Kansas child deaths hit record low in 2021
Kansas child deaths hit record low in 2021, annual report shows
TOPEKA – (Oct. 3, 2023) -– Child deaths hit a record low in 2021, despite an increase in the number of child homicides and fentanyl overdoses, according to a report released today by the State Child Death Review Board of Kansas.
The board’s annual report analyzed the deaths of Kansas children (birth through 17years old) that occurred in calendar year 2021, the most recent year for which data is available.
“Within the three decades that the State Child Death Review Board has been in in existence, more than 12,000 deaths of Kansas children have been examined. The data provided in this report is critical to our understanding of why children are dying,” said Sara Hortenstine, the board’s executive director. “We know that behind each of these statistics are the stories of children who lost their lives too soon, families who are still grieving, and communities that will be impacted forever. We must learn from these difficult circumstances and take action to prevent future deaths of Kansas children.”
Overall, the report showed Kansas had 349 child fatalities in 2021, compared with 365 in 2020. The overall child death rate in 2021 was 49.6 deaths per 100,000 population, both the lowest number and rate of death since the board was created in 1994.
The rate of deaths due to natural causes declined in the last five years, the report revealed. In 2021, 100-plus fewer children died of natural causes compared to 2018. Despite the overall decreasing number of child deaths in Kansas, homicides, weapon-related deaths, and drug-related deaths in children has shown an alarming increase.
Thirty-two children died from homicide in 2021 compared to only 22 child homicides in 2020, a 45% increase. The report also indicates drug-related deaths increased significantly in the past two years. While no children died in 2017, 2018, and 2019 from fentanyl, 20 kids died from fentanyl overdoses in 2020 and 2021.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 500,000 people of all ages died from overdoses involving both illicit and prescribed use of opioids from 1999-2019. In recent years, both nationally and in Kansas, the data has shown an increase in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While fentanyl is a prescription drug, it is also manufactured illegally. Frequently it is incorporated into illicitly manufactured pressed pills and mixed with other substances without the knowledge of the end user.
“My office is committed to preventing every preventable death of a child. This report shows a dramatic increase in fentanyl deaths in 2020 and 2021 as compared with previous years. We are using every tool at our disposal to deal with this threat,” Kobach said.
In addition to policy recommendations, the report includes prevention points that families can use to decrease the likelihood of a child’s death.
The board is a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency volunteer board organized by law within the attorney general’s office to examine trends and patterns that identify risk factors in the deaths of children, from birth through 17 years of age. The report is available on the attorney general’s website at https://ag.ks.gov/scdrb.
###
What is the Hunter’s Moon Telling Us?
Special Night Sky Program
Saturday, October 28, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site will share stories and a closer look at October’s full Hunter’s, or Hunting, Moon. The program will begin just after the moonrise at 6:30 pm and telescope viewing begins just after twilight at 7 pm.
Look up to the same October Hunter’s Moon as it ushers in fall and winter, discussing what it could mean to you and your family as people have done for centuries on the American frontier. Then look closer at the next frontier on our moon and other planets, or last frontier of deep space.
The Kansas Astronomical Observers will join Park Rangers with their telescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars sharing how you can take a closer look at our moon from your own back yard.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Camber Coffee at Gordon Parks Museum on Oct. 5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Road Trails Recreation Park Celebrates 20 Years in Bourbon County
David Killion, Lenexa, is the founder of Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, located on 130th Road in northern Bourbon County.
The property is 380 acres of rugged terrain, that Killion and a group of volunteers have made into miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and utility terrain vehicles.
The terrain consists of wooded hills, rugged rock ledges, and open fields with trails varying in difficulty.
At the recent Saturday morning Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee, he explained how he came to purchase the property.
“This 220-acre property came for sale and we met with the owners,” Killion said. “We signed a 15-year lease on the property. Seven years in, the owner passed away.” The owner’s family then sold the acreage to Killion. Then he talked to neighbors and was able to purchase an additional 160 acres.
Since its inception in 2003, Killion and a group of people mostly from the Kansas City area have built a pavilion, playground, air pump stations, picnic shelters/grills, handicapped accessible toilets, a campground with shower facilities, and recreational vehicle parking.
The park is run by a board of directors.
Almost every amenity built at the recreation park was supplied by grants and volunteer labor, with some hired contractor’s help, said Keith Monroe, one of the park’s board of directors.
Kansas Rocks is a fee-usage park, with entry fees for the driver and the vehicle, with an additional fee for passengers over 12 years old.
Pricing
Daily Pass
1 Day $25
2 Days $45
3 Days $55
Daily Pass – Passengers 12y/o+
1 Day $5
2 Days $10
3 Days $15
Hiking & Mountain Biking
1 Day $5
2 Days $10
3 Days $15
Annual Pass
Per calendar year $125
No all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles, or horses are allowed in the park.
To view the rules of the park: https://www.ksrockspark.com/park-rules-regulations/
In addition to the trails, there are events planned throughout the year at the park.
The next Kansas Rocks event is the 20th Anniversary Celebration Event, on Oct. 14.
Registration is $40 at the gate, per vehicle, to include day entry, day activities, a blindfolded spotters competition, a King/Queen of Carnage Canyon competition, and more.
There will be a limited number of meal tickets for sale for $10 each.
Friday, Oct. 13, gates will open at noon for weekend camping spaces, must be reserved at the website: ksrockspark.com. Camping is available on Friday and Saturday.
There are shower facilities available.
Saturday, Oct. 14, the gates open at 8 a.m.
8 am-7:30 pm: The trails are open.
8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.: There are hidden trinkets in the park.
“Find ‘em and turn ‘em in at the office for your prize of shirts, hats, candy, and more,” Killion said
9:30 am-noon: There is the Carnage Canyon Showcase. “Come throw your hat in for a chance to win a lifetime annual pass or King/Queen of the Canyon sign with your name placed at the top of the canyon. Spectators can vote on their favorite.
There is a 20-person entry limit: the first 20 people to email [email protected] will be entered.
1 pm-4 pm: Spot the Blindfolded Driver Competition, located by the rock pile, upfront.
Two classes:
- The best club driver and spotter: both get a five-year annual pass.
The winning club also receives five Annual Passes for 2024.
CLUBS: 1 team entry per club, 10 team limit, email us who will represent the club @ [email protected]
- The best buddy driver and spotter. “Grab who you trust and show us how it is done! Winning driver and spotter get LIFETIME ANNUAL PASS to KRocks,” Killion said.
“There is a 10-team limit, sign-up day of the event at the park – if we receive more than 10 team entries, we will draw to see who gets to compete,” he said.
1:30-4:30 p.m.: There will be a bounce house for the kids by the pavilion.
5 pm: The dinner will be served at the pavilion.
5:45 pm: Guest speakers and winners from the day events will be announced.
7:45 pm: There will be a movie in the park, The Sandlot movie. The audience is asked to bring lawn chairs, blankets, drinks, and popcorn will be served.
The park is open for regular business on Sunday, October 15.
Other upcoming events:
Nov. 10-12 is Veteran’s Appreciation- Vets and First Responders get in free and can also enjoy free camping for the weekend.
December 9 is Wheelin’ for Toys- Get in for the day for only $15 if you bring a new toy for the kids.
The annual Frostbite event is the last Saturday of February.
Beginner Off-Road 101 classes are offered throughout the year.
Jill Warford: The 2023 Inaugural Learning Tree Award
Jill Warford, Former Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director, will be the recipient of the “Gordon Parks Learning Tree Award” at the annual celebration tribute dinner on October 7th, 2023 in Fort Scott, Kansas.
The Learning Tree Award was established in May of 2023 in Parks’ honor to be given annually at the Celebration Tribute Dinner.
Named after Gordon’s semi-autobiographical novel and film of the same name, this powerful story tells of a young man growing into manhood in the 1920’s while dealing with racism, poverty, tragic events and love. The story is also of a mother who places love, dignity and hard work over hatred. She teaches him about life lessons learned and allows Cherokee Flats to be his Learning Tree.
“The Learning Tree Award” is an award created to recognize an individual that is either emerging in the field of arts with exceptional artistic merit, supporting and promoting of the arts, or championing of the arts by their outstanding dedication, perseverance, commitment to excellence in their community.
“We are very excited to have Jill as the inaugural recipient of this award,” said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director.
Jill Warford was hired in January of 2004 by Fort Scott Community College to assist with Alumni and Advancement and to develop a way to honor Fort Scott native Gordon Parks. She brought with her a wealth of experience with past positions in alumni, development, public relations, graphic design, and as the director of the William Inge Theatre Festival at Independence Community College. She had developed a relationship with Gordon Parks when he was honored at the Inge Festival in 1996 and with his blessing, she founded and directed the annual Gordon Parks Celebration, which launched in October of 2004, and eventually she was instrumental in starting the Gordon Parks Museum at FSCC. At the helm for fifteen years, she retired in October of 2018 and currently resides in Independence, Kansas.
This event is for everyone and open to the public.
Please reserve tickets early by Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023 for all the reserved events. The 20th Annual Gordon Parks Celebration will have a wide range of great events and activities for all to enjoy.
The Celebration kicks off on Thursday, Oct 5 with a chamber coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum and ends with The Tribute Celebration Dinner at The Liberty Theater in Fort Scott on Saturday, Oct 7, 2023.
For tickets, call 620 -223-2700 ext. 5850. or register at https://www.gordonparkscenter.org/…/celebration-tribute…
See less
FSCC receives grant from Community Foundation
A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas enables Fort Scott Community College to add at least one, possibly two, additional automated electronic defibrillators (AEDs) on campus.
The total funding, $2,750, was provided for FSCC’s Public Safety Project from the 2023 Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF) Grant Process, said the college’s grant-writer Ralph Beacham in announcing the award.
“(We are) excited to have received funding from the Community Foundation to purchase at least one AED machine,” said Jason Kegler, FSCC president. “We are aware that time is of the essence when medical emergencies occur. The use of an AED machine has been proven to increase survival rates when used appropriately. We are pleased with the prospect of adding additional machine(s) for use in specific situations.”
The location of the new AED(s) has yet to be determined, Kegler noted.
“At this time, it is unclear exactly where the machine(s) will be housed,” he said. “FSCC administrators will evaluate specific locations and be in contact with medical professionals to determine the appropriate location for the machine(s). We are appreciative of the assistance and the donation from the Community Foundation.”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds created by donors with a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from these funds assist people throughout southeast Kansas and beyond. For information about the foundation, call (620) 231-8897.
FSCC is to receive the grant money during the FSACF’s annual grant celebration at 8 a.m. Oct. 12 at Landmark Bank, 200 S. Main St.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 3
October Pet Special offered by SEK Veterninary Center
SEK Veterinary Center….October’s Pet Special!
Kick off Fall by getting your cats spayed or neutered to help control the pet population!
Feline Spay:
Package #1-$65
Physical Exam, Spay, Rabies Vaccine
Package #2-$75
Physical Exam, Spay, Rabies Vaccine, Flea/Tick Treatment
Package #3-$82
Physical Exam, Spay, Rabies Vaccine, Flea/Tick Treatment, Dewormer
Feline Neuter:
Package #1-$40
Physical Exam, Neuter, Rabies Vaccine
Package #2-$50
Physical Exam, Neuter, Rabies Vaccine, Flea/Tick Treatment
Package #3-$60
Physical Exam, Neuter, Rabies Vaccine, Flea/Tick Treatment, Dewormer
Discounts are good for the month of October. Give us a call today to schedule your surgery appointment!
620.223.1171
submitted by:
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tickets Available for KC Allstars Dance Party Oct.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
KS Tax Collections $42M More than Estimated
Governor Kelly Announces September Total Tax Collections $42M More than Estimate
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that total tax collections for September 2023 were $991.6 million. That is $42.0 million, or 4.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up $30.6 million, or 3.2%, from September 2022.
“Because of my administration’s work to put our state on solid financial footing, we have been able to grow our economy and make historic investments in schools, roads, and law enforcement,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, it’s time to give money back to Kansans through responsible tax cuts. Last session, I proposed a plan to cut property, grocery, and retirement taxes in a way that helps every family without robbing the state of its ability to continue growing the economy and making those key investments. Let’s get it done this upcoming session.”
Individual income tax collections were $390.9 million. That is $24.1 million, or 5.8%, below the estimate and down 11.4% from September 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $261.5 million. That is $61.5 million, or 30.8%, more than the estimate and up 53.7% from September 2022.
“Wage withholding remains one of the most reliable revenue streams with 12.2% growth over September 2022. In addition, the SALT Parity Act continues to cause a shift between individual and corporate income tax receipts, with the former being $24.1 million below the estimate and the latter being $61.5 million over the estimate,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Notwithstanding this reporting anomaly, overall tax receipts closely track the Consensus Revenue Estimate for the month of September.”
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $305.1 million, which is $5.1 million, or 1.7%, more than the estimate and down $4.5 million, or 1.4%, from September 2022.
Click here to view the September 2023 revenue numbers.
###
KS Managed Care Organization Contracts Expire Dec. 31
KDHE Announces Re-Procurement of KanCare Medicaid & CHIP Capitated Managed Care Request for Proposals
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Administration, has released the KanCare Medicaid & CHIP capitated managed care request for proposals (RFP) for the provision of managed health care coverage to low-income children and pregnant women, seniors aged 65 or older, individuals with disabilities, and some parents who meet income eligibility requirements.
The current managed care organization (MCO) contracts expire on December 31, 2024.
“My administration is committed to using every lever possible to improve health care across the state, which is why this RFP was carefully crafted to learn from past models and to find new ways to reach uninsured Kansans,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This process is vital to providing the quality health care Kansas’ Medicaid recipients deserve.”
“The RFP represents Kansas’ continued commitment to providing consistent and quality health care coverage for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Christine Osterlund, Deputy Secretary for Agency Integration and Medicaid. “Updates to the KanCare program in this RFP include a renewed focus on improving outcomes by addressing integrated, whole-person care, workforce retention, accountability measures for the MCOs and other cost-effective strategies to improve the delivery system for members and providers.”
This RFP was carefully developed based on valuable feedback from members, providers, stakeholders, and legislators. The State expects selected MCOs to provide the expertise, experience, innovative strategies, methods of approach and capabilities necessary to advance the KanCare vision and goals. The MCOs must demonstrate congruence with the KanCare vision and goals in all aspects of their performance under the contract.
The procurement follows this schedule:
|
Event |
Date |
|
|
1. |
State releases RFP |
October 2, 2023 |
|
2. |
Pre-bid conference and actuarial pre-bid conference (Mandatory) |
October 16, 2023 |
|
3. |
Deadline for submitting written questions requesting clarifications |
October 23, 2023, by 12 p.m. CT |
|
4. |
State will post an amendment with bidder questions and agency answers |
November 28, 2023 |
|
5. |
Proposal submission deadline (RFP closing date) |
January 4, 2024, by 2 p.m. CT |
|
6. |
Evaluation of bids conducted by State |
January 5, 2024 to March 21, 2024 |
|
7. |
Face-to-face negotiations with selected bidders |
TBD |
|
8. |
Contract award |
April 12, 2024 |
|
9. |
Bid protest period |
April 15, 2024 to May 17, 2024 |
|
10. |
Readiness review period |
End of bid protest to December 31, 2024 |
|
11. |
KanCare 2.0 MCO contracts expire |
December 31, 2024 |
|
12. |
New contracts take effect — services rendered under new contracts |
January 1, 2025 |
“Working with our partners at KDHE, we are committed to conducting a thorough and transparent procurement process to ensure the best product is made available to the people of Kansas,” said Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt. The Department of Administration is responsible for administering the procurement process.
Interested parties may access relevant procurement documents at the Kansas Department of Administration E-Supplier Page and clicking on Bid Event Number EVT0009267 titled “KanCare Medicaid & CHIP Capitated Managed Care”. The Department of Administration E-Supplier Page can be accessed at: https://supplier.sok.ks.
Additional RFP resources can be found at https://kancare.ks.gov/about-
###