Harvey County Covid-19 Information
Harvey County News
Timeline photosDid you know?
There is a severe nationwide blood shortage that is impacting our community. According to the American Red Cross:
➡️ Every 2 second someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets
➡️ A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood
➡️ One blood donation can help save more than one life
How can you help?
✔️ Donate blood. Find a blood drive near you www.redcrossblood.org/
✔️ Drive safely to avoid accidents
✔️ Until the shortage is over, avoid recreational activities that could result in injuries with significant blood loss (woodworking, climbing ladders, extreme contact sports or activities)
✔️ If you are on blood thinners, take extra precautions to avoid injury
✔️ Volunteer to help at a community blood drive
Today at NMC Health, several people volunteered to help by donating. Shelly Huffman (photographed) was one of the donors.
“It’s the least I can do, it’s something I have control over in a situation I have no control, like a pandemic," she said as she donated. Shelly heard about the blood shortage and her first thought was stepping up and donating.
"I would think that if I needed it I would want it to be there for me."
If you can donate, please do. If you can't donate, please be an advocate for blood donations. In an emergency situation, ever little bit helps.
We're hiring for a full-time deputy position at our Detention Center. It's a great opportunity for someone interested in getting their start in law enforcement, or someone looking for a change in their career path.
If you'd like to join our team, you can find more info about the position, or apply, here: ksgovjobs.com/Vacancies/VacancyDetail/694We're hiring for a full-time deputy position at our Detention Center. It's a great opportunity for someone interested in getting their start in law enforcement, or someone looking for a change in their career path.
If you'd like to join our team, you can find more info about the position, or apply, here: ksgovjobs.com/Vacancies/VacancyDetail/694
Great way to give back to your community!Did you know?
There is a severe nationwide blood shortage that is impacting our community. According to the American Red Cross:
➡️ Every 2 second someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets
➡️ A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood
➡️ One blood donation can help save more than one life
How can you help?
✔️ Donate blood. Find a blood drive near you www.redcrossblood.org/
✔️ Drive safely to avoid accidents
✔️ Until the shortage is over, avoid recreational activities that could result in injuries with significant blood loss (woodworking, climbing ladders, extreme contact sports or activities)
✔️ If you are on blood thinners, take extra precautions to avoid injury
✔️ Volunteer to help at a community blood drive
Today at NMC Health, several people volunteered to help by donating. Shelly Huffman (photographed) was one of the donors.
“It’s the least I can do, it’s something I have control over in a situation I have no control, like a pandemic," she said as she donated. Shelly heard about the blood shortage and her first thought was stepping up and donating.
"I would think that if I needed it I would want it to be there for me."
If you can donate, please do. If you can't donate, please be an advocate for blood donations. In an emergency situation, ever little bit helps.
FYIThe Harvey County Commission, in conjunction with the new 2020 U.S. Census data and the annual organization of the board, recently reviewed how the local county commission districts were distributed. It was determined to maintain the previous precinct distributions. In other words, the county commission districts are remaining the same.
The population of each district:
▪ District 1: 11,040
▪ District 2: 11,437
▪ District 3: 11,547
The Harvey County Commission, in conjunction with the new 2020 U.S. Census data and the annual organization of the board, recently reviewed how the local county commission districts were distributed. It was determined to maintain the previous precinct distributions. In other words, the county commission districts are remaining the same.
The population of each district:
▪ District 1: 11,040
▪ District 2: 11,437
▪ District 3: 11,547
If you need a great way to volunteer in your community and get involved in a wide range of projects, give the Healthy Harvey Coalition a look.
Here's a few of their recent efforts and accomplishments:
🍎 Installing local bike repair stations
🍎 Establishing bike and pedestrian master plans for municipalities
🍎 Encouraging tobacco-free events
🍎 Improving walking, hiking and biking paths
🍎 Working to prevent drug and nicotine use and supporting rehabilitation efforts
🍎 Updating local resource and food guides
🍎 Providing their support for a bunch of initiatives, such as T-21, mental health first aid programs, the new drug court and a lot more.
The Coalition has regular meetings, as well as various sub-groups focused on specific priorities. You'll also see the members out and about volunteering at lots of different community events. For more info, visit www.healthyharveycoalition.com or call 316-283-1637.If you need a great way to volunteer in your community and get involved in a wide range of projects, give the Healthy Harvey Coalition a look.
Here's a few of their recent efforts and accomplishments:
🍎 Installing local bike repair stations
🍎 Establishing bike and pedestrian master plans for municipalities
🍎 Encouraging tobacco-free events
🍎 Improving walking, hiking and biking paths
🍎 Working to prevent drug and nicotine use and supporting rehabilitation efforts
🍎 Updating local resource and food guides
🍎 Providing their support for a bunch of initiatives, such as T-21, mental health first aid programs, the new drug court and a lot more.
The Coalition has regular meetings, as well as various sub-groups focused on specific priorities. You'll also see the members out and about volunteering at lots of different community events. For more info, visit www.healthyharveycoalition.com or call 316-283-1637.
We're in a bit of a cold spell here. On the bright side, only ✌️ more months 'til spring! Hang in there!Photos from Harvey County Parks's post
If you're looking for a free COVID-19 vaccine (or booster!), here's the guidelines for each option:
Pfizer
▪️ Available ages: 5 and older
▪️ Primary doses: Two
▪️ Booster dose: For people 12 and older five months after primary series
Moderna
▪️ Available ages: 18 and older
▪️ Primary doses: Two
▪️ Booster dose: For people 18 and older five months after primary series
Johnson & Johnson
▪️ Available ages: 18 and older
▪️ Primary doses: One
▪️ Booster dose: For people 18 and older two months after first dose
We have Moderna available here. You can make an appointment by calling 316-283-1637. You can find other health providers and the vaccines they have available at www.vaccines.gov.
Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you
Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you
Vaccines.gov helps you find clinics, pharmacies, and other locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.The Health Department will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 19 for staff training.
We will still continue to contact individuals who have received a positive test for COVID-19, though due to the significant number of new cases, there may be a delay. If you have questions regarding COVID-19, here's a few sources for more info:
Quarantine and Isolation: www.harveycounty.com/quarantine-and-isolation.html
Vaccinations: www.harveycounty.com/covid19vaccine
Statistics: www.harveycounty.com/covid19stats
Quarantine and Isolation
Harvey County is located in south central Kansas, along the Little Arkansas River. Harvey County is approximately ten miles north of the City of Wichita, and is within the northern portion of the Wichita Metropolitan Statistical Area. The County encompasses 540 square miles, is 18 miles wide in its....Here is the latest weekly update from the Harvey County Health Department regarding COVID-19 in Harvey County:
Cases
◾ Cases to date: 7,498 (529 new cases since Jan. 10)
◾ Recovered to date: 6,575 (106 new recovered since Jan. 10)
◾ Known active cases: 825 (Up 422 since Jan. 10)
◾ Deaths to date: 98
◾ Current hospitalizations: 12
Testing
🔷 Two-week percent positivity: 19.2% (Up 3.9% since Jan. 10)
🔷 People tested to date: 24,351 (195 new people since Jan. 10)
🔷 Total PCR tests to date: 56,029 (768 new tests since Jan. 10)
Vaccinations
🔶 Residents vaccinated with at least one dose: 624.0 per 1,000 people
🔶 Residents 5+ vaccinated with at least one dose: 661.3 per 1,000 people
(Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, this week's report reflects data only through Jan. 14)
This past week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed the first cases of the omicron variant in Harvey County. While it is important to know that this specific variant has been confirmed here, it is possible the omicron variant was here before these cases. The KDHE only conducts genomic sequencing for a sample of positive tests.
Omicron likely spreads more easily. Additionally, we have - by far - more known active COVID-19 cases in Harvey County than we have at any point in the pandemic. Wearing a mask can reduce exposures, and COVID-19 vaccines remain highly effective in reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. You can find health providers and the vaccines they have available at www.vaccines.gov.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently updated its quarantine and isolation guidance. A person that has received a positive COVID-19 test should begin to isolate for five days. Due to the significant number of positive cases right now, there may be a delay in the KDHE or Health Department getting in contact with you. More info: harveycounty.com/quarantine-and-isolation.html
Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you
Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you
Vaccines.gov helps you find clinics, pharmacies, and other locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.UPDATE: This event has been canceled due to inclement weather.Harvey County RSVP - a local network of volunteers 55 and older - will be conducting its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service project Saturday, Jan. 15.
Volunteers will be at both Dillons locations in Newton from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect food donations. The gathered items will be given to The Salvation Army to be distributed locally to those in need.
For more info on RSVP, call 316-284-6881.
Timeline photosHEALTH IS….
Health is more than just physical wellness. The concept of health hits many areas of life, the decisions that a person must make depending on socio economic status or the resources that a community has, plays major impact on their wellbeing.
Health is LIVABLE WAGES.
Income is a determinant of health, shaping access to basic needs and social determinants of health such as housing, education, and job opportunities. Health People 2020 report from the US Department of Health and Human Services say, “Those earning lower wages face significant barriers to safe and healthy environments and resources.”
#HBCAT #BCBSKSPathwaysv #pattersonfamilyfoundation
Kansas SBDC at Pittsburg State Pittsburg Workforce Center - Southeast Kansasworks, Inc. Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Fort Scott Community College
🌨 We've got some potential snow and strong winds coming into town this weekend, so we're in a winter weather advisory through Saturday at 6 p.m. Inclement weather is expected to start later this evening. If you're traveling, be prepared for potentially slick roads. 🌨🌨 We've got some potential snow and strong winds coming into town this weekend, so we're in a winter weather advisory through Saturday at 6 p.m. Inclement weather is expected to start later this evening. If you're traveling, be prepared for potentially slick roads. 🌨
Great, healthy, easy recipes! #BCBSKSPathways
HMC Med Kitchen | Episode 1: Black Bean Shakshuka
HMC Med Kitchen | Episode 1: Black Bean Shakshuka
kansasdiscovery.org/marysville-kansas-childrens-discovery-play-space-destination-park/?fbclid=IwA...
New Play Space in Marysville, Kansas, offers some serious fun close to home
New Play Space in Marysville, Kansas, offers some serious fun close to home
A recent Kansas Children’s Discovery Center project is helping kids in a rural community find ways to have some serious fun close to home, thanks to generous funding from the Children’s Cabinet. Th…New Year's resolutions can be tough. Maybe you're wanting to volunteer more, get involved in the community, be a little more active. We'd love for you to consider volunteering for the Harvey County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit.
Our reserves fill the same roles as a regular deputy - same vehicle, same clothes, same authority - but they give freely of their time. These men and women help out during busy weekend shifts and for big events like the Harvey County Free Fair. It takes a lot of resources to cover a whole county or event, and we're grateful these folks share some of the duties.
Mark Scheffler is the captain of our reserves, and he's always glad to find a few new recruits. If you want to learn more, call 316-284-6960.New Year's resolutions can be tough. Maybe you're wanting to volunteer more, get involved in the community, be a little more active. We'd love for you to consider volunteering for the Harvey County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit.
Our reserves fill the same roles as a regular deputy - same vehicle, same clothes, same authority - but they give freely of their time. These men and women help out during busy weekend shifts and for big events like the Harvey County Free Fair. It takes a lot of resources to cover a whole county or event, and we're grateful these folks share some of the duties.
Mark Scheffler is the captain of our reserves, and he's always glad to find a few new recruits. If you want to learn more, call 316-284-6960.
Registration is now open for the 2022 Women Managing the Farm conference!
The Women Managing the Farm Conference is set for February 9-11, 2022, will be held in Manhattan, Kansas. Since 2005, the event has brought together women farmers, rural business leaders and landowners. The Women Managing the Farm Conference will continue to offer a supportive setting in which women can develop the skills, resources and knowledge needed for success in a competitive agricultural environment.
Featuring Keynote Speaker "Fancy Lady Cowgirl" Courtenay DeHoff and an action-packed list of other keynote and breakout session speakers.
Conference speakers and sessions are selected and designed to keep women thriving within their rural communities and informed on the latest advancements in agriculture.
Breakout Sessions include:
*Employee Management – Farms in Kansas
*Farm Service Agency Farm Programs
*Soil Health
*Farm Tax Update
*Land Transition
*And Many More!
Registration for the conference is available at womenmanagingthefarm.com
*Early Bird conference fee is $150.00 until January 12, 2022
*Pre-conference sessions are an additional $25.00
*Scholarships are available, applications are accepted through January 14, 2022
FINAL THOUGHTS
As I wind this down, I first want to say thank you to the people who helped with background and photos for this little project:
Retired Communications Director Ron Hoffman
Retired County Administrator Gene Kristenson
Retired Newton Ambulance Director Jim Werries
Retired Newton Fire/EMS Leroy Dyck
Retired Newton Police Officer Don Harold
Retired Dispatcher Connie Morford
Dispatcher II Liz Sauerwein (our in-house unofficial historian)
And a big thank you to the County Commissioners and County Administrators past and present. Without their support, guidance, and commitment, the success of this center would not have been possible. They have made sure we have the people, tools and resources to serve our citizens and partner agencies.
This is an ever-changing field. Technology, tools, and policies seem to update often, which adds another layer to what is already a stressful job. Efforts are underway to get Post Traumatic Stress recognized as a Worker’s Comp issue in Kansas, for all responders including Telecommunicators. But there is resistance. State and National legislators need to understand what this job is and what it can do to those who perform it. In addition, we have been working to get Public Safety Telecommunicators recognized as First Responders on the National level. Congress has twice rejected those efforts. Kansas SB40, the only legislation identifying Telecommunicators as Emergency Responders in the state, is in danger of being repealed. Both on a National and Statewide basis, clarification and acceptance still needs work. We are not clerical staff. We are the First First Responders.
And last but certainly not least, to the men and women who are the voices behind the phones and radios every day, I can’t say enough how extremely proud I am of you and honored to work beside you. You make being the boss so easy because you do your job so well. This roller coaster goes so quickly back and forth from routine to chaos, and you handle it with finesse, professionalism and dedication, take a breath, and answer the next call. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Don Gruver, Director of Communications
HARVEY COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS – 40 YEARS OF SERVICE – 1982-2022
DAY FIVE – OUR PEOPLE, OUR GREATEST ASSET
Our strength is our people. We have been very blessed to have a cadre of long-term dispatchers, and a very low turnover compared to most agencies. Harvey County is the 14th largest County in Kansas by population, but we are the 10th busiest PSAP in the state; handling more calls day-to-day than many Counties with far more people both in terms of population and size of Dispatch staff. The people that work here generally stay here, for their entire career.
35 YEARS - Dispatcher II Liz: After serving for 2 years at Marion County, Liz has been at Harvey County for 33 years.
32 YEARS - Director Don served as an EMT and volunteer firefighter for 6 years, then worked at Hays Police Department Dispatch for over 9 years. He has been with Harvey County for 23 years, 9 as Assistant Director and the last 7 as Director. He is also a trained Comm Unit Leader (COML), Comm Unit Technician (COMT), Incident Tactical Dispatcher (INTD) and serves on the ERT Comms Squad. He is backup for the County Emergency Management Director and a Kansas Certified Emergency Manager. He has taken the NENA Center Managers Course program and serves on the Kansas NENA board.
19 YEARS - Shift Supervisor Monica worked at Hutchinson/Reno County Communications for a year, and has been with Harvey County for 18 years, 7 of those as Day Shift Supervisor. She is also trained in INTD and serves on the ERT Comms Squad.
14 YEARS - Assistant Director Molly has worked for Harvey County for 14 years, 7 as Assistant Director. She also serves as an EMT for Burrton EMS, is trained in COML, Incident Comm Center Manager (INCM) and serves on the ERT Comms Squad. She has completed the WSU Mini-MPA program for working professionals in local government.
11 YEARS - Dispatcher II Josh was hired by Harvey County after becoming the first person to complete the 2 year Dispatch training program at Hutchinson Community College. He is trained for INTD and serves on the ERT Comms Squad.
11 YEARS - Dispatcher II Shirley has been with Harvey County for 11 years and serves on the ERT Comms Squad.
10 YEARS - Shift Supervisor Melissa began working for us in 2000, then left to work for St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. She returned to Harvey County in 2014 and became an evening shift supervisor in 2020.
9 YEARS - Shift Supervisor Tayler: Tayler has been with Harvey County for 9 years, 3 as Evening Shift Supervisor. She is a Certified Training Officer (CTO) and heads up our training program. She also works part-time for Harper County 9-1-1.
8 YEARS - Dispatcher II Colleen: Colleen has been with Harvey County for 8 years.
7 YEARS - Dispatcher II Heather has been with Harvey County for 7 years and serves on the ERT Comms Squad.
7 YEARS - Dispatcher I Ken worked for Sedgwick County for a year and has been with Harvey County for 6 years.
6 YEARS - Dispatcher I Shannon has been at Harvey County for 6 years.
5 MONTHS - Dispatcher I Tamairla started with Harvey County in 2021, and just completed her initial training.
3 MONTHS - Dispatcher I Allison also started with Harvey County in 2021 and just completed her initial training.
2 MONTHS - Dispatcher I Tyler also started in 2021 and is the middle of his initial training.
NEW - Trainee Madalyn just started this week and is in training.
NEW - Trainee Adam also started this week and is training.
OPEN - One open position not yet filled.
10 YEARS - Part-time Dispatcher Ryan has been with Harvey County for 10 years (2 years full time) and works full time for McPherson County Sheriff's Office.
2 YEARS - Part-time Dispatcher Tayler has been with Harvey County for 2 years (1 year full time).
182+ YEARS OF 9-1-1 COMMUNICATIONS EXPERIENCE
KANSAS APCO RECOGNITION AWARDS:
Liz: 1999 Telecommunicator of the Year
Don: 2003 Telecommunicator of the Year and 2002 1st Runner Up
Diane (former employee): 2005 Telecommunicator of the Year
Brody (former employee): 2007 1st Runner Up
Cathy (former employee): 2017 Presidents Award
Harvey County Communications: 2016 Team of the Year
County commission reviews, maintains district map
2022/01/21
(Published Jan. 21, 2022)The Harvey County Commission reviewed the map...
Solid Waste introduces HHW Reuse program
2022/01/12
Harvey County residents can now take advantage of a new...
What we did in 2021
2022/01/4
At the conclusion of each year, Harvey County Administration presents...
Commission approves Hesston Road improvement project
2021/11/23
The Harvey County Commission has approved an improvement project for...
Comprehensive plan public meetings coming in January
2021/11/22
Harvey County residents are encouraged to attend any of a...
County adds online property tax payment system
2021/11/19
The Harvey County Treasurer's Office has added the iKan payment...
Commission sets public holiday schedule for 2022
2021/11/16
The Harvey County Commission set the slate of public holidays...
County Commission certifies 2021 general election results
2021/11/9
The Harvey County Commission and Harvey County Clerk's Office held the...
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
Jan 25 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Feb 1 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Feb 8 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Feb 15 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Feb 21 Presidents Day (Courthouse closed) @ 12:00 AM |
Feb 22 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Mar 1 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Mar 8 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Mar 15 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Mar 22 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Mar 29 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Apr 5 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Apr 12 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
Apr 19 County Commission meeting @ 9:00 AM |
