Monthly Archives: December 2020

Government, Kansas

KCC Virtually Discusses Evergy’s Plan on Dec. 3

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The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a virtual workshop tomorrow to discuss details of Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan
What:   The Kansas Corporation Commission is holding the first of four virtual workshops tomorrow, beginning immediately after the 10 a.m. business meeting, to learn more about Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP) and how it will affect ratepayers.
When:   Thursday, December 3, 2020 immediately after the 10 a.m. business meeting (approximately 10:30 a.m.).
Where:   The workshop will be broadcast on the KCC’s YouTube Channel.
Details:        Each workshop will cover a specific topic related to the plan. The subject of tomorrow’s workshop is Grid Modernization Investments. Evergy representatives will make a presentation followed by questions from Commissioners and intervenors in the general investigation docket. The Commission opened the investigation to evaluate whether the STP is in the public interest.
        The general investigation docket is available on the KCC’s website at:
Fort Scott Community College

FSCC receives generous donation from Robert and Sylvia Bailey

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FSCC receives generous donation from Robert & Sylvia Bailey

Fort Scott, Ks–Fort Scott Community College received a generous donation from former Greyhounds Robert (Bob) and Sylvia Bailey for $100,000. FSCC is extremely grateful to the Bailey family for their continued support of the FSCC foundation and the greater Fort Scott community

“I was overwhelmed with Bob and Sylvia’s generosity when I opened their letter and saw the check! Bob and Sylvia’s continued support of Fort Scott Community College reflect their belief in giving back to their community. The Baileys our passionate about giving FSCC students the opportunity to accomplish their dreams, and helping FSCC have a positive economic impact on Bourbon County,” FSCC President, Alysia Johnston said.

FSCC fosters an atmosphere of learning and supporting students to continue their education. The type of contribution given by Mr. and Mrs. Bailey is utilized to ensure students have a tremendous experience while attending FSCC and lay the framework for educating the next generation of leaders.

“I am extremely grateful for the unbelievably generous gift to the Fort Scott Community College foundation. Robert and Sylvia Bailey have been outstanding contributors to the college for many years. This latest gift shows their commitment to Fort Scott Community College and the future success of our campus,” said Chief Development Officer, Jeff Tadtman.

FSCC is extremely thankful for all of Mr. and Mrs. Bailey’s contributions, which continue to positively impact student learning.

COVID-19, Government, Health Care

CDC Shortens Quarantine Periods

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CDC Announces Shortened COVID-19 Quarantine Periods

Counties may opt in to similar guidance in Kansas

 

TOPEKA – In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plan to reduce the quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19, KDHE is issuing similar guidance in Kansas. Counties may choose to opt in to the shortened quarantine period, either 10 or 7 days with testing, or continue with the 14 days.

“KDHE continues to recommend the 14-day quarantine and monitoring after being exposed to COVID-19,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “The incubation for this disease is still 14 days. The guidance is being changed at a federal level to encourage more people to get tested and encourage better compliance with quarantines.”

With the shortened quarantine period there are two options, one with testing and one without, with both requiring the individual to be symptom-free. Due to high risk situations, those residents in long-term care and assisted facilities as well as offender populations in Kansas Department of Corrections prisons, are not eligible for shortened quarantine periods in any county.

Individuals should check with their local health departments regarding the quarantine recommendations specific to their county.

7-Day Quarantine (Testing and No Symptoms) 

  • After exposure, individual must monitor symptoms daily or participate in Public Health monitoring for 7 days.
  • If there are no symptoms during this time frame, on or after Day 5, the individual may get a PCR test (antigen and antibody tests are NOT allowed for this purpose).
  • If the test is negative and the person remains symptom-free, the individual can be removed from quarantine on or after Day 7.
  • If Testing Results are pending on Day 7, the individual must not leave quarantine until results are received.

10-Day Quarantine (No Testing and No Symptoms) 

  • After exposure, you monitor yourself for symptoms daily or participate in Public Health monitoring for 10 days.
  • If you have no symptoms during the 10 days, you can be released from the quarantine without a test.

KDHE recommends all exposed people should self-monitor for 14 days from exposure and contact healthcare provider if symptoms develop. The disease can still develop through day 14.

For questions in your community, please contact your local health department. For those contacts being monitored by the KDHE, the computer system is currently being transitioned to allow for the shortened time periods, so those participating with KDHE may continue to experience monitoring calls during the transition period.

Bourbon County

BoCo Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of Dec. 2

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

December 2, 2020

  1. Welcome: Nine members representing eight agencies attended.
  • Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board was awarded $1,803.50 from the Dr. Pratt and Pauline Irby Trust Fund. Janet Braun, daughter of the Irbys, had notified her of the award.
  • The next Red Cross blood drive will be held on December 15 and 16 at Buck Run. Due to Covid, it is best for donors to make appointments because “walk-in donors” are not guaranteed to be accepted.
  • There is a vacancy on the Coalition Board; interested Coalition members should contact Billie Jo.
  • Billie Jo shared the following email announcement from Tammy Alcantar: The Crawford County Health Department is still taking referrals for the programs they offer in Bourbon County: WIC, Baby and Me Tobacco Free, Case Management Teen Wrap for moms aged 10-20 on Kan Care insurance, and Early Detection Works. Prenatal classes per Zoom will begin in January.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, informed members that she does have a three bedroom unit available for a family and possibly a two bedroom unit soon. Patty can also assist people with the application process for the Kansas Eviction Protection Program.
  • Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, noted that she had recently assisted a Fort Scott family who had lost everything in a home fire.
  • Nancy Van Etten, American Red Cross, shared that Red Cross is performing virtual deployment to disasters due to Covid. She and Cinda are also involved in online training for new Red Cross procedures. Of special note, Nancy announced the “Aunt Bertha” webpage that allows users to access all resources available in their areas. Simply type “Aunt Bertha” into a search engine and follow the links.
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP, thanked members for helping with the RSVP poinsettia fundraiser; the group sold 200 flowers.
  • Michelle Worsley, SEK CAP Head Start, noted that they have openings in both the 3-5 and Birth to 3 programs. Head Start is an income based program where parents are taught how to work with their children to ensure school readiness.
  • Robin Griffin, Thrive, shared that she is in charge of the Opioid Coalition which includes Bourbon County. She mentioned that FDA approved sharps containers can be obtained at the Health Department. She also reminded members that CHC does offer MAT: Medication Assisted Treatment.
  • Amanda Gilmore, Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse, introduced Ann Dare, a first time Coalition attendee. She shared that their group is looking for a building; they meet on Wednesdays at noon and Thursday evenings.
  1. Program (no programs until January, 2021, at the earliest):
  1. Open Forum: Following discussion concerning the low attendance numbers, the consensus of the group was to hold a Zoom meeting on January 6. Robin will be the Zoom host; notification of the meeting will be sent via email.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be January 6, 2021, on Zoom.
Business, Fort Scott

Laree and Co. Boutique Grand Opening Dec. 5

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     LET’S CELEBRATE NEW BUSINESS IN FORT SCOTT!
Join us for a
Chamber Coffee & Ribbon Cutting
TOMORROW
Thursday, December 3rd, 8am
As we celebrate the opening of
Laree + Co.!
The store will then open to the general public this Saturday, December 5th at 9am.
See details below!
Attention Chamber Members!
Join us TOMORROW, December 3rd to give a warm welcome to new Chamber Member and to celebrate this new Downtown business located on the corner of National and Wall at 3 S. National Ave.
Laree + Co. will be hosting the Chamber Coffee at 8am with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony immediately following.
Owner Alivia Kraft of Laree + Co. strives to offer beautiful and superior-quality tees, women’s apparel, holiday apparel, vinyl and fabric bows, shoes, head wraps, and more. Home décor and other furnishings will come in the future.
Click here for their Facebook page.
Click here for their website.
Official Press Release with More Details:
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Announced for Laree + Co.
Owner Alivia Kraft originally started L+C in honor of her daughter, Lillian, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 at 27 weeks’ gestation. Though she wasn’t expected to live past birth, Lillian celebrated her fourth birthday in August. Her determination and vibrancy for life inspired Alivia to step out of her comfort zone and do something she had always dreamed of – opening a boutique.
Trisomy 18 has impacted their lives on such a level that Laree + Co.’s mission is in part to spread awareness of medically-complex children and their illnesses through the naming of products after fellow medically-complex “warriors” and angels.
To further this effort, 10% of all profits are donated to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. CGCH is Lillian’s hospital and has save her life on numerous occasions.
Laree + Co. strives to offer beautiful and superior-quality tees, women’s apparel, holiday apparel, vinyl and fabric bows, shoes, headwraps, and more. Home décor and other furnishings will come in the future.
Support local – and a good cause – by stopping in this Saturday for Laree + Co.’s grand opening, where light refreshments, drinks, and door prizes will be available. Or, stop in
Monday-Friday 9am – 6pm during regular store hours.
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Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
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Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Virtual Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour, Dec. 4

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From the Fort Scott National Historic Site Facebook page.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected many local events, but one annual event, the Fort Scott National Historic Site Candlelight Tour has created an online opportunity for the community to enjoy.

“Last spring we began expanding park programming by creating virtual opportunities for visitors including online programs/events and virtual visits,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management,  said.  “As we moved into the fall and began planning for the 39th annual Candlelight Tour, we understand that not everyone is ready to travel. We want to have alternative opportunities and provide an event that was safe and available to those who have traditionally participated and for those who are unable to travel to the park. We hope everyone enjoys our virtual rendition of the Fort Scott Candlelight Tour, Friday, December 4, 2020, at 7 pm on the park’s web page (www.nps.gov/fosc).”

 

 Brenner described the six vignettes that comprise the tour.

  • Scene 1-Hospital – Health and Care of the Soldiers. This scene is a depiction of healthcare and hospital conditions on the frontier. Actors in this scene are Skip Thomas and Reed Hartford, with a depiction of sick patients by Aiden Mann and Daxson Ruggero
The hospital scene at the Fort. Submitted photo.
  • Scene 2- Stables – Health and Care of the Horses. Horses were one of the most important tools of the Dragoon soldier.  Sometimes horses were treated better than the soldiers. Actors are Brett Dawson, Jericho Jones, and Jesse Dineen.
The stable at the Fort Scott. Submitted photo.

 

  • Scene 3- Mess Hall – Lifestyle, Comfort, Camaraderie. Enlisted soldiers had a less formal or private life. They ate, slept, and worked in crowded conditions. Actors are Wayne, Dee, and Barrett Young.
The Fort Scott Mess Hall depiction. Submitted photo.
  • Scene 4-Officers’ Quarters – Lifestyle, Wealth, Comfort. With greater responsibility came greater space, freedoms, and comfort. Actors are George and Diane Bernheimer.

    Scene 6: a depiction of the officers quarters at Fort Scott. Submitted photos.
  • Scene 5- Quartermaster Storehouse – Supplies, Preparedness, struggles. The Quartermaster, and his staff, kept all aspects of the fort running. They also knew what was really happening on the post. Actors are Barry Geertsen and Frankie Ruggero.
The quartermaster scene. Submitted photo.

 

  • Scene 6-Guardhouse – Discipline, Law and Order, Punishment. To ensure their soldiers were ready for whatever task they were assigned, discipline was a frequently used motivational tool on the frontier. Actors are Lucas Leininger and Casey Gomez.

The scenes and their introductions are being filmed by Barry Geertsen, Laura Abbott, and Abby Schauer from the park staff.

 

Brenner gave a little background of how the pandemic is affecting the NPS and Fort Scott in particular.

“We, like many Park Service sites, have experienced a reduction in visitation,” he said. ” We have taken this time to reach out to a broader audience. We continue to develop virtual opportunities for visitors and content for teachers to engage their students. Two such projects include: working with educators to develop curriculum around the Missouri Compromise; and to engage students to research and develop videos around African American heroes from the Fort Scott area.”

The park staff has increased their online presence during the pandemic, Brenner said.

“Sharing park stories through Facebook and Instagram is not new,” he said.  “However, we have been increasing these opportunities to share more of the park’s stories and connect with a broader audience.”

 

Bourbon County

Uniontown 4-H Club Report For November 2020

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November Uniontown 4-H Report

Submitted by Kendyl Bloesser, Club Reporter

The Uniontown 4-H club met on Sunday, November 8, 2020. The November meeting was the club’s “Invite a Friend” meeting. The purpose is to invite youth who may be interested in joining 4-H to experience a meeting and be able to ask questions before opting to join. All together, eight “friends” joined the club members for the meeting.

The Uniontown FFA joined the meeting as special guests to demonstrate a model meeting to club members.

The Uniontown 4-H club members participated in the Veteran’s Day Parade, on Saturday, November 13th, with the Barnstormers 4-H club to represent Bourbon County 4-H by decorating a float with hay bales, American flags, and 4-H green.

The club’s next meeting will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the Uniontown Community Building.

Government, Kansas

KDWPT To Offer Deer Hunters Free Chronic Wasting Disease Testing 

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EMPORIA – Deer hunters across Kansas can have deer they harvest during the 2020-2021 seasons tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) free of charge through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). KDWPT, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, is undertaking a research project to better understand where CWD is present in Kansas and how the disease spreads. As part of the research project, the cost of CWD testing will be covered for the next three years at a maximum of 450 samples per Deer Management Unit (DMU). Harvest location in the form of GPS coordinates, section Range-Township-Section number, or nearest intersection will be required to receive free testing.

 

“We’re excited to be able to cover the cost of CWD testing for hunters statewide for the next three years,” said Levi Jaster, KDWPT big game program coordinator. “Hunters will benefit immediately from cost-free test results, but they’ll also benefit long term from better information related to deer herd disease management as a result of this project.”

 

Hunters can benefit from cost-free CWD testing during the 2020-2021 seasons through one of several options listed below:

  • Hunters may obtain collection instructions from University of Missouri staff by calling (620) 402-4195 or emailing [email protected]. And, hunters in DMUs 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 19 may receive direct assistance from University of Missouri staff. Simply call or email to make arrangements.
  • Hunters may utilize a manned voluntary sample collection station on Dec. 2, 4, 5, 11 and 12. See below for locations. Masks and social distancing protocols will be in place at sample stations.

 

Manned voluntary sample collection stations will be offered at the following locations:

 

Country Junction 

153 US 54 

Toronto, KS 66777 

 

Farmer’s Cooperative Association (parking lot) 

515 E Maple St.  

Columbus, KS 66725 

 

Casey’s Gas Station 

915 S. First St. 

Hiawatha, KS 66434 

 

Dara’s Fast Lane – Cenex 

5321 Tuttle Creek Blvd. 

Manhattan, KS 66502 

 

BP Gas Station and Car Wash 

2305 South Cedar St. 

Ottawa, KS 66067 

 

For more information on CWD in Kansas, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD or www.cwdks.com.

 

Government

Kansas Rural Preservation Grant

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The Kansas Historical Society is announcing that applications are now available for the Kansas Rural Preservation grant program. Earlier this year, the Kansas Historical Society received a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program. Those funds are now being offered through this subgrant program to the owners of historic properties for repair and rehabilitation projects.

 

A complete program description, application information, and application link are available online at kshs.org/20430. The application deadline is midnight on March 1, 2021. Applications must be submitted online via the weblink above.

 

Applicants must own a property listed in the National Register of Historic Places individually or as a contributing property in a National Register-listed historic district or have their property determined eligible for listing before the grant application is submitted. Properties determined eligible must be listed officially to the National Register during the grant period. The property must be within a community with a population of less than 30,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census and applicants must provide justification of their rural location as part of the application. Property owners may not be the state or federal governments.

 

Grantees can receive between $5,000 and $50,000. The grant reimburses 90% of eligible project activities up to the award amount and grant recipients shall provide 10% of the cost of eligible project activities as match.

 

All rehabilitation work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards & Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation. Eligible activities include professional services (architect and engineering fees) and projects involving the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of an eligible property. Repairs involving building components such as walls, doors, windows, chimneys, roofing, and foundations are eligible activities. Projects involving the preservation or restoration of non-building properties such as archeological sites, parks, cemeteries, bridges, and monuments are also eligible. Because this grant is supported by funding administered by the National Park Service, projects must follow federal project requirements including competitive selection of contractors and consultants. In addition, an easement will be placed on the property following the project completion.

 

Kansas Historical Society staff members will offer a free webinar with specifics for this program at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020. Staff members will discuss the application process, approaches to writing the application, and answer questions about the program. Contact the Historic Preservation Office at 785-272-8681, ext. 240; or [email protected] to register for this workshop or to request additional information.

 

Submitted by

Allyson Turvey

Tourism & Community Development Manager
City of Fort Scott

123 S. Main St.
Fort Scott, KS  66701
Office: 620-223-0550

Cell: 620-238-4919

www.visitfortscott.com

Entertainment, Fort Scott

FS Public Library Holiday Countdown Dec. 1-15

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Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash (creative commons)
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Miss Val and your friends at Fort Scott Public Library by participating in the 15-Day Holiday Countdown!
From December 1-15, visit the Library’s Facebook page between 7 am and 11:59 pm to view a special daily video by Miss Val. Each video will feature one or more unique stories, songs, crafts, or activities the family can enjoy together. Families that post a photo or video of their child(ren) enjoying the activity or of the finished project will earn a small prize to go in their holiday prize bag. If they’d rather, parents may send the photos or videos directly to Miss Val at [email protected]. All photos and videos must be submitted by 11:59 pm on December 15 in order to be eligible. Miss Val will compile the treat bags, contact participating families, and hand the bags out through the library’s curbside service from December 17-19. 
Happy Holidays from your FSPL Staff !
Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College Library Receives Humanities Kansas Grant

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TOPEKA – Humanities Kansas recently awarded $1,481.00 to the Fort Scott Community College Library to support a community read project. Susie Arvidson serves as project director.

This project encourages the FSCC campus community to interact with the local communities in a common book reading and discussions club. The books to be read are A Choice of Weapons by Gordon Parks and The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore. Parks’ book was selected as this autobiography addresses the themes of racism, discrimination, and poverty and how the author chose to address and combat those issues. Moore’s book was selected as it addresses the issues of fate/choice, race, inequality, injustice, discipline, and violence culminating in the support of the theme of expressions of truth.

Readings will occur individually with a suggested reading timeline. Discussions will occur in multiple formats: live, in-person book discussions hosted on the college campus and various hosting locations throughout the community when possible, as well as in a virtual format offering participants the option to participate virtually through scheduled, synchronous meetings or asynchronously via social media. Finally, each reading and discussion will culimnnate with a guest speaker who will speak on the overall, central theme of culture and diversity.

“Humanities Kansas believes that communities are strengthened through the exchange of stories and ideas,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas Executive Director. “This project brings the people of Fort Scott together to read, discuss, and share experiences, encouraging community connection and engagement on significant topics.”

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

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