Government, Health Care

Increase in Fatal Drug Overdoses

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Nationwide increase in fatal drug overdoses prompts education on treatment and naloxone

~Prevention and resources key to overdose prevention~

 

TOPEKA – In light of a nationwide fatal drug overdose trend, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages awareness and education regarding drug overdose prevention in Kansas, including awareness of treatment resources and access to naloxone.

“Fatal drug overdoses have increased steadily for decades in both the U.S. and Kansas, and in 2020 there was an increase yet again,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Beyond increased funding for mental health and substance use treatment, we must commit to working across all sectors – law enforcement, judicial, healthcare, religious, schools, and communities – to reverse this trend.”

Nationwide, between 2019 and 2020 there was a 30 percent increase in drug overdose fatalities with more than 90,000 reported. Drug overdose fatalities increased in Kansas by 24 percent, from 393 in 2019 to 477 in 2020. Of those 2020 numbers, 183 involved psychostimulants, such as methamphetamine, 161 involved synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and 71 involved prescription opioids. Overdose deaths involving any prescription or illicit opioid accounted for 53.2% of all fatal overdoses in 2020. It is of note that more than one drug can be involved in a fatal drug overdose, so these values are not mutually exclusive.

Fatal overdoses were significantly higher among males compared to females, at 63.9% and 36.1% of the total. Additionally, fatal overdoses were highest among age groups between 25 and 54, comprising 296 (62%) of all overdose deaths.

Kansas is following similar overdose death trends observed nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthetic opioid overdoses, primarily caused by fentanyl, have driven this surge in overdose deaths. This is largely attributed to increased availability, accessibility, and use of illegally manufactured fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is often combined with other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, or used as a standalone drug. Due to its potency, fentanyl-involved overdoses have a fast onset and can be difficult to reverse. In Kansas, synthetic opioid overdose deaths, mainly caused by fentanyl, increased by 130% from 2019 to 2020.

“Substance use disorders (SUDs) are extremely complex and the reasons for the increase may depend upon the individual and their own determinants (biological, psychological, social, spiritual),” Dr. Norman said. “What we do know is that there is a need for more substance use disorder and Behavioral resources in our state.”

Connecting individuals to SUD services is best practice for drug overdose prevention. Recovery from SUD is possible. Those in need of help can call Kansas’s SUD hotline at 866-645-8216 or visit findtreatment.gov to locate treatment services.

KDHE recommends that individuals who use substances and their support networks have naloxone and are trained in administration processes. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Kansas allows pharmacists to dispense naloxone to patients without a prescription pursuant to KAR 68-7-23. Visit ktracs.ks.gov/pharmacists/naloxone-dispensing to find a naloxone-dispensing pharmacy near you.

DCCCA, Inc. has a naloxone program which is funded by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant. DCCCA has a limited supply of naloxone kits available for those who are unable to access it through a local pharmacy or other means. Additionally, DCCCA offers free naloxone training. Please visit dccca.org/naloxone-program for more information.

Please visit www.http://www.preventoverdoseks.org for resources, epidemiological data, and more information on Kansas’s efforts to prevent drug overdoses.

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Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Healthy Eating on a Budget

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Joy Miller, RD, LD
Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent
Adult Development and Aging
Family Resource Management
K-State Research and Extension
Southwind Extension District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Fax: 620-223-0332
[email protected]

 

Seller’s market is what one might call our current economy. The cost of homes and vehicles are highly valued due to demand exceeding availability. This demand-pull on goods and services causes higher than average inflation rates, affecting everyday items we purchase such as the food we eat at or away from home. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), food prices have changed 4-5% from a year ago. With a higher cost of items, paying closer attention to spending and habits may be important to stay within financial budgets and goals.

Healthy eating is important at every age—and can be done on a budget. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Start with these tips:

  • Plan, plan, plan. Plan your meals for the week based on your food budget and make a grocery list that includes staples and perishables. Save money by buying only what you need.
  • Compare similar products. Locate the “unit price” on the shelf sticker near the item price. Compare different brands and sizes for the best money-saving option.
  • Stretch your food dollars. Add beans and canned or frozen vegetables to bulk up your meals and make your food dollars go farther. You will reap the benefits of extra fiber, vitamins, and nutrients while feeling full.
  • Grow your own in your home. Grow herbs like basil and oregano inside your home for a fraction of the price. Small gardens can be grown on a windowsill or a kitchen counter.
  • Buy in bulk. Save money by buying larger quantities of foods that store well like whole grains, canned or dried beans, and frozen vegetables. Don’t overbuy foods that you will throw out later.
  • Look for on-sale produce. Grocery stores rotate their sales and buying what is on sale is a great way to save money and get variety. Do the same with frozen and canned items.

The benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite. For more tips on healthy eating on a budget visit myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget. For more information, contact Joy Miller at [email protected] or by calling 620.223.3720.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Encourages Vaccinations

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Governor Laura Kelly Releases New Public Service Announcement on the Delta Variant

~ As COVID cases continue to rise statewide, Governor Kelly asks Kansans to get vaccinated to protect communities from the Delta variant ~

TOPEKA – As the Delta variant continues to rapidly spread across Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly today released a new TV ad urging Kansans to protect their communities and families by getting vaccinated. The PSA reminds Kansans the Delta variant is twice as infectious as previous versions of the coronavirus and now accounts for nearly all new cases in Kansas.  The spot focuses on vaccinations which is the primary way to prevent serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

“While we hoped this summer would be the return to normal we have all been waiting for, serious COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, and the Delta variant is one of the primary drivers of COVID infections across our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We have to do everything we can to get the virus under control and protect our communities. The answer – the vaccine – is in our hands, but we’re going to need to work together to ensure we all get vaccinated and stay safe.”

Those who are not vaccinated are at the greatest risk right now. 99% of COVID deaths and over 97% of COVID hospitalizations nationally have been people who were not vaccinated.  The vaccine is safe, free, and can help save lives. In addition to getting vaccinated, if you or someone you know has been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, get tested as soon as possible. Testing, like the vaccine, is free, even if you have been tested before.

Governor Kelly encourages anyone who has questions about the vaccine to visit GetVaccineAnswers.com.

For more information on where you can be tested for COVID-19, visit: KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.

To view the PSA, please click here.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Police Department

Fort Scott/Bourbon County’s Dispatch Moved For Security, Space Issues

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The Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch office is now located in the old jail facility on 207 S. Judson. Submitted photos.

Those who answer emergency calls for the Bourbon County community have been moved to a more secure and bigger space from the Hawkins Public Safety facility at 1604 South National Avenue.

People and equipment in Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch Department moved to 207 S. Judson, on June 22, 2021.  The site is the former correctional facility adjacent to the Bourbon County Courthouse.

Parts of the old jail facility were remodeled into Fort Scott/Bourbon County Dispatch and opened on June 22, 2021. Submitted photo.

“We answer all incoming 911 emergency calls and dispatch the appropriate agencies such as police, deputies, fire, and Emergency Medical Services,” Traci Reed,  communications manager, said. Reed has been in this position for ten years and in the dispatch department for 14 years.

 

“We also answer all calls that require calls for service for the community,” she said.

 

Why the move?

“Personal and structural safety has always been a concern for our dispatch facility,” Reed said.  “The Hawkins building housed police, fire, and dispatch, and the shortage of room was an issue as well.”

“The public has access to the Hawkins Building and dispatch should not be physically accessible to the public due to safety reasons,” she said.

“Fortification of dispatch is very important due to bad weather or any other kind of disaster that may occur,” Reed said. “If any disaster would take place dispatch has to be able to continue communications with all agencies to ensure the safety for our citizens of the city and county.”

“The benefit (to the community) is that dispatch can and will continue to run efficiently and serve this community to the best of our ability to ensure safety for not only our citizens but also our First Responders,” she said.

Jobs

Currently, there are seven full-time employees with one part-time employee.

There is one full-time vacancy at this time, she said.

Qualifications for employment require passing a background check, being able to multi-task, have listening skills, and being able to handle stressful situations, Reed said.

To apply go to the City of Fort Scott Website at www.fscity.org to fill out an application.

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Michael R. Moore

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Michael Ray Moore

Michael Ray Moore, age 56, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, August 2, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born in Port St Joe, Florida on November 6, 1964.

At 17 he enlisted in the USAF and served four years as an SP guarding B52 bombers on the flight line. He then served 20 years as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, achieving the rank of Lieutenant and head of the narcotics unit. Upon retiring, Mike became a private investigator working felony criminal cases in the Tallahassee, Florida area.

After moving to Kansas with his family, he worked for the State of Kansas.
Mike enjoyed the simple things in life like fishing and boating with his family, board games, and movie nights. His priorities in life were God and his family.

Mike is survived by his wife and soulmate, Aimee Moore, and six children: Kayla Moore (Crawfordville, Florida), and Sierra Lemcke, Hailey Lemcke, Riley Lemcke, Brayden Moore and Bryce Moore of Fort Scott, Kansas. He has four grandchildren: Ashton, Bella, Payton, and Xander (Crawfordville, Florida), and 6 nieces and nephews in Kansas.

Following private family services, committal will take place at 12:30 PM Wednesday, August 11th, in the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.

Military honors will be provided by the USAF Honor Guard.

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

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott

Evergy Announces 2021 Second Quarter Earning Results

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  • GAAP EPS of $0.81; Adjusted EPS (Non-GAAP) of $0.85
  • Declares quarterly dividend of $0.535
  • Reaffirms 2021 adjusted earnings guidance

 

Kansas City, Mo., August 5, 2021 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) today announced second quarter 2021 earnings of $185 million, or $0.81 per share, compared with earnings of $133 million, or $0.59 per share, for the second quarter of 2020.

 

Evergy’s adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were

$195 million and $0.85, respectively, in the second quarter of 2021 compared with $154 million and

$0.68, respectively, in the second quarter of 2020. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted

earnings per share (non-GAAP) are reconciled to GAAP earnings in the financial table included in

this release.

 

Second quarter earnings per share were driven higher primarily by higher weather-normalized demand, higher transmission margin, lower operating and maintenance expense and higher other income, partially offset by unfavorable weather.

 

“Strong financial and operational execution allowed our team to deliver solid results in the first half of the year.  We also completed a number of significant milestones, including the announcement of our Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which outlines and accelerates the company’s carbon reduction timeline, the completion of Sustainability Transformation Plan workshops in both Kansas and Missouri, and the passage of securitization legislation in both states,” said David Campbell, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “We will remain focused on execution in order to capitalize on this strong momentum.”

 

Earnings Guidance

 

The Company has reaffirmed its 2021 adjusted EPS guidance range of $3.20 to $3.40 and long-term adjusted EPS annual growth target of 6% to 8% from 2019 through 2024.

 

Dividend Declaration

 

The Board of Directors declared a dividend on the Company’s common stock of $0.535 per share

payable on September 20, 2021. The dividends are payable to shareholders of record as of August 20, 2021.

 

Earnings Conference Call

 

Evergy management will host a conference call Thursday, August 5, with the investment community at 8:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. CT). Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by

dialing (888) 353-7071, conference ID 3065454. A webcast of the live conference call will be

available at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Members of the media are invited to listen to the conference call and then contact Gina Penzig with

any follow-up questions.

 

This earnings announcement, a package of detailed second-quarter financial information, the

Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021 and other filings the

Company has made with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available on the Company’s

website at http://investors.evergy.com.

 

Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) and Adjusted Earnings Per Share (non-GAAP)

 

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) exclude the income or costs resulting from non-regulated energy marketing margins from the February 2021 winter weather event, and costs resulting from executive transition, severance, advisor expenses and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities from the Kansas corporate income tax rate change. This information is intended to enhance an investor’s overall understanding of results.  Management believes that adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) provide a meaningful basis for evaluating Evergy’s operations across periods because it excludes certain items that management does not believe are indicative of Evergy’s ongoing performance. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are used internally to measure performance against budget and in reports for management and the Evergy Board of Directors. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other companies’ presentations or more useful than the GAAP information provided elsewhere in this report.

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation between net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. and diluted earnings per common share as determined in accordance with GAAP and adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) and adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP).

 

Evergy, Inc

Consolidated Earnings and Diluted Earnings Per Share

(Unaudited)

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended June 30

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

185.3

  $

0.81

  $

133.4

  $

0.59

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

1.5

 

0.01

 

—

 

—

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

2.0

 

0.01

 

—

 

—

Executive transition costs, pre-tax(c)

1.8

 

0.01

 

—

              —
Severance costs, pre-tax(d)

1.2

 

—

 

(0.4)

 

—

Advisor expenses, pre-tax(e)

5.7

 

0.02

 

9.8

 

0.04

Income tax benefit(f)

(2.4)

 

(0.01)

 

(2.4)

 

(0.01)

Kansas corporate income tax change(g)

—

 

—

 

13.8

 

0.06

Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $

195.1

  $

0.85

  $

154.2

  $

0.68

 

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share

  

Earnings (Loss)

  

Earnings (Loss) per Diluted Share
Year to Date June 30

2021

  

2020
 

(millions, except per share amounts)
Net income attributable to Evergy, Inc. $

376.9

  $

1.65

  $

202.8

  $

0.89

Non-GAAP reconciling items:              
Non-regulated energy marketing margin related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(a)

(95.0)

 

(0.42)

 

—

 

—

Non-regulated energy marketing costs related to February 2021

winter weather event, pre-tax(b)

4.0

 

0.02

…
Business, Fort Scott

Building For Lease at US 69 and National Ave.

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BUILDING FOR LEASE IN FORT SCOTT
LEASE AS ONE SITE OR
EACH BUILDING SEPARATE
PRIME LOCATION – US 69 & NATIONAL AVE.
Contact Bill Brittain for more information
on this property at 620-224-8657
or click here to email Bill.
The site was most recently used as the location
of the Bourbon County Cars dealership
for the past 8 years, and they relocated to an adjacent property they purchased.
Great Visibility * Highway Traffic
KDOT reports daily traffic counts at this
location as 8,830 vehicles in 2020.
See additional pictures below.
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTERS BELOW FOR THEIR
PREMIUM SUPPORT ANNUALLY OF THE WORK OF THE CHAMBER
FOR FORT SCOTT/BOURBON COUNTY!
Opinion

RSVP Part 2 by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Several years ago, Nicole Contos was scheduled to be married in a Manhattan church.

She showed up, 250 invited guests showed up, but the groom didn’t. He took off for Tahiti, the intended honeymoon location. So, there she was with a $100,000 reception and no wedding. What did she do?

She did the same thing the king in Matthew 22 did when his son’s reception didn’t turn out as planned. She said, “The food is ready, the drink is ready. We’re gonna have a party. And she did.” Last week, we looked at Jesus’ parable of a wedding ceremony in which a king’s invited guests opted not to come to his son’s marriage feast and killed the servants who came looking for the no-shows. Not a smart plan, since the king had an army at his disposal and sent it to annihilate the killers. (Not exactly a memorable marriage moment.) The parable doesn’t end there, however. The king then sent word for anyone and everyone to come and fill the seats for the banquet, and come they did.

Every down-and-out, every castle cast-off, came running.

But this is where the story turns wacky. The king, checking on his guests, noticed a man “who did not have on a wedding garment.” When asked why, the guest remained mute. “Then the king said to the servants, ’Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14). A little over-kill, perhaps?

Tell me your heart doesn’t ache for the poor man. I mean, perhaps he had no fine clothes. Did his last-minute invitation come with a “formal attire” heads-up? Did everyone else have time to run home, sponge off in the Jordan River and don sequined togas?

I’m guessing not.

So, why is this guy singled out? Commentators write that none of these eleventh-hour invitees would have had appropriate clothing. The king would have supplied the guests’ apparel; all they had to do was to put it on. But this guy wouldn’t even do that much. He decided to come on his own terms instead of submitting to the king’s wishes.

Jesus’ point is well taken. The Jews—listening to Jesus as he spoke– had plenty of opportunities to R.S.V.P. favorably to God’s invitation to follow His commandments. God even sent His son, Jesus, but most of the Jews refused to believe that he was the Messiah. They said they would obey. They didn’t.

We’ve all met them. God has invited our neighbors, friends and relatives to be a part of His kingdom feast, yet they choose to remain spiritually sloppy. Most can’t find the time to participate, and many who come fail to completely submit. But are we just as guilty? Do we daily respond to God’s prodding, to serve Him before ourselves, to maintain the same enthusiasm we had when we first answered His call, to live up to kingdom standards? “Many are called but few are chosen.”

The choice is ours to make.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Advisory For Blue-Green Algae

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Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

 

Warning

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Milford Lake Zones A and C, Geary County (Zone A upgraded 8/5)

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

South Lake, Johnson County (upgraded 8/5)

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Hargis Lake, Sumner County

 

Watch

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Pony Creek Lake, Brown County

Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Parsons Lake, Labette County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County

Neosho County State Fishing Lake, Neosho County (new)

Overbook City Lake, Osage County

Buhler City Lake, Reno County (new)

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County (new)

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County (downgraded 8/5)

 

Advisories Lifted 8/5/21

Mission Lake Horton, Brown County

Agra City Lake, Phillips County

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

Signs of a possible bloom include if there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

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Fort Scott, Government

Updated FS City Commission Meeting For Aug. 5

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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
123 S MAIN STREET
August 5, 2021
6:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN R NICHOLS L WATTS J. JONES
II. CONSIDERATION:
1. Discussion regarding Cooper, National & Horton Bids (Jason Dickman)
2. Approve Broker for Lake Lot Properties
3. Approve Broker for 4500 Campbell Drive
4. Executive Session
III. ADJOURN

Bourbon County Local News