Bourbon County, COVID-19

Moderna, Pfizer, J & J COVID Vaccines Available at Health Department

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COVID-19 Courtesy photo.

In Bourbon County, there were 2,307 cases of COVID-19 reported since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, and 72 hospitalizations, with the death data not reported for the county on the KDHE website  https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas .

Nationwide  658,754 Americans have died from COVID-19 as of Sept 15, 2021. “In at least 90 percent of the deaths, COVID-19 is listed as the underlying cause,” according to information from the U.S. Center For Disease Control  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/covid19/mortality-overview.htm “The remaining COVID-19 deaths, it was listed as the contributing cause of death.”

As of Sept. 22, 2021, in Kansas, there have been over 400,000 COVID-19 cases, 13,500 hospitalizations, and 5,919 deaths.

The vaccines to prevent the disease are readily available in the county.

SEK Muliti-County Health Department, located at 6th and Lowman Streets, Fort Scott.

“The following are the COVID-19 vaccines our health departments are able to administer at this time: Moderna for individuals 18 years and older,” said Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department Director Rebecca Johnson. “We are now carrying Pfizer, which is FDA approved for individuals 12 years and older. We are also are able to give an additional dose of Moderna or Pfizer to those individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. We have a limited supply of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for those individuals 18 years and older.”

Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

“The other COVID-19 vaccine providers in Bourbon County are Walmart, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, and Walgreens,” said Johnson.

For the local health department, calling ahead is advised.

“Mondays are walk-in days and Tuesday-Thursday one would need an appointment,” Johnson said. “We are also starting to do flu clinics so will be out of the office some in the coming weeks. It would probably be best to call before someone comes in, to make sure there is someone here to administer the shot. Also, the COVID-19 vaccine may be given at the same time as a flu shot.”

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, chills, headache, loss of taste and smell, and extreme fatigue; in the Delta variant, these symptoms are more severe.

“They seem to be similar to the original version of COVID-19 but people are getting sick more quickly,” Johnson said. “Studies have shown individuals with Delta variant will start showing symptoms by day 4.”

MIS-C Cases

Multi-system Inflammatory Symptoms in children are also associated with COVD-19, where the internal organs are inflamed. It is characterized by persistent fever and abdominal symptoms. Respiratory symptoms were not present in all cases of MIS-C.

Prevention measures

Wearing masks, hand washing frequently, staying home when sick, social distancing, and the vaccines are recommended to fight against the pandemic.

“I would recommend keeping your children home from school and daycare and getting tested if have started showing symptoms,” Johnson said. “We’ve run into several cases that just thought their child had allergies, to begin with.”

Obituary

Obituary of Carol Carnes

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Carol Jean Carnes passed away September 18, 2021 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was born December 9, 1957 in Stafford, Kansas to Kenneth and Earline Costley Carnes.

She grew up in Wellington and on a farm near Weir, Kansas. Graduating from Columbus Unified High School, she received her B.S. and M.S. at Pittsburg State University in Economics.  Earning her Doctorate in International Economics at Kansas State University, Carol moved to the Washington, D.C. area to take a job at the United States Department of Commerce.  Shortly after moving, she was employed by the US. Treasury Department as an international economist, attending world economic conferences and analyzing foreign currencies, from 1985 to 2012.  Since 2012, she had been employed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, where she began work as a Senior Cross Border Specialist, in the Office of Complex Financial Institutions.  In her most recent position, she was a Senior Complex Financial Institution Specialist, within the Division of Complex Institution Supervision and Resolution.  In her current position, Carol analyzed complex financial information and applied analytical tools, models, and methodologies, to help maintain the stability of the U.S. financial system.

Carol married Lawrence Nathan Heller October 12, 1997 in Washington DC.  He survives as well as children Laura Katherine and William John Henry Heller, of the home.

She was known for her love of family, friends, reading and gardening.  A lifelong learner,  she had many interests and earned her Chartered Financial Analyst charter in 2011.  Her faith was very important to her and a source of strength and comfort during her battle with leukemia.

Carol was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth.

She is survived by her husband and children, her mother, and a sister, Suzanne Hildebrand(Don), of Stafford, Kansas sister-in-laws Susan Heller and Ruth Catan of Bethesda, Maryland and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 28th at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Family and friends may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel on Tuesday prior to leaving for the cemetery at 10:45 A.M.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Church news

Craft and Bake Sale at FS Southern Baptist Church Sept. 24-25

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The First Southern Baptist Church, 1818 S. Main.

 

FORT SCOTT FIRST SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH, 1818 S. Main

SEPTEMBER 24TH & 25TH

HOMEMADE CRAFTS, BAKE SALE, UNIQUE ITEMS, BREAKFAST/LUNCH

7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

BREAKFAST (7a.m.-10:30) LUNCH (11a.m.-2p.m.)

$2.00 each $3.00 each

Breakfast burritos Soup – Chicken Noodle

Sausage rolls (jalapeno & cheddar) Taco

(cheddar) Sandwich – BBQ

Biscuit & Gravy Chicken Salad

Water, Orange Drink, Coffee – $.50

SAUSAGE ROLLS $2/ea or 12 for $22.00

***All proceeds to building fund.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

USD235 Volleyball Team Results

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Eagles’ volleyball team traveled to Marmaton Valley and Riverton last week, and to Pleasanton this past Tuesday. They were defeated by Yates Center (25-12, 25-14); Altoona Midway (25-12, 25-19), where Hannah Moore scored 5 points; Moran (25-15, 25-15); Galena (25-20, 25-18), where Kristy Beene scored 9 points and Gwen Fry was 7/8 with 2 kills; Columbus (25-17, 25-21), Madison Shepard scoring 6 points, going 7/8 on attacks and getting 1 kill; Riverton (25-4, 25-10); St. Paul (25-8, 25-9); and Pleasanton (25-16, 25-9). The girls are working hard to improve, but there’s a long road ahead of them this season. “The past few weeks have been busy with volleyball,” Coach Hall says. “We are continuing to work on improving our game.” The Lady Eagles are headed to Cherryvale on Saturday, September 25th.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Suicide Prevention: KDHE

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KDHE Releases Data and Resources to Support Kansas Suicide Prevention Efforts

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) releases data and resources to support local communities and organizations as part of Suicide Prevention Month. Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in the State of Kansas. This declaration seeks to raise awareness on suicide prevention. Comprehensive data and supporting resources are critical to understanding this serious public health issue.

KDHE collects information on suicide deaths, suicidal thoughts and attempts. In 2015, KDHE began the Kansas Violent Death Reporting System allowing groups to learn about those at greatest risk, emerging trends, settings and circumstances surrounding suicides. Additionally, KDHE reviews and uses data from other sources to ensure a complete picture of suicide.

“Experts have speculated the mental, economic, behavioral and psychosocial problems linked to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a rise in suicide behavior,” said Leslie Hale, program manager for Kansas Zero Suicide. “KDHE is working to compare pre-pandemic, pandemic and eventually post-pandemic data to understand the impact. We are actively supporting and collaborating with partners on suicide prevention.”

KDHE has created, updated and made the following available:

If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7, free, confidential support or prevention and resources at 800-273-8255 or text 741741.

Bourbon County, Health Care

Preventive COVID Measures Have Reduced Flu Season Cases

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Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

The 2020-2021 flu season saw a 96% drop in total flu deaths from the 2019-2020 flu season. In the 20-21 flu season, there were 2 deaths where flu was the contributing cause of death and 4 deaths where flu was the direct cause of death, compared to 19-20 flu season where 23 deaths where flu was the contributing cause and 118 deaths where flu was the direct cause. There was also a drastic decrease in strep and other contagious illnesses during the 20-21 season as well.

What were we doing different in the 20-21 flu season compared to the 19-20 flu season? Many of us were wearing masks, social distancing, using better hygiene, staying home and getting our flu shot. With COVID-19 still being actively transmitted in our communities, I encourage our residents to continue to wear a mask in large gatherings, socially distance, use good hygiene, stay home when you are sick, get vaccinated for COVID-19 (if eligible) and for the flu.

Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect you, your family, and your community against the flu and COVID-19 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The flu shot does not cause the flu. The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause COVID-19. Some people may have a mild reaction after getting their vaccine, but this does not mean they’ve contracted the flu or COVID-19.

The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) recommended that the quadrivalent formulation of egg-based influenza vaccines for the U.S. 2021-2022 influenza season contain the following:

  • an A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
  • an A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus;
  • a B/Washington/02/2019- like virus (B/Victoria lineage);
  • a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).

The committee recommended that the quadrivalent formulation of cell- or recombinant based influenza vaccines for the U.S. 2021-2022 influenza season contain the following:

  • an A/Wisconsin/588/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;
  • an A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus;
  • a B/Washington/02/2019- like virus (B/Victoria lineage);
  • a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).

Children aged 6 months through 8 years require 2 doses of the flu vaccine IF they have not received 2 or more doses of the flu vaccine 4 or more weeks apart before July 1, 2021. 2 doses are recommended even if the child turns 9 between dose 1 and 2. Otherwise, this age group would only require 1 dose for the 20-21 flu season. Adults and children aged 9 years or older need only 1 dose of flu vaccine for the 20-21 flu season. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, get a flu shot every year.

You may receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine on the same day. Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for 12 years and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are for 18 years and older. By getting vaccinated, you can help slow the spread!

Our 4 health department locations in Allen, Anderson, Bourbon and Woodson Counties are all carrying the flu vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine. Mondays are walk-in days, but otherwise someone wanting a vaccine would need to call for an appointment. Some of our offices will be going out to do flu clinics soon, so if you don’t catch us, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Allen (620)365-2191; Anderson (785)448-6559; Bourbon (620)223-4464; Woodson (620)625-2484.

Because flu cases have begun to pop up in the US and COVID-19 cases are somewhat staying steady or climbing, if you or your children start showing symptoms, please stay home from work and school/daycare. I also recommend getting tested if symptomatic. There have been several COVID-19 school/daycare cases in our region recently when the parent thought the child just had allergies, sent the child to school/daycare and then spread COVID-19 to other children. If you’re a parent and have not had a child in isolation or quarantine yet, consider yourself blessed, for many reasons, and do your part to prevent others from having to as well.

KDHE reports this week (9/22/21) that there have been 5,919 deaths from COVID-19 and over 400,000 cases of COVID-19 in Kansas since March of 2020. So, that’s approximately 98% more deaths from COVID-19 in Kansas than from the flu within the last 2 flu seasons combined. Please do your part to prevent both of these illnesses. Wear a mask in large gatherings, social distance, use good hygiene, stay home when sick and get vaccinated for COVID-19 (if eligible) and for the flu!

Submitted  by Rebecca Johnson BSN, RN, SEK Multi-County Health Department Administrator, 524 S. Lowman, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

P(620)223-4464 F(620)223-1686

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Bourbon County Cars Sept. 23 For Ribbon Cutting

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Join us for this week’s Chamber Coffee hosted by
BOURBON COUNTY CARS
Thursday, September 23rd
8am
1810 S. Main St.
This Chamber Coffee will celebrate
the new location of Bourbon County Cars and a Ribbon Cutting will immediately follow the Coffee.
Clickhereto visit their Facebook page.
Click here to visit their website.
Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more information at 620-223-3566 or [email protected].
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEES
9/30 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Pioneer Harvest Fiesta
10/7 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Gordon Parks Museum
10/14 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Hedgehog.INK! Bookstore
10/21 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sleep Inn & Suites (7 yrs)
10/28 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church
11/4 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by VFW
11/9 ~ Chamber After-Hours by FS Area Community Foundation
11/11 ~ No Coffee… Veterans Day
11/18 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by FS Compassionate Ministries
11/25 ~ No Coffee…Thanksgiving Holiday
12/2 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by The Fort Scott National Historic Site
12/9 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by Sunshine Boutique
12/16 ~ Chamber Coffee hosted by City of Fort Scott
12/23 ~ No Coffee…Christmas Holiday
12/30 ~ No Coffee…New Year’s Holiday
Bourbon County, Entertainment, Sports

Uniontown Saddle Club Ranch Rodeo 2021 Results

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The annual Old Settler’s Co-Ed Ranch Rodeo was postponed from Labor Day to Sept. 13 because of the weather.

On that date, 15 teams of cowboys and cowgirls competed at the Uniontown Arena, just west of the town on Hwy. 3.

“We provide and promote horse-related events for the community,” Wayne Hall, president of the club said. “An each year we give a Warren McKinnis Scholarship to high school students. These are rural kids involved with agriculture.”

The club was established in 1967 as a family-oriented club that provides a large arena that hosts horse shows, rodeos, and roping practices, according to its’ Facebook page.

The 2021 the winners are:

Cutter Stevens, Fredonia, was the winner of the Uniontown Saddle Club Ranch Rodeo Top Youth award. Submitted photos.
Tristan Hensen, Lamar, MO, was the winner of the Uniontown Saddle Club Top Female Participant award. Submitted photos.
Trenton Umphenour, Pleasonton, is the winner of the Uniontown Saddle Club Top Male Participant award. Submitted photos.

In the team competitions:

May be an image of 5 people and horseBig Creek, comprised of Michell LaRue, Trent Eck, Cassidy Furhman, and Will Harding earned first place. Wayne Hall is on the right.  Taken from Uniontown Saddle Club Facebook page

 

Second place winners: Brock Hall, Julia Hall, Karlee Boots, Trenton Umphenour,  with Kactus K Trucking. Wayne Hall is on the right. Taken from the Facebook page.

 

May be an image of 5 people, people standing, horse and outdoors

Third place winners: Diamond S Cattle comprised of Kolby Boo, Britt Michaleis, Colby Brownrigg, and Mindi Holloway.

 

All prizes were purchased with sponsorship from the community.

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Pioneer Harvest Fiesta Oct. 1-3

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The 65th Pioneer Harvest Fiesta will be held on the Fairgrounds October 1, 2, and 3.

The downtown parade will be held at 6 pm Thursday, September 30.

As the show begins on Friday there will be many exhibits for you to enjoy such as a sawmill, rock crushing, threshing machine, wood planning, corn shelling, a blacksmith, an antique tractor pull, quilt show and many other activities. There will also be antique engines and tractors on display.

Please bring your quilts for the Quilt Show to the Myers Building Thursday, September 30, 10 am -noon. If this time does not work for you, please contact Jackie Warren at 620-224-8161. The Quilt Show will also have vendors and other activities.

Included with the purchase of a Show Button will be a bean feed Friday evening 5 pm. For more information, check the website Pioneerharvestfiesta.org. or contact Larry Richard 620-724-6501

Bourbon County Local News