TOPEKA – The Kansas Cold Weather Rule ends on Wednesday, March 31. That means Kansans who are behind on electric and natural gas utility bills may be subject to disconnection of service unless they contact their utility company to make payment arrangements. A variety of payment options are available and will vary by utility, as well as the date disconnections will resume.
Utility customers experiencing difficulty keeping up with their bills are encouraged to call their utility no later than Wednesday to be eligible for the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan to catch up on overdue accounts. Under the plan, the customer must make an initial payment of 1/12 of the overdue amount, 1/12 of the bill for current service, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fees if any, plus any applicable deposit owed to the utility. The balance is billed in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the regular monthly bill.
On December 15, 2020, the Commission extended an earlier order related to COIVD-19 that requires utilities under its jurisdiction to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees through the official end of the pandemic. That order is still in effect, but customers who have two previous broken pay agreements may not qualify. That is why it is important to make arrangements before the Cold Weather Rule ends.
To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
William Carl Jowers, 69, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri after a battle with COVID 19.
Mr. Jowers was born on December 2, 1951 to the late Betty Sarah Harden Jowers, of Fitzgerald, GA and Carl Edison Jowers, of Rhine, GA. William is a graduate of Fitzgerald Highschool Class of 1969. William is survived by his former wife Leonida Arboleda Jowers, Calapacuan, Subic Zambales Philippines who he married in 1974 and their three children Lars Michael Jowers (Alicia), Justin Leif Jowers, and Sarah Ashley Jowers. He also leaves behind grandchildren Elijah Jordan Jowers, Preston David Jowers, Zoë Isabella Jowers, Lily Leonida Jowers, Sophia Rose Jowers, and William Cardell Norton.
In 1995 he married Myra Barco Jowers of Jacksonville, Florida they have four furry babies Miller, Kahlua, Rebel and Ebony. William leaves behind two stepchildren Kevin Pickett (Pamela) their children, and Jennifer Johnson (Michael) and their children.
Carl was a Veteran Petty Officer First Class of the United States Navy (1970-1991) of the Vietnam War Era. He earned many decorations such as Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Fifth Good Conduct Award, Second Meritorious Unit Commendation, Second Battle E Award, Fourth Overseas Service Ribbon, and Second National Defense Service Medal.
Carl began his post graduate education while in the Navy, attending a variety of colleges in California and Florida. He earned his master’s degree from Jacksonville University. Following his retiring from the United States Navy Carl was employed by Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly FJC, FCCJ) as Manager of Testing and Assessments (1991-2013) and intermittently teaching GED classes before retiring again.
Carl was an avid genealogist who was able to connect to ancestors, through his tireless research, who provided him eligibility for his expressing pride of his Southern heritage by joining the Sons of Confederate Veterans Forest’s Escort Camp 1239 in Villa Rica, GA. He and his wife, Myra then purchased a trike so that he could become a member of the Mechanized Cavalry. Following their move to Fort Scott, KS he transferred to the Thomas J Key Camp1854 in Kansas City, KS. With his servant’s heart he spent most of his retired life giving back to Veterans.
Carl was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Olson-Frary Burkhart Post 1165 in Ft. Scott, KS and was currently serving as Commander of the American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25 in Ft. Scott as well as Kansas District 2 Adjutant. Carl had the unique ability to join all four components of the American Legion family, The Sons of the American Legion, The Legion Riders and the American Legion Auxiliary which was formerly only open to female spouses of Legionnaires but recently opened their membership to ”spouses” of veterans who are Legionnaires. He earned his eligibility through his wife, Myra, being an Air Force veteran and Legionnaire.
Carl will be dearly missed by his wife of 25 years, family, friends, brother and sisters in arms, and his pets.
Memorial services will be held in Fort Scott, KS at the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel, 201 S Main St. on Sat, April 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM and later in his hometown, Fitzgerald GA, at Prospect Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Thompson – Harkey Post 25; PO Box 25, Fort Scott, KS 66701 or His home church, First Southern Baptist Church, Building Fund 1818 S Main St, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Donations can be sent to Cheney Witt for distribution. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Carl Jowers please visit our Tribute Store.
KDA to Host Webinar on H–2A Agricultural Worker Program
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host a free informational webinar focused on updates to the H–2A guest worker program including CDL requirements for custom harvesting and farm employees. The webinar will take place virtually on April 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
This educational webinar will information on current legislation concerning the U.S. Department of Labor’s H–2A program for temporary agricultural employment of foreign workers via the Farm Worker Modernization Act. The webinar also will provide insight on the process and necessary documentation needed for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and the differences between a CDL and farm vehicle operations. The final piece of the webinar will feature a facilitated discussion allowing participants to ask questions and provide comments on issues concerning the H–2A program.
Many custom operations and grain producers struggle to find local skilled labor to fill temporary planting, harvesting and transportation jobs. The H–2A program offers a solution to finding those employees from outside the United States who are willing to fill those temporary positions.
Highlights will include updates from industry experts on these topics.
Representatives from the National Council of Agricultural Employers will be on hand to provide updates related to the Farm Worker Modernization Act and the impacts it could have on H–2A program users.
Mandi Sieren, Operations Manager with U.S. Custom Harvesters, will brief participants on the services offered through the organization.
Dixie Cravens, Foreign Labor Certification Manager, and Wendy Inzunza, State Monitor Advocate with the Kansas Department of Commerce, will provide a brief overview of the programs and services offered through Kansas Workforce Centers.
Kent Selk, Drivers Services Director, and Brian Brunt, Kansas state CDL Coordinator, with the Kansas Department of Revenue will provide information related to requirements for CDL and farm vehicle operations.
The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy project has identified federal immigration reform, specifically visas for agricultural workers, as a high priority outcome for several critical ag sectors. Developing a strong agricultural workforce is key to furthering KDA’s mission to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. For more information contact Russell Plaschka, KDA ag business development and workforce program manager, at [email protected] or 785-564-7466.
Maker Kit Videos are offered on YouTube at the Fort Scott Public Library. Submittted photo.
Youth Services & Programs Provided by Fort Scott Public Library
In the interest of serving the needs of our community whilst making every effort to ensure the safety of our patrons, FSPL is offering the following programs and services through either curbside pickup, virtual programming, or a combination of both. Please call the library at (620)223-2882 or email Miss Val at [email protected]for more information or to sign up.
Storytime: Miss Val films and uploads a pre-recorded video of herself reading two – four books, along with singing a welcome song and demonstrating a craft, each week for a themed storytime. Virtual storytime videos designed for kids of all ages are made available on YouTube (unlisted – email [email protected] for the link) or within the private Facebook group for local Storytime families. The library provides a weekly snack and craft (available through curbside pickup) to go along with each storytime, and one – two months’ worth of kits are created at a time for the convenience of storytime families. Upcoming themes are: Easter, Spring Babies, Gardens, Rain, and Butterflies & Caterpillars. Email Miss Val to sign up.
Spring babies is one of the subjects of the program for little ones. Submitted photo.
Program for 6th – 12th Graders: The Dragon’s Nest Library Teen & Tween Group meets virtually, weekly on Wednesdays, from 4:20 – 5 pm. Miss Val hosts the meetings and provides participants with snacks, including both food and beverages, along with any supplies they’ll need for each week’s meeting, through curbside pickup. Activities include: Virtual games such as Pictionary or trivia, book discussions, crafts (such as painting canvases, clay pots, and pumpkins; decorating coffee mugs, or weaving hats with jumbo yarn), parties, and solving virtual escape rooms. Upcoming activities are: Game Night, Making Marshmallow Catapults, Virtual Escape Rooms, Making Ever-Spinning Tops, and playing Codenames & Catchphrase. To sign up for the program and receive the secure meeting link, email Miss Val at [email protected] or call and ask to speak with Miss Val.
Book Bags: Miss Val compiles book bags on popular topics for easy curbside checkout. Each bag contains ten books, plus some stickers and/or a bookmark. The drawstring bag, bookmarks, and stickers are free for the patron to keep, while books check out for three weeks. You must be a card-holder in SeknFind with an unrestricted account in order to check out a book bag. There is no limit on how many bags you may check out at one time. Current topics are as follows
For ages Birth – 1st Grade: Boys’ General Interest, Girls’ General Interest, Careers & Local Heroes, Character Building, Construction, Cozy Books, Early Readers Level 1, Early Readers Level 2, Fantasy, LEGO, Preschool Science, Princesses & Queens, Real Heroes, Silly Stories, Space, Spring, and World Travel.
For Grades 2nd – 5th: Early Readers Level 3, Fantasy, Real Heroes, Space, Tech & Games, and World Travel. Call to order yours!
Maker kits are offered by the Fort Scott Public Library. Submitted photo.
Maker Kits: Make something cool with Miss Val.
To order & participate:
1. Choose which maker kit you’d like. Currently you may select from:
Kit #1: Paper Weaving (Easy/Preschool)
Kit #2: Yarn Bowls (Intermediate/Elementary)
Kit #3: Paper Cup Towers (Easy STEM)
Kit #4: Straw Structures (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #5: Pipe Cleaner Challenge (Intermediate STEM)
Kit #6: Garden in a Cup (Easy/Preschool)
2. Contact the library to order yours by calling (620) 223-2882 or email [email protected].
3. You may order 1 kit PER CHILD at a time. Once you have finished with the kit, order the same one again or a different one. Available while supplies last. Caution: Some kit items are not safe for young children. Parental supervision is strongly advised for children ages 3 and under.
4. Go to the Maker Kits Playlist on YouTubeto watch the accompanying video so your child can use the items in their kits right along with Miss Val.
The American Red Cross is offering FREE, interactive virtual preparedness presentations to Kansas and Oklahoma Children! March forward with us into preparedness by inviting the children in your family and their friends to join one of our interactive learning sessions in 30 March – 29 April 2021.
The Presentations being offered are:
Prepare with Pedro: Kindergarten-2nd grade students
In this 30-minute presentation, a Red Cross presenter will read students a storybook about Pedro the Penguin who learns how to prepare and respond safely to home fires. Students will learn about smoke alarms, evacuating a home safely, and reuniting at a designated meeting location outside their home. This virtual storybook presentation is interactive and engaging to students.
In this 60-minute presentation as part of The Pillowcase Project, students will learn what the American Red Cross does in their communities, and how to prepare for local hazards (tornados, home fires, and general emergency preparedness). Students will also learn emotional coping skills to help them become more resilient and navigate stressful situations. This virtual presentation is interactive and engaging to students, incorporating core curriculum standards.
Attached is a list of the dates/times and platforms that are being offered. If you are interested in any of the presentations, please send an email to [email protected] and we will send you a link to the presentation.
Come and learn to be safe with us! Hope to see you soon! (virtually, of course)
I didn’t grow up in a home with a formal dining room, so when Jimmy and I built our house 40 years ago, we customized the original plans. Raised in the country, I changed the dining room into a utility room and opted for a big comfortable kitchen. Early in our marriage, we purchased an antique walnut drop-leaf table that would seat ten when expanded with two additional leaves. This table was in mint condition and beautiful.
There’ve been a few times when I’ve considered getting rid of the table and chairs because they’ve been run through the mill and have seen better days. But when I get right down to it, there are simply too many memories in that table. We’ve spent hundreds of hours sitting at that table praying, talking, laughing, playing games, and sharing meals with family and friends. Nope. The table stays — it just needs to be restored.
The other night I was praying and, after a few sentences, my own words seemed to fail me. I then began to pray the words of the young shepherd boy. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul. He restoreth my soul.” I could not get past the revelation of what those four words meant. The definition of “restore” means to return something or someone to a former condition. Just like the kitchen table, some of us have some boo boos in our soul that need to heal.
The soul is our mind, our will, and our emotions. The soul processes our circumstances, thoughts, emotions, and decisions. God has made a wonderful promise that in tough times He will restore our soul back to its former joyful condition. God has a unique path designed for all His children. If we will allow Him to be our Shepherd, He’ll guide us by His Holy Spirit to complete restoration.
I memorized Psalm 23 either in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School. I’m thankful for the teacher that realized the importance of children memorizing this valuable chapter. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 NKJV). God’s Word is a powerful and precious gift to treasure. You can pull it out when you need it if it’s as close as your heart.
It’s interesting that David mentions a table later in the chapter: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalm 23:5 KJV). For me, the kitchen table represents happy times sharing food with those you love. Even though David was a mighty warrior and had enemies, God prepared a banqueting table for him. There was no worry or confusion even though his enemies were lurking just outside the door. Likewise, God prepares a table for us right in the middle of storms and sorrows and we can choose to sit down, rest, and eat as if everything is in God‘s hands.
The Key: If your soul has been run through the mill, give it to the Shepherd and He will restore it.
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
People tend to act like getting older is the worst thing in the world, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of reasons to be positive about older age, live life to the fullest, and have a good time along the way. As Senator John Glenn has put it, “Too many people, when they get old, think that they have to live by the calendar.”
For the 10th year, K-State Research and Extension is joining with community partners in bringing the Aging With Attitude Regional Expo to the Southeast Kansas area. This event promotes positive attitudes about aging and provides inspiration, answers questions and delivers information to older adults, their families and caregivers about making the most of life.
The expo will be presented in a virtual format in 2021 and will be held from 9:00 am to noon on April 29th and April 30th with different programs presented each day.
Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation will present an upbeat keynote address on some of the lesser-known attractions in southeast Kansas.
Other topics to be presented as part of the expo include
Telemedicine and You – Understanding new healthcare options; Fraud Awareness — Protecting yourself from scams; Hemp Culture; Valuable Records and Advance Health Care Planning conversation; and Smart Homes – How to make your home safer and more efficient through technology.
There will be some get-up-and-move exercises and fun brain-stretching activities during breaks between sessions.
Other community partners engaged with the expo planning include Angels Care Home Health, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Integrity Home Care + Hospice, Medicalodges – Fort Scott, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Southeast Kansas Library System, and interested community individuals.
While the virtual presentation may be easily accessed from the comforts of your own home, four host sites have been reserved for those without internet access. Host site locations where individuals may attend one or both days of the expo include:
Chanute: First Baptist Church Good News Center,
118 N. Forest
Fort Scott: Community Christian Church Gym,
1919 Horton St.
Parsons: Southeast Area Research & Extension Ctr.,
25092 Ness Rd.
Pittsburg: Homer Cole Senior Center,
2003 N. Joplin St.
Host site reservations need to be made by calling ahead to 620-625-8620.
Space is limited, due to social distancing.
Masks will be required.
A goal of the expo is to empower older adults and their caregivers –with information and education that is shared throughout the expo–to make more confident and proactive decisions that influence how they age.
Partial funding is provided by a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and the Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging to support the 2021 Aging with Attitude Regional Expo.
Virtual vendor booths for aging services and information available in the southeast Kansas area will be shared as part of the webinars.
There is no participant registration fee this year, however, registration is required to receive the webinar link. For more information, program details, and online registration, go to www.agingexpo.k-state.edu or call 620-625-8620. The registration deadline is April 23.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children is presenting webinars each Wednesday in April from 10:00 am-11:00 am for Drug Endangered Children Awareness Day.
These webinars are free and certificates of attendance will be provided for continuing education.
Please see the attached flyer for more information on each webinar and registration details. Please feel free to send this to your agencies and to anyone who might be interested in these training opportunities. Thank you!
The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. The City Commission will meet to interview engineering firms.
