The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
They can be reached at (620) 223-2380.
Click below, then click on the image to enlarge:
Monthly Archives: May 2018
Benefits of Buying at the Local Farmer’s Market
By Sherise Beckham, MS, LD, RD, Mercy dietitian
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (May 22, 2018) – Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner. With all the flowers blooming and gardens growing, who doesn’t love this time of year? As a dietitian, I am always encouraging people to eat more fruits and vegetables; however, we rarely talk about the origin of them. For example, who grows your produce? Where does your produce come from? What is the timeline from when it was picked, transported, displayed in the store and now in your hand? Answers to all these questions vary, and in some cases, we might rather not know the answer.
However, we live in an amazing community. Our community is surrounded by many farmers and growers right here in Bourbon County. Many sell their fruits and vegetables every week between May and October at the local Farmer’s Market. By purchasing there, you can find comfort in knowing who grew it, how they grew it and when it was picked and purchased by you. Local produce can also benefit your health and your taste buds.
Local produce is loaded with more flavor. Usually, produce sold in stores is harvested prior to peak freshness and shipped to your location. The ripening process happens during transportation and storage, rather than on the vine. Local farmers allow their produce to ripen on the vine and then picked when ripe. Once picked, they are sold quickly to you and me, which allows us to enjoy the best tasting tomato ever!
Local produce is also higher in nutrients. By choosing local produce, you are giving your body more of those nutrients that fruits and vegetables are packed with. Again, this goes back to the shorter time from harvest to your plate, and that the produce was picked when ripe, not prior to. When your local farmer picks the produce when ripe, the produce has been given the opportunity to grow and develop to its full potential.
Choosing to purchase local produce also supports our local economy and helps keep our dollars local. Purchasing local supports your local farmers and they use those dollars to reinvest in our community. Choosing local also allows you to ask the farmer about their common practices in growing and harvesting their crops. The more you know, the more you can buy with confidence!
Fresh produce in Kansas is limited to a seasonal basis because of the area’s growing season, but we have all summer to enjoy the produce harvested close to home. Next time you are planning your meals or grocery shopping, consider purchasing from our local farmers: you won’t be disappointed!
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.
Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.
Fair Time: Get Creative For Open Class
Submitted by Jackie Warren, co-superintendent for Open Class at the Bourbon County Fair which starts July 10.
It seems like the fair comes earlier and earlier each year. July is coming fast but there is still time to have your projects ready to be entered in the fair.
There are several new categories this year in the open class quilting section.
Be sure and notice classes 26 through 30 in the Fair paper, open class quilting section.
Class 26 is “mug rug”. Mug rugs are a size halfway between a coaster and a placemat. A neat project to set your drink cup and a cookie.
Class 27 that has been added is “Hexagons (any size). Projects with “hexies” have become very popular so bring your “hexie” project.
Any quilted holiday item can be entered in Class 28.
Wool applique has also become very popular also and can be entered in Class 29.
Class 30 is a “Quilt on a Stick”. This will be a fun entry and was noted at the 2017 Kansas State Fair. Make a quilt block 8 x 8 (any pattern) finished, can be pieced or appliqued. The stick and “vase” will be provided for you.
This year the Table Runner Contest is a Polka Dotty Posies pattern that can be obtained from Jackie Warren, 224-8161. Use spring colors and polka dots. The first-place winner will receive $50.
Adults will be baking Easy Cinnamon Bread for the King Arthur Flour contest. 12 years old and younger will be baking Chewy Brownies.
Please contact Joyce Gobl (223-1964) for further information and instructions to obtain your recipes and King Arthur Flour. Prizes are donated by King Arthur Flour Company.
Anyone can enter the Hay Bale and/or the Traditional Scarecrow Contests.
This can be a fun project for groups, businesses, families or individuals. Great prizes for these categories. Contact Terri Williams (215-3202) for more information. Hay bales will be provided for you with registration.
Exhibits can be entered on Monday, July 16, 2 pm – 8 pm.
The judging is Tuesday morning, July 17.
On Wednesday, July 18, the Starlite FCE and Thursday Night Live FCE will each be presenting a special program.
2 pm will be “Show Me the Power of Healing Foods” and 3 pm will be “Kids in the Kitchen”.
The 2018 Bourbon County Fair – Open Class – is a fun and busy time for the volunteers who organize and keep the many exhibits displayed for your viewing. If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Warren (224-8161) or Terri Williams )215-3202). Come and enjoy the fair!
Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission May 29
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
2nd Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 29, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00- 9:45 Jim Harris
10:00-10:15 Public Hearing- regarding County-wide NRP
12:00- 1:30 Commissioners gone to Lunch
1:30- 1:45 Lora Holdridge- Register of Deeds Budget 2019
2:00-2:30 Annual Reports- Township, Fire District, Cemetery, Lighting District & Watersheds
2:30-2:45 David Neville- surplus furniture
2:45 Employee Handbook
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Summer Slump
Summer Slump will soon be upon us
During the summer in southeast Kansas cattle on cool season fescue grass pastures may tend to perform poorly. Often times, this is due to summer slump, otherwise known as fescue toxicosis. The fescue grass plant contains an endophyte (fungus). This endophyte helps make the plant hardy, but it also produces a chemical (alkaloid) that can cause negative effects in cattle, if eaten in high doses.
Symptoms of summer slump include poor hair coat, elevated body temperatures, feet problems (fescue foot), and poor breeding rates. While these symptoms can affect all cattle, it is most generally noticed in black hided cattle.
Summer slump increases core body temperatures. Affected cattle spend the majority of their time in ponds or in under shade, rather than grazing in the pasture. Some strategies to mitigate the effects of summer slump include feeding a good mineral supplement (specifically formulated for use on fescue pastures), culling poor performers from the herd, and providing alternative feed sources.
For more information on fescue and its effect on cattle, contact me a (620)-223-3720 or by e-mail at [email protected].
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports May 25-26
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The department is located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701 and can be reached at 620-223-1700.
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Obituary For Alice Ramsey
Alice B. Ramsey, 86, formerly of Uniontown, KS, passed away May 26, 2018, at Country Place Living in Fort Scott, KS.
She was born March 7, 1932, in Fort Scott, the daughter of Glen and Grace (Konantz) Griffith of Uniontown.
Alice married Ed L. Ramsey in Uniontown, May 26, 1951. After 2 years in the US Air Force, they made their home on a farm north of Uniontown. He preceded her in death Feb 28, 2001.
She began part time employment at the Farmer’s Coop in Uniontown in the late 60’s. In 1971 she started working for Union State Bank and retired in March 1997, after 26 years.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Uniontown, serving as treasurer many of those years. After moving to Fort Scott, she transferred her membership to the First United Methodist Church. Alice loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, serving Him daily.
She enjoyed playing cards with her Uniontown friends and attending sports activities to watch her grandchildren play. Alice served with the Ladies Auxiliary of Mercy Hospital.
Surviving are her four children, Gayle and husband Jim Sackett, Linda and husband Harold Rogers, Curtis and wife Darla Ramsey, all of Fort Scott, and Michael and wife Vicky Ramsey of Olathe, KS. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Lucille Griffith, Fort Scott.
She is loved by her grandchildren Sam and Sarah Sackett, Christy (Sackett) and Nathan Bukowski, Joey and Michelle Sackett, Katya and Anya Sackett, Austin and Andrew Rogers, Melissa (Rogers) and Jonathan Carter, Megan (Rogers) and Matt Lamb, Trent and Emily Ramsey, Ryan and Sonya Ramsey, Monica Ramsey, Derek and Elise Ramsey, and Amber Ramsey.
She also has 17 great grandchildren.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Charles Griffith, Uniontown, Henry Griffith and wife Dorothy, Topeka, and sisters Betty and husband Bill Perry, Montana, and Lois and husband John Clark, Shawnee Mission, KS.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 31 at the Community Christian Church.
The family will receive visitors one hour before the service. A private interment of her ashes will be in the Uniontown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Blackboxinternational.org, a faith-based, Christ-centered, not-for-profit organization that exists to holistically rehabilitate sex-trafficked boys age 16 and under. They provide a critical aftercare component for rescued boys to help them find healing from their past, joy in the present, and purpose for their future. Alice’s grandson, Andrew Rogers, is currently interning with this organization in the Dominican Republic.
Donations may be made directly to Community Christian Church or left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Informative Opportunities Offered At The Fort June 2
Fort Scott National Historic Site
And the Great Outdoors, Good Ol’ Days 2018
Fort Scott, Kansas: “Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods…” John Muir
John Muir talked about how he cherished spending his time in the great outdoors. During his life, he felt it crucial to step away from the hustle and bustle of life occasionally and enjoy what nature has to offer. For a look at what nature and the great outdoors has to offer in Kansas and Missouri, join us at Fort Scott NHS on Saturday, June 2, 2018, as the site joins the town of Fort Scott in celebrating Good Ol’ Days.
In keeping with this theme of the Great Outdoors, Fort Scott NHS offers a variety of outdoor exhibitors from the Kansas and Missouri areas.
- As you begin your grand adventure, look for a sight rarely seen at Fort Scott, a canoe. Visit our canoeing and kayaking booth to learn about canoeing in the local area.
- Touch and see a bison hide, as a Ranger from Prairie State Park shows a variety of ways that Native Americans used the bison (or buffalo, as it is popularly known).
- Migrate to the Operation Wildlife exhibit and experience the adventure of seeing raptors up close in this live “Birds of Prey” program.
- Moving at a slow crawl will then bring you over to visit with Dr. Kathryn Reif, a KSU professor who will be discussing tick safety, and what measures to take while hiking or walking in the outdoors.
- If all this walking is making you hungry, then grab your lunch and a blanket and join us for an old-fashioned picnic while listening to tales told by a professional storyteller, Steve Otto. Work off some of your energy by competing in an old-time mattress-stuffing race.
- If you are looking for kids’ activities, bring them by for Youth Archery Instruction from Kansas Department of Wildlife &Tourism or earn your own junior ranger badge at the Junior Ranger booth.
- Dream of building that log cabin in the woods while watching National Park Service Exhibit Specialist Jim Bailey, perform a historic carpenter demonstration of hand hewing oak timbers.
- Finally, don’t forget to saunter with Buddy the Bison as he roams the Fort.
One does not have to travel far to create their own outdoor adventure! The schedule of activities will be as follows; all programs will take place on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Get a map as you enter the site showing where the various programs and stations will be located.
SATURDAY, JUNE 2
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Buddy the Bison
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Canoeing/ Kayaking
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Youth Archery Instruction Session
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Broad-axe/ Hewing Carpenters Demonstration
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: “Birds of Prey” – (Live Raptors) Operation Wildlife INC.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Story Time – Tales of the Past
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Ticks – Did you know?
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Old Fashion Picnic- Please bring your lunch and a blanket
12:00 pm -12:30 pm: Old Fashion Mattress Race – with prizes
KDHE: Look Out For Harmful Algal Blooms
Long Weekend Attracts Families to Kansas Waterways
KDHE encourages lake enthusiasts to keep an eye out for algal blooms
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is advising residents that while enjoying Kansas lakes and ponds this summer, they should be watchful for blue-green algae, also known as harmful algal blooms, when swimming and boating.
“There are no current blue-green algae warnings on any Kansas lakes or ponds for this Memorial Day weekend,” said Tom Stiles of KDHE’s Bureau of Water. “However, people enjoying these recreational areas should always follow information on any signs, be watchful for blue-green algae, and alert appropriate personnel if they observe any of the tell-tale signs of harmful algal blooms.”
Before visiting a lake or pond, you can check the KDHE website at http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm for the latest information.
Kansans should be aware that harmful algal blooms are unpredictable. They can develop rapidly and may float around the lake, requiring visitors to exercise their best judgment. If there is scum, a paint-like surface or the water is bright green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.
When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:
- Keep pets and livestock out of lake water.
- Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
- Water contact should be avoided.
- Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
- If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
- Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.
- Fish may be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water, and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
KDHE samples publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially-harmful conditions.
For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm. To report a potential algal bloom, you can also call the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 785-296-1664.
What’s Happening In Fort Scott by The Chamber of Commerce
There are lots of activities to take advantage of in Fort Scott!
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Relaxed, Artful Evening
If one is looking for a relaxing evening with friends or family, the Bourbon County Arts Council (BCAC) Art Walk is an option.
From 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 25, the art walk will be located at the Liberty Theater Patio, 113 S. Main. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the office lobby just south of Crooner’s Lounge, next door to the Liberty.
Food and drink may be purchased at Crooner’s Lounge and delivered to the patio.
The patio event is intimate and relaxing, Deb Anderson, president of the BCAC, said.
“The artists feel more comfortable with that environment,” Anderson said.
Artists who are scheduled this evening are Paul Milks, photographer, Fort Scott; Bobbie Kemna, potter, Fort Scott; Carleen Shatto, maker of handmade soaps, Drexel, M0; Mindy Bartlett, jewelry maker, Fort Scott; Sandy Smith, potter, Fort Scott; Lucy Gladbach, painter, Missouri; Ken Anderson, elk antler decor, Fort Scott; Dee Ann Davis, cut coin pendant creator, Fort Scott and Toni Thornton, maker of dream catchers, Fort Scott.
Any artist interested in showcasing their artwork can call Anderson at 620-223-8650 before 2 p.m. today to reserve a table to sell their wares, she said.
The BCAC is hosting four Art Walks this summer, whose purpose is to showcase local artists, Anderson said.
They will all be Friday evenings at the Liberty Theatre Patio: June 15, July 27 in collaboration with Mercy’s Wine Stroll, and September 14.
“August is just too hot to have it,” Anderson said.
Additionally, the BCAC is sponsoring music concerts at 8 p.m. at the Liberty Theater Patio on June 23-featuring Ben Taddiken, July 14-The Whiskey Raccoons, August 18-Flagship Romance.
The 12-member board of the BCAC consists of Anderson, Terri Floyd, Deb Halsey, Elaine Buerge, Bre Martin, Laura Meeks, Tedena Tucker, Ray Streeter, Danny Magee, Rob Shaw and Chris Woods.
Membership is currently at 103, she said.
They meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Presbyterian Village’s Community Room.
The BCAC’s mission is to promote and expand the arts in Bourbon County, Anderson said.
Westar and Kansas City Power and Light Merge
KCC approves Westar/Kansas City Power and Light merger
Topeka – May 24, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a settlement agreement giving Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy (the parent company of Kansas City Power and Light) approval to merge as equals. Under the agreement, the two companies will become wholly owned subsidiaries of a new parent company and serve more than 1.5 million customers in Kansas and Missouri.
As the regulator of public utilities in the state, the Commission is charged with determining if the merger is in the public interest. That determination is made largely on the satisfaction of eight merger standards previously established by the Commission.
In its review of the merger standards, the Commission found the merger, as modified by the Settlement Agreement plus one additional condition, is in the public interest. The additional condition requires the companies to develop, and submit for Commission approval, an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) reporting process within three months of the close of the transaction. The implementation of the IRP will ensure the merger maximizes the use of Kansas energy resources.
The merger standards include:
- a) The effect of the transaction on consumers
- b) The effect of the transaction on the environment
- c) Whether the proposed transaction will be beneficial on an overall basis to state and local economies and to communities in the area served by the resulting public utility operations in the state.
- d) Whether the proposed transaction will preserve the Commission’s jurisdiction and capacity to effectively regulate and audit public utility operations in the state.
- e) The effect of the transaction on affected public utility shareholders.
- f) Whether the transaction maximizes the use of Kansas energy resources.
- g) Whether the transaction will reduce the possibility of economic waste.
- h) What impact, if any, the transaction has on the public safety.
Today’s order can be viewed at: http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=4ab19c7e-9957-40f1-8fb6-dd49aad0966f
The merger application was filed with the Commission on August 25, 2017. Statutorily the Commission is required to render a decision within 300 days. The parties have the right to file a petition for reconsideration within 15 days of the effective date of the order.