Monthly Archives: January 2021

Government, Kansas

Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan: How It Will Affect Rates

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KCC will hold virtual workshop on Wednesday to discuss Evergy’s STP

What:                   The Kansas Corporation Commission will be conducting the third of four virtual workshops designed to learn more about Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan and how it will affect ratepayers.

 

When:                  Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 10 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 Wednesday’s workshop is Enhanced Customer Experience. 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:

https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/portal/kscc/PSC/DocketDetails.aspx?DocketId=5bf302bc-3a8c-4bd9-8652-fd3e63161bc5

 

Food, Government, Kansas

Food Safety Webinar Offered

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KDA Offers Food Safety Webinar Series in 2021

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety and lodging program will offer monthly online webinars on food safety issues beginning Monday, January 25, 2021. The free webinar series will cover a variety of food safety issues that are of interest to food business operators, managers and workers.

 

Each 30-minute webinar will consist of a presentation by food safety and lodging inspectors from across the state, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions of the presenters and other KDA-FSL staff. These webinars are an outreach of the Food Protection Task Force, which serves to expand the knowledge base of the food and feed industry in Kansas. The FPTF creates connections and relationships which foster collaboration when developing materials and strategies for intervention, prevention and response to foodborne illness.

 

The first six months of the webinar series have been scheduled. Each presentation will take place at 3:00 p.m. CST.

 

January 25      Remote Food Safety Inspections During COVID-19

February 22    Choosing the Right Practice: Cooling and Reheating of Foods

March 29        Food Safety on the Go: Food Trucks, Trailers, Tents and Carts

April 26          Staying Ahead of the Game: What Food Service Managers Need to Know

May 24           Dealing With Pests in a Food Establishment

June 28           Limiting the Spread of Germs: How Employees Can Make a Difference

 

Registration for the January and February online webinars is now open. Register on the KDA Food Protection Task Force page at www.agriculture.ks.gov/FPTF. There is no cost to participate, but you must register to receive the login access information.

For more information about the webinar series or about food safety in Kansas, contact the KDA food safety and lodging program at 785-564-6767 or [email protected].

 

This webinar series serves to support KDA’s mission, which includes a commitment to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth and helping to ensure a safe food supply, promoting public health and safety, and providing consumer protection.

 

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Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS BASKETBALL RESULTS 1/15/21 vs. ALTOONA

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Eagles traveled to Altoona-Midway for the Varsity games on Friday, January 15. Both teams were victorious against the Jets.

The Lady Eagles defeated the Jets 63-29. Danielle Howard led the team in points, garnering 23 and shooting 100% from the free throw line. She also had 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Kaydra Woods also shot 100% from the line and had 8 boards. Brooklynn Dreisbach had 7 rebounds, while Sammie Hampton and Karleigh Schoenberger each had 4. Schoenberger also scored 14 points and had 3 assists. Aiden Holt had 3 assists and 2 steals.

“It was good to have a few Junior Varsity girls get some valuable court time tonight,” said Coach Miller. “Looking forward to competing in our 1st Annual Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament on Tuesday.”

The Varsity boys also beat Altoona with a final score of 58-30. Jake Harvey scored 18 points, Clay Sutterby following with 14. Sutterby also had 8 rebounds and 5 blocks. Drew Perry had 6 assists and 4 rebounds, while Cade Goodridge and Jake Harvey had 5. Harvey also had 6 steals as well.

“I thought we played really hard against Altoona,” Coach Hays commented. “We were able to get some stops on defense that led to some fast break opportunities. clay Sutterby controlled the paint on both ends and Jake Harvey was very active on the defensive end with 6 steals. We shared the ball well on the offensive end. We play a good team in KC Christian on Tuesday, so we need to fine tune some things and prepare for a 4-quarter battle.”

The JV girls were also able to play in a JV tournament on Saturday. They defeated Fort Scott 37-30 and lost to Erie 46-49.

Gwenyth Fry led the Fort Scott game with 10 points, Brooklynn Dreisbach following with 9. Fry and Rylee Coulter had 7 and 8 rebounds, respectively. Coulter also had 4 steals, and Camryn Davis had 3 assists.

In the Erie game, Laney Covey scored 16 points and Rylee Coulter scored 12. Coulter also had 6 assists and 3 boards. Gwenyth Fry had 8 rebounds and 2 steals.

Coach Miller commented, “Our Junior Varsity girls competed well today. Up to this point in the season, we have only been able to play one JV game. The girls came out ready and beat Ft. Scott to start the morning off. Unfortunately, we ended our day with a competitive loss to Erie. Coach Walker and I are extremely proud of our Junior Varsity team.”

The Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament will take place in Uniontown on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday the week of the 18th.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting Jan. 19

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet and recess into 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.

Business, Fort Scott

New Barber Coming to 118 S. Main This Summer

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The Hare and Crow Barber Shop, 118 S. Main, will be open in the summer of 2021. Submitted photos.
Matt Park,, owner of the Hare and Crow Barbershop, 118 S. Main. Submitted photos.
 Matt Park is the sole owner of the new barbershop located at 118 S Main Street, which will open this summer.
Hare & Crow is the name of the business.
“Hare & Crow will be a full-service barbershop offering haircuts for men and boys, beard and mustache trims, and hot lather razor shaves,” Park said.  “Our aim is to bring back the barbershop experiences of a bygone era reminiscent of the 1900’s architecture and small-town charm Fort Scott is built on.”
He sees it as also a gathering place for the community.
“This will be a place to sit and chew the fat with friends and neighbors whether you need a haircut or not—loafers are more than welcome,” Park said. “Our space will be comfortable and inviting with a lounge feel for those waiting for their turn in the chair.”

“We plan to sell some retail items; mostly related to men’s hair and grooming, but hope to offer other items such as locally roasted coffee, chocolates, and handmade wood and leather goods from local and regional artisans,” he said. ” We hope to incorporate a curated selection of books, music and art too.”

“I am currently in school at Headlines Barber Academy up in Kansas City, on the Kansas side,” Park said. “It’s a bit of a commute, but it’s the closest barber school to Fort Scott.”
He and his wife, Krista,  have three daughters and one son.
“I cut all of their hair and have been known to cut my wife’s hair as well,” he said. “So, women and girls are welcome too.”
Why Fort Scott?
“My wife, Krista, and I both grew up in the Midwest,” he said. ” We met at school not too far from here in Bolivar, MO.”
“Krista spent many summers during her childhood visiting her grandmother in Fort Scott and she had so many fond memories of those visits,” he said. ” In July of 2019, we experienced a loss in the family that left us questioning our distance from family. We spent the majority of our marriage living in the South and were ready to come home.”

“Helen Carson is my wife’s maternal grandmother,” he said. “Helen has lived here most of her life and once owned Helen’s Hilltop Fabrics. Her family has been in the area going back several generations.”

“We wanted to move to a small town where we could raise our four children with a little less noise and start a business that would serve the local community,” Park said.  “As we began contemplating a move back to the Midwest, Fort Scott stood out to us as a place to slow down a bit, embrace our heritage here and put down lasting roots closer to family. We moved here in July 2020 from Tennessee and this place already feels more like home than anywhere we’ve lived over the last 15 years.”
Reading a book formed a new business idea.
“About the same time we started talking about moving, I read a book by Wendell Berry called Jayber Crow  written from the perspective of a barber in a small town,” Park said. “That story was so formative for me that I began looking into the profession of barbering.”
“When we landed on the decision to move to Fort Scott and realized there was no longer a barber in town, we began looking into schools in the area and I enrolled shortly after we moved to town,” he said.
Why the name Hare & Crow?

“I wanted to tip my hat to Wendell Berry’s book, Jayber Crow, because it was so formative for me,” Park said.  “Hare really just started out as a play on words suggested by my brother in-law. I was concerned naming the place Crow’s barbershop might be confusing because my name isn’t Crow. So, I started looking for characters in other stories and when Hare was suggested it just fit the idea of storied characters. It almost has a fable-like ring to it. ”

They are loft dwellers in downtown Fort Scott.
“We bought a building downtown on Main Street, live upstairs and plan to open our shop in the storefront on the ground floor,” he said.  “We are eager to open our little shop and become part of the fabric of this community. Once I complete school and receive my barbering license we’ll be ready to open our doors this summer.”
He can be reached by phone (620)705-9287, by e-mail [email protected], website hareandcrowbarber.com, and on instagram @hareandcrow.
Submitted photos. The Park Family: Matt, Krista, Jovie, Kenley, Noble and Kansas.
Opinion

Senator Marshall Statement on Impeachment Proceedings

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(Washington, D.C., January 19, 2021) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D.  issued the following statement regarding Senate impeachment proceedings:

“Tomorrow, my wife Laina and I will both be attending the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden to witness the peaceful transition to a new Administration.

 

“As leaders, we must now do everything we can in the coming months to ensure the levers of government are fully operational. Not only is it unconstitutional to impeach a President after he leaves office, I firmly believe an impeachment effort at this juncture will only raise already heated temperatures of the American public and further divide our country at a time when we should be focused on bringing the country together and moving forward. Whether it’s getting the COVID-19 vaccine into the arms of all those who want and need it, boosting job recovery, or opening our economy back up to pre-pandemic levels, we have real work to do.

 

“Without a doubt, there are brighter days ahead for our country, and looking back should not be on our agenda.”

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

January 15, 2021

 

The 2021 session began with state legislators taking an oath Monday, January 11, 2021 to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Constitution.  This happens every four years in the senate and two years in the house.  It is a reminder of our duty and the foundation in which our forefathers established and defended.

 

This session is already unique because of the pandemic.  However, it is not unique because of the political games and posturing being played in Topeka – which are disappointing and not what Kansans need or deserve.  The gamesmanship and politics surfaced quickly, when legislators opposing bills cried foul at the pace, in an attempt to block legislation.  Most people understand we need to complete our work as expeditiously as possible.

 

Property Tax Transparency, Senate Bill (SB) 13, was available the week before session, as was the Senate Tax Committee schedule.  This legislation was contained in last year’s bill CCR HB 2702, that passed both chambers with a supermajority.  However, it did not became law because a taxpayer funded government lobbyist asked the Governor to veto the bill and she did.  It was at the end of session and time ran out for a veto override.  It makes sense to work the legislation at the beginning of the 2021 session, which gives plenty of time for passage.  Hopefully, we may not need a veto override because the Governor may realize how important transparency is to Kansas taxpayers.

 

SB13 has four major parts.  First, it would establish a process in the property tax system so that property taxes would not automatically increase but would require a vote of the local government to bring in more money than the previous year.  This would stop the shell game of automatic valuation increases resulting in more taxes owed; second, normal maintenance would not increase the valuation of a property; third, county treasurers would have an option to establish payment plans for property taxes; and fourth, it would remove the property tax lid that has resulted in tax increases in many counties over the past few years.  The bill passed the Senate 34 to 1.  I voted Yes.

 

Emergency Power Extension, SB 14, would extend the Governor’s emergency powers thru March 31, 2021.  Kansas is a part-time legislature and has often turned over legislative authority to the Governor in an emergency.  This pandemic has demonstrated that is dangerous.  The Governor attempted to shutdown churches on Easter weekend, demanded a statewide shutdown of many businesses, attempted to implement a statewide mask mandate, and the list goes on.  However, the bill passed the Senate 34 to 1.  As with most legislation, there was some good items in the bill.  It was not enough to sway me to support the bill after hearing your concerns of government overreach.  During debate, one senator tried to kill the bill and said we shouldn’t let federal money sway us from doing what is right.  I guess that senator lost their intestinal fortitude because when it came time to vote, that person chose not to vote yes or no on the bill.

 

As we face uncertain times, keep in mind Plato’s words, “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others”  and the words of Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.  We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream,  It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Area News, COVID-19, Health Care

Nevada Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center

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NRMC Launches Vaccine Call Center

In response to Missouri’s implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination priority Phase 1B, many have inquired to Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) as to when and how they might schedule an appointment to be vaccinated. However, NRMC and most other approved vaccinators in Missouri face a similar challenge that they have yet to receive any phase 1B vaccine doses from the state.

Although individuals who qualify for Phase 1B vaccination may not be able to schedule an appointment at this time, they are able to request notification when it becomes available to them. For this purpose, NRMC has launched a vaccine information call center at (417) 448-2120. This line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by live receptionists. Individuals may also complete a form online to be added to the notification list at www.nrmchealth.com/vaccine. Questions about the vaccine may also be emailed to [email protected].

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Capital Complex Closes Jan. 19-20

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Governor Laura Kelly to Close Capitol Complex, Administration Buildings Tuesday and Wednesday

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced the State Office Buildings in the Capitol Complex, which includes Curtis, Landon, and Eisenhower, will be closed starting tomorrow, January 19, and Wednesday, January 20. Additional administration buildings will also be closed.

“The safety and wellbeing of our employees is my top priority,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These steps are taken out of an abundance of caution – and I thank all employees for their patience and understanding during this time.”

Employees are instructed to work remotely. If an employee’s regular duties require them to be in the office – and they cannot work from home – they are instructed not to report to work Tuesday, January 19 or Wednesday, January 20.

Governor Kelly encourages agency heads with offices in the immediate surrounding area beyond the State Office Buildings to follow similar procedure.

The Statehouse will be open for individuals having business with the Legislature, Governor’s or Lt. Governor’s Offices. All Statehouse access will be through the Visitor Center entrance only.

Obituary

Obituary of Robert L. Stewart

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Robert Lee Stewart, 74, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, died January 15, 2021.

He was born October 25, 1946, in Moran, Kansas, to Myron Leslie Stewart and Barbara Jean (Boyd) Stewart of Xenia, Kansas. Bob, or Bobby, as he was known to family and friends, grew up on the family farm and attended grade school at Xenia. At a very young age, he attended a cattle sale at Fort Scott with Curley Wright and discovered his calling for life as a cattle buyer. He started working at the sale barn when he was 10 or 11 and there was no turning back.

Bob graduated from Blue Mound High School and Fort Scott Junior College Truck Driving School. He worked many years for Capitol Truck Lines and continued as it changed to Graves Truck Lines and ANR Trucking, winning awards from the Teamsters for safe driving. Even with his steady job of delivering locally, he continued going to cattle sales on Saturday, buying and selling for many farmers and ranchers in the area. The only times he missed a sale were when one of his daughters illogically planned a wedding for that day of the week.

Bob married Bernita Eloyse Lalman on January 1, 1967, and together they loved and parented three daughters. Sadly, Eloyse lost her battle with cancer in March, 1976. In late 1977, Bob met and married Karen Dancy, who had a son from her previous marriage. Their blended family became complete when two more daughters were born.

Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, of 43 years of the home in Fulton, along with five daughters: Tammy Brownback and husband Keith of Centerville, Belynda Davenport of Fort Scott, Robin Anderson and husband Rob of Wichita, Kari Messer and husband Josh of Fort Scott, Jodi Silva and husband Paul of Manhattan, Kansas. One son, Rick Stewart and wife Cara of El Dorado, Kansas, and the blessing of a bonus son, Jimmy Turner of Fort Scott.

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Brett Brownback and fiancé Taryn, Kaylee Clifton and husband Timmy, Annyssa Davenport, Cooper Anderson, Jadyn Messer, Brady Messer, Lyla Silva, Karsen Silva, Anastasia Stewart, Harley Thornton, Briar Thornton, and 2 great-grandchildren, Kyser Brownback and Remy Brownback.

Bob has 2 sisters that will miss him dearly, Jeanette Church and husband, Robbie of Xenia and Carol Didier and husband, Tom of Wheatland, Missouri. He is also survived by many Stewart and Boyd cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Barbara Stewart and his first wife, Eloyse Lalman.

A graveside service is planned for 10:00 AM on Friday, January 22, 2021, at Osaga Cemetery, just west of Fulton under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Thursday evening, January 21, 2021, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Osaga Cemetery Fund and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bob’s truck and cattle trailer will be leading the procession from Konantz Cheney Funeral Home at 9:30 that morning. As Bob would say, “Roll Along!”

Business, Fort Scott

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry Is Relocating To Downtown Fort Scott

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The Bartelsmeyer’s loft apartment is above the Fort Scott Tribune Newspaper office at 22 N. Main.

The local jeweler is relocating his business to downtown Fort Scott.

John and Cindy Bartelsmeyer are the owners of Bartelsmeyer Jewelers, which is currently located at 1519 S. National.
They are moving the shop to 22 N. Main in late spring or early summer 2021.

“We like our current location at 1519 S. National,” John said.  “We own the building at 22 N. Main and because we wish to promote the growth and renewal of downtown Fort Scott, we decided to relocate. We believe Fort Scott will soon be the hub of tourism in Southeast Kansas.”

 

At their new location, the Bartelsmeyer’s will continue selling fine jewelry including engagement rings, wedding bands, anniversary rings, diamond pendants, custom designs, sterling silver jewelry, watches, clocks, and other gift items, he said.

 

John will continue with jewelry repairs, and an employee will be continuing custom design and engraving.

 

“Krysta Hulbert does most of the custom designs, she’s a great artist, and  (also does)engraving,” Cindy said.  “Krysta also does minor jewelry repairs and ring sizing.”

 

The Fort Scott Tribune newspaper is currently located at 22 N. Main and will be moving to the Rennett Studio building just down the street to the south.

 

Loft Living Downtown

The Bartelsmeyer’s have been residents of downtown Fort Scott since 2019, she said.

 

“We have completely renovated the second floor and added a deck and master bedroom, ” Cindy said. “We added an elevator, a garage, and a workshop.”

 

“The building was purchased in 2014,” she said.
Renovation began in the spring of 2014 and is on-going as there is continued building updates each year.”
They said there are benefits to living downtown.
“We love living downtown,” Cindy said. ” We have beautiful views of from our windows of the continuous activity on Main Street, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and North National Avenue.”
“We are within walking distance of restaurants, a coffee shop, a bakery, a brewery, a hardware store, great shopping opportunities, the post office, banks, and a new grocery store,” she said. ” We can observe beautiful sunrises from our front east-facing windows and sunsets from our the deck on the west side of the building.”
“The development and renewal of downtown Fort Scott has been fun to watch and we are happy to participate in contributing to the history of our community by the restoration of our building,” Cindy said.

Current jewelry store employees are the Bartelsmeyers,  Hulbert, Julie Kibble, Jenna Bond, and Yvonne Holloway.

Bartelsmeyer Jewelry is currently located at  1519 S. National.