Government, Health Care, Kansas

Child Care Subsidies: Health Care, First Responders, Essential Workers

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Department for Children and Families Announces Hero Relief Program

The program provides child care subsidies to eligible health care workers, first responders and other essential workers

 

Governor Laura Kelly and DCF Secretary Laura Howard today announced efforts to support parents and childcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The “Hero Relief Program” expands DCF’s child care assistance subsidies for families and provides financial support directly to child care providers. The new program specifically targets health care workers, first responders and other essential workers.

 

“We know these essential workers are risking their health every day to protect others,” Kelly said. “The Hero Relief Program is our way of saying ‘we’ve got your back’ by making sure families have access to quality affordable child care.”

 

Beginning Monday, April 20, child care subsidies will be available to essential workers who financially qualify. The list includes:

  • Health care workers (including RNs, other medical professionals and health care support workers, hospital and laboratory staff)
  • First responders (including law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other public safety workers)
  • Food and agriculture workers
  • Judicial branch (essential services)
  • National Guard
  • Child and adult protective service specialists
  • Child care providers caring for children of eligible workers listed above

 

In order to qualify, families must have countable gross income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. For an average family of four that equals a monthly income of $5,458. Families will receive the full DCF subsidy amount based on their family size, with no family-share deduction.

 

“During a time when these everyday heroes are working long hours, we hope this program helps relieve some of the financial burden they’re experiencing,” Howard said. “It’s our duty to support families during this uncertain time so we encourage families to apply.”

 

The Hero Relief Program also supports child care providers by providing a menu of stipends and grants to assist during the pandemic.

 

 

Grants may include:

  • Sustainability stipends for all KDHE-Licensed child care and relative providers to help pay for ongoing expenses like food, supplies, labor and rent/mortgage.
  • Revenue replacement subsidies for DCF enrolled child care providers
  • Supply grants to assist with pandemic related expenses like gloves, disinfectants, soap and other necessary items.
  • Emergency worker support bonuses – a one-time bonus to providers who care for children of health care workers and first responders.

 

For more information and for instructions on how to apply, visit KSHeroRelief.com.

 

For more information on COVID-19 visit: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

Business, Kansas

Kansas Largest Source of Power: Wind Energy

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New Report Reveals Wind Energy is Now the Largest Source of Power in Kansas and Driving Critical Economic Growth

The country’s top choice for new power continues to be a key driver of economic growth in Kansas in 2019, powering nearly two million homes as the largest source of electricity, serving as an extra source of income for farmers, and generating millions for rural communities

 

Kansas City, KS – Wind power in Kansas leaped ahead in 2019 as growing demand drove critical economic growth and solidified wind’s role as a reliable and competitive energy source. A new U.S. Wind Industry Annual Market Report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) shows how Kansas businesses, consumers, farmers, and local communities are benefiting from advancements in wind. Across the country, wind is creating jobs as the top choice for new power and Kansas is a national leader, with wind now servings as the largest source of electricity generation in the state.

AWEA’s report reveals that wind in Kansas now accounts for 41 percent of the state’s electricity, enough energy to power nearly two million homes. Over the past five years, Kansas had the largest increase in wind energy generation than any other state. Wind power is becoming the cheapest and fastest growing source of new electrical generation in many states around the country, and the local economy is responding. Powering Kansas, a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting policies that expand wind energy investment in the state, reacted to the report by citing the economic benefits felt at the local level that are critical in today’s environment.

“Kansas has created a leading model for integrating wind power and harnessing the energy source to not just power our homes and businesses, but also our economy at large,” said State Representative Don Hineman. “Wind is now the leading source of electricity generation in our state, and the report’s findings further underscore how critical it is that our state remain at the forefront of wind power investment.”

 

Wind is not just powering Kansas’ homes and businesses. The emergence of wind power has created a ripple effect that is powering Kansas’ economy at record levels. Wind projects have amounted to $11.4 billion of private investment, $29 million in annual tax revenue, and $36 million in annual land lease payments across the state.

 

“Kansas is proving that we can build a modern economy around wind power right here in the heartland, and utilize the energy source to attract new business, build new revenue streams, and create an economic climate for success that produces results,” said State Representative Tom Cox. “We’re proud to be a leading state for the top source of renewable energy, and we’re committed to supporting wind through long-term, sustainable investments that will keep our economy supported for decades to come.”

 

Across the country, expanded innovation and development meant wind reached new heights in 2019 as America’s top choice for new power after building 9.1 gigawatts (GW), representing 39 percent of new utility-scale power additions. With these additions, operating wind power capacity in the U.S. now stands at over 105 GW, enough to power 32 million American homes.

 

To view the full report, please contact Jesse Dougherty at [email protected]. A press kit, including free-use images and b-roll of wind farms, community stories, infographics, and more is available.

 

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About Powering Kansas


Powering Kansas, an initiative of the American Wind Energy Association, is a statewide coalition of civic and business leaders supporting innovative policies that expand renewable and wind energy investment in the state. With commonsense federal and state policies, Kansas can continue to be a national leader in harnessing the power of wind and renewable energy development.

 

About the American Wind Energy Association

 

AWEA is the national trade association for the U.S. wind industry, the largest source of renewable energy in the country. We represent 1,000 member companies, 120,000 jobs in the U.S. economy, and a nationwide workforce located across all 50 states, AWEA serves as a powerful voice for how wind works for America. Members include global leaders in wind power and energy development, turbine manufacturing, and component and service suppliers. Visit AWEA’s website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government

County Map For Moving Forward in Pandemic

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Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County Economic Development Director. Submitted photo.

The world-wide COVID 19 Pandemic has been dealt with by  state-of-emergency declarations and a stay-at-home orders to slow the spread of the disease.

Now governments are making plans for economic recovery.

Yesterday, President Trump spoke of his plan.

“Last night President Trump announced ‘Guidelines Opening Up America Again’,” Jody Hoenor, Bourbon County’s Economic Development Director, said in an email.  “The President’s plan mirrors the Bourbon County Framework and Roadmap we have created to prepare. We are in phase one.”

To view the President’s plan, click here:

“Governor Kelly has said in a daily briefing, implementation of plans will be county-by-county,” Hoenor said.

Bourbon County  Commissioners approved a framework, a beginning of a plan, at their meeting on April 14, proposed by Hoenor.

 

“The most prominent plan widely used that outlines a phased approach is called National Coronavirus Response: A Road Map to Recovery by the American Enterprise Institute,”    Hoener said in a press release.

 

“The phase we are in right now is called ‘Slow the Spread,'”  Hoenor said. “Experts are saying to move on we must see a slowed rate of infection and our healthcare infrastructure must be scaled up to safely manage the outbreak and care for the sick.”

 

“Today, nationwide, healthcare workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 are contracting the virus and are dying,” she said.  “To scale up our healthcare infrastructure, the framework identifies the need to put in place technology, for today’s pandemic as well as the need for if/when the outbreak of COVID-19 should rise again.”

 

Government planning for the transition to opening-up the economy should begin now, Hoenor said.

 

The framework of the county plan:

1. Technology:” Experts are saying for us to have the ability for screening and data collection,  technology (like a phone app) for healthcare providers and other essential front line workers is a must,” Hoenor said.

The frontline workers are the healthcare workforce, ambulance crews and law enforcement officers.

2. Testing and Test Kits: “Testing accessible for those who meet the criteria for testing,” she said.

 

“Those are the framework, the skeleton, to have in place to move forward,” she said. “Where the access is, who the partners are, how it will be funded, and the details of the equipment are to be developed like a working document.  We have developed the framework… to facilitate a path forward.”

 

Many chambers of commerce, cities, counties, and state governments are working on plans, Hoenor said.

 

“We have to have a starting point, and this is our starting point” Bourbon County Commission Chairman Lynne Oharah, said, in a press release. “This is a long-term process. Our team does an extraordinary amount of data mining and researching expert advice. We do not have a timeline, but we know what the triggers are to move to the next phase.”

Lynne Oharah. Submitted photo.

 

 

History

On March 14, 2020, Bourbon County Commission declared a state of disaster as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a press release from Hoenor.

On March 26, 2020 the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Officer Rebecca Johnson issued an order to stay at home.

Since that time there has been measurable progress at the county level, building a framework and preparing for when Governor Kelly tells Kansans we can reopen, according to the press release.

“Bourbon County Commissioners acted swiftly in declaring an emergency existed in the county,” Hoenor said.  “This resulted in opening doors to federal resources.”

Additionally, Bourbon County Emergency Management Director Will Wallis has worked to keep the local frontline healthcare workers safe with the necessary personal protective equipment, (PPE), she said.

“Available relief has been communicated through Facebook, email, radio, webinars, and hosting teleconference meetings with state-level government officials such as with David Toland our Secretary of Commerce,” Hoenor said.

On April 14,  Hoener presented the commission the framework to move forward, with all three commissioners voicing full support.

 

 

Fort Scott

Benefit for The Beacon April 25

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The Sleep Inn Hotel staff are hosting a pancake feed next Saturday, April 25 from 7 to 10 a.m. to raise funds for the Beacon, a local helping agency, according to the event organizer, Bill Michaud.

“We have sought and received approval from Dave Martin, Will Wallis and Becky Johnson and will do our very best to adhere to the distancing and other recommendations,” Michaud said in an email.

To get your breakfast of pancakes with syrup and butter, and sausage links, access Skutbitz Plaza (in front of the Fort Scott National Historic Site) from Main Street or National Avenue and head east.

Stay in the car, there will be curbside delivery.

A free-will offering will be collected at that time.

To view the info flyer, click below:

Drive-Thru_PancakeFeed

Government, Kansas

Governor Laura Kelly extends Stay-At-Home order

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As part of her administration’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #20-24, which extends the duration of the state’s Stay-At-Home order established in E.O. #20-16 to expire on midnight May 3.

 

“Cases of COVID-19 continue to increase and have spread to additional counties in Kansas. Extending the stay-home order will keep Kansans safe as we work to fight this pandemic,” the Governor said. “While we won’t be able to lift all restrictions on mass gatherings overnight, we will continue to develop mitigation efforts so Kansans, their families and businesses can plan for the future.”

 

The action was taken in collaboration with Governor Mike Parson of Missouri, as well as Kansas City metro leaders. The governor believes a regional approach will reduce confusion and help keep communities safe on both sides of the state line.

 

Governor Kelly also has been involved in discussion with Colorado Governor Jared Polis as a way to coordinate a plan for Western Kansas.

 

Between now and May 3, Governor Kelly also will consult with business leaders, health experts, economists and other industry and community leaders to determine the best path forward beyond that point, and re-open the Kansas economy safely and effectively.

 

The Kelly administration also will be highly focused on expanding testing capacity over the next two weeks so that rapid testing, contact tracing and isolation efforts can be used to prevent community spread and avoid overwhelming local healthcare providers.

 

Executive Order #20-24 can be found here.

Opinion

Give God His Rightful Place Of Honor by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

The following is a verbatim Facebook posting by Joe Hanson, although my research did not show the originator of these words: 

In three short months, just like He did with the plagues of Egypt, God has taken away everything we worship. God said, “You want to worship athletes, I will shut down the stadiums. You want to worship musicians, I will shut down Civic Centers.  You want to worship actors, I will shut down theaters. You want to worship money, I will shut down the economy and collapse the stock market. You don’t want to go to church and worship Me, I will make it where you can’t go to church”

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Maybe we don’t need a vaccine, Maybe we need to take this time of isolation from the distractions of the world and have a personal revival where we focus on the ONLY thing in the world that really matters. Jesus.

I understand the author’s intent, but I have a different take on God using this virus as payback. We are naïve if we deny that in our generation, God has been dismissed, even though His first commandment lets us know that He has no intention of being given a standby role: “Thou shall have no other gods before me.” The real problem is that many Christians have a slew of delights, and Jesus does not top that list.

Yes, God has allowed this pandemic evil, but He did not initiate it or delight in it. He wants us to turn it into good. I am hearing of families who, for the first time in years, are eating together. If you’re like me, your email is filled with clever toilet paper slogans designed to make you laugh and prayer chain opportunities to bring you to your knees.

A group in Kansas City is making yard signs, thanking medical personnel and placing them along the entryways to hospitals, nursing homes and emergency facilities. Some contain scriptures, all to encourage and let these people know they are valued.

My dear friend Lael joined two other South Carolina neighbors on Palm Sunday as they sang together from their back yards and balconies. She admitted they did not sound like the YouTube balcony Italian opera singers, “but we raised our voices and hearts together.”

A relative is making face masks, using the pipe cleaners her neighbor shared with her, and Juliette, a friend from Massachusetts, organized an on-line talent competition as a fun distraction for local children and their families. She recruited judges for four categories (cooking, music, art and entertainment). Granted, her idea was far outside my realm of creativity, but children and parents were blessed because of her giftedness.

In California, the breakfast group of Howard’s, Dave’s buddy, has donated enough money for their favorite diner to supply lunch to the local firehouses and sheriff’s offices for a week. And this past Monday night, Fort Scott High School spring sports’ senior athletes and coaches turned on their stadium lights and stood outside their facilities (six-feet apart) while drivers in vehicles paraded by, honking their horns, as a sign of unity.

I could list many more examples of people turning this horrific evil into good, but the point is this: We can blame God, or we can blame ourselves for turning from Him and choose to be a blessing to others.

You and I both know which will help give God back His rightful place of honor.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of March 31 Special Meeting

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March 31, 2020 Tuesday 10:00 am-Special Meeting

The Bourbon County Commissioners met in open session for a special meeting, present by telephone were the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Kendell Mason.

Nick made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Kendell Mason). No action was taken.

Jeff made a motion to go into a 30 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Nick seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Shane Walker). After the session, Justin said they were discussing what the Courthouse operations would look like once the Courthouse re-opened.

Jeff made a motion to allow Lynne to have the ability to conduct meetings and do routine operations regarding the COVID-19 for the foreseeable future, Nick seconded, Justin said they are doing this to give Lynne the lead to facilitate issues as they come up, all approved the motion.

Justin Meeks said they hope to have another meeting scheduled by Friday of this week to discuss when to begin bringing employees back to work.

At 11:07, Nick made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

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
April 14, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Special Meeting of March 22

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March 22, 2020 6:30 pm

The Bourbon County Commissioners met via telephone for a special meeting at the Emergency Preparedness Department located at 221 S. Judson, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Present for the meeting via telephone were the Commissioners and Kendell Mason. Shane Walker, William Wallis and Justin Meeks were present at 221 S. Judson.

Lynne made a motion to open the special meeting, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lynne made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Shane Walker, William Wallis, Bill Martin, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). After the session, Rebecca Johnson with the SEK Multi County Health Department joined the meeting.

William Wallis read the following:

COVID 19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, on the 22nd day of March, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas declared there was a state of local public health emergency in Bourbon County, Kansas resulting in potential or occurring Pandemic known as COVID 19, in Bourbon County, Kansas; and

WHEREAS, such conditions endanger the public health, safety and welfare of persons within the borders of Bourbon County, Kansas.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County, Kansas:

That the state of local public health emergency in Bourbon County, Kansas declared on the 22nd day of March, 2020, shall continue and remain in effect until 60 days unless terminated earlier.

That the response and recovery aspects of all local disaster plans which are applicable to Bourbon County, Kansas and shall initiate the rendering of aid and assistance there under.

That any rights or powers lawfully exercised or any actions taken pursuant to local disaster emergency plans shall continue and have full force and effect as authorized by law for 60 days unless modified or terminated in the manner prescribed by law.

RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSISONERS OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS THIS 22nd, DAY OF March, 2020. Lynne made a motion to approve the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency Resolution, Nick seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion to give William Wallis (by Proxy) the authority to sign all of the names on the document, Nick seconded and all approved.

Lynne made a motion to add to the 3/23/2020 agenda a 30 minute executive session for non-elected personnel to protect their privacy, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lynne made a motion that the 3/23/2020 meeting be attended via phone by all, Jeff seconded and all approved. Lynne made a motion that none of the public attend the meeting, the meeting will be posted live on Facebook, Nick seconded and all approved.

Justin stated that at this time the Health Department is in charge of making any declarations.

At 7:00 pm, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.

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
April 14, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Special Meeting of March 24

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March 24, 2020 Tuesday 11:00 am – Special Meeting-Coronavirus

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting (via a video meeting), the Commissioners, Justin Meeks, Shane Walker and Kendell Mason were present for the meeting.

Justin Meeks stated that Bourbon County has no authority on decisions regarding what is considered essential or non-essential business. He said the SEK Multi County Health Department is making decisions in regards to those orders. If anyone has questions regarding this they should contact the SEK Multi County Health Department at (620)223-4464.

Nick made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Justin Meeks and Kendell Mason). After the session, Lynne stated that Bourbon County is in the process of working through issues at the Courthouse to help contain the Coronavirus. They are getting necessary work done to the Courthouse so that there will be limited contact with employees once the Courthouse opens back up to the public. They will be changing access points to protect both the employees and the public.

Lynne said in 2013 the Courthouse was closed due to a snow storm, at that time any hourly employee that was required to work during the snow storm was paid double time for worked hours; Lynne said KCAMP said paying double time could be changed by adopting a resolution.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 12-20 “The Board of County Commissioners of Bourbon County are changing the pay scale from double time to time and one half for worked hours for hourly employees that are designated essential and required to work during an emergency declaration.
Non-essential personnel are instructed to stay home during an emergency declaration.
If an employee would be required to work overtime during a disaster declaration, double time would be paid to an employee for overtime worked.
This Resolution is in effect starting at 12:00am on March 22, 2020”, Jeff seconded the motion, essential law enforcement, public works on an emergency basis, EMS and the Landfill are considered essential personnel. All approved and the motion passed. Lynne made a motion to assign Deb Schoenberger as the proxy for the Commissioners signatures on this Resolution, Jeff seconded and all approved.

Lynne said they were cancelling the meeting scheduled for 3/25/2020.

Lynne suggested that the public continue with social distancing, limit travel and stay safe regarding the Coronavirus.

Jeff discussed the growth rate for the Coronavirus, he said a single case of the Coronavirus in 20 days could grow to 2,131 cases if life goes on like normal and people do not follow the necessary guidelines to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

At 11:29, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

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
April 14, 2020, Approved Date

Bourbon County Local News