COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

KDHE Amends Travel & Exposure Related Quarantine List

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the countries of Austria, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Czechia, Gibraltar, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia. The country of Andorra has been added to the travel quarantine list. An unvaccinated individual should quarantine if they meet the following criteria:

  • Traveled between Nov. 4 and Dec. 17 to Slovenia.
  • Traveled between Nov. 18 and Dec. 17 to Austria, Cayman Islands and Gibraltar.
  • Traveled between Dec. 2 and Dec. 17 to Belgium, Czechia, Jersey, Liechtenstein, Netherlands and Slovakia.
  • Traveled on or after Dec. 17 to Andorra.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state or in-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The next travel quarantine list update will be sent out during the first week of January.

The travel and mass gathering quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel or mass gatherings if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Fort Scott, Schools

Eugene Ware nominates students to district choir

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The Eugene Ware Elementary School Choir Trio L-R: Izzy Martin, Madi Ross, Braley Harrington. Submitted photo.

Fifth graders Braley Harrington, Izzy Martin, and Madi Ross were nominated to perform with the Southeast Kansas Music Educator’s Association Elementary Honor Choir for the 2021-2022 school year.

Students have eight rehearsals outside of the school day to prepare and memorize five pieces of music. They will perform with
the best 5th and 6th-grade singers from Southeast Kansas in Chanute on January 15th.

Eugene Ware Elementary School Quartet L-R: Madi Ross, Izzy Martin, Braley Harrington, MJ Harper. Submitted photo.
Obituary

Obituary of Harold West

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Harold A. West, age 79, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2021, as the result of an automobile accident.

He was born August 30, 1942, in Ft. Scott, the son of Homer and Bessie West.

Harold proudly served our country in the Army in Vietnam.

He was an avid bowler in his younger years and could play pinocle for hours. His favorite board game was Wahoo where he told everyone their best play then moved their marble for them.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, junking, and working on small engines.

He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Harold retired from Extrusions after working many years.

He didn’t know a stranger and was always willing to help friends and family.

He will be missed by many.

Survivors include his wife Jolene of 59 years; two sons, Harold Allen West(Shaun), and John West (Susan); a daughter, Cindy Brubaker (Troy); two sisters, Hazel Spielman and Cheryl West; grandchildren Christina West, Kylee Thomas, Jordan West, Jayden West, Bryon West, Angel Brazeal (Patrick), Joshua West, Brandon West, Aaron West, and Anthony Bauder (Mia); as well as great grandchildren, Nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl West, and Ron Lee West; two sisters, Hester Forrester, and Joan Bailey; and a daughter Kay Ratzlaff.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 23rd, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. Post #1165 and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Wesley Dean Woellhof

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Wesley Dean Woellhof, age 64, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, December 16, 2021, at his home following a battle with cancer. He was born August 3, 1957, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Paul Lester Woellhof and Elinor M. Titus Woellhof.

Wes graduated from the Clay Center High School and later from Ft. Scott Community College with his Associates in Accounting.

In earlier years, Wes served as an undersheriff for the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department. He later received training as an EMT and helped organize the first ambulance service in Clay Center.

He married Mary Golden on June 15, 1978, at Ft. Scott.  Wes later worked as an accountant and office manager for several area business including Comstock Lumber, Darrell Winter Construction, Flanner’s Owl Roost and Woellhof Electric.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping and hiking, and had a love for nature and all animals.  He especially enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren. He attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

 

Survivors include his wife, Mary, of the home; three children, Cara Woellhof of Los Angeles, California, Rita Peck and husband, Brandon, of Ft. Scott and Edwin Woellhof and wife, Beckie, also of Ft. Scott and five grandchildren, Joshua, Abigail, Hannah and Lydia Woellhof and Rory Peck with another Peck granddaughter due in April.  Also surviving are a brother, Paul J. Woellhof and wife, Carol, of San Antonio, Texas and a sister, Charlotte Mattson and husband, Eddie, of Quincy, Washington and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

Rev. Bill Smith will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 21st at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Monday evening at the Parkway Church.

Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Christmas In One Week: Jingle Bell Holiday Mart this Saturday

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Products of Desert Bloom’s booth. Submitted photo.
When Leanne Leatherman heard that the  Bourbon County Historical Preservation Association was not having its annual Stocking Stuffer Christmas event, she asked a fellow Bourbon County Fair Association member, Sue Reineke, about hosting a craft show and sale.
“She thought it would be a good idea, so the Jingle Bell Holiday Mart came to be,” Leatherman said. “This is our first year, but I hope it is the first of many. We may try to schedule it a little earlier in the month for next year.”
The two are also having conversations about having a swap meet or show once a month to allow local merchants a place to meet and sell their wares.
Leatherman and Reinecke are both vendors. Leatherman sells hand-crafted items, Reinecke sells goat milk soap and lotions from her farm.
Products of the vendor, Auntie Em’s. Submitted photo.
The sale will be Saturday, Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds 4-H Building on South Horton Street.
“It is a heated facility, with plenty of parking,” she said.
The Bourbon County 4-H Building on South Horton, across from Fort Scott Community College. Submitted photo.
“We are full this year with vendors,” Leatherman said.
Some of Lori Craig’s products. Submitted photo.
The following are the vendors who will be selling their wares on Dec. 18:
Locust Hill Lamancha’s Goat milk products
Sue Reinecke’s goat milk skin products. Submitted photo.
Paula’s This and That: hand made quilts, Young Living products
Products from Paula’s This and That booth. Submitted photo.
Auntie Em’s Closet: key chains, car freshies, hand warmers
Quill Fire Farm: crochet, mouse repellent bags, homemade play dough
A rural Hiattville youth, Mayla Foster, will have her first show, featuring ‘sensory handmade playdough. Look for her at the Quill Fire Farm booth. Submitted photo.
Flying P Ranch: jewelry
Happy little  Candle Factory
Hunter’s Fashion: Paparazzi Jewelry
Desert Bloom Boutique:  apparel, candles, car freshies
Tessie Tucker: Color Street Nails
CBF Candles
Blue Dog Winery
Miki Kraft: lots of hand-sewn items
Bathhouse Trading: soaps, bath bombs, etc.
Maid in Marmaton: jams
AKA Crafts and Design: apparel
Some of AKA’s products. Submitted photo.Courtney Lanham: tumblers

Courtney Lanham: tumblers

Michelle Lisica: laser-cut ornaments and items
Elk Creek Outpost: soaps, air fresheners, bath bombs, etc.
Some of Elk Creek’s products. Submitted photo.

For more information contact Leatherman at 620.224.6423.

Opinion

God’s Bigness by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Nature Valley advertises its product in a recycling commercial. “Dad, you need to think bigger,” says a young gal as she encourages her father to visualize her granola wrapper glued to other wrappers, creating a hang glider the two of them can share.

I love the message, don’t you? If you’ve ever been around a “big thinker,” you know that they travel to the beat of a different drum. A very large, Big Bertha-type drum. (Google it; it’s eight-feet in diameter.)

Big thinkers dream big. They take risks. They are the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and the JB Straubel’s (Tesla’s mastermind) and the Walt Disney’s who refuse to let naysayers determine their perspective.

So, how cool is it that we serve a God who is bigger than even their biggest ideas?

Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. The verse explodes with possibilities. Break it down. God is… Able to do Able to do abundantly Able to do exceedingly abundantly Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.

In other words, the Heavens are the limit. So, how can I tap into that power, the power to do more than I can ask or think? Am I to pray for a winning lottery ticket or a new house from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition or the right key that fits the Ferrari giveaway?

I mean, surely if God can do even more than I imagine, those things would be nothing to Him, right? He operates without boundaries or limitations.

One author writes that He is an “impossibility specialist.” His credentials are proof. Abraham was rightfully promised descendants more numerous than the stars, even though his wife was barren. God’s bigness at work. Joseph, imprisoned although innocent, ended up second in power in Egypt. God’s bigness at work. The lame man at the temple gate asked for money. Instead, he was given the ability to run. God’s bigness at work. Jesus, facing his death, begged God to spare him the torture. Instead, He changed history with his death and resurrection, the high-water mark of divine power. God’s bigness at work.

But before we take verse 20 out of context, let’s look at the verses preceding it, like verses 16 and 17 where Paul writes the Ephesian church, praying “that out of his glorious riches he (God)may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Paul begins here with sort of an abstract desire, but that changes when he gives a human reality (Christ) as the bigness of what God designed.

Paul goes on to pray that Christians will have power “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Read it again. God’s “thinking big” desire for us has nothing to do with a new car or an executive position in a company. I’m not saying that can’t happen, but God’s priority deals with the bigness of our heart.

His desire is that we spend eternity with Him, and He has already done “immeasurably more than we ask or imagine” to make that a reality. In a few days, we will celebrate the birth of that gift.

Area News, Business

Some Evergy Customers Still Without Power

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Evergy line men replace a rotted pole in Uniontown last year.

Power restored to more than 90% of Evergy customers affected by windstorm

Neighboring line crews arrive as around the clock restoration continues

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dec. 16, 2021 – By Thursday evening, Evergy crews had restored power to more than 90 percent of customers impacted by extreme winds on Wednesday. Evergy crews were joined by more than 250 personnel from regional neighboring utilities to help restore power to Evergy customers in Kansas and Missouri.

 

Wednesday’s windstorm brought sustained high winds to the entirety of Evergy’s service area, with gusts up to 100 mph in some locations. Strong winds brought down power lines, broke poles and caused other damage to the power grid, interrupting service to 258,000 Evergy customers. Evergy crews made steady progress restoring power, and 62 percent of impacted customers were back on by Thursday morning. By about 8 p.m. Thursday, outage numbers had been reduced to about 20,000 customers. Evergy expects power to be restored to nearly all affected customers by Friday evening, but some outages will extend into the weekend.

 

Chuck Caisley talked about some challenges that made power restoration challenging in a Thursday afternoon news conference. Much of the initial damage assessment and restoration work was at night, and damage from the storm was spread across the Evergy service area. In many areas, the nature of the damage meant that each repair restores power to a small number of customers.

 

Crews from Ameren, Liberty Utilities and City of Springfield have joined Evergy crews and contractors to make repairs and restore power. Work continues in communities across Kansas and Missouri, as the damage from the storm was widespread. Crews will continue to work around the clock until power to all customers is restored.

 

As weather is cooler, customers are encouraged to assess personal safety of staying at home during extended power outages. Family members who are very young, elderly or have compromised health may need to seek alternative shelter. If you have family, friends or neighbors who are without power, please check on them.

 

Evergy crews may use road or sidewalk barricades and traffic cones to make work areas safe. Please do not bypass these safety measures, putting crews, yourself or others potentially in harm’s way.

Bourbon County Local News