Tag Archives: Four States Forward

Semi and SUV collide blocking US-60, Vinita, Okla. Fire on scene

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CRAIG COUNTY, Okla. — Wednesday afternoon Vinita Fire release details regarding a crash involving a semi and SUV.

“No injuries Motor Vehicle Accident at Highway 60 & 82 junction. Emergency crews are still on scene, so please drive slow with caution!” — VINITA FIRE DEPT

Screenshot during crash event, Google Maps.

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Freeman doctor educates residents on COVID-19 and the lessons learned

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JOPLIN, Mo. – From how the coronavirus spreads and the symptoms that come with it, to the long term impacts and the knowledge that’s brought about the evolution of treatments.

“This past 18 months has been all about this grand experiment of trying to find out what are effective treatments, and what is a waste of time.” says Dr. Rob McNab, a physician at Freeman Health System who was the director of the hospital’s COVID unit.

Healthcare professionals like Dr. McNab have learned a lot about the virus over the last 18 months. And Tuesday, he’s passing that information on to residents who participate in Freeman Advantage, a wellness program for residents 50 and older, like Marjorie Ellis.

“I have known some (people) that have passed away, and so you know that makes you very conscientious I guess you could say about the disease,” says Ellis.

“We all recognize that this is a very infectious disease. The new Delta variant is multiple times more infectious than the original. If you’re an elderly person and, or, if you have significant health problems, you’re at the very highest risk to have a really severe infection. And that, obviously, can be life threatening,” says McNab. “So in talking to the advantage group, if any of them have vaccine hesitancy we can talk about that and address it.”

Even with slews of information being available online and otherwise, McNab says it’s still important to talk about even the basics.

“Some of it’s accurate, and some of it’s inaccurate,” says McNab. “And I think that the most important thing for me is to talk to people that are.. who I would describe as vaccine hesitant. They’re not against vaccinations, but they’re cautious. And rightly so. How can you make good decisions with poor information?”

He hopes that the accurate information he gets to the group will spread as they have conversations with friends and family. Something that’s especially important as vaccinations slow, hospitalizations increase, and the delta variant of the virus spreads in the four-states.

“That’s the best way, word of mouth, to be able to get good information out to the community. Because if you are at high risk, and you’re hesitant to get that vaccine, you’re the person that I really want to find and talk to,” says McNab.

More information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Related stories: https://www.koamnewsnow.com/covid-19-delta-variant-emerging-in-kansas-and-missouri/

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Area senior centers reopen after being closed for more than a year

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JASPER COUNTY, Mo. – More than a dozen visitors at the Webb City Senior Center do arm curls and leg lifts to work up a sweat and get the blood flowing.

“We need the exercise. We’ve sat and gone to the refrigerator was our exercise,” says Webb City resident Connie Morris jokingly.

For Connie Morris, it’s the first time she’s been to the senior center for more than a year.

“We’re just thrilled to come back and see all of our friends,” explains Morris.

Area Agency on Aging Region X has re-opened senior centers in Jasper, Newton, McDonald and Barton County after they were closed for 13 months during the pandemic.

“We are terribly excited to do so. We have missed our folks desperately,” says Jennifer Shotwell, CEO of Area Agency on Aging Region X.

To say that the ladies at the Carl Junction senior center might be an under statement.

“I kept telling them, well you know, as long as we don’t get too close to each other it oughta be alright,” says Jasper County resident Johnnie Webb with a laugh. “And I really did miss it and all of these people.”

“It is wonderful. It is good to see old friendly faces again,” says Carl Junction resident Julia Damiano-Morre.

But that’s not to say there haven’t been some changes. Social distancing and mask wearing is encouraged, visitors are being asked to call ahead for activities because capacities are being limited, and only certain activities are happening on each day.

“We cover four counties, so Covid positivity rates can vary drastically. We did the best that we could to come up with an initial schedule,” explains Shotwell. “What it might look like in June is still up in the air.”

But even with the changes, visitors like Moore are happy to see their friends again in person, and get to do something as simple as give someone a hug.

“I’ve missed that as much as I’ve missed being able to visit with people, because that’s just part of who I am,” says Moore.

Things that make life feel a little more normal.

“It just feels wonderful. Just to get out of the house and be around my friends and everybody up here that I just love,” says Webb City resident Cindy Scholl.

Since each of the centers has its own schedule that could differ from other centers, the Area on Aging asks that you call ahead to see what the schedule is at your local center.

News to Know (3/30/21)

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ATLANTA, Ga. – The head of the CDC is pleading for Americans to not let their guards down just yet, as coronavirus cases climb in at least half the country. 17 states have erased their mask mandates. President Biden is asking Governors to consider reinstating them.

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. – The state of Kansas moved into the last phase of coronavirus vaccine distribution. That means everyone in the state 16-years and older is now eligible for the vaccine. Walker Drug in Baxter Springs yesterday held a small vaccine clinic, something they originally hadn’t planned on doing, but chose to do after getting calls from people interested in the vaccine. Many of our local health departments will continue to offer vaccine clinics that are appointment based. A few walk-in clinics are scheduled in Crawford County this week.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – 800-thousand more Missourians are eligible for covid-19 vaccines. On Monday, Missouri entered phase two of the state’s covid-19 vaccination eligibility plan. This opens up eligibility to Missourians employed in construction, critical manufacturing, and remaining food sectors and includes those working in restaurants. On April 9th, Missouri will enter phase three, opening up eligibility for all adults in the state

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. – The city of Carl Junction, Missouri is re-introducing a use tax. If passed, it would tax on-line purchases at an amount equal to the city’s sales tax which is three percent. City officials say it’s needed to fund improvements to city parks, sidewalks, and streets. Residents can learn more about the proposed use tax at a meeting tonight at 6:00pm at Randy’s drive in.

It’s National Doctor Day! Are there any doctors you would like to recognize?  http://koamnewsnow.com/vote

News to Know (3/29/21)

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Opening statements are set to begin today in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. He is charged with second and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death last may of George Floyd. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks.

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas governor announces every adult Kansan will be eligible to get a coronavirus vaccine starting today. Governor Laura Kelly says beginning today, every Kansans age 16 and over will be eligible. Governor Kelly says it’s thanks to the anticipated increase in vaccine supply from the federal government. As of Friday, more than 35 percent of adult Kansans have already received at least one dose of a covid vaccine. The vaccine rollout has coincided with a drop in cases. But there are concerns that the numbers could again rise as variants begin to spread. In a news release Friday Kelly said quote, “I strongly encourage every Kansan to get the covid-19 vaccine so we can get back to school, back to work, and back to normal”.

NEVADA, Mo. – Students from Nevada High School are getting ready to head to the state capital to testify on two bills they helped conceive. They did this alongside the legislative team of State Representative Patricia Pike. The bills are focused around student’s health, both mental and physical. One student and representative from Healthy Nevada says he hopes this will inspire more young people to try and make a change in their communities. Tomorrow the students will testify on a bill aimed at suicide prevention and stress management strategies in the classroom.

CHANUTE, Kan. – A Chanute, Kansas woman is dead after a shooting in Topeka. Topeka police say 39-year old Kristi Rodriguez of Chanute died after she and two others were shot near Southeast 31st street and Adams in Topeka Friday Night. One of the two was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries — the other was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Topeka police say they’re looking for two people of interest in the case — 28 year old Devonta Miller of Topeka and 21-year old Harlee Borders of Marysville. Topeka Police officials say if anyone knows what happened or where to find Miller and Borders to contact the Shawnee County Crime Stoppers.

Should there be a tax hike on corporations and wealthy Americans? http://koamnewsnow.com/vote

 

News to Know (3/26/21)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his first formal news conference, President Biden said he won’t apologize for the administration’s handling of what some are calling a crisis at the border. The president also blasted GOP efforts to tighten state election laws calling them “un-American.” President Biden now vows to administer 200 million coronavirus shots in his first 100 days, doubling his original vaccine goal.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signs legislation rewriting Kansas laws for managing the coronavirus pandemic and future emergencies. That’s even though she believes it could hinder disaster response efforts. The measure Governor Kelly signed this week extends the state of emergency for the pandemic until May 28th instead of letting it expire March 31st. Governor Kelly cited the extension in announcing her action. The measure also leaves counties in charge of mask mandates and other restrictions.

WEBB CITY, Mo. – Some area pharmacies are trying to make sure their covid-19 vaccine supply doesn’t go to waste. As pharmacies get more doses of vaccines, more appointments become available. But, when people don’t show up for their appointments, those unused doses of the vaccine can go bad. Instead of letting them go to waste, pharmacists use a waiting list to find people to vaccinate. People on the lists are prioritized by vaccine eligibility, and when those eligible can’t come in, the next available person on the list is called.

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Students in Fort Scott, Kansas will be getting some financial relief. Close to $2-Million dollars in federal pandemic relief will be used to cover general fees for Fort Scott
Community College students. Those fees will be paid for automatically, starting in the upcoming fall semester and going through summer 2022. The discount will be applied automatically. Some specialized fees, like tools for a cosmetology class for example won’t be covered.

What activities are you looking forward to this spring? http://koamnewsnow.com/vote

News to Know (3/22/21)

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TOPEKA, Kan. – Starting today Kansas residents 16 to 64 with certain underlying health conditions are eligible for covid-19 vaccinations. It’s still unclear if residents will need to show proof of their medical condition. The Kansas City Star reported that as of late Friday, the state was “in the process of developing further guidance.” The state has provided no updates since Friday.

ATLANTA, Ga. – AstraZeneca has just released results from its U.S. Phase Three vaccine trial. The company says it’s 79-percent effective in preventing symptomatic covid-19 and 100 percent effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization. The results pave the way for AstraZeneca to apply for an emergency use authorization from the FDA. The company says it will do so in the coming weeks.

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. – The Greene County prosecutor has charged 50 year old Jesse Huy of Strafford, Missouri, with three counts of first degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action with no bond. Saturday night, just after 6:30PM, officials say Huy called 911 saying he had just killed three of his family members at his home at 4486 North Farm Road 249 in Strafford. Authorities charged Huy with murdering his spouse, Tonya Huy, and her parents, Ronald and Linda Koehler, both from Baton Rouge.

MIAMI, Okla. – The iconic Coleman Theatre in Miami held the 4th annual sunny side up film festival. The festival was for any independent filmmakers and screenwriters to submit their films. Submissions came from all over the country, with some even coming from outside of the country. The festival finished up yesterday and ended with an award show for those whose work was shown.

Should universities have an ACT/SAT score requirement for entry?

News to Know 3/18/21

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Biden Administration announces it will distribute $10 Billion in federal funds for coronavirus testing in schools. That comes as the CDC considers reducing guidelines for distance in classrooms to three feet and as 18 states report at least a 10 percent rise in new cases.

MIAMI, Okla. – Multiple Native American tribes in the state of Oklahoma have an excess of covid-19 vaccine and they’re looking to share with their friends and neighbors. That includes the eight tribes represented by the Northeastern Tribal Health System in Ottawa County. The Northeastern Tribal Health System says any adult living in the county, or anyone of Native American ancestry, is welcome to schedule a vaccination appointment at their clinic in Miami, Oklahoma.

JOPLIN, Mo. – As states move forward in their vaccine plans, more people become eligible for the covid vaccine. But some people, are hesitant to get it for a number of reasons. Dr. Eden Esguerra, an infectious disease specialist at Mercy, says she knows it’s unlikely we’ll reach 100% of people vaccinated, but she’s hopeful we may get to 90%. Dr. Esguerra says the most common concern she encounters is people believing the vaccine was developed too quickly.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Area Agency on Aging is opening its senior centers in southwest Missouri. Starting May 3rd, the agency says it’ll have a “soft opening” for the centers in Barton County, Webb City, Carl Junction, Joplin, Neosho and McDonald County. They say it’s due to a decrease in covid-19 cases in the region. The center will hold activities like card games and bingos. They ask that visitors call ahead before coming in.

News to Know (3/15/21)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Biden, Vice President Harris and their spouses begin traveling across the country this week to talk to Americans about the benefits of the president’s nearly two trillion dollar coronavirus relief package. Republican lawmakers staunchly opposed the legislation, which the president signed into law last week.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Daylight Saving Time is back, meaning clocks spring forward an hour and people lose an hour of sleep. But some lawmakers are looking to get rid of the change all together. Under the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, Daylight Saving Time would be permanent, meaning after we spring forward, we wouldn’t fall back again. Daylight Saving Time will last until the first week of November.

KIMBERLING CITY, Mo, – The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating an officer involved shooting in Kimberling City. Officials say around 10:00am Friday, the Highway Patrol, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kimberling City Police Department responded to an address on Port Holiday Lane 2 in Kimberling City after a call regarding a possible hostage situation. After several hours, Highway Patrol Troop D’s SWAT team was called in. As troopers were attempting to negotiate, the suspect fired several shots. One trooper shot the suspect. The Stone County Coroner pronounced the suspect dead. Officials are still investigating the incident.

DELAWARE COUNTY, Okla. – The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says one person is dead and two others injured following a crash in Delaware County yesterday. The accident occurred on Oklahoma Highway 10 four miles east of Grove. 28-year-old Justin Armstrong of Grove was killed when the car he was driving crossed the center line and hit another car head on. Armstrong’s passenger and the driver of the other car were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Should sex education teach about gender identity and sexual orientation? http://koamnewsnow.com/vote

News to Know (3/11/21)

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today marks one year since the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. The virus has since killed well over half a million people across the U.S. and taken some 2.6 million lives around the world. President Biden will address the nation this evening to mark the grim anniversary.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas could finish immunizing seniors, meatpacking employees and other essential workers and move on to the next phase of coronavirus vaccinations by next month. The next phase includes people ages 16 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at severe risk if they are infected with covid-19, including cancer and type 2 diabetes, as well as workers in critical industries such as information technology and government.

CEDAR COUNTY, Mo. – Dozens of felony charges are filed against the owners of the Circle of Hope girls’ ranch. Boyd and Stephanie Householder, the owners of Circle of Hope girl’s ranch in Cedar County, Missouri, have been charged with more than a hundred felony charges combined. They include sexual and physical abuse charges, as well as neglect charges. In August 2020, the state removed around 20 girls from the facility and the Attorney General’s office got involved in November. The Attorney General says so far, 16 alleged victims have come forward.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce starts talks with a major automotive manufacturer. Chamber President Toby Teeter Tuesday addressed a tweet he had sent to General Motors, pointing out the incentives the company could receive if they build a battery manufacturing plant in Joplin. There has also been a page dedicated to the effort on the Choose Joplin website. On Wednesday, the Chamber and GM started early discussions, something Teeter is excited about.

Should daylight saving time be permanent? http://koamnewsnow.com/vote