Category Archives: Area News

Area News

Drug Take-Back Day April 24

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Drug take-back day designed to counter pill abuse, environmental contamination 

[Bourbon County, Kansas] – Local agencies are partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration April 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the 20th annual Drug Take Back Day. The event is designed to prevent pill abuse and environmental contamination by ridding homes of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. 

 

Prescription drug abuse and disposal are both a public and environmental health threat. Improper disposal of medications via sewers or landfills leads to surface water contamination. Returning unused or unwanted medications to a pharmacy, or bringing them to a law enforcement agency are reliable methods for keeping these substances from entering the water supply.

 

Bourbon County residents are encouraged to bring unwanted drugs to these area locations for disposal:

 

Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

421 W Main St, Chanute, KS 66720

 

Nevada Police Department

120 South Ash St., Nevada, MO  64772

 

Pittsburg Police Department

201 N. Pine St., Pittsburg, KS  66762

 

Sites cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. Collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

 

With funding from the USDA, the K-State Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) is offering education and outreach sessions to various communities in Kansas and Missouri with a focus on rural access to safe drug and sharps disposal. If your organization or community would like to learn more about safe disposal as a way to prevent drug abuse and keep toxic waste out of landfills, contact PPI by calling 800-578-8898.

 

For more information about proper disposal of prescription drugs or the Take Back Day event, visit www.sbeap.org/safe-disposal.

 

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Area News, Kansas

Kansas Youth Community Change Conference June 1-15

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Registration for the Kansas Youth Community Change Conference (KYC3) is now open! KYC3 is a FREE action-packed virtual event open to all middle and high school aged youth. Through youth-led interactive sessions and high energy activities, youth will expand their leadership skills, engage with other youth across the state, and take action to promote positive change in their schools and communities! Sessions will take place in the evening June 1st – 15th.

 

NEW THIS YEAR: There is a session for parents on June 9th at 8:00 PM. Parents must register in advance to attend the session!

 

To register, check out the prize packs, and view FAQs visit: https://www.dccca.org/events/2021-kyc3/

To view the agenda, visit: https://www.dccca.org/2021-kyc3-agenda/

To learn more about the youth planning team, check out: https://www.dccca.org/kyc3-youth-planning-team/

Area News

2021 Cruise Night Online Auction

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Tri-Valley’s signature event, Cruise Night, is an annual fundraiser for our organization. The event includes dinner, drinks, music, and silent and live auctions.  For 2021, we are holding an online event.  Please join us April 12th – April 15th as we hold our first online auction.  Come back often to check your bids!

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CN Website Photo.jpg
CRUISE NIGHT 2021 Online Auction

DATE: April 12th  – 15th, 2021

LOCATION: Online Auction

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DETAILS:

Due to Covid-19, we have decided to switch things up for 2021.  Instead of an in-person event, we are holding an online auction.  In 2022, we return to our normal fun-filled in-person event.

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“Cruise Night ” is a fun filled evening that includes dinner, music, door prizes, and both live and silent auctions.  All money raised from the evening goes toward our mission of providing quality and affordable homes as well as aid in the delivery of services to our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson in Southeast Kansas.

BUY TICKETS
Questions?

With state funding dwindling, fundraising events like Cruise Night are essential to keeping our services and clients thriving. We hope to raise more than $25,000 each year through this event and the proceeds will be used to provide quality and affordable housing for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Through fundraising efforts, the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation has been able to build six homes, acquire three homes and a duplex, as well as renovate properties as the needs arise in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counites.  In January 2020, the Foundation expanded services into Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, and Wilson counties.  .  Our thirteen houses are now “home” to 61 of our neighbors with I/DD. Please join us for the 2020 event and help us further our mission of belonging!

CONTACT US

A Few Auction Items

 – Unique photos of Fort Scott Historical Site

 –  Autographed NCIS New Orleans Script

 – Wine Connoisseur Baskets

–  plus many, many more unique items.

2021 CRUISE NIGHT SPONSORS
Area News

Kansas Gas Service Raises Awareness of Financial Assistance for Customers

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Overland Park, Kan. – April 13, 2021 – Kansas Gas Service is reminding customers who need
assistance with paying their natural gas bills that payment options and financial help is available.
The company is notifying customers with past due balances through mail, recorded calls and
email.
“We want customers to know that if they’re unable to make a payment, we are here to help,” said
Abbey Frye, Kansas Gas Service director of customer service. “In normal times, you may not
need or qualify for assistance, but this year has been challenging. Fortunately, due to federal
funding, there are resources available.”
Frye also encourages customers to pay what they can now to avoid building up a large balance
that will be harder to pay off later.
Energy Assistance Available to Customers
The company has a dedicated webpage at KansasGasService.com/Cares that identifies numerous
programs and agencies in specific cities that provide utility assistance. Among the programs
available to help eligible customers:
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that
helps households pay a portion of their home energy costs by providing a one-time per
year benefit.
• Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) serves Kansans outside of Wichita who
have had difficulty paying or collecting rent, utility or internet payments due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
• Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERAP)
provides assistance on past due and/or future rent and utility bills for Wichita residents
impacted by COVID-19.
• Operation COVID-19 Basic Needs Assistance Program is administered by the
Community Resources Council to provide mortgage, rent, internet and utilities assistance
to households in Topeka that have been affected by COVID-19.
• Share The Warmth is a partnership between Kansas Gas Service and The Salvation
Army that provides energy assistance to those whose immediate financial resources
simply cannot cover their home-heating expenses.
Kansas Gas Service suspended disconnects for nonpayment for several months and plans to
resume normal collection activities this month. In addition to regular past due notifications,
customers with accounts subject to disconnection and who have opted into text messages will
also receive an alert with a link to the Kansas Gas Service website for easy payment access to
prevent discontinuation of service.
The company reminds customers to be aware of potential scams. A legitimate call from Kansas
Gas Service will never include a demand for immediate payment.
Customers can call Kansas Gas Service at 800-794-4780, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., to
speak to a representative about payment options. Customers with eligible accounts may log in to
their online account, click on Make a payment arrangement under the Make Payment button.
Click here for a brief instructional video.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 customers in Kansas and
is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent
regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social
channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Area News

Ten-digit Dialing Starts April 24 For Area Code 620

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Ten-digit dialing begins soon in Kansas area codes 785 and 620

 

TOPEKA – Kansans that live in area codes 785 or 620 will soon be required to use 10-digit dialing when making local calls. This change will make it easier for persons in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

Last July, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved 988 as the new abbreviated number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing.  That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

 

It will take time to get in the habit of using 10-digit dialing (example: 785-XXX-XXXX), so a practice period has been established.  Callers are encouraged to begin using 10-digit calling on April 24, 2021. Any calls dialed with 7-digits will still go through during this practice period.

 

Beginning October 24, 2021, callers in 785 and 620 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. The only exceptions are any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911. Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

 

Beginning July 16, 2022, callers can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988. Until then, callers will continue to dial 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).

 

More information about the change to 10-digit dialing is included in the attached flyer “Ten things to know about 10-digit dialing”. Information is also available on the KCC’s website https://kcc.ks.gov/ and from telephone providers.

 

Area News

Cold Weather Rule to End March 31  

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Wednesday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills may be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements.  A variety of payment options are available and will vary by utility, as well as the date disconnections will resume.

Utility customers experiencing difficulty keeping up with their bills are encouraged to call their utility no later than Wednesday to be eligible for the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan to catch up on overdue accounts. Under the plan, the customer must make an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees if any, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the regular monthly bill.

On December 15, 2020, the Commission extended an earlier order related to COIVD-19 that requires utilities under its jurisdiction to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees through the official end of the pandemic.  That order is still in effect, but customers who have two previous broken pay agreements may not qualify. That is why it is important to make arrangements before the Cold Weather Rule ends.

To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.

Area News

Red Cross Offers Virtual Children’s Preparedness Lessons

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Get Prepared Today! 

The American Red Cross is offering FREE, interactive virtual preparedness presentations to Kansas and Oklahoma Children! March forward with us into preparedness by inviting the children in your family and their friends to join one of our interactive learning sessions in 30 March – 29 April 2021.

The Presentations being offered are:

Prepare with Pedro: Kindergarten-2nd grade students 

redcross.org/preparewithpedro 

In this 30-minute presentation, a Red Cross presenter will read students a storybook about Pedro the Penguin who learns how to prepare and respond safely to home fires. Students will learn about smoke alarms, evacuating a home safely, and reuniting at a designated meeting location outside their home. This virtual storybook presentation is interactive and engaging to students.

 

The Pillowcase Project: 3rd-5th grade students 

redcross.org/pillowcase 

In this 60-minute presentation as part of The Pillowcase Project, students will learn what the American Red Cross does in their communities, and how to prepare for local hazards (tornados, home fires, and general emergency preparedness). Students will also learn emotional coping skills to help them become more resilient and navigate stressful situations. This virtual presentation is interactive and engaging to students, incorporating core curriculum standards.

Attached is a list of the dates/times and platforms that are being offered.  If you are interested in any of the presentations, please send an email to [email protected] and we will send you a link to the presentation.

 

Come and learn to be safe with us! Hope to see you soon! (virtually, of course)

 

Barbara Martin

Youth Preparedness Program Volunteer Coordinator 

American Red Cross I Kansas and Oklahoma Region 

[email protected]

 

Area News, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Government, Health Care

Chamber Coffee at Common Ground Coffee Hosted by NRMC

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Chamber Coffee to be hosted by Nevada Regional Medical Center

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Chamber member Nevada Regional Medical Center. The event will be held at 8am in the Loading Dock area of Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall St.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win special drawing from NRMC.

Attendees are strongly encouraged wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

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Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Spring Pop Up Event: Lots of Goodies For Foodies

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Two area food vendors are planning an event on March 27 at the Tractor Supply parking lot, on South Main Street in Fort Scott.

The Blue Spoon, Pittsburg, and Perry’s Pork Rinds, Bronson, are partnering for a second annual Spring Pop Up Event.

Blue Spoon

 

Christina Oberle and Brenda Davis are the owners of The Blue Spoon Food Truck. Submitted photo.
From left are Christina Oberle and Brenda Davis. Submitted photo.

The Blue Spoon is a food truck whose specialty is a variety of macaroni and cheese dishes and was created in Pittsburg, by Brenda Davis.

Davis began her food truck venture in July 2017.  Christina Oberle is a partner in the business.

“It became very well-liked and instead of a hobby it became a success,” Oberle said.

“The name (The Blue Spoon) just came to us… we thought and thought and thought,” Oberle said. “Brenda wanted to create a memory and have our customers walking away remembering who we are. With that, the Blue Spoon was formed and the logo created,” Oberle said.   “Every dish is served with a blue spoon… if the dish needs a fork, well it’ll be white.”

“We specialize in mac ‘n cheese (dishes)… all varieties,” Oberle said. “Plain to Chicken Mac, to Chops and Cheese, which is a grilled pork chop in a bowl of mac ‘ cheese, and soon to be released, Lobster Mac.”

The Lobster Mac and Cheese bowl. Submitted photo.

“We have a great variety, eleven flavors, at big events,” she said.  “We also serve fresh-cut fries, nachos, and funnel cakes. All with varieties… nothing plain Jane here, we even put it on a sandwich!”

Oberle lived a few years in Fort Scott, working at Lifetouch and Woods Grocery.

“I came to know a lot of people there and wanted to share our awesome food with Fort Scott,” Oberle said. “A few years ago we got into the Good ‘Ol Days and last year we were able to do the wonderful pop-up with Perry’s Pork Rinds! They are wonderful people and through this journey, we have had the great honor of meeting many entrepreneurs like them!”

The food truck is currently part-time, Oberle said.

“You just never know when this can become a full-time gig,” she said.

Perry’s Pork Rinds

Kelly and Thaddeus Perry are the owners of Perry’s Pork Rinds. Submitted photo.

Perry’s Pork Rinds is a family-owned business, with the husband and wife team of Thaddeus and Kelly Perry.

Perry’s Pork Rinds sold their rinds last year at the pop-up event. Submitted photo.

They make small-batch pork rinds in the following flavors:

Original, Spicy, Ranch, BBQ, Cinnamon Sugar, Chili Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Chili Lime, Garlic Parmesan, Shoe String Cracklings, Bacon Cheddar.

They recently expanded their business with a new product: fudge.

Chocolate walnut fudge. Submitted photo.
They can make up to 350 flavors but they feature chocolate walnut, chocolate fudge, birthday cake, and peanut butter.
Birthday cake fudge. Submitted photo.
“We use real cream and butter to make our fudge,” Kelly Perry said. “We pour them directly into containers and ship them nationwide and take them into the fairs and festivals.”

 

The cost for both rinds and fudge is  $8 for 8 oz.
Fudge is poured into individual containers to sell to customers. Submitted photo.
“The company that we actually bought into is the same company that is selling inside of Bass Pro shops and Ozark Land,” Kelly Perry said.  “We had to pay a hefty price for a custom kettle, as much as a small car!”
Area News, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Sports

Fort Scott Community College Rodeo March 12-14: YEE HAW!

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The FSCC Rodeo is this weekend. Submitted photo.

The FSCC Spring Rodeo is from March 12-14, at the southern side of the college, located at 2108 S. Horton.

 

There are four hundred contestants from 20 colleges who will participate, said FSCC Assitant Rodeo Coach Caitlyn Wiswell.

 

Caitlyn Wiswell. Photo credit-FSCC.

 

Tickets go on sale on March 10 at 2 p.m. To secure a ticket contact the following number, 913-259-8453. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedule of events:

  • Friday, March 12th:
    • 9 am- Slack, $5
    • 7:30 pm- Performance, $10

 

  • Saturday, March 13th:
    • 9 am- Slack, $5
    • 1 pm- Performance, $10
    • 7:30 pm- Performance,$10

 

  • Sunday, March 14th:
    • 1 pm- Short Go, the top ten in each event perform, $10.

 

Limited fan space is available with the FSCC COVID-19 regulations listed below.

Fort Scott Community College will allow spectators to attend athletic events up to 25% fan seating capacity.

 

  • FSCC students must present their student ID in order to attend the games.
  • All fans must wear masks for both indoor and outdoor venues.
  • There shall be no concession allowed.
  • No outside food or drinks allowed.
  • Every effort will be made to ensure a 6-ft area marked off separating the teams and participants from the spectators.
These are among the FSCC Rodeo Sponsors for 2021. Submitted photo.
Area News, Health Care

New Surgeon at Nevada

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NRMC Welcomes General Surgeon

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is proud to welcome John D. Harrington, MD, FACS to its medical staff. Dr. Harrington is a board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Harrington brings more than fifteen years of experience as a general surgeon. He earned his doctoral degree of medicine at Loma Linda University in 2000 and went on to complete his residency in general surgery at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Pheonix, AZ. Since 2018, he provided general surgery at David County Hospital in Bloomfield, IA. Prior to that, he worked for eight years at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg, NE. In 2019 Dr. Harrington completed a 4 week mini-fellowship in hernia surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

As a general surgeon Dr. Harrington is able to diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of diseases requiring surgical treatment. He provides same-day surgery, endoscopy (upper GI and colonoscopy), and many types of soft tissue and skin surgeries.

“We’ve been leaning really hard on Dr. Dodd for surgery and he has been a gracious team player, putting in lots of hours for many years,” says Steve Branstetter, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “We’re glad to have a second surgeon in place and we believe Dr. Harrington will be an excellent addition to the staff.”

Working alongside Dr. Joseph Dodd, Dr. Harrington’s office will be located in the Professional Practice Clinic on the second floor at the hospital. To schedule a visit with Dr. Harrington, call the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic at (417) 448-2121.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Area News, Health Care

Colon Health Screening Offered

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NRMC to Offer Free Colon Health Screening

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) will offer free colon health screening kits Monday, March 8 in honor of Colon Health Month. The free kits will be available in the main lobby of NRMC from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last.

Colorectal cancer is one of the 5 most common cancers in men and women in the United States. It is just as common among women as men. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Although there are no symptoms in the beginning, colorectal cancer is highly preventable through screening. This type of cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts.

To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight

• Be physically active

• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

• Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancer every year beginning at age 50 for people with no risk factors other than age. Testing is painless, can be done in the privacy of your own home, and it can save your life. For more information or to begin with a consultation, call Nevada Regional Medical Center Professional Practice Clinic at (417) 448-2121.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.