Monthly Archives: March 2020

Government, Health Care, Kansas

Governor Issues Emergency Declaration for COVID-19

Leave a comment

 

Governor Laura Kelly has issued an emergency declaration for the State of Kansas in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus).  The declaration authorizes the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria.

 

“The safety and well-being of Kansans is our priority, first and foremost,” Kelly said. “The landscape of COVID-19 is fast-changing. Today is evidence of that.”

 

Tonight, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced the first COVID-19 related death in Kansas.

A man in his 70s was brought to the hospital and died shortly after arrival. Testing done post-mortem came back positive for COVID-19. He was living in a long-term care facility in Wyandotte County.

 

“We are working on identifying contacts right now,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “We understand the concern and encourage Kansans to remain vigilant.”

 

“To prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable population, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines of screening and restricting visitors to our long-term care facilities,” Department for Children and Families and Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Laura Howard said. 

 

The Governor issued the emergency declaration Thursday afternoon.  

 

“Our state is well prepared,” Kelly said. “With this emergency declaration, we can activate our response and coordinate fully. This is part of the process and will make access to important resources more accessible. We continue to work closely with our local, state and federal partners to respond to the potential spread of the virus – or any situation that may arise.”

 

COVID-19 can be found at the following sources:

 

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you may have had contact or have had contact with someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

 

You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) today Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information about COVID-19, visit KDHE’s website and Frequently Asked Questions at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/ and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Obituary

Obituary of William Russell Lyman

Leave a comment

William Russell Lyman, age 54, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 19, 1965, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Clifford H. Lyman, Jr. and Linda K. Nutter Lyman.  William graduated from the Ft. Scott High School in 1984.

He served with the Kansas Army National Guard and later served for four years with the United States Navy.  While serving in the Navy, William was stationed at the China Lake Naval Weapons Testing Center and he also served on the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.  Following his discharge from the Navy, William attended Rice Aviation School in Houston, Texas where he graduated with high honors.

He worked as a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic.  He worked for B. F. Goodrich Aerospace in Everett, Washington and Southwest Airlines in Houston, Texas.

William enjoyed cooking, working on cars, refinishing furniture, watching football and spending time with his family.

 

Survivors include his parents, Clifford and Linda Lyman, of Ft. Scott, Kansas and his son, David R. Lyman, of Dallas, Texas.  Also surviving are two nieces, Crystal Wielichowski and husband, Todd and their children Kashton and Weston; and Alyssa Beck and two nephews, Brandon Beck and his wife, Jean’t and their children, Raine, Gavin and Coralyn and Clifford H. Lyman IV and his wife, Catharine.

William was preceded in death by his sister, Sherrell A. Lyman Beck and his brother, Clifford H. Lyman III as well as his grandparents, Russell and Mary Nutter and Clifford and Hattie Lyman.

 

Pastor Jim Logan will conduct graveside services at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 14th at the Uniontown Cemetery.

Friends and family may meet at the Cheney Witt Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery at 12:40 P.M

. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting March 13

Leave a comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 13, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00 – Wind Farm Contracts

Government, Health Care, Kansas

New Cases of COVID-19 In Kansas

Leave a comment

Three New Presumptive-Positive COVID-19 Cases Identified in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is confirming three presumptive-positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas. The possible cases were identified with testing sent to KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories (KHEL). KHEL, which is approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to perform COVID-19 testing, found presumptive-positive results. These results will be verified by the CDC lab but will be treated as a positive unless determined otherwise.

The cases are in Johnson County and involve three people who attended the same conference in Florida. It is believed they contracted COVID-19 in Florida.  They were not symptomatic when traveling home and sought care once they began feeling ill. KDHE continues to work with the local health department and CDC to identify and contact people who may have come into contact with the individual while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms. The patients are all males and in isolation. These cases are not connected to the earlier case in Johnson County. No other information will be provided about the patients.

“Right now, there is no community spread,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The cases in Kansas are here because of transmission elsewhere. However, Kansans should remain vigilant. It’s important to live your lives, but it’s also important to take basic precautions like exercising good hygiene practices. It is up to each of us to do our part.”

 

“Kansas is working alongside local and federal public health partners in addressing presumptive positive cases in our state, and the potential spread of the virus,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It is our highest priority to keep all Kansans healthy and safe. Everyone should continue to practice safe habits such as hand washing and staying home when sick. The KDHE website, www.kdheks.gov, has daily updates and other resources to keep Kansans educated on COVID-19.”

People should exercise vigilance when attending large public gatherings, particularly those people over age 60 and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. There are mass events guidance documents from the Centers from Disease Control available on KDHE’s website, www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and believe you may have had contact or have had contact with someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

You may also call the KDHE phone bank at 1-866-534-3463 (1-866-KDHEINF) today Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information about COVID-19, visit KDHE’s website and Frequently Asked Questions at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/ and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting March 12

1 Comment

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 12, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

12:30 – Executive Session, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

FSCC Football Takes a New Direction with New Coaches

Leave a comment
FSCC new coaches, back from left: Cam Robinson-defensive coordinator, Harris Bivin-offensive coordinator, Michael Reynolds-ILB coach, Brant Newman-director of player personnel and defensive line, Amir Gant-receivers coach. Front from left: Kurt Kennedy-quarterback coach, Carson Hunter-head coach, William Henry-special teams coordinator and defensive back coach.

Fort Scott Community College’s football team has a new vision, with all new coaches.

Head coach Carson Hunter was hired in December 2019.

“Our program vision is to recruit, develop, and lead a family of faithful, honest, and fearless leaders to best represent Fort Scott and the community,” Hunter said. “To best represent Fort Scott – academically, socially, and athletically.”

“I think Carson is a great hire,” Alysia Johnston, FSCC president, said. “He is committed to making sure our student-athletes have positive transformational experiences in the classroom and on the field as well as making sure they have a positive impact on the college and community.”

“We are thrilled to have Carson Hunter as the leader of our football program,” FSCC Athletic Director Tom Havron said. ” When we spoke early about the direction of the program, it was very apparent that we both shared the same vision.”

“Coach Hunter is focused on players and coaches who will love their team, love Fort Scott, and love the game,” Havron said.   “He is a man of great character, faith, and values who will lead by example for the young men at Fort Scott Community College.”

Havron has been impressed with Hunter’s work ethic and ability to surround himself with excellent coaches that share a common vision.

“The football program is in very good hands, and I am excited to see the results of the work being put in by the staff and the players,” Havron said.  “The community of Fort Scott will be proud to support this program moving forward.”

 

Community Engagement Encouraged

 

“For us to be our best, we need everyone to take part of what we are doing,” Hunter said. “We invite all of Fort Scott to join us as program members – to encourage, support, and engage our student-athletes.”

 

Hunter said he has been working hard to establish a reputation with Fort Scott and the region, “and everyone that wants to be a member of our program.”

 

“Program members come in all shapes and sizes,” he said. “Some will be defensive ends, some will be patting everybody on the back. Everyone will have a role, we need the community  to help, and understand that this is their team.”

 

 

“And, our players need to be a part of what Fort Scott is doing,” he said. ” We need everyone to let us know how our program can help and serve.  Engage the team, we need them to be a part of what the community is doing. If there is stuff that our guys can be involved in, we want to do it.”

 

“I want to encourage everyone to follow us on  Facebook at Fort Scott Football and on Twitter @FSCCFOOTBALL,” Hunter said.

 

All New Coaches

All new FSCC football coaches will be a part of the new direction of the team.

“Some of these guys have worked together before in different places,” Hunter said. “All have Division 1 or professional coaching experience.”

Hunter is the head coach, to learn more of his background:https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Carson_Hunter?view=bio

Michael Reynolds will be the new ILB inside linebacker coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Michael_Reynolds?view=bio

Brant Newman will be the director of player personnel and defensive line coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Brant_Newman?view=bio

Amir Gant will be the receivers coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/R._Amir_Grant?view=bio

Cam Robinson will be the offensive coordinator: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/Cam_Robinson?view=bio

William Henry will be the special team’s coordinator and defensive back coach: https://www.fsgreyhounds.com/sports/fball/coaches/William_Henry?view=bio

 

Two other coaches,  Harris Bivin and Kurt Kennedy, did not have background information on the FSCC Athletics page as of the date of the story being published.

Government, Kansas

Wall Fills Vacancy on Kansas Supreme Court

Leave a comment

Governor appoints Kenyen J. (K.J.) Wall to fill vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court

 

Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Kenyen J. (K.J.) Wall to the Kansas Supreme Court. Wall will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Lawton Nuss. 

 

“Whether the court is dealing with issues of life and death, the powers of our government, or how we deal with the economic challenges of our time, the Supreme Court demands the best the legal profession has to offer,” Kelly said.

 

“K.J. has an incredible legal mind, a love of the law, and a heart for service. K.J. combines the ability to hear cases fairly and impartially with the ability to remember that the law is about people, not simply words on a page. He will be an excellent addition to our Supreme Court.

 

“On the Supreme Court, K.J. will join six talented, experienced jurists, and I am confident he’ll fit right in. His capacity to untangle complex legal issues and communicate them clearly and concisely will serve the court and our state well for years to come.”

 

Wall is a partner with Forbes Law Group, where he regularly represents rural hospitals and other clients in courts throughout the state. From 2013 to 2015 he served as Deputy General Counsel to the Kansas Supreme Court, handling capital cases and special projects. Before working for the Kansas Supreme Court, Wall had been a private practice litigator in Colorado and was Senior Counsel at Federated Insurance in Owatonna, Minn.

 

Wall was an All-American and national-champion debater at Kansas State University, where he studied communications, graduating in 1993. After receiving his masters in rhetoric at the University of Minnesota in 1996, Wall attended the University of Kansas School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif in 2001. Wall began his legal career as a law clerk to United States District Judge John W. Lungstrum.

 

Wall also has been active in his community, as a member of the Kansas Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Committee, a member of the public school board in Owatonna Minnesota, a member of the board of directors of the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault, Minn. and a member of the Weld Food Bank in Weld County, Colo.

  

“I’m blessed to have the support of my family and am thankful for the confidence Governor Kelly and the Supreme Court Nominating Commission have placed in me as I embark on this new challenge,” Wall said. “I promise that every day I will work to ensure that the law is applied fairly and impartially. I hope to continue the legacy of fairness, independence and character that Judge Lungstrum, Chief Justice Nuss and countless other mentors have instilled in me over the years.

 

“Kansas has always been home, and I can think of no better way to serve my state than serving alongside the six dedicated, brilliant justices on our Supreme Court.”

 

Kansas Supreme Court Justices are appointed through a merit-based nomination process. When there is a vacancy on the court, the Supreme Court Nominating Commission submits the names of three nominees to the Governor, and the Governor then has 60 days to make the appointment.  

 

To be eligible, a nominee must be at least 30 years old and admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years, whether as a lawyer, judge or full-time teacher at an accredited law school.  

 

Every justice must stand for a retention vote in the general election following their first year of service on the court. If retained by voters at that time, they then face retention votes every six years for as long as they serve on the bench.

 

Fort Scott Community College, Health Care

FSCC Has A Covid-19 Emergency Plan Constructed

Leave a comment

FSCC is highly dedicated to the well-being of the students, faculty, staff, and community. FSCC has constructed a COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan.

“The health of our students, faculty, and staff is our number one priority and we urge you to stay informed of official notices and resources regarding health precautions, travel safety and related information on COVID-19. Fort Scott Community College has worked closely with Bourbon County Emergency Management personnel, and Bourbon County Health Department to determine the threat level of the current outbreak and take appropriate actions”, says Tom Havron, Vice Presidents of Student Affairs.

Please feel free to contact the college if you have any questions or concerns. Follow the link below to view the FSCC COVID-19 Emergency Action Plan
http://www.fortscott.edu/node/2399

 

Business, Fort Scott, Schools

Tucker Music Studio: 25 Years

Leave a comment
Benjamin Banwart and Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo. Ben is in his eighth year of piano study with Tucker.

A local piano teacher has encouraged many students to pursue music in her 25-year career.

And it started in her childhood with a passion for piano and encouragement from her parents.

When Carolyn Tucker was in third grade, she had a desire to play the piano but there was no piano in her home.

Like a broken record, she consistently told her parents that she wanted to play, she said.

“They soon realized this desire was not going to go away, so one Saturday the three of us went to Springfield, MO, to shop for a piano,” Tucker said. “A few days later a brand-new piano was delivered to our home, and I couldn‘t play a lick! That expensive purchase was a huge step of faith for my parents and I will always be grateful.”

Carolyn and Zachary Ballou at a piano recital in April 2013. Submitted photo. Ballou was a student of hers for nine years.

She began studying piano with Miss Rebecca Murray and found she loved it.

“I soon realized that God had given me the gift to play by ear, ” she said. “My mother never had to tell me to practice my lessons because every time I walked through the living room, I’d stop and play the piano. The ability to read music and play by ear was a great marriage, and by the time I was in eighth grade, I was the church pianist. I ‘cut my teeth’ on gospel music and it’s always been my first love.”

 

Taylor Cation and Carolyn at a piano recital in 2012. Cation was a 10-year student with Tucker. Submitted photo.

 

Since that purchase and the subsequent lessons, she’s been sharing her of love of music for 53 years in various church settings, weddings, funerals, civic functions, patriotic programs, nursing homes, retirement facilities, gospel concerts, family reunions, baby dedications, recitals, music parties, prayer breakfasts, etc.

“Music is a powerful language that everyone understands because it speaks from the heart,” she said.

In 1994, a friend asked her if she would teach her daughter to play the piano.

“I agreed to give it a try. Now, 25 years later, 97 students have come through the studio,” she said.

At a recital in  2016 – with  10-year student Kelcie Bailey.

Grateful

“Playing the piano has provided a lifetime of musical ministry and joy for me,” Tucker said. ” I can’t imagine what my life would be like had my parents not provided the ‘begged-for’ piano and lessons for me.”

“I believe every baby is born with God-given gifts, and it’s up to the parents to help the child discover his/her destiny using those gifts for God‘s glory,” she said. “My Dad always said, ‘Buying that piano was the best investment I ever made.'”

Encourage children to find musical gifts

Tucker wants to inspire parents to provide their children with opportunities to find their gifts.

“God doesn’t gift every individual to be musical, but if a child expresses a deep desire to play an instrument, there’s a good chance that he/she was created to do it,” she said. “You never know what treasure lies within a child’s heart until the door is opened.

To contact Tucker for lessons, call 620-223-1483.

Tucker Music Studio is located at 954 240th Street

Fort Scott.