The coronavirus pandemic has been stressful for all of us. The federal government said it's worse in rural communities. In rural communities, the rates of suicide and depression are higher than in suburbs and metro areas, according to the CDC. People live farther apart, internet access is limited and during the pandemic people in larger cities have relied heavily on the internet for entertainment and comfort. "The isolation is exacerbated times. I don't even know what the number is," said Denise Shelbee-Koch, a social worker in Jefferson County. Social workers like Shelbee-Koch said they see the effects in kids. Source: KSNT [...]

In September, construction began to modify the existing river weir and banks of the Kansas River to enhance public safety, provide reasonable fish passage, improve navigation around the weir all while maintaining adequate upstream pool elevation for water intakes to the treatment plant. On Dec. 12, the contractor poured the first chute for the weir project, as well as creating a rock base for the second chute and basin. Limitations imposed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism prohibit work in the river during the summer months to protect native fish, therefore the work is being broken down into [...]