Category Archives: COVID-19

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

 COVID-19 Relief Funding for Kansas Counties, Agencies 

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State Finance Council Approves COVID-19 Relief Funding for Kansas Counties, Agencies 

 

TOPEKA – The State Finance Council today approved the distribution of $400 million in funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to local Kansas governments to help combat the health and economic challenges COVID-19 has brought on their communities, and to help prepare for possible future outbreaks of the disease.  

 

“This first round of coronavirus aid will be critical as we work to get Kansans back to work and school, in the safest way possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m pleased that the State Finance Council acted quickly, and in the best interest of Kansans. We must continue to provide our communities with the resources needed to mitigate the spread of the virus and revitalize our state’s economy.”  

 

The initial funding proposal came from Governor Kelly’s Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Taskforce Executive Committee, which is charged with distributing over a billion dollars in federal funds Kansas received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  

 
“The funds approved today are a great first step in helping our communities recover from the unique health and economic challenges created by COVID-19,” said Cheryl Harrison-Lee, Executive Director of the Recovery Office. “We will continue to consult with community members as well as experts from the public and private sectors so that our local governments can access funding that fulfills their individual recovery and preparedness needs.”   

 

Under the first round of funding, each county will receive resources based on their population, case rates and unemployment rates. Funds will be provided to counties for both reimbursement and direct aid for eligible expenditures under the CARES Act. 

 

The State Finance Council today also approved reimbursement for COVID-19-related costs for state agencies totaling $16.7 million, as well as FY 2020 expenditures for the Office of Recovery. 

 

“These reimbursements will help offset the unexpected expenses caused by COVID-19 so that Kansans can continue to receive agency support,” Governor Kelly said. “Now more than ever, our state agencies must be ready to offer their quality, much-needed services to the people of Kansas.”

 

Other actions taken by the State Finance Council in relation to COVID-19 relief:  

 

·         Approved allocation of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) to the Kansas Board of Regents;  

·         Approved expenditures from other agency federal funds that receive grants for the purpose of federal coronavirus relief.  

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

New COVID 19 Case: Bourbon County June 16

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 16, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon. The testing was confirmed through an out of state reference laboratory that was used on the symptomatic individual. This individual and family have been out of state near two weeks and will remain out of state until their isolation and quarantine time is complete. For this reason, we believe there is low risk of exposure for Bourbon County residents. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is working diligently to complete the investigation.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).

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.

STAY HOME IF SICK!

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: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Vital Statistics Services Expands to Will Call Pickup

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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that its Vital Statistics Office lobby, which has been closed due to COVID-19, will open for will call pick-ups only beginning June 15. The lobby continues to remain closed for walk-in services.

 

To order certificates eligible for Will Call pickup, visit our website www.kdheks.gov/vital. Select the type of certificate and then complete the ordering process under the Will Call section. You will be notified by email when your certificate is ready to be picked up.

 

Those customers using Will Call pickup are encouraged to wear a mask when entering Vital Statistics. 

 

For more information, including other ordering options, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/vital.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Health Care

SEK COVID 19 Update June 15

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

June 11, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 2
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 2
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 0
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 7-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 7
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 6
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

COVID-19, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Fort Scott’s Swimming Pool Opens June 22, With Modifications

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The Fort Scott Aquatic Center is located at 723 S. Scott.

The hot days of June have many seeking ways to cool off.

The Fort Scott Aquatic Center is one option for cooling off.

However, because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, it has remained closed until staff worked on a plan to be able to open safely.

The center will open on June 22, Chasity Ware, the manager, said.

 

Chasity Ware. Submitted photo.
“With many days of the uncertainty of the COVID 19, a lot of research went into making a final decision to plan to open the facility, ” she said.  “Once I had the facts of what we were capable of doing with restrictions placed upon us and then shared with the  (Fort Scott) City Commissioners, their faith in me and my team of employees were given the go-ahead to open. Due to the many behind the scene hours to prepare the opening of the pool along with lifeguard training that had to be completed, we needed a little time.  We also chose to wait until the phase-out plan per Gov. Kelly to help with even fewer restrictions.”
Precautions are in place
“The modifications will include but not limited to:
  • some masks being worn,
  • extra cleaning being provided,
  • no lounge chairs issued this season (we ask patrons to bring in their own chairs),
  • no 3 pm or 5 pm break will be provided,
  • and only pre-packaged foods will be served out of the concession stands.
We will initially limit our patrons to 250 each day for the first few weeks to help with gatherings as well.”
“Also NO pool passes will be sold,” she said. ” We can’t guarantee our season and know so much has already been missed we just didn’t feel the passes were going to be effective. If we were to close, we can’t imagine the nightmare for the refund/credit.”
“NO ONE will be allowed to come in and sit to watch anyone swim without paying,” Ware said.  “We have to count them as part of the capacity number.
And one last thing, NO FLOATATION DEVICES of any sort.  No padded suits, no arm wings, no life jackets.”
“There will be NO SWIM LESSONS, she said.
“We want to remind everyone to please pay attention to their symptoms and their children’s,” Ware said.  “Please don’t attend the pool if you are sick, running a fever or overall not feeling well.  Help keep others safe.”
Daily rates
Daily admission rates will apply:  3-14  years old-are $2, 15-62 years old- $3 and 63  years old and older- $2.
The center currently has 29 employees between lifeguards, office/concession personnel and managers.
“This number could change as the future moves forwards,” Ware said.
Pool hours, close date
Pool hours are 1 pm-7 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 pm-6 pm on Sundays.
The date to close will be no later than August 9 due to college lifeguards returning to college the first weekend of August and school for Fort Scott USD #234 is anticipated to start Aug. 12, she said.
“This could change as well as we move forward.,” Ware said. “We pray we have no outbreaks or other issues but are prepared to make decisions as needed. “
NO private pool parties
“We are sorry to say at this time there will not be private pool parties available this pool season,” Ware said. “We need the extra time to clean the facility. “
The center’s phone number is 620-223-8142.

Ware is the Fort Scott Aquatic Center Manager, in her 9th season. She was employed by Mound City Pool seven years prior to joining Fort Scott.

She is a Certified Lifeguard Instructor.

“I certify lifeguards for the Fort Scott Aquatic Center, Nevada, Iola, Pleasanton, and LaCygne pools. I have been doing that for six seasons now,” she said.

Bourbon County, COVID-19

Second COVID 19 Recovery Drive June 17

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SEK Multi-County Health Department would like to announce we will be having a COVID-19 Recovery Drive, where we will be handing out care packages, which include a variety of basic necessities and food items, to Bourbon County residents that are in need. Donations will be handed out to the first 100 cars to come through.

Location: Bourbon County Health Department 524 S. Lowman St. Ft. Scott (Corner of 6th and Horton)

Date: June 17th

Time: 9am-until gone

Residents will remain in their car during pickup. We ask that you enter through our east drive and exit through the west drive to keep things moving smoothly.

We would like to thank the Kansas Health Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walmart, and community members for their assistance in making all of this drive possible.

The Kansas Health Foundation is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. For more information about the Kansas Health Foundation, visit, www. kansashealth.org

Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

SEK COVID 19 Update June 9

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

June 9, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 1
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 1
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 0
Presumptive Cases 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Current Recovered Cases 7-includes presumptive case
Total Positives Since Testing 7
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 6
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

CHC/SEK Update by CEO Krista Postai

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Krista Postai, president and Cheif Executive Officer of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas. Submitted photo.

The  worldwide COVID 19 Pandemic has affected society in the last three months for all segments, especially health care.

 

“COVID certainly dominated our activities and thinking, for two solid months,and we’re just now getting back to thinking ahead,” CHS/SEK President and CEO Krista Postai said.

 

“We did commit to remaining in the (former Mercy) hospital once the county assumes responsibility,” she said. “We are planning some minor remodeling including enlarging the pharmacy and moving all of our diagnostics (including mammography) into the clinic space freeing up the former diagnostic space for Ascension/Via Christi.”

 

“We are starting to see more people in the clinic now as the state is ‘opening up’,” Postai said. “At one point about one-third of our visits were through televideo or on the telephone but we definitely find that folks in Ft. Scott prefer face-to-face visits. We’re not quite back to normal activity level but getting there.”

 

“In addition to testing for COVID, we are now offering the antibody testing with a doctor’s order,” Postai said. “This is used to see if you had the virus and have since developed antibodies that could help protect you for getting it again. Although the science is still out on that, as some people seem to be susceptible to having it a second time. So far everyone we have tested thus far have been negative.”

 

“We have added staff including mental health,” she said.

 

CHC/SEK welcomed Tien Nguyen, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to it’s Behavioral Health Services team, according to a press release.

 

Psychiatric NPs assess and diagnose patients, provide psychotherapy and prescribe medication.

 

Tien Nguyen. Submitted photo.

In addition, six nurse practitioners were added to the team.

“CHC/SEK welcomed its first class of nurse practitioner residents, thanks to a partnership between the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing at Pittsburg State University and the health center. The new residency program is the first such program in Southeast Kansas,” according to the CHC/SEK Facebook page.

“With guidance from their professional preceptors, six nurse practitioners — Lorraine Lorentz, Kelly McGuire, Kelly Mishmash, Brice Saunders, Maranda Scott, and Mayra Watson — will care for patients in Coffeyville, Fort Scott, Pittsburg, and Miami, Oklahoma clinics.”

 

 

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Confirms No. 8 Case of COVID 19

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 3, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon, making Bourbon County’s total number of positive cases 8. The testing was confirmed through a reference laboratory that was used. The resident is in isolation and their family is in quarantine. This case is most likely travel related. The investigation is complete and any potential contacts have been notified. There is low risk of exposure for Bourbon County residents from this case.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).

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: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Government, Jobs

Bourbon County Has Funding For Helping Businesses Recover

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The Bourbon County Economic Director announces that Bourbon County was awarded $132,000 Community Development Block Grant-CV Grant for county businesses.

“We will announce open applications as soon as we can, we know you are eager to obtain relief,” Jody Hoener said. “The granting process will be based on a scoring algorithm that will be widely available.”

“The grant’s purpose is for job retention,” she said. ” In addition to year-round employment, our priorities in granting will also include closure/impact to operations, other relief awarded, and food system supply chain impact.”

To view the news release from the Department of Commerce  click here:
https://www.wibwnewsnow.com/66-kansas-cities-and-counties-to-receive-community-development-block-grants-to-support-coronavirus-response/

“If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to reach out,” she said.

She can be reached at
1-620-223-3800
1-620-215-5725 Mobile
www.bourboncountyks.org

Bourbon County, Business, COVID-19, Fort Scott

Fort Scott and Bourbon County To Receive Grants to Rebuild Economies and Support Families

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66 Kansas cities and counties to receive Community Development
Block Grants to support coronavirus response

 

Editors note: Both The City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Commission will receive $132,000.

 

Governor Laura Kelly announced today the award of nearly $9 million in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement (CDBG-CV) funds to 66 Kansas communities.

 

“Kansans have faced unprecedented challenges during the past few months due to COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “Our communities need relief – and they need it now. I’m pleased to announce additional resources to help Kansans navigate through the recovery process. These grants will help our communities rebuild their economies and support Kansas families.”

 

Grants were available in two categories – Economic Development and Meal Programs. Economic Development grants provide communities with funding to help local businesses retain jobs for low-to-moderate income people by covering working capital expenses such as inventory, wages and utilities. Meal Program grants can be directed toward organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local food banks or to support organizations providing meals for children affected by the loss of school meal programs.

 

“The COVID-19 crisis has left many communities searching for resources to support their residents and businesses,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The CDBG-CV award provides cities and counties the ability to determine where the greatest need in their community lies and to provide some relief as we move into the recovery phase of the crisis.”

 

CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools in supporting the state’s small, predominantly rural communities. CDBG-CV grants are part of the state’s allocation from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and are designed to help Kansas communities respond to the needs of their residents and businesses during the reopening phase of the state.

 

The following communities are recipients of CDBG-CV awards.

 

 

Recipient Award Amount
Abilene $132,000
Allen County $132,000
Anderson County $132,000
Atchison $132,000
Baldwin City $132,000
Beloit $132,000
Bourbon County $132,000
Chanute $132,000
Cherokee County $169,200
Cimarron $132,000
Clay County $132,000
Cloud County $132,000
Coffeyville $167,000
Crawford County $132,000
Derby $132,000
Dodge City $132,000
Ellsworth $132,000
Ellsworth County $132,000
Emporia $167,000
Eudora $132,000
Eureka $167,000
Fort Scott $132,000
Franklin County $132,000
Garden City $132,000
Garnett $132,000
Girard $169,200
Gove County $132,000
Graham County $167,000
Harper $152,000
Horton $167,000
Hoxie $173,600
Hutchinson $132,000
Independence $167,000
Jackson County $132,000
Jewell County $132,000
Junction City $167,000
Labette County $132,000
Liberal $132,000
Linn County $132,000
Louisburg $132,000
Marion County $167,000
Marquette $66,000
Marshall County $132,000
McPherson $132,000
Mitchell County $132,000
Montgomery County $132,000
Mulvane $132,000
Neosho County $169,200
Oberlin $80,600
Osborne County $132,000
Ottawa $132,000
Parsons $132,000
Phillips County $132,000
Pittsburg $170,300
Pleasanton $132,000
Reno County $132,000
Russell County $173,600
Scott County $132,000
Sheridan County $132,000
Sherman County $132,000
Smith County $132,000
Thomas County $132,000
Unified Greeley County $55,000
Wallace County $132,000
Wilson $77,000
Wilson County $132,000

 

To date, the Department of Commerce has received 106 award applications totaling more than $32 million. Applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. While all funds for this round of CDBG-CV have been awarded, the Department of Commerce expects to receive approximately $7 million in additional funding in a second round of CDBG funds through the CARES Act. More information will be announced as it’s made available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 

For more information on the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement program visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg-cv/.

 

For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, go to covid.ks.gov/.