Members of the USD 234 Board of Education met on Saturday, March 21, for a special virtual meeting.
President David Stewart opened the meeting. The board discussed the learning needs of our students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The board adjourned.
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Fort Scott VA
Submitted by Carl Jowers
There is a sign on the Fort Scott VA Clinic
“We are working behind closed doors. Access is limited for all outside visitors. For your safety and the safety of our staff, we are taking extra precautions.
PLEASE PHONE US IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE.
620-223-8655. Extensions 54751 or 54762.”
I could not get a clear understanding about what local health care services are available for our area Veterans. When I requested an email detailing what local services are still available, I was referred to VA Public Relations in Topeka. I have contacted the VA Public Relations Departemnt and left a voicemail asking for information on what local health care services available for our Veterans.
Also, the VA shuttle service to Topeka and KC has been suspended for the indefinite future.
As more information becomes available, I will share it with you.
Remember to check Post 25 Facebook for updates as well.
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Public Health Mandates March 21
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson County, Kansas
PRESS RELEASE:
NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19
UPDATED: 3/21/20, 5:00PM
March 21, 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 MANDATES a 14 day quarantine IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS ON OR AFTER MARCH 15:
- 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.)
Our Public Health Officer STRONGLY RECOMMENDS a 14 day quarantine IF YOU HAVE TRAVELED TO: JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS OR ANY CITY WITHIN ITS BORDERS
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 COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463
- You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at : http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
Social Distancing By Pastor James Collins
“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.
Grand Opening Postponed: Old Fort Auto
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KDA Reduces Staff
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.
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KDHE Mandates For Travelers, Confirmed Cases and Those Being Tested
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
Vital Statistics Closed For Walk-Ins
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.
Corrections Plans For Services
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/.
March 20, 2020 Public Update COVID-19 Situation Overview
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
Online Mobile Services For KS Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
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.
- Purchase a license or permit from kshuntfishcamp.com by clicking “Licenses and Applications.”
- To find a license vendor nearest you, visit ksoutdoors.com, click “Licenses and Permits,” then “Locations to buy Licenses/Permits by County.”
- To download the HuntFish KS mobile app to your Android device, visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aspiraconnect.hf.ks. To download the HuntFish KS mobile app to your Apple/iOS device, visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/huntfish-ks/id1456586235?ls=1.
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.
- View available campgrounds and make a reservation through ReserveAmerica.com by entering “Kansas” into the search bar. Select the down arrow next to “Filters.” Under “Interest In,” select “Campgrounds.” Under “Facility Type,” select “State,” then click “Apply Filters.”
- To download the CampIt KS mobile app to your Android device, visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aspiraconnect.ra.ks. To download the CampIt KS mobile app to your Apple/iOS device, visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/campit-ks/id1449813035?ls=1.
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.
DCF Service Centers to Close Until Further Notice; Key Services Continue
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.