Monthly Archives: July 2020

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Walmart Donates Plants To Community Endeavors: Volunteers Needed To Plant

Leave a comment
From left: Brian Gillespie, Walmart Lawn and Garden Department Manager; Kristi Maycumber, Walmart Claims Supervisor and Alison Leach, community volunteer and an administrator of the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page, stand in front of the donated plants. Submitted photos.
 Walmart Fort Scott had excess seasonal plants at this time of year they needed to get rid of.
 Walmart Claims Supervisor Kristi Maycumber, follows a group on Facebook, Community Resources of Bourbon County, administered by Alison Leach, Allen Schellack and  Kate Sweetser.
“When the garden department said they needed to get rid of perennials and annuals, I thought of Alison,” Maycumber said. We got a hold of Alison, she’s been trying to do some things for the parks (in Fort Scott).”
“Kristi Maycumber contacted me…on Tuesday, July 15th, from Walmart, regarding the opportunity to donate annuals and perennials to the community,” Leach said.
Leach began to search for those areas in the county that might benefit from the donation.
 “Gunn Park and Fort Scott bike trails entrances have been identified as an area for the donation,” Leach said.  “In a collaborative effort, I reached out to Fort Scott Garden Club, Barbara McCord, as they plant and maintain the downtown area and  (swimming) pool garden.  Their club will be identifying areas and choose selections from this donation. Nancy Holt, with the Uniontown Garden Club, was also contacted regarding the donation and any areas of need,  they declined at this time.”
“The total retail amount (of the donation) with 75% discount (the plants were on sale) is $1217,” Leach said.
Alison Leach, left, and Kristi Maycumber unloaded the plants in Leach’s back yard. Leach will keep them watered until they can get in the ground, with donated help.

 

Now, Leach said, volunteers are needed to get the donated plants in the ground.
“We would be very interested in volunteers to plant,” Leach said.    “Our challenges are that, with the heat, hard soil and lack of water accessibility, it can appear overwhelming.  However, we would like to stay positive and think of the long term benefit of highlighting our community settings with these donations.”
To volunteer, Leach can be reached at 620-215-2523.
Leach started the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page on March 17, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Many people were contacting me via (Facebook) Messenger asking questions,” she said.  “I referred them to the Bourbon County Health Department and City of Fort Scott Facebook page, however, the messages kept coming.  I created the page and then asked a few people to assist in replying.”

Government, Kansas

Several Kansas Editors Give Support to Governors Delay Order

2 Comments

Editorial Boards Across Kansas Agree Governor Laura Kelly’s School Delay Order is Right Decision

Kansas City Star, Wichita Eagle, Hutchinson News editorial boards voice support

 

Reopening of Kansas schools delayed as Gov. Laura Kelly imposes COVID-19 common sense

The Kansas City Star

July 15, 2020

 

Key Quote: “Parents, students and teachers should breathe a sigh of relief, albeit 6 feet apart, after Gov. Laura Kelly Wednesday sagely delayed the reopening of Kansas schools until after Labor Day. Throwing school doors open a month or less from now seemed highly improbable, and certainly reckless during the state’s current spike in coronavirus cases.”

 

Read the full story here.

 

…

 

We all want Kansas kids back in school – but this pandemic has other plans

The Wichita Eagle

July 16, 2020

 

Key Quote: “Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to delay the start of school recognizes that simple fact: As local coronavirus cases continue to surge and Wichita-area hospitals warn that they’re nearing capacity with COVID-19 patients, we can’t just pretend everything’s OK. The governor’s plan to keep schools closed through Labor Day would allow districts to hone plans and communicate them to employees and families.”

 

Read the full story here.

…

 

Editorial: If you want schools open, follow guidelines

The Hutchinson News

July 16, 2020

 

Key Quote: “Gov. Laura Kelly has stepped up yet again to do what’s right for Kansas. In deciding to delay the opening of state schools by three weeks, Kelly made clear what other politicians are reluctant to say. The pandemic isn’t over. It’s not even declining. In Kansas, and in many other states, it is actually gathering strength.”

 

Read the full store here.

Opinion

Oops by Patty LaRoche

1 Comment

Mmmm-mmmm. Looks pretty tasty, don’t you think? Three ice cream balls coated with chopped nuts and topped with whipped cream and, of course, a juicy, red cherry. Now, I’m not a dessert eater, but when Dave and I saw this picture on a menu at a Florida restaurant, I figured it couldn’t hurt to give it a try. I asked the waitress if it was as good as it looked.

“We don’t have any,” she replied.

“Oh, you ran out?” I asked.

“No. We never had it. We just copied the picture off of the internet.”

It took me a few seconds to digest (excuse the pun) what she had said.

“You mean you just thought this looked appetizing and added it to your menu?”

“Yep. We get a lot of requests for it.”
I burst out laughing. “So, you just pretend? Oh my gosh, that’s hysterical!”

With that, our waitress turned on her heels, not finding it as funny as Dave and I did.

Can you imagine being so gutsy? Surely our waitress wasn’t supposed to tell us the truth. Surely she was to simply explain that they had run out of that particular dessert that particular day. Whatever the motive, I wondered what would happen if the restaurant got caught…you know, by the actual creator of those treats. What possible good could come from such pretense?

Then again, they aren’t the only ones who pretend. We all are guilty. It might not be as blatant as this menu, but I see it all the time, especially in Christian circles. We act peaceful. Non-judgmental. Loving. Giving. Maybe even Holy.

Oh, if such pretense could be our reality!

I love how Socrates put it: “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” What would it be like not to pretend just a little… like when I encounter telemarketers or slow drivers or people who don’t keep a six-foot distance and manage to bite my lip instead of biting off their heads?

Today I made a call to “Janet,” a Covid survivor and one I wanted to question about some political issues. I began by asking how she was feeling. She shared that she was surprised to hear from me (probably since we last talked 18 months ago and weren’t close friends), that she was doing great and had just made a four-state trip with her husband. Since Janet had not been anywhere due to the virus AND this woman’s voice sounded nothing like my friend, I realized that I had dialed the wrong Janet.

As it turned out, in our hour-long conversation, this Janet soon was sharing her spiritual struggles, and I was the ear she needed. When it was time to hang up, she said, “I cannot believe how God used you to call me out of the clear blue. How I needed to talk to you!” This was my chance to tell her the truth and not pretend, and that’s what I did…well, sort of.

“Neither can I, Janet. Neither can I.”

Bourbon County, Elections, Government

Kendell Mason: Candidate For Bourbon County Clerk

Leave a comment
Kendell Mason. Submitted photo.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County.  The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.  Doors open at 5:30  p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of the federal, state, then local candidates.

 

Kendell Dawn Mason, 48, is the current Bourbon County Clerk and is running for re-election.

Mason is a graduate of Fort Scott High School and  Fort Scott Community College.

She has worked for over 15 years in the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office,  over seven of those years as the county clerk.

 

What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?

“The knowledge and experience of working in the office for 15 ½  years.”

 

What is your priority on day one?

“To continue to work hard for the taxpayers of Bourbon County.”

 

The following is taken from the Bourbon County website:

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

The County Clerk is elected in November of Presidential Election years to a term of four years.  There are no term limits to this elected office.

The Bourbon County Clerk/Election Officer is responsible for a wide range of things under Kansas Law.  Some of those are listed here.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election.  You may advance vote in one of two ways:  By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you   OR   in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Schools

New U234 Director of Academics: Dalaina Smith

3 Comments
Dalaina Smith is the new academic director at USD234. Submitted photo with her husband.
Dalaina Smith, 34, is the new USD 234 Director of Academics.
Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Mathematics Major in  2008, a Master of Science in Reading, Reading Specialist Emphasis in 2012, Specialist in Education in Advance Studies in Leadership, General School Administration Emphasis in 2015 all from Pittsburg  State University. She then earned a  Master of Arts in Ministry Studies in 2018 from Lee University and in 2019 earned a Master of Science in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University.
” Following graduation, I taught high school math for the spring semester at Parsons High School,” Smith said. “I then accepted a position at Riverton Middle School teaching English Language Arts.  Later math and computer application courses were added to my schedule.  At RMS I was given the opportunity to begin working with teachers to document and align the district curriculum, this is when I realized that curriculum and instruction was my passion within education.  After seven years at Riverton, I accepted a position with Frontenac Schools to serve as the librarian, as well as the curriculum coordinator.  The past four years I had the opportunity to work with students in all grade levels, as well as work with teachers to lay foundational curriculum work.  I am excited to now begin my journey with Fort Scott! “
Her family includes husband, Jasyn,  and  “a modern-day Brady Bunch”, she said. ” Together, we have six kids, Huntyr, 20, Cartyr, 18, Lexy, 15, Lyndsy, 14, Bryar, 11, and Gunnyr, 9.”
Dalaina Smith and family. Submitted photo.
” As a family, we enjoy fishing, hunting, and church activities,” Smith said. “We’ve recently begun raising English Mastiffs and have three gentle giants: Mabel, Rooster, and Ellie.  These huge dogs don’t realize they’re not lap dogs!  With all our kids there is rarely any downtime, however, I enjoy making T-shirts in my quiet time.”
How did you become an educator? Is there someone who inspired you to teach?
“My high school math teacher, Mrs. Davis, took even those who struggled and provided learning opportunities that allowed anyone to be successful,” she said.  “She provided encouragement and opportunities even for those that did not feel that it was deserved.  That was the kind of difference I wanted to make, the kind of hope I wanted to extend.  Then, working under the guidance of Dr. Becky Murray (who was previously my high school PE teacher), I began to understand that teachers needed that same encouragement and support.  She sought growth opportunities for herself and those on her team.  She lead and made you want to follow.  Every meeting began and ended with what’s best for students.  Her encouragement, personally and professionally, pushed me to pursue my education and career opportunities further.  I continue to aspire to be the kind of leader I had the opportunity to work with.”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
“For me, the best part of teaching and leading is seeing students and staff get passionate about the topic at hand.  It’s a privilege to get to work with educational experts and work to develop the best learning opportunities for all students.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“This year, no doubt will present some of the most unprecedented times in education,” Smith said.  “However, I am confident that the staff, students, and community will rally together to create the best learning opportunities for our students.”
Government, Kansas

Public Library CARES Grant

Leave a comment

The State Library of Kansas Announces the 2020 Public Library CARES Grant

 

The Kansas Libraries CARES grant application is now open. The Cares grant is open from now until July 31, 2020. Funding for this grant comes to the State Library from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  This non-competitive grant is open to Kansas public libraries. Application and guidelines can be found at https://kslib.info/1451/LSTA-CARES-Covid-19.

 

The purpose of the funding will be to help libraries address efforts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. The application is relatively simple and the list of approved purchases is long and expansive.  The State Library wants to make this process as easy possible. Libraries will be allowed to include purchases from April 21, 2020 through September 30, 2020.

 

Please note, this application has an abbreviated grant timeline.

The application submission deadline will be Friday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

 

Timeline:

  • July 31, 2020: Application Deadline
  • August 2020: Funding Dispersed
  • September 30, 2020: Libraries should make every effort to expend the full amount awarded and according to grant guidelines by this date.
  • October 31, 2020: Libraries must submit documentation of purchase and complete a brief report via a form provided by the State Library of Kansas.

 

This grant opportunity for public libraries is made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services federal CARES Act.

 

For more information, visit the State Library of Kansas website:

https://kslib.info/1451/LSTA-CARES-Covid-19

Obituary

Obituary of Barbara Bolden

Leave a comment

Barbara Ann Bolden, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at her home.

She was born January 10, 1944, in Douglas, AZ, the daughter of Milton and Dorothy Audilet.

She married Leland “John” Bolden on November 29, 1966, in Lowell, AZ.

She enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, casinos, and coloring books with her grandkids. She loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband John of the home; 2 daughters, Laura Barenthin, Ft. Scott, and Barbara Ann Spinazzola and husband Tony, Mesa, AZ; 6 grandchildren, Craig Bolden, Jasmine Barenthin, Lillian Barenthin, Alex Bolden, Sierra Spinazzola, and Caitlyn Spinazzola; and 3 great-grandchildren, Tessa Goddard, Auryana Bolden, Jonathon Bolden, and one more on the way.

Private family services will be held at the Cheney Witt Chapel with burial in the U. S. National Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

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

Government, Kansas

Kansas Schools Ordered to Delay School Until After Labor Day

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Executive Order Delaying School Openings Until After Labor Day

Will also issue order enforcing health guidelines, mitigation strategies in schools

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that on Monday, she will sign an executive order to delay opening schools until after the Labor Day holiday.

 

“I can’t in good conscience open schools when cases in our state are at an all-time high and continuing to rapidly rise,” Governor Kelly said. “Every action I have taken throughout this pandemic has been done to keep Kansans healthy, keep our state open for business and get our kids back in school.”

The Governor made this decision in consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Education, which continue to monitor health metrics and disease spread in the state.

 

On Monday, a record coronavirus spike pushed Kansas past 20,000 total cases. ICU capacity in some of the state’s hospitals are under threat, and nearly 300 Kansans have died.

 

The Governor will also issue an executive order requiring schools to mandate commonsense mitigation strategies outlined in the Kansas Board of Education’s fall plan for schools. Under the order, masks, social distancing, proper hygiene, and daily temperature checks will be enforced regardless of the Kansas school district.

 

“The additional three weeks before opening schools will provide schools time to work with their counties to get the necessary mitigation supplies like masks, thermometers, and hand sanitizer,” Governor Kelly said. “The Kansas State Board of Education and I are united in prioritizing the health of our students and faculty, and ensuring we provide a world-class education for our students.”

Further details will be announced next week after the order is released.

Exercise, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Golf Classic July 24

Leave a comment
JOIN US FOR THE 26TH ANNUAL
CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
NOW IS THE TIME ~
The tournament is next Friday, July 24th.
This is one of the primary fundraisers of the Chamber to fulfill our mission of Supporting Commerce, Building Community & Promoting Spirit in Fort Scott, Bourbon County and the surrounding area!
We greatly appreciate your support!
Golfers – sign up your winning team now – Big Prizes!
Did you see this?
Briggs Auto is sponsoring BIG prizes for
Hole-in-One’s on the Par 3 Holes!
See details below!
Lunch by Sharky’s Pub & Grub and Luther’s BBQ!
CASH prizes for the winning teams,
plus more games, raffles & FUN!!!
Sponsors – this is your time to get your Return on Investment through business advertisement & promotional items!
Please see information below
for more details!
Click here for printed form.
Click here to register online.
Or, feel free to give us a call or drop by the Chamber to register a team or sponsorship!
620-223-3566
Always a great day of
business promotion, networking & fun!
Special thanks to 2020 Tournament Chair & Board Member:
David Ben Lipe – Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Luther’s BBQ
2020 Chamber Board Chairman:
Bill Michaud – Sleep Inn & Suites, Empress Event Center
Government, Kansas

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Now Present in 10 Counties in Kansas

Leave a comment

 

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture has announced that vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has now been confirmed in 10 counties in Kansas. KDA’s Division of Animal Health continues to respond to the outbreak that began in south central Kansas in mid-June and has now expanded its reach to the north and east. More than 60 premises have tested positive for VSV in Butler, Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morris, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. In addition, KDA is awaiting laboratory results from symptomatic animals in other counties as the outbreak continues to spread.

 

All premises with confirmed cases of VSV in horses have been quarantined; in addition, any premises with animals showing clinical signs consistent with VSV are placed on quarantine. Nearly 50 premises are currently under quarantine. A quarantine for VSV lasts for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms on the last animal on the premises. Quarantines are not lifted until a veterinarian has examined all susceptible animals on the premises. Over 70 premises have been released from quarantine.

 

VSV is a viral disease which primarily affects horses, but can also affect cattle, sheep, goats, swine, llamas and alpacas. At this time, the vast majority of confirmed cases of VSV in Kansas have been horses, although some cattle have also been diagnosed. KDA has advised the beef industry to be vigilant in monitoring their cattle for symptoms.

 

“As this VSV outbreak continues, we ask all owners of horses and other livestock to monitor your animals for symptoms of VSV, and be in communication with your veterinarian if you see anything of concern,” Dr. Justin Smith, Animal Health Commissioner said. “You can help slow the spread of this virus by taking aggressive steps to limit exposure to insects that are the primary source of infection and by keeping your horses separate from other horses which may be infected.”

In horses, VSV is typically characterized by lesions which appear as crusting scabs on the muzzle, lips, ears, coronary bands, or ventral abdomen. Other clinical signs of the disease include fever and the formation of blister-like lesions in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, ears, hooves and teats. Infected animals may refuse to eat and drink, which can lead to weight loss. Vesicular stomatitis can be painful for infected animals and costly to their owners. Although it is rare, humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals and can develop flu-like symptoms.

 

The primary way the virus is transmitted is from biting insects like black flies, sand flies and midges. Owners should institute robust measures to reduce flies and other insects where animals are housed. VSV can also be spread by nose-to-nose contact between animals. The virus itself usually runs its course in five to seven days, and it can take up to an additional seven days for the infected animal to recover from the symptoms. There are no approved vaccines for VSV.

 

KDA has developed guidelines to assist organizations which are hosting shows and fairs across the state, and have worked with many of them to consider how they can protect the health and safety of animals attending their events.

 

VSV has also been confirmed in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Because of the confirmed cases in Kansas, other states and Canada are likely to increase restrictions on livestock imports. Animal health officials strongly encourage all livestock owners and veterinarians to call the animal health authority in the destination location for the most current import requirements prior to travel.

 

Information about VSV can be found on the KDA website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/VSV, including:

  • Documents describing symptoms of VSV
  • Recommendations for fly control practices
  • Guidelines for shows and fairs
  • Materials from a webinar with K-State Research and Extension in Butler County
  • Current state and national situation reports

 

VSV is considered a reportable disease in Kansas. If you observe clinical signs among your animals, contact your veterinarian right away. For questions about VSV in Kansas, please contact the KDA Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.