Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for Old Fort Auto June 4

You are invited!
Grand Opening &
Ribbon Cutting for
Old Fort Auto!
Thursday, June 4th, 2020
5:15 to 6:30pm
(Remarks & Ribbon Cutting 5:30pm)
213 Scott Ave. in the
Downtown Historic District
Business partners Rich Aydelotte &
Matt Harvey will be eager
to meet everyone, and share their
business & community goals!
Featuring used cars, trucks & SUV’s!
Click here to visit them on Facebook,
Click here to visit their website!

SEK COVID 19 Update

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

May 26, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 0
Total Positives Since Testing 1
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 1
Total Positives Since Testing 1
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 1
Current Recovered Cases 5
Total Positives Since Testing 7
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Current Recovered Cases 6
Total Positives Since Testing 6
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

Quarantine If You Traveled to Lake of the Ozarks

KDHE recommends self-quarantine for Kansans who traveled to Lake of the Ozarks

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is recommending voluntary 14-day self-quarantine for those Kansans who traveled to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, over the Memorial Day weekend and did not use protective measures, such as social distancing and face masks. 

 

Over the holiday weekend, large crowds were reported at the Lake of the Ozarks with no protective practices being followed.

 

“The reckless behavior displayed during this weekend risks setting our community back substantially for the progress we’ve already made in slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “If you traveled to Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend, we urge you to act responsibly and self-quarantine to protect your neighbors, co-workers and family.”

 

While Lake of the Ozarks is not currently on the mandated travel list, KDHE urges those who traveled over the Memorial Day weekend to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return to Kansas.

 

A list of states on the mandated travel advisory is available at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

Farmers/Ranchers: USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Farmers and Ranchers in Kansas Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Online Tools and Toll-Free Number Available to Assist Producers

Manhattan, KS, May 26, 2020 – Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers across the nation.

We know Kansas producers are facing a tough time now, and we are making every effort to provide much needed support as quickly as possible,” said David Schemm, State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “FSA is available over the phone and virtually to walk you through the application process, whether it’s the first time you’ve worked with FSA, or if you know us quite well.”

Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

We also want to remind producers that the program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply,” SED Schemm said.

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Additionally, producers in search of one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a good first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Applying for Assistance

Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print off a pre-filled CFAP application, sign, and submit to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred method. Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/cfap.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

Additional Commodities

USDA is also establishing a process for the public to identify additional commodities for potential inclusion in CFAP. Specifically, USDA is looking for data on agricultural commodities, that are not currently eligible for CFAP, that the public believes to have either:

  1. suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
  2. shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, or
  3. not left the farm or remained unharvested as mature crops.


More information about this process is available on farmers.gov/cfap.

More Information

To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

 

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Bourbon County Commission Meeting Today Changed to Commission Room, Broadcasted on Facebook

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: May 26, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

DUE TO WEATHER THE COMMISSION MEETING IS MOVED INTO THE COMMISSION ROOM AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON FACEBOOK

 

9:00 – 9:45 Jim Harris

9:45 Discuss Re-opening of the Courthouse

Obituary of Nadyne Walker

Nadyne Marie Walker, age 92, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at her home.

She was born August 25, 1927, in Uniontown, KS, the daughter of Herbert and Beulah Neth Holt. She graduated from Uniontown high school with the class of 1946.

She married Don Walker on April 28, 1963, in Uniontown.

He preceded in death in 2000.

 Nadyne worked for Western Insurance Company for several years. She then worked in the office for Key Industries for 38 years. She was a member of the Community Christian Church and more recently attended Rinehart Christian Church in Richards, MO.

Survivors include a son, Kenneth Campbell and wife Vicki, Flora, IL; a stepdaughter, Donna Wray and husband Harry, Columbia, MO; 2 granddaughters Nichole McFarland and Lisa Sampley; 2 step-grandsons; 1 step-granddaughter; numerous nephews and 1 niece; and special friend Jim Henning.

Besides her husband Don, she was preceded in death by a nephew, Brad Holt; a brother, George Holt; and a sister, Marilyn Brown.

There was cremation.

Private burial will take place in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Rinehart Christian Church 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.

Elder Abuse and What You Should Know

Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent.

 

 

No one is immune to elder abuse – it can happen to anyone, at any time, and anywhere. Often a silent problem, elder abuse can rob older adults of their dignity and security and leave them feeling fearful, depressed, and alone.

Sadly, 10 percent of Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse in the last year, and many researchers expect this number to rise with the growth of the aging population. Yet, it is a topic we are not readily willing to talk about. We “don’t want to think about it,” or we “don’t want to admit that it happens.”

Elder abuse (sometimes referred to as elder mistreatment) is an intentional act, or failure to act, that causes harm to an adult. Abuse can be categorized as physical, emotional or psychological, sexual, neglect, abandonment, or financial exploitation.

A majority of abuse victims are older women who are vulnerable. They may be socially isolated, may have a mental impairment, or other disability. Often the abuse victim is dependent on others for help with activities of everyday life. People who are frail may appear to be easy victims.

The warning signs of abuse can be different for individuals depending on the type, frequency, and magnitude of abuse. Warning signs can include unexplained bruises or welts, withdrawal from normal activities, trouble sleeping, depression or confusion, or weight loss for no reason. Signs of trauma, such as rocking back and forth, poor hygiene, the unexpected absence of a caregiver, or a sudden change in financial situation can be other signs of abuse.

Here are some things to keep in mind to help prevent elder abuse.

  • If you are a caregiver, ask for help when you need a break. Caregiving for a loved one is very rewarding, but can be challenging, very demanding and stressful.
  • Remain involved in your loved one’s care at care facilities and at home.
  • Be attentive to sudden changes in mood, appearance, and health, especially if a decline in mental ability (dementia) is taking place.
  • Educate your loved ones on what scams and schemes can look and sound like and what to do if they feel uncomfortable in a situation reflecting pressure or scare tactics.
  • Encourage your loved one to be cautious with their financial affairs. Monitor financial accounts if necessary, and avoid making rash spending decisions.
  • Encourage your loved one to create financial and health care-related advance planning documents.
  • If you suspect or see elder abuse, report it immediately.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For domestic or community abuse, contact Kansas Department for Children and Families Adult Protective Services at 1-800-922-5330. For suspected abuse in a care facility, contact Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at 1-800-842-0078.

For other resources or questions related to elder abuse, contact the Yates Center Southwind Extension District office at 620-625-8620.

Rep. Owens: Spread Unity and Hope

Letter to the Editor

Submitted by. Stephen Owens, 74th House District, www.rethinkkansas.com

 

In her daily briefing (on Friday), the Governor chose to use her pulpit to further divide the people of Kansas in lieu of UNITING us as a Leader should. She chose to use such words in describing the session of the Legislature as a Joke and Spectacle while using adjectives such as Embarrassing, Irresponsible and Indefensible implying legislation was rammed through the process. Let me add a bit of context for your consideration:

1) Legislators worked tirelessly for 24 hours straight to ensure legislation was passed to provide scholarships for Kansas high schoolers trying to get a college education, created a low cost loan program for struggling Kansas businesses shut down by the Governor, provide free ACT exams for students, create a foster care report card to hold DCF accountable for children, create at “Truth in Taxation” bill creating transparency in your property tax bill, give property owners an extension of time to pay their property taxes without penalty, ensure routine maintenance on your property doesn’t increase your taxes, and put common sense checks and balances on the Governors authority to shut down businesses and put folks out of work. When is the last time you can say you worked 24 hours straight (God Bless our first responders that do regularly)? EVERY (Rep and Dem alike) legislator deserves a pat on the back for working diligently to represent the nearly 3 Million Kansans they were elected to represent.

2) While I have been clear in my desire to have worked for a week or two to get even more legislation passed, there are 165 members of the Kansas Legislature. Better than 60% fall into the HIGH risk category for COVID illness. Many simply were not willing to come for more than one day. Five (5) refused to show up period. I respect and appreciate our leadership for their desire to protect our members yet still get an enormous amount done in 24 hours for the people of Kansas.

3) 24 Hours is a bit of a misnomer. We have been working for more than two weeks having committee meetings in Appropriation, Judiciary, Tax, Commerce and others in preparation for this day. There have been dozens of online and in person committee meetings in both the House and Senate in preparation for Sine Die. To imply it was all done in 24 hours is simply not the truth.

4) Marathon Days in the legislature are not uncommon. While it is unusual to go a full 24 hours and on Sine Die, each year, there is generally at least one day we work WELL past midnight to get the work of the people done. This is not uncommon and the Governor (as a former Senator) knows this. We are proud to put our wants and needs aside for the people of Kansas.

Any time only one side of a situation or story is represented, you hear only what you are told to hear. The Governor had a very specific message and it is obvious that with her choice of words, her desire was to make Republican Leadership look bad and to politicize the work of the Legislature. The Governor can choose to lead with a message of unity or continue to use her daily press briefings & messaging to score political points.

The State of Kansas is represented by some fantastic individuals; none of which are perfect. The Governor is as apt to make mistakes as is our leadership as am I. We can all see in hindsight how things can be done better. However, the funny thing about hindsight is that a 20/20 view of past only stands to improve our vision of the future.

I implore the Governor and each Legislator to open the doors of communication and spread a message of UNITY and HOPE! We all have the same goal in mind: to make Kansas a great place to live, work and raise our families.

Ad Astra per Aspera
Stephen

VFW Avenue of Flags Cancelled Due to Rain

The traditional VFW’s Avenue of Flags placement on East National scheduled for 7 am on Memorial Day has been cancelled due to rain.
The Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony scheduled for 10 am will be held at the Bourbon County Courthouse. The backup plan is to move the Remembrance Ceremony to Memorial Hall in the event of rain.
The Remembrance Ceremony will last about 20 minutes and has been extended to include some portions of the ceremony previously held at the National Cemetery,
Post 25 members will be handing out poppies at G and W from 11 am – 5 pm on Memorial Day.  Volunteers still needed for 11 am and 1 pm. Reply to this email if you are able to help your Post.
Persons attending the Remembrance Ceremony should plan on practice social distancing.
I hope to see you at the Remembrance Ceremony.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

Bourbon County Local News