Federal Restrictions To Nursing Homes

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

New Federal Guidelines Increase Restrictions for Visitors to Nursing Homes

KDADS working quickly to ensure Kansas facilities following enhanced CMS guidelines

Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas Department for Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard today announced enhanced measures for state nursing facilities to protect residents from the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Over the weekend the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid announced aggressive new guidelines for nursing home safety,” Governor Kelly said. “Secretary Howard and her KDADS team are moving quickly to make sure Kansas facilities are strictly adhering to the guidelines.”

“Unfortunately, we’ve already had one fatality in a Kansas nursing home,” KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman said. “We need to take quick action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through our nursing facilities. Other state licensed residential facilities also are encouraged to revisit their screening, visitation and activity protocols in light of this nursing facility guidance.”

The new guidance:

Restricts all visitors, effective immediately, with exceptions for compassionate care, such as end-of-life situations;
Restricts all volunteers and nonessential health care personnel and other personnel (i.e. barbers);
Cancels all group activities and communal dining; and
Implements active screening of residents and health care personnel for fever and respiratory symptoms

In end of life cases, visitors will be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, and the visit will be limited to a specific room only.

“I understand the vital importance of keeping nursing home residents connected with their loved ones,” Howard said. “However, the rapid spread of COVID-19 through visitors and health care workers – as well as nursing home residents’ high risk – has made it necessary to restrict nonessential visitation in order to protect the health and safety of residents.”

KDADS, along with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is encouraging facilities to increase virtual communication between residents and families. Facilities should also keep residents’ loved ones informed about their care. Nursing homes also are expected to notify potential visitors to stop visitation until further notice through signage and other outreach like email and phone calls.

Anyone visiting a nursing home should be prepared to be screened for potential disease that would include questions about travel, potential exposure and taking temperatures.

Other recommendations for nursing homes include:

Putting hand sanitizer with 60 -95 percent alcohol in every resident room, both inside and outside;
Sinks should be well-stocked with soap and paper towels for hand washing;
Tissues and facemasks should be available for people who are coughing; and
Make necessary PPE available in areas where resident care is provided.

A full list of the guidance can be found here.

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

You also can call 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF).

Government, Kansas

March 16, 2020 Public Update COVID-19

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Situation Overview

KDHE continues to closely monitor an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19). The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but cases have been identified around the world including in the United States. The first case in the United States was announced January 21, 2020. Three new positive cases are announced in Johnson County today.
KDHE Response Activities
• Other labs in the state are beginning to test for COVID-19. These labs are asked to send all results to KDHE. KDHE will continue reporting/announcing results from these labs for Kansas cases.
• KDHE will update its website with the case information daily by noon.
• 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.
• KDHE has a phone-bank operation staffed Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. The phone number is 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF). KDHE also has an email address for general inquiries, [email protected]. Please note these contact numbers are for general questions and cannot provide you with medical evaluations. If you are feeling ill, please stay home and call your healthcare provider.

For more information: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Kansas Test Results

Updated 3/16/20 at Noon

Positive (confirmed)
11

(1 death included)
Negative
234

Positive Case Information
County Number

Johnson County
8
Wyandotte County
1
Butler County
1
Franklin County
1

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Utility Disconnects Suspended Until April 15

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

KCC issues emergency order suspending utility disconnects until April 15

Citing emergency declarations by Governor Laura Kelly, President Donald Trump and the World Health Organization, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to issue an order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until April 15. The action, taken in a special meeting this morning, will offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus.

The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.

“COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, and Kansans may face unexpected or unusual financial difficulties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “No one should have to worry about losing utility service needed to ensure public safety, which is why I am bringing every resource to bear to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Kansans step up in a time of need, and this is more proof.”

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.

Today’s order can be viewed on the Commission’s website: https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20200316105259.pdf?Id=88d5541d-695f-4b27-ae43-2ce44d20a94f.

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Events Postponed/Canceled Until March 31

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the following Chamber hosted events will be Postponed or Canceled until further notice up till March 31st, 2020.

Chamber Coffee 3/19 Cancel – Briggs
Chamber Coffee 3/26 Cancel – Smallville CrossFit

Chamber Annual Dinner & Award Celebration originally scheduled on 3/26 – POSTPONEDuntil further notice.

The CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.

Your health and safety will always be our priority!

The Offices of the Fort Scott Chamber & Visitor’s Center will be closed until further notice. Please call the Chamber to speak to Lindsay Madison, Executive Director or Rita Schroeder, Administrative Assistant at 620.223.3566 in regards to Chamber Events or visit our website to view

Community Event cancellations.

fortscott.com

We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support!

Fort Scott

FS Public Library Will Close March 17 For Undetermined Time

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Public Library will be closed Tuesday, March 17 and will remain closed for an undetermined amount of time in response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

After reviewing information from local, state, and federal agencies, we believe that temporarily closing the library and preventing the spread of infection may be the best way to serve our community.

We encourage you to keep library materials until the library reopens. If you wish to return materials, please place them in the library’s drop box.

We will renew items as they become due so that you won’t receive overdue notices or lose access to your account. If you do receive an overdue notice, please let us know by email at either [email protected] or [email protected], and we will renew the items.

All library events through April 1st have been cancelled.

We are not accepting book donations at this time.

Library staff encourage patrons to make the most of available online resources. The Library offers free options to download, stream, and learn on your device. See our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org for more information.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Thank you for your continued support of our community and our library.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Fiber Optic Coming to Uniontown, Continuing In Fort Scott

March 16, 2020 Loretta George 1 Comment

Conduit for the Craw-Kan Fiber Optic project sits on Uniontown City property on March 7.

Hi-speed internet is coming to Uniontown.

Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative, Girard, received a broadband internet loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has been stockpiling conduit and cable in Uniontown since late February 2020.

The new high-speed internet service will be provided to the 350 customers in Uniontown, Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan said.

Craig Wilbert, general manager of Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative.

“There will be no rate change,” Wilbert said.

Craw-Kan crews will be replacing copper lines, then connect to computers, phone, and cable TV, giving access to up to 1,000 gigabits per second.

A landline may be required as a prerequisite for internet service based on geographic location, call the cooperative at 620-724-8235 to check.

The benefits of the new project: getting the fastest available internet in the county, at an affordable rate, Wilbert said.

” Great for students and also makes working from home a reality,” Wilbert said.

The internet service will only be for Craw-Kan Cooperative members.

The Uniontown project will start late spring 2020. “when the weather dries out a bit” and won’t be complete until mid to late 2021, Wilbert said.

The cooperative received a Rural Utilities Services loan which requires contractors to be certified by an engineering company that has demonstrated the ability to complete a project this large. Any contractor meeting this condition can bid on the job, Wilbert said.

To learn about Craw-Kan prices:

https://ckt.net/service/internet/

Materials are ready for the Uniontown Fiber Optic project.

Fort Scott Fiber Optic Project

Craw-Kan has also been replacing internet copper lines in Fort Scott, in preparation for service there.

Uniontown will all be done at the same time as the Fort Scott project and will be cut over to be in service at the same time, Wilbert said.

“The Fort Scott project is about one-half done,” Wilbert said. “There is a central office on National Avenue where our equipment is.

“The west side of Ft. Scott is nearly complete,” he said.” I anticipate about 12 more months for the rest of the city to be completed. We do it in sections so services will be available in chunks of territories as they are completed.”

Why does a project like this take so long?

” Mainly it is a matter of cost,” Wilbert said. “Ft. Scott will end up being a several million dollar project and the Cooperative simply does not have the financial means to complete a city the size of Ft. Scott in one year. The second reason is the scope of the project. It is similar to replacing every water or electric line in town. We are passing every home and business within the city limits. That’s a lot of fiber to bury! Definitely worth the wait.”

The life expectancy of fiber optic lines is 40 years, Wilbert said.

Craw-Kan Expanding Business Customers

The projects are the result of declining populations in rural areas nationwide, he said. This was affecting the Craw-Kan business negatively.

“We needed to find new business,” Wilbert said. “We decided to find non-members of the coop, they are strictly customers.”

They received requests from Mound City, St.Paul, Pittsburg and Fort Scott and those projects are completed, he said.

Workers from Bob Hull, Inc., Frankfurt, KS unload fiber optic cable in Uniontown on Feb. 29.

Business

Jody Hoener attends fab lab maker space boot camp

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

In an effort to explore innovative opportunities for business retention, growth and development, Jody Hoener, Economic Development, recently joined a group of her peers at a “fab lab boot camp” in Independence, Kansas.

Hosted by Fab Lab ICC on the campus of Independence Community College March 3-5, “Maker Space Boot Camp: How to Build A Fab Lab from Ground Zero,” offered insights into the challenges and successes experienced by the organization, as well as its impact on the local economy and community culture since opening in 2014. Named with the abbreviated term for “fabrication laboratory,” Fab Lab ICC is a creative maker-space facility offering tools, technology and education to budding entrepreneurs, students, hobbyists, small business owners and innovators of all ages. The Independence facility emphasizes the integration of entrepreneurial mindset education with the hands-on creative process.

The boot camp attracted economic development professionals and community leaders from across Kansas and Missouri and included presentations by local entrepreneurs and business leaders; facility tours; and interactive “making” sessions allowing participants to experiment with the lab’s production equipment. The group also toured the fab lab’s recently opened expansion building, a 6,400-square-foot-facility offering space for maker equipment, work stations and entrepreneur collaboration.

The maker space boot camp event was facilitated by Fab Lab ICC Director Jim Correll, a longtime entrepreneur coach, and Fab Lab Manager and ICC instructor Tim Haynes.

“The boot camp was an eye-opening experience that solidified the hypothesis that a fab lab can unlock unlimited potential for creativity and entrepreneurial development,” Hoener said. “Moreover, as the Independence community has realized, such a facility ultimately can achieve a positive, sustainable and significant impact on the local economy. The possibilities really are limitless.”

More information on the Fab Lab ICC community boot camp experience and future offerings is available by contacting Correll at 620-252-5349/[email protected].

# # #

About Fab Lab ICC

Fab Lab ICC opened in October 2014 on the campus of Independence Community College in Independence, Kansas. It is a creative “maker” space where students and community members find tools and resources to bring their ideas to life through hands-on production and entrepreneurial education. Fab Lab ICC is a member of the International Fab Lab Network.

Fort Scott, Government

No Municipal Court March 19

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2020

Due to COVID-19, Municipal Court, which was to be held on Thursday, March 19^th, 2020, will be cancelled and rescheduled. If you are scheduled for court this Thursday, a letter will be mailed to you giving you a new court date. If you have questions, please call 620-223-0550 and ask for the Municipal Court Clerk, Diane Clay.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please call City Hall if you have questions.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Shape Your Future: 2020 Census

March 16, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

K-State Research and Extension Southwind District

Family Consumer Science News Column

Joy Miller

620-223-3720 or [email protected]

Census Day is April 1, 2020, the formal beginning of the 2020 U.S. Census. All Kansas households will receive an invitation with instructions by mail between March 12th-20th. Data collection continues through July 2020.

The U.S. government uses the population data to help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states, counties, and communities for ten years. Participation in the 2020 Census ensures your community is represented fairly and receives their share annually. This could mean more funding for your schools, roads and highways, public health, affordable housing programs, and so much more.

Who Should Respond to the Census? EVERYONE! Your participation is important, essential, major, meaningful. How do I respond to the census? The Census Bureau will offer the census form in four ways:

Online: 2020 marks the first year you will have the opportunity to respond to the census online using a computer or smartphone. Online census responses are secure and cost-effective. Not only that, but a user-friendly interface offers help screens and the chance to review your responses before submitting.

Over the telephone: All invitations will provide a toll-free phone number so you may choose to respond to the census from the convenience of your phone.

Using a paper form: You may also wait (until mid-April) to receive a hard copy of your 2020 Census questionnaire. If you choose to respond using the paper form, fill out your questionnaire and drop it off at your mailbox or post office.

By responding to a census enumerator: Census enumerators, also referred to as census takers, conduct non-response follow-ups in an effort to ensure an accurate count. Households that do not respond via online, phone, or mail will be contacted at their residential door by census enumerators for in-person interviews.

The Census Bureau will NOT call or email you.

What questions will be asked on the 2020 Census? The survey is ten questions and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Name
Relationship to householder
Phone number
Household tenure (own/rent)
Age

Number of people in household
Sex
Usual place of residence
Race
Hispanic origin

For more information and insights into the 2020 Census, visit census.gov. Follow us on Facebook (Southwind Extension) and join us Tuesday, March 31st for Facebook Live to learn more about the Census, how it is used, and the potential impact on your community.