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Election Candidate Forum Oct. 20
Monthly Archives: October 2021
FS Lake Advisory Board Meets Oct. 23
The Lake Fort Scott Advisory Board will meet on Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Hall Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting is open to the public.
The meeting will be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
Friday Night Free Concert: Bethel Community Church
Bethel Community Church will provide the music for this week’s Friday Night Concert. “The performing musicians and vocalists represent a diversity of ages and talent. The audience is sure to enjoy their program of gospel music excellence,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “I’m very pleased to welcome the Bethel Community Church to the park pavilion. The concert season is nearly over, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of this musical presentation Friday evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main Streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas of Parsons serves as sound technician each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
Riverfront Park: A Work In Progress
Riverfront Park on the north end of Fort Scott near the Marmaton River, is a work in progress.
As grants have been received, the Riverfront Park Authority Board has put in place many amenities that the public can enjoy: a tree-lined walking trail and lighting for that trail, a pavilion with electricity, several resting areas and a boardwalk, with views overlooking the river.
A recent flood wrecked the boardwalk overlook, so it was disassembled and moved to the south, across the river on higher ground.
“The flood put it on the edge of the riverbank, almost in the river,” Jerry Witt, a member of the Riverfront Park Authority said.
Johnny Walker Construction did the work of moving the boardwalk, he said. The timber for the original project was donated by Evergy Electric and was reused.
The Fort Scott Fire Department washed and cleaned it after it was reconstructed, about two months ago, Witt said.
“It’s shaded in a beautiful spot,” Witt said.
On the horizon for the Riverfront Park Authority is an 8-foot wide asphalt trail that will lead to the boardwalk overlook.
In a circle garden spot on the River Loop Road, from which one can now see the boardwalk, the Bourbon County Garden Club has planted a colorful garden.
“I want to thank them for their work,” Witt said.
This club also plants and maintains the plants in downtown Fort Scott.
“The fire department has been watering the flower bed this summer and we thank them, as well,” Witt said.
There has been added traffic to the River Loop Park because of the murals painted in the Hwy. 69 underpass that segments the park, he said.
The murals were painted by local artist Stephen Toal.
To view a prior story on Toal and see the murals: Art Is Therapy For Toal
The Riverfront Park Authority Board is preparing the write a grant to finish the walking trails on the River Loop Road, Witt said.
The board has also had the engineering done and also permits completed to build a walking bridge across the river, he said.
“We just need the funding to secure that,” Witt said.
The board applied for a grant a few years ago to bring a historic Bourbon County bridge to the park for public use.
“We received a $750,000 grant to move it, but all bids came in over $1,000,000, so we gave the grant back,” Witt said.
The idea to remake Riverfront Park began in 2005 and a group of citizens was commissioned by then-Governor Sibelius in 2007.
The board is comprised of Witt, Bob Love, Danny Magee, Arnold Schofield, Jeff Sweetser, and Allen Warren. Ex-officio members are Dean Mann, Betty Boyko, Penny Barnes, and Kate Sweetser.
To see a prior story on the park:
Overlook of the Marmaton River in Place at Riverfront Park
Death Notice of Mary Ramsey
Mary Evelyn Ramsey, age 77, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Hillside Guest Home, Ft. Scott.
Mary was born January 12, 1944, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of James and Helen Greenfield Ramsey.
She worked in accounting for an electrical company.
Mary enjoyed cross stich and raising ferrets as pets.
She enjoyed the staff and her time at Hillside the last three years.
There was cremation. No services are scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main.
Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing Available to Child Care Providers
Self-Administered COVID-19 Testing Available to Child Care Providers
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is partnering with Battelle, a leader in the field of science and technology, to provide rapid self-delivered COVID-19 testing to all licensed child care providers in Kansas.
Battelle has been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manage the logistics of administering COVID-19 tests for millions of Americans in 16 states through the Midwest Expanded Testing Coordination Hub.
“Until vaccines are approved for our kids, testing is one of the best tools we have to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and child care centers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Child care providers have done excellent work throughout the pandemic to keep our children safe. With this extra assistance, our providers can ensure Kansas families maintain access to safe, quality child care.”
KDHE recognizes how important it is to provide access to easy, reliable, and rapid testing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and control outbreaks. Testing in child care settings helps identify individuals who have the virus but do not have symptoms and who may be contagious. This testing can support organizations with maintaining normal operations and keeping children, staff, visitors, and volunteers safe.
“Child care providers across the state have continued to provide this vital service to Kansans,” said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of KDHE. “We are excited to partner with Battelle to provide another tool for child care providers to use. Through COVID-19 testing, positive cases will be identified earlier to reduce the amount of spread of this virus.”
Outreach for the Midwest Coordination Center is ramping up this month. Battelle has an extensive team on board ready to assist organizations who serve children in group settings to administer the complete testing process from registering and collecting samples to receiving the results. Saliva testing is now available for children as young as 3 years old, and nasal swab testing is available for children as young as 5 years old, both with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for results. Testing supplies, shipping, and technical assistance are available at no charge.
These services are also available to other congregate settings in Kansas such as schools, organizations that provide group services for children, homeless shelters, group homes, or detention centers.
For more information about the Midwest Coordination Center and the testing program overview, please visit the website at www.testedandprotected.org.
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Evergy seeks to add more wind energy
Midwest projects of 50 MW or larger requested
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Oct. 18, 2021 – Evergy (NYSE: EVRG) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for wind energy to supply the needs of its customers.
The RFP solicits bids for Evergy’s purchase of wind resources of up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) that will be in service by 2026. Projects that achieve commercial operation by mid-2024 and year-end 2025 will be given preference. Wind resources must be a minimum of 50 MW and interconnect to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Siting preference will be given to projects located in Kansas.
Proposals are due by Nov. 23, 2021. Response and contact information are available online at www.evergy.com/2021rfp. Proposals selected from the RFPs are subject to appropriate regulatory approvals.
Evergy has outlined its plan to expand ownership of renewable energy and to retire fossil-fueled generation as the company works toward its 2045 target for net zero carbon emissions. These wind projects would fulfill the plan to add up to 1,000 MW of wind energy by 2026 with projects that benefit from production tax credits.
About Evergy, Inc.
Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We were formed in 2018 when long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy merged. We generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Oct. 14-17
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report Oct. 18
Bo Co Coalitions Minutes of Oct. 6
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2021
The meeting was called to order at noon by Nancy K. Van Etten, member of the Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Board due to Billie Jo Drake’s absence.
Attendees by Zoom were Elizabeth Billings and Rhonda Hoener.
In person attendees: Megan Rogers, Elizabeth Schafer, David Gillen, Christine Abbott, Jody Hoener (presenter), Patty Simpson, Sandy Haggard, and Allen Schellack.
Announcements: Elizabeth Billings works out of Lawrence, KS, and she is the community outreach partner for United Health Care for eastern KS. Her email is [email protected]; phone is 785-840-5996.
Rhonda Hoener is the Community in Schools representative for USD 235 in Uniontown.
Sandy Haggard is with RSVP and has volunteers at the Beacon and Fort Scott Housing Authority. Her email is [email protected]; phone is 620-432-0422. Contact her if you have volunteer opportunities or interest in volunteering in the community.
Allen Schellack represents Salvation Army and recently received a grant to distribute heaters and blankets for those in need. Allen organizes the Bell Ringers for Christmas time at Wal-Mart. He can help with taxi vouchers, obtaining ID cards and birth certificates. His phone number is 620-223-2212.
Patty Simpson is with the Fort Scott Housing Authority, 620-223-4570, located at 315 Scott Avenue in Fort Scott. She states they have a total of 190 units and have open units now for anyone in need.
Megan Rogers, Safe House Crisis Center and Victim Advocate Outreach Services. Phone is 620-231-8692. October is the National Domestic Violence Awareness month. They have a “Deck Your Door” event going on now to raise money and awareness for the center. You can contact her at the above phone number and her email is [email protected].
Elizabeth Schafer is a CASA volunteer and member of Pioneer Kiwanis. She also helps with Feeding Families at the Methodist Church. They served 280 persons last week. Her email is [email protected].
David Gillen is the director of the Beacon in Fort Scott. His phone number is 620-223-6869. Email is [email protected]. The Beacon is open M-T-W-F from 9-1pm and closed on Thursdays. Beacon helps with food distribution two times/month and with utilities and rent as needed. Food Pantry sign up is October 1st though October 29th. Call in advance for appointments and bring your picture ID, full parental custody documents, and proof of income. It is best to call ahead and know what to bring to verify your need for help. Community Christian Church and Beacon are doing “Adopt a Child” this year and gifts will be given on December 17, 9-1pm. The Elks are doing food baskets this year for adults without children. Additional information is on the Beacon’s Facebook page.
Christine Abbott is the Youth Career Advisor for Southeast Kansas Works and is in Fort Scott once a week on Tuesdays. She has an office space at the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office located at 104 N. National Street in Fort Scott. Her phone number is 620-223-2160. Email [email protected]. Christine told us there are currently 67,000 jobs available in Kansas. Young Adult Summit 2021 sponsored by Kansas Works is free to attend. It is Thursday, October 14, 9-3pm at PSU. Bill Cordes is the keynote speaker. Contact Jennifer Graber if you have an interested student or young person who would like to attend (ages 16-24). Her contact information is [email protected]; phone number is 620-794-1271.
Nancy shared information from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department (SEKMCHD). Holly Fritter’s Healthy Start Home Visitor program has a Mommy and Me presentation on October 20th @ 3:30 pm about Baby Basics. It will be at 524 S. Lowman, Fort Scott. SEKMCHD is providing flu vaccine onsite clinics for businesses and flu vaccines by appointment at the health department. They are keeping up to date on COVID-19 boosters and additional doses; go to www.facebook.com/sekmchd or call 620-223-4464 for information and appointments. Free parenting classes, Parenting the Love and Logic Way will be taught by Jan and Dave Elliot. Call the health department to register. The classes start 10/14.
Program: Jody Hoener, President and CEO of Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) presented an interesting and thorough program about the HBCAT’s mission, history, past and current projects, grants awarded, future goals, and the health needs assessment survey. Jody’s email is [email protected] and phone number is 620-215-5725. The web page for HBCAT is https://the-healthy-bourbon-county-action-team.business.site/
HBCAT started in 2016 as a joint effort between Mercy Hospital and the City of Fort Scott with a Pathways to Healthy Kansas grant by BCBS of KS. It was a 4-year grant with a 1 year bonus extension. A BCBS KS Pathways Phase 2 grant for $400,000 was received this year. HCBAT mission is to increase access to physical activities, healthy food, promote commercial tobacco cessation and encourage economic growth in Bourbon County.
Currently, KU is helping HBCAT with their partners CHC/SEK and Ascension Via Christi, to assess and evaluate the health and wellness opportunities for Bourbon County through a survey with the deadline of survey being October 31, 2021. Use this web link to complete the survey: https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=FKEN3PP9AT The survey is very important to meeting the needs of our county and will help HBCAT and other organizations to apply for grants.
Current projects include tobacco free program with USD 234 high school to address vaping and tobacco use and developing an evidenced based and/or promising practice strategy together, implementing smoke free housing policy in Uniontown multi-unit housing to accomplish a smoke free healthy environment, working with City of Fort Scott and Land Bank to address neighborhood disparities, and building relationships with communities throughout the county to address social determinants of health and economic growth.
HCBAT received a $560,140 Patterson Family Foundation Grant and money from this grant will be used to employ a program coordinator (Rachel Carpenter), help to build wealth and employment opportunities for all community members, develop creative placemaking projects on the eastside and downtown areas of Fort Scott and Uniontown, provide grants to low income/minority/or woman owned startup businesses, food based businesses, and grants for farmers and ranchers to increase food production throughout the year.
The focus of the BSBS KS Pathways Action Plan for 2022 are directed towards food related projects with school districts, K-State Extension, grocery stores, food pantries and community centers. In year three, the focus will be on storytelling and higher education projects with FSCC.
HBCAT publishes a newsletter every month. Send Jody a request If you would like to receive the newsletter. Her email is [email protected]. If you need help with grant writing, Jody and her team are wiling to help you. HBCAT program, “The Center for Economic Growth” is partially funded through USDA Rural Development The partners are PSU Small Business Development Center, KANSASWORKS, FSCC, and The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. They provide quarterly education workshops for women entrepreneurs. The yearlong series is called, “Dare to Dream.” Thirty five women attended the first meeting and the second she is expecting sixty-two women to attend.
Finally, Jody shared one of the best ways to keep up to date on the work of the HBCAT is by Facebook. This site is kept up to date and easy to access: https://www.facebook.com/HealthyBBCo.
Open Forum: The group discussed the benefits and drawbacks of changing the general membership meeting time. The consensus is to change our meeting time to 1:00 pm beginning in January. Also, the group discussed finding a location to meet with reliable internet connection where we can continue to have face-to-face and Zoom meetings. Jody offered the use of HBCAT headquarters stating there is room for a group, access to good internet, and hardware available to handle Zoom meetings. Group consensus is to try the HCBAT location offered by Jody for next month’s meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm. The next General Membership meeting will be November 3, 2021, at 12 Noon, HBCAT headquarters located at 104 N. National. This is at the north end of Luther’s BBQ building. There is parking on the street and across the street near the Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Minutes submitted by
Nancy K. Van Etten, Board member
Some Legislators Asking Governor to Lower Number of Mandates
GROUP OF SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES PETITION GOVERNOR IN CALLING FOR A SPECIAL SESSION TO SAVE KANSANS FROM MANDATES
On Oct.15, 2021, 19 Legislators from across the state of Kansas petitioned Governor Kelly, according to Kansas statute, in calling for a special session to help save Kansans from unnecessary mandates.
“Kansans are hurting and it’s time the legislature steps in to pass a bill to protect the people from vaccine mandates, mask mandates and other egregious overreach from government, businesses, organizations & schools” says Ellinwood Senator Alicia Straub, the bearer of the petitions to the governor’s office today.
Kansans are losing their jobs at an alarming rate having to choose between moral principle or unjust overreach from private companies as well as government agencies alike.
Although Biden has not formally come out with an executive order requiring such, companies are already intruding on Kansans personal liberties.
“It’s a sad day when our own Republican leadership sends out emails discouraging Republican lawmakers from signing on to a constitutional petition that would help save the people’s jobs. Our intent in bringing this petition is to unite and stand with the people of our state according to the oath that we took to protect and defend. My loyalty isn’t with any party, it’s with Liberty to do my job as the Representative from District 4,” Representative Trevor Jacobs, Fort Scott, said.
The petition calls for an October 18th, 2021 start date. Although the petition falls short of the 2/3 required for the Governor to call a special session, the group hopes that Kelly will also realize her duty to defend and protect regardless of political lines and choose to move forward on her own accord with a special session.
The first special session was called in 1874 due to a grasshopper plague and has occurred 23 times since. The organizers of this petition believe that according to the historical account of the seriousness of previous special sessions, this is also one of those precarious times in history.
Special sessions can only occur one of 2 ways. If the Governor calls for it or if 2/3 of the Legislature petition the Governor to call for it. Today, marks the first time in history that members of the Legislature have petitioned the Governor to step in.
While the organizers of this petition are disappointed that more Legislators didn’t sign the petition, they are hopeful that this line in the sand sparks citizens from across Kansas to pay attention. “We need to do our jobs. It’s as simple as that. The federal government is out of control. It’s time that we have courage and remind them that we give the Feds their power, not the other way around,” Representative Tatum Lee, Ness City said.
A bill that Dr. Mark Steffen, a Hutchinson Senator has crafted is ready to be heard should this special session convene. The Patriots Freedom Bill would protect Kansans personal health freedoms.
The only physician in the group, Steffen, added in, “While I am a big proponent of smaller government, when a government or business steals a person’s individual rights by forcing them into a medical procedure that is experimental and unproven, I’m going to stand up and say NO.”
The signers of the petition include the following:
Senators
District 1: Dennis Pyle
District 10: Mike Thompson
District 12: Caryn Tyson
District 13: Richard Hildebrand
District 15: Virgil Peck
District 24: J.R. Claeys
District 33: Alicia Straub
District 34: Mark Steffen
House of Representatives
District 1: Michael Houser
District 4: Trevor Jacobs
District 38: Timothy Johnson
District 41: Pat Proctor
District 62: Randy Garber
District 73: Les Mason
District 80: Bill Rhiley
DIstrict 82: Jesse Burris
District 113: Brett Fairchild
District 114: Michael Murphy
District 117: Tatum Lee
Biscuits Without Any Gravy
Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
I’ve eaten biscuits with chicken gravy, sausage gravy, quail gravy, bacon gravy, squirrel gravy, and chocolate gravy. My Mom was one of the best gravy makers in Cedar County. Gravy is basically a food group all by itself. Do you know some people won’t even eat certain food without gravy on it? As a new bride, one of the first things I learned was that my husband wouldn’t eat mashed potatoes without gravy. It’s like there was a hidden gravy clause in our marriage vows. I hadn’t the foggiest idea how important gravy was to him when we got married! So, in order to save our marriage, I quickly learned from Betty Crocker how to make gravy.
“Ain’t Gonna Give Up on God” was written by Chaz Bosarge and Phil Johnson; pianist/vocalist Gordon Mote recorded it. From start to finish, this song really butters my biscuit. Here we go: “Been busted and bruised, battered and torn. Walked through the desert weary and worn. I’ve had me some biscuits without any gravy. But in every situation the hand of God fed me. So I ain’t gonna give up, ain’t gonna give up on God.”
I’m gonna stick with God and live for Him all the days of my life. The Lord says, “Don’t be afraid…I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up — the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior…” (Isaiah 43:1-3 TLB). God will not forget to help you. He’ll give you hidden treasures in the darkest night. And even when you don’t see it, God is working above the storm clouds.
We tend to be in a hurry when we ask for God’s help. But He doesn’t work on the same timetable as we do. The Bible says a thousand years and a day are the same in heaven. I can’t wrap my head around that, so I just accept it as truth and keep stirring the gravy. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8,9 NLT). It’s comforting to know God’s thoughts and ways aren’t like mine. It would be hard to place my faith, hope, and trust in someone as goofy as me.
Our trust and confidence in God builds up over time and experience. Believers are to hang in there and not give up or get tired of waiting on God to act. He is our only true and trusted source. “…For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help. …He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries” (Isaiah 30:18,19 NLT). So we’re blessed when we wait in faith — I like that!
Looks to me like it’s a win-win whether we’re waiting or receiving our full-blown request. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 KJV). Don’t believe a word the devil whispers when he says you’ll never have gravy on your biscuits again.
The Key: When you’re lookin’ up just to see bottom, God’ll pour gravy on your biscuits.