COVID-19

Kansas to Resume Johnson & Johnson Administration

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Kansas to Resume Johnson & Johnson Administration

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that Kansas will resume administration of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine following an announcement on April 23 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging resumption of the vaccine.

“Today, Kansas will resume administering the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “After a brief pause and a thorough review, the CDC and FDA have determined the vaccine is safe and effective. Whether it’s the Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, I strongly encourage every Kansan to get vaccinated as soon as they can.”

Johnson & Johnson administration was paused April 13 by the CDC and FDA following reports of recipients in the United States who developed a rare disorder involving blood clots within about two weeks of vaccination. During the pause, the FDA and CDC examined available data to assess the risk of the condition as well as conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians to ensure they were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Following these reviews, the two agencies have recommended that Johnson & Johnson be resumed in the United States.

Kansas health care providers administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) and Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

The federal government will continue studying links between the vaccine and the rare blood clotting disorder. Those who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should contact their health care provider if they have any symptoms and report any illness to the VAERS Reporting System, https://vaers.hhs.gov.

Kansas’ next supply of Johnson & Johnson vaccine is anticipated the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses.

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FDA and CDC April 23 Joint Statement:

 

Following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume.

The pause was recommended after reports of six cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals following administration of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. During the pause, medical and scientific teams at the FDA and CDC examined available data to assess the risk of thrombosis involving the cerebral venous sinuses, or CVST (large blood vessels in the brain), and other sites in the body (including but not limited to the large blood vessels of the abdomen and the veins of the legs) along with thrombocytopenia, or low blood platelet counts. The teams at FDA and CDC also conducted extensive outreach to providers and clinicians to ensure they were made aware of the potential for these adverse events and could properly manage and recognize these events due to the unique treatment required for these blood clots and low platelets, also known as thrombosis-thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

The two agencies have determined the following:

  • Use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine should be resumed in the United States.
  • The FDA and CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
  • The FDA has determined that the available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older.
  • At this time, the available data suggest that the chance of TTS occurring is very low, but the FDA and CDC will remain vigilant in continuing to investigate this risk.
  • Health care providers administering the vaccine and vaccine recipients or caregivers should review the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) and Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers, which have been revised to include information about the risk of this syndrome, which has occurred in a very small number of people who have received the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.

CDC’s independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met today to discuss the latest data on TTS, hearing from the vaccine manufacturer Janssen and the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Technical (VaST) Subgroup, as well as a risk benefit analysis. ACIP is committed to be vigilant and responsive to additional information that could impact the risk benefit analysis of any of these vaccines. Vaccine safety monitoring will continue and any new information about TTS will be brought to ACIP as needed.

“Safety is our top priority. This pause was an example of our extensive safety monitoring working as they were designed to work—identifying even these small number of cases. We’ve lifted the pause based on the FDA and CDC’s review of all available data and in consultation with medical experts and based on recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. We have concluded that the known and potential benefits of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine outweigh its known and potential risks in individuals 18 years of age and older. We are confident that this vaccine continues to meet our standards for safety, effectiveness and quality. We recommend people with questions about which vaccine is right for them have those discussions with their health care provider,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., Acting FDA Commissioner.

“Above all else, health and safety are at the forefront of our decisions,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky. “Our vaccine safety systems are working. We identified exceptionally rare events – out of millions of doses of the Janssen COVID-19 administered – and we paused to examine them more carefully. As we always do, we will continue to watch all signals closely as more Americans are vaccinated. I continue to be encouraged by the growing body of real-world evidence that the authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and they protect people from disease, hospitalization, and death. I urge anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccines to speak with their healthcare provider or local public health department.”

Assessment of Available Data

Medical and scientific teams at the FDA and CDC reviewed several sources of information and data related to the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to reach today’s decision.

Specifically, the agencies assessed reports submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), reviewed the medical literature and considered the information from global regulatory partners about thrombosis with thrombocytopenia that have been reported following use of a similar, yet not identical, COVID-19 vaccine using a virus from the adenovirus family that has been modified to contain the gene for making a protein from SARS-CoV-2.

Update on Adverse Events

On April 13, the FDA and CDC announced that, out of more than 6.8 million doses administered, six reports of a rare and severe type of blood clot combined with low blood platelet levels occurring in people after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine had been reported to VAERS. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Today, the agencies can confirm that a total of 15 cases of TTS have been reported to VAERS, including the original six reported cases. All of these cases occurred in women between the ages of 18 and 59, with a median age of 37 years. Reports indicated symptom onset between 6 and 15 days after vaccination.

Monitoring for Safety Will Continue

The surveillance systems that are in place to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use are working, as demonstrated by both agencies’ quick work to identify and investigate these rare, but serious adverse events. The FDA and CDC will continue with these efforts to closely monitor the safety of these vaccines.

Reports of adverse events following vaccination can be made to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Obituary

Obituary of Ramona Saxer

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Ramona Mae Saxer, age 81, a resident of Richmond, Texas, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021, at the Memorial Hermann Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas.

She was born May 24, 1939, in Zenith, Kansas, the only daughter of Clair Keesling and Bernice Beltz Keesling.  Ramona was raised in Hutchinson, Kansas.

She went on to attend the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe, Kansas and graduated in 1957.

Ramona married the love of her life, David M. Saxer, in 1959.

They made their home in Olathe where Ramona worked in data control for area banks.

The Saxers moved to Richmond in 2011 to be closer to their family.  Ramona was known for her selfless, caring and funny personality.  She was always smiling and brought joy to those around her.  She was a devoted, wife, mother and grandmother who treasured time spent with her family especially time with her granddaughters. Ramona was truly a beautiful person both inside and out.

Survivors include her husband, David, her son, Harvey and wife, Christy, and twin granddaughters, Stella and Samantha.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 30th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery.  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 www.cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

Opening on Fort Scott Library Board

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There is one opening for the Fort Scott Library Board. This person must be a city resident.

The function of the Fort Scott Library Board is to review requests in reference to the library. This Board meets monthly at 5:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

If you have a desire to serve on this board and meet the above requirements, please submit a letter of interest to the City Clerk, Diane Clay, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. She will then submit your letter of interest for consideration to the City Commission.

All of the boards and commissions serve on a volunteer basis and are not compensated.

If you would like more information on this board, please contact Diane Clay, City Clerk at 620-223-0550 or [email protected]. Please submit your letter of interest by May 10th, 2021.

Fort Scott Community College

FSCC Graduates 250 Students On May 1

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Fort Scott Community College is proud to announce over 250 students will graduate on May 1, 2021. This year has been rough on the students, but they were able to persevere through the trials and tribulations. FSCC will have 170 associate degree graduates and 82 students graduating with a certificate.

 

“The students this year have shown a tremendous amount of grit and determination in completing their degrees or certificates. We are so proud of all our FSCC graduates,” said Adam Borth, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

 

This year is the 100th anniversary of the first graduating class at FSCC in 1921.

Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, May 1st in the Ellis Fine Arts building at 9:00 a.m. for students receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree or a Certificate.

Students graduating with an Associate in Arts, Science, or General Studies will participate in the 12:00 p.m. commencement ceremony.

A reception for Richard Mayhew, the 2021 Outstanding Alumnus, will be held between the two graduation ceremonies.

 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, limited seating will be available for the event, and each graduate will receive two guest tickets. A livestream of commencement will be available 10 minutes prior to the start of each ceremony on the FSCC website, fortscott.edu.

 

Government, Kansas

Grants To Improve Distance Learning and Telehealth

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Rural Kansans Eligible for Share of $42 Million in Federal Grants to Improve Connectivity

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that eligible Kansans can now apply for the for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Distance Learning and Telehealth (DLT) grants program.

The USDA has allocated $42.4 million in funding for 2021 DLT grants nationwide. The program aims to help rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

“Ensuring all Kansans have access to quality, affordable broadband has always been one of my top priorities – but broadband access is just the first step to connectivity,” Governor Kelly said. “This grant is an incredible opportunity for rural Kansans to get funding for the telecommunications equipment and resources needed for telehealth services, virtual school, digital business activity, and more. I appreciate the USDA’s efforts to improve connectivity throughout the country.”

The program supports eligible rural communities with the costs associated with capital assets, instructional programming, and technical assistance. Program funds can be used on:

  • Broadband facilities
  • Audio, video and interactive video equipment
  • Terminal and data terminal equipment
  • Computer hardware, network components and software
  • Inside wiring and similar infrastructure that further DLT services
  • Instructional programming that is a capital asset
  • Technical assistance and instruction for using eligible equipment

DLT Grants are available to rural areas with population of 20,000 or less. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications, including most state and local governmental entities, federally recognized tribes, non-profits, for-profit businesses, and consortia of eligible entitles. Potential applicants can learn more, check if they are eligible, and apply here.

“Lack of connectivity has been a huge challenge in education and healthcare for rural communities, and this grant program has the potential to make a real impact,” Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam said. “We appreciate this partnership with USDA as we work to strengthen and improve the quality of life in rural Kansas.”

The Office of Recovery co-hosted a webinar on the USDA DLT program with the Office of Broadband Development, Office of Rural Prosperity, and Department of Agriculture. You can watch a recording of the webinar and learn more here.

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Government, Kansas

Return of License Renewal Deadlines

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Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Allowing for Return of License Renewal Deadlines, Return to Normal

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today signed an executive order that gives licensing agencies flexibility to start reimposing license renewal deadlines and fees, marking another step in Kansas’ continued return to normal life following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the pandemic began, my administration took steps right away to keep Kansans healthy and mitigate the spread of the virus by limiting the need for in-person contact to complete routine responsibilities like license renewal,” Governor Kelly said. “Through quick and efficient vaccine distribution, COVID-19 cases continue to decline in Kansas – and some of these measures are no longer needed. This executive order allowing for the reimposition of license renewal deadlines is another step in our return to normal.”

Executive Order #21-22 is effective immediately and remains in force until rescinded, or until May 28, 2021, whichever is earlier.

View E.O. #21-22 here.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

St. Martin’s Academy Featured At Friday Night Free Concert

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

The Friday Night Free Concert will feature music will by the St. Martins Academy singers.

They will do a mixture of music from traditional, classic rock and hymns.

They will feature bag pipes in some of the numbers.

They performed for us last year and are a real favorite with our crowd, according to Ralph Carlson, the event coordinator.

The concert will be at 7 pm at 1st and Main at the Heritage Pavilsion. In the event of rain it will move to the Common Grounds Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall

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Come early and bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

Business, Fort Scott

Armstrong Pressure Washing: Business Follows Facination

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Jeff Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.

 

 Jeff Armstrong started his new business, Armstrong Pressure Washing LLC in the fall of 2020.
“I love my hometown,” he said.  ” I see a real need to continue to help homeowners and businesses maintain and protect their properties. It lends itself to community pride and I think we need more of that.”
 “This business also lends itself well to my somewhat OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)personality,” Armstrong said.   “Over the last year, I found myself fascinated by pressure washing videos on Youtube.  After months of research and educating myself, I took a bit of a leap.”
He bought a truck, built his own rig, and invested in proper equipment and chemicals.
“After a few jobs, it was clear that I really enjoyed the work,” he said. “It’s satisfying to see something restored to its original condition and to see a customer excited about a renewal of their home.  I take a lot of pride in my work and being able to bring a house or business back to its former glory is extremely fulfilling.”
Concrete washing, before and after. Submitted photo.
 
His service?
“I operate a residential and commercial pressure washing and soft washing business,” he said.   “I specialize in house washes, roof washes, and surface cleanings such as sidewalks, porches, and driveways.”
Other services that are available include deck cleaning, fence washing, boat/Recreational Vehicle washing, fleet washing, and  gutter brightening.
 ” I am now offering parking lot striping, as well as American Disabilities Act compliance and traffic flow designations, he said. “I am currently bidding striping work to begin this summer.”
“Often our home is one of our greatest financial investments, he said. ” We insure it, to protect it from major damage, but we sometimes don’t realize the everyday damage that occurs when houses and roofs are not properly maintained.”
 ” Driving around town it’s easy to see signs of damage caused by mold and algae,” Armstrong said.  ” Roof stripes or dark streaks are called gloeocapsa magma, which is an airborne algae that is the most common type and it’s the easiest to spot.  Those dark streaks look unsightly but they are actually eating the lime out of an asphalt shingle, which over time, can deteriorate a roof to the point of replacement.”
 “It’s commonly understood that washing your car properly prevents the paint and clear coat finish from breaking down due to salt, and road materials but most people overlook the need to wash our homes,” he said.
“I wish it were as simple as just taking any old pressure washer and spraying it off, but pressure isn’t typically recommended for anything other than flat surfaces such as concrete,” he said. ” A proper house and roof wash requires the correct mixture of chemicals, and is actually applied with a low pressure or a  soft wash system.  I hope to continue to educate local homeowners about why this maintenance is so important.  In the long run, it can save them thousands of dollars.”
Before and after photo of Armstrong Pressure Washing. Submitted photo.
For the majority of the jobs, he is the sole worker.
“However, on roof washing jobs there is the need for someone on the ground to protect surrounding vegetation from any overspray,” Armstrong said.  “My wonderful daughter Kendal has assisted me on previous roof washes, and will likely help in the future.”
Pressure washing before and after. Submitted photo.
Contact info:
Address: 634 Fairway Drive
Contact Info: 913-271-6993, [email protected]
FB @armstrongpressurewash
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools, Sports

From the Pool to the Runway, FSHS Swim Team is Making a Splash!

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Oliver Witt, FSHS Swim Team member, in the black dress, won the Miss(ter) Pageant on April 24
Submitted by Coach Angie Kemmerer
The Fort Scott High School Girls Swim Team competed in Coffeyville on Thursday, April 22 and Monday, April 27.
At both meets the team finished 2nd behind Independence.
FSHS Boys Swimmer and Girls Team Manager Oliver Witt Represented the team at the Miss(ter) FSHS pageant on Saturday, April 24th and brought home the grand prize.
  From the pool to the runway, FSHS Tigers are making a splash!
The results from Thursday’s meet were:
200 Medley Relay
“A” 2nd
“B” 3rd
200 Free
5th  Emily Davenport
6th  Annalyse Gilmore
200 IM
5th Annelise Hall
6th Ashley Smith
50 Free
2nd Ava Steier
5th Dawna Hudiburg
100 Fly
4th Maia Martin
100 Free
2nd Ava Steier
500 Free
2nd Kourtney Flynn
200 Free Relay
“A” 3rd
“B” 6th
100 Back
6th Kourtney Flynn
100 Breast
1st Annelise Hall
4th Ashley Smith
6th  Dawna Hudiburg
400 Freestyle Relay
“A”  4th
The results from Monday’s meet:
200 Medley Relay: Both teams got a best time
“A” 2nd (Ava Steier, Ashley Smith, Alyssa Smith and Dawna Hudiburg)
“B” 5th (Rylan Mason, Emily Davenport, Maia Martin & Annalyse Gilmore)
200 Freestyle:  
4th Alyssa Smith Best time
7th Emily Davenport
200 IM
3rd Ashley Smith Best time
6th Annalyse Gilmore  Best time
50 Freestyle
2nd Ava Steier
4th Dawna Hudiburg
7th Rylan Mason Best time
Kourtney Flynn Best time
100 Butterfly
4th Maia Martin
100 Freestyle
3rd Ava Steier
5th Alyssa Smith Best Time
500 Freestyle
3rd Emily Davenport  Best Time
4th Kourtney Flynn
200 Freestyle Relay
“A” 1st  (Dawna Hudiburg, Alyssa Smith, Ashley Smith and Ava Steier) Best Time
100 Backstroke
4th Dawna Hudiburg Best time
9th annalyse Gilmore  Best Time
100 Breast
1st Ashley Smith Best Time
7th Maia Martin  Best Time
400 Freestyle Relay
“A”  5th  (Rylan Mason, Maia Martin, Kourtney Flynn and Annalyse Gilmore)
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 23, 2021

 

 

Governor Vetoes Several Bills

The Governor vetoed a number of bills.  Several of these were good bills that needed to pass into law.  There will be an attempt to override the vetoes during Veto-Session, which starts May 3. A list of vetoed bills should be posted at

http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/year1/measures/reports/veto_fr/

 

Fairness in Women’s Sports

The Governor vetoed SB 55 that would have limited competition in women’s sports to biological females.  The Governor’s veto entitles transgender athletes at the expense of biological female athletes.  How can a talented high school woman athlete get a college scholarship competing against biological males?  The Governor said this bill, “would harm our ability to attract and retain businesses.”  Let’s be clear, she is talking about out-of-state multi-national corporations trying to force state policy that goes against Kansas values.  The Governor is cowering to them.  The legislature will try to override this veto but the votes will be close.

 

Protecting Elections

The Governor vetoed two election bills (HB 2183 and HB2332) that would strengthen the integrity of Kansas elections.  One of her excuses was, “hundreds of major companies across the nation have made it abundantly clear that this kind of legislation is wrong.”  Who does she represent? Definitely not Kansans when she is more worried about national corporations instead of the accuracy of Kansas elections.  Our Governor is talking the national Democrat propaganda, instead representing Kansas.  We will have the votes for a veto override on both of the bills if no legislator changes their vote.

 

2nd Amendment

The Governor vetoed two 2nd Amendment bills.  HB 2089 would allow local school boards options to offer gun safety education.  HB 2058 would lower the minimum age to conceal carry in Kansas  from 21 to 18 years old.  It also establishes reciprocity for persons 18 to  20 years of age that hold a concealed carry permit from another state.  Can you believe the veto override will be more difficult on the firearm education bill, HB 2089?  The Senate and House should have the votes on HB 2058.  The House needs 5 Representatives to change their vote on HB 2089 to override the Governor’s veto.

 

Basic Civics and Finance Education

The Governor vetoed HB 2039, requiring students pass an exam with 60 questions from the naturalization tests administered by the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services. It would enlighten our students on American civics. It would also require students in grades 10, 11, or 12 to pass a personal financial literacy course in order to graduate.  The bar for a veto override will be higher on this bill – the bill passed with 25 yes and 13 no votes in the Senate and 72 to 51 in the House.  The Senate needs 27 votes and the House 84 votes for a veto override.  Hopefully, legislators who voted No will realize how important it is that students have basic civics and financial knowledge.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

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Bourbon County Local News