Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met at the Fort Scott Middle School Commons on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, for a special board meeting.
President James Wood opened the meeting. Mr. Wood opened the Revenue Neutral Hearing. Gina Shelton, Business Manager/Board Clerk, presented information regarding the Revenue Neutral Hearing. Mr. Wood closed the Revenue Neutral Hearing.
Board members approved the following:
· Resolution 21-07 – To Adopt LOB Percentage
· Resolution 21-08 – A Resolution expressing the Property Taxation Policy of USD 234 Fort Scott with Respect to Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Tax Rate for Financing the Annual Budget for 2021-22
Governor Kelly Urges Nurses to Renew Licensing Before August 28 Deadline
~Nurses with license expiration dates between March 31, 2020 through July 31, 2021 must renew before Saturday~
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly urged Kansas nurses to renew their licensing requirements before the Saturday, August 28, 2021 deadline. The Kansas State Board of Nursing announced the notice for Kansas Nurses, and employers of Kansas Nurses, who were working under the professional licensing waivers issued via the COVID-19 disaster declaration Executive Order 21-09. Licensed nursing professionals impacted by the ending of these waivers are urged to renew their license as soon as possible.
“Since COVID-19 invaded Kansas, our nurses have been on-call around the clock to keep Kansans safe and healthy and I can’t thank them enough for their life-saving work,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Right now, we need our Kansas nurses more than ever. I urge all Kansas nurses to renew their licensing, so we can continue to care for patients.
“To all the unvaccinated Kansans – we owe it to our nurses to get vaccinated now. We must reduce the strain on our hospital system and our healthcare workers. We all need to step up and do our part to protect each other,” Governor Kelly said.
The Board of Nursing began sending multiple electronic and postcard mail renewal notices to licensees and stakeholders about the expiring waivers in the weeks and months leading up to the ending of these waivers. The Board has also continued to release public notices via social media, the agency newsletter and the KSBN website throughout the COVID pandemic emergency.
Without a disaster declaration, the governor and Board of Nursing cannot further extend the waivers. Legislative action is necessary to extend any waiver beyond August 28th.
The nurses impacted by these waivers are those who had a Kansas nursing license with a normal expiration date of March 31, 2020 through July 31, 2021 and who have NOT yet renewed their licensure.
Any of these licensees that are NOT renewed by August 28, 2021 will begin to lapse on August 29, 2021.
A nurse with a lapsed Kansas nursing license can no longer work until their license is reinstated.
If you are a Kansas Nurse or if you employ a Kansas Nurse and you are unsure when your nursing licenses expires, you may check the status of your license via the Nursing License Verification Database. This is a free service offered to the public and nurses.
Renewing your Kansas nursing license is a simple process that takes only minutes to complete.
To renew your license, simply visit the “Getting Started” section of the Board of Nursing website.
Read and follow all applicable instructions.
Then, log into the Kansas Nursing License Portal to complete your renewal and pay applicable fees.
To confirm your renewal has been completed, the nurse may do so via the same portal or by checking the Nursing License Verification Database. (Please allow up to two hours for the public verification database to update prior to checking.)
For more information or to renew your nursing license, please visit the Board of Nursing’s website at https://ksbn.kansas.gov/
Safe Kids Kansas, State Farm and KDOT partner up for safety message
Topeka – Thousands of vehicles will be traveling the Kansas roadways during the Labor Day weekend. Many families will head out on one last camping trip or getaway as the school year begins. Safe Kids Kansas, (sponsored in part by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment), State Farm and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) want to encourage families to buckle up and drive safely to protect their most valuable asset, their families.
This year, August 28 through September 12, a safety belt awareness campaign called “Bucks for Buckles” is being held in 46 cities across Kansas. Dollar bills are being distributed by local volunteers to drivers who have all occupants buckled up securely in their vehicle. Those riding unrestrained will receive educational materials about the effectiveness of seat belts and child safety seats in saving lives and reducing injuries.
“No one can predict when they will be involved in a motor vehicle crash, yet almost all of us will be involved in an automobile crash in our lifetime. In 2020, 365 people lost their lives on Kansas roadways and 56 percent of them were unbuckled,” said Cherie Sage, State Director for Safe Kids Kansas. “The single most effective means of protecting the lives of you and your passengers is wearing seat belts and using appropriate child restraints every time you ride in the vehicle – even short distances.”
According to the 2020 KDOT Seat Belt Survey, 85 percent of Kansans surveyed were wearing their seat belts. This compares to the national average is 90 percent. Kansas ranked 42nd in belt use in 2019, among 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Seat belts save more than 15,000 lives every year and are the best defense against drunk, aggressive, and distracted drivers. “Seat belts are the single most effective device you can use to save your life during a vehicle crash,” said Sage. “They also reduce your chances of having a serious injury by as much as 50 percent. It’s such a simple thing, so take your life into your own hand and buckle up.”
A list of Bucks for Buckles sites and coordinators can be downloaded here.
This information can be made available in alternative accessible formats upon request. For more information about obtaining an alternative format, you may contact Safe Kids Kansas at 785-296-1223, or [email protected]. Both speech/hearing disabled and hearing Kansans can access the Kansas Relay Center by calling toll-free 1-800-766-3777. Callers should inform the relay operator of the number they wish to call and the type of call they are making direct, credit card, collect, person-to-person, etc.
TOPEKA – Today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced the release of the Kansas COVID County Ranking report. This report is designed to help county commissioners and local leaders stop the spread of COVID-19 in their communities by tracking critical COVID-19 metrics including testing, case and vaccination rates.
“I believe that data is a powerful tool we can use to guide our response to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman said. “I am hopeful this report empowers action in communities and encourages sharing and implementation of best practices across Local Health Departments. Local leaders and communities are working tirelessly to keep us safe; to help them, helps all of us.”
This report is not a report-card, as multiple factors impact COVID-19 testing, case and vaccination rates in our communities. It brings together the most critical COVID-19 metrics at a local level to help state, county, and local leaders work together to stop the spread of the dangerous COVID-19 delta variant and keep Kansans safe and keep the economy open.
“Over the past 18 months, Kansas Counties have worked tirelessly to provide ongoing response and vital resources for county residents to keep them safe and informed on the evolving COVID-19 virus,” shared Bruce Chladny, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Counties, “And, the county response efforts, including vaccinations and essential messaging, continue as Kansas now experiences yet another surge from the deadly virus.”
Three metrics are reported and ranked across each county:
Full series vaccination rate of eligible population (12+ year olds)
7- day daily average number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people
7- day daily average number of COVID-19 tests administered per 100,000 people
Each county’s rankings are added together to generate a total score for the county. The total scores for counties are then ranked from 1-105.
The report will be refreshed three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It can be found on KDHE’s website at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas. Data for the report is provided by the CDC and KDHE.
TOPEKA – In response to the continued spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, Governor Laura Kelly today released new guidance directing state agencies under the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch to resume remote work operations where possible.
“Since the start of the pandemic, my administration has followed the best public health guidance to keep our communities safe, mitigate the spread of the virus, and reduce strain on hospitals,” Governor Kelly said. “The decision to return to remote work was not made lightly – but we know that this is a necessary step to prevent COVID-19 infections. I am confident that our state employees will continue to provide quality services to all Kansans who need them.”
The remote work model will remain in place through October 4th. At that time, a re-assessment of current COVID-19 infection rates will determine when state employees can return to fully on-site work.
At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, state agency operations shifted to remote work for employees whose job functions could be performed remotely. In June, after a significant reduction in daily COVID-19 infections, state employees began returning to state office buildings.
As infection numbers began to rise again throughout the summer, a transition to remote work will help control the spread of the virus among state employees. Onsite staffing will be limited to only those necessary to safely conduct agency operations.
Mask requirements, social distancing and other mitigation measures will remain in place for employees whose jobs must be performed on-site. Public offices serving customers will be encouraged to re-institute mitigation measures that were previously utilized during the pandemic, such as scheduling “by appointment only” or making allowances for virtual as opposed to in-person interactions. All such measures will be carried out in a way as to have as minimal an impact or inconvenience on customers.
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The state rules and regulations board has approved the adoption of temporary amendments to the Kansas industrial hemp regulations which were proposed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The regulation amendments will align Kansas’ industrial hemp regulations with the USDA’s Final Rule on commercial hemp production.
The amended regulations extend the timeframe to complete sampling and harvest, provide flexibility to producers regarding potential remediation of plants if sampling tests above acceptable THC levels, and increases the threshold at which a crop will be deemed to have been produced negligently. The full amended regulations for K.A.R. 4-34-24, K.A.R. 4-34-25 and K.A.R. 4-34-29 can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/IndustrialHemp.
Because these amendments directly address regulations that affect harvest, they were expedited to be in place on a temporary basis. Plans are in progress to make them permanent through the official rules and regulations approval process. Public comments may be submitted online after September 2 and a public hearing will be held on November 8 as KDA considers finalizing the regulations; KDA will release details on the public comments and hearing soon.
The Southeast Kansas Multi County Health Department offices are now offering an additional dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for those moderately to severely immunocompromised.
Mondays are walk-in days, but otherwise someone wanting vaccinated would need to call for an appointment.
Please bring ID and your COVID-19 vaccine card to the appointment.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Receives $2.7 Million to Fund New KS HEART Program
~ KDADS one of five organizations receiving funding to provide substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum women ~
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is one of only five organizations nationally to be awarded a three-year, $2.7 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Grant funds through the FY 2020 State Pilot Grant Program for Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW-PLT) will be used to provide evidence-based, family-centered treatment services to pregnant and postpartum women in Kansas with substance use disorders.
“This grant will expand critical treatment services to support pregnant and postpartum Kansans with substance abuse disorders – along with their children,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “By addressing the behavioral needs of mothers, we can protect mothers and their families.”
The KDADS program, which will be known as KS Helping Empower And Recover Together (KS HEART), will take effect September 30, 2021.
It’s estimated the KS HEART program will serve approximately 55 women a year at two pilot locations, for a total of 165 women over three years. Partners identified in the grant are DCCCA, Inc. and CKF Addiction and Treatment Services, with pilot sites in Salina and Wichita.
“By focusing on family-centered therapy, expanding outpatient programs, and providing community-based wraparound services, the KS HEART program aims to accomplish the goals of decreasing substance use, including opioids, among pregnant and postpartum women in Kansas,” KDADSSecretary Laura Howard said.
The purpose of the KS HEART program is to enhance flexibility in the use of funds designed to:
Support family-based services for pregnant and postpartum women with a primary diagnosis of a substance use disorder, including opioid use disorders;
Help state substance abuse agencies address the continuum of care, including services provided to pregnant and postpartum women in nonresidential-based settings; and
Promote a coordinated, effective, and efficient state system managed by state substance abuse agencies by encouraging new approaches and models of service delivery.
Pregnant and postpartum women using substances face complex challenges that put the health and stability of their family at risk. Funding and eligibility restrictions to existing substance use treatment services often cause women to lose access to care during some of the most vulnerable points postpartum.
“The KS HEART program will bridge identified gaps to services and provide evidence-based treatments, including Medication Assisted Treatment and tobacco cessation as well as increase family stability and support and maintain community tenure and recovery for the whole family unit,” said KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andy Brown.
“CKF Addiction Treatment is excited about this grant partnership with KDADS to help further treat the behavioral health needs of pregnant and postpartum women attending our services,” said CKF President and CEO Shane Hudson, MS, MSHCT, LCP, LCAC. “Addiction involves many layers and those with mental health symptoms that only exacerbate the symptoms of addiction need extra support. This grant aligns well with CKF’s focus of positively impacting patient health outcomes in addiction health care settings.”
“DCCCA is proud to partner with this project and excited to bring our expertise in women’s treatment to this work,” DCCCA CEO Lori Alvarado said. “We have prioritized services for pregnant and parenting women for more than 20 years and are eager to expand these critical services to women and children in Kansas.”
Bret Howard, Superintendent of USD 235. Submitted. photo.
Uniontown USD 235 has teacher in-service Aug. 23-25 with an open house from 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 25
The first day of school is Thursday, August 26.
New teachers this year are Linda Rogers who will be teaching first/second grade, April Stock who will teach fifth grade and Stephanie Defebaugh who will teach pre-kindergarten.
The USD 235 Board of Education passed in a 6 to 1 vote, its 2021-22 Operational Guidelines on Monday, August 9. The approved guidelines may be accessed on the link https://5il.co/wxj7
“Masks will be highly recommended but not required inside all USD 235 buildings,” Superintendent Bret Howard said. “Masks will be required on all school-provided transportation. A federal mandate on all public transportation was enacted over the summer that includes school busses and school vehicles.”
New this year is a restroom and concession area.
The former restroom and concession area, in the old superintendent’s office south of the football field, now houses the Girard Medical Center Clinic in Uniontown.
The district is working on replacing the restrooms/concession facility.
“There will be a concession stand and bathroom built on the northwest side of the home football bleachers,” Howard said. “We have taken the fence down and will be starting construction soon.”
Governor Laura Kelly Launches New Ad Campaign on How to Keep Kids Safe from COVID-19 at School
~As kids head back to school and the Delta variant spreads, Kelly asks Kansans to get vaccinated, wear masks, and get tested ~
TOPEKA – As the Delta variant continues to rapidly spread and recent federal data shows a record-high number of children are hospitalized because of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly this week released two new ads encouraging students and their families to use public health practices as they head back to school this fall.
“Record numbers of children are catching the virus and being hospitalized from COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “As we head back to school, it’s critical that all Kansas students, teachers, and staff wear masks, get tested regularly and, if you’re 12 or older, get vaccinated. That’s how we keep our kids safe and in the classroom.”
The first ad, “Kids Spread Germs,” talks about just how contagious and serious the Delta variant is and urges parents to follow the three core steps to keep kids safe: getting a free and safe vaccine if you’re 12 and older, wearing masks in public (including in school), and getting tested regularly for the virus.
The second ad, “Your Decision,” urges college students who are over the age of 18 to get the information they need and make the decision to get a free and safe vaccine. View the ad here.
Both ads come as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for people 16 years of age and older. The vaccine continues to be available for people 12-15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in moderately or severely immunocompromised people through emergency use authorization.
Current data make clear that those who are not vaccinated are at the greatest risk right now. 99% of COVID deaths and over 97% of COVID hospitalizations nationally have been among people who were not vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, free, and can help save lives.
Governor Kelly encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to visit GetVaccineAnswers.org.
Testing, like the vaccine, is free, even if you have been tested before. For more information on where you can be tested for COVID-19, visit: KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.
The building known for years as the Kress Building has been sold to Coon Rentals LLC.
History
The building at 17 S. Main most recently housed a grocery store that had been a recipient of SPARK money, which was federal money given to the state who gave the money to local governments to help businesses during the pandemic.
BAJA Investments had purchased the building, remodeled it, purchased supplies and equipment, and opened a grocery store called The Star Emporium Downtown General Store in January 2021 and closed in May 2021, citing not enough business.
BAJA Investments had received a $450,000 grant from SPARK to provide a downtown grocery store.
“They (BAJA) did give it an effort,” he said. “And if the traffic would have been there…but it wasn’t. He had all the receipts, there was accountability for this.”
Coon Rentals LLC paid $158,000 for the building in an auction last week.
“When that business failed, the county had two options,” Bourbon County Commissioner Lynne Oharah said. “Let the business go into bankruptcy, which would have taken over a year. Or sell the property and it goes back on the county tax rolls.”
“We are in the process of closing on the property,” he said.
“Coon Rentals LLC will manage and maintain the building for its new tenants, soon to come,” Robert Coon said. Coon who with his wife, Kimberly, owns the business.
“There have been so many negative vibes regarding the grant the previous business there had, but I don’t think anyone thought of the greatness of it: federal money came to Kansas, to Bourbon County,” Coon said. “Then the grant was used partly to revitalize a building. In the process, lots of small local businesses received some of those funds to work on the building. That’s economic development at its finest.”
“I also think the current (Bourbon County) commissioners should be applauded for salvaging the situation with the building,” Coon said. “Commissioners had a decision to make regarding acquiring the building and redistribution to avoid lots of issues.”
A1 Towing and Moving, Fort Scott, move shelving into the new grocery store, at 17 S. Main on November 4, 2020.
“We have three businesses, A1 Towing, A1 Bill Bonds, and Coon Rentals LLC, ” Coon said. “None require a storefront.”
“We are going to lease that building to a business,” He said. “That agreement is in process. They will operate in the whole downstairs portion of the building.”
“We are going to remodel the upstairs and have more professional businesses there,” he said.
The Tourism Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, August 26th, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main. This meeting is open to the public.
The Tourism meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
