Monthly Archives: October 2018

Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Upcoming Events

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Storytime continues on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., at Fort Scott Public Library, with the notable exception of NO storytime on November 6 due to Miss Val’s training meeting that day in Iola.
Teen Advisory Group has the following upcoming events:
October 10 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Craft Night (pumpkin painting)
October 17 at 4 – 6 p.m.: Teen Games & Snacks Night (with a fall & Halloween twist)
October 24 at 4:15 p.m.: American Idiots Teen Book Club at Common Ground Coffee Co.
October 31 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Halloween Party (come in costume if desired)
November 7 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Community Service 
November 14 at 4:15 p.m.: Teen Craft Night 
November 20 (due to Thanksgiving) from 4 – 6 p.m.: Teen Game Night
November 28 at 4:15 p.m.: American Idiots Teen Book Club at Common Ground Coffee Co.
Maker Monday:  At our second Maker Monday on October 15, 4 – 5 p.m., we will make seasonal crafts using pinecones, faux leaves,  pumpkins, and various other craft supplies (attendees are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks as well), and add stickers to our sticker mosaic poster. All ages are welcome to attend, but children 2nd grade and below must have an adult with them at all times.
Marvelous Monday is a family program for all ages, with the primary goal of serving local homeschool families by offering educational activities, special guest speakers, and collaborative projects. The second meeting will be held on October 22, 2 – 3 p.m. in the library event room. The theme will be a Field Trips and Scavenger Hunts with special guest speaker, retired educator Vickie Shead speaking to adults on field trip ideas and the group taking a scavenger hunt nature walk together. Scavenger hunts will vary in difficulty based on age. Snacks will be served.
Join millions of readers worldwide in reading the book Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy as part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record program on October 25 at 10 a.m. with Miss Val! We will take photos of the group to share the event with fellow readers on social media. Like the child in the story, we will create beautiful artwork and then enjoy a colorful treat. According to Jumpstart’s website, “Read for the Record brings much-needed attention to inequities in early childhood education, inspires adults to read with children, spurs policymakers and organizations to take action towards transformative change in early education, and puts books in the hands of children across the country.” Since its inception 13 years ago, more than 19 million people have participated in the program. Go here to learn more: https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record
Library programs are offered free of charge. If you would like to volunteer or donate snacks or supplies, please contact Miss Val at [email protected], call 223-2882, or visit the library. Follow Fort Scott Public Library on Facebook or visit our website at fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org to view upcoming events.
Bourbon County, Schools

USD 235 Fitness Center Ribbon Cutting Oct. 11

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Famed Fitness Icon Jake (Body by Jake) Steinfeld and Uniontown 235 Students to Cut Ribbon on their Newly Gifted DON’T QUIT!TM Fitness Center

 

WHAT:                   Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, dignitaries and students will cut the ribbon on Uniontown USD 235 School’s new DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center at 8:30 a..m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018.  Uniontown was one of three Kansas schools selected as a DON’T QUIT! Fitness Champion earlier this year for demonstrating new and innovative ways of promoting student physical activity and wellness.  The other two winning schools were Lincoln Elementary in Fredonia and Jardine Middle School in Topeka.

 

Governor Colyer signed a proclamation declaring  October as “DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month.”  During DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month, families and communities are encouraged to renew their commitment to making physical activity and healthy eating part of our children’s daily lives.

 

The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils program has now rolled out in twenty-four states and will be putting fitness centers in all 50 states. Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Amerigroup Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. TuffStuff Fitness International provides all of the fitness equipment, which is manufactured right here in the United States.  The Foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

 

WHO:                     Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils

Lynne Oharah, County Commissioner

Bret Howard, Superintendent

Vance Eden, Principal

 

VISUAL:                 500 excited students

                                DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center – Students will use the equipment for the first time!               

                                Proclamation presentation

 

WHEN:                   Thursday, October 11, 2018

                                8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

 

WHERE:                 Uniontown 235

                                602 5th Street

Uniontown, KS 66779

WBE Gymnasium

 

WHY:                      Physical activity and exercise have been shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life and reduce health care costs.  In schools, physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve academic achievement, increase confidence and self-esteem, reduce discipline problems, cut absenteeism and foster better interpersonal relationships.

 

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For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org.


About The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils
The National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness. The NFGFC envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “DON’T QUIT!” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world. Since 2012, the NFGFC has delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, California, New Mexico, Connecticut, Virginia, Illinois, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin, Arizona, Maryland, Louisiana, Oregon and Colorado.  In 2018, we will gift fitness centers to four more states including Kansas, South Carolina,  Tennessee and Utah.

 

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Strengthening communities: Grant writing workshop planned

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

Do you know how that playground equipment at the park down the street was purchased? Or the new sign leading visitors to a local landmark? How about initial money for a festival? In any community, chances are that someone, or a group of individuals, wrote a grant proposal and received funding to help with the project.

Individuals and community groups can learn more about writing successful grant proposals at a workshop planned in Humboldt, KS on Friday, November 9, 2018. The workshop is presented by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the author of many grant proposals. The training will be at the Humboldt Public Library, 916 Bridge Street from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes lunch. The cost to attend is $10.

“This workshop is for everyone, whether they’ve never written a proposal before and have no idea where to start, to those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve their approach,” Daniels said. “The magic that happens in a local community when people find out they don’t have to wait to get something done, that they can do it themselves, is incredible.”

Participants also learn from each other, Daniels said, adding that even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after coming together with peers in their communities.  Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.

Workshop topics include:

  • Sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?);
  • Where to find grants;
  • The five common elements of a great grant proposal;
  • Practicing the grant writing elements.

    More information and registration is available by contacting Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District Iola Office, 620-365-2242 or email [email protected].

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Free Friday Concert Series: St. Martin’s Academy Music Ensemble

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Local musicians Ralph Carlson, left, and Tammy Helm, entertain during a prior Friday Night Concert at Heritage Park.

This Friday’s concert will feature the St. Martins Acadamy music ensemble.

The group consists of 17 young men from the academy.

Also featured will be a juggling act and instrumental music with electric and classical guitar.

The concert will start at 7 pm in the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets.

Come early and bring your lawn chairs as seating is limited.

“I am particularly pleased to have this group of young men perform for us,” said Ralph Carlson, coordinator of the concert series.

Bourbon County

Beacon No Longer Accepts Clothing Donations

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The Beacon, located at 525 E. 6th, Fort Scott.

A local helping agency will continue food and financial help but discontinue the distribution of clothing.

The Beacon Board of Directors voted last week to not accept clothing for distribution to its clients.

“While grateful for the years of generosity of Fort Scott citizens in their donations of clothing and household items, the Beacon Board of Directors has regretfully chosen to end receiving of donations of clothing and household items,” according to a press release from the Beacon.

“The board voted unanimously to continue offering only food service and financial services as it has in the past,” Carol MacArthur, president of the board told fortscott.biz.

“The Beacon will no longer distribute these (clothing) items effective November 1, 2018. This decision not made lightly and only after careful assessment.”

“Food and monetary donations are welcome and essential, as these needs are endless,” according to the press release.

“The Board would also like to thank all those who have worked in the Beacon for their tireless efforts in serving the community.”

At a recent Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition meeting, it was stated that these agencies still provide distribution of clothing in Fort Scott: Mother to Mother Ministry and Communities In Schools, with qualifiers.

A plaque inside the Beacon.

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes from Oct. 3

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

October 3, 2018

  1. Welcome and Board update: Twenty-three members representing nineteen agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board had been awarded United Way funding for 2019 and received a donation from the Pioneer Kiwanis Club. She also noted that she had submitted a grant application to the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation.
  1. Member introductions and announcements:
  • Bob Eckles, filling in for Gary Murrell, Beacon Director, shared that the annual Beacon and Adopt-a-Child sign-ups will be held during the first part of November. Qualifying for a Beacon card will entitle a person to two visits each month for food. Bob also shared that the Beacon board has voted to discontinue clothing distribution on November 1. The Beacon organization continues to seek donations of food, money, and books. Christmas distribution is scheduled for December 19 at Community Christian Church.
  • Following Bob’s announcement, several members – Community Health Center of Pittsburg, Mother-to-Mother, Communities in Schools, shared that they can provide some clothing if qualifications are met.
  • Head Start, Parents as Teachers, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program all have openings. Contact these organizations for qualifications and applications.
  • Tammy Alcantar, Crawford County Health Department, reminded members that WIC continues to meet weekly at Buck Run and at Mercy Hospital, for the next three months, the last week of the month. She also mentioned that she has ten Bourbon County participants in the “Baby and Me Tobacco Free” program. She also has a program dealing with best practices for becoming a mom; participants can earn nice prizes for completion of the program.
  • Samantha Daniels, KVC, has foster parenting classes beginning soon in Pittsburg and Parsons; she will email details.
  • Next Steps will be starting a new class in November; contact Jean Tucker for additional details. There is an application and interview process.
  • Sandy, Haggard, RSVP, will have volunteers to place with the closing of Mercy Hospital and the closure of clothing distribution at Beacon. She is working on a new grant application which requires a project dealing with the opioid crisis.
  • Alice Maffett, Bourbon County Health Department, has been busy with flu shot clinics.
  • Michelle Stevenson, FSECP, summarized the information from her latest regional coalition meeting. A parent helpline can be accessed through the KCSL application.
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries, announced that bell ringing for the Salvation Army will begin in only seven weeks! He also shared that “Safe Families” is happening in Bourbon County. Tina from Safe Families will be here on November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main to answer all of our questions.
  • Jackie Sellers sent word that commodities distribution will be on November 15. Senior Citizen food distribution will be on November 16. Contact Jackie for further information.
  • Amanda Gilmore is actively working on finding a building for clothes distribution.
  • Ashley Reeder, SEK Mental Health, needs more children enrolled in her program.
  • Lewis Dunkeson, Communities in Schools, gave a brief synopsis of his program which is new to USD 234.
  1. Program presented by Vicky Polen, Safehouse:

Safehouse Crisis Center, Inc. serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Southeast Kansas. Services provided include a 24-hour crisis hotline, temporary emergency shelter, crisis intervention advocacy, individual supportive counseling for adults or children, victims support groups for domestic violence and sexual violence. They also promote family-centered safety with a child exchange and visitation center whose mission is to provide a place that is safe and free from violence where children can build and maintain positive relationships with their parents.

  1. The November 7 program will be presented by Mandi H-Woods, Kansas Children’s Service League. Matt Witt will present the December program; we also have a program scheduled for February.
  1. Open Forum: In Cinda Reynold’s absence, Billie Jo announced that the next blood mobile will be held October 25 and 26 at Buck Run Community Center.
  1. Adjournment: Next meeting will be November 7, 2018.
Bourbon County, Elections

Introduction To The Candidates: Lynne Oharah

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This is part of a series of responses from candidates for the Nov. 6, 2018 election.

County Commission District #1 (vote for one)                            

Clinton L. Walker 1999 105th St. Mapleton 66754 Democratic

Lynne D. Oharah 2120 95th St. Uniontown 66779 Republican

Here are the responses from incumbent Lynne Oharah:

Lynne Oharah

Name: Lynne Oharah

Age: 71

Candidate for the position of County Commissioner District 1

Place of residence: 2120 95th  St. Uniontown, Ks.

Current occupation: Semi-retired, Current County Commissioner District 1

Community involvement:  USA Navy Veteran, Past Kansas State Representative. Former USD235 School Board Member for 10 years. Current member of the Uniontown Ruritan club. Member of the Southeast Kansas Planning Committee.

Party affiliation: Republican

 

What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?

Growing the economy and reducing taxes. We have held the line on raising the mill levy and raising the mill levy in the future is not an option. We must make every effort to reduce taxes through economic growth which will increase our population and provide new avenues for growth and continue providing services needed and wanted by the public.

The programs that have been started are the Bourbon County Neighborhood Revitalization Program which is already starting to show results, the continuation of the partnership with CrawKan Telephone Company to provide broadband access to the highspeed internet, plans to promote a Data Center (server farm) in the old jail facility.

We must work with all business, existing and new, agriculture and not-agriculture, to promote growth.

 

Another extremely important issue to be addressed is dealing with the loss of Mercy Hospital. We must work together, county, cities, and communities, to address how we provide quality medical services to the population of Bourbon County.

I would be very involved in this process and be part of a team to that will work to ensure we do have the medical services we need.

Obituary

Obituary of John William Owen

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John William Owen, age 49, a resident of Bronson, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at his home.

He was born October 17, 1968, in Kansas City, Kansas. He had made his home in Carrollton, Missouri for several years prior to moving to Bronson in 2017. While in Carrollton, he had worked as a welder for Cox Manufacturing.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of the home; and seven children, Shannon Dillon, Donald Taylor, Kelly Wright, and Daniel Wheeler, all of Carrollton, Sherry Tribble and Michael Owen, both of Bronson and Donna Owen, of Oregon, Missouri; twenty-seven grandchildren with one more on the way and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, Chad and Mark Owen and three sisters, Gayle Bryant, April Wilson and Heather Anderson.

There was cremation and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Jobs, Kansas

KANSASWORKS App Available Today

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TOPEKA – To better assist job seekers with finding great employment in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Commerce and KANSASWORKS are pleased to introduce the new KANSASWORKS app, available today on both Apple and Android devices.

This free app was designed to make it easier for Kansans to find work in the state. Once installed, the app will be able to find jobs through keyword and title searches or by zip code.

“Our agency is working hard to bring new business to the state and help companies that already call Kansas home to grow and become great successes,” said Robert North, Interim Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce. “To grow a business anywhere, you need a pipeline of qualified employees to fill open positions. If we can make finding and hiring great workers easier, and at the same time help Kansans find rewarding employment, then this app will be a be a huge benefit to the state.”

Features of the app include:

  •   Simple job search in Kansas
  •   Search by job title, location and radius you’re willing to commute
  •   View jobs that suite your goals
  •   Connect with employers via KANSASWORKS.com, save jobs and share with friends
  •   Bookmark your favorite jobs for follow up
  •   Find a local KANSASWORK Workforce Center

 

“KANSASWORKS has been busy leveraging technology to assist employers and job seekers in our state, and this app is the latest effort to make it easier to help make matches between the needs of our employers with job seekers on the market,” said Mike Beene, Director of Employment Services at the Kansas Department of Commerce.