Monthly Archives: January 2021
FSHS Boys Swim Team Competes at Winfield
The Fort Scott High School Boys Swim Team competed at Southwestern College in Winfield, on Thursday.
Oliver Witt brought home two second-place medals in both the 200 Free and 100 Fly with a best time in the 100 Fly.
Bobby Kemmerer brought home two third-place medals in both the 50 Free and 100 Breast.
Sam Mix took 7th in the 50 Free and 9th in the 100 Breast taking 2 seconds off his previous time for a personal best.
The Swimming Tigers will head to Osawatomie on January 20 to continue to work towards state qualifying times.
Submitted by Angie Kemmerer
Walgreens COVID 19 Vaccinations
Walgreens Expects to Complete Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine First Doses in Skilled Nursing Facilities by January 25
06 January 2021
Walgreens continues to accelerate access to COVID-19 vaccinations among additional vulnerable populations as part of state and local jurisdictions distribution plans
DEERFIELD, Ill., January 06, 2021 – Walgreens expects to complete the administration of COVID-19 vaccine first doses in skilled nursing facilities by Monday, Jan. 25. The company is also rapidly expanding access to vaccinations among assisted living facilities and additional vulnerable populations outlined by states and local jurisdictions as part of expanded distribution plans.
“Since receiving our first allotments of vaccines in late December, Walgreens has remained on track in vaccinating our most vulnerable populations, and we are steadfast in our commitment to accelerating access to COVID-19 vaccines as we receive additional guidance from state governments and jurisdictions,” said John Standley, president, Walgreens. “Walgreens takes immense pride in being a part of protecting our communities from COVID-19 and helping the country take this first step toward emerging from this pandemic.”
As part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, Walgreens began administering COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff at long-term care facilities in late December and is now active across 49 states and Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Activation dates and prioritization of long-term care facilities were determined by each state. In accordance with CDC and state guidance, Walgreens provided COVID-19 vaccination clinics to skilled nursing facilities first and is expanding to assisted living and other types of facilities. The company will continue to partner with states and jurisdictions to provide vaccinations to residents and staff at 35,000 long-term care facilities that are partnering with Walgreens.
Walgreens will continue to work with states as they finalize their Phase 1b and 1c plans to administer COVID-19 vaccines to additional vulnerable populations, which may include essential workers and people ages 75 and older. COVID-19 vaccines will be available in all of Walgreens more than 9,000 store locations once they become available for mass administration. At that time, individuals will be able to schedule vaccination appointments through the Walgreens app or online.
“Walgreens pharmacy team members are embedded in communities and have more than a decade of experience providing immunizations,” said Standley. “They will continue to play a critical role in educating patients and supporting the administration of vaccines, including in rural and underserved communities.”
Walgreens is committed to driving health equity throughout the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines. Reaching underserved and rural areas is a critical component given the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in these communities? While nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population lives within five miles of a Walgreens pharmacy, Walgreens is committed to leveraging different models, such as mobile and off-site clinics, to ensure the delivery of vaccines in underserved and rural areas. These communities have been a focus throughout the pandemic, with more than 70 percent of Walgreens COVID-19 testing sites located in socially vulnerable areas and the implementation of off-site clinics and voucher programs to ensure access to flu vaccinations in underserved areas.
About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), a global leader in retail and wholesale pharmacy. As America’s most loved pharmacy, health and beauty company, Walgreens purpose is to champion the health and wellbeing of every community in America. Operating more than 9,000 retail locations across America, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Walgreens is proud to be a neighborhood health destination serving approximately 8 million customers each day. Walgreens pharmacists play a critical role in the U.S. healthcare system by providing a wide range of pharmacy and healthcare services. To best meet the needs of customers and patients, Walgreens offers a true omnichannel experience, with platforms bringing together physical and digital, supported by the latest technology to deliver high-quality products and services in local communities nationwide.
Governor’s Council On Tax Reform Report
Governor’s Council on Tax Reform Releases Second Interim Report
TOPEKA – A second interim report by the Governor’s Council on Tax Reform is issued in the wake of the last legislative session being cut short by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The report for consideration by the Kansas Legislature includes additional research of possible economic implications to the state caused by the pandemic.
Governor Laura Kelly established the bipartisan Governor’s Council on Tax Reform through Executive Order No. 19-11, which has since extended its formation.
The Council was tasked with conducting an in-depth assessment of the state’s tax structure, to explore strategies that increase both effectiveness and fairness, and receive input from stakeholders across the state.
The governor continues to recommend returning to the “three-legged stool” approach that relies on a sensible balance of income, sales, and property tax revenue.
The Council will continue to review aspects of state and local finances and how best to respond to federal tax law changes, the taxation of groceries as part of sales tax revenue, and how to best provide targeted property tax relief. The Council also is charged with determining how much room will be available in future budget projections for tax relief.
“I am pleased with the extensive work the Council has performed for the sound recommendations that will return the state to a balanced approach of sales, income and property taxes,” Governor Laura Kelly said.
SNAP Food Assistance Increases
Kansas Households Receiving Food Assistance Will Receive Added Benefit
Beneficiaries to see 15 percent increase starting in January
Kansas Department for Children and Families Secretary Laura Howard announced today that benefits through the food assistance program, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will increase temporarily.
The maximum allotments for food assistance will increase 15 percent for each household in January and will continue through June 2021. For the six-month period, the maximum allowable allotment for a family of four has been temporarily increased to $782.
“The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 allows states to provide this additional assistance,” Howard said. “These added funds are imperative to ensure Kansas families have access to food in these uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Those that already receive food assistance don’t have to take any action to receive the increased benefit.
In January, funds will come in three issuances: The regular benefit was issued between Jan. 1 – 10 ; the 15 percent temporary increase will be available to each household as a supplement on Jan. 21; and the emergency food assistance allotment will be issued Jan. 22 – 30.
The February through June temporary maximum benefit will be issued on the regular issuance dates of the 1st through 10th of the month. In July, benefits will return to the regular benefit amount.
The temporary increase in maximum allotments are:
| Household Size | January 2021 – June 2021 Maximum Benefits |
| 1 | $234 |
| 2 | $430 |
| 3 | $616 |
| 4 | $782 |
| 5 | $929 |
| 6 | $1114 |
| 7 | $1232 |
| 8 | $1408 |
| Each additional person | + $176 |
The temporary minimum allotment for household size 1 to 2 is $19.
All food assistance benefits are based on household size, household income and allowable deductions.
Those interested in applying for food assistance can visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov or contact their local service center.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 14
American Legion Fort Scott Post 25 Update
Thursday. January 14. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 6 PM in Memorial Hall.
Thursday. January 14. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7:15 PM in Memorial Hall.
Saturday. January 30. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.
I have attached the current National American Legion Membership Impact Report and the State Adjutant’s Letter. Both articles have items of interest to the Kansas American Legion family.
Kansas Legion Sunflower Jan – Mar 2021 American Legion December 2020 Impact Report
Anyone interested in joining the Fort Scott American Legion Family should contact Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers at 620-215-1688. Our mission is supporting Veterans and their families.
Submitted by
Carl Jowers
Post 25 Commander
Adult Basic Education Offered at FSCC
Fort Scott Community College offers adult education classes to assist students in GED preparation, basic math and reading skills, employment skills, and college preparation and transition. Individuals who have completed the adult education classes will have the opportunity to earn a GED, Basic Computer Skills certificate, and the Kansas Work Ready certificate.
Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.
Attendance is mandatory all days of orientation. Class times are Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4 pm, and 4 – 7 pm. The adult education center is located in the Student Success Center in Bailey Hall.
Based on the results of your assessment during orientation, staff members will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In order to be eligible to take the GED examination, you must have completed all of the adult education class requirements, passed all required exams, and have a valid government issued photo identification card.
The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included in the class fee. The GED test fees are $33 per subject (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) which can be taken and paid for separately; due when you register for the test.
Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will be issued a diploma by the Kansas State Department of Education.
I am currently trying to build back my face-to-face classroom but I also offer online classes. These classes could be for students lacking a diploma OR for anyone needing to review their basic reading and/or math skills. I have had students take my class to prepare better for college entrance, to qualify for a program such as KansasWorks, or to even just learn how to use a computer and brush up on technology skills. Students CAN enroll in the ABE class if they lack basic skills, even if they have a HS diploma or GED.
I am accepting students that are ready to learn. They would just need to contact me to schedule an appointment to fill out paperwork and take the TABE pre-assessment. I will be accepting new students for 2-3 weeks. If students are not ready to start right away, our next orientation will be in March. If you know someone that is interested, please send them my way.
Submitted by:
Aubrey Duft
ABE/GED Instructor at FSCC
FS City Special Meeting Agenda Jan. 14
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM
123 S MAIN STREET
JANUARY 14, 2021
4:00 P.M.
I. ROLL CALL:
K. ALLEN P. ALLEN R NICHOLS L WATTS J. JONES
II. CONSIDERATION:
-
Consideration of Financial Transfers
-
Consideration of a Bourbon County contract
-
Executive Session – Discussion of non-elected personnel
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
FS City Commission Meets at 4 p.m. Jan. 14
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to consider financial transfers and to consider a Bourbon County contract. Also added to the special meeting is an Executive Session to discuss non-elected personnel.
This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.
Chamber/E3 Ranch Host Downtown Meet and Greet
Business owners and others interested in downtown Fort Scott, met Jan. 12 in the future walk-in freezer space at E3 Ranch and Co. store at 13 S. National Ave.
The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet was hosted by E3 Ranch and Co.
E3 owner Jennifer LaRoche said the room “will be full of the walk-in freezer and meat products” soon. In addition, the storefront of the business will be redone, she said.
The other storefront business spaces at the corner of Wall Street and National Avenue “we are chipping away at construction,” she said.
There are two spaces on National Avenue and one on Wall Street available for retail space, Laroche said.
For more information contact LaRoche at the E3 Ranch store at 13 S. National or Common Ground Coffee Co. around the corner on Wall Street she said.
Business news
There are three new businesses this calendar quarter in the downtown area, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lindsay Madison said.
“Next week the Star Emporium is opening on Main Street,” Madison said. “Laree + Co is at Wall and National and H Bar Suites is a new vacation rental on VRBO, above the Hole in the Wall Liquor Store on Wall Street.”
Low-interest loans are available for businesses, Madison said.
E-Community Loans are available locally and can be applied for at www.networkingkansas.com, she said.
She said a Youth Entrepreneur Challenge is on for all high school students in Bourbon County. “They must put together a business plan and compete,” Madison said.
Some of those in attendance were given an opportunity to speak.
Fort Scott Interim City Manager Jeff Hancock said candidates for the city manager position have been narrowed down.
The newly reorganized city commission, with Josh Jones as mayor, will work on capital improvements, street improvements, will be sharing “business services” with the Bourbon County Commission, and working on Land Bank possibilities, Hancock said.
Fort Scott’s Economic Development Director Rachel Pruitt said the city has “come a long way” and noted that Diane Striler recently purchased the old Rennett Studio on North Main street, additionally the recently completed Union Lofts apartments on Main Street have 10 of the 25 apartments rented. There are two barbers who plan to open businesses downtown, she said.
Carl Brenner, Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at Fort Scott National Historic Site, said the fort is doing maintenance projects on seven buildings currently. These are paid for by park user fees, he said.
Since the pandemic began in March 2020, the fort employees have been utilizing online capabilities more. In-person tours are still available and they are planning to have school student visitors at the fort in the near future.
Dacia Clark, Small Business Development Center representative, spoke about the partnership with Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center, which is located above the new Star Emporium Storefront at 17 S. Main. Her hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clark can help new businesses get started and marketing plans for established ones. She can also help with Quickbooks for organizing data.
Beth Nuss spoke on behalf of the Lowell Milken Center For Unsung Heroes Park. She and a citizen committee have worked for several years on the greenspace repurposing. Recently Lowell Milken is providing funds to bring the new park to fruition, and “the goal is to have it done by the all-school reunion in (June 2021),” she said.
Madison said the downtown walking trail, a project of LEAD Bourbon County, is slated for completion by April 1, 2021. The project was funded by the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Madison said a sailor remains are being returned to Fort Scott for burial at the national cemetery on May 29. William Barnett was 21 when he died at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in World War II. She wondered if there were any living relatives who would be interested in the event. Cheney-Witt Funeral Chapel owner Jerry Witt who attended the meet and greet, said Barnett was his second cousin.
To learn more about Barnett, view:
UHS BASKETBALL RESULTS vs. NORTHEAST ARMA 1/12/2021
The Eagles came back from winter break with three wins against Northeast Arma. The JV girls fought hard, but lost 15-18. The JV boys won with a score of 39-28.
The Varsity girls beat the Vikings 50-34 on Tuesday. The team was 100% from the free throw line, with Danielle Howard, Karleigh Schoenberger, and Sammie Hampton each making all of their free throws. They also lead the team in points, scoring 12, 15, and 11 respectively. Howard and Schoenberger also led in rebounds, with 6 and 5. Howard also had 6 assists and 4 steals. Gwenyth Fry and Schoenberger each had 3 assists.
“It was good to get back to competing tonight,” said Coach Miller. “We were a little slow getting started, but the girls earned another league win. We hope to continue this trend as we travel to Altoona Midway on Friday for another league game.”
The Varsity boys also defeated Arma 57-30. Clay Sutterby lead the team in points, scoring 16, followed closely by Luke Perry and Cade Goodridge, who scored 11 and 10. Sutterby and Goodridge also had 6 and 7 rebounds, respectively, and Sutterby had 4 blocks. Luke and Drew Perry had 3 assists, and Drew also had 4 steals and took a charge. Freshman Byron Fry also took a charge in the last minutes of the game.
Coach Hays said about the game, “It felt great getting back on the court tonight after about a month off. Our JV got the night started off right with a win, and that carried over into the Varsity game. I thought we played with great energy and shared the ball well tonight. We were able to get the ball inside the paint and finish around the basket. Defensively, our help defense needs to improve, but overall I felt like we gave good effort on that end. We have to get ready for a scrappy Altoona team on Friday.”
-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media reporter