Opinion

Social Distancing By Pastor James Collins

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“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Cavalier! Irresponsible! Crazy! Nose-picking Moron! Those are just some of the adjectives that people used to describe me this past week because I refused to cancel church services in the light of the corona-virus outbreak. A pastor, who I thought was a friend, said, “James, it is extremely stupid and reckless of you to continue with church services.” Then he added, “Don’t you know one out of every four people are going to die from this virus?” I was shocked by his statement and asked, “Where did you get that statistic?” He said, “From Facebook…” Are we really starting to believe everything someone posts on social media?

Perhaps I am being naïve. I have never had to pastor a church through a pandemic before. It seems no matter what I do, some people will be upset. If I close the church, people will say I should have stayed open. If I stay open, people will say I should have closed. Changes beyond our control are forcing me to wrestle with difficult circumstances that have no easy solutions. Answers only raise more questions.

Last Tuesday, Kansas Governor, Laura Kelly, issued Executive Order 20-04 which prohibited mass gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19. However, “religious gatherings” are exempt from this order as long as “attendees can engage in appropriate social distancing.” I told one of my deacons that we could have church if we engaged in social distancing. He shouted, “Glory! Halleluiah! I don’t have to sit by my wife!”

Anyway, as I have thought about it, I have realized that only atheists and the devil will be happy with church closing. I don’t have a friend in either of those camps. So, after much prayer and consideration, I have decided to continue having Sunday Services. I fully understand that government officials are telling us the circumstances are bleak. However, if you think federal, state, or local governments can deliver you from anything, just consider the current situation. Politicians are ineptly trying to solve issues that God can solve if we would just call on Him.

Am I too naïve? Well, have you asked Jesus Christ into your life? If not, don’t knock it till you try it.

The point is: Thank God, Jesus didn’t engage in social distancing. God entered into history in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus went to an old rugged cross where He bled and died for your sins. He was buried and laid dead in a tomb for three days and nights. But He rose from the dead. He defeated, death, hell, and the grave. And if you turn from your sins and turn to Christ as Savior and Lord, you can have eternal life. You can have a peace that passes all understanding. You can have a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind.

I believe that people need Jesus now more than ever. So, I will continue to preach Jesus. This Sunday in church, I will preach Jesus. Until the Lord comes back or calls me home, I will preach Jesus. Even if the government declares martial law (which they might) and locks me up, I will preach Jesus. Even in jail, I will preach Jesus.

I wonder if the jail guards know the words to “There’s power in the blood.”

Don’t keep a social distance from Jesus. Come to Christ today and be saved.

James Collins is the Senior Pastor at First Southern Baptist Church. Find out more about First Southern at the webpage www.fortscottfsbc.com.

Business, Fort Scott

Grand Opening Postponed: Old Fort Auto

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Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Old Fort Auto
will be “POSTPONED”
until further notice.
DUE TO THE CDC REGULATIONS OF GATHERINGS OF 10 OR MORE PEOPLE, WE UNFORTUNATELY HAVE TO CANCEL THE ORIGINAL DATE OF MONDAY, MARCH 23RD & RESCHEDULE FOR A LATER DATE.
WE WILL NOTIFY THE COMMUNITY WHEN WE ARE ABLE TO CELEBRATE THIS NEW BUSINESS TO DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
213 Scott Ave. in the
Downtown Historic District
Business partners Rich Aydelotte &
Matt Harvey will be eager
to meet everyone, and share their
business & community goals!
Featuring used cars, trucks & SUV’s!
Click here to visit them on Facebook,
Click here to visit their website!
Government, Kansas

KDA Reduces Staff

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Kansas Department of Agriculture Plans for Reduced Staff

MANHATTAN, Kan. —  At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Agriculture will be activating its Continuity of Operations Plan to work with a limited staff beginning March 23. The headquarters in Manhattan — as well as the field offices in Garden City, Parsons, Stafford, Stockton and Topeka — will all be closed to the public until further notice.

 

The agency’s primary mission areas and essential functions will continue, with a focus on maintaining the continuity of the food supply chain, protecting public health and safety, and protecting animal health.

 

“The farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses of Kansas are an integral part of the economic backbone of the state, as well as key to providing the food supply for the state and the nation,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “We will continue to provide support for these critical services.”

 

Messages left at the KDA main phone line (785-564-6700) will be returned as quickly as possible. Contact information for key KDA program areas, as well as other resources and ag-related guidance documents, can be found at agriculture.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

 
Government, Health Care

KDHE Mandates For Travelers, Confirmed Cases and Those Being Tested

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

March 20, 2020

Our offices currently are and have been monitoring the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time there are NO confirmed cases reported in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, or Woodson County. The SEK Multi-County Health Departments have been preparing for outbreaks and will continue working closely with local, state and federal partners to monitor, respond and inform the public of any potential threat.

On 3/18/2020 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued new mandates surrounding COVID-19, including travelers, close contacts of confirmed cases and those being tested.

Our Public Health Officer strongly recommends 14 day quarantine IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS ON OR AFTER MARCH 15:

  • Johnson County, KS
  • California, Florida, New York and Washington state
  • Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties in Colorado in the week prior to March 15 or after.
  • Traveled on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
  • Traveled internationally
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case. (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)

The Public Health Officer is continuing to recommend that essential businesses remain open and non-essential businesses close if you are able, and/or practice social distancing.

If you are able to stay home from work, the Public Health Officer recommends you do so. Everyone, especially school aged children, should limit contact with others and use their best judgement.

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of Breath

DO NOT go to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department without calling prior to arrival

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19 OR HAVE RETURNED FROM AN AREA WITH KNOWN CASES:

  • Remain at home

  • Call your local clinic/family physician’s office for questions regarding testing or your County Health Department.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OR ARE IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS:

  • Call your local clinic/family physician’s office OR 911, where you will receive further instructions.

Tips:

  • Stay away from people who are ill
  • If you have a compromised immune system or are considered a vulnerable population avoid face to face time and practice social distancing
  • Stay home if sick
  • Practice personal hygiene habits including handwashing, covering your cough, and avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
  • For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Allen County: (620)365-2191 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm; Anderson County: (785)448-6559 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm; Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm ; Woodson County: (620)625-2484 Monday-Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm OR
  • You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at : http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
Government, Kansas

Vital Statistics Closed For Walk-Ins

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Vital Statistics Services to Remain Open, Closed for Walk-In Service

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that its Vital Statistics Office functions will continue online and via telephone during the two-week closure of state offices beginning March 23. Walk-in service will not be available during this time.

 

Those needing vital records can visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/vital to order via online, phone or mobile app.

Government, Kansas

Corrections Plans For Services

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Kansas Department of Corrections Plans for Continued Public Safety Services

TOPEKA, Kan. – At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) announced today which functions of the agency would remain open, and which would close, to help minimize additional risk of exposure to COVID-19.

 

As the KDOC is a public safety agency, most functions of the agency will remain operational throughout the two-week closure.

 

“I want to reassure the public that our commitment to the safety of this state will continue,” Jeff Zmuda, KDOC Secretary, said. “We will continue to meet the needs of those that we serve while keeping them and our staff healthy and safe.”

 

State prisons will continue operations, including most offender programming. Some staff will be working from home and some placed on paid administrative leave, as directed by Kelly.

 

Parole offices will be closed during this time, but supervision of offenders in the community will continue with staff working remotely.

 

KDOC’s Central Office will be closed to visitors during this time, but the office’s core services will continue.

 

For more information and resources related to COVID-19, including symptoms and tips for prevention, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/.

 

Government, Kansas

March 20, 2020 Public Update COVID-19 Situation Overview

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Situation Overview
• This document is updated every afternoon and available on www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.
• KDHE has created a toolkit of Kansas-specific guidance to help local public health departments engage with their community partners on COVID-19 planning. It can be found on the KDHE website: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus. New information is added daily.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus
2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results

Updated 3/20/20 at 10 a.m.

Total Positive Cases
44
Private Labs
17
Kansas Health and Environmental Lab
27

Deaths (included in above numbers)
1

Out-of-State Resident Positive Cases
(not counted in Kansas numbers)
2

Positive Case Information
County Number

Butler County
2
Leavenworth County
2
Cherokee County
1
Linn County
1
Douglas County
1
Morris County
2
Franklin County
1
Sedgwick
1
Jackson County
1
Wyandotte
9
Johnson County
23
* Ford and Miami Counties reported positive cases in out-of-state residents. Numbers included in cases home states. 2

Government, Kansas

Online Mobile Services For KS Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

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Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Offers Online, Mobile Services

 

PRATT – While Kansas state parks, fishing lakes and wildlife areas will remain open to the public, effective March 23, 2020, all Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices will close for two weeks to prevent potential spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. KDWPT staff plan to resume essential business activities beginning April 6. Until then, outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas can benefit from the department’s online and mobile services, which offer nearly all of the same purchasing and reservation services available in-office, without risk.

 

Licenses and Permits

Kansas hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased electronically from kshuntfishcamp.com, at most license vendors, and through KDWPT’s mobile app – HuntFish KS.

 

State Park Reservations

All Kansas state parks remain open, and campsites, cabins and yurts can be reserved online through ReserveAmerica.com and KDWPT’s mobile app – CampIt KS.

 

Boat Registrations

All vessels powered by motor (gasoline, diesel or electric) or sail must be registered and numbered in Kansas. A registration is valid for three years from date of purchase.

  • To register a vessel for the first time, complete the “Application for Certificate of Number Kansas Boating Act Form” here, https://ksoutdoors.com/Boating/Registering-Your-Boat. Then, mail it with the $42.50 registration fee to: KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, Attn: Boat Registration, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.
  • To renew a boat registration, visit kshuntfishcamp.com and click “Boat Renewal.”

 

Nonresident Deer Draw Applications

The application period for the 2020 Kansas nonresident deer draw is April 1-24. Applications can be made online here, https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com/signinWithIdentifierAndDob.page.

 

Visit ksoutdoors.com for frequently-asked questions at this time, and other information that will make your time outdoors more enjoyable – like a day spent fishing. Anglers should check out the Fishing Forecast page to find the best places to catch the kind and size of fish they prefer. If you just want to catch fish, type “Whatever’s Biting” into the search box for a list of the top 20 lakes and reservoirs that give you the best chance to catch a fish. And district fisheries newsletters are also great sources of information for anglers. They can be found by clicking “News,” then “All Agency Newsletters.” You can even sign up to have the newsletters emailed directly to you.

Bourbon County

DCF Service Centers to Close Until Further Notice; Key Services Continue

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DCF prioritizes abuse/neglect cases and safety net services

 

At the direction of Governor Laura Kelly, all Department for Children and Families service centers will close to the public, until further notice, beginning Monday, March 23. While the public won’t be able to access buildings, the agency’s core services will continue.

 

“Our mission is to protect children and strengthen families,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “Our essential staff will continue the important work of investigating abuse and neglect allegations and processing applications for vital assistance programs.”

 

Core services continuing during the shutdown include:

  • The Kansas Protection Report Center (KPRC) will continue taking reports of abuse/neglect
  • Both child and adult protection workers will continue to receive and respond to abuse reports
  • Foster care operations
  • Eligibility workers will continue to process food, cash, LIEAP and child care assistance applications
  • Disability Determination Services continue; and
  • Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will continue operations.

 

“We are taking prudent measures to make sure our employees are safe during this time,” Howard said. “While it might take us a bit longer to process an application, we do not anticipate any major interruptions or delays in our core services.

 

Additionally, we are committed to receiving and responding to reports of abuse/neglect. We may do some of those investigations virtually when possible, but be assured, we’ll work with our law enforcement partners to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe.”

 

Kansans also can expect no interruption in child support operations. While DCF child support workers will be on administrative leave, agency contractors will continue their work.

 

There are several ways for Kansans to connect with DCF during the next two weeks. If someone suspects abuse or neglect, they should call the KPRC at 1-800-922-5330. They also can report allegations online at http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/KIPS/KIPSWebIntake.aspx.

 

Those needing to apply for services like food, cash or child care assistance can apply online at www.dcf.ks.gov. Paper applications also will be available outside each DCF service center across the state. Completed applications can be left in drop boxes outside each service center or mailed to local  service center.

 

Kansans who need to report a change or need to provide information about their case can email or mail their local DCF service center. They also can see if their benefits have been processed by going to ebtEDGE at www.ebtedge.com.

 

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. March 31, 2020. Each DCF region also will have a dedicated emergency service phone number.

 

 

In the Wichita region call 316-337-7222.

 

In the Kansas City region call 1-888-369-4777.

In the East Region call 785-296-2500.

In the West Region call 785-462-6760 ext. 206.

 

DCF encourages Kansans to monitor the agency’s Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest information about office access and services.

 

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

Government, Kansas

Kansas State Parks, Fishing Lakes to Remain Open to the Public: Get Outside

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PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has developed a plan to keep Kansas’ 28 state parks, 63 state fishing lakes, and more than 100 wildlife areas open to the public during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, KDWPT’s online and mobile sales options allow Kansans to purchase the licenses, permits and reservations they need without risk of exposure to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

 

“We’re committed to ensuring Kansas outdoors remain accessible to all, and that Kansans have safe and healthy recreation opportunities during this unprecedented crisis,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “There’s no better place to be right now than out in nature, where social distancing is a breeze. We encourage families across the state to get outside, get fresh air, go fishing or for a hike, and enjoy our natural spaces.”

 

Beginning March 23, 2020, KDWPT will temporarily close regional and district offices for two weeks; however, state park staff will work in limited capacities to ensure Kansas’ state parks remain open to the public, and that park facilities are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Though often adjoined, KDWPT state parks are separate from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) facilities, which will be closed. Visitors can locate an open KDWPT state park nearest them by visiting ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations.

 

Thanks to the advent of KDWPT’s mobile apps – CampIt KS and HuntFish KS – visitors can reserve campsites, purchase fishing licenses, renew boat registrations and check rules and regulations all from their mobile devices, removing the need for in-person transactions at KDWPT offices. Licenses can be printed on home desktop printers or most can be stored as PDFs within the apps on mobile devices.

 

Kansas state parks offer 10,000 campsites and hundreds of miles of trails open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Parks offer convenient access for boating and fishing, and some parks have shooting ranges. Small, family-friendly state fishing lakes are scattered across the state and provide more than 5,000 total surface acres of fishing opportunities close to home.

 

All public land regulations and license requirements remain in effect. Check with local governments for access restrictions to community lakes and USACE-operated parks.

 

For more on Kansas state parks, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com. For more information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for daily updates, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website at kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

Area News, Fort Scott Community College

Larry Shead Retiring From FSCC

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Larry Shead. Submitted photo.
Larry Shead, 69,  instructor at Fort Scott Community College will retire in May.
A  teacher of computer science classes at the college for the last 20 years,  Shead worked in private business, then as principal of a local school and began his career at FSCC in 2000.
Even though his college degree is in mathematics, his involvement in his church got him into eduction.
“When our church started Faith Christian Academy and our children attended there, I was involved as a parent,” he said. “Later, I was involved as the principal of the school.”
” I have several preachers and teachers in my ancestry.,” Shead said. “However,  my children are the main reason I got involved in education.  I believe that children get a much better education when their parents are involved in their education.  All of my grandchildren are being home-schooled by their parents.  They are very involved.”
“When my family moved to Garland from Joplin, in 1978, I had a job as a computer programmer at the Western Insurance Companies,” Shead said.  “After that, I worked for Midwestern Distribution for a short period, then Farm and Home in Nevada.  I got more into education after that as the Principal of Faith Christian Academy for 10 years.  I taught at FSCC as a night time adjunct instructor while working at the Western.  In 2000, I began as a full-time employee at FSCC and soon became the Computer Science teacher when Dennis Smirl retired.”
Shead attended  Arcadia High School, then graduated from Pittsburg  High School, Pittsburg, before earning a  Bachelor of Science – Mathematics from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. and also attended  Ozark Christian College for one year. He received a Master of Arts in Education from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK.
His hometown is Arcadia, KS and has been married to his wife, Vickie for 47 years.
They have four married children-Mark (Haley) Shead, Fort Scott, Michael (Chrisi) Shead, Chichicastenango, Guatemala; Maria (Clayton) Whitson, Garland, KS; Mitzi (Joel) Ray, Tulsa, OK and  20 grandchildren.
His community involvement is Faith Church on the prayer team; Bourbon County Republican Central Committee; Christians on Campus Faculty Sponsor;  and International Student Coordinator at FSCC.
The best part of teaching  for Shead is  graduation, he said.  “Seeing these young people having completed their associate’s degree, or certificate and moving on to the next phase of life!”
The greatest challenge for Shead has been keeping students attention., he said.  “This age of gadgets has many distractions even in the classroom.”
” Some people ask me what I will do when I retire,” Shead said. ” I tell them, I have a farm.  I will not lack for something to do.  As my wife and I made a short trip recently, we made a list of items we need to do on our farm.   Also, our family in Guatemala has a new baby we have not seen.  We plan to make a trip to see them.  Hanging out with grandchildren is big on the list, too.”
Government, Kansas

State Reassures Public on Safety of Tap Water During COVID-19 Outbreak

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Topeka, KS – As the COVID-19 crisis continues to develop and reports of bottled water shortages make headlines, the Kansas Water Office and Kansas Department of Health and Environment want to remind Kansans the drinking water provided by our public water supply systems is free of viruses and other pathogens.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state’s public water supply systems remain a safe and affordable way to access the water needed for drinking, cooking and maintaining personal hygiene during the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Kansans can and should continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual as COVID-19 is not present in drinking water supplies. Disinfection processes like those practiced by public water systems provide protection that includes filtration and disinfection of our raw water supplies. These treatments are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses.

“The state shares a deep understanding of the importance of a reliable, good quality of water and wastewater services in our daily lives and during a public health crisis,” Kansas Water Office Director Earl Lewis said. “There isn’t a need to switch your normal routine or increase purchase of bottled water to address COVID-19.”

“The track record of our municipal water systems and rural water districts in delivering good drinking water that complies with the federal health-based standards has been consistently outstanding,” Tom Stiles, Director of the Bureau of Water at KDHE, said.  “For all the worries swirling about with COVID-19, the quality of your drinking water isn’t one of them.”

These are challenging times for our state and nation, but despite the many uncertainties regarding COVID-19, Kansans should take comfort in the fact that the virus does not spread through drinking water supplies. Our state’s public water supply systems remain committed to the uninterrupted delivery of clean and safe drinking water for the duration of this crisis and beyond.

 

For more information on COVID-19 visit the Kansas Department for Health and Environment’s Resource Center at: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus

 

 

Bourbon County Local News