The Galena Sentinel Times

09/18/2020

Main Street Closed for Maintenance

https://galenaks.gov/main-street-closed-for-maintenance/?fbclid=IwAR1XJTXhggVYEgV88vv7vAYzGsXdQO5rPbZEZkafpOtpUMl2yQGuNjIthtU

Main Street from 7th to Front Street will be closed on Saturday September 19 through Sunday September 20th. There will be a crew working to Seal, Paint Traffic Lines and Parking Spots. Please make …

09/03/2020

FNS Responds to COVID-19 | USDA-FNS

USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through December 31, 2020

Summer meal programs can continue operating as funding allows

(Washington, DC, August 31, 2020) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as December 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This unprecedented move will help ensure – no matter what the situation is on-the-ground – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA has been and continues to be committed to using the Congressionally appropriated funding that has been made available.

“As our nation reopens and people return to work, it remains critical our children continue to receive safe, healthy, and nutritious food. During the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA has provided an unprecedented amount of flexibilities to help schools feed kids through the school meal programs, and today, we are also extending summer meal program flexibilities for as long as we can, legally and financially,” said Secretary Perdue. “We appreciate the incredible efforts by our school foodservice professionals year in and year out, but this year we have an unprecedented situation. This extension of summer program authority will employ summer program sponsors to ensure meals are reaching all children – whether they are learning in the classroom or virtually – so they are fed and ready to learn, even in new and ever-changing learning environments.”

“School Nutrition Association greatly appreciates USDA addressing the critical challenges shared by our members serving students on the frontlines these first weeks of school. These waivers will allow school nutrition professionals to focus on nourishing hungry children for success, rather than scrambling to process paperwork and verify eligibility in the midst of a pandemic." said School Nutrition Association (SNA) President Reggie Ross, SNS. "We look forward to continuing our dialogue with USDA to ensure school meal programs are equipped to meet the future needs of America’s students.”

“Today’s announcement brings a huge relief to our school meal program and the community we serve,” said Lindsay Aguilar, RD, SNS, Director of Food Services for Tucson Unified School District, AZ. “Many of our families who might not qualify for free meals are still going through a tough time and are worried about how to keep food on the table. Now their children will have one less thing to worry about as they adjust to evolving in-school and remote learning scenarios. These waivers also eliminate a massive administrative burden for our school nutrition staff, allowing them to focus on feeding children.”

“These waivers will ensure every hungry child in the city of Cleveland has access to healthy school meals, while eliminating the burdensome, time consuming process of verifying and documenting enrollment,” said Chris Burkhardt, SNS, Executive Director of School Nutrition for Cleveland Metropolitan School District, OH. “Our school nutrition team had to develop and implement a bar code verification system this fall that has greatly complicated and slowed service. With these waivers, we’ll be able to speed up meal distribution for the safety of staff and families and ensure no student is denied access to healthy meals.”

Background:
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is extending a suite of nationwide waivers for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through the end of 2020, or until available funding runs out. This includes:
• Allowing SFSP and SSO meals to be served in all areas and at no cost;
• Permitting meals to be served outside of the typically-required group settings and meal times;
• Waiving meal pattern requirements as necessary; and
• Allowing parents and guardians to pick-up meals for their children.

Collectively, these flexibilities ensure meal options for children continue to be available so children can access meals under all circumstances. USDA is taking this unprecedented action to respond to the needs of its stakeholders, who have shared concerns about continuing to reach those in need without enlisting the help of traditional summer sites located throughout communities across the US. While there have been some well-meaning people asking USDA to fund this through the entire 2020-2021 school year, we are obligated to not spend more than is appropriated by Congress.

Importantly, the summer meal program waiver extensions announced today are based on current data estimations. Over the past six months, partners across the country have stood up nearly 80,000 sites, handing out meals at a higher reimbursement rate than the traditional school year program. USDA has continuously recalculated remaining appropriated funds to determine how far we may be able to provide waivers into the future, as Congress did not authorize enough funding for the entire 2020-2021 school year. Reporting activities are delayed due to States responding to the pandemic; however based upon the April data we currently have available, FNS projects that it could offer this extension, contingent on funding, for the remaining months of 2020. USDA will continue to actively monitor this rapidly evolving situation and continue to keep Congress informed of our current abilities and limitations.

Since the start of the public health emergency, FNS has been maximizing existing program services and flexibilities to ensure those in need have access to food through our 15 federal nutrition assistance programs. To date, USDA has provided more than 3,000 flexibilities across these programs. USDA has also leveraged new and innovative approaches to feeding kids, including a public-private partnership that provided nearly 40 million meals directly to the doorsteps of low-income rural children. For more information on FNS’ response to COVID-19, visit fns.usda.gov/coronavirus.

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09/03/2020

Cherokee County Health Department-Kansas

This evening we are reporting 30 new active cases and 3 recoverd. Please remember to avoid large gatherings, especially where you cannot social distance. Even at work, it's important to limit close interactions with others.

08/28/2020

Baxter Springs Public Schools, USD 508

2020-21 Protocol for attending USD 508 events.

08/28/2020

Riverton USD 404

Riverton USD 404

As we enter into the athletic season, there are some new rules in place for attendance. Please be advised of the following protocols:

1. We will be performing temperature checks upon entry - If you are running a fever, you will be denied entry.

2. Masks will be required to enter the building - All entry will be through the NORTH MPAC doors.

3. Masks will need to be worn while inside the building

4. Masks will be required to enter outside events (waiting in line for ticket, etc.) but may be removed if social distancing can be achieved (6 Feet). Please wear a mask when traveling to the restroom and concession stand.

5. If you are not feeling well or are experiencing any COVID 19 symptoms, please remain at home.

Thank you for understanding our safety precautions. GO RAMS!!

08/28/2020

Riverton USD 404

Riverton USD 404

Dear Riverton USD 404 Families,

The Riverton Unified School District has been notified that a staff member at Riverton Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. Per our established protocol, we have temporarily closed off all areas of the building that the individual used so that we can thoroughly clean and disinfect the spaces. We will continue to communicate with the Cherokee County Health Department and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of our students and staff. The individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school for at least 14 days.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Some have reported additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Individuals who need medical care should call their medical provider to report their illness prior to seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Parents of students exhibiting flu-like symptoms or staff exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to contact a school nurse, local health authorities or the Cherokee County Department of Health.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or the building principal.

Kind regards,

Todd Berry
Riverton USD 404 Schools

08/27/2020

Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for the City of Galena, Cherokee Co.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Galena, located in Cherokee County. The advisory was issued because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Galena indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm

08/26/2020

Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Public Water Supply Section - Consumer Information Regarding a Disruption in Water Service

Boil Water Advisory Issued for City of Galena, Cherokee County.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Galena public water supply system, located in Cherokee County. This advisory is not related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on August 26 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory. For consumer questions, please contact the water system or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage: http://www.kdheks.gov/pws/emergencyresponse/water_disruption.htm
Protect and Improve the Health and Environment of all Kansans
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at [email protected] or call 785-564-6767.

The Kansas Water Office is the lead agency responsible for drought planning and response.

08/20/2020

Run Like a Girl in Memory of Sarah Burkybile & Fun Run

Run Like a Girl in Memory of Sarah Burkybile & Fun Run

Good morning! This post is long overdue and I am very sorry that I haven’t posted earlier. This year has definitely been one for the books. With so many unknowns that are involved, trying to determine what is the best option for this organization to hold a physical race was always on the back of my mind.

When this organization was organized back in 2012, they had a clear vision: support BCFO in their efforts to provide breast cancer patients the help they needed during treatment and relieve the financial burden that the families were faced with. They also wanted to provide students scholarships in the Galena School District to help them continue their education in memory of two amazing women who loved the community who supported them during their journeys.

This year is going to look different but I am determined to continue with this vision. Last year we had to postpone the event due to the workload that was involved and I was new to organizing such an event. The need for BCFO is still as present as ever and students are still working towards their education goals regardless of this pandemic.

This year, the event will be virtual. With state restrictions on large groups still unknown, the ability to hold an event in person is just not an option.

I am working on a special race medal and some other pieces to help make this race to memorable.

My sister, Sarah, never gave up and she inspires me everyday to keep moving forward. I hope that you will participate in some capacity and continue to support the vision. Be looking for upcoming details in the next week or so on how to sign up.

If you were one of the few who registered for the 2019 race, I will be sending out emails soon to give you the option to register for this years virtual event registration fee waived or transfer it to the 2021 event.

Thank you to all of you who have helped in the past and continue to support this organization.

Sincerely,
Megan Tyler

08/15/2020

Richard Hilderbrand - Kansas State Senator, 13th District

Kansas has recently made national headlines about a graph that KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman recently released to the public during a press conference. The graph that is drawing so much attention was released by Dr. Norman, during a press conference, where he was trying to make the point that counties who have adopted the governor’s mask mandate were doing better with COVID-19 than those counties that had rejected the mask mandate. One headline reads: “The Sneaky Trick a Public Health Official Used to Make Mask Mandates Look Super Effective”- https://fee.org/articles/the-sneaky-trick-a-public-health-official-used-to-make-mask-mandates-look-super-effective/

To be perfectly clear, this post is not an argument for or against whether masks are or are not effective in stopping COVID-19, and it isn’t to try to convince you that you should or should not wear a mask. It is only about the subject of did Dr. Lee Norman mislead the public when he released his graph.

The first picture is the graph that Dr. Lee Norman released to the public to prove that the counties that are adhering to the governor’s mask mandate are doing better than those counties that are not. When you first see the graph, it appears that the counties that have adopted the governor’s mask mandate have fewer cases than the counties that did not adopt the mask mandate. But once you take a closer look at the graph you can see that Dr. Norman used a dual y-axis chart that compares masked counties vs. non-masked counties, and uses data ranging from 15-25 for the y-axis on the left of the graph for masked counties, and it uses data ranging from 4-14 for the y-axis on the right of the graph for non-masked counties. We were always taught when we do a graph, that the point where the x-axis and the y-axis intersect is always 0. In Dr. Norman’s chart the y-axis on the left of the graph intersects the x-axis starting with 15, while the the y-axis on the right of the graph intersects the x-axis starting at 4.

Since the objective of the graph and the press conference was to compare masked counties vs. non-masked counties, there was no need to use a dual y-axis chart. The 2nd picture shows a side by side comparison with a recreated graph of Dr. Lee Norman’s with a graph that compares what masked counties vs. non-masked counties would look like using a single y-axis chart. Notice how the x-axis and y-axis intersect at 0. The single y-axis chart gives an accurate visual comparison of the data that was used, where the dual y-axis chart does not.

The third picture is a graph comparing masked counties with un-masked counties using the data from a KORA request. This graph shows the data from June 22nd thru August 3rd. On this graph you can see that Dr. Lee Norman picked July 12th, which is 9-days after the governor’s executive order mandating masks went into effect. Why was this date used instead of July 3rd, the day that the mandate went into effect?

What does the KORA data show?
1) On July 3rd masked counties had 9 daily cases per 100k population, and non-masked counties had 4 daily cases per 100k population.
2) Masked counties saw a spike in daily cases go from 9 daily cases per 100k population on July 3rd to 25 daily cases per 100k population on July 12th, while non-masked counties saw a spike in daily cases go from 4 daily cases to 10 daily cases per 100k population during that same time period.
3) Masked counties saw a spike in daily cases go from 9 daily cases per 100k population on July 3rd to 16 daily cases per 100k population on August 3rd, while non-masked counties saw a spike in daily cases go from 4 daily cases to 9 daily cases per 100k population during that same time period.