Monthly Archives: May 2020

Obituary

Obituary of Mary Barrett Irvin

Leave a comment
Mary Barrett Irvin, 2019
Mary Barrett, 1944.

Mary Barrett Irvin, 99, of Fort Scott, formerly of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2020, at her home in Presbyterian Village. She was born in Murdock, Minnesota, on August 1, 1920 to Agnes and Earl Barrett.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six of her eight siblings, and Willis Hugh Irvin, her husband of 74 years.

Mary graduated from St. Cloud, Minnesota School of Business, moving to San Francisco to work as a secretary during the war.

There she met Hugh while his ship was in the Navy yard. They were married on June 19, 1945, before her new husband left to prepare for the invasion of Japan. After his discharge the nationwide adventure began. Mary and Hugh lived in 11 states, adding three children along the way- Roger in Florida, David in Omaha, and Barbara in New Jersey.

Mary and Hugh retired to Rogers, Arkansas, in l981 from Fairfax, Virginia. She was active as a volunteer at St. Mary’s hospital, St. Vincent De Paul church and Meals on Wheels. She belonged to Roger’s Friendship Club and enjoyed playing bridge.

Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott was home since 2013. There she was a member of Mary Queen of Angels Church.

Mary was dedicated to Hugh, her family and the many friends they made over the years as they moved across the country. Together they embraced square dancing in Texas, both making fast friends and Mary making the costumes. She pursued new places and relationships with equal interest.

Mary grew up in the difficult time of the great depression and she became strong and confident in her ability to succeed. It was hard, if not impossible, to win an argument with her.

 

She managed the family’s business with the organization and efficiency of a CEO—overseeing multiple moves, setting up a dozen different homes, managing the finances, helping her kids through college.

Hard work never deterred her. Mary was a problem solver who rarely failed to find a solution to issues that others didn’t know they had.

She will be remembered as a talented seamstress, furniture refinisher, decorator, painter, and lifelong volunteer to friends, relatives, and her community. She excelled at many things and wouldn’t submit to any praise.

Her presence remains in the good works she left behind.

Mary is survived by two sons, Roger (Susan) of Monroe, Oregon, and David (Janet) of Fort Scott, Kansas; a daughter, Barbara Irvin (Bruce Mayer) of Madison, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Patrick Irvin (Jarita), Christopher Irvin (Annie Brice), both of Oregon, Kelly Irvin and Betsy Philipp (Nick), both of Kansas; and six great-grandchildren, Tyler, Henry, Jack and Shail Irvin of Oregon and Barrett and Theo Philipp of Kansas. Surviving siblings are two Barrett brothers: Gerome of Melrose, Minnesota, and Patrick (Kay) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Integrity Hospice for their extraordinarily kind and attentive care of Mary over the last few months and Presbyterian Village staff for their compassionate support over many years.

Interment will be at the Fort Scott National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Presbyterian Village of Fort Scott Good Samaritan Fund.

Contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences to the family may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Forty highway projects for modernization and expansion move forward

Leave a comment

Forty highway projects selected for IKE development pipeline

Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Secretary Julie Lorenz announced today that preliminary engineering work will begin on 40 highway modernization and expansion projects.

These are the first projects to move forward under the Eisenhower Transportation Legacy Program (IKE), which was created in March.

“These transportation investments come at a critical time for our state’s economy. A robust development pipeline will help jumpstart our economic recovery by creating jobs and allowing the state to take advantage of potential federal stimulus dollars,” said Governor Kelly. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for passing IKE, a critical employment tool that will help put more Kansans back to work.”

“A modern transportation system moves people, freight and technology and these 40 projects will allow us to do all those things better in every region of the state,” Secretary Lorenz said. “We’ve selected smaller projects, which can advance to construction quickly, and larger projects that will employ many people in all phases of development or construction.”

More than 2,000 Kansans participated in local consult discussions that shaped the IKE program and modernized how transportation should be delivered in Kansas. Here are a few notable features:

  • IKE is a rolling program, which means major highway modernization and expansion projects will be selected every two years rather than once a decade as previous programs did. This ensures the State can address the most pressing needs and adjust to fluctuating revenues.

 

  • Emphasis on right-sized, practical improvements.  For example, utilizing passing lanes rather than 4-lane expressways where applicable.

 

  • New partnership programs (Cost Share, Local Bridge) between the State and local governments to address more needs.

 

  • Investments in broadband and new technologies.

 

  • Continued commitment to multimodal transportation with public transit, aviation, short-line rail and bike/pedestrian programs.

Previously, the only projects in KDOT’s development pipeline were the remaining T-WORKS projects.  The development pipeline includes all the phases of work prior to construction such as design, acquiring right-of-way or moving utilities. KDOT is not committing to constructing these 40 projects, but this will allow the necessary advance work to begin.

“I’ve directed KDOT to explore all options for accelerating project delivery for these 40 projects and for the delayed T-WORKS projects, which we remain committed to constructing,” the Governor said. “Transportation investments provide short-term and long-term economic benefits to communities and we’re committed to capturing as many of those opportunities as we can.”

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the last stimulus for transportation infrastructure, prioritized shovel-ready projects. Currently, discussions are underway for a new federal stimulus bill for infrastructure, which will likely have similar requirements. Today’s announcement will allow KDOT to get more projects shovel ready.

“Thanks to Governor Kelly, the Legislature and Kansans, IKE was tailor made for this moment,” Lorenz said.  “It provides us the flexibility we need now and in the future. Today’s announcement is only the beginning. We know we have much more work to do.”

More information about IKE, including the list of 40 projects selected, is available at http://www.ksdot.org/IKE.asp

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly adds new phase to “Ad Astra” plan

Leave a comment

 

Kelly: COVID-19 metrics indicate progress, but caution still needed

 

This afternoon, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, effective May 18, 2020, continues reopening efforts while preserving some data-driven restrictions necessary to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.

 

“The good news is that hospitalizations and COVID-related deaths continue to decline, enabling us to move forward with our efforts to safely reopen Kansas,” said Kelly. “Unfortunately, the daily rate of disease spread has not shown the downward trajectory necessary to move fully into Phase 2. I said from the beginning that public safety must remain the top priority, which means that our reopening efforts must be driven by data, not dates. Phase 1.5 will continue our transition, but with necessary caution.”

 

Key Phase 1.5 highlights:

 

  • Mass gatherings of more than 10 individuals continue to be prohibited;
  • Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may open, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in;
  • Fitness centers and health clubs may open, but in-person group classes may not occur and locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities.
  • In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may occur with no more than 10 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time as long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained. Outdoor drive-through graduation ceremonies during which no more than 10 individuals are in the same area outside of their vehicles at a time (i.e. school administration, graduate, family members, etc.) are allowed.

Under Phase 1.5, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed to the public:

  • Bars and night clubs, excluding already operating curbside and carryout services;
  • Non-tribal Casinos;
  • Theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces (trampoline parks, arcades, etc.);
  • Community centers;
  • Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more;
  • Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades;
  • Swimming pools (other than backyard pools);

 

  • Organized sports facilities, sports tournaments, sports games, and sports practices; and
  • Summer camps.

 

The Governor will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next “Phase.” Regardless of phase, the State Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk.

 

Throughout all phases, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

 

  • Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;
  • Remaining home when sick or running a fever;
  • Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;
  • Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;
  • Working remotely, if possible.

Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting May 14

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: May 14, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE FRONT STEPS OF THE COURTHOUSE WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PLACE

3:00 Jody Hoener, CDBG Documents

3:15 Jeff Fischer, KAC, Covid-19 expenses

Fort Scott, Schools

New FSHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher: Carissa Bowman

Leave a comment
Carissa Bowman. Submitted photo.
Carissa Bowman, 31, is the new  Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Fort Scott High School for 2020-21.
 
Bowman has nine years experience in FACS education 
Her hometowns are Fort Scott and  Uniontown.
She is married to  Alex Bowman and has two children, Gracie and Campbell .
Bowman said she loves to spend quality time with  family.
 
How did you become an educator?
“I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.”
 
Is there someone who inspired you?
” My dad, Larry Fink, and Mrs. Cook, my FACS teacher at Uniontown High School.”
 
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“I enjoy making connections and gaining meaningful relationships with my students.”
 
What are the greatest challenges in teaching for you?
“Seeing the struggles and challenges that students face.”

 

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting May 14

Leave a comment

There will be a Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14th, 2020 at the City Hall Commission Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. The City Commission will meet to consider approval to apply for the K.D.O.T. Cost Share Program, and approval for engineering services if needed.

The City Commission meeting will not be open to the public at this time due to the limited number of 10 allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meeting will be made available via the City’s Youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Newsletter May 2020

Leave a comment
View Online

Fort Scott Public Library
May 2020

Welcome

We hope you enjoy the Fort Scott Public Library newsletter. You are receiving it because you provided us with your email address for library notifications. If you don’t want to receive future editions, you can unsubscribe using the link in this newsletter, or email the library [email protected], and we will remove your address from the list.
Previous editions of this newsletter are available on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org

The Library Building Will Be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

Curbside Service

Fort Scott Public Library is offering curbside pickup of library materials. We encourage patrons to log in to their accounts and place holds. Patrons who prefer may call us at (620)223-2882 or email either [email protected] or [email protected]. We will limit holds placed by phone to 5 items. Patrons may also borrow newspapers and magazines. Email or call with the titles and dates needed.
The only items available to check out are those physically in our library. Eventually the service that moves library items from place to place will be working again, but for at least the next couple of weeks, we’re limited to what we have here. If you log in to your account at www.seknfind.org, your choices will automatically be set to items located at Fort Scott Public.
Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! Every week, she will compile collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 1st grade or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!
Emails and texts are automatically generated when we scan holds. The items won’t be available to check out until we have scheduled a time with you. We will call patrons to schedule a time to pick up their items. We encourage everyone to log in to their accounts and verify that their contact information is correct. If you need assistance logging in, please email us at either [email protected] or [email protected]. Include your account number (library card number) in your email.
You can find instructions about how to log in to your account and place holds by looking in the “how to” section on our website: fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org.
We will have a table outside the library where we will place items to be picked up. Patrons should call the library when they arrive and give us their library card number. We will put the items on the table to be picked up. We ask that people stay away from the table while library staff are outside.
We will place your items in bags before putting them on the table. If you prefer to use your own bags, let us know when we schedule your pick up time. When you arrive, call us to let us know you’re here, place your bag on the table, and move away from the table. Library employees will put your items in your bag and return to the building.
People who need us to put the items in their vehicles should let us know when we are scheduling their pick up times. Please open your trunk and remain in your vehicle when you let us know that you’re here for your holds. Library staff will place your items in your trunk.
In the event of inclement weather, items to pick up will be placed on the counter inside the Second Street entrance. Please wait until staff have re-entered the main building before entering to pick up your items.
We will have an area outside the building in which we are offering free books. Please limit browsing to one person at a time. We will refill the selection of free books as needed. Please remain an appropriate distance away from library employees refilling the free books boxes.
We are quarantining all returned items for several days.
Please maintain appropriate social distancing while library employees are outside the building.
Please stay home if you are sick.
We are not accepting donations of any materials at this time.
A note to our wi-fi users: In order for us to keep the wi-fi available while we are offering curbside circulation, we ask that you please not occupy the parking or sidewalk area on the north (Second Street) side of the library.

Book Bags for Children

 
Bagged collections of books for children available for curbside check out
Are you unsure of what books to get for your child, or just don’t have the time to browse the catalog? Miss Val is here to help! She has compiled collections of ten books on specific topics for you to check out. See the library website or Facebook page for a list of current topics available, and feel free to contact Miss Val at [email protected] to make suggestions for future topics. Collections are compiled by both topics and age ranges of birth to 1st grade or 2nd to 5th grade. When calling or emailing the library to reserve a collection, just ask for the book collection listed online, or request a list of current topics. If one you want has already been taken, we will tell you what topics remain. You may even find a few goodies from Miss Val in your bag!
 
Here are the topics currently available: Boys’ General Interest, Classics, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Disney Stories, Fantasy, Farm, Girls’ General Interest, LEGO, Silly Stories, Sports, Spring, Superheroes, Star Wars, Vehicles, and Zoo Animals. For most topics, we have books in both the Birth – 1st Grade and 2nd – 5th Grades age ranges, but always choose what you think your child is more ready for.

Digital Resources

Digital Library Accounts

If you don’t have an account with us, and you live in Bourbon County, we can create an account that gives you access to digital resources. Create an account at www.seknfind.org and we will email you information about using it to access hoopla and Sunflower eLibrary.

At present, we are not able to create new accounts for checking out physical items.

Download ebooks, audiobooks, comics, TV episodes, movies, music, and more. All you need is your library card login and a valid email address. Ask us if you need assistance.

Download ebooks and audiobooks. All you need is your library card login. Ask us if you need assistance.

 
 
 
Download ebooks and audiobooks from the State Library of Kansas. All you need is a Kansas Library eCard. Ask us if you need assistance.

For Kids

Virtual Storytime
Tuesdays 10 am Zoom
11 am Facebook Live
Stayed Tuned for Announcements about this year’s Summer Reading Program!
Join Miss Val online for stories, songs, & crafts Upcoming Themes: Flight & Alphabet.
Click this link on Tuesdays at 10 am to join the Zoom storytime. To receive the Zoom password, email Miss Val at [email protected] or message the library’s Facebook page. Suggest your child’s favorites here.

 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Join our free early literacy program and steer your baby or preschooler 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 sending your name, child’s name and age, and contact information to Miss Val at [email protected]. Track your child’s reading online or on paper by recording every time you read a story to your child. Once you reach 100, send Miss Val a message at the email above. Take a photo of your child (you may print a milestone paper for the photo from this website. When the library reopens to the public, Miss Val will give your child a sticker and book for each milestone achieved while we were closed. Take a look at our awesome readers here.
           

FIGHTERS for Teens & Tweens

Sjoin
Stay tuned for announcements about this year’s teen summer reading program!
Middle & High School Students, join Miss Val on Zoom Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for a free program just for you!
FIGHTERS stands for Familiar Inviting Group Helping Those Entities Recover from School. The name was chosen and voted on by our members.
Online meetings occur each week, and specific details will be posted on the library’s Facebook page. You will need to use this link to join the Zoom meeting. You will also need to contact Miss Val at [email protected] or through the library’s Facebook page in order to receive the password required to join the meeting.
Fort Scott Public Library
201 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
620-223-2882
fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/
Bourbon County

Child Abuse Prevention Training: Free

Leave a comment

Kansas Children’s Service League will be offering several training topics at various times at no charge. See below for topics, times, descriptions, and links for registering, and please feel free to forward this on to your colleagues and partners. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

 

Trainings Available at No Charge!

 

  • The Darkness to Light Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training is available online with a follow up zoom discussion. If you need directions for accessing this course and zoom discussion, please let me know. This training is approved for 2.0 hours of inservice credit and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.

 

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences

 

 

 

 

 

Adverse Childhood Experiences Description

Children who grow up in safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments that foster hope and resilience are better prepared for lifelong health and well-being. The 1998 landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study demonstrated that many adults recall experiences—including abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and areas of household dysfunction—that led to lifelong poor physical and emotional health. While ACEs are important, an exclusive focus on adverse experiences risks labeling children and their families, and it neglects to turn attention toward the possibility for flourishing even in the face of adversity (Sege, R). Participants of this training will learn about the ACEs research including the impact on social connections, school readiness and the likelihood of developing negative health behaviors, learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention framework being implemented to prevent ACEs called Essentials for Childhood: Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships and Environments; and brainstorm concrete ways to cultivate relationships and environments that create a positive impact for children and families in our communities. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Reporting Description

Kansas law states that most professionals who work with children, including medical professionals, social workers, nurses, educators and more, are mandated reporters. This means that they are required by law to report suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Participants of this training will be able to define the various types of abuse and neglect, identify signs and symptoms of each type, and address areas of risk and protective factors. In addition, participants will learn the appropriate responses to suspected abuse or neglect, discuss what to do in the event of child disclosure, and understand Kansas mandated reporter laws. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.

 

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Description

This training will provide a brief recap of Adverse Childhood Experiences followed by a screening of Resilience, a film that chronicles the promising beginnings of a national movement to prevent childhood trauma, treat toxic stress, and greatly improve the health of future generations. We will end with group discussion on family and community resilience and how we can help support families.

 

Preventing Infant Abuse with the Period of PURPLE Crying Description

The Period of PURPLE Crying® is the phrase used to describe the time in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time. Infants who cry a lot or are awake and fussy at night are a source of concern for many parents. Because of the normal increase in crying that occurs in the first months of a baby’s life, parents and caregivers usually have questions. Crying is the most frequently reported trigger for why a parent or caregiver would shake a baby. Early prevention education is the key to decreasing the incidence of shaken baby syndrome and infant abuse. The Period of PURPLE Crying® is an evidence-based shaken baby syndrome primary prevention program, created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Come learn about the Kansas strategy, how PURPLE is being implemented in hospitals and agencies across the state, how the program was selected, and the research behind it.  This training is geared toward those professionals who are working with families with new babies, whether through child care, home visitation programs, health departments, clinics, etc. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.