A second Kansas case of the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7, has been identified in Sedgwick County. The first case was identified earlier this month in Ellis County. A case investigation has been conducted and close contacts notified. The case investigation indicates that the person likely became infected while traveling out of state. Further details concerning the patient, including demographics, will not be released.

Rooks County continues to see a decrease in new COVID-19 cases throughout the county. This week, the absenteeism rate is at 1.6% above the baseline from 2019-2020. The positive testing rate is at 13.5% this week. Rooks County is receiving weekly allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine and will follow the Kansas Vaccination Phases. Rooks County is currently in Phase 2.

Hard times. Isn’t everyone ready to move past the last year and look forward to better times?  Sure, we are ready for that, but is that God’s plan? Christians should know that difficult times will always be a part of our lives, but we also know there is a purpose.

Hello from Topeka! The situation with Kansas Department of Labor continues to take much of the focus of our time here. I have had many conversations, received numerous emails, texts and phone calls from those who have fallen victim to fraud or have been unable to file for unemployment benefits. I have been working with the Department of Labor but it is getting beyond frustrating.