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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 9
KDHE Update on the Omicron Variant
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) continues to sequence positive COVID-19 samples and has not yet identified the Omicron variant in Kansas. While there is more to learn about Omicron, the same prevention methods used throughout the pandemic remain the best tools to help stop the spread of the virus and prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death. The SARS-CoV-2 Variants tab on the COVID-19 Dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday and includes the total count of Omicron cases in the state. When the first case of the Omicron variant is identified, KDHE will issue a statement—identifying information such as age, location and gender will not be released to protect the individual’s privacy.
What We Know about Omicron
- Reports from South Africa suggest the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Delta virus.
- More data is needed to understand the severity of infections caused by the Omicron variant.
- Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated people are likely to occur. One early study showed that getting a booster dose of Pfizer vaccine may protect against infection with Omicron. The recent emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.
- Scientists are working to determine how well existing treatments for COVID-19 work on the Omicron variant.
Tools to Protect Yourselves from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant
Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death and scientists expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people aged 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all adults aged 18 and over.
Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings in Kansas where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.
Get tested. If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com to find a free testing location near you.
Social distance. When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.
At home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results.
Chamber Coffee at Sunshine Boutique On Dec. 9
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Cocoa and Caroling Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m.
| The Chamber invites you to the 2021
Cocoa & Caroling Late Night Shopping Event December 10th 5-8pm |
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| Get out and support our local downtown shops! |
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The event will feature several groups of carolers strolling the sidewalks of Downtown from store to store with complimentary cocoa served by the Museum of Creativity in front of Sunshine boutique. *** This event offers locals & visitors another opportunity to shop small & support local while enjoying some holiday cheer! |
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Dairy Margin Coverage Expanded
USDA Opens 2022 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage, Expands Program for Supplemental Production
Program Enhancements Improve Feed Cost Calculations
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2021 – As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to support dairy farmers and rural communities, today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened signup for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and expanded the program to allow dairy producers to better protect their operations by enrolling supplemental production. This signup period – which runs from Dec. 13, 2021 to Feb. 18, 2022 – enables producers to get coverage through this important safety-net program for another year as well as get additional assistance through the new Supplemental DMC.
Supplemental DMC will provide $580 million to better help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that have increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production. Now, they will be able to retroactively receive payments for that supplemental production. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) updated how feed costs are calculated, which will make the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.
“Dairy Margin Coverage is a critical safety-net for producers, and catastrophic coverage is free. These DMC updates build on other efforts of the Biden-Harris Administration to improve DMC and other key USDA dairy programs,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Robert Bonnie said. “We encourage dairy producers to make use of the support provided by enrolling in supplemental coverage and enroll in DMC for the 2022 program year.”
Supplemental DMC Enrollment
Eligible dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of established production history may enroll supplemental pounds based upon a formula using 2019 actual milk marketings, which will result in additional payments. Producers will be required to provide FSA with their 2019 Milk Marketing Statement.
Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and 2023. Participating dairy operations with supplemental production may receive retroactive supplemental payments for 2021 in addition to payments based on their established production history.
Supplemental DMC will require a revision to a producer’s 2021 DMC contract and must occur before enrollment in DMC for the 2022 program year. Producers will be able to revise 2021 DMC contracts and then apply for 2022 DMC by contacting their local USDA Service Center.
DMC 2022 Enrollment
After making any revisions to 2021 DMC contracts for Supplemental DMC, producers can sign up for 2022 coverage. DMC provides eligible dairy producers with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference between the price of milk and the cost of feed falls below a certain level. So far in 2021, DMC payments have triggered for January through October for more than $1.0 billion.
For DMC enrollment, producers must certify with FSA that the operation is commercially marketing milk, sign all required forms and pay the $100 administrative fee. The fee is waived for farmers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged, or a military veteran. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.
Updates to Feed Costs
USDA is also changing the DMC feed cost formula to better reflect the actual cost dairy farmers pay for high-quality alfalfa hay. FSA will calculate payments using 100% premium alfalfa hay rather than 50%. The amended feed cost formula will make DMC payments more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses.
Additional Dairy Assistance
Today’s announcement is part of a broader package to help the dairy industry respond to the pandemic and other challenges. USDA is also amending Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP) regulations to add provisions for the indemnification of cows that are likely to be not marketable for longer durations, as a result, for example, of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. FSA also worked closely with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to target assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program ) and other conservation programs to help producers safely dispose of and address resource concerns created by affected cows. Other recent dairy announcements include $350 million through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program and $400 million for the Dairy Donation Program.
Additional details on these changes to DMC and DIPP can be found in a rule that will be published soon in the Federal Register. This rule also included information on the new Oriental Fruit Fly Program as well as changes to FSA conservation programs. A copy of the rule is available here.
More Information
To learn more or to participate in DMC or DIPP, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some are open to limited visitors. Producers should contact their Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Kelley Zellner Hired as New Fort Scott City Manager
Kelley Zellner, currently the Fredonia City Manager, signed a contract on Dec. 3, 2021, to become the Fort Scott City Manager starting Jan. 4, 2022. He replaces interim City Manager Mark McCoy.
The contract is for $95,000
Zellner’s main duties are working with the Fort Scott City Commission and city staff, according to Brad Matkin, the human resource director for the city.
Zellner received a mini-masters of public administration, a Certified Public Administrator, from Wichita State University in Feb. 2020.
In the fall of 2021, he became a certified city clerk through the League of Municipalities.
Previously he earned a master’s of art in counseling from Friends University, Wichita, in 2001. In 1998 he received a bachelor of science degree in human resource management from Friends University.
Zellner has been the Fredonia City Administrator since 2018, the Valley Center Public Works Director from 2017-2018, and was the Conway Falls Chief of Police from 2013 to 2017.
His hometown is Howard, Kansas.
The following is the revised job description for the Fort Scott City Manager provided by Matkin:
“City of Fort Scott City Manager Job Description
SUMMARY
The City Manager oversees all administrative tasks necessary for city operations while implementing and overseeing policies set by a city’s mayor and commission. Hired by the City Commission, he/she supervises city departments, maintains the city budget, and represents the municipality in a variety of settings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Serves as Chief Administrator and Executive Officer of the City by directing the operations of all City departments through various department heads to achieve overall success in meeting the objectives and policies of the City Commission.
Appoints department heads and staff as necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the City.
Oversees the annual budget and submits estimates to authorized elected officials for approval.
Implements the policies and ordinances of the City Commission.
Research issues of importance to the city and advises the mayor and the commission on the best course of action.
External relations – responsible for hearing the concerns and requests of the community and bringing them to the commission. Must anticipate municipality needs and create programs to address them.
Represents the City at conferences and coordinates City activities with civic, business, and public organizations and keeps such organizations informed of City business and activities.
Develops, implements, and maintains long-range plans, goals, objectives, and policies for the City subject to approval by the City Commission.
Performs additional duties and tasks as needed or directed by the City Commission.
Advises the City Commission of financial conditions and current and future City needs
Continual contact with the governing body, the general public, and city employees is expected
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages directors who supervise the employees of the City. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Overall responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must live within Bourbon County limits or be able to relocate within 6 months. Must be skilled in the following areas: Diplomacy, Ability to Delegate, Project Management, and People Skills.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration or Management; or four to ten years related management experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in public administration or Business Administration preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business and government reports, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must have a valid driver’s license that meets City driving history requirements.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is an office environment with the exception of visiting employees in the field or citizens out in the community.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.”
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Dec. 8
Biofuel Producers Get Economic Relief
USDA to Make Up to $800 Million Available to Provide Economic Relief to Biofuel Producers and Restore Renewable Fuel Markets Hit by the Pandemic
Up to $800 Million Will Help Biofuel Producers and the People of Rural America Build Back Better
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 7, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will make up to $700 million available to provide economic relief to biofuel producers and restore renewable fuel markets affected by the pandemic. The Department will make the funds available through the new Biofuel Producer Program authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Additionally, in the coming months, the Department will make $100 million available to increase significantly the sales and use of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by expanding the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to further growth of the biofuels industry, and the House-passed Build Back Better Act commits additional funding that will provide better market access for farmers and more affordable and cleaner fuels for consumers.
“Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is providing direct relief to the people of rural America who are still reeling from the economic impacts of the pandemic,” Vilsack said. “As we continue to rebuild the nation’s economy, USDA is targeting resources and investments to improve the strength and resiliency of America’s sustainable fuel markets. The relief we’re announcing today will pave the way to economic recovery for America’s biofuel producers, stimulate a critical market for U.S. farmers and ranchers and move the country closer to President Biden’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Background on the Biofuel Producer Program
Through the Biofuel Producer Program, USDA will make up to $700 million in direct payments available for biofuel producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the pandemic.
By making payments to biofuels producers, the program will help agricultural producers maintain and create more viable markets for products that supply biofuel production, such as corn, soybeans, or biomass. Payments will be based on the producer’s market loss volume in 2020, which is calculated by the amount of fuel produced in 2020 in comparison to 2019.
To download application materials and review eligibility requirements, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/biofuel-producer-relief-payments-program. USDA will announce the application window in the coming weeks.
Background on Grants for Biofuels Infrastructure
USDA intends to make up to $100 million available in new funds for grants for biofuels infrastructure, such as blender pumps which ensure biofuels have greater availability in the retail market. The funding will provide grants to refueling and distribution facilities for cost of installation, retrofitting or otherwise upgrading of infrastructure required at a location to ensure the environmentally safe availability of fuel containing ethanol blends of E-15 and greater or fuel containing biodiesel blends B-20 and greater. USDA will announce the official application window for grants within the next few months.
This announcement comes on the heels of an announcement the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made today. EPA is proposing a package of actions setting biofuels volumes for years 2022, 2021, and 2020, and introducing regulatory changes intended to enhance the program’s objectives. In addition, EPA is asking for public comment on a proposed decision to deny petitions to exempt small refineries from RFS program requirements. Read the full announcement at https://www.epa.gov/newsroom.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Obituary of Scott Ehnes
Scott Lee Ehnes, of Stover, Missouri passed away Sunday morning, December 5, 2021, at the home of his aunt Jane Lacy, in Lathrop, Missouri. He was born July 8, 1960, in Cheyenne, Wyoming the son of Steven and Shirley Allene (Steely) Ehnes.
Scott served in the U.S. Army from 1977 until 1979. He worked as an industrial welder.
In addition to his aunt Jane, Scott is survived by his three sons, Scott, Jeremy, and Andrew; two sisters, Sharon Ann Wingert of Golden City, Missouri, and Susan Lucy Wilske, of Olathe, Kansas, and two brothers, Steven Lawrence Ehnes, and Stanley “Nick” Ehnes, both of Lebanon, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his step-father, Dennis Wright.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military Honors will be presented by the US Army Funeral Honors Detail, Fort Riley, Kansas. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Employee Spotlight: Jessica Mowen, Animal Control Officer
This is part of a series featuring employees who have been nominated to be featured by their employers. To nominate someone, send an email to [email protected].
Jessica Mowen, 46, is the Fort Scott Police Department’s Animal Control Officer.
Her duties are varied.
“I take care of the Fort Scott Animal Shelter, clean, feed, care for dogs in the kennel, adopt out dogs, reunite dogs with owners, I take in abandoned dogs in which I adopt out,” she said. “I’m dispatched to all animal control calls, whether it be dogs, raccoons, opossum, groundhogs, or armadillo. I take calls for animal neglect and abuse and do investigations for these calls, I’m dispatched to aggressive/dangerous dog calls. I check for city tags and vaccinations. I write citations for ordinances that are not upheld. I remove deceased animals from the roadway. I educate people on how to properly care for their animals.”
The shelter is located at 601 N. Barbee and has hours of operation of
Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. To call the shelter, phone 620-223-1700 and leave a phone number with dispatch.
On Saturday and Sundays, Mowen cleans and feeds the dogs housed at the kennels, she said.
She has had a passion and great love for animals since very young and pursued a career as a veterinarian technician in 2006.
“I worked with a few amazing veterinarians throughout the years who have taught me so much,” she said.
She has been the animal control officer for Fort Scott for almost six months and the best part of her job is reuniting lost dogs with their owners and adopting out dogs to new homes, she said.
Some of the challenges are trying to teach people and encourage them to care for their pets in the correct and lawful way, Mowen said.
Other challenges are adopting out the dogs she has in the kennel and “sometimes actually catching the dogs at large,” she said.