Monthly Archives: August 2021

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Clerk Resigns

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Kendell Mason. Submitted photo.

Kendell Mason, the Bourbon County Clerk, resigned this week.

“I sent my notice of resignation to the governor and to the Republican party on August 23rd,” Mason said. “September 13th will be my last day with Bourbon County.”

Mason was appointed as Bourbon County Clerk in October of 2012 and then elected in November of 2012, 2016 and 2020, she said.

“There are many reasons I have decided to leave, but it is time for me to do something different,” Mason said.  “I am going to work for the Southeast Kansas Health Department, located in Fort Scott,  and I am very excited to have this opportunity.”

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me over the years,” she said. “I have an excellent staff of two full-time employees and one-part time employee.  I appreciate their loyalty and commitment and couldn’t have done this job without their help.”

“Doretta Neville is my deputy and will be filling in until a replacement has been appointed by the Republican party and then approved by the governor,” Mason said.

Mason explained some of the duties of the position:

“Some of the main duties are all aspects of elections, setting the property tax levies on all property in Bourbon County, calculating budgets for approximately 30 taxing entities, doing Homestead Taxes for Kansas residents, and completing state abstracts.   The list of duties for this job is endless and requires constant multitasking and keeping up with the laws and statutes that govern this position.  This job takes years of experience to learn.”

The process to select a new clerk is underway.

The Republican party will meet on September 9.  at 6 p.m. at the Empress Event Center, 7. N. Main for the purpose of selecting a new county clerk, Mark McCoy, the Bourbon County Republican Party Chairman, said.

Interested parties should send their resumes to Mark McCoy at  2138 Jayhawk Rd., Ft. Scott, KS, 66701 no later than Sept 6, he said.

The Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Avenue, Fort Scott.
Bourbon County, Government

New Executive Order on Public Lands Raises Questions by Some Locals

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Interested parties met to hear Angel Cushing’s take on President Joe Biden’s initiative known as 30 by 30 on August 25 at the Fort Scott Livestock building. Submitted photo.

An informational meeting was held on August 25 at the Fort Scott Livestock building, to share one farmer’s side of a  federal new executive order.

Bourbon County residents Anne Dare, Sparky Schroeder and Deb Martin heard Lyon’s County Resident Angel Cushing speak about a new federal program at a meeting in Pleasanton last month and thought people in Bourbon County and the surrounding areas would be interested in learning more, Deb Martin said in an email.
“I posted a really good article on it on our Ft. Scott Livestock Facebook Page,” she said. “Go there and read page 20-21 of that Calf News Magazine and also the Protect the Harvest and Trent Loos Facebook pages.”
“This was an information meeting only,” Martin said. “We just want people to know so they can do their own research. We are thankful Angel could come and share what she has learned with us.”
“Sparky said he counted cars, 125 people attended the program,” Martin said.
To view the presentation by Cushing:
To view the executive order which directs the U.S. Interior Department to outline steps to achieve President Joe Biden’s commitment to conserve at least 30% each of the nations lands and waters by the year 2030, as recommended by scientists, in order to safeguard health, food supplies, biodiversity, and the prosperity of every community:
Obituary

Obituary of Glenn Smith

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Thomas Glenn Smith

Thomas Glenn Smith, 80, of Redfield, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 after a lengthy battle with Covid-19 at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Glenn was born on July 9, 1941, at the home of his parents, Thomas and Ruth Smith of Arcadia. Kansas.

Glenn was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Lorna May (Johnston) Smith. He is survived by his daughter Glenna Hendrickson (Kevin) of Osceola, Missouri and son Craig Smith (Cathy) of Leavenworth, Kansas; siblings Ruth (Lester) Waring of Garland, Kansas, and Donnie (Kathleen) Smith of Miami, Oklahoma along with 5 nieces and 5 nephews.

Upon Glenn’s graduation from Arma High School in 1958, he participated in collegiate sports at Fort Scott Community College while receiving his Associate of Arts Degree in 1960 before graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1963 with a BSED in physical education.

Glenn worked as a ranch foreman for many years for local ranchers and farmers in the Bourbon County area. He also worked at Fort Scott Livestock sales, in housing construction, and as a welder helping build horse trailers for Twister Trailers.

Glenn was also a member of several community organizations including the Fort Scott Jaycees and the Bourbon County Fair Board. Glenn was also an active member of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church throughout the years.

Glenn is probably best known for participating in rodeos as a calf roper and team roper in the PRCA and various other rodeo organizations. While team roping, Glenn has won numerous saddles, buckles, and other awards including having been a National Champion while roping with partner Larry Martin at the 1992 USTRC Team Roping Shoot Out in Guthrie, OK. Glenn also participated in numerous ranch rodeo events as was also a judge for many rodeo events throughout the years.

Glenn also enjoyed raising his award-winning Corriente cattle including his National Champion Bull.

Prior to his cowboy days, Glenn could be found playing competitive softball and basketball for Whiteside’s IGA. He also enjoyed fishing and quail hunting. Glenn could also be found quite frequently supporting the local sporting events and assisting the FSCC Rodeo teams.

The family will hold a private ceremony in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

A public memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Glenn’s name to the Fort Scott Community College Rodeo Team and/or Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Garland, Kansas, and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Lakes with Blue-Green Algae Advisories

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Public Health Advisories for Kansas Lakes Due to Blue-Green Algae

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has issued several public health advisories for Kansas lakes due to blue-green algae.

Active Advisories

Warning

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” Main Lake, Labette County

Gathering Pond at Milford, Geary County

Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County

Hodgeman County State Fishing Lake, Hodgeman County

Jerry Ivey Pond, Saline County

Lake Afton, Sedgwick County

Marion Reservoir, Marion County (elevated Aug. 26)

Melvern Outlet Pond, Osage County

Melvern Outlet Swim Pond, Osage County

Milford Lake Zones A and C, Geary County

Neosho County State Fishing Lake, Neosho County

South Lake, Johnson County

 

Watch

Altamont City Lake “Idle Hour” North Lake, Labette County

Big Hill Lake, Labette County

Big Eleven Lake, Wyandotte County

Brown State Fishing Lake, Brown County

Buhler City Lake, Reno County

Ford County Lake, Ford County

Lake Jeanette, Leavenworth County

Marion County Lake, Marion County

Milford Lake Zone B, Geary County

Parsons Lake, Neosho County

Pony Creek Lake, Brown County

Riverwalk Landing Pond, Geary County

Webster Reservoir, Rooks County (lowered Aug. 26)

 

When a warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Lake water is not safe to drink for pets or livestock.
  • Lake water, regardless of blue-green algae status, should never be consumed by humans.
  • Water contact should be avoided.
  • Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water and only the fillet portion is consumed, while all other parts are discarded.
  • Do not allow pets to eat dried algae.
  • If lake water contacts skin, wash with clean water as soon as possible.
  • Avoid areas of visible algae accumulation.

A watch means that blue-green algae have been detected and a harmful algal bloom is present or likely to develop. People are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

  • Signage will be posted at all public access locations.
  • Water may be unsafe for humans/animals.
  • Avoid areas of algae accumulation and do not let people/pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • Swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing are discouraged near visible blooms.
  • Boating and fishing are safe. However, inhalation of the spray may affect some individuals. Avoid direct contact with water, and wash with clean water after any contact.
  • Clean fish well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

KDHE investigates publicly-accessible bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency receives reports of potential algae blooms in Kansas lakes. Based on credible field observation and sampling results, KDHE reports on potentially harmful conditions.

If you observe a scum or paint-like surface on the water, small floating blue-green clumps or filaments in the water, or if the water is an opaque green, avoid contact and keep pets away. These are indications that a harmful bloom may be present. Pet owners should be aware that animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die.

For information on blue-green algae and reporting potential harmful algal blooms, please visit www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

Government, Kansas

Bird Hunters Help Needed

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KDWP Biologists Seek Help From Migratory Game Bird Hunters

PRATT –“Did you hunt geese, dove, or ducks last year? If yes, how many did you bag?” This is just one of a handful of questions that can provide biologists at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) with information critical to managing migratory game bird populations.

Most game bird hunters in Kansas are familiar with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, but some may not be aware of the short survey that is associated with its purchase. A HIP permit, available for just $2.50, is required to hunt ducks, coots, geese, brant, swans, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, band-tailed pigeons, and gallinules in Kansas; however, the associated survey is voluntary. Therefore, KDWP biologists are encouraging all HIP permit holders to, “Don’t Skip the HIP” and complete the survey upon purchase.

The survey consists of 10 short questions related to the species each game bird hunter typically pursues. This information is provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that more detailed, nationwide surveys are sent to the appropriate hunters. For example, most surveys about dove harvest are typically sent to hunters who hunt doves, while most waterfowl harvest surveys are sent to hunters who typically pursue ducks and geese. The data collected is then used to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons and population management of migratory game bird species. So in essence, hunters serve as biologists’ eyes and ears in the field, helping to improve wildlife conservation efforts and protecting the hunting heritage.

Join KDWP in spreading the “Don’t Skip the HIP” message! For more information about the HIP permit, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Harvest-Information-Program-HIP.

Government, Kansas

COVID-19 Travel Quarantine List

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KDHE Amends Travel Quarantine List

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to remove the state of Louisiana. The countries of French Polynesia, Georgia and Guadeloupe have been added and the countries of Fiji and Isle of Man have been removed.

  • Traveled on or after July 29 to Martinique.
  • Traveled on or after Aug. 27 to French Polynesia, Georgia or Guadeloupe
  • Traveled between Aug. 13 to Aug. 27 to Louisiana.
  • Traveled between July 29 and Aug. 27 to Isle of Man.
  • Traveled between July 15 and Aug. 27 to Fiji.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state or in-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15, 2020.

The travel and mass gathering quarantine period is seven days with a negative test result or 10 days without testing, with release from quarantine on Day 8 and Day 11, respectively. Further information on quarantine periods can be found on KDHE’s website.

For those traveling internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is requiring testing within three days of flights into the U.S. For further information on this and other requirements, visit their website.

For those who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been greater than two weeks since they completed their vaccinations) they are not required to quarantine regarding travel or mass gatherings if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Are fully vaccinated (i.e., ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2- dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine).
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel.

Persons who do not meet the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel or mass gatherings.

Additionally, people with previous COVID-19 disease are not required to quarantine following travel if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Have evidence of a previous infection supported by a positive PCR or antigen test
  • Are within 6 months following infection. If an investigation was done documenting the date that symptoms resolved, or the date isolation measures were discontinued for asymptomatic patients, then the 6-month period can start from that end date. If those dates are not available, then the period will start from the date of the positive laboratory test. A serology or antibody test may not be substituted for a laboratory report of a viral diagnostic test.
  • Have remained asymptomatic since the travel

Persons who do not meet all three of the above criteria should continue to follow current quarantine guidance for travel.

The travel quarantine list is determined using a formula to evaluate new cases over a two-week period, then adjusted for population size to provide a case rate per 100,000 population. This provides a number that can then be compared to the rate in Kansas. Locations with significantly higher rates — approximately 3x higher — are added to the list.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Government, Kansas

Input Needed On Homeowner Assistance Plan

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State officials are seeking public feedback to inform a new housing initiative that will support Kansas homeowners in need. The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Kansas Office of Recovery and administered by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), will aim to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In less than a year, we’ve provided almost $50 million in emergency rental assistance to Kansas renters, landlords, and service providers,” said Ryan Vincent, KHRC’s Executive Director. “We’re proud to have helped more than 15,000 Kansas households avoid eviction and remain stably housed during the pandemic, but we know our state’s housing needs don’t stop with tenants. Kansas homeowners: Help is on the way.”
Program administrators and state officials welcome public input as they design a program to meet the needs of Kansas homeowners. Community members are invited to share their input three ways:
  1. Join the public webinar Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m.to learn about the proposed plan.
  2. Share your experience and expertiseby participating in our surveys targeting specific stakeholder groups:
3.  Subscribe to KHRC’s mailing list and select “Homeowner Assistance” to stay posted on the latest program news and announcements.
The draft program plan will be published online for public review on Monday, Aug. 30. Community members are invited to learn about the proposed plan during the public webinar at 10 a.m. onTuesday, Aug. 31. The public comment period will close Wednesday, Sept. 8. Program administrators will review the comments received, make any recommended adjustments, and finalize the plan by Wednesday, Sept. 15.
Learn more about the KHAF initiative online.
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Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) is a self-supporting, nonprofit, public corporation committed to helping Kansans access the safe, affordable housing they need and the dignity they deserve. KHRC serves as the state’s housing finance agency (HFA), administering essential housing and community programs to serve Kansans.
Government, Kansas

Flags Half-Staff For Afghanistan Military Personnel Deaths

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For Immediate Release:    
August 27, 2021

Contact:    
Reeves Oyster, Press Secretary
[email protected]

Governor Laura Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff to Honor U.S. Service Members Killed in Kabul Terrorist Attack

TOPEKA – In accordance with Executive Order #20-30, and following the proclamation of President Joe Biden, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags throughout the State of Kansas be lowered to half-staff effective immediately until sunset on August 30, 2021, to honor and pay respects to U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“My father was career Army, and I know firsthand the sacrifices those in our military and their loved ones make for our country,” Governor Kelly said. “My thoughts are with the families of the victims of Thursday’s tragic attack in Kabul.”

 To receive future email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honor
Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Gordon Parks Museum

2021 Gordon Parks Museum Photo Contest Starts

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A panel in the Gordon Parks Museum, located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2401 S. Horton.

The 2021 Gordon Parks Museum to feature Photo Contest

Fort Scott, KS. -The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College, will feature a photo contest sponsored by Merl Humphrey Photography. This event is inspired by Gordon Parks, who started his career in fashion photography and chose a camera to fight against racism, discrimination, and poverty.

 

The theme of the contest, “Fashion and Diversity”, is for any amateur photographer. Photographers are invited to capture the essence of the theme.

 

Non-professional photographers of any age and skill level are invited to take pictures for the project and may enter up to two photos in JPEG format with less than 2MB. There will be a first place ($100), second place ($75) and third place ($50) prize and up to five honorable mentions. All photos submitted will be on exhibit at The Gordon Parks Museum and in the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center Oct. 7 – 9, 2021. All photos will also be posted on the Gordon Parks Museum website and Facebook page. Judges for the photo contest will be professional photographer, Veretta Cobler and established make-up artist and hair stylist, Donna Fumoso based in New York City.

Photographs must be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All photos must be attached in JPEG format and limit file size to less than 2 MB. All entries will be confirmed via email. Photographers should submit (in their email) a title, along with their name, address, email, phone number and share a one or two sentence on what inspired the photo. If under 10 years old, please include parent’s information. Photos should be received via email by Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the latest.

For more information, email [email protected] or by phone call 223-2700, ext. 5850.

Opinion

Pray For Our Leaders by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

I recently returned from my annual trip with five sorority sisters. This time, things weren’t quite as funny as they usually are since we ended up in the E.R., concerned that one of the girls had a blood clot. (She did not.)

While waiting for her ultrasound, I noticed a man in the waiting room wearing a “Vietnam Veteran” hat. I thanked him for his service; several people followed. “John” was there because of the extensive damage done to him by Agent Orange. His explanation of how the veterans of his era were mistreated upon returning home was interrupted by the technician calling his name.

The next time we had a chance to visit was when my girlfriend and I left the hospital. There was John, leaning against a pillar, trying to catch his breath. We walked him to his car, thanked him again and said goodbye.

Three days later, on the day of the U.S.-Afghanistan pull-out, I met an Afghanistan veteran, the nephew of one of my girlfriends, who shared that he wept when he heard the news. “I carried a burn victim from his armored car after driving across an I.E.D. while on patrol, and I had friends who came home without legs or arms. And for what?” he questioned. I had no answers, but I knew that if I were the loved one of a soldier who had sacrificed life or limb or sanity for that cause, and now we weren’t sure we could even rescue those who had helped our military, I would be grieving.

But what if grief is not enough of a response? As I write this, I am watching television to see the madness of hundreds (thousands?) of Afghani civilians scrambling to get to the airport. Carrying only a satchel or small bag, they appear desperate. At a press briefing, an Afghani journalist fights back tears as she asks the Pentagon spokesman what will happen to all of the women who finally can hold a job and not be mistreated by their husbands. She dons her face mask, a flag from her country that she left 20 years ago, the same time our country went to her native land’s aid, and implores our leaders not to abandon what has been accomplished.

My friend emails that his military buddy has spent the night in hiding with three Afghans who worked as interpreters for the U.S. They and their families (a total of 14) have just safely arrived at the airport. Is there any room for them in my friend’s hometown?

I think of myself, sitting in the comfort of my air-conditioned living room, every thirty minutes moving a sprinkler around my yard (Heaven forbid my grass turns brown!) while watching on television as our leaders explain how necessary this ending is. And yes, I get that we should not stay in another country forever. I get that 20 years should be enough time to train a militia. I get that no more lives should be lost.

Still… Should these evacuees come to our area, will I help? Really help, not just talk about it? I’m sure that’s what Jesus would have me do. Please, Readers, let us not put our heads in the sand and fail to be moved with compassion. If ever there was a time to be in prayer for the decisions our country’s leaders make, this is it. It’s the least we can do. Actually, it’s also the most.