The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, with a facility currently housed in a modular office building on the Bourbon County Courthouse square, is moving.
“We hope to be completed by the end of May,” Bourbon County Commissioner Jeff Fischer said.
“Every day we are getting closer to moving in,” Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director said. Johnson assumed the position on April 1, 2019.
“There will be lots of possibilities for health care related agencies to use the facility,” Johnson said. “We are looking into a telemedicine possibility.”
The new location is at 6th and Horton Streets and will provide more than twice the size of the existing building, Fischer said.
The Bourbon County employees will remain the same: Alice Maffet-public health nurse, Kristi George-administrative assistant and head billing clerk, Gayle Green, Healthy Start Home Visitor and Johnson.
“I’ll be working there primarily,” Johnson said.
Chardel Hastings, the previous SEKMCHD director, is stepping into the position of Woodson County Public Health Nurse, Johnson said.
Jeff Fischer, District 2 Bourbon County Commissioner.
In December 2018, SEKMCHD purchased the building from Cornerstone Bible Church. The structure was originally built by Mercy Hospital in 1992 to provide health care services.
A building permit was granted to modify the western side of the building, replacing interior walls and providing the ability to secure the SEKMCHD space from the commons areas that include the waiting room and reception area, Fischer said.
Walls and doors were installed to create three new office spaces and two examination rooms, he said.
“Painting is going on right now,” Fischer said. “Once that is done, the electrician and cabinet folks can come in.”
The electrical, plumbing and cabinetry work has yet to be completed.
Last December I wrote about the Biblical account of Mary and Martha, sharing that I am a Martha personality (the woman who was frustrated because her sister sat at Jesus’ feet while she prepared the food). This past week I stepped even closer into understanding her aggravation when our friends Jack and Lael came to visit Dave and me here in Florida. Their family friend, Spencer, portraying “Scar” in the touring Broadway production of Disney’s Lion King, was performing 30 minutes away. He was able to get us discounted tickets.
About a week before their visit, Lael called and asked if Spencer could hang out at our house the day before we saw his performance. It had been years since we all attended the same church in Texas, so when he arrived shortly before lunch, I was surprised to see a mature, good-looking young man instead of a much shorter, scrawnier teen I remembered.
While in the kitchen finishing lunch preparations, I could hear some of the conversation in our living room. Dave, Jack and Lael were asking about Spencer’s Broadway connections and experiences. HELLO! I am the theater person. I am the one who would kill (okay, wound) to soak up information from someone who actually had “made it” in New York. Occasionally Lael would saunter into the kitchen to see if I needed help, but a real martyr suffers in silence, so I told her to go back to her friend, that I was fine.
I wasn’t.
I heard words like “audition,” “theatre schedule,” “Scar’s mask,” “choreography,” all reminding me that I was missing out on information that would energize me and give me insight into the field that I loved. I never would have an opportunity like this again. (Actually, I wasn’t even having it this time.)
When enough was enough, I marched into the living room and announced, “I now have renewed empathy for Martha when Mary got to sit at the feet of Jesus and take in all he had to share. Not that Spencer is Jesus, but I want you all to know this is really, really hard.” Everyone—especially Spencer– cracked up.
Over lunch, Spencer patiently answered my dozens of questions. I wanted details. What did he do in his audition that the other 30 did not? What other roles had he played? Which was the most challenging? How long did it take for the makeup artist to create his character and how many costumes did he have? I hung on his every word.
But the best was to come. Spencer invited us backstage following the matinee performance we attended the following day. I almost hyperventilated. First, we met the man who tended to the puppets between shows. With a Masters degree in puppet design, he demonstrated the hand levers that worked Zazu, the bird puppet. Spencer’s head mask was next. Strapped to his finger was a tiny control with buttons that regulated its large movements. Backstage was insane with its organization of the costumes, scenery, props and animal mechanisms. When Lael invited Spencer to grab something to eat with us before his evening show, he said he would love to. (No doubt to answer my remaining questions, I told myself.)
Lion King’s next stop was Miami, only two hours away. I thought about going again, but this time had been up close and personal. Miami would not be.
I knew the difference. So did Martha. Her house guest wasn’t just anyone. It was Jesus who might not return to their home again, and she was missing out on hearing the Good News from the One who knew it best. I understood her pain. I could relate! My time with Spencer taught me a powerful lesson, one I won’t ever forget.
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For Kids
BLAST OFF TO A UNIVERSE OF STORIES THIS SUMMER!
Kick-off Summer Reading on June 5, 10-12 at the Ellis Fine Arts Center with a Space Camp Party for the whole family! We will have activities for all age levels, games, snacks, prizes, and more!
On June 11 at 10 am, join us again at Ellis for Musician Alan Cunningham’s entertaining performance.
Summer reading begins its weekly programs at the library on June 18 & 19 at 10 am. We will explore the cosmos and stories, make crafts, do science experiments, snack, and award reading prizes throughout the summer with identical weekly programs on Tuesdays & Wednesdays! Note: There will be NO regular programs at the library the weeks of July 3 or July 16, due to performances at the Ellis Center. If you would like to volunteer at or donate to a program, please let Miss Val know at [email protected]. We NEED volunteers like you!
Registration forms and fliers for summer reading have been sent home through local schools, preschools, and daycares. They are also available at the library, Buck Run, and Family Video. You are now able to register online, if you’d rather. Click here to fill out the form. Register by June 4 to earn an early bird prize (must be redeemed at the library’s downstairs desk)!
Story Time
Kids of all ages, join Miss Val for Storytime on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.! Come for an hour of stories, coloring, crafts, snacks, and fun! Upcoming themes include Dr. Seuss and spring babies. Suggest favorites your child is interested in for us to use as future themes here. Story time photos are posted to our Facebook Story Time Album. If you would like to contribute a special prop or supplies to storytime or be a guest speaker, please contact Miss Val. Our last storytime before summer reading will take place on May 29.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler child toward academic success! Studies show that children who are read to from an early age develop better vocabulary, make more connections in their brains, and form the needed skills to read by themselves much quicker than their average peers who are not read to. Sign up by stopping in at the library for your first reading log, welcome letter, and other paperwork. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
For Teens
Teen Summer Reading
Kick off the summer with A Universe of Games Party at The Keyhole on May 29, 4 – 6 pm.
Weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. will focus on creative writing, community service projects, gaming, book club, and crafting, with a special focus on stories and space throughout the summer. Reading prizes and books will be awarded for every 200 pages or 3 hours of reading.
We NEED volunteers for our teen program. Please contact Miss Val at [email protected] if you would like to help!
Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Every Wednesday 4:15 – 5 p.m.
Middle & high school students meet weekly with activities normally in the following order: Week 1: Community Service Project; Week 2: Arts & Crafts; Week 3: Games & Snacks Night (4-6 p.m.); Week 4: American Idiots Book Club.If you would like to donate treats for the teens, please contact Miss Val at [email protected].
Community Service
Come on June 5, 4:15 – 5 p.m., to help prepare for the summer reading program over free snacks and drinks! Miss Val is happy to provide recommendation letters which include statements of service work done upon request – perfect for accompanying résumés and college applications!
Arts & Crafts
On May 8, 4:15 – 5 p.m., join Miss Val to paint your interpretation of “A Universe of Stories” onto a mini canvas and/or help create tabletop planets for our kick-off party, while enjoying free treats!
Games & Snacks Night
Come play board and card games while snacking on delicious goodies, along with soda and bottled water, on May 15, 4 – 6 p.m. Bring your own board and card games to play if you want, provided they are suitable for a general audience. Tabletop role-playing games are welcome too!
Due to the end of the school year and preparation for summer reading, there will be no TAG meeting on May 22.
For Families
Maker Monday
Create with kits on May 13, 4 – 5 p.m. at this program designed mainly for elementary school and middle school kids. Use one of our craft kits to make a cool project, or invent your own. Enjoy a snack and water as you unwind from a school day. Please share this event and invite your friends! All ages are welcome. Children 2nd grade and below must have an adult with them at all times.
Miss Julia’s efforts to understand mysteries surrounding an unscrupulous new doctor and his painfully shy wife are complicated by Lloyd’s first car and a newly divorced LuAnne’s makeover in accordance with a new funeral home job.
Settling into a quieter life a decade after a career scandal, a once-high-profile newscaster is approached by someone from her past who compels her to make a difficult choice. 100,000 first printing.
A devastating family secret hidden in an heirloom tinderbox launches a Lancaster County Amish family into turmoil, threatening the marriage prospects of a 19-year-old girl who witnesses her neighbors turning on one another. Simultaneous.
A chronicle of the first 24 hours of the D-Day invasion shares the perspectives of a diverse range of Allied, German and French contributors to explore the conflict’s strategic mastery and human realities.
Provides a true account of the deadliest animal of all time, the Champawat Tiger—responsible for killing more than 400 humans in northern India in the first decade of the 20th century—and the hunter who finally brought it down. 75,000 first printing.
A novella follow-up to A Court of Wings and Ruin finds Feyre, Rhys and their companions diligently working to rebuild the Night Court and the vastly changed world beyond only to find Feyre’s first Winter Solstice as High Lady complicated by the scars impacting the future of her loved ones. By the best-selling author of the Throne of Glass series.
A reimagining of the infamous 17th-century poisoning scandal involving Louis XIV finds a young alchemist discovering her mother’s secret criminal activities before teaming up with an illegitimate royal in a rebellion against a murderous underground society. A first novel.
As an illegal second child hiding from the world and living vicariously through her twin brother, Rowan makes a reckless decision to go out into the world for one night of adventure and becomes a renegade on the run.
Struggling with the fallout of mistaken diagnoses and disappointed hopes, a once-popular cheerleader from a small Texas community learns that she has a rare disease before reevaluating her past choices and navigating a difficult recovery. By the award-winning author of The New Normal.
Keralie is the best pickpocket in all of the kingdoms of Quadara, but when she steals a “comm disk” and realizes a royal murder plot is afoot, she must learn who to trust and fast.
Revealed as one of two prophesied queens destined to shape their world, Rielle embarks on a series of dangerous magical trials that link her to the other queen, a ruthless bounty hunter born a thousand years later who joins a rebel captain to fight imperial corruption in the hope of rescuing her abducted mother. By the author of Winterspell.
Forced into an interment camp for Muslim-American citizens in a near-future United States, 17-year-old Layla Amin helps forge an alliance of new friends and outside sympathizers before becoming the leader of a revolution against the camp’s corrupt guards.
A latest anthology of Ms. Marvel comics collects Issues 13 to 18 and follows the adventures of lonely superhero Kamala Khan throughout a turbulent post-Civil War II election campaign.
A novelization of a Superman origin story finds a young Clark Kent teaming up with best friend Lana Lang to uncover a dark secret in their Smallville hometown, an effort that is complicated by his increasingly conspicuous super-abilities.
Told from two viewpoints, Forest, a television actor who needs more fans, and Claire, a teen fan fiction blogger, are teamed to raise his profile despite their disagreement over whether his character is gay.
An anthology of 12 five-minute stories is comprised of old favorites and new adventures and includes entries starring favorite Avengers characters, Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy superheroes.
An early concept primer by the creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar pairs spot art in Carle’s signature collage style with more than 200 first vocabulary words, organized under subjects ranging from numbers and shapes to colors and foods.
Draws on decades of research and application in a high-contrast board book for newborns that uses strategic bold shapes and colors to promote receptive language skills and sound associations.
A debut picture book by the author of The Magic Words and the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Strega Nona combines simple rhymes and vibrant artwork in a loving tribute to the challenges and triumphs of a baby bird’s first flight.
The Newbery Medal-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall and the best-selling creator of the Lunch Lady graphic novels present the story of a clever flock of chickens who trigger chaos by scratching messages around the farm for their human caretakers.
During the Civil War, orphan Magdalys Roca is just trying to survive, but when she receives a letter telling her that her brother Montez is wounded, she is determined to reach him and her ability to communicate telepathically with dinosaurs may help.
An official graphic-novel continuation of Airbender finds Team Avatar returning to a hostile Earthen Fire Industries, where a request for their assistance reveals an escalating bender versus non-bender conflict.
A leveled reader introduction to the executive branch explains how American presidents spend their days at the White House, sign or veto bills, meet with other world leaders to promote peace and more.
The annual Fort Scott Presbyterian Village benefit dinner, auction and vacation raffle is May 15.
The fundraiser is for tenants of the assisted living facility who outlive their funds stored for retirement years.
Ginger Nance, executive director of Fort Scott Presbyterian Village answered the following interview questions.
Who will it benefit from this fundraiser?
“We are a Christian mission, not for profit, independent and assisted senior living community. As people age, they usually put back money for ‘old age’ thinking it will surely be enough to meet their needs, knowing they will retire and not be able to continue working at some point.
“Life continues and sometimes seniors are faced with the reality that they never dreamed they’d live as old as they may currently be.”
“For example, we had a tenant once who lived in our assisted living who lived to be 104 years old. She told us, ‘I never dreamed I’d live to be older than 90!’ A decade later, she was still able to enjoy life and do many of the things she enjoyed so much, such as gardening, but she was not physically able to return to the workforce to earn money for that 14 years that she had not planned for. Who could?!
“In our Christian mission, we are dedicated to making sure that our seniors needs are met as long as they can continue to physically live in assisted living at the Presbyterian Village, regardless of whether they can afford their care or not. This is only possible through generous donors who believe in our program and see the wonderful quality of life that their tax-deductible donations can provide. ”
“We accept donations all year-long to support this charitable program, but once a year we hold a live auction and dinner to boost the money raised in order to cover the deficit that some of our seniors have. For this reason, on May 15th, we will hold our annual Good Samaritan Auction and Dinner and hope to bring in more than $30,000 to cover that need.”
“For the event, we are selling tickets for a 3 piece Chicken Mary’s dinner which includes two sides, a homemade desert (made by many wonderful local bakers), and a bottle of water. Ticket prices are $9.00 each in advance, or $12.00 at the door. The dinners will serve from 4:30-6:30pm. We will also have a drive through service available if you are not able to stay for the live auction that will be held, but would like to simply pick up dinner to take home. Be sure to get your tickets early though, we usually sell out by the morning of the event and we don’t want anyone to go without a dinner.”
What will be going on that evening?
“A live auction will be held in the parking garages on the back side of the building, held by Nance Auction Service. Come see all the great items we have to offer! Everything from a Chevy Malibu car, tools, antiques, collectibles, household furniture, outdoor and hobby items, to knic knacs will be offered. There is truly something for everyone! The auctioneers engage the crowd and the fun begins among buyers and spectators. Most everything will be inside the garages so there will be cover in case of rain.”
“A few premier silent auction items will be inside near the cashiers table, as well.”
“Additionally, we will have a ‘Buy It Now’ area set up at one end of the garage for those who would rather purchase and go.
“If you are not able to attend the auction but would like to leave a bid on an item that you are interested in, please contact Ginger Nance in advance to leave a bid. We will also have people at the auction to assist if you are nervous about raising your hand to bid, or would simply prefer to have someone else bid for you.
“Last but not least, we are also selling tickets for one lucky person to win a seven-day trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The winner will stay at the beautiful Las Brisas condo which is appointed with all the luxuries of the Southwest that one could want while on vacation from your busy life. The condo is large enough for a family, yet intimate for a romantic get-away and is located within walking distance of the downtown attractions and dining. Tickets for the opportunity to win are $5.00 each, or 3 tickets for $10.00. The drawing will take place at the end of the auction and the winner does not have to be present to win.”
“All money raised remains local here at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village to directly impact the lives of seniors with a financial need,” states Nance. “The program is confidential, otherwise we would ask a recipient of the program to give their testimony.”
“However, I have been the Executive Director at the Village for 17 years and I can attest that those who are utilizing the program often don’t even realize they are and their life continues unchanged and they continue to live the way they want to live, without interruption or worry.”
“The program is a dignified, loving gift of kindness from supporters, like you and I, and every dollar makes a direct impact on our senior’s lives,” states Nance.
“Join us for a great evening together! We are located at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
Tickets are available at the Presbyterian Village, or at the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Scott.
For more information contact Ginger Nance, Executive Director at (620) 223-5550 or email [email protected].
To view a partial listing of the auction items visit www.nanceauctionservice.com or come by to preview early on sale day.
Items are being added daily, so there are sure to be surprises on auction day.”
The location and directions to get there?
“Directions: Take Highway 69 south on the bypass of Fort Scott, KS. Turn west at 23rd street (at McDonald’s intersection light), then turn south on Horton Street. We are located directly across the street from the Fort Scott Public Golf Course.
In case of rain, if it’s too wet to park in the grass, we will have people assisting with parking and a shuttle service will run between the Village and the Fort Scott Community College parking lot from 4:30-7:00 p.m.”
Pittsburg, Kansas – Students from the Southeast Kansas Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) recently competed in the prestigious Kansas SkillsUSA Competition in Hutchinson, Kansas. The local CTEC team was comprised of students from Fort Scott Community College, as well as several local high schools.
Seventeen students competed in three categories: HVAC (5 students), Masonry (5 students) and Carpentry (7 students). Seven students earned medals, with other students placing in the top 10 of their category. Three of the seven students that medaled also qualified for the National SkillsUSA competition to be held this summer in Louisville, KY.
Students that earned medals are as follows:
College Carpentry: Nathan Kaufman – Fort Scott Community College – 1st Place – National Qualifier
High School Carpentry: Wil Jameson – Frontenac High School – 1st Place – National Qualifier
High School HVAC – MacKenzie Hensley – Frontenac High School – 3rd Place
College Masonry: Allen Blackburn – Fort Scott Community College – 2nd Place
High School Masonry: Mason Jameson – Frontenac High School – 1st Place – National Qualifier
High School Masonry: Matthew Pike – Girard High School – 2nd Place
High School Masonry: Zach Troth – Frontenac High School – 3rd Place
Kris Mengarelli, CTEC executive director, said, “We are very proud of our students’ work ethic and the way they represented CTEC, Fort Scott Community College and our high schools. We’re especially proud of those that medaled and the three students that will be competing at the national competition in June.” Mengarelli added, “Fort Scott Community College has great instructors in Kim Coates (Carpentry), Chris Sterrett (HVAC) and Nacoma Oehme (Masonry). They do an outstanding job of preparing our students for the competition.”
Because the Good Ol’ Days Committee is teaming up with both Fort Scott Munitions and the Fort Scott National Historic Site, the parade will be opened to all types of transportation.
Fort Scott Munitions will be hosting a large car & bike show this year, and will be auctioning off a motorcycle for charity.
The Fort plans to do a comparison of ambulances from the early 1900’s through today. They will have a fire truck & ambulance on Skubitz Plaza, an Air Ambulance on parade grounds, possibly a military helicopter, an original ambulance cart from the early 1900’s, re-enactors, and much more.
For a full description of the events, please visit the
Makenzee Franklin, Haydon Schaaf, Nick Hathway, Clay Brillhart and FFA Sponsor Scott Sutton make up the Kansas State Champion Team 2019 in Livestock Judging.
After evaluating eight classes and presenting three sets of oral reasons, the Livestock Judging Team from the Uniontown FFA Chapter was named the State Champion team on Tuesday, May 7th in Manhattan, Kansas. The contest featured 75 schools of all classification levels from across the entire state of Kansas and 296 individual contestants. The team also ranked 1st in Cattle, 1st in Hogs, 2nd in Reasons and 2nd in Sheep and Goats.
Clay Brillhart led the team with a 2nd place individual performance and also tied for the High Individual in Reasons. Additionally, he was 1st in Cattle and 6th in Hogs.
Nick Hathaway came in 6th overall and ranked 8th in Cattle. Haydon Schaaf was 9th overall and placed 7th in Hogs. Makenzee Franklin was also on the team.
The livestock judging contest at the Kansas FFA State Career Development Events is considered the most prestigious contest among the many that take place in Manhattan, Kansas every May. Winning the contest qualifies the team to be the sole representative of Kansas at the 2019 National FFA Livestock Judging contest held in Indianapolis, Indiana in mid-October.
The team is coached by Uniontown FFA Advisor Scott Sutton.
