Kansas Hwy. 59 in Allen County.
The controversial wind energy business is coming to Bourbon County.
Following a request to Apex Clean Energy, the wind energy company from Charlottesville, Virginia for specifics on the project, the following statement was provided.
Apex Clean Energy entered into five agreements with the Bourbon County Commission last Friday, March 13, according to Helen Humphreys, public engagement manager for Apex.
“In addition to setting out how Jayhawk Wind (Jayhawk) will operate in the community, the agreements also empower the county to enforce the provisions and ensure residents’ concerns are addressed both during the construction process and once the project is operational,” according to the press release provided FortScott.Biz.
Julianna Pianelli, Apex Project Development Manager, said, “We appreciate the Bourbon County commissioners for their careful, objective review of the Jayhawk Wind agreements. We know that economic opportunity has been a priority for the county, and we are proud that Jayhawk will provide a new source of revenue, new jobs, and new customers for local businesses.”
The agreements with Bourbon County Commissioners are unique No other entity or individuals are similarly restricted in the use of county roads and given that Bourbon County does not have zoning restrictions, several of these agreements are entirely voluntary and reflect Apex’s commitment to community engagement, according to information provided by Humpherys.
Standing at the bottom of a wind turbine looking up at the clear Kansas sky.
The following was sent from Humphreys regarding the agreements with the Bourbon County Commission.
“Decommissioning Agreement
Decommissioning agreements are common in the wind industry and ensure that financial resources are available to remove the turbines and related facilities at the end of a project’s lifespan. The Jayhawk Decommissioning Agreement:
Specifies that the turbines, and related equipment, will be removed by the project owner when the project is complete; and
Requires that, on the 10th anniversary of the completion of construction, Jayhawk Wind will place a performance bond, letter of credit, or other security acceptable to the county to cover the net removal cost in an amount determined by an engineer selected by the county.
The Contribution Agreement details the financial donation Jayhawk will make to Bourbon County if the project enters construction. Kansas law exempts renewable energy projects like Jayhawk from property taxes for the first ten years of operation, just as it does with a property such as farm equipment and other sources of energy production. In place of these taxes, wind developers often propose to donate funds to a county through a voluntary contribution agreement because we believe it is important that a project directly benefits its community.
In the Bourbon agreements, Jayhawk committed to making an initial payment of $407,812.50 to Bourbon County upon receiving notice to proceed with construction. This payment will be followed by nine annual payments of $365,625, and a final annual payment of $182,813.
After 10 years of operation, the tax exemption will expire, and Jayhawk will pay property taxes to the municipalities and school districts in which the project is located. According to the Jayhawk Wind Economic Impact Analysis:
Bourbon County will receive annual revenues of $586,380 and a total of $11.4 million over the projected 25-year life of the project;
Uniontown Unified School District will receive $387,000 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $5.8 million;
Girard Unified School District will receive $203,000 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $3 million; and
Erie Unified School District will receive $38,00 annually beginning in year 11 and a total of $572,000.
The Road Use Agreement (RUA) clearly outlines Jayhawk’s obligation to maintain or improve the county roadways it will use. According to the agreement, the county will prepare a pre-construction road survey and establish an inventory of the roads before construction. These tools will be used to both mitigate project impacts on local traffic during construction and to determine what repairs and improvements will be needed to return the roads to pre-construction condition.
Also, vehicles with a combined weight of 80,000 pounds or more will be required to stay on approved transportation routes.
Jayhawk Wind agrees to return the roads it uses during construction to a condition that is “as good or better” to that existing before construction. Also, Jayhawk will be obligated to make repairs to any roads damaged during construction that create a hazard to the traveling public.
The RUA ensures Bourbon County has the resources needed to oversee the project and details how Jayhawk Wind will coordinate with county officials, by providing:
$50,000 for the County to hire outside engineering or added employee costs;
$250,000 security provided by Jayhawk before construction begins to guarantee its obligations under the RUA;
Proof that Jayhawk shall maintain $3,000,000 in insurance; and
That even after Jayhawk becomes operational, larger projects for which Jayhawk must use county roads will require Jayhawk to purchase a bond and ensure damage resulting from its road use is repaired.
Jayhawk agreed to a complaint resolution process that ensures members of the public who make a complaint can have confidence that their concerns will be addressed. Moreover, it empowers the county to order a review of unresolved complaints by an independent engineer. The Development Agreement requires Jayhawk to:
Establish a “24/7” single point of contact to take claims or issues and respond to complaints within five business days;
Maintain a record of complaints received and resolve any deemed to violate the Development Agreement; and
Be bound by the decision of a third-party engineer during dispute resolution between the county and the project.”
“Cumulatively, these agreements enable the continued development of Jayhawk while providing certainty for Bourbon County that all residents will benefit either directly or indirectly from the project,” according to the information provided by Humphreys.
The Jayhawk Wind project is expected to be operational in 2021.according to the information from Humphreys. It will produce enough power to supply 70,000 average U.S. homes and will also provide significant economic benefits for the local economy, according to the information. This includes the creation of more than 115 construction jobs and seven long-term operations positions.
