COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

Health Care and Child Care Support During Pandemic

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Kelly Administration Announces Enhancements to Hero Relief Program

Revenue replacement and health care/emergency support worker bonuses provide additional support to child care providers

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard and Child Care Aware of Kansas today announced additional benefits within the Hero Relief Program to continue to support child care providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unexpected challenges for many Kansas families and businesses, and our child care providers were among the hardest hit,” Governor Kelly said. “These resources will help offset lost income, and will make sure our families have access to high-quality child care programs as we get Kansans back to work and back to school.”

 

Providers will now be eligible for Revenue Replacement and Health Care and Emergency Worker Support bonuses. The funding for these opportunities is provided by the Kansas Department for Children and Families through the federal CARES Act and is administered by Child Care Aware of Kansas.

 

“We know the pandemic continues to have significant impact on the child care community,” Howard said. “These new benefits will provide additional supports to providers who are working hard to keep their businesses viable.”

 

The revenue replacement grant opportunity is designed to provide financial assistance to DCF-enrolled child care providers and relative providers who have lost child care subsidy income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

All DCF-enrolled providers will be eligible to receive this payment if they experience a measured decrease in subsidy payments, including school age programs and Head Start programs. Child care providers who are open or who have closed temporarily are eligible. Relative providers, enrolled as DCF providers, who have remained open are eligible.

 

The Health Care and Emergency Worker Support bonus is a one-time bonus to provide recognition to the child care provider and elevate the importance of ensuring that child care options are available to the health care and emergency workforce in Kansas.  Due to the increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 by caring for children of workers (parents/legal guardians) on the frontlines, a bonus acknowledges the additional protective measures needed to ensure a child care provider can meet the demand of a healthy and safe environment.

 

  • Healthcare workers are defined for this program as hospital and nursing home employees.

 

  • Emergency workers are defined for this program as fire, law enforcement, and corrections officers.

 

The following child care programs are eligible for the Health Care and Emergency Worker Support Bonus:

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs must be licensed by and in good standing with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs must hold a current Kansas Child Care Center License or a Kansas School Age Program License or a Kansas Day Care Home License or a Kansas Group Day Care Home License.

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs must be currently open to provide care at least full-time (30 hours or more per week).

 

  • Child care centers, school age programs and day care home (to include Group Day Care Home) programs who care for children with a parent/legal guardian working as a health care or emergency worker for organizations such as hospitals, nursing homes, fire and rescue, law enforcement, or correctional staff which have operated during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Child(ren) identified must be or have been attending the program from the date of application to August 1, 2020.

 

For more information and for instructions on how to apply, visit KSHeroRelief.com or ks.childcareaware.org

 

Opinion

Be On Guard by Patty LaRoche

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He’s something, isn’t he? He and his friends hang out on the pier where my stepdaughter Nanette lives in California. Last December, Dave and I were there, and on our early-morning walk, “Birdy” perched harmlessly along the rail. Other pelicans—not as large or arrogant—occupied space nearby, but my eyes were drawn only to this stately creature, wings outstretched, as if showing off his finest Yoga move.

On our return, Dave was several steps ahead of me, fascinated with the local fishermen’s catches. I lingered to watch an elderly woman, encircled by Birdy’s friends congregated at her feet, begging for their morning ration of bread crumbs.

Birdy, not one to lower himself to mere croutons, sat, loftily looking down at the feeding frenzy below. I was drawn to him, enticed by his self-importance. That’s when I shot this picture…and that’s when the unexpected became…well, in my case, the expected.

I turned my attention to where Dave had sauntered, just in time to get hit upside my head with what felt like a bowling ball, causing me to stagger enough that some passersby caught me before I rammed into the rail. Suddenly I was getting more attention than Bird-Feeder-Woman. “Wow! He hit you really hard.” “Are you all right? I’ve never seen anything like that, and I come here every day.”

(Like I said, “expected.”)

Apparently, Birdy had attempted to take flight, but his body acted more like a 747 than a normal, 12-pound pelican. Or he was punishing me for taking my eyes off of him. All I know is, my “harmless” bird-buddy was anything but. My head was proof.

Have you ever been stunned when something you considered harmless, wasn’t? It could be as simple as a bad shrimp or leaving your purse in a shopping cart or an impromptu bet gone bad. Or maybe it was something more. A life-long friendship turned sour. A brotherly investment in which you ended up holding the empty bag. A one-time, sneak-peek at a porn sight that betrayed your spouse’s trust. The list is endless. I’m betting we all have a Birdy story.

Adam and Eve sure did. Enticed by the “harmless” serpent, they tasted the forbidden fruit, and sin entered the world.

Samson sure did. One “harmless” look at Delilah caused him his ultimate blindness and death.

King David sure did. His “harmless” lust for Bathsheba turned to immense grief for him and his family.

Your Birdy won’t by my Birdy, but we deceive ourselves when we foolishly fail to recognize the warning signs. Birdy’s wings were not a harmless Yoga move. They were a “Get out of my way, Dummy! I’m getting ready to take flight” move.

Jesus warned us to beware of what we treat as “harmless”: sin and evil. He said: “Watch out! Be on guard” (Luke 12:15). Had I applied that with Birdy, I would have saved myself one gigantic headache…which, yes, I realize, is better than an eternal one.

Government, Kansas, Schools

Governor Discusses Education With Kansas Teachers

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Governor Laura Kelly Holds Virtual Distance Learning Discussion with Kansas Teachers

Kelly asks for ways to improve partnership between state and educators

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today joined a zoom call with Kansas teachers, Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers, and Representative Cindy Holscher to discuss ways to improve education access and continuous learning during COVID-19.

 

“Kansas teachers stepped up when schools were closed, and continued to give our kids the education they deserve,” Governor Kelly said. “Today Lt. Gov. Rogers, Rep. Cindy Holscher, and I spoke with teachers about the challenges of distance learning and how this administration can support their work in the fall.”

 

On March 17 Governor Kelly took aggressive actions to save lives and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by closing school buildings for the duration of the school year. In just a few days a group of dedicated teachers and administrators from across the state came together to develop the continuous learning plan, which provided robust guidance on how schools can continue education safely.

 

“Our state’s educators are resilient, passionate, and dedicated to their students,” Lt. Gov. Rogers said. “I enjoyed our conversation this morning, and I look forward to future discussion and collaboration with educators from across the state.”

 

During the call, Governor Kelly asked educators how their districts met the challenges presented by the pandemic, and how her administration can support their work as the school year nears.

 

The below photo is available for media use:

 

https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Governor-Zoom-Screenshot.jpg

 

Government, Kansas

Purchase Groceries Online Using Kansas Benefits Card

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Kansas Approved for Online EBT Purchasing

Starting in September Kansans will have the option to purchase groceries online using Kansas Benefits Card

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture approved the Department for Children and Families (DCF) proposal to offer Kansas food assistance recipients the option of purchasing groceries online using a Kansas Benefits Card also known as an EBT card.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented enormous challenges – especially for our vulnerable families,” Governor Kelly said. “We will continue to work with our federal and local partners to make critical resources – like food and nutrition – accessible, to keep families healthy and safe.”

 

DCF is working with its EBT partner to test the new system to ensure there are no disruptions to the normal EBT transaction process. The agency expects testing to be done during the summer with full implementation of online purchasing expected in September.

 

“We know the pandemic has made it difficult for those receiving food assistance to travel to grocery stores to purchase food,” Howard said. “This new online purchasing program provides those families the flexibility to safely purchase groceries online.”

 

In addition, the agency will announce partner vendors closer to implementation.

 

Kansas currently has more than 185,000 individuals who receive food assistance benefits totaling $265 million annually.

 

Bourbon County, Fair

Bourbon County Fair Sponsorships Sought

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Thank you for your Chamber partnership!
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JULY 10-18TH, 2020 IN FORT SCOTT
Call us for Information & Support The Bourbon County Fair
Stewart Gulager 620.215.5302
Bobby Reed 620-224-8137
Dale Griffiths 620-215-3101
Diane Brillhart 620-215-5939
Obituary

Obituary of Larry Ginter

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Larry Ginter, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, June 22, 2020, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, MO.

He was born June 8, 1944, in Appleton City, MO, the son of Elton Glen Ginter and Marjorie Cook Ginter.

Larry served in the United State Navy.

He married Kathleen Ruth Hannan on August 8, 1969, in Kansas City, MO. She preceded him in death on May 27, 2019.

Larry worked as a computer programmer for the Kansas City Chiefs, Midwestern Distribution, and various other companies.

He reluctantly became a lover of cats over the years.

His true passion was collecting and dealing in sports cards and memorabilia. From his hobby, which turned into a business, he met many interesting people through the years.

Survivors include a son, Pete Ginter and wife Bonnie, Jacksonville, FL; a sister, Beverly Borris, Hurst, TX; a sister-in-law, Maureen Dahnke, Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Austin and Marilyn Ginter; and three nieces, Lesley Kingsley,  Kala Meyer and Liz Davis.

Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 11:30 AM Monday, June 29th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private family burial will take place following in the U. S. National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Larry Ginter Memorial Fund in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

When You Get COVID 19: Bourbon County Health Department

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

WHEN SHOULD I STAY HOME?

  • After you have been tested for COVID-19, until told otherwise by the County Health Department
  • If you have been in close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, until told otherwise by the County Health Department
  • If you are feeling sick
  • If your Doctor or the County Health Department has instructed you to do so

WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK OUT IN PUBLIC AFTER ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE?

  • When you have been instructed to do so by your County Health Department

HOW LONG COULD MY ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE LAST?

  • If you are in isolation because you were tested POSITIVE for COVID-19, your isolation time is a minimum of 10 days after onset of symptoms or testing date (if onset unclear or asymptomatic). You can be released from isolation after fever free and asymptomatic for at least 72 hours. Release from isolation is up to the County Health Department.
  • If you are a household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, you must quarantine for a minimum of 24 days. Release from quarantine is up to the County Health Department.
  • If you are a non-household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, you must quarantine for 14 days from the date of last contact with the positive case. Release from quarantine is up to the County Health Department.

You may contact your County Health Department by calling:

Allen County: (620)365-2191

Anderson County: (785)448-6559

Bourbon County: (620)223-4464

Woodson County: (620)625-2484

Business, Fort Scott

Dollar Tree Scheduled To Open in Fort Scott in October 2020

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The Dollar Tree on South Main (69 Hwy) on June 22. Construction was slowed a little because of the wet spring, according to Kevin Allen, a contractor on the build.

A new discount variety store is coming to Fort Scott, according to a press release from Dollar Tree Inc.

“Dollar Tree continues to grow and we are proud to be part of the Fort Scott community,” stated Kayleigh M. Painter, Dollar Tree’s Investor and Media Relations Manager.

 

Dollar Tree, Inc. is North America’s leading operator of discount variety stores, Painter said in the press release.

 

The 10,000 square foot store is currently scheduled to open in mid-October 2020 and will be located at 2006 S Main Street, according to the release.

 

The shell of the store is up and local contractors have been working for Dollar Tree.

 

Kevin “Skitch” Allen was working on-site at the location on June 22.

 

Allen’s business, Skitch’s Hauling and Excavation,Fort Scott, did all the dirt work, he said and is currently working on the parking lot. “The weather put the construction behind,” Allen said.  Spring 2020 had higher than normal rainfall.

 

Allen said Thomas Concrete and Construction, Fort Scott, did the concrete for the build.

 

Allen added that he was pleased that Dollar Tree Inc. was using local contractors for the build.

 

Dollar Tree stores are open seven days a week and offer great value and a broad assortment of merchandise all priced at $1 or less, according to the press release.

 

Customers can expect seasonal decor, household products, Hallmark greeting cards, party and craft supplies, dinnerware, food, teaching and school necessities, health and beauty essentials, toys, books and much more at the store.

 

The new location will also include Dollar Tree’s recently-introduced Snack Zone, an expanded offering of beverages, candy and snacks, in addition to nostalgic favorites.

 

A store of this size typically employs 12 to 20 associates, according to the press release.

 

Interested applicants can apply online at www.DollarTree.com/careers or in person at the store location closer to the opening date.

 

 

Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 15,370 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of May 2, 2020. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Has Four New COVID 19 Cases Since Yesterday: Orders To Isolate/Quarantine Given

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Click below for the latest directive from Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator.

Written directives are given for all those who have tested positive for COVID 19, or are a close contact of one who has tested positive.

These individuals must isolate or quarantine in their homes or other suitable location due to the recent spread of the virus.

Several persons have been uncooperative to remain at home, Johnson said in the press release.

The directive starts today, June 24, 2020 at 8 p.m. until July 8, 2020.

SEKMCHD_Order of Local Health Officer

Government, Kansas

Kansas Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Established Today

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Governor Laura Kelly announces Commission on Racial Equity and Justice

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed Executive Order No. 20-48 establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. The Commission is tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas and will begin its work focusing on law enforcement-community relations.

 

“As Governor, I am committed to ensuring this latest tragedy does not fade into the next news cycle. Communities of color do not have the luxury of time for leaders to address these issues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I have convened a diverse and qualified group of Kansas stakeholders, including members of law enforcement and advocacy groups, to form the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. Their purpose is to find and present policy actions the state can take on issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas.”

 

The Commission will study racial equity and justice in Kansas, and hold listening sessions with Kansans across the state with experience and expertise in the topic. The Commission will make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and local governments on concrete and immediate steps that can be taken to increase racial equity and justice in Kansas.

The Commission will be co-chaired by Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools USD 501, and Dr. Shannon Portillo, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs KU Edwards Campus & School of Professional Studies. The remaining members of the task force are:

  • Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Topeka – Kansas Department of Administration
  • Dr. Brandon Davis, Lawrence, Assistant Professor – University of Kansas
  • Ernestor De La Rosa, Dodge City, Assistant City Manager – City of Dodge City
  • Mark Dupree, Wyandotte, District Attorney – Wyandotte County
  • David Jordan, Hutchinson, President & CEO – United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
  • Dr. Anthony Lewis, Lawrence, Superintendent – USD 497 Lawrence
  • Mark McCormick, Johnson County, Director of Strategic Communications – Kansas ACLU
  • John Nave, Topeka, Executive Vice President – Kansas AFL-CIO
  • Chief Gordon Ramsay, Wichita, Chief of Police – Wichita Police Department
  • Catalina Velarde, Overland Park, Attorney and Adjunct Professor – UMKC School of Law, Johnson County
  • Jackson Winsett, Kansas City, Assistant Vice President – Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
  • A representative of the Native American tribes of Kansas, to be selected by tribal leadership

“Governor Kelly’s commitment to equity for all Kansans is clear as she empowers a diverse group to bring additional voices and recommendations to the Legislature, local and state government,” co-chair Dr. Tiffany Anderson said. “The Governor’s courageous step to address equity through this Commission is a step that further defines Kansas as a leader and turns a moment of national unrest into a movement of progress for us all. It is a privilege as the superintendent of Topeka Public Schools to co-chair the Commission with Dr. Portillo, and I look forward to listening, learning, and working with others to ensure we have more equitable systems in place, serving all Kansas families well.”

The Commission will meet virtually or in-person as recommended by public health guidance. It will make its initial report to Governor Kelly by December 1, 2020.

“We are seeing a call for systemic change across the country, and I am thrilled that Governor Kelly has been clear in her response,” co-chair Dr. Shannon Portillo said. “Here in Kansas, we’re going to make real change. I’m honored to work beside the diverse group of experts the Governor has brought together, and I look forward to getting to work, holding listening sessions across our state, and making policy and practice recommendations that address inequities in Kansas.”

“This is not an issue I feel comfortable sitting on and waiting for changes to happen,” Governor Kelly said. “We must be proactive in the way we approach these issues, as they impact the lives of Kansans every day. By focusing this Commission initially on policing and law enforcement, we aim to make changes that will improve the safety of both citizens and police officers.”

 

Executive Order #20-48 can be viewed here.

More information about members of the Commission can be viewed here.

Bourbon County Local News