Monthly Archives: July 2020

Obituary

Obituary of Wesley Gress

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Wesley Allan Gress, 68, of Fort Scott, passed away late Sunday night July 19, 2020, at Via Christi Ascension in Fort Scott, Kansas. Wes was born March 22, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Warren Wesley and Dorothy Mae (Snyder) Gress. He married Colene Janette Summers August 24, 1975, in Kansas City, Kansas, and she preceded him in death January 15, 2020.

Wes attended Devry Institute of Electronics in Chicago, Illinois, and was an electrician for Niece Industries. He was a hands-on person that could fix anything. He played golf, loved gardening, was a master on the grill and loved to cook. He was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan.  He loved listening to music.

Wes is survived by his daughters, Andrea Weak of Pocahontas, Illinois, and Stephanie King, of Pittsburg, Kansas; a sister, Sherry Sugg, of Lakewood, Colorado; and two grandsons, Levi Weak and Kyran Weak. In addition to his wife Colene, he was also preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Renea Lynn Gress.

Following cremation, memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2020, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 West Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Interviews For KDA Executive Director/Division of Conservation Aug. 6-7

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Division of Conservation Director Candidates to Share Public Presentations

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture will hold interviews for the position of Executive Director of the Division of Conservation on August 6 and 7, and the selection process will include an opportunity for public participation. The public portion will consist of a presentation and questions, which will be available to watch live online.

 

The public presentations for the six candidates will take place in three separate online meetings: August 6 from 11:15 a.m.–12:00 noon, August 6 from 1:00 p.m.–1:45 p.m., and August 7 from 8:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Individuals who would like to observe and provide input for the public presentations should contact Brittney Grother at 785-564-6797 or [email protected].

 

Bourbon County, Fair, K-State Extension

Benefits of Youth Livestock Projects

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

 

With county fair season behind us, it may appear youth livestock exhibitors in the Southwind District may have wrapped up their livestock projects for 2020. However, many are still working at home to prepare for the Kansas State Fair and Kansas Junior Livestock Show – which are still options to them despite the many event cancellations across the country.  Not only are they practicing to drive their hogs, brace their sheep and goats and set up their cattle, they are working hard to keep them cool and on feed while managing summer temperatures and navigating a back-to-school schedule.

 

Lots of Southwind District 4-H members sold animals at their livestock premium sales, knowing they still had work to do at home. Youth who exhibit cattle care for and own their animals for about 280 days, and youth with sheep, meat goats and hogs care for and own their livestock for about 130 days. The time spent with animals teaches basic life skills and eventually help them develop into better citizens.

 

Following are some life skills that youth livestock project members can gain:

 

  1. How to get along with people. A large number of people in society quit or lose their jobs because they cannot get along with others. 4-H members who show livestock are around people they have never met but have similar interests. They learn to communicate with these people.

 

  1. Sportsmanship. At a livestock show, there is only one Grand Champion. However, there are many winners. Most 4-H members who show livestock for any period of time usually experience the  extreme high feeling of an exceptional effort and the extreme disappointment of a project that didn’t turn out as well as was expected. Normally, win or lose, the competitors in the show can be seen after the show talking and enjoying life together.

 

  1. Responsibility. Feeding and daily chores in a 4-H livestock project teach responsibility. Top feeders follow the time clock in their daily efforts. This is a good habit to start at a young age and may  reap youngster’s substantial benefits in a career later in their lives.

 

  1. Attend to details. Most young people take care of major items in a 4-H livestock projectlike fencing, feeding, etc. However many times it’s the little things that make a different: keeping water  tanks and feed troughs clean, working on grooming and showmanship several months before the show,  keeping pens clean and close observation for sickness and disease. Paying attention to details is  beneficial in almost everything we do in life.

 

  1. Decision making. Decision making is never easy at any point in our lives. 4-H livestock projects require several key decisions be made: selection of project animals, selection of feeding  method, care and management decisions, fitting and grooming techniques, etc.

 

  1. Goal setting. For every successful 4-H livestock project, there is usually a good plan. Most details and plans for the project on selection, feeding and management of the project have been planned well in advance. Goal setting is important for everyone regardless of future endeavors.

 

Next time you are at a livestock show, study the kids instead of the animals. Their 2020 projects may be far more diverse and advanced than the few animals taken to the County Fair, and plans are already underway to purchase stock for 2021 when we can hopefully return to normal.

 

For full results of your local County Fair in the Southwind District, visit www.Southwind.k-state.edu

Carla Nemecek

Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749

Government, Kansas

Kansas Water Authority Virtual Meeting July 30

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The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will have their meeting by Webinar on Thursday, July 30 starting at 9 a.m.

 

For additional meeting information or how to access the meeting, visit the Kansas Water Office website, www.kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185.

The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Vision and Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members.

Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.

 

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list. Florida as well as those countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions remain, but Arizona, Bahrain and French Guiana are removed effective today. Those traveling internationally are subject to CDC re-entry guidance and protocols.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. The state will review/update this list every two weeks. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

Traveled to:

  • Florida on or after June 29.
  • Arizona between June 17 – July 27.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.
  • International travel to Bahrain or French Guiana July 14 – July 26.
  • International travel on or after July 14 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. International travelers must follow CDC guidance and protocols.

 

Others needing to continue quarantining:

  • Anyone subject to a travel-related quarantine for a state or country previously on the travel-related quarantine list must complete their 14-day quarantine period.
  • Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.

 

“It’s important to remember that traveling comes with risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary said. “We encourage those thinking about traveling to review their options, determine its necessity and if choosing to go, remember to still take precautions: wear a mask, socially distance and avoid mass gatherings.”

 

States added to this list are determined by evaluating new cases in states over a two-week period, then adjusting for population size, giving a case per 100,000 population which can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. States with significantly higher rates (approximately three times higher) are added to the list. Kansas’ rate was 223 cases per 100,000 population; whereas Florida’s is currently 717 cases per 100,000 population.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being six feet from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County: 65 COVID-19 Cases

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“This doesn’t affect most of you but in case you saw the numbers and wondered why the difference, I wanted to let you know,” Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator, said.

The local health office is at 524 S. Lowman,Ft. Scott, KS 66701

Contact info: (620)223-4464 work, (620)223-1686 fax, [email protected]

“Yesterday Bourbon County had a new case and it was listed as active and under the total positives,” she said.  “After the investigation, it was found that the individual doesn’t actually live in Bourbon County. They hadn’t visited recently either. So, this case was sent to the county where they reside.”

 

“Also, in Bourbon County, they have a new hospitalization as of yesterday evening. So, their total in hospital at this time is 2.”

 

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

July 28, 2020

Allen County

Current Positive Cases 6
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 8
Total Positives Since Testing 14-1 removed-out of state and to remain there
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Positive Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 24
Total Positives Since Testing 26
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Positive Cases 5
Presumptive Cases 3-1 listed on KDHE website, tested negative
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 5-2 currently, with 1 of the 2 being new admit
Current Recovered Cases 60-includes presumptive cases
Total Positives Since Testing 65
Deaths 1

Woodson County

Current Positive Cases 0
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 11
Deaths 0

Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of Earl Colley Jr.

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Earl “Poncho” Colley, Jr., age 55, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at his home.

He was born October 24, 1964, in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Earl Colley, Sr. and Pamela Rice Colley.

Earl worked for Rent-A-Center for 17 years. He never met a stranger and could always make you laugh. He enjoyed MOKAN races, football (Chiefs), swimming, and classical rock music.

Earl was a talented individual, from auto mechanic, to carpentry, to cooking.

He and wife Lisa never had an argument.

Survivors include his wife Lisa of the home; three sons, Zach Lyman, Ft. Scott, Andrew Colley and wife, Erica, CA, and Joseph Colley, CO; two daughters, Kaitie Lyman, Ft. Scott, and Enjoli Colley, CO; three brothers, Rusty Green, Joplin, MO, Earl Colley and wife, Froenie, Sulphur OK, and Jamie Allen Rice, Midland, TX; a sister, Missy Colley Carriger and husband Darren, Osawatomie, KS; 10 grandchildren including JayLynn and Lynkoln Lyman; and 7 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There was cremation. Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date.

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

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Deadlines for Titling, Registration, Renewals

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Some Vehicle Titling, Registration, and Renewals Near Deadlines 

 

TOPEKA – As the end of July approaches, deadlines near for vehicle registration renewals and extensions given for recent vehicle purchases. The following information outlines the deadlines for specific transactions administered by county treasurers across the state.

Vehicle Registration Renewals:
Vehicle registrations with an expiration date of March through June 2020 must be renewed by Nov. 14, 2020. Vehicle registration renewals from July 2020 forward must be renewed in the regularly scheduled month.

Recent Vehicle Purchases:
Kansas residents who have purchased new or used motor vehicles on or after Jan. 1, 2020, and are operating with a valid, extended 60-day permit, may continue to do so beyond the 60 days. Through Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-55, the Kansas Department of Revenue is extending any temporary, 60-day Kansas permit for motor vehicles purchased after Jan. 1, through May 31, 2020.

 

The table below determines the deadline to complete the title and registration process for a recently purchased vehicle. Late penalties and loss of authority to operate motor vehicles on State roadways will be incurred after the deadline listed.

 

Purchase Date:  Title & Registration Deadline: 
Jan. 1-31, 2020 Monday, Aug. 31, 2020
Feb. 1-29, 2020 Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020
March 1-31, 2020 Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020
April 1-30, 2020 Monday, Nov. 30, 2020
May 1-31, 2020 Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Driver’s License Renewals:
The deadline to renew Kansas driver’s licenses and state identification cards with expiration dates of March 12 through Sept. 15, 2020, is Dec. 31, 2020.

 

Some county treasurer offices offer limited licensing services in which operations may vary.

While each county treasurer determines how its office completes these transactions, the Kansas Department of Revenue continues to encourage the online renewal of vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses. This can be done by visiting ikan.ks.gov or by downloading the iKan app from the Apple App or Google Play stores on your mobile device. By statute, some restrictions apply.

State identification card renewals require a visit to a Kansas Department of Revenue Driver’s License Office.

 

If a visit to a Kansas Driver’s License Office is necessary, an appointment is required. To schedule an appointment, customers are asked to use the method listed at ksrevenue.org/reopening. This site only lists state-run office locations.

 

 

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Government, Jobs, Kansas

KS Virtual Job Fair July 28-30

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Department of Commerce’s Third KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the third KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair will be held today, Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30.

 

“We need to maintain a strong, healthy workforce in our state, and getting Kansans back to work safely is one of my top priorities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The KANSASWORKS virtual job fair has proven to be a creative and effective way to connect Kansans with jobs opportunities, and will be important as our economy recovers from the challenges of COVID-19.”

 

The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices. This is the third KANSASWORKS virtual job fair so far in 2020, with four more planned later this year.

 

Click here to register.

 

The Department of Commerce moved its statewide job fairs online this year to eliminate the public health risks associated with mass gatherings, while continuing to provide job opportunities for job seekers and maintain a ready workforce for Kansas businesses.

 

“Increasing employment opportunities and keeping our economy strong is a top priority of the Department of Commerce,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The need for both businesses and job seekers in our state is significant, but health and safety concerns mean it’s still not safe to hold in-person job fairs. The Virtual Statewide Job Fair system is a perfect example of how our KANSASWORKS team is continuing to provide Kansans access to employers in a way that protects everyone involved.”

 

This year’s second virtual fair in June was a great success, with approximately 165 employers and 1,497 jobseekers participating. Employers represented included:

 

  • KanEquip, Inc.
  • Foley Equipment
  • Fuller Industries
  • Johns Manville
  • National Beef
  • PKM Steel Service Inc.
  • Salina Regional Health Center
  • Cornejo
  • Russell Stover
  • Reser’s Fine Foods
  • Johnsonville
  • Dillons
  • Glassman Corporation
  • CivicPlus
  • ADT
  • Bombardier Aviation
  • Creekstone Farms
  • Southwest Medical Center
  • Farmers Insurance
  • Goodwill Industries of Kansas
  • Emprise Bank
  • Wichita Public Schools
  • The University of Kansas

 

As concerns for the health and safety of Kansans remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the virtual job fair system for the remainder of 2020. Future statewide events are scheduled for:  

 

  • August 25-27
  • September 22-24
  • October 27-29
  • December 8-9

 

As these dates get closer, updates will be provided with employer and jobseeker registration links for each individual virtual fair.

 

COVID-19, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Graduation August 1

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A prior prom photo of the class 2020 of FSHS.
Submitted photo.

The 156 graduates of Fort Scott High School will have an unprecedented graduation on August 1 at the football stadium on Main Street at 8 p.m.

 

The changes are the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently seeing a surge in the country and in Bourbon County.

 

“We are approved for an outside graduation, with masks, a limited number of guests for each student, a maximum of 6,” said Amber Toth, Fort Scott High School, Principal. “The crowd will not be allowed on the field, we will dismiss our seating by section and have people leave immediately to help control crowd gatherings, and we will ensure social distancing.”

 

“We are not allowed to conduct graduation in the gym,” she said. ” If there is a weather issue we will reschedule time of graduation or date of graduation.”

 

“Teachers are allowed to attend graduation but there will not be a farewell line,” Toth said.  “We plan to have students do a lap on the track for audience members where they can wave, etc.”

 

The following is from the FSHS Facebook page:
“We have worked very hard to ensure we can have this ceremony and create a gathering that was approved by the health department. That means your cooperation and support will be needed moving forward. We need families to be flexible. We cannot have graduation in the gym with our current level of spread. Therefore, we may need to adjust the time etc if weather prevents us from having it at the stadium. GRADUATION WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN 6 TICKETS FOR GUESTS. Graduation will be live streamed for the public. We will have graduation practice on July 31st at 10:00 am. Students are required to attend so they can pick up their tickets for families and their mask at graduation practice. We will provide further details concerning entering the stadium before graduation.
Procedures:
1. We will expect the 6 guests from families to set together. We have provided seating for each student’s guests allowing for 6 foot distancing between families. We will expect you to follow and respect these guidelines.
2. We ask that each student’s guests enter the stadium together to help with seating.
3. You must have a ticket to enter the stadium.
4. All guests, graduates, and staff will be required to wear a mask throughout the ceremony. If you are not wearing a mask, you will not be allowed to enter the stadium but will be able to watch through the livestream from your home or car.
4. At the conclusion of graduation, no one will be allowed to enter the football field. We will do a recessional for the graduations and lead them off of the field.
5. Families will be dismissed from the bleachers one section at a time. This was an important step for getting our plan approved. We ask that you immediately leave the field when your section is dismissed so we can move to the next section.
6. You will need to meet your graduate at home or in your car after the ceremony.
7. Graduation masks will be provided for graduates and faculty.
8. If you have been mandated to quarantine while awaiting testing or have been quarantined due to a positive test or exposure, you will not be able to attend graduation. The health and safety of our community is our number one priority.”