Harvey County News
Aug. 12 update on COVID-19 in Harvey County.Starting with some good news again. First, the cluster of COVID-19 cases previously reported at Schowalter Villa in Hesston is no longer an active cluster, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. That means the incubation periods have been completed, and there are no longer active cases directly tied to the confirmation of that cluster.
Additionally, we have had 13 individuals in our county meet recovery criteria over the past two days.
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed seven new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:
▪️ A female in her 40s. Her source of exposure is unknown. She has already met recovery criteria.
▪️ A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.
▪️ A male in his 70s. This case is under investigation.
▪️ A male in his 50s. He was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.
▪️ A male in his 50s. He was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.
▪️ A male in his 40s. He is a close contact of a known active case.
▪️ A male in his 20s. This case is under investigation.
All of the above individuals are in home isolation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all close contacts.
We have had 217 COVID-19 cases in our county to date, including 211 confirmed and six probable cases. There are 28 known active cases in Harvey County. Five individuals are hospitalized.
There have been 3,880 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.
Here are the number of cases to date in counties adjacent to Harvey County, as reported by those counties:
🔸 Sedgwick: 5,068 cases (2,209 recovered), 46 deaths
🔸 Reno: 390 cases (237 recovered), 1 death
🔸 Butler: 299 cases (222 recovered), 1 death
🔸 McPherson: 162 cases (143 recovered), 1 death
🔸 Marion: 60 cases (54 recovered), 1 death
Starting with some good news again. First, the cluster of COVID-19 cases previously reported at Schowalter Villa in Hesston is no longer an active cluster, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. That means the incubation periods have been completed, and there are no longer active cases directly tied to the confirmation of that cluster.
Additionally, we have had 13 individuals in our county meet recovery criteria over the past two days.
The Harvey County Health Department has confirmed seven new cases of COVID-19 in Harvey County. The confirmed cases include:
▪️ A female in her 40s. Her source of exposure is unknown. She has already met recovery criteria.
▪️ A female in her 20s. This case is under investigation.
▪️ A male in his 70s. This case is under investigation.
▪️ A male in his 50s. He was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.
▪️ A male in his 50s. He was in contact with another individual with COVID-19 in another county.
▪️ A male in his 40s. He is a close contact of a known active case.
▪️ A male in his 20s. This case is under investigation.
All of the above individuals are in home isolation. The Health Department will regularly monitor the health of the individuals, as well as follow up on all close contacts.
We have had 217 COVID-19 cases in our county to date, including 211 confirmed and six probable cases. There are 28 known active cases in Harvey County. Five individuals are hospitalized.
There have been 3,880 tests for COVID-19 conducted in Harvey County.
Here are the number of cases to date in counties adjacent to Harvey County, as reported by those counties:
🔸 Sedgwick: 5,068 cases (2,209 recovered), 46 deaths
🔸 Reno: 390 cases (237 recovered), 1 death
🔸 Butler: 299 cases (222 recovered), 1 death
🔸 McPherson: 162 cases (143 recovered), 1 death
🔸 Marion: 60 cases (54 recovered), 1 death
How can you dropped in active cases but your percentage that schools are basing their criteria on is going up? This doesn’t make sense.
what happened to the other 2,813 cases in Sedgwick?
The budget for the 2021 fiscal year was approved by the Harvey County Commission yesterday. There were no changes made from the previously presented recommended budget.
With anticipated revenue shortfalls in 2020 and 2021, there were nearly $1.5 million in expenditures eliminated or moved to outlying years. Here are a few examples of projects that remained in the 2021 budget:
🔹 Replacing 14-year-old election equipment in the Clerk's Office
🔹 Countywide aerial photography used for mapping
🔹 Updating the 20-year-old county comprehensive plan
🔹 $1.75 million in paved road improvements
🔹 $180,000 for design work for improvements to Hesston Road
The maximum tax levy was set by the Commission at $13,725,477. The budget estimates a mill of 42.625. This is how that compares to previous years:
🔸 2020: 42.356
🔸 2019: 42.275
🔸 2018: 41.937
🔸 2017: 41.358
The budget process is carried out over several months, typically beginning each February. It included commission budget hearings with individual departments, the presentation of the recommended budget, a public budget hearing and more.
CDCWhen you’re in public, wear a mask that covers your nose AND mouth to help protect others and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn how to wear your mask correctly. bit.ly/2XdSp61.
Important ag update on vesicular stomatitis virus from Kansas State Research and Extension - Harvey County.
VSV generally affects horses, but can also impact cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock with symptoms such as lesions, fever and weight loss.
Kansas State Research and Extension has more info on its website: www.harvey.k-state.edu/agriculture/VSV Confirmed in Harvey County. See full news release on our Agriculture website. www.harvey.k-state.edu/agriculture
Update on travel quarantine requirements from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.Kansas' travel quarantine update on August 11 includes the removal of Florida and the addition out-of-state events with 500+ attendees. Learn more: khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/8-11-20%20State%20Quarantine%20List.pdf
So if there's 499 you're okay 👌 😜
Info on the local health order regarding face masks being extended through Sept. 15.
The health order is the same as the previous order in place. The order requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained at all times.
There remains exceptions to the order, such as children 5 years old and younger, individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face cover.
We really do appreciate everyone that is doing what you can to promote community public health. This is a challenging time for many as we try to make do navigating difficult circumstances. We hope you will be considerate and respectful of others. It's a community effort.
The decision to extend the order comes in consultation with our local public health professionals, our public health officer and our local medical community. Face masks, practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene are our best preventative steps against COVID-19.
The Commission also voted to remain in the Phase Out guidance of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. There is no restriction on mass gathering size, but social distance is encouraged.
You can view the local health order regarding face masks here: www.harveycounty.com/images/news/Emergency%20Order%20of%20the%20Local%20Health%20Officer%20Face%2...
You can view local statistics on COVID-19 here: www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats
Thanks
The Harvey County Commission voted unanimously to extend a local health order requiring face masks be worn in Harvey County through Sept. 15 in a continued effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The health order is the same as the previous order in place. The order requires individuals to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth in any indoor or outdoor public space where social distance of 6 feet cannot be maintained at all times.
There remains exceptions to the order, such as children 5 years old and younger, individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents them from wearing a face cover.
We really do appreciate everyone that is doing what you can to promote community public health. This is a challenging time for many as we try to make do navigating difficult circumstances. We hope you will be considerate and respectful of others. It's a community effort.
The decision to extend the order comes in consultation with our local public health professionals, our public health officer and our local medical community. Face masks, practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene are our best preventative steps against COVID-19.
The Commission also voted to remain in the Phase Out guidance of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. There is no restriction on mass gathering size, but social distance is encouraged.
You can view the local health order regarding face masks here: www.harveycounty.com/images/news/Emergency%20Order%20of%20the%20Local%20Health%20Officer%20Face%2...
You can view local statistics on COVID-19 here: www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats
If you insist on masks, please produce one reputable peer-reviewed study published in a recognized medical journal that CONCLUSIVELY states that healthy people wearing masks prevents the spread of illness. Just one. The CDC claimed 7 studies on its website. Did NOT provide links to any. But if one does the digging, the finding is that NOT one of the seven studies is conclusive. NOT ONE!!!!! #wearebeingplayed #wakeupharveycounty
Thank you to the commissioners.
We are no longer in a state of emergency. Not for months now. No emergency equals no grounds for emergency health orders. These orders must be terminated. Failure to do so is fraud, which is a felony carrying prison sentence. Do what your oath of office requires you to do!!!!!! Harvey county officials, I am talking to you!
As long as harvey county has 10 or more new cases a day it should be extended longer.
Any proof offered up that wearing a mask is helping? Seems like cases have gone up since the original mask mandate went into effect. If the majority of people are wearing them, wouldn't we be seeing the results of that by now?
What's the hospital cases? That's the number we should worry about. The county is extending it because we had the county fair. Then when school starts they will extend it more. A never ending cycle.
Cases are going up because people are wearing the mask
Shouldn't base it on false numbers, diagnosing everyone with the virus no matter what the real problem is?
Numbers have just continued to rise. In what world are the mask doing any good.
This is ridiculous. Get you head out of Kelly’s a$$ and do what’s right.
Brandon Smith I just don't remember that bulletin wearing the mask get you sick from the CDC or President Trump's team or any other reputable medical professional. Do you also have trouble with wearing your seatbelt that it is as it is the law of the land for good reason also. It's a worldwide pandemic virus my patience with other people understanding has gotten real thin
People this is insane , people questioning where the mask work or not when in the greater town of Newton most people are not wearing the mask unless forced to by businesses or government buildings. The greater good and wisdom of people is not coming through in action. The guidelines are so simple masks, social distancing and Common Sense. It's a worldwide virus pandemic oh my goodness
Why put a end date on it at all?? We all know that it will just keep getting extended indefinitely even tho wearing a mask is harmful to health..
Interesting article. 6abc.com/health/some-masks-may-be-worse-than-no-mask-at-all-duke-study/6364069/
Here are three questions/information ignored by our commissioners. 1. If masks work why did KDHE Secretary Lee Norman need to deceptively doctor the chart to justify mask mandates.https://sentinelksmo.org/kdhe-doctored-a-covid-case-chart-to-justify-mask-mandates/ 2. The Harvey County Covid-19 dashboard lists this third death as defined by Leukemia. As sad as this death is why was a third death from Leukemia a reason for mandated masks? Our first death was a woman in her 50's in early April that was presumed covid-19, I couldn't find the who - why - or when of the second death, and the third death was from Leukemia. 3 deaths in 5 months is really good numbers! 3. How have masks made a difference? We don't have a statistically lower number of active cases and more hospitalizations. July 14: 41 known active cases. 2 individuals are hospitalized. July 31: 31 known active cases. 1 individual is hospitalized. Aug 7: 37 known active cases 5 individuals are hospitalized.
The meeting was a disgrace with public comments and legitimate questions about the effectiveness of mask (since our numbers have not changed) being dismissed. They were not even discussed. One commissioner said he had received a lot of questions and emails and another commissioner shut him down with "are those from medical professionals?" (If one received a lot of emails you know the whole committee did also. I wish I could see better in the zoom meeting to see which and when each commissioner is talking)
Share your thoughts through the survey.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Bureau of Family Health
kdheks.gov
Provides support to families and communities to assure services for women and infants, children and adolescents, and children with special health care needs. Children's developmental services, nutrition, and WIC services are among the services.Harvey County Farmers Market
Tomorrow we will have honey from Emma Creek Honey and Sand Prairie Honey. Also look for Watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes from S & V Produce. Unruh Farms will have a variety of produce as well as jams & jellies, Whole chickens or peices to choose from
86 Farm LLC will have fresh beef with a choice of cuts, summer sausage and beef jerky. River Park Produce will be there with tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, onions and more.
Don't forget the baked goods. That Old Man's Bakery will be there with fresh breads as well as sweet breads. Happy Hurd's Homestyle Eats & Treats will be selling beirocks. There are several different kinds including the traditional ones. Be sure to get one or a dozen.
If you need a mask, there are vendors that are selling them with several different designs. Be sure to get one while they last.
Due to the ordinance for wearing masks and the city making it a requirement, we ask that you wear a mask to the market. If you don't have one the Harvey County Farmer's Market can provide you one at no charge. Also, please follow the social distancing rule of 6 feet and no clustering. Thanks you for helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19. For those who are not able to wear a mask due to health conditions, you are exempt.
The Harvey County Farmer's Market appreciates all that you do to support the vendors. Have a wonderful day and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
The remodel of the Law Enforcement Center is still moving right along. We're getting closer and closer to the finished product. The entryway and lobby have been getting a lot of the focus the past few weeks, including improving the sidewalk, steps and ADA ramp. Here's a before and after pic of the progress outside.
It's looking good!
👍👍
Thank you to everyone that has voted in the primary election! As local results become available tonight, you'll be able to track them here: results.enr.clarityelections.com/KS/Harvey/104641/web.255599/#/summary
results.enr.clarityelections.com
“nutrition insecurity”
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/08/02/opinions/us-nutrition-insecurity-snap-goel-nischan-frist-coliccio/inde...
Opinion: The US food system is killing Americans
cnn.com
Akash Goel, Michel Nischan, Bill Frist and Tom Coliccio write that now, more than ever, it is critical to address nutrition insecurity in America head on. While food insecurity is about providing more food, nutrition insecurity is about providing the right food, so we and our children can build the....We've had 1,750 people vote in the primary election at poll sites across the county so far today (plus 611 more that did early in-person voting).
There's still time to vote today! Poll sites are open until 7 p.m.
Poll sites are open across Harvey County for the primary election! Polling locations are open until 7 p.m. Come vote, get a sticker!
If you want to double-check your poll site before you go, you can do that here: hvco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=577d7647b65440d4991b0b3404af4412
Results will start to become available after poll sites close. Here's our local results page: results.enr.clarityelections.com/KS/Harvey/104641/web.255599/#/summary
Farm & Food Council meets on Monday, August 3, 4:00PM.
Due to space limitations, contact the health department if you wish to participate by phone.
316-283-1637.
Early in-person voting for the primary election wrapped up at noon today. We had 611 people come in to vote early. Thanks to all of you that have already cast your ballot in this election.
Poll sites for the primary are open throughout the county Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
If you're unsure of your polling place, you can find it here: hvco.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=577d7647b65440d4991b0b3404af4412
You can also find sample ballots for the primary here: www.hvcoksvote.com/upcoming-elections
Farm & Food Council meets on Monday, August 3, 4:00PM.
Due to space limitations, contact the health department if you wish to participate by phone.
316-283-1637.
To celebrate Kielice Holsey's one-year work anniversary, she's the lucky selection for this month's Know Your Deputy video. Kielice is a deputy for our Detention Center. After a few challenges in her youth, Kielice found an interest in helping others navigate through similar situations as a law enforcement officer.
Sheriff Chad Gay talks with Kielice about her pathway into law enforcement (1:42), how past challenges help her in her career now (3:07), and her hobbies - including art, family and Bible journaling (4:28).
Wish they wouldn’t have cut you off! Thank you for your courage in being transparent about your life and your faith! Much respect!
Love this story and love her she is such an awesome person with a big heart!!!
Love this...thank you for sharing!
I love this story ❤❤❤
Glove these segments! Thanks for sharing!
Interesting life story.
Sway HarveyCommunity Baby Shower
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Hey Mamas! This event is happening and nothing is stopping us this time around. Join us on Tuesday for a Zoom call to learn more about safe sleep, infant nutrition, and the impact of tobacco on littles.
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Anyone who joins and completes both the pre and post surveys are eligible to receive a ton of goodies including a free pack n play! You can pick up your gifts on Saturday morning in a drive thru format at the Health Department. If you can't make that time be sure to give us a call!
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Here is the link to join the Tuesday evening call: zoom.us/j/95536904620?pwd=UVFvNHg4Ukg5bWJrL2RsdTBralJwZz09
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Thank you for your patience! And thank you to everyone who has been apart of planning this event (all 3 times!)!
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#communitybabyshower #community #connection #safesleep #breastfeeding #tobaccocessation #pregnancy #postpartum #motherhood #newtonks #harveycounty #swayharvey
Harvey County Commission adopts 2021 budget
2020/08/11
The Harvey County Commission approved the budget for the 2021...
Commission extends face mask order through Sept. 15
2020/08/11
The Harvey County Commission voted unanimously at its commission meeting...
County schedules tax foreclosure sale for August
2020/07/27
A tax foreclosure sale is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2020...
Commission OKs moving forward with 2021 recommended budget
2020/07/20
The date for the public budget hearing on Harvey County's...
CARES Act funding for Harvey County
2020/07/20
Harvey County has received funding in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief...
Harvey County Commission approves local face mask order
2020/07/14
Face masks will be required throughout Harvey County beginning Wednesday...
Health Department identifies community spread of COVID-19
2020/07/10
The Harvey County Health Department, in consultation with Public Health...
County requiring face masks inside county facilities
2020/07/9
Harvey County will require face masks for employees and visitors...
County rescinds State face mask order, encourages wearing masks
2020/07/2
The Harvey County Commission voted at a special meeting Thursday...
Welcome to Harvey County
Nearly 35,000 residents call Harvey County home. The county landscape pairs picturesque country living with vibrant downtown shopping centers. Harvey County serves the cities of Burrton, Halstead, Hesston, Newton, North Newton, Sedgwick, and Walton, as well as 15 townships.
Harvey County is home to a bustling airport and train service, innovative economic leaders, sprawling parks, and welcoming school districts. Food and entertainment opportunities abound, with even more amenities within a short driving distance to our friendly neighboring counties.
Events Schedule
Aug 13 Primary Election Canvass @ 9:00 AM |
Aug 18 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Aug 25 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Sep 1 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Sep 7 Labor Day (Courthouse Closed) @ 12:00 AM |
Sep 8 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Sep 15 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Sep 22 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Sep 29 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Oct 6 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Oct 7 Healthy Harvey Coalition Meeting @ 12:00 PM |
Oct 13 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Oct 20 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Oct 27 County Commission Meeting @ 9:00 AM |
