Monthly Archives: November 2021
FSCC Football Program Is Terminated
Football Program Termination
The termination of the historic and legendary Fort Scott Community College football program was a difficult and emotional decision.
A competitive football program at FSCC is not sustainable due to the cumulative effect of limited resources, changes in Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) football eligibility rules in 2016, and the changing ethos of football in general.
We simply do not have the resources to maintain a football team that would be competitive in the Jayhawk Conference.
The FSCC football program has afforded thousands of young men the opportunity to attain a college education and was the positive, transformational experience that allowed them to be more successful in life.
The dedication, expertise, and contributions of the many outstanding coaches, community supporters, and support staff who have been part of the football program over many years is one of the reasons FSCC is loved by many of our alumni.
We would especially like to thank the current football players and coaching staff who have represented FSCC with honor, pride, and dignity this season in very trying competitive circumstances.
FSCC will honor scholarships for all football student-athletes who choose to stay at FSCC and continue their education.
Sincerely,
FSCC Board of Trustees
Alysia Johnston, FSCC President
Early November is Time to Control Lawn Weeds and to Fertilize
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
When it comes to weather, this fall has been a pretty good one in my opinion. But it won’t be long and winter will be upon us. Before the bitter cold hits, fall lawn weed control and fertilization needs to be done.
Lawn weeds are probably the last thing on your mind right now. But think back to last spring. Did you have a purple cast to your lawn from henbit or a good crop of dandelions? If so, believe it or not, they were already growing in your lawn last fall!
Cool season broadleaf weeds such as henbit, dandelions and chick weed all germinate in the cool moist periods of September and October. They overwinter as small plants, barely visible unless you get down close to the ground to look. Once warm weather arrives in the spring, the plants grow rapidly and flower.
Fall control is ideal for these cool season broadleaf weeds. The weeds are storing food in their roots and will send a leaf applied herbicide to their roots as well. The herbicides will translocate to the roots and will kill the plants from the roots up. These plants are also small and easily controlled right now.
There are several products on the market that are effective on these fall germinating weeds. Herbicides such as 2,4-D or combination products that contain 2,4-D, MCCP and Dicamba, sold under the trade names of Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, or Weed-Out, can be used. A product called Weed Free Zone is also an option. It contains the three active ingredients mentioned above plus carfentrazone.
Newly planted lawns should not be treated with any herbicide until the new grass seedlings have been mowed two or three times depending on the product. Read and follow label directions closely.
Herbicide drift can be a problem during the spring when warm temperatures prevail along with winds. The cooler fall temperatures and the dormant state of most plants reduce this problem considerably, making it an ideal time for application.
As we enter November, it is also the time to give cool-season lawns the last nitrogen application of the season. Why November? November is a good time because it will really help the grass next spring. As the top growth slows due to the cool temperatures in November, grass plants continue making food (carbohydrates). Carbohydrates that are not used in growth are stored in the crown and other storage tissues in the plant. These reserves help the turfgrass green up earlier in the spring and sustain growth into May without the need for early spring nitrogen application.
How much fertilizer should you apply? One to 1½ pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area is sufficient. A quick nitrogen carrier such as urea or ammonium sulfate should be used.
Take action now to have a beautiful, weed-free lawn next spring!
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Annual Holiday Open House Nov. 11-13
3-Day Holiday Open House Kick-Off : November 11, 5-8pm
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Annual Holiday Open House Shopping Event will take place November 11th to 13th in the Downtown Historic District and other participating locations.
Many retailers will be open Thursday evening, November 11th from 5 to 8pm for a special shopping kick-off with the Holiday Open House continuing on Friday and Saturday during normal business hours. In honor of Veterans Day and our local veterans, participating stores will be making a donation to Wreaths Across America from Thursday evening’s sales.
Dolly the Trolley will provide complimentary transportation between shopping locations Thursday from 5 to 8pm for those wishing to shop and ride.
Participating retailers include the following location: Angela Dawn’s Boutique, Barbed Wire & Roses Vintage Market, Bartlesmeyer Jewelry, Bids & Dibs, Courtland Hotel & Spa – Flying P Ranch, Hedgehog.INK!, Hole In the Wall Liquor, Iron Star Antiques & Such, Laree + Co, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Papa Don’s (vendors), Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, Sunshine Boutique, and Varia ~ Quality Resale Clothing Store.
More details will be posted on the Chamber website www.fortscott.com and social media. Contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce for more at 620-223-3566.
***
Obituary of Louis Chermok
Louis J. Chermok, age 82, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Arma Health & Rehab, Arma, KS. He was born June 24, 1939, in Berhoud, CO, the son of Louis Chermok, Sr. and Ann Kouma Chermok. The family moved to David City, NE. He met his wife to be, Darlene Vachal, in Columbus, NE and the two were married on May 14, 1960, in North Bend, NE. Lou moved to Ft. Scott, KS, in 1971 to run Craft Fabricators which built shower doors and enclosures. Lou and Darlene moved to Virginia in 1993 to launch Craft Diston, a branch of Craft Fabricators. They moved back to Ft. Scott in 2003. He was a long-time member of Mary Queen of Angels Church and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. Lou enjoyed hunting, bowling, yard work and gardening. He was a master hunter safety instructor for 20 plus years and officiated high school football. He loved time spent with family, especially traveling.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Darlene; 4 children, Michael Chermok and wife Kristin, Parker, KS, Richard Chermok, Garland, KS, Teresa Chermok, Ft. Scott, and Daniel Chermok and wife Dalene, Fruita, CO; 4 grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica, Kalene, and Jacob and wife Megan; and 2 great grandchildren, Weston and Lilly. He was preceded by a son, Patrick Chermok; a brother, John Chermok; and his parents.
Father Yancy Burgess will conduct the funeral mass at 11:00 Friday, November 12th, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 prior to the service. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 PM Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Lyons Realty Adds New Employee: Ryan Edgecomb
Ryan Edgecomb, 46, is a new real estate agent for Lyons Realty Group.
“I will assist clients with buying and selling real estate,” he said. “I plan to use my agriculture background to specialize in hunting and agriculture properties.”
“I have been involved in ag-related careers my entire life including livestock feed and equipment sales as well as agriculture education,” he said.
He started this month.
He pursued this career because he has a strong interest in property and land values, he said.
“After Kylie and I got married, we started watching real estate and looking for a house to buy,” he said. ” We also kept our eyes open for some small acreage suitable to build a house. We successfully found 20 acres and built our dream home. Furthermore, I have always been intrigued by the real estate and land trends in our area. This has prompted me to pursue this position.”
Edgecomb has been involved in the agricultural community.
“I am very active in Kansas Farm Bureau by serving a leadership role on the county level and representing District 3 on the state beef advisory committee,” he said. “I have also served on many local ag advisory boards, extension boards, and participated in numerous community service projects.”
Edgecomb attended Kansas State University for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
“My wife, Kylie, and I live on a small farm in rural Crawford County. We raise a small herd of commercial Angus and balancer cattle,” he said.
Governor: legislation to save Kansas families $500 per year on groceries
Governor Laura Kelly Announces “Axe the Food Tax” Plan to Eliminate State Sales Tax on Food
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that she will be introducing a bill in the Kansas Legislature to “Axe the Food Tax,” and eliminate the state sales tax on food in Kansas.
“I’m pleased to introduce a plan that will ‘Axe the Food Tax’ and end the state sales tax on food,” Governor Kelly said. “For too long, Kansans have been paying more for groceries than people in almost every other state. This legislation will save the average Kansas family $500 dollars or more a year on their grocery bill; and thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions we made before and during the pandemic, we can cut the food sales tax and keep Kansas’ budget intact.
“This tax cut will put money back in Kansans’ pockets and create real savings for those who need it most.”
Kansas is one of seven states in the nation that fully taxes groceries. Kansas’ food sales tax rate is 6.5%, the second-highest rate in the country. Under Governor Kelly’s proposed bill, a Kansas family of 4 will save an average of $500 or more on their grocery bill every year.
The bill is possible thanks to the Kelly administration’s commitment to fiscally responsible budget practices over the past three years, causing Kansas’ revenues to come in ahead of estimates, every month, for over a year.
“This bill will not only support our families, but also our many hardworking businesses by keeping Kansans from going across the border to buy their groceries,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Under Governor Kelly’s leadership, Kansas is riding a record-breaking upward trajectory in economic development. This announcement will continue that momentum, building a stronger economy for Kansans now and into the future.”
“With record investment and an ever-strengthening economy, our state is in a prime position to create more opportunity for a better future for Kansas families,” Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes said. “Without exception, this opportunity is hindered by the alarmingly high tax on food sales. Eliminating this regressive tax will reduce food insecurity and improve health outcomes for children, all while providing families further financial flexibility to save for a home, education, and emergencies. We have the means to provide direct relief to all Kansans in every corner of the state, and Senate Democrats are prepared to fight alongside Governor Kelly to get this done, once and for all.”
“Taxing a family’s grocery bill is one of the most widespread and unfair things a state can ask of its residents – a fact that’s been recognized since the tax on food was first put in place in the 1930s. And yet it’s a tax that is paid by every person in Kansas,” House Democratic Leader Tom Sawyer said. “Over the years, the tax on food has been increased 10 times – from an initial 2 percent to 6.5 percent today. Throughout that time, there has been much talk about the unfairness of this tax, but until now, it’s been all talk. Thanks to Governor Kelly’s fiscal responsibility, the Kansas economy is booming, and Kansans will finally get the tax relief they deserve.”
The Governor’s bill will be introduced during the 2022 Legislative session. During Monday’s announcement, Governor Kelly called on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get a clean bill through the legislature and onto her desk as quickly as possible.
FSHS Talking Tigers: All Teams Placed in Debate Tourney
On Saturday, November 6, FSHS Talking Tigers competed at the Parsons debate tournament. They placed 2nd overall and in the open division, all four of our teams placed!
Neil and Shekhar Gugnani placed 1st
Cadence Tuck and Regen Wells placed 3rd
Anna Hall and Caitlynn Tate placed 4th
Khris Patel and Lexi Hill placed 8th
GO TIGERS!!
Submitted by Angella Curran
Fort Scott High School
Speech Communications
Debate/Forensics
CHC/SEK Diabetes Health Team gets perspective on diabetes by wearing a CGM
The diabetes health team at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas had a unique opportunity to walk in people living with diabetes shoes by wearing a convenient and lifesaving continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
With a CGM, patients do not have to poke their fingers for readings and they have a constant reading at their fingertips every 5 minutes. The device is compatible with most smartphones and the CGM alerts the patient when their blood sugar is too low or too high. Additionally, there’s an option for their family to be notified.
“If your sugar starts to bottom out then it will be sent to your family member and they can call, or come over to check on the patient,” Diabetic Health Coach Tyffanie Hembree said. “It is very helpful and it seems to be a very successful piece of technology.”
Wearing the device gave the team insight into how to use it and gave them a humbling experience and understanding when visiting with someone living with diabetes.
“It was an eye-opening experience seeing how certain foods affect your blood sugar, and seeing it in real-time makes a difference,” said Diabetic Nurse Educator Travis Searles, RN WCC. “CGM’s take a lot of the guesswork out of treating diabetes. It tells the whole story instead of the average story.”
Diabetes Program Manager Taylor Panczer, MPH, CHES, agreed.
“I decided to wear one because I felt like I could be a better advocate for the patients if I understood their life experiences when it came to Diabetes Care,” she said. “It hit me for the first time that people living with diabetes are truly going through life-changing behaviors. They not only need to learn how their disease affects their body, but then need to learn certain clinical skills that can save their lives, but also kill them if done incorrectly.”
One team member, Kristyn Milburn, NP-C, BC-ADM, lives with diabetes and praised the team for taking the opportunity to learn more.
“I love when those living without diabetes are open to the opportunity of using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM),” Milburn said. “I feel that multiple things happen with this experience. Staff learn through immersion and know the devices inside and out to be able to assist patients in the most effective way possible. Also, one is able to experience just how valuable this tool is – they then become awesome advocates for their patients to have the best tools for the best outcomes.”
Across southeast Kansas, CHC/SEK diabetes health coaches and nurse educators are available to help patients with self-management of their diabetes. The team includes Nurse Practitioner Kristyn Milburn, NP-C, BC-ADM; Diabetic Nurse Educator Travis Searles, RN WCC; Teresa Hall, RN, BSN; Diabetic Health Coaches Amber Findley, Leslie Langford, RT(R), Sara Conkling and Tyffanie Hembree; Dietician Sherise Beckham, Diabetes Program Manager Taylor Panczer, MPH, CHES, and Vice President of Support Services Christi Keating.
They work closely with the Diabetic Nurse Educator, Diabetes Clinical provider, Chronic Care Management, and the Wellness team. Additionally, diabetic health coaches coordinate other healthcare services for dental, vision, podiatry and behavioral health.
As a Diabetes Educator, Searles teaches DSMES (Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support) classes. In the classes, patients learn more about their disease and how to better control it.
CHC/SEK currently has approximately 5,100 patients diagnosed with diabetes with a total of 524 patients enrolled in the diabetes program. CHC/SEK wants to become a Diabetes Center of Excellence to offer the best, quality care the clinic has to offer.
“Overall, wearing a pump and CGM devices was a very eye-opening experience,” Panczer said. “It was almost nothing like I thought it was going to be. Prior to wearing it, I took my pancreas for granted. Not so much anymore. I was definitely living a privileged life that I didn’t even realize.”
FS City Offices Closed Nov. 11
The City of Fort Scott Administrative Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 in observance of Veterans Day. The regular offices will reopen on Friday, November 12th, 2021.
The City’s tree and brush dump site located on North Hill will also be closed on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 for the Veteran’s Day holiday. It will be open again on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
