Though the temperatures have been extremely mild for Kansas winters, it is probable in the next few months that ice and snow will be covering our roadways.
The Kansas Department of Transportation agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages are greater this year.
KDOT is about 30-percent off of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed in offices across the state.
“We WILL BE clearing the roads,” Priscilla Petersen, KDOT’s Public Affairs Manager said. “We are concentrating on pre-treating the roads and bridges with our salt brine.”
KDOT is needing ice and snow seasonal workers in 2021. Taken from its’ Facebook page.
“We will also be shifting crews to affected areas when possible,” she said.
“We are off about 29 percent in employees,” she said. “We need seasonal and full-time help. We have an ongoing staffing concern.”
Snow and ice seasonal equipment operators will earn $25 per hour and are eligible for overtime, Petersen said. A pre-employment physical is required, along with drug testing.
Snow and ice seasonal temporary operators start at $19.55 per hour and also are required to take a pre-employment physical and drug test.
There are many different criteria for wages, Peterson said, and one can view and submit an application online or at a KDOT office.
The closest offices are in Pittsburg and Chanute, she said.
(9:30am) Bourbon County REDI Executive Session – KSA 75-4319(b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships.
Ashley Shelton – Cereal Malt Beverage License
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
After a 2-week hospital stay with an unconfirmed diagnosis, Todd Spencer Woodward, a 2003 Fort Scott High School Graduate, died on December 1, 2021, in Auburn, Washington. Todd was born to Barbara Doherty Woodward and John Spencer Woodward in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on July 26th, 1984. Todd was proceeded in death by his father John “Woody,” his grandparents Margaret and John Woodward, and Delores and Bernard Doherty.
He is survived by his mother Barbara Doherty Woodward, of Fort Scott and his sister Amber Woodward Benzabeh and husband Adam Benzabeh of Westfork Arkansas. He is also survived by 16 Aunts and Uncles and 35 first cousins, as well as many, many friends who loved him.
After graduation, Todd attended college for a while and then moved to Orlando, Florida where he worked as an Audio/Visual Technologist for conventions all over the country in various venues. Covid effectively cancelled all conventions, so in Dec. 2020, Todd decided to follow his lifelong dream of living in the Pacific Northwest where his family had spent some very wonderful times. He was pursuing new career opportunities in Coding and Stock Brokerage there when he became unexpectedly ill on Nov. 20th. He lost his battle to his undefined illness after 2 weeks in the hospital.
Todd grew up in Vancleave, Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas before moving to Fort Scott, his mother’s hometown, in 1995. His generous and gentle spirit was evident in the way he treated people. To his mother’s dismay, sometimes he would often give his things away if someone else needed them more. His empathy extended to animals. He rescued kittens, puppies, turtles, and even fish that had floated onto shore after a flood. He called a humane society to help save a heron that was sick at a hotel conference where he was working, and spent thousands to save his elderly Husky.
From an early age Todd was skillful in all sports until an injury at 12 years old prevented him from running.
He then turned his talent to electronical sciences, music, and photography. Todd was a gifted pool player as well as a musician, playing the guitar, saxophone, and piano by ear. He learned the lyrics to thousands of songs by heart.
Anyone in need could count on Todd. When his father and grandmother became ill, he stayed up all night, by their side, until the moment they passed. Todd was too good to leave this world so soon, but he left us with an incredible legacy of how to live a selfless life. He was the very best of us. We will miss his big bear hugs and quick wit.
Due to the nearness of the Holidays and difficult travel weather possible, a Memorial Service for Todd will be held in the Spring at a time and place in Fort Scott, Kansas, to be determined in the future. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Scott.
Although Todd did not have cancer, donations in his name are requested for Care to Share in Fort Scott (in appreciation for the care they gave both his Father and Mother) or to an Animal Shelter of donor’s choice. Memorial contributions for Care to Share may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Leslie “David” “Dee” George was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on December 23, 2021. He was born in FortScott, Kansas on December 30, 1942. He graduated from Uniontown High School and Pittsburg StateUniversity. He married the love of his life Barbara Irene Davis on June 3, 1962, and she preceded him in death on November 29, 2018. He worked for Phillips 66 inBartlesville, OK for 28 years. He moved back to Uniontown and worked the next 28 years for AgriculturalEngineering Associates in Uniontown, KS.
He was a loyal husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, employee, and friend. He lived out his marriage vow “tildeath do us part” in his devotion to Barbara by sitting with her for hours, daily at the nursing home till her death.He loved to work hard and play hard, but he loved his family the most. His motto was “go big or go home!” Hewas the best Papa by traveling all over for sporting events, plays, or whatever the grandkids were involved in.
He is survived by his daughters Debra Thomas and husband Chad of Bartlesville, OK, daughter Susan (George) Dunkleberger and husband Scott of Edmond, OK; 3 granddaughters Emily and husband Danny of Tulsa, OK;Megan of Bartlesville, OK and Sydney of Edmond, OK and 3 grandsons Davis of Norman, OK, Tyler ofEdmond, OK and Noah of Bartlesville, OK. Brothers “Skeet” George, Clare George, John George and wifeMindy, “Bugs” George and wife Mary Ellen, and Joe George and wife Loretta of the Uniontown area; sistersJanie Chisholm of Wichita, KS and “Tues” Andrews and husband Joe of Gas City, KS; numerous in-laws, niecesand nephews (almost too many to count!) In addition to his wife Barbara, he was also preceded in death by his parents, Les and Pauline (Buntain) George; brother Marion George; and several in-laws.
Pastor Ed Sneed will conduct funeral services at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the First Church of God in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m., Monday, December 27, 2021, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Church of God and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
A similar splash pad to this image is being planned for Gunn Park. Submitted photo.
A small group of Fort Scott residents, most of whom have young children, have a vision for a splash pad in Gunn Park.
A splash pad is a water recreational play area, which in other cities, is often in a public area.
“A splash pad will benefit all ages,” Josh Jones, one of the organizers said. “It’s a great way for people of all ages to stay active during hot summer days.”
columbiasc.momcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/splash-pad-2.jpg Taken from Facebook.
“A small group of us started this right before COVID (the disease pandemic) hit and it’s been on hold till recently,” he said.
The group is comprised of Kristin Bishop, Will Bishop, Seth Needham, Bailey Lyons, and Jones.
“The planned location for the splash pad will be right down from the caretaker’s house, on the east side of the road, as you start to exit Gunn Park, across from shelter house #1 (the big rock shelter house),” he said.
Fundraising will begin January 2022 and the plan is for the splash pad to be operational by summer 2023, Jones said.
“We have a couple of fundraisers lined up that we will announce in the next month or so,” he said.
Donations are being accepted at Lyons Realty Group, Bourbon County Cars, or Venmo at Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
We hear about the dangers of radon, known as the ‘silent killer’, but what is it really? Radon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas created by the decay of uranium in the earth’s crust and is present everywhere on the planet.
Radon gas can make its way into any type of building. However, it’s estimated that one in four Kansas homes have elevated levels of radon. It enters a building from the soil through cracks in concrete floors and walls, floor drains, sump pits, etc. If the concentration of radon is high, your family may be at risk.
Governor Laura Kelly, has designated January, 2022, as “Kansas Radon Action Month” (KRAM). Radon levels outdoors are relatively low, due to dilution with the outdoor air. Our enclosed homes, where we spend more time during the winter months, can lead to higher concentration levels. With many working remotely from their homes, due to Covid, there is cause for more concern around home radon concentrations.
Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer death for non-smokers. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you are exposed to smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is much higher.
Testing for radon is fairly simple, and winter is an excellent time for Kansas residents to test their homes. Short-term, do-it-yourself test kits are relatively inexpensive and can reveal the amount of radon in any building.
All Kansans are encouraged to test their home and address any elevated radon levels. About one out of every three radon measurements performed in Kansas are elevated, being above 4 pCi/l (picoCuries per liter). Those with high levels can usually be fixed with simple and affordable venting techniques.
Radon kits can be purchased for $7.50 per kit by contacting your county Extension Office. The cost includes the return shipping by USPS to the laboratory and the cost of the device analysis.
Some areas have higher levels than others, though elevated levels of radon have been detected in every county in the state. As many as one in 15 homes across the U.S. has elevated radon levels that often go undetected.
Experts state that just because the house across the street or two doors down doesn’t have elevated radon levels, doesn’t mean all housing in the neighborhood is safe. There isn’t a clear way to tell where the radioactive gas will move through the rock formations below ground.
Homeowners should talk with a certified radon contractor if levels above 4 pCi/l are detected. A list of certified radon contractors is available by calling the Kansas Radon Hotline at 800-693-KDHE (800-693-5343).
Additional information about radon can be obtained at www.kansasradonprogram.org or by contacting the Yates Center Southwind District Extension Office at 620-625-8620.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
I can’t say that I’ve followed in my maternal grandmother’s footsteps down to a T.
Grandma Jennings delivered 13 babies in her lifetime, but two were enough for me. I know Grandma Nan and Grandpa Lawrency loved every one of those youngins, but I doubt that every pregnancy was pure joy. I do know that she said, “I’ve never had an easy delivery.” Her first baby, Thomas, was born in 1899, the twins Roy and Troy in 1908, and the last and only girl, Bertha Mae (my mother), was born in 1923. Babies pretty much rock your world, so the Jennings house was rocking for 24 straight years! Babies are priceless, lovable, precious, and nonreturnable.
Many years ago, a baby boy was born with a unique “riches-to-rags-to-riches” story. This miraculous baby enabled all the poor people of the world to become rich. “You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus was: though He was so very rich, yet to help you He became so very poor, so that by being poor He could make you rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 TLB). God’s only begotten Son came from heaven’s riches to a poor broken world to become their Savior. When His salvation mission was finished, he returned to the riches of heaven and is now seated at His Father’s right hand. This perfect one-of-a-kind plan of redemption is free to everyone and supplies unspeakable riches for the believer.
“But [Jesus] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross“ (Philippians 2:7-8 NKJV). Jesus was willing to lay aside His deity in order to save the lost people who were stumbling around in the darkness of sin. “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2 NLT). Thank God, Jesus is still the light of the whole world.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil: hatred, bitterness, fear, resentment, jealousy, unforgiveness, strife, pride, divisions, wickedness, rebellion, addictions, depression, sorrow, etc. He also came to bring hope, joy, healing to the broken hearted, peace, love, kindness, mercy, grace, comfort, goodness, gentleness, self-control, patience, etc. Jesus was extreme in the fulfillment of His mission. He came to earth as a poor helpless babe, but left as the victorious Lion of Judah holding the keys of death and the grave.
All people should give glory, honor, and thanks to God for the matchless gift of His Son. But they’re not — this Wonderful Gift has been rejected and ridiculed by those who refuse to know Him. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NLT).
God gives benefits to His children, as stated in Psalm 103:1-5. He also gives riches to His children according to Philippians 4:19: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Jesus accomplished His “mission impossible” in extreme love, and we are rich because of His obedience to the Father. “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 NLT).
The Key: Jesus was the only baby that was stamped “Return to Sender.“
Gregg Motley. President of the Regional Economic Development, Inc. Submitted photo.
I grew up in a small town, but moved to the city to find fame and fortune (I found neither), which is a common American story in the last 80 years. About 13 years ago, I took a “temporary” consulting job in Southeast Kansas, and fell in love again with the rural lifestyle I had left behind all those years ago. It wasn’t long before my wife (who also had rural roots) and I left city living behind, found our permanent home, and rediscovered country living. We are loving life in Bourbon County and have purchased our retirement home here.
Is this becoming a megatrend in America?
Yes, according to Mark Smither, a strategy expert for Paulsen, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota marketing and research firm. “What accelerated it,” he said in a recent article published online by Agri-Pulse, “was the pandemic, then technology, then employers saying, ‘You can do your job remotely.’” According to his online article entitled, Rural leaders look for innovative ways to attract city folks to the country, his confidence comes from a panel study he did in the summer of 2020 based on a coast to coast survey about relocation.
One encouraging finding of the survey was that 68% of urban dwellers said they would “definitely” consider changing jobs or employers to move to a more rural area, and another 20% said they “probably” would. Coming from the Kansas City metro area, I believe these numbers, knowing that most of my friends and acquaintances were also transplants from rural America, and missed the lifestyle.
It appears that the early winners of this population shift are “micropolitan” areas, which are cities of 10,000 to 50,000. These are people looking for more densely populated rural areas, with scenic qualities, and proximity to a major metropolitan area; especially those with outdoor recreational activities and amenities.
What will it take to attract some of these migrants to more rural areas? According to the article, broadband access, a community college, and quality infrastructure are the keys.
Bourbon County has all the potential in the world to reverse negative population trends, and take advantage of what might be a significant move by Americans out of our major cities. We have scenic qualities (well, for Kansas), proximity to Kansas City and Joplin, outdoor recreational amenities, improving broadband access, and a community college. Our infrastructure definitely needs work.
Bourbon County REDI will be pushing to organize a countywide strategic planning effort so we can deploy our scarce resources in such a way to take advantage of changes that may be coming in American demographics. We want all of Bourbon County to thrive, grow, and preserve what we believe to be a high-quality way of life.
