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By JOSHUA AMES
Courier Staff Writer

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announced on Feb. 27 that some Kansas counties would be receiving money from a $1.2 million fund from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFS).

Among the counties chosen to receive funds, Cowley County received $17,665 of the funding. It will be used by the local chapter of the Salvation Army for immediate, everyday emergency situations, such as people in dire need of rent or utility money.

Andy Wheeler, Arkansas City Salvation Army Corps administrator, said the money should come in handy for those who need it and apply.

"What the plan is with the money is to use it to supplement our emergency assistance program for rent and utilities," Wheeler said.

The EFS national board, chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is composed of representatives from the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, United Jewish Communities, National Council of the Churches of Christ, Salvation Army and the United Way of America.

Those in need of aid may apply by calling Eagle Nest, in Winfield, at 229-8282 or the Arkansas City Salvation Army at (620) 442-4357.