The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the 2021 Capital Improvements and Financial Resources available. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.
Governor’s Call With Local Officials Jan. 8
Governor Laura Kelly to Hold Biweekly Conference Call with Elected Officials Friday
TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly will be holding her regular, biweekly conference call at 11 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2021, with county commissioners, emergency managers, public health officers, legislators, and other community leaders for a COVID-19 update and Q&A with state response leaders, Major General Weishaar, the Adjutant General of Kansas, Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Neosho County Health Department director Dr. Brian Kueser.
Who: Governor Laura Kelly, Major General David Weishaar, Secretary Lee Norman, Dr. Brian Kueser
What: COVID-19 Biweekly Update Conference Call
When: 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2021
Where: To listen to the meeting, RSVP to Lauren Fitzgerald at [email protected]
To view the meeting’s agenda, click here.
Obituary of Mark A. Demas
Mark Anthony Demas, age 61, a resident of Coffeyville, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at his home in Coffeyville.
He was born March 25, 1959, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Charles Stewart Parnell Demas and Faye Janice Smiley Demas.
Mark’s father died at a young age, and he was raised by his mother and step-father, Raymond Cowan. Mark married Diann Erie on March 31, 1978, in Ft. Scott. Mark graduated from Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Community College and later completed his pastoral training at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He pastored churches in Hamilton, Virgil and Neal, Kansas as well as Columbus and Erie, Kansas. He was currently serving as pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Coffeyville.
Mark loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles.
Survivors include his wife, Diann, of the home; and his three children, Sarah Lopez (Fernando), of Pittsburg, Kansas, Kyle Demas, of Pleasanton, Kansas and Trenton Demas, also of Pittsburg and four grandchildren, Isabella, Marco and Miguel Lopez and Emma Demas and his beloved dogs, Abbie and Gracie.
Also surviving are four brothers, George Demas, of Jackson, Kentucky, Charles Speer (Marian), of Carl Junction, Missouri, John Speer (Pam), of Redfield, Kansas and Glenn Demas (Cecilia), of Joplin, Missouri and his mother-in-law, Edna Erie, of Ft. Scott.
Mark was preceded in death by a son, Isaac Demas, his parents, a brother, Jim Speer and his father-in-law, Mike Erie.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M., Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
A private family memorial service with burial in the Oak Grove Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Juvenile Diabetes Research Funding and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Bourbon County Entities Have Received The COVID-19 Vaccine
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC-SEK) and the local county health department have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Each of our clinics did receive the vaccine to immunize medical personnel….our own and any others in the community not covered by the local health department,” said Krista Postai, President and CEO of CHC/SEK. “It is our understanding that staff and residents in long term care (facilities) are being immunized through a federal contract with Walgreens who has received their own allocation of the vaccine.”
“We have exhausted our first shipment of 100 vaccines and are awaiting word on the next shipment,” she said. “We used (these) for our Fort Scott, Pleasanton and Mound City employees along with some other non-CHC/SEK medical personnel.”
“As you may have seen in the media, Kansas does not appear to be faring well in getting their vaccine distributed….although the state says that’s not accurate….it’s a problem, they say, with the reporting system,” Postai said.
“That said, we do anticipate receiving additional vaccine in the communities we serve and will coordinate/collaborate with local health departments, who are also receiving the vaccine,” Postai said.
Postai said she received the following email from KDHE.
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“ALL healthcare associated workers, hospital staff and local health dept staff are eligible to receive vaccine right now. This includes dentists, ophthalmologists, EMS workers, home health workers, school nurses, pharmacists, etc.
- “If a county has more vaccine and has vaccinated all health care workers in the county, please contact the Kansas Immunization Program at [email protected] and KDHE will help redistribute your extra vaccine doses to another county who still needs more for health care workers.
- “KDHE anticipates that additional vaccine doses will arrive weekly in the state. Facilities that received vaccine will automatically receive a separate delivery/shipment for the second dose.
- “The Governor’s office and KDHE are working on priorities beyond healthcare workers and long-term care and those will be shared soon. For now, we are asking the whole state to stay in phase 1 and we will move on to phase 2 after all healthcare workers that want to be vaccinated are vaccinated with the first dose.”
For more info: contact [email protected]
“We received 60 doses and have given them all,” Rebecca Johnson, Southeast Kansas Multi-Health Department Administrator said.
“When we know how many more we’ll be getting and when, we’ll be reaching out to whom KDHE instructs us to vaccinate next,” she said. “When we are able to vaccinate the public, we will advertise this in the paper, radio, Facebook and on our website. From the availability chart, it says high-risk individuals are looking at late winter 2021 and all other adults are looking at spring 2021.”
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has instructed local health departments to vaccinate Emergency Medical Service personnel, healthcare and public health workers, she said.
“That’s who we’ve administered to,” Johnson said. ” We received 60 doses and have given them all.”
“Walgreens is working with long term care facilities on their vaccination plan,” she said. https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
“In the first category, KDHE has listed Healthcare Personnel, Long Term Care Facility Staff/Residents, and EMS/Frontline Public Health Workers,” she said. “This chart can be found on the KDHE website or folks can go to our updated website: www.sekmchd.com.
From the sekmchd website:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Active Cases | January 6, 2021
Allen County 96
Anderson County 71
Bourbon County 83
Woodson County 27
Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases at 620-223-4464.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQsWhen will the COVID-19 vaccine be available?
Currently, the vaccine is only available to healthcare workers and long-term care residents. As more vaccine is made available it will be offered to additional groups.
Please see the Expected Vaccine Availability Status to Population Group (pg 3) put out by the Governor’s office. SEKMCHD receives instructions directly from KDHE about which groups are eligible for vaccination with the vaccine they send to us.
Is vaccination mandatory?
Public Health officials are not mandating vaccination at this time. Your employer may require you to be vaccinated.
Will there be enough vaccine for everyone?
The Federal government has indicated that there will be enough for everyone who wants to be vaccinated.
How much will the vaccine cost?
The vaccine itself is being paid for by the federal government. SEKMCHD won’t be charging a fee. Other places giving vaccinations may charge a fee to administer the vaccine.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?
Right now vaccine is only available for healthcare workers and long-term care residents. Vaccine will be made available to the public in the spring/summer of 2021. At that time it may be available through the health department, pharmacies, and physician offices. Check this website for further updates.
Do I need to make an appointment to get the vaccine?
No. When the health department receives enough vaccine to give to the public we will host a large event. No appointment will be required for that event.
I already had COVID-19. Do I need to get the vaccine?
It is suggested that you get vaccinated even if you have previously had COVID-19.
How long after I get my vaccine do I need to wear my mask?
You should wear your mask even after being vaccinated. Public health officials will advise when it is safe to go back to not wearing a mask.
I want to get a specific vaccine. How do I do that?
The health department is unable to honor requests for specific vaccines. The health department cannot request specific vaccines at this time. When we are ready to begin vaccination of the public we will let the public know which specific vaccine is available.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 7
January is Kansas Radon Action Month
Governor Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are urging Kansans to protect their families by testing their homes for an odorless, invisible gas. Governor Kelly signed a proclamation in December proclaiming January as Kansas Radon Action Month. The Governor encouraged testing of homes, schools and work sites for radon to minimize long-term health risks.
“Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., and the first in people who have never smoked,” Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of KDHE said. “The good news is that prolonged exposure to high concentrations of radon can be prevented.”
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can emanate from soil and become a health hazard when concentrated inside a home, school, business or other structure. More than 200 lung cancer deaths per year in Kansas may be linked to indoor radon. EPA estimates that indoor radon contributes to 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. each year. Exposure causes no immediate symptoms, and often goes unrecognized until serious health complications arise.
More than one in four homes across Kansas has high radon. Inexpensive radon test kits, available at local hardware and builder’s supply stores and at your Kansas county extension office, can reveal the amount of radon in any building. Those with high levels can usually be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques. Homeowners should talk with a certified radon contractor if high levels are detected.
A list of certified radon contractors is available by calling the Kansas Radon Hotline at 800-693-KDHE (800-693-5343). Additional information about radon can be obtained at www.kansasradonprogram.org and at www.epa.gov/radon.
Half-Staff Flags For Kansas COVID 19 Deaths
Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff to Honor 3,027 Kansans Who Lost their Lives to COVID-19
TOPEKA –Kansas surpassed 3,000 Kansas deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state Thursday, January 7, 2021, from sunup to sundown.
“It is with great sadness that I am once again ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the Kansans who have lost their lives to COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “My administration remains committed to fighting further spread of COVID-19, and I know Kansans will do their part to protect their neighbors and loved ones.”
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor
Proposed Commercial Hemp Hearing Jan. 20
Hearing for Proposed Adoption of Commercial Industrial Hemp Regulation
MANHATTAN, Kansas — A public hearing will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, to consider the adoption of a proposed regulation to govern commercial industrial hemp production in Kansas. Due to public health concerns posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing proceedings will be held via a video conferencing system to provide the opportunity for virtual participation online. Although in-person participation is also an option, attendance will be limited to allow for social distancing and to comply with local health requirements.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is proposing amendments to K.A.R. 4-34-1, in order to make the existing rule and regulation align with the requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill and the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act, which together allow commercial hemp production in Kansas.
A copy of the proposed regulation, as well as an expanded notice of public hearing, may be accessed on the KDA website at agriculture.ks.gov/PublicComment. Anyone desiring to participate via video conference or in person must pre-register and be provided with a video link or instructions for in-person attendance. Written comments can be submitted on the public comment web page prior to the hearing or sent to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS, 66502.
Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing and may request a copy of the regulations in an accessible format. Persons who require special accommodations must make their needs known at least five working days prior to the hearing. For more information, including special accommodations or a copy of the regulations, please contact Ronda Hutton at 785-564-6715 or [email protected].
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WHAT: Public hearing on proposed commercial industrial hemp regulation
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021
WHERE: Virtual: via video conferencing system
In person: Kansas Department of Agriculture, 1320 Research Park Dr., Manhattan
Updated Contacts For Kansas State Agencies
TIMKEN Job Fair Jan. 7-8
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Minutes of the Bourbon County Coalition Jan. 6
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
January 6, 2021
- Welcome: Sixteen members participated in the meeting. New board members Patty Simpson, Director, Fort Scott Housing Authority, and David Gillen, Director, The Beacon, were recognized. Billie Jo reminded members that the Board does have funds available; people in need just need to make application through The Beacon.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Allen Schelleck, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reminded members that he still has some funds from the FSACF grant. He also noted that the Red Bucket campaign was not quite so successful as 2019; therefore, he will have about $1,000 less to assist Bourbon County families this year.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP, mentioned that she is continuing to develop the calling program for senior citizens in Bourbon County. She needs seniors who wish to receive calls as well as volunteers to make the calls.
- Elizabeth Schafer, CASA and Feeding Families, shared that Feeding Families is currently serving about 300 people each week; the program also has some good used high chairs to donate to families in need.
- Ty Harnden, Aunt Bertha, reminded members that the organization can help find food assistance, help pay bills, and locate other free or reduced cost programs. Ty’s phone number is 913-717-5751.
- Cinda Reynolds and Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, shared that they are continuing virtual responses when called to a crisis. There is virtual training available for those wishing to volunteer with the Red Cross.
- Michelle Worsley and Shanett Jones, SEK-CAP Head Start, are still seeking applications for their programs.
- Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, has two handicapped accessible apartments available – one three bedroom and one two bedroom. She will have a couple of others available soon. Contact the Housing Authority office for more information.
- Celia Ruiz, United Health Care, mentioned that she is still available to assist with health care needs even though there are no health fairs being held during the pandemic. She also noted that clients should not have to be recertifying during this time.
- Mandi Woods, Healthy Families, shared that she is able to continue family meetings virtually; she recently conducted a very successful family read-along event.
- Christine Abbott, SEK Works, will continue working from home for another week. Virtual appointments are available on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. She still has funds available for those who qualify. She also mentioned that she can provide computer loans for up to five days. The statewide job fair continues to be available online. Christine is also available to help those who have been victims of unemployment fraud.
- Dena Kemp, DCCCA, emphasized that prevention information has been sent to the Coalition email list; Dena can be reached at 620-218-2878 for more information. She is also working on a committee to form a statewide suicide coalition.
- Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department, noted that she is having good participation and outcomes from her Teen Pregnancy program. She also reminded members about the Healthy Beginnings Pre-Natal classes on the Zoom format that are available to any pregnant woman; contact Tammy to register. Car seats are available free of charge to parents who receive WIC or are on KanCare; others may be able to access car seats through the local police department or the Kansas Troopers in Chanute.
- LIEAP applications have been mailed to those who received LIEAP last year; others may now access the application on the DCF website. Applications will be available through March.
- Program (no programs for Zoom meetings)
- Open Forum: Following some discussion, consensus was to continue Zoom meetings. John, Thrive Allen County, will continue to act as host; Billie Jo will send information to join the meeting to members prior to February 3.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be February 3, 2021.
Presentation Explores Emancipated African Americans’ “Free State” Experiences and “Systemic Racism”
Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, KS will host “Free Did Not Mean Welcome,” a presentation and discussion by Carmaletta Williams on Monday, January 18 at 12:00pm virtual on Zoom.
Members of the community are invited to attend the free Zoom online program. Registration is required. To register for the free webinar Zoom event go to: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8vOjMtI4QuWHcPs6IsMz3g.
Contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 for more information.
The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
Millions of African Americans walked away from the South after Emancipation looking for freedom. For some it meant a journey to Kansas, a “free state.”
Discover how many realized that for Black people in Kansas “Free” did not necessarily mean “Welcome.”
Also learn more about “Systemic Racism” that still exist in today’s world and how it impacts our daily lives and also what we can do as a society to help to eliminate it.
Carmaletta Williams is a former professor of English and African American Studies at Johnson County Community College. She is now the Executive Director of The Black Archives of Mid-America.
“Free Did Not Mean Welcome” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Movement of Ideas Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and workshops designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
For more information about “Free Did Not Mean Welcome” contact the Gordon Parks
Museum at 620-223-2700 ext 5850 or visit http:www.gordonparkscenter.org/
About Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy.
Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and
culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.