#TOGETHERLS
Welcome to the Covering COVID-19 Community Briefing
This weekly digest of information will help keep you up to date as we work together to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. This briefing will provide:
- state and county health updates and measures the City is taking to keep residents as safe as possible
- reliable and factual information sources to use when seeking facts about this public health crisis
- reminders about things happening in our community and ideas to keep you entertained
Helping Kids Cope with COVID-19
Jackson County Health Department Blog
By now, all of us have been coping with COVID-19 for a considerable amount of time. We’ve all become well-versed in terms like quarantine and isolation, and the constant barrage of news may be taking its toll. Children especially may be feeling this strain and it’s important to help them cope during this time.
Watch for Behavior Changes
Know that the warning signs of stress will look different for each child. However, here are a few common things to watch out for:
- Excessive crying or irritation
- Going back to previous behaviors they’ve outgrown (i.e, accidents or bedwetting)
- Excessive worry or sadness
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping patterns
- Teens “acting out” or being irritable
- Avoidance of school or poor performance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
- Head or body aches without explanation
- Substance use
Keep the Conversation Going
Although initial questions about the virus may be answered by now, don’t stop conversations. Ask regular, open-ended questions to keep a pulse on how your child is doing. Be reassuring and empathetic and help them focus on things they can control. As the situation develops, children may develop new concerns and it’s important to help them work through these things. Limiting the amount of information your child receives from the news or social media can help reduce their stress.
Help Kids Take an Active Role
Help kids feel more in control by giving them things they can actively do to help stop the spread of the virus. Continue to emphasize the importance of mask-wearing, social distancing and hand washing. Don’t underestimate the value of being a role model, too; be sure to demonstrate these behaviors for your kids.
Keep a Regular Routine
It’s been a weird blur of time since March, but you can help recreate a sense of normalcy by establishing a routine for your kids. Set a schedule for their days so they know what they can expect. Incorporate exercise and outdoor play to keep them active. Also, help them stay socially connected through virtual options. Finally, help them recognize fun things they can still enjoy, such as a movie night or more time spent with family.
Reduce Your Risk of Getting the Flu
The CDC says getting the flu vaccine this fall can reduce your risk of getting the flu and help save scarce medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19. It’s important for everyone to do their part to stay healthy this flu season. Prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:
- Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.
- Lather Up: Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.
The more people vaccinated against flu, the more people will be protected from flu.
COVID-19 Dashboards
Mid-America Regional Council COVID-19 Dashboard
How is the Overall Positive Rate Calculated?
The recommended positive rate is 5% or less. As of September 22, the 14-day average positive rate in Eastern Jackson County was 12.5%
The overall percent positive is the proportion of unique individuals who tested positive among all other unique individuals tested.
The 14-day average percent positive is calculated by taking the total number of unique positive cases in a two-week period and dividing it by the number of unique individuals tested in the same two-week period.
Jackson County COVID-19 Dashboard
View cases by demographics and zip code, hospitalizations, testing, deaths, outbreaks and more.
CDC: Should You Delay Your Trip?
Traveling can be a stress reliever, but it also increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Talk to your healthcare provider before you travel if you are unsure whether any of these situations apply to you or your travel companions.
Postpone your travel if you:
- are sick
- recently tested positive
- had close contact with a person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days
- waiting for viral test results.
COVID-19 Testing Sites
The Jackson County Health Department is providing free testing. Testing will be done using either an NP swab (nasopharyngeal swab) or nasal swab and collected by a health care professional. This test only detects current infection with COVID-19. You do NOT need to be currently experiencing symptoms to get this test. This is NOT a test to detect if you've ever been exposed to COVID-19.
- Do not need to be a resident.
- Clinics run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last.
- Questions? Call 816.404.6416.
Friday, September 25 | Raytown EMS, 10020 E 66th Terrace, Raytown, MO
Monday, September 28 | Old Fire Station #3, 210 SW Pryor Road, Lee's Summit, MO
Tuesday, September 29 | Metro Christian Fellowship Church, 2217 High Grove Rd., Grandview, MO
Wednesday, September 30 | Masonic Lodge, 611 S Sibley St., Buckner, MO
LSR7 Roadmap to Reopening
The Lee's Summit R-7 School District has created a COVID-19 dashboard that provides the latest updates on new cases and quarantines. Viewers can also find information on:
- Safety Precautions
- Responses to Cases
- Special Programs
- School Transportation
- After School Programs
- Much more!
The surrounding area school districts have created dashboards with similar information.
Is Halloween a High-Risk Activity?
Some but not all traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, according to the CDC. They have created a list of goblin fun, ranking activities from low to high.
DYK: Halloween Is Expected To Be a Blue Moon
Kansas City Star: Halloween Events
This weekend marks the unofficial start of Halloween and fall activities. The following attractions are now open:
- Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch
- The Liberty Corn Maze
- The Louisburg Cider Mill Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Council Update
2020 Property Tax Levy. City Council adopted an ordinance setting the 2020 property tax levy at $1.4563 per $100 of assessed value. The total levy is comprised of tax levies for the City’s general fund, Parks and Recreation fund and debt service fund.
Cedar Creek Community Improvement District. City Council gave initial approval to a petition establishing the Cedar Creek Community Improvement District (CID). The CID includes certain areas of the Cedar Creek Shopping Center, located near Southwest Third Street and Oldham Parkway. The developer is seeking to impose a one percent sales tax within the CID to fund a portion of the improvements to the area, which include exterior renovations and the reconfiguration of the parking lot to allow for additional parking. The CID is proposed to fund approximately $1.5 million of the project costs.
Renaming Todd George Parkway and Todd George Road. City Council approved a motion to refer the potential renaming of Todd George Parkway and Todd George Road to the Public Works Committee. The Public Works Committee will decide on a name recommendation, which will then go back to City Council to begin the process to potentially rename the roads. The Human Relations Commission presented a recommendation after more than 140,000 people signed a petition to rename the roads given written views expressed by George on racial equity.
New Helmet Law. City Council adopted an ordinance repealing the requirement that motorcyclists wear a helmet to comply with state legislation. The Missouri law only applies to motorcyclists 26 or older who are able to provide proof of health insurance.
New Voting Options Are Temporarily Available Due To COVID-19
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft visited Lee’s Summit City Hall September 22 to promote safety of in-person voting and the 2020 absentee and mail-in voting options in Missouri. As the November 3 General Election approaches and new voting options are temporarily available due to COVID-19. Ashcroft said officials “want to make sure Missourians are aware of upcoming deadlines for registering to vote and for requesting and returning your ballot.”
Legislation expanded voting options for the November 2020 election:
- A new, COVID-19-related excuse to qualify for an absentee ballot. A voter is eligible if they have coronavirus or are at risk because they fit into any of the following categories: age 65 or older; live in a long term care facility; have chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma; have serious heart conditions; are immunocompromised; have diabetes; have chronic kidney disease and are undergoing dialysis; or have liver disease. A voter who is eligible as a result of being susceptible to COVID-19 may cast a ballot without obtaining notarization of the ballot envelope.
- A new “mail-in ballot” option can be requested by any registered voter. All registered voters are eligible, but the ballot envelope, per state law, must be notarized. Additionally, state law requires mail-in ballots to be returned to the local election authority by U.S. mail only.
The deadline to register to vote is October 7 at 5 p.m.
Sustainable Energy
Ignite! Fuel Our Future Comprehensive Plan Element
What are your top concerns as it relates to the environment? Air quality? Natural resource preservation? Would methods such as community gardens & more renewable energy use help meet the needs of our community today & in the future?
Answer four survey questions and/or give your feedback via the online discussion forum. Your feedback is crucial as we plan for the future.
Assistant Director of Plan Services Josh Johnson and Environmental Specialist Kara Taylor discuss the sustainable environment element and what they're hoping to achieve through the comprehensive planning process on the latest episode of the Green Street Beat podcast.
Comprehensive Plan Resources
Help Shape the Future
The City is offering multiple and EASY ways for you to provide input and share your views for Lee's Summit's future.
Conversation Kits. We've got the cure for panboredom! Gather the people in your bubble or organize a Zoom get together to help shape our community. Lee’s Summit is counting on you and your friends to fuel our future! And, we have a fun and interactive way for you to engage in the Ignite Comprehensive Plan process. Download a Conversation Kit and get started!
Join the Online Discussion. We bet you have a lot of ideas about what the City should do to prepare for the future. Scooters? More bike paths? Technology? What's needed for a good quality of life? Leave your comments in the online forum discussion.
Green Street Beat Podcasts. For each element of the plan, the City is releasing a podcast that goes more in-depth on the topic. It's a great way to learn more about the different elements and why they are important for the future of Lee's Summit. Take a listen.
Surveys. Take a brief survey to share your views on each of the essential elements of the comprehensive plan.
Kiosks. Kiosks are provided at the following locations enabling residents to respond to surveys or to leave feedback in the online discussion forum.
- City Hall Lobby, 220 SE Green St.
- Longview Community Center, 3801 SW Longview Rd.
- Lovell Community Center at Legacy Park, 901 NE Bluestem Dr.
The Lee's Summit Police Department
Citizen Survey
Every three years the Police Department conducts a citizen survey to help discover ways to improve services and connect with the community. Give us your feedback by completing this five-minute survey.
Now Hiring
The Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. Apply today!
Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation
Health-Based Classes
CPR/AED | 6 - 8 p.m. | $38
- October 13 - Deadline to register is October 8
- December 7 - Deadline to register is December 3
First Aid | 6 - 8:30 p.m. | $30
- November 12 - Deadline to register is November 9
Basic Life Support | 6 - 10 p.m. | $50
- October 29 - Deadline to register is October 26
- November 30 - Deadline to register is November 26
The Farmers Market
The weather is getting cooler, but we still have to eat! Fortunately, the Farmers Market vendors will have lots of fall goodies available. Visit downtownls.org/market to see which vendors will be participating in the market and the seasonal produce they will bring.
Weekend Plans?
Reimagined Plaza Art Fair
This weekend enjoy:
- artist popups
- live events
- menu specials in Plaza restaurants
- four live but virtual concerts (Olivia Fox, 6 p.m. Sept. 25; NuBlvckCity, 7 p.m. Sept. 25; Eems, 6 p.m. Sept. 26; Nicole Springer, 7 p.m. Sept. 26) that can be streamed live on their Facebook page.
Windows and storefronts throughout the historic shopping area will showcase works through October 5.
It's Hoody Doody time!
The Lee's Summit History Museum now has a memorabilia exhibit on display for Howdy Doody.
The Howdy Doody show began in 1947 and was the first hit network television show that ran until 1960. The show's main character was the marionette Howdy Doody along with the human roles of Buffalo Bob Smith, Clarabell the clown and a host of marionette characters.
Museum Hours: Thurs. - Fri. | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Sat. | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Community Blood Drive
The Community Blood Center is in dire need of blood donations. To help alleviate the shortage, the City is partnering with the Community Blood Center for a community blood drive on Monday, September 28 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Gamber Community Center located at 4 SE Independence Ave. in Lee's Summit.
Appointments are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Walk-ins will only be accepted as capacity allows.
Get the Scoop in Two Minutes!
Your weekly flash briefing is here. Get a snapshot of what's happening this week in Lee's Summit. Take a listen!
