Monthly Archives: May 2021

Fort Scott Community College, Sports

Two local FSCC Rodeo athletes head to Nationals

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Fort Scott, KS – Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) Rodeo will be sending two local individuals to the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) in Casper, Wyoming on June 11th – 19th. Trey Holston of Fort Scott, KS and Karson Harris of Hepler, KS qualified for nationals last year, but due to COVID, they were unable to attend.

Trey will be competing in bull riding, while Karson will be competing in bare back riding. Both are in the top 3 in each event of all the colleges in Kansas and Oklahoma.

“I am very proud of both these young men for their achievements, but even more pleased with what fine young men they are. The team, school and community should be very proud”, says Head Rodeo Coach, Chad Cross.

You can follow all the action in real-time by going to www.cnfr.com or follow the FSCC Rodeo Team on social media.

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Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff For Peace Officers On May 15

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Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has directed that flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective from sunrise to sundown on Saturday, May 15, 2021 to honor Peace Officers Memorial Day. Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to local, state, and federal peace officers who have died, or been disabled, in the line of duty.

“Kansas peace officers put their lives on the line to protect their communities,” said Governor Kelly. “Their many sacrifices to keep us safe do not go unnoticed. On May 15th, and every day, we honor their service.”

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor.

Bourbon County, Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability

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Dacia Clark and Jody Hoener.

The group that set up an office on the second floor, above the Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main,  has changed the name, but not services.

 

 

“The partners that made up the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (BWERC) have decided to name ourselves The Center for Economic Growth,” Jody Hoener, director of the center, said. “We have the same space, model, operations, and services that were provided before.” The one exception is the Bourbon County Commission is not a part of the partnership, she said.

 

“Our mission is to increase access to physical activity and healthy food, promote tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth,” she said.  “We wanted our program and name to tie directly to our mission.”

 

 

 

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Board and our partners re-branded our collaborative efforts,” Hoener said.  “Our work to build healthy communities and address the social determinants continues, with health and economic stability as the focus of the center.”

 

 

“Specifically, we are working with community members and our partners on economic stability,” she said.

 

 

“Priority is given to those businesses owned by low-income, minority, female, or veteran,” she said. “Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center uses the U.S. Small Business Administration small business definition…typically 500 employees or less with less than $5m in profit in a two-year period.”

 

 

Jody Hoener at her desk at the Center For Economic Growth, 17 S. Main, second floor.

 

 

 

“Poverty and low income are drivers of poor health,” Hoener said. ” Bourbon County is a rural community… with higher rates of poverty.  Our community has seen low investment and low upward mobility in employment.  We are working to create economic opportunities to generate wealth and income for Bourbon County residents.”

 

 

 

The partner organizations are the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce,  Fort Scott Community College, Kansas Works, Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center, and  BAJA Investments.

 

 

Hoener’s work as the Bourbon County Economic Director ended in March

 

Continue reading Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability →

Area News

Hands-On Learning for Summer

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Summer Break Offers New Opportunities for Hands-On Learning, Offline Time for Children

With a Difficult School Year in the Rear-View Mirror, NRMC Expert Offers Families Tips for Skill-Building at Home This Better Hearing & Speech Month

After a challenging year of virtual, hybrid, and modified in-person learning, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) speech-language pathologist Andrea Wydick is offering advice and encouragement to families on low-stress ways they can support their children’s language, literacy, and learning skills at home this summer. Her message is a timely one, as May is celebrated nationally as Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM).

“Many parents have been understandably concerned about their child’s academic progress this school year, given all of the changes necessitated by the pandemic,” explained Wydick. “This may be especially so for families whose children receive support services in schools, such as speech and language therapy. These services may have looked a little different this year than they typically do, and they may to some degree next year as well. I want to encourage families to use the summer season as a much-needed reset—and to rest assured that there are many ways you can support your child’s learning at home, without workbooks, learning apps, and other programs and purchases that add to the family’s stress level.”

Wydick is providing advice on what most children—especially those with speech, language and social communication disorders—need more of this summer. She notes that so-called “down time” is actually time well spent when it comes to building communication and learning skills. This is true for children of all ages.

Activities Children Need More of This Summer

Wydick encourages families to prioritize these activities:

 

  • Reading. Use this time to nurture the joy of reading. Let kids be in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing what they read so it doesn’t feel like work. While independent reading is always valuable, children of all ages also benefit from nightly reading together with an adult. Many libraries that were closed due to COVID-19 are reopening or offering curbside book pickups and returns.
  • Outdoor Play. Hands-on activities, no matter a child’s age, are the best way to learn new skills, build vocabularies, and boost learning through the senses. Try taking a nature walk and discussing the sights, smells, and sounds. Plant a garden—outside or in containers. Start by researching your options, and then shop for materials, do your planting, and care for your garden daily. Plan a picnic—discuss your menu, where you’ll go, and what you hope to see.
  • Quality time. Many families have spent more time together than ever this year, but the quantity of this time has not always translated to quality. Focus on one or two daily opportunities for uninterrupted conversation and bonding. A morning or evening walk together, a device-free meal each day, or a nightly board game are some ideas.

Wydick is also providing some recommendations for activities to take a break from, including these:

  • Screen time. For many children, it’s been a year of exponentially more screen time—as much of daily life moved online. Kids also have been exposed to a constant barrage of negative news about the pandemic and other issues on TV, with many experiencing online fatigue and stress. When school is out, consider revisiting boundaries around daily technology use. Talk to kids about the effects of too much screen time, how they feel after being online for a long time, and other activities they can do in place of screen use.
  • Formal work, workbooks, and “educational” programs/apps. Families may feel pressure to work with children over the summer by ordering workbooks or subscribing to online programs. However, everyday real-world activities and interactions are generally most effective. Play is one of the main ways that children learn, with direct benefits on cognitive skills, math, language, literacy, and much more.
  • Academic pressure and expectations. This school year, even the youngest of children had to deal with stress in the academic environment—from technological challenges to limited engagement with adults and peers. Although you as parents are understandably invested in their child’s development and academic success, try to remain positive about where your children are after one very tough year.

If you’d like to learn more, contact NRMC Performance Therapy at 417-448-3790.

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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.

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas State Agency Reopening Guidance

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces State Agency Reopening Guidance

~State of Kansas agencies to resume normal operations June 13, 2021 with additional COVID guidance~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced that State of Kansas offices will return to normal operations effective with the pay period beginning on June 13, 2021.

By the end of May, all state employees will have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at no cost. Due to vaccinations, the widespread availability of rapid testing, and substantially reduced numbers of new positive cases being reported in the state, the State of Kansas has determined it is safe to return to normal operations with additional guidance* detailed below.

  • Masks or other facial coverings will continue to be required for all State of Kansas employees and visitors to any State of Kansas facilities under the jurisdiction of the Governor. Notice of this requirement will continue to be posted at entrances to all State of Kansas buildings.
  • Agencies should take all necessary steps to ensure that at least six feet of space can be maintained between employee workstations and other seating arrangements. Signs and floor markings will continue to be used throughout State of Kansas buildings to reinforce the importance of physical distancing.
  • Agencies should reinforce the need for proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Where this is not available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol may be used.
  • Agencies may continue to allow employees to work remotely in situations where adequate social distancing cannot be maintained in the office or as otherwise approved by the agency head, provided there is no disruption to agency operations.
  • Employees should continue to self-monitor and conduct self-screening activities before appearing for in-person work. Passive temperature check stations and posting of screening questions will continue to be in place in all State of Kansas buildings under the jurisdiction of the Governor.

Full guidance for State of Kansas agencies and employees can be found here.

*Guidance developed in consultation with KDHE.

Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Billiard Hammer Hartman Ins. May 13

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that this week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by
Billiard Hammer Hartman
Insurance Agency
A tradition of providing quality service to clients, doing business in an honest fashion since 1921.
Celebrating 100 years in business!
May 13th, 2021 at 8 am
20 S. National Ave.
Join us for Coffee, Networking,
Community Events, and Business Growth!
Coffee, refreshments, and prize drawing in celebration of 100 years in business!
Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE:
 5/13 ~ KOMB FM 103.9 & 98.3
5/27 ~ FSHS Strength & Performance Program
June 2021
6/6 ~ Good Ol’ Days
6/10 ~ Sharky’s Pub & Grub, Celebrating 10 years!
 617 ~ The Lavender Patch Farm
6/27 ~ The Hound Nutrition – Ribbon Cutting
Obituary

Obituary of John Phillip Hammons

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On May 4, 2021, the curtains closed on the life of John Phillip “Phil” Hammons after being on life’s stage for 77 years with his quick wit, his roaring laughter, and his irrepressible personality.

The world was graced with Phil’s presence on March 23, 1944 in Fort Scott, KS.  The second son of Carol and Paul Hammons, brother to Stephen Carson.  He was best described by his sainted mother Carol…”He’s never been quite right.”  Following an idyllic childhood he attended the University of Kansas where he was an active, proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity…”How’d he get in?” you might ask…we’re not sure either!  Phil graduated with a major in Math in 1966 and moved to St. Louis, Missouri to work for Ford Motor Company.

In 1968 he married Susy Sheaks. Their children, Josh and Carey, were born in Missouri, which caused considerable consternation because this clashed with his deep Kansas Jayhawk roots.

The family moved to Fort Scott in 1975, where Phil joined Hammons Realty to work with his dad.  The doors of Hammons Realty Company closed in 2018 after more than 50 total years in operation.

In retirement, Phil continued his real estate activities at H&H Agency and his independent appraisal business. Additionally, he was the treasurer for the Fort Scott USD 234, treasurer for the First United Methodist Church, treasurer for the Class of 1962, and treasurer for his golf group (which was his most challenging pro bono task).

A childhood bout with polio left Phil with a weak upper left arm, and rather than become the target of jokes about his disability, he became the jokester of the room, targeting anyone around him, politically correct or not.  He used it to his advantage.  Most any time he found himself at a disadvantage, he’d cry “But I had THE polio as a child!”

He laughed as uproariously as anyone else at his own jokes; he was his own laugh track.  You may have been at the receiving end of Phil’s witty comments and comebacks.  Even if some of them stung, the secret is…that meant he cared about you.

Admittedly more of a brain than an athlete, believe it or not, Phil had FOUR holes-in-one in his lifetime playing the game he loved with a group of guys he treasured.  An avid KU basketball fan, in February 2020, he took great pride in taking his grandson, Nate, to his very first basketball game in Allen Fieldhouse complete with a pre-game stop at The Wheel.  Another very special moment was singing a duet in church with granddaughter Avery.  Although he didn’t much like hearing that she was the lead and he was her backup.

While recovering from his first round of chemo in March 2021 at Nottingham Health and Rehab in Olathe, KS, his Sigma Chi brothers serenaded him.  The weather was perfect and Phil was able to sit by a large open window and even sing along until becoming verklempt.

Phil’s hometown community rallied around him during his battle with lung cancer.  Phil said, “I’ve had more people at my house in the last 30 days than I had in the previous 30 years!” (Phil was more of a professional guest than host).

The town he loved really came through for him in a big way during these difficult 11 weeks since the diagnosis.  He was miraculously able to stay at home with his dog, Roxy, for the last several weeks of his battle because of the selfless community support.  On May 2nd, 2021, an impromptu, surprise, friendship parade was organized in a couple of hours, and approximately 100 people passed by his bedroom window with messages of love and support.  He greeted each person by name and was deeply touched by their presence.

Beyond his witty and larger-than-life personality, Phil was a good man, a good father, and grandfather (Pop to his grandchildren), a good community man, a staunch member of the First United Methodist Church, a talented tenor, and well-known local real estate broker/appraiser.

Although they were divorced, he and Susy worked to maintain good relations which made it possible for many combined family celebrations over the years. Most recently, the family had several “Fridays with Pop” for favorite family meals of the past and good conversations.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who when reunited with him on the other side, MAYBE by then, all of his old, tired jokes will finally seem new again.  No question, he will greet them asking, “Did we go to high school together?” OR “Are you here for the cheerleaders’ convention?”

Phil leaves behind his devoted children, Joshua John Hammons (Pittsburg) and Carey Carson Hammons Parks (Overland Park), grandchildren, Avery Jane Parks and Nate Carson Parks, and last but not least, the famous Roxy the Doxy (as Phil called her), his devoted dog.  She was a particular comfort in his last days (when she wasn’t standing on his chest!).  Fortunately for Phil, his children were committed to him in spite of the fact that he said to a home health nurse, “Help, my kids are trying to kill me!” during her very first home health visit.  If you knew Phil, this surprises no one (other than that unsuspecting home health nurse).

Greeting Phil on the other side are his father, Paul Leroy Hammons; mother, Emily Carol Carson Hammons; brother, Stephen Carson Hammons, and countless other treasured family members and friends both human and canine.  The Hammons family LOVES dogs and in particular, Phil looked forward to reuniting at the Rainbow Bridge with his loving companion of 15 years (who he stole from his neighbors…that’s a story for another time) Maggie the dachshund.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Phil’s memory to the organizations that brought the Hammons family its most pedigreed members:

Roxy,  Phil’s dachshund: The SE Kansas Humane Society in Pittsburg, KS, – Humane Society, P.O. Box 783, Pittsburg, KS 66762 (https://www.thesekhumanesociety.com/donate).

Abe, Josh’s cocker spaniel mix:
Golden Paw Rescue out of Joplin, MO – Golden Paw Rescue, 2300 N Main St., Joplin, MO 64801, (https://www.goldenpawrescue.org/).

Willow, Carey, Avery, & Nate’s beagle mix:

Always & Furever Animal Sanctuary in Spring Hill, KS – Always & Furever, 23595 W 223rd St., Spring Hill, KS 66083 (https://www.alwaysandfurever.org/donate/).

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, at The First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Due to COVID restrictions, the attendance is limited to 100 attendees maximum. The family is investigating options to stream the service online. Buck Run Community Center will be set up with chairs and a large screen for church overflow to watch the service.

When available, details to join the live stream of the service will be shared on Phil’s CaringBridge site at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/philhammons, on Facebook, and also available from Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., Fort Scott, KS, 66701.

Immediately following the church service, a procession to the cemetery will be held.

The family encourages all to join in the procession to the cemetery and at the graveside. The family requests that you please submit stories and memories to the online guestbook at www.konantz-cheney.com.