The doctor will see you now…curbside, by phone, or onscreen 

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic might be testing many aspects of the state’s public health system, but it’s also spurring innovation. 

Social distancing measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in many people postponing or canceling non-emergency-related medical appointments. Early during the pandemic, the state created regulatory flexibility so Kansans could continue receiving necessary care in new ways, and a new era of alternate visits from curbside to telehealth became our new normal.   

In 2020 CHC/SEK saw 18,480 alternative visits across the entire health system, including a record 2,194 visits in December. The top three alternate methods patients were seen was by telephone, curbside and E-visits using video technology in smartphones, tablets and computers.   

Early in the pandemic, in a matter of days, CHC/SEK pivoted from in-clinic patient visits to alternative visits, where CHC/SEK medical providers began providing services via phone or online video chats, and curbside to fill the gap until office visits were safely possible again. Alternate visits allow a patient to schedule visits at their convenience, as they can have an E-visit from home, work or school without the need to travel. All “virtual” patients need is a strong internet signal and a smartphone, tablet or computer to connect with their medical professional. This option allows patients and providers to feel safe. 

“What we saw, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, our patients were apprehensive to come to the clinic to see their provider and as you know, chronic illness is not going to wait until COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror,” Holley Forrest, CHC/SEK director of operations said, “for us it was about making sure we stay in contact with our patients whether that was over the phone, via tele-visit or at the curb.” 

For some patients, CHC/SEK staff are the only people they come in to contact with daily, weekly or on a monthly basis. Thanks to technology, some patients who are being seen for primary care can also be given resources for non-primary care such as behavioral health. Forrest said visits such as well child checkups cannot wait as most children are at home all week now and do not have teachers or nurses to make sure they are well.  Forrest said she believes alternative visits will “absolutely” continue and is excited to see what the future holds for alternative visits.  

“I think it’s a great resource for our patients, patients with transportation issues, mobility issues,” she said, “this is a great way for us to stay connected and continue to see them and check in on them.” 

Monitoring devices can come in handy when doing an alternative visit, Forrest said. The State of Kansas agrees. The State Finance Council recently approved allocating $3 million federal coronavirus relief funding so Community Care health centers could provide monitoring devices to their patients. This telehealth project will support at least 10,000 low-income and otherwise underserved Kansans by securely connecting portable devices to records at the health centers. CHC/SEK was awarded more than $700,000 for the purchase of blood pressure monitors, glucose monitors, finger-tip pulse oximeters, thermometers and electronic scales will facilitate increased patient-provider management of COVID-19 and/or chronic conditions. 

“Implementing telehealth on this scale would have been unimaginable at the beginning of 2020,” said Community Care CEO Denise Cyzman. “The pandemic has prompted futuristic concepts to become present-day public health realities.” 

The $3 million was part of a $38.5 million package recommended by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) task force, which also directed funding to hospitals, local health departments and nursing homes. Another $1 million was designated to be used by state-funded community-based clinics to help offset COVID-related lost revenue and increased expenses. Also, understanding the value of maintaining healthcare through telemedicine, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relaxed telehealth regulations and agreed to pay for virtual visits and visits that take place by telephone.

Talking Tigers At State Debate

Submitted photos.
Congratulations Tigers for an outstanding showing at the Kansas State debate! The Talking Tigers, consisting mostly of underclassmen competed against some tough competition.
Submitted photos.
The 4-speaker team consisting of
Lillian Collins (so), Kinsley Davis(so), Anna Hall(fr), Trent Toth(fr), Sam Deloney(so), and Regen Wells(fr)
fought to the end and placed 7th.
Our 2-speaker teams:
Ashton Nave(Sr) and Anna Laubenstein(so)
Neil Gugnani(Jr) and Shekhar Gugnani(Jr)
Isaiah Self(so)and Gavin Warfield (so)
Thade Yates(Jr)and David Jones(so)
also had some excellent rounds and held their own in one of the toughest divisions in the state.
Submitted photos.

Submitted by Angella Curran

New Vegetables and Flowers to Try in 2021

Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

Each year, the All-America Selections (AAS) tests and introduces new flowers and vegetables to home gardeners. These plants have proven themselves to do well in trials across North America. The AAS winner label is like a stamp of approval. This year, there were three vegetables winners and three flower winners.

The descriptions were taken from All-America Selections material.

Pepper Pot-a-peno F1 – this is a fun new jalapeno pepper with a compact habit perfect for growing in containers or hanging baskets. The plentiful small, green jalapeno fruits have a traditional spicy zip that is great in any dish where you want a little punch of spice. It is earlier to mature than other jalapenos giving a head start on the garden harvest. A unique trait of Pot-a-peno is how the fruit hangs down beneath the plant making it very easy to harvest without damaging the appearance or productivity of the plant. In addition, the dense foliage canopy makes for an attractive addition to the patio.

Squash Goldilocks F1 – in the trials, this was a vigorous plant with high yield, disease tolerance, and a rich nutty flavor. With its bright orange color and uniform shape, it can also double as an ornamental decoration.

Echalion Crème Brulee (BGS-270) F1 – this is the first ever shallot to win the AAS. The single-centered bulbs have a bright coppery pink outer skin and a pretty rosy-purple interior with thick rings. The sweet tender bulbs are earlier to mature than the comparisons and have a slight citrusy flavor when eaten raw. This is a fantastic variety for the home gardener as well as fresh market growers.

Celosia Kelos® Candela Pink – an AAS judge described this entry as the “Energizer Bunny” that just kept blooming! Judges loved the bright pink blooms that rose above the foliage, almost like a tall, tapered candle. Unique, showy plumes of pink flowers kept their color all season long and the judges agreed that it was a perfect filler plant to add height and interest to a combination container planting. However, it could also be useful in mass plantings, borders, and general garden use. Another added bonus: it works well as a dried flower.

Leucanthemum Sweet Daisy Birdy – a beautiful perennial with robust, long-lasting blooms and carefree longevity in gardens. In the trials, it demonstrated excellent cold and heat tolerance and maintained a tidy, sturdy habit over the three-year trial. The flowers are large and pure white in color, appearing earlier in the season than the comparison varieties. Leucanthemums, also known as Shasta Daisies, are used for both cut flowers and garden highlights while also providing food and habitat for many kinds of pollinators.

Zinnia Profusion Red Yellow Bicolor – a beautiful new bicolor addition to the popular Profusion series of zinnias. This gorgeous zinnia starts the season with a bold vibrant red center ring surrounded by golden yellow outer petals. As the season progresses, the aging flowers morph into soft, beautiful shades of apricot, salmon, and dusty rose. This zinnia continued to bloom new flowers over old so there was never a decline in the beauty presented.

For full details of the 2021 All America Selection winners, including descriptions and ordering information, visit www.all-americaselections.org

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Yoke Up with Jesus by Carolyn Tucker

Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom – Carolyn Tucker

 

Many of my childhood church memories revolve around the music. Back then, we had a song leader, pianist, organist, and a congregation who loved to sing. The song leader would select a few hymns, and then would ask if anyone had a number they’d like for us to sing. Sister Ada Samsel would usually call out for #78 “Unsearchable Riches” in the key of Bb in 6/8 timing. Another hymn we sang was “His Yoke is Easy.” I never thought a yoke looked easy because it was heavy and cumbersome. Although I’ve sang and played that song most of my life, I did not understand it until four years ago.

The scripture reference for this hymn is found in Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.“

I have an old photo of my Dad and his sister each sitting atop a pair of work horses. Ol’ Bird and Puss were a necessary asset to farming the acres in the Needmore community. They were a well-matched pair and could accomplish a lot in a sun-up to sun-down day. I’m not old enough to have seen anyone work with a pair of oxen, mules, or work horses to plow up the soil. But, I understand how the system is supposed to work. You can’t pair up an ox with a mule and expect the plowing to go well, or go at all for that matter. In order to accomplish a tough task, these animals must work side by side to equally pull the heavy load.

When a believer finds himself staring at the hard ground beneath his feet, it’s time to get yoked up with Jesus. This is the only example where an unmatched pair works together perfectly. We must deliberately join Jesus so He can pull the heavy load. He’ll do all the laboring and wearisome work which enables us to simply walk beside Him and find rest. If you’ve been trying to plow the bottom 40 all alone, you’ll find out you can’t do it any longer by yourself. When you choose to be yoked together with Jesus, you have the greatest Partner in the world who is able to turn a hard situation into a lighter outcome.

This hymn was written by R. E. Hudson and the chorus lyrics are: “His yoke is easy; His burden is light. I’ve found it so, I’ve found it so. He leadeth me by day and by night where living waters flow.“ You might say I’ve burned my own yoke, stepped into Jesus’ yoke, and now He’s taking the load so that my burden is light. And this is accomplished by faith in His Word and receiving His matchless grace for the moment.

The Key: Jesus’ yoke is easy, so start plowing together instead of on your own.

Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting Minutes of Jan. 11

January 11, 2021                                            Monday 10:00 am

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk present.

 

Jason Silvers with the Fort Scott Tribune was also present.

 

Lynne reported they were having the meeting due to receiving a KOMA complaint; the Attorney General issued an opinion on the complaint, the KOMA complaint included the following allegations… the Commissioners failed to “comply with the statutory requirements for recessing into an executive session, failure to include an attorney in an executive session held for “attorney client privilege”, improperly including a third party in two executive sessions held for consultation with an attorney; and holding an executive session for personnel matters of nonelected personnel that did not pertain to an identifiable employee.”

Justin Meeks said the County did have technical KOMA violations, he said the Commissioners need to include in their motions for an executive session the reason for the executive session, plus additional details for the session, include a K.S.A. when making a motion to go into executive session, the exact start and stop time of the session and make a motion when coming back into open session.

Justin said the Commissioners went into an executive session for windfarm discussion for attorney-client privilege but should have gone in for proprietary information instead.  Justin reported that Nick Ruhl had already signed the consent order from the office of the Attorney General, Lynne signed during the Commission meeting, Jeff Fischer said he would have to review the consent order before signing; he said if Justin had shared this before the meeting, he could have reviewed it.  Jeff told Justin he saw this complaint for the first time in October/November timeframe, and at that time Justin said he would take care of this.  Jeff read a portion of the consent order and said he would not sign this. If the Commissioners participate in KOMA training, the $50 penalty for each Commissioner for the KOMA violation will be waived, (Justin suggested doing the KOMA training).

 

This is Jeff Fischer’s last Commission meeting as a Commissioner; he said he had enjoyed serving with this Commission, he said he admired Lynne for his work in preserving the taxpayers interest, and said it was nice to see he advocated for a reduction in the mill levy.  He told Clifton that he enjoyed working with him and appreciated his ability to quickly learn & get to the heart of an issue, he wished him the best.  Lynne said he appreciated the compliment and said it had been a trying time the past two years and said he has tried to save taxpayers money.  Jeff said he could count on him to make decisions for the taxpayers.

 

At 10:22, Clifton made a motion to go into a 10 minute executive session for KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, concerning medical, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room at 10:32am, Jeff seconded and all approved, (the session included the Commissioners, Jody Hoener and Justin Meeks).  At 10:32, Clifton made a motion to go back into open session, Lynne seconded and all approved, no action was taken.

Lynne asked that a 30 minute executive session be scheduled on the January 12th agenda for medical discussion.

 

At 10:33, Clifton made a motion to adjourn, Jeff seconded and all approved.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jim Harris, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

January 12, 2021, Approved Date

 

Obituary of Laurence Lyons

Laurence “Larry” Elmer Lyons, age 81, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021. He was born October 4, 1939 in Fulton, KS, the son of Luther Byron and Lucy Christine (Leitch) Lyons.

He married his lifetime love Patricia “Pat” Henderson on June 21, 1964, in Columbus, MS, and together over the 57 years that followed, they built a life they loved.

At 16 years old, Larry was the top Air Force Academy nominee from the state of Kansas, but he was too young to enroll, so he left the family farm and attended The University of Kansas, and later Park College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1959, entering pilot training and graduating in the Class of ’61 Delta. He went on to complete B-52 training, nuclear weapons delivery school, and Air Force survival school. He flew many active combat missions, including Vietnam, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, where he piloted the first B-52 sent to air carrying nuclear weapons. Larry captained the B-52, C-5, and C-130, and still holds the record as the youngest ever combat-ready B-52 pilot in history. After 20 years of dedicated service to his country, decorated Lieutenant Colonel Laurence Lyons retired from the Air Force in 1979.

Following his military career, Larry happily settled back in Bourbon County, KS where his business endeavors included Petromark and the beloved Lyons Twin Mansions.

In his retirement he enjoyed being a member of ToastMasters, Shriners, Masons, and his local coffee group who solved the world’s problems daily. 

Of all of his storied accomplishments, Larry considered his family to be one of the most important. He was the proud patriarch, and was adored by each of those lucky enough to be considered family, whether a blood relative or otherwise.

He was the loving father of Joe (Laetitia), Preecia (Charles), Ben, and Nate (Bailey), as well as his honorary sons Masa and Clifford. He was the doting grandfather of Zach, Abby, Addi, Emma, Brooklyn, Lauren, Jhett, Jaxon, Lute, Ellis, and Lucille. He was a caring brother to Tom, Jerry, Doc, Betty, Jane, Ruth, Alice, and Peg, as well as Joe and JB, who were like brothers, and was cherished by a number of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Larry was a treasured patient of a few select medical caregivers who came to be considered family, and the Lyons family extends a very sincere thank you to these special people. Larry will be fondly remembered by all of those listed here, and many more.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a number of siblings. 

Larry was a master on the grill, a gracious provider, a dependable constant, the best hugger, the perfect gentleman, a lifelong scholar and teacher, a calming presence, a chocolate milk maker extraordinaire, a humble hero, a soft personality with firm opinions, a lender of comforting shirts, an encyclopedia of knowledge, an expert navigator with an internal GPS, and a truly gentle soul. He was appropriately referred to by many as simply being “the best man”. 

The Lyons’ home was always open to young people who needed a safe place to go, and Larry was glad to be able to feed and house those that showed up, never asking questions or expecting anything in return.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the USD 234 Pantry to continue Larry’s legacy of “feeding the world”, which was his way of expressing love.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 20th, at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Friends are welcome but must remain on the road adjacent to the committal shelter wearing face-covering as directed by the cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the U. S. Airforce Honor guard.

Donations to the USD 234 Pantry may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Dec. 29, 2020

December 29, 2020 Tuesday 2:00 pm

 

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session for a special meeting; Commissioner Fischer, Commissioner Beth, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present.

 

Jeff made a motion to go into a 15 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room, Clifton seconded and the motion passed, (the session included Jeff Fischer, Clifton Beth, Lynne Oharah (by telephone), Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

 

Jeff made a motion to go into a 20 minute executive session for confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, the Commissioners will meet in another location and reconvene in the Commission room, Clifton seconded and the motion passed, (the session included Jeff Fischer, Clifton Beth, Lynne Oharah (by telephone), Justin Meeks and Jody Hoener). No action was taken.

 

At 2:39, Jeff made a motion to adjourn, Clifton seconded and the motion passed.

 

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS

(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman

(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner

(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner

ATTEST:

Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk

January 12, 2021, Approved Date

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 19

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: January 19, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge
  • Jody Hoener, CDBG-CV Grant
  • Commission dues for Chamber, KAC, NACO
  • Wage Resolution 08-21
  • Lake Advisory Board
  • Clifton Beth, Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
  • County Counselor
  • Public Comment
  • Greg Vahrenberg – Resolution for Refunding Bonds

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

What’s Happening in Fort Scott Jan. 15 Edition

Photo courtesy of the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
1st Kansas Colored Infantry.
Visit the Fort’s FB page for more info.
What’s Happening
in Fort Scott
January 15th
Weekly Edition
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PMThe Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
1/15 – Ghetto’s Tacos food truck at the Boiler Room Brewhaus, 5-8pm, Taco truck extraordinaire! Bring your appetite and the brewery will provide the beer/margaritas! Corner of Wall & National. Click here for FB event.
1/15 – Live music by Alyssa Galvan, 7-9pm, click here for FB event.
1/15-16 – Livestock sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page.
1/16 – Pickleball from 8-10am at Buck Run, open to anyone wanting to play! Always check the FB Group page here for any location changes or cancelations.
1/16 – Lake Fort Scott Advisory Meeting, 9am at City Hall, the meeting is open to the public and can also be viewed on YouTube, City of Fort Scott channel.
1/17 – Kansas City Chiefs play at 2pm, watch the game or order carryout from a local restaurant! See below for Luther’s BBQ Tailgate Package! Holmtown Pub, Sharky’s, Luther’s & other restaurants will be open for the game, click here for our restaurant member listing.
1/18 – Indoor Whiffle Ball at Buck Run for kids while they are out of school, ages 7-12, 10-11:30am, call 620-223-0386 for more info.
1/18 – Virtual Lunch & Learn for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by the Gordon Parks Museum, 12-1pm, Dr. Carmaletta Williams presenting “Free Did Not Mean Welcome”, registration required, register here.
1/18 – The Gordon Parks Museum will be open for touring from 9am-5pm, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton. Click here for their website.
1/21-22 – Radio Auction by KOMB FM 103.9 every Thursday & Friday through February at 2pm! Get your bid # and view the items on their website here. In addition to calling in your bid, you can also bid online this year and even “Buy it Now” ~ or bid by text to 620-724-7962.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options available…
  • SPIN classes now offered by Smallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15pm, and Tues & Thurs at 6pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
  • Total Body Fitnesswith Karen Reinbolt at Buck Run Community Center, Mon & Wed 8:15am, $20 for 8-week session.
  • Zumba with Monalynn Decker at Buck Run, Mon, Wed, Fri 6pm, $40 for 12-week session.
  • Indoor Fitness/Gyms at I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
GHETTO’S TACOS FOOD TRUCK
TONIGHT – 1/15 AT BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS
5-8PM
LIVE MUSIC BY ALYSSA GALVAN
TONIGHT 1/15, 7-9PM
BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS
LUTHER’S BBQ TAILGATE PACKAGE SPECIALS
FOR THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GAME
THIS SUNDAY, GAME TIME 2PM!
Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate Package:
$44.95, serves 4.
1 lb Burnt ends, 1 lb Pulled Pork, and a Slab of Ribs w/ 2 sides
Available Chiefs Gameday only, ends at halftime. Dine in or Carry out.
Also, bringing back the Tomahawk BBQ Chop Sandwich. Chiefs Gameday, all day. Dine in or Carry Out.
CALL 620-644-9880
GO CHIEFS!
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN
HOSTED BY THE GORDON PARKS MUSEUM
REGISTER VIA LINK SHOWN BELOW
FORT CINEMA SHOWTIMES!
THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER BOOSTER MEMBERS!