Barton County Commission meeting at a glance
Here is a quick look at what the Barton County Commission did Wednesday morning:
• Approved a proclamation marking March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month 2022.
Commissioner Jennifer Schartz and Sheriff Brian Bellendir told their stories. During National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, county citizens are encouraged to learn their family’s health history, to be screened regularly for colorectal cancer and to see a health care provider about symptoms.
• Approved a resolution continuing the temporary countywide burn ban. Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller said drought conditions have continued to worsen in Barton County. Without significant measurable moisture, it is expected that the that the burn ban will continue.
• Approved a proclamation marking next week as Severe Weather Preparedness Week 2022.
Miller said this is a cooperative effort of the National Weather Service, the Kansas Emergency Management Association, and local county emergency management agencies.
Barton County Emergency Management reminds everyone to be prepared for the spring severe weather season. The proclamation encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to plan and prepare for an emergency.
• Heard a valuation update from County Appraiser Wendy Prosser. By March 1 of each year, the Appraiser’s Office is to have completed valuation of property and mailed notices to the public per state statute. Prosser gave a report on the mailing of notices and valuation trends.
• Approved amendments to the employee handbook.
Operations Director Matt Patzner said these include the addition of a policy dealing with tele-work (an arrangement in which an employee performs assigned duties from an alternate work location, such as that employee’s residence) and revisions to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Policy, assuring compliance with current practices.
• Convened as the Board of Health. Public Health Director Karen Winkelman introduced Health Department Advisory Committee members and give a COVID-19 update.
Barton County Commissioner Jennifer Schartz, who lost her son Dane to the colon cancer, and Sheriff Brian Bellendir, who recovered from the disease, offered their personal experiences as the commission Monday morning approved a proclamation marking March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
“Colon cancer is the number two most deadly cancer in the United States right now,” said Bellendir. “It is the most insidious type because it can sneak up on you.”
Now 60, he said he was diagnosed at age 52. he didn’t even know he had it until he experienced symptoms.
“If there is one thing you need to take away from this is to get screened,” he said. “Get a colonoscopy. I can’t stress that enough.”
“This is a tough thing for me,” said Schartz, holding up a photo of her late son Dane and his two dogs. But, she called the chance to share her son’s story “a gift.”
Her son lost is life, but their entire family has since been screened, she said. In fact, this found the cancer in her husband Shannon which was successfully treated.
“Dane said his cancer saved his dad’s life,” an emotional Schartz said. “That’s the kind of kid he was.”
Dane was 26 when he received his diagnosis. he died four years later.
During National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, county citizens are encouraged to learn their family’s health history, to be screened regularly for colorectal cancer and to see a health care provider about symptoms.
Both Bellendir and Schartz said not only getting tested is important, but one should do it early. The recommended age for a first colonoscopy is 45.
The proclamation
March is National Colorectal Awareness Month, an observance dedicated to encouraging patients, survivors and caregivers to share their stories, advocate for colorectal cancer prevention and inform others about the importance of early detection, according to the proclamation. “When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 90%. Unfortunately, about one in thrree people in the U.S. who should get tested for colorectal cancer have never been screened.”
The Affordable Care Act requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests, because these tests are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Citizens are urged to review their health insurance plan for specific details and to contact the insurer with questions related to colorectal cancer screenings.
“Barton County joins in the observation of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, March, 2022 and that the commission endorses the message of the American Cancer Society, and encourages all citizens to learn their family’s health history, to be screened regularly for colorectal cancer and to see a health care provider for change in bowel habits, bleeding, unintended weight loss or other symptoms,” the proclamation reads.
“The commission urges all citizens to be mindful of their health by observing safety practices and to bring their health concerns to their own medical care provider or the Barton County Health Department,” it continues.
