Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Springfield-Greene County Health Department notes potential COVID-19 exposure at Target
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is notifying the public of a potential community exposure from one COVID-19 positive individual.
Prior to being diagnosed, our case went to the following location:
Saturday, June 27: Visited Target at 1825 E Primrose from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (infectious but not symptomatic, not masked)
Anyone who was at this location on this date is at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop.
It is our responsibility to take steps to suppress COVID-19 in our community and interact with our environment carefully. If someone is sick or thinks they may be sick, they need to stay home. We all need to practice physical distancing, proper hand hygiene and wear a face covering whenever possible. For information on how to properly wear a face covering and when to wear one, click here.
A timeline of all known potential community exposures in the last 14 days is available here.
Eight new positive COVID-19 cases were reported by the Health Department today, bringing the total number of laboratory confirmed cases to 296.
Two COVID-19 deaths reported in Oklahoma, death total at 387
As of this advisory, there are 13,757 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma.
There are two additional deaths; neither occurred in the past 24 hours.
One in Rogers County, a male in the 65 and older age group.
There are 387 total deaths in the state.
Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Lance Frye, M.D. will provide an update on the State’s response to COVID-19 at 2 p.m. today in the Governor’s Large Conference Room at the Oklahoma State Capitol. A live stream will be available on Gov. Stitt’s Facebook page.
The OSDH has launched a new testing site dashboard, which includes an interactive map and updated site contact information. Please call test sites to make an appointment and confirm hours of operation before visiting.
First COVID-19 death reported in Lawrence County, six cases confirmed, potential exposures at area businesses
The first death was a 52-year-old "with an underlying health condition," according to a department news release.
The county has recorded 37 cases, with 18 in isolation and 18 recovered, in addition to the death.
One of today's case was travel-related and the person immediately self-isolated after returning home. The second case was a work-related exposure, according to a health department news release.
Parson signs budget bills
Today, Governor Mike Parson signed the FY21 budget bills passed by the General Assembly.
The total state budget is approximately $35.3 billion, including $10 billion in general revenue.
“Every year, the General Assembly is committed to protecting Missouri taxpayers' hard earned money with a fiscally responsible budget,” Governor Parson said. “Although this legislative session looked very different due to COVID-19, we appreciate the General Assembly for pushing through these difficult circumstances and creating the Fiscal Year 2021 budget.”
Since taking office, Missouri’s economy and financial health have been of utmost importance to Governor Parson. Last year, the state budget left $100 million on the bottom line in order to respond to any unexpected revenue declines. Governor Parson also proposed to do the same for next year, ensuring another year of responsible state budgeting and savings.
However, COVID-19 has severely impacted Missouri’s anticipated economic growth, and the state is now experiencing significant revenue declines.
To ensure Missouri is prepared to deal with the economic impacts of COVID-19 going forward, Governor Parson issued vetoes for 17 items totaling nearly $11 million. Governor Parson also announced over $448 million in budget withholds. These restrictions include nearly 150 items across state government.
“COVID-19 is unlike anything we have ever experienced before,” Governor Parson said. “As difficult as these decisions are, we are experiencing an unprecedented economic downturn, which means we are having to make unprecedented adjustments in our budget.”
Despite these challenges, Governor Parson’s administration is hopeful that the economy will recover quickly, which may allow for the release of some withholds later in the year. The state also anticipates opportunities in the coming weeks to help offset shortfalls.
To view the FY 2021 appropriation bills, click here. To view the full list of expenditure restrictions, click here.
Newton County reports third COVID-19 death
The person's gender was not specified.
The county has had 463 coronavirus cases, with 369 in isolation, 175 under quarantine and four hospitalized.
State Auditor issues report on government use of federal CARES ACT funding in Missouri
State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released the first report detailing state government's use of federal stimulus dollars intended for the COVID-19 response. In March, Auditor Galloway announced that her office would examine the state's distribution and spending of funding received under the CARES Act and other federal assistance programs recently passed by Congress.
"With an unprecedented amount of taxpayer money coming in from the federal government and then being spent relatively quickly, transparency is vital to help ensure this assistance is used as effectively and efficiently as possible," Auditor Galloway said. "My office is committed to making detailed information available so Missourians know where their money is going."
The report shows Missouri's spending of federal assistance for the month of May, as well as the cumulative expenditures since the state began receiving funding in April. Through May 31, Missouri has received $2.43 billion.
The majority of the expenditures were for services through the state's Medicaid program, MO HealthNet ($216 million), and funding passed through to counties and the City of St. Louis ($521 million). The state also is currently using $250 million of COVID-19 relief funding for cash management needs in the General Revenue Fund. The General Assembly has authorized up to $750 million for that purpose; those funds must be repaid to the State Emergency Management Federal Stimulus Fund prior to June 30, 2021.
In addition to the monthly report examining the state's spending, the Auditor's Office also has an online tool to give Missourians a detailed look at expenditures. The COVID-19 Response page tracks not only how much is received and expended in relief funds, but also lists which state and local government departments, vendors and expense categories are receiving the most funding. The information on the website, updated daily, provides data on expenditures made after the end of May.
Auditor Galloway's efforts are similar to work by the previous State Auditor's administration, which reviewed the state's use of funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under Article IV, Section 13 of the Missouri Constitution, the State Auditor has a duty to ensure the accuracy of the state's accounting of its spending.
A copy of the report on Missouri spending of federal assistance can be found here.
Comedy legend Carl Reiner dead at 98, used his Camp Crowder experiences in Dick Van Dyke Show episodes
Reiner was stationed at Camp Crowder in Neosho during World War II and later used that experience, as well as the location and references to various surrounding communities, including Joplin, in episodes of the situation comedy The Dick Van Dyke Show.
Reiner, who was executive producer and a writer for the show, as well as playing the role of Alan Brady on it, used Camp Crowder in a number of flashback episodes of the series, stationing Vandyke as Rob Petrie as a soldier at Camp Crowder and Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie as a USO entertainer.
From the Official Dick Van Dyke Book:
And, as a quick glimpse of Carl Reiner's personal dossier reveals, the Van Dyke show's many Army flashback episodes were indeed rife with autobiographical echoes of Reiner's own life and career. Like Rob Petrie, the writer/producer had also been stationed at Camp Crowder, Missouri though Reiner's hitch began a bit earlier than Rob's, in 1943 not long after the writer met his own real life Laura, the former Estelle Lebost.
In addition to his work on the Dick Van Dyke Show, Reiner's career included directing a number of films, including four starring Steve Martin, a comedy act with Mel Brooks, writing and performing on the Sid Caesar variety shows of the 1950s and acting and performing through the 2000s, with a role as a con artist in the George Clooney-Brad Pitt Ocean's 11 series, right up until earlier this year when he appeared in a public service announcement encouraging social distancing.
Latest Barton County COVID-19 cases are work-related
The Barton County Health Department is announcing two additional positive cases of COVID-19 in Barton County. Total reported cases in the county now stand at 27. Both cases are work related exposures.
Total active cases now stand at 12 with 15 having fully recovered.
To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, we will not release individually identifiable details. The individuals are Quarantined and being monitored closely by the Barton County Health Department.
McDonald County adds nearly 200 COVID-19 cases in a week, total stands at 697
Statistics released by the McDonald County Health Department Monday night show the county has recorded 697 cases, an increase of 27 in the previous 24 hours and 199 over the past seven days.
Of the total, 287 remain under isolation with 10 people hospitalized. The county has had one death.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services listed McDonald County seventh in its list of the 10 counties with the most coronavirus cases. The total shown on the state website is the total provided by county officials one week ago- 297.
Jasper County reports 50 COVID-19 cases between Saturday and Monday, 226 more cases than state website shows
"As of June 29, 2020, the current Jasper County COVID-19 cases stand at 582," was the entirety of the statement."
The statement contained no information about where cases are taking place guidelines about measures county residents should be taking, though in recent news releases, it has been noted that the Carthage area has been hard hit.
The Jasper County statistics do not include the city of Joplin.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reported Monday that Jasper County is now in the top 10 counties as far as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is concerned.
Jasper County's total of 582 is 226 more than what the state dashboard shows.
Kansas governor issues statewide mask order beginning Friday
Governor Laura Kelly Monday announced that she will sign an Executive Order requiring that most Kansans in a public space must wear a mask, beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3.
“This is a simple, proactive step we can take to keep Kansans at work, get our kids back to school, and keep ourselves and our neighbors healthy,” Governor Kelly said. “Wearing a mask is not only safe – but it is necessary to avoid another shut down.
“Remember – my mask protects you, and your mask protects me,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re all in this together.”
Under the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.
“I know Kansans will have many questions about this order – and we will answer them when it is released later this week,” Governor Kelly said. “But by announcing the requirement today, people in our state will have the appropriate time to acquire the masks.”
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office will work closely with officials in Governor Kelly’s administration to ensure that the order complies with Kansas law.
For more information on COVID-19 health guidance, please visit www.covid.ks.gov.
Newton County records 44 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours
The county now has 463 cases with 369 under isolation, including four who are hospitalized.
Ninety-one have been released from isolation, while the county has recorded two deaths.
The news release said 175 people are under quarantine.
Most of the cases continue to be centered in Neosho, the department said.
Monday, June 29, 2020
Probable cause: Carl Junction man tampered with evidence after shooting, killing girlfriend
At this point, the only charge against Jeremiah Blake Tyner, 23, is tampering with evidence in a felony prosecution, according to Jasper County Circuit Court records.
A Jasper County Sheriff's Office news release said Amanda Parker, 40, Carl Junction, was dead on arrival at a local hospital.
The incident is described in the probable cause statement:
On 6/29/2020 Jeremiah Tyner was at 10487 County Road 270 Carl Junction MO in Jasper County when he discharged a firearm inside a camper trailer on the property being used as his residence.
Amanda Parker, with whom Tyner is engaged in a romantic relationship, was struck by a bullet in the upper chest area and transported to an area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. No one else was said to be present at the residence at the time of the shooting.
Deputies immediately responded to the aforementioned address upon notification of the shooting location. Evidence discovered at the scene of the shooting suggested that Tyner attempted to conceal blood evidence by the use of chemicals, paper towels and/or other cleaning supplies.
One COVID-19 death in Oklahoma during past 24 hours, case total up to 13,172
As of this advisory, there are 13,172 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma.
There is one additional death; it did not occur in the past 24 hours.
One in Oklahoma County, a male in the 65 and older age group.
There are 385 total deaths in the state.
The OSDH has launched a new testing site dashboard, which includes an interactive map and updated site contact information. Please call test sites to make an appointment and confirm hours of operation before visiting.
Another 450 COVID-19 cases confirmed in Missouri, Jasper, McDonald counties among counties with most cases
The state's death toll stands at 998.
St. Louis County has recorded 564 deaths, followed by the city of St. Louis with 151, St. Charles County 73, Kansas City 31, Jefferson County 19, Franklin County 18, Scott County 11 and Clay County 10.
The state statistics show two area counties, Jasper and McDonald, as being in the top 10 counties for most confirmed cases:
1. St. Louis 6,031
2. City of St. Louis 2,304
3. Kansas City 2,242
4. Jackson County 1,126
5. St. Charles County 1,010
6. Buchanan County 838
7. McDonald County 498
8. Jefferson County 445
9. Clay County 414
10. Jasper County 356 (does not include Joplin)
It should be noted that these numbers are not up to date. Sometimes it takes two to three days to have cases added to the total.
Carthage R-9 cancels summer school classes after three junior high students contract COVID-19
Unfortunately, we need to cancel Carthage Junior High summer school for the rest of the session. Three junior high students tested positive for COVID-19.
The students and staff in those three rooms will be contacted by the health department and will possibly be placed in quarantine. In addition to that, our student enrollment has decreased over the past week. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
The junior high summer feeding program will be moved to Columbian and the high school 10:00 to 11:30 until July 1.
Shortly after that, Baker announced the cancellation of the other summer school classes.
Emanuel Cleaver: Justice in Policing Act is a critically important bill
Americans across the country are speaking out and demanding action to address the crisis of systemic racism and police brutality. House Democrats are listening and we are responding by advancing the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, legislation to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement, and build trust between law enforcement and our local communities.
Last week, House Democrats passed this critically important bill with bipartisan support, which would take various steps to transform policing in America, including:
• Banning all chokeholds;
• Banning no-knock warrants in drug cases;
• Ending racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling;
• Establishing a National Police Misconduct Registry to improve transparency and prevent problematic officers who are fired or leave one agency from moving to another jurisdiction without any accountability;
• Requiring data collection, including mandatory body cameras and dashboard cameras;
• Establishing new standards for policing and the Public Safety Innovation grants for community-based organizations to help reimagine policing in their communities.
Now that the House has passed our version of police reform, I will be working to put pressure on the Senate and the Administration to take action, and your voice in this effort is crucial. If you want to see concrete reform to end police brutality and racial profiling, I invite you to join us in sending a message to President Trump and Senate Republicans that we need comprehensive police reform now.
Please visit JusticeInPolicing.us now to learn about the bill. You will also have the option to share your thoughts on the bill, and you may choose to become a citizen co-sponsor.
The American people have made it unequivocally clear that now is the time for change. We cannot allow congressional timidity to prevent us from making the changes necessary to fix the culture of policing in America. As Congress debates police reform, I will continue to push the current Administration and the U.S. Senate to be a part of the solution.
Pekarek promoted to assistant city manager, will remain Joplin Health Department director
“Dan is a great leader for the organization,” said Edwards. “He brings many strong skills to this role. His high standard for work product has been evident during his career at the City, and especially throughout the recent coronavirus pandemic.
" Dan is pragmatic, while embracing and supporting improvement for our community. His leadership as Interim City Manager demonstrated his genuine care for the employees as well as our citizens. As an organization, we are strengthened to have Dan step into this position, and I am excited to have him alongside as we work toward building Joplin’s future together.”
Along with his new duties, Pekarek will remain as the Health Department Director until a successor is identified. As ACM, his responsibilities will include direct supervision of several departments including Public Works and Central Garage; Planning, Development and Neighborhood Services; Parks and Recreation, Health Department, and Municipal Court.
He will also assist in the oversight of all departments and work closely with City Manager Edwards to keep him apprised of ongoing projects, financial status, employee relation issues and other progress relating to legislation, economic development, City operations and governmental activities.
Pekarek currently serves as chairman of several health-related boards in the community, including Jasper and Newton Counties Community Health Collaborative and Jasper and Newton Counties Emergency Healthcare Coalition. He also is a member of the One Joplin Steering team and One Joplin Health Team.
Springfield-Greene County Health Department notes potential COVID-19 exposure at Walgreens, case count up to 288
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is notifying the public of a potential community exposure from one COVID-19 positive individual from another jurisdiction.
Prior to being diagnosed, the individual went to the following location:
(infectious and symptomatic, masked)
Anyone who was at this location on this date is at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop.
This latest case is yet another reminder for all of us to interact with our environment carefully. When we go out in public, we need to practice physical distancing and wear a mask whenever possible. If someone is sick or thinks they may be sick, they need to stay home.
A timeline of all known potential community exposures in the last 14 days is available here.
Nine new positive COVID-19 cases were reported by the Health Department today, bringing the total number of laboratory confirmed cases to 288.
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Springfield-Greene County Health Department notes potential COVID-19 exposures at Walmart Supercenter, Panera, Pappo's Pizzeria, Ash Grove grocery store
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is notifying the public of potential community exposures from four COVID-19 positive individuals.
Prior to being diagnosed, our cases visited the following locations:
Monday, June 22: Pennington’s Supermarket in Ash Grove, visited from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (infectious, symptomatic, not masked)
Monday, June 22: Pappo’s Pizzeria at 221 E Walnut St, visited around 6:30 pm (infectious but not symptomatic, not masked)
Monday, June 23: Walmart Supercenter at 3315 S Campbell Ave, two cases visited from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (infectious, symptomatic, not masked)
Anyone who was at these locations on these dates is at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop.
These latest cases are yet another reminder for all of us to interact with our environment carefully. If someone is sick or thinks they may be sick, they need to stay home.
A timeline of all known potential community exposures in the last 14 days is available here.
Nancy Hughes: The time out lesson
Jonah 1:17 (NIV)
My kids hated time out when they were little and got into trouble. To be honest, I think it was as much for me as it was for them. Love my kids? Passionately with every ounce in my body. Protect them if someone tried to hurt them? Like a seven foot tall gorilla with a stun gun.
But when they could not handle a situation themselves without falling apart or attacking each other, a time out seemed like the perfect answer. They could sit down and I could calm down.
I remember a few of the many reasons for assigning a time out through the years: when my son attempted to sweep up his sister in the vacuum. And when my daughters tried to darken their bedroom by putting a blanket over a light bulb and caused a fire.
Almost every time they received a time out, it served as a punishment for not obeying our rules at home. But I also reminded them that this was a perfect opportunity to think about what they had done and what they could do differently the next time. There was always a lesson to learn in each time out.
Jonah 1:17 talks about someone else who was in time out but he wasn’t sitting on a kitchen chair thinking about his choice. He was in the belly of a whale. And it wasn’t a mom who had put him there but God.
His name was Jonah and he had been given a specific directive by God in verse 2: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah did not want to obey.
Perhaps he knew about their idol worship and cruelty to prisoners of war and didn’t want to go near the people who lived there. Or maybe he just didn’t trust God to take care of him.
No matter the reason, Jonah didn’t obey and God quickly gave him a time out to think about his poor choice – by allowing him to be swallowed by a whale.
Now, can I just say here that one gulp and I think I would have been a believer and confessed my disobedience to God? I’m sure I would have. And Jonah, from the whale guts, probably prayed immediately to God and repented, thanking Him for saving his life and vowing to do exactly what God had asked him to do in the first place, by preaching to the people of Nineveh.
However God, in His infinite wisdom, allowed Jonah to sit a bit longer in time out to learn an important lesson: when God says “go,” you go. Jonah needed to be obedient to God’s directing.
He also needed to understand that in His mercy and forgiveness, the Lord had provided for him and answered his prayer to save his life.
In verse 10 we read that God commanded the whale to spit Jonah out on dry land so that he could immediately do what he should have done in the first place: preach the message of God’s destruction to the people of Nineveh if they did not repent.
Have you ever experienced a time out from God? Perhaps you didn’t find yourself on a kitchen chair and hopefully not in the belly of a whale! Maybe the Lord prompted you to write a note or visit an elderly neighbor or buy groceries for the person in line ahead of you but you ignored that nudge.
I encourage you to listen to the Lord speaking to your heart and to obey. He is faithful to His children. But if needed, He will use a time out.
Father, I want to listen and obey but sometimes I’m like Jonah. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness and patience. And for giving me another opportunity to do exactly as you direct. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
R.A.P. it up . . .
Reflect
Apply
Power
Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 62:5 (NIV) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)
U. S. Department of Labor reaches settlement with Mojo Burger over failure to pay overtime, paying less than minimum wage
In a document filed Friday in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, the Department of Labor asked the judge to dismiss the action since the agreement with prejudice (meaning no further action can be taken). No details of the amount of the settlement were provided.
The government filed the civil action May 1 claiming the now-clos at 702 S. Maiden Lane, paid 26 employees less than minimum wage and stiffed them on overtime compensation between July 13, 2017 and July 12, 2018.
Newton County COVID-19 total at 412 with 29 added since Friday
The county has 419 cases with 326 under isolation.
A total of 175 people are under quarantine.
No details were provided about where the cases are occurring or whether they are community-based or travel-related.
When the department last released any information other than these basic statistics, it indicated a majority of the newer cases were in Neosho.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Stapleton Elementary student tests positive for COVID-19; R-8 officials deep cleaning school over weekend
Joplin Schools received confirmation today, June 27th, that one of our summer school students at Stapleton Elementary tested positive for COVID-19.
Out of an abundance of caution, all families of students that had contact with the positive student have been notified. If you were not contacted your child was not exposed.
Meanwhile, the district is doing a deep clean of the school, classrooms, and closing the affected classroom while we continue to work closely with the health department.
Furthermore, we are in constant communication and in full cooperation with the health department as we follow their guidance. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Classes will resume Monday.
Jason Smith: Attempts to censor our past are dangerous; we should be honoring these great Americans
After the death of George Floyd, Americans across the country were united in their calls for justice.
Now, over a month later, the responsible calls for justice have been drowned out by violent mobs. Local leaders in major U.S. cities have demeaned their law enforcement officers so harshly over recent weeks that it’s harder than ever for them to respond to the chaos.
As a result, morale is plummeting. In Atlanta, a record number of cops are calling in sick. To make matters worse, Senate Democrat Leadership blocked legislation this week that would have helped bring our country back together.
Our founders established a system of government built on working together. It’s why the United States Senate and U.S. House of Representatives both have to approve a bill before it’s sent to the President’s desk for his signature.
When the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, they conference together to hash out the differences. While this is how our country has functioned for over 230 years, Chuck Schumer no longer believes in that vision of governing.
This week, he blocked Senator Tim Scott’s JUSTICE Act, ending any chance of fruitful negotiations between the two chambers.
Speaker Pelosi also made it more difficult this week when she said Republicans were “trying to get away with murder, actually—the murder of George Floyd.”
It’s disheartening that Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are refusing to work with their colleagues and do their jobs. Worse, their divisive attitude is spreading to the mob across the country.
Recently, the mob has used their anger against our police officers to fuel their hatred of some of the biggest names in our nation’s history. Whether it’s George Washington who led us through the Revolutionary War and served as our first President, Abraham Lincoln who authored the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, or Teddy Roosevelt who broke up big corporations and empowered the people, no American hero is safe from the mob’s destruction.
A statue of George Washington was toppled after rioters burned an American flag. In our nation’s capital, a statue paid for by freed slaves to honor President Lincoln’s work to abolish slavery is in danger of being torn down.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio is removing a statue of Teddy Roosevelt that has stood in front of The American Museum of Natural History since before the attacks of Pearl Harbor. These attempts to censor our past are incredibly dangerous. We should be honoring these great Americans for who they are, instead of tearing them down for being human and having flaws.
Thankfully, like me, President Trump believes in protecting our history and honoring our heroes. This week, he signed an executive order, putting the federal government’s full weight behind holding those who deface, damage, or destroy national monuments and statues accountable for their actions.
This bold leadership puts to shame the feeble appeasement tactics of Democrat mayors and governors who have caved to the mob. President Trump showed that he meant business when law enforcement officers quickly ended the mob’s attempt to tear down a statue of Andrew Jackson outside the White House this week. He understands that this destruction and violence cannot continue; law and order must be restored.
These cities where the mob continues to loot, riot, and destroy are all run by Democrats and have been for generations. There have been endless opportunities over the last 50 years for these cities to make any changes they wanted to make their communities safer.
Yet, these cities remain some of the most dangerous places in the country. Now is the time for accountability. Now is the time to end the violence and destruction going on around our country. Neither George Washington nor Abraham Lincoln have anything to do with the lawlessness in our cities. It’s the radical mob—and their intolerance of America—that is responsible. They are the real culprits and it’s time for them to meet justice.
Seven COVID-19 deaths recorded in Oklahoma during past 24 hours, total at 384
As of this advisory, there are 12,642 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma.
There are seven additional deaths; two of them occurred in the past 24 hours.
One in Tulsa County, a female in the 50-64 age group.
One in Caddo County, a male in the 50-64 age group.
One in McCurtain County, a male in the 65 and older age group.
Two in Muskogee County, a male in the 65 and older age group and a female in the 65 and older age group.
One in Wagoner County, a male in the 65 and older age group.
One in Washington County, a female in the 65 and older age group.
There are 384 total deaths in the state.
This week's Oklahoma COVID-19 Weekly Report is now available. Reports from weeks past can be found here.
The OSDH has launched a new testing site dashboard, which includes an interactive map and updated site contact information. Please call test sites to make an appointment and confirm hours of operation before visiting.
After five stents, two surgeries and two Code Blues, former KODE reporter Robb Hanrahan recovering at home
Hanrahan, who began his journalism career at KODE in Joplin in the mid-80s, revealed the good news in a message posted Friday on the Facebook page of his wife, Stacey Hanrahan, who is an assistant news director and meteorologist at the station.
From the precipice of death:
Today came rather unexpectedly. With all your prayers and love, the fantastic cardiology and other teams at UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg Hospital (more on them later), I am able to report I have been released from the hospital to recover at home with my loving family. The last week or so has been the most challenging of my life.
Last Wednesday morning, I suffered a massive heart attack. Through divine intervention, I was already at the hospital when my heart stopped the first time, but the second time I "coded blue" things weren't looking good.
After five stents and two surgeries I am now venturing down what will be a long cognitive, emotional and physical recovery. Your support, well wishes and prayers pulled me through. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. (More on that later, too.)
Much love, Robb
Ed Emery provides information on Amendment 2 (then tells us places where we can find more information against it)
In August, Missouri voters will be asked to consider expanding a government program that already consumes nearly one-third of the state’s budget.
Amendment 2, placed on the ballot by initiative petition, would require Missouri to provide health care coverage to any adult, age 19-64, who earns less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
In 2010, Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as “Obamacare.”
The most comprehensive expansion of health care coverage since the creation of Medicaid and Medicare in 1965, Obamacare has endured a number of legal challenges and legislative revisions since its passage.
In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled states could opt-out of a provision requiring Medicaid coverage for low-income residents. Missouri is one of 14 states that have chosen not to expend taxpayer funds to insure able-bodied adults.
In Missouri, Medicaid is administered by the Mo HealthNet program. Coverage is generally limited to low-income children, parents of low-income children, pregnant women and blind or disabled individuals.
More than 60% of those receiving benefits are children. Low-income seniors may also receive Medicaid benefits in addition to Medicare.
Currently, about 900,000 Missourians receive Mo HealthNet benefits. That’s one out of every seven Missourians.
The Kaiser Family Foundation, a proponent of Medicaid expansion, predicts passage of Amendment 2 will provide taxpayer-funded health insurance to an additional 200,000 Missourians. The Urban Institute puts the number closer to 350,000. Backers of Medicaid expansion argue that most of the increased cost will be paid by the federal government – ignoring the fact that Missourians pay federal taxes.
Opponents of expansion worry the state share of Medicaid expansion will bankrupt available resources and only grow over time.
In 2019, the Missouri Department of Social Services published a review of the Mo HealthNet program showing Medicaid is consuming an ever-larger share of state resources, increasing from 17 percent in 2009 to 24 percent in 2018.
The department predicted Medicaid would require 30 percent of Missouri’s general revenue by 2023. General revenue – the portion of the state budget you pay for in taxes – is only part of the picture, however.
Medicaid expenditures are also paid with federal funding (your tax dollars) and fees and taxes paid by health providers (and inevitably passed along to patients). Viewed from the perspective of the total state budget, Medicaid is already Missouri’s single largest expense.
With health care costs outpacing growth in the economy even before COVID-19 took its toll, we face the prospect of serious challenges to Missouri’s budget.
If voters approve Amendment 2, the taxpayers of Missouri will provide health care insurance to able-bodied individuals earning less than $17,608 per year (or a family of four who earn less than $36,000).
One can argue that providing insurance to those who struggle to afford care is an act of compassion, but where will the money come from? Ultimately, it will come from you, the taxpayer. But in terms of the budget, something else will need to be cut to cover the added cost. Will it be schools? Roads? Public safety? Should we raise taxes to cover the added expense?
Busting the budget or raising taxes are not our only options. In my opinion, greater price transparency and further reliance on telehealth technology can help make health care more affordable. We can also combat the run-away cost of health care by reforming oversight of the medical profession and increasing competitiveness.
I hope all voters will educate themselves about the costs of Medicaid expansion. I have found compelling arguments against Amendment 2 from the Americans For Prosperity organization and look forward to a series of town halls the group will host in cities across Missouri in June and July. If you’d like to learn more about this topic, I’d encourage you to seek them out.
Springfield-Greene County Health Department notes potential COVID-19 exposures at Roost Bar and Grill, Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is notifying the public of potential community exposures from two COVID-19 positive individuals.
Prior to being diagnosed, two cases from another jurisdiction went to the following locations:
Thursday, June 18: Visited Sam’s Club at 745 W El Camino Alto St. around 10:15 a.m. (infectious and symptomatic, not masked)
Saturday, June 20: Visited The Roost Bar & Grill at 2025 W Sunshine St #104 at 3:50 p.m. for about an hour and a half (infectious and symptomatic, not masked)
Saturday, June 20: Visited Sam’s Club at 3660 E Sunshine St. from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (infectious and symptomatic, not masked)
Sunday, June 21: Visited Sam’s Club at 3660 E Sunshine St. from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (infectious but not symptomatic, not masked)
Tuesday, June 23: Visited Walmart Supercenter at 1150 US-60 E in Republic from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (infectious and symptomatic, not masked)
Anyone who was at these locations on these dates is at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop.
These latest cases are yet another reminder for all of us to interact with our environment carefully. When we go out in public, we need to practice physical distancing and wear a mask whenever possible. If someone is sick or thinks they may be sick, they need to stay home.
A timeline of all known potential community exposures in the last 14 days is available here.