Government, Kansas

Increased COVID-19 Testing

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Thermo Fisher Expansion to Help Increase COVID-19 Testing Statewide, Create Jobs

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in Lenexa to celebrate the opening of the company’s new Viral Transport Media manufacturing site, which will play a critical role in Kansas’ comprehensive COVID-19 testing strategy and create more than 300 full-time jobs.

 

“I want to thank the Thermo Fisher team for its work in protecting our health and safety and helping Kansas tackle the many challenges brought on by COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “By significantly increasing the manufacturing capacity of this facility, Thermo Fisher will not only have a positive impact on public health, but will help my administration as we work to rebuild our state’s fiscal foundation and make our economy stronger than it has ever been – not just returning to pre-pandemic conditions.”

 

Thermo Fisher has been producing COVID-19 testing products since the onset of the pandemic.

 

Built in just six weeks, this $40 million facility has created more than 300 new full-time jobs and added 120,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity in Lenexa. The company estimates that more than 150 million testing products will be produced by the end of the year.

 

Secretary of Commerce David Toland joined Governor Kelly at today’s ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony.

 

“The need for research and development of pharmaceuticals to test for and combat COVID-19 is essential to our economic recovery, and Thermo Fisher is stepping up to help take on this huge task,” Secretary Toland said. “Thermo Fisher is doing extremely important work for COVID-19 research, and I’m proud that such important, critically needed products will be produced in Kansas.”

 

Today’s ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony not only established the new Lenexa facility, but it also signified the beginning of Phase 2 of the project, which will focus on new research and development in the fight against COVID-19.

 

For more information on Thermo Fisher, including the viral transport media manufacturing site in Lenexa, visit their website here.

 

The below photos are available for media use:

 

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Government, Kansas

Virtual KS Products Fair

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Purple Ribbon Marketplace Offers Virtual State Fair Opportunity

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s state trademark program, From the Land of Kansas, and a variety of its member companies will be exhibiting in a virtual state fair-like experience, September 11-20, to showcase Kansas products.

 

The virtual experience, called Purple Ribbon Marketplace, will feature special deals like half-off shipping, as well as fun and interactive opportunities to learn about Kansas agriculture businesses and the stories behind them. KDA created a Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thepurpleribbonmarketplace, and launched it on August 28 to begin sharing the stories about its members before product sales begin on September 11.

 

Since the cancellation of the Kansas State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program wanted to find an alternative way to showcase these Kansas businesses and offer consumers the opportunity to purchase local products.

 

“This will be an easy way for these businesses to remain connected with consumers so they can enjoy high-quality food and unique products and share with their family and friends,” said Janelle Dobbins, From the Land of Kansas program director. “This virtual format will allow for more interaction, and, of course, the special state fair offers we all love.”

 

A variety of Kansas products will be offered through the Purple Ribbon Marketplace including popcorn, cheese, sunflower oil, coffee, spice and dip mixes, sauerkraut, and honey. A local distillery will also be selling their hand sanitizer.

 

From the Land of Kansas is the state’s trademark program that promotes and celebrates agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. It supports the KDA mission to serve Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and consumers by providing agribusiness marketing opportunities to participating local businesses and allowing consumers to identify and choose to support Kansas products.

 

For more information about the program and its members, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Shop for Kansas products year-round at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Sharkey’s Gets A Facelift

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Dave Lipe submitted these photos of the Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue. On the left is the before, on the right is the after of the facelift given the restaurant.

 

David and Tina Lipe, owners of Sparky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National, have invested time and money to give their restaurant a facelift.

The project started with Mid Continental Restoration, Inc. doing some joint repair and brick replacement on the front of building, David Lipe said.

“Peerless (Products, Inc.) did all of the tear-out and installation of all windows and front doors of the building,” Lipe said.  “The project started on August 17th and was completed on August 26th. ” There is still a little bit of floor replacement to be done, hopefully, this will be completed by August 31st.”

 

“We have been working on this project with Peerless for two years,” Lipe said. ” The building was extremely inefficient, windows were broken, (it) needed a facelift. We wanted to create an open-air type storefront.”

 

The facelift did not add any seating, Lipe said.  “But possibly some outside seating.”

 

“No grant monies were used on this project,” Lipe said.  “We have applied for a building improvement grant through the City of Fort Scott. I was told today that all funds are on hold due to COVID. We have also applied for some funding help through BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council), (we) have not received anything at this point.”

 

Sharky’s Pub & Grub phone number is 620-223-4777

The restaurant’s hours are: open at 11 am Monday through Sunday,
close at midnight Monday through Wednesday,  close at 2 am Thursday through Saturday, and close at 7 pm Sunday.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Mattox Promoted at UMB

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Crystal Mattox. Submitted photo.
Crystal Mattox was recently promoted to senior vice president of commercial lending at UMB Bank, according to Stephanie Kayser, a part of UMB Bank’s external communications team.
In her role, Crystal is responsible for developing new relationships, expanding existing business and maintaining customer relationships. Crystal provides financial solutions to help her clients grow, improve operations and increase value. 
 
Crystal has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined UMB Bank in 2010 as a vice president and commercial lender. Prior to UMB, Crystal worked at Emprise Bank as an assistant vice president and commercial lender.
 
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Kansas State University. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National and Graduate Commercial Lending School and is a licensed insurance representative. Crystal is active in her community and is on the board of the local United Way chapter. She is also a member of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at St. Johns Catholic Church, Gunn Park Trails and the Moran Ball Association. 
Opinion

Protestors by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Scene #1: Protestors looted stores, torched the American flag, threw frozen water bottles at police, and destroyed their own communities.

Scene #2: Protestors created hand-made signs, lined the toll booths, gave drivers the thumbs up and waved them through.

Guess which scenario represented Mexico? Definitely not the first one.

A few years ago, my husband and I were driving from Las Vegas to Mazatlán, Mexico. Nearing our sixth toll booth, we noticed several adults waving signs protesting the gas price-hike in Mexico. Most Hispanics were concerned that because America was pulling businesses out of their country, they would suffer economically. They felt slighted and fearful.

Yet, no one appeared angry. No one blocked our path. No one chose to teach us Gringos a lesson by smashing our car or hanging us from the overpass. Quite the opposite. We were given the thumbs-up and waved through without paying a toll.

Last year, as Dave and I crossed the mountains in Mexico, we were stopped before our first toll booth by dozens of protestors, many resting in tarp shacks while their amigos blocked the road. Three smiling men approached Dave’s side of our truck and told him to pay them 50 pesos instead of the 31 pesos in tolls. I asked “¿Por qué?” (“Why?”) and was told “because that’s what we are doing.” Apparently, these men and women—along with their police escorts– had taken over the toll booth. We paid the money; the protestors removed the barrel from the front of our truck and we were waved on. Not for one second were we anxious.

Peaceful. Unified. Safe. Very unlike today’s American demonstrations… which makes me wonder, why is it that so many of America’s protests are becoming more barbaric than our less-advanced neighbors, they who have so much less than we? What happened to a code of morality where objectors show a modicum of self-restraint like they do in Mexico? When did a civilized society turn into brutes that rant, rave, curse, steal and burn Bibles (which, as we know, contains the answers to our problems) as a gesture of disagreement?

Christians must take action. We need to offer hope. That’s what happened at the “Riots to Revival” event in Portland, Oregon, Saturday night. CBS News reported that between 4,000 and 7,000 worshippers united for a night of “praise, worship, and to hear Bethel Music’s Sean Feucht speak” at Waterfront Park in an effort to heal America’s brokenness.

“White, Black, Hispanic – we came and released our song of hope over this city,” Feucht said. “People gave their life to Jesus. Hundreds of people. We baptized people in the river behind us. There was so much joy that took over the streets of that city last night.”

For those of us with less musical ability, here’s another idea. Let’s follow Franklin Graham’s Instagram call for specific prayers: for PEACE because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20); for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17); for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4); and for the OUTPOURING of God’s wisdom and direction for our leaders and officials who are dealing with this crisis. Ask God to change hearts and heal this divide in our nation.

Graham’s way is much more in line with the Mexican way. I think that God likes that way best.

Government, Kansas

Prisoner Review Board Location Change

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Kansas Prisoner Review Board Topeka Public Comment Session

Location Change

 

TOPEKA, Kansas – The Kansas Prisoner Review Board (PRB) announced today a change of location for the Public Comment Session scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2020.

 

Due to the announced closure of the Topeka Municipal Court building, the session has been relocated to the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Tower located at 700 S.W. Jackson Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66603. Participants will be limited to 25 people at a time to meet social distancing requirements.

 

Participants who need assistance with directions or have questions about this change may call (785) 746-7529.

 

Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list guidance to include Aruba. Additionally, those countries which previously held a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions have been removed from the list effective today – this is in line with newly issued CDC guidance.

 

“While we are removing certain countries from our travel restrictions in line with CDC guidance, we will continue to issue travel quarantines of locations or activities that pose the largest threats to Kansans,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “For countries and/or states, the criteria will continue to be those that have new case rates three times the Kansas rate.”  

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to Aruba on or after August 27.
  • Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out-of-state of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.
  • Traveled July 14 – August 27 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations or gatherings should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

“If you are choosing to travel, in-state, out-of-state or internationally, please know that even though travel may be opening, there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 13

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August 13, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to hold the 2020 Primary Election canvass, all of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present for the canvass. Present for the canvass were the following; Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Sparky Schroeder and Julie Saker.

The Commissioners had a 2021 budget review beginning at 1:30 pm. Present for the meeting Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Kendell Mason and Justin Meeks, also present were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt and Hazel Swarts. The Commissioners said they were budgeting for 4 additional employees for the Road & Bridge departments (2 employees for a bridge crew and 2 employees for a ditching crew), Michael Hoyt questioned how the Commissioners were going to cover the loss of the Public Works director and the foreman; Lynne said they would open up the positions up for applications. The Commissioners decided to add $3,694.82 to the Correctional Center wages to help fund raises for two salaried employees, (this raise will not go into effect until a wage resolution is adopted to put the raises into effect). Lynne said a raise has been built into the IT department’s budget. Michael Hoyt questioned what expenses had been removed from the Commission budget and the Attorney’s budget; Lynne said expenses were removed from the Commission budget and that moving/remodeling expenses were removed from the Attorney’s budget that had been built in the prior year’s budget, District Court’s 2021 budget is more than 2020 due to money budgeted for Courthouse security, the Commissioners said the I/T’s overall budget is higher than 2020 to cover the cost of I/T expenses at the Hospital and if the County doesn’t take over the Hospital the money will be used as a carryover for the general fund. The Commissioners discussed the County Counselors 2021 wages; Lynne said currently the County Counselor makes $64,000 annually, he said the wages will increase to $78,000 in 2021 and the County Counselor will be paid as a 1099 employee without any benefits, he will pay for his own office supplies and CLE’s, $12,000 is budgeted in contractual for the tax sale work; Michael Hoyt suggested to make sure that the County Counselor meets the definition of an IRS 1099 employee. Tammy Helm questioned if part of the economic development’s salary is paid by grant money; the Commissioners said part of that salary will be paid by the Healthy Bourbon County Grant. The Commissioners continued to go through the 2021 budget; Lynne said they hope to have enough surplus in the ambulance fund to purchase a replacement ambulance. The Commissioners said the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax will be on the General Election 2020 ballot. Hazel Swarts questioned where the COPS and Sparks grants were accounted for on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners said the COPS is labeled as the SRO under the Sheriff’s revenue, Hazel questioned where the vehicle would come from for the SRO officer; the Commissioners said that the Sheriff stated he had a spare vehicle for this position.

Lynne made a motion to publish the 2021 budget as presented with the additional $3,694.82 for the Correctional Center wages, Nick seconded and the motion passed. Nick made a motion to hold a 2021 budget hearing on August 25th @ 10:00 am, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 25-20; a resolution with the results of the 2020 Primary Election, Nick seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

At 2:47, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and the motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
August 18, 2020, Approved Date

Area News, Fort Scott

Local Woman Considers Rally for Awareness of Trafficking And Pornography

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Tonya Cliffman, submitted photo.

Tonya Cliffman is a woman on a mission: human trafficking awareness.

She has organized an Awareness Rally of Human Trafficking and Child Pornography in Nevada, MO on September 19.

Cliffman is also considering a rally on the issue in Fort Scott this fall, if there is local interest.

 

Cliffman’s purpose is to bring the topic of human trafficking into everyday conversation, she said.

“Whether it’s in the car as they drive by the rally, or in the living room after reading an article about the event.  To start conversations between families, neighbors and friends.”

 

 

“Parents need to have open communication with their children, be involved with their children’s online activities and know what resources are available to them,” Cliffman said.  “Parents need to be empowered and comfortable having these conversations and knowing the vulnerabilities of the children.  For example, the techniques that a ‘groomer’ would use to build trust online with their child in a chat room.”

 

 

“I have five great-nieces, and three great-nephews,” said Cliffman, who is also a mother of a teenage daughter. “According to the Center for Disease Control, the statistics are one in four girls. So I’m sitting there looking at my nieces, and I thought ‘I am not willing to sacrifice a single one of them to trafficking or sexual abuse.’ When you really look at the odds, and see one of them could be affected, it was really overwhelming. I’m not satisfied with that.”

 

 

” I know of instances where there’s ‘sextortion,’” Cliffman said, referring to a minor exchanging sexually explicit pictures with an adult. “I know that some of our teenagers are out there having conversations with men. Because if you have a sad story, they’ll send you money. I think it’s a dangerous road to go down.”

 

People can get involved in the rally by joining the event and educating themselves with the organizations that have resources available in prevention of these abuses, she said.

People can learn to use the resources available from established organizations whose sole purpose and function is fighting these rising abuses.

 

Human trafficking is not something that happens in far off places.

 

There was a recent human trafficking incarceration in Bourbon County,  in July 2020, according to Captain Alvin Metcalf with the sheriff’s office.

“He was arrested in Kansas City and transported here,” Metcalf said.

“This was an investigation done by the Dept. of Homeland Security,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said.  His office had no involvement in the investigation, he said.

 

 

“My cell is 417-321-2550 and my email is [email protected] or they can send a message through the Awareness Rally Event page,” Cliffman said.

http://Event link on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/310128863441718

 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Protect-the-Children-585461948802797

 

Bourbon County Local News