Monthly Archives: April 2022

Government, Kansas

KDHD Announces Community Health Worker Certification

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Kansas Department of Health and Environment Supports New Community Health Worker Certification

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition are excited to announce the new Community Health Worker Certification. This certification is the first in the state to recognize the valuable role that Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in communities as they serve as a link between health and social services and communities to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

“CHWs play an integral role in patient-centered health care teams. They improve care accessibility and health outcomes. The diversity of backgrounds, skills and experiences CHWs bring is a strength,” said David Jordan, President and CEO of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “The new certification process standardizes Community Health Worker education and training. Ultimately, this will strengthen community health workers’ future in Kansas. The Health Fund is proud to have partnered with the Kansas Community Health Worker workgroup, KDHE and the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition to standardize the role of CHWs in Kansas.”

A Certification Task Force was formed out of a need to investigate pathways for certification and started in the coalition’s Sustainability Committee. Over the past five years, the development of this certification has been inclusive and transparent. More than 40 individuals from the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition and beyond were involved in the process.

“Having a certification process for CHWs is key to expanded career options and future opportunities,” said Stefanie Olson, KDHE CHW Section Director.

“This certification also provides CHWs who serve in their communities a way to validate and build their skills in individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy” said Alma Vargas, KS CHW Coalition Executive Co-Chair. “It also offers employers of CHWs – particularly health care providers with a key support in these times of increased need for skilled health professionals. This statewide recognized certification can distinguish CHWs from their peers and can help them as they work towards other goals.”

Is this certification for you? Certification requires:

  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalent. Exceptions may be made.
  • Completion of one of these two pathways.
    • Education Pathway: Applicant must complete the KDHE approved CHW training program through the Kansas CHW Coalition or a certified Kansas CHW education provider.
    • Work Experience Pathway: Applicant must complete 800 hours over three years plus three letters of recommendation to document work and/or volunteer experience.

Given CHWs important role in advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, these efforts could not have come at a better time.

Visit the Community Health Worker Coalition  to learn more about and apply for the certification, scholarships are available. Health topic information and other resources to support CHWs can be found on both the KDHE and CHW websites. Join KDHE on Thursday, June 9 at Wichita State University, Rhatigan Student Center at 9 a.m. for the annual Kansas Community Health Worker Symposium. Sponsorship and scholarship opportunities are available.

Fort Scott

Kiwanis Thanks the Community

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Submitted by Bob Eckles,Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt Chmn.
620-223-5038

Thanks from the Kiwanis Club to all who helped stuff plastic Easter eggs with candy and coupons: Cub Scout troop and parents, FSHS Key Club, the Mud Turtles softball team and parents, and Kiwanis !members.

Also, thanks to those businesses who donated coupons to stuff in the eggs: Bids and Dibs, Dairy Queen, Hedgehog, Ink Bookstore, Nugrille, Papa Don’s, and Martha’s Deli Restaurant’s, Leanna’s Florist, and Fort Liberty Theater.

And thanks to those businesses who donated cash or check to buy candy to stuff in the eggs: Heidrick’s Hardware & Appliances, R & R Tractors, DFB Accounting Firm, Merle Humphrey Insurance and Photography, Iron Star, Max’s Way Station Restaurant, Old Fort Auto, and Don’s Spirits.

 

Government, Kansas

KS Startup Housing Program: Funding For Housing Developers

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~~Assistance Available for Housing Developers to Jumpstart Projects, Address Rural Housing Shortage~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of a new housing program for developers to help address the housing needs of communities across Kansas. The Startup Housing Opportunity Venture Loan (SHOVL) program provides funding to housing developers for expenses incurred before the closing of permanent financing for housing developments.

“A shortage of quality, affordable housing is a barrier to economic growth and development throughout the state – and particularly in rural Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Affordable housing is a vital component of recruiting and retaining workers, families, and entrepreneurs to help rural and urban Kansas thrive. We can’t capitalize on our record-breaking economic success if we don’t have affordable housing options for our workforce, and I’m pleased this new program will be another step in addressing this challenge.”

Economic development, including new business recruitment, business expansions and job retention, is highly dependent on available and adequate housing. To qualify for the SHOVL program, the housing developments must directly connect to past, current, or future economic development efforts. This link between housing and economic development may include:

  • New job creation within the last several years
  • An opportunity to attract a new business with the development of workforce housing
  • Expansion plans by an existing local business
  • A pending economic development project that will require additional housing
  • Job retention of a local business dependent upon adequate housing development

“We remain committed to finding creative ways to assist developers in finding the funding they need to get projects started,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Housing is critical to economic development and we must continue to invest in housing in order to attract new businesses and new residents to the state.”                       

SHOVL is available for housing developers looking to construct housing developments in communities with populations of 10,000 or less. The program will offer a no-interest loan of up to $25,000 and require a 20% match. Loans are available to private developers, non-profit organizations, or the local government.

“Rural housing development often lacks something that can jump start the process. The SHOVL program will provide that spark,” Housing Specialist, Randy Speaker said.

More information on the SHOVL program is available here.

Ascension Via Christi, Health Care

Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg adds OB/GYN

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OB/GYN Kari Hamlin, MD, has joined Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg.

As a Kansas native, Dr. Hamlin knows the importance of close-to-home, community-based care and is excited to care for women in all stages of life.

Dr. Hamlin earned her undergraduate and Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas and then did her OB/GYN residency through UKSM-W at Wesley Medical Center.
She also earned Master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Health Care Leadership from Friends University.

Prior to joining Ascension Via Christi, Dr. Hamlin spent nearly a decade caring for patients at other rural Kansas family medicine clinics and medical centers. During that period, she served as chief of Obstetrics and chief of Staff for Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center.

“We are excited that Dr. Hamlin chose Ascension Via Christi to practice, further improving access to care for women in Southeast Kansas,” says Drew Talbott, hospital president. “Dr. Hamlin’s knowledge, courtesy, patient-first mindset and compassion makes her a great fit for our OB/GYN team.”

Patients can schedule an appointment with Dr. Hamlin by calling 620-230-0044. For more information, visit ascension.org/PittsburgKS.

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About Ascension Via Christi

 

In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi operates seven hospitals and 75 other sites of care and employs nearly 6,400 associates. Across the state, Ascension Via Christi provided nearly $89 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2021. Serving Kansas for more than 135 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is the leading non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 145 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org

Government, Kansas

Ks Governor Proposes Amended Budget

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Governor Kelly Fights to Address Rising Prices, Calls For $250 Tax Rebate, Providing Immediate Relief for Kansans

~~Governor Urges Legislature to Reconsider one-time $250 Tax Rebate through Budget Amendment to Provide Kansas Taxpayers with Immediate Relief~~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced an additional $460 million through a Governor’s Budget Amendment (GBA) for a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas residents who filed a 2020 tax return in 2021. Resident tax filers who filed as married and filing jointly will be eligible for a $500 direct payment.

“We’ve worked hard to get Kansas’ budget back on track after years of mismanagement,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our strong economic growth would not be possible without the hard work of Kansas taxpayers, and I want to return this money to the people who earned it. Especially right now, when we are all experiencing the impact of rising costs at the pump and the grocery store, the state can make an immediate and direct impact to help Kansas families pay their bills and save for the future.”

Governor Kelly previously called for the one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas taxpayers in her budget proposal, but the full House and Senate rejected funding for this measure. However, similar bipartisan plans have been proposed in numerous other states, including most recently, the state of Missouri.

Under the Governor’s plan, Kansas will return approximately $460 million to over 1.2 million Kansas residents who paid taxes in 2021. Additionally, by using one-time revenue, this will have no impact on the state’s ongoing ability to collect revenues that fund critical services or eliminate the state’s food sales tax. The proposal will be paid for with Kansas’ current budget surplus and is intended to provide relief to tax filers who are Kansas residents.

Find the Governor’s Budget Amendments here.

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Bourbon County, Youth

4-H Shooting Sports Continue with New Instructors

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Submitted photo. From left: Chad Guthrie, Zach Ross, and Katie Hueston.

Katie Hueston, Chad Guthrie and Zach Ross became certified in shooting sports at Rock Springs Ranch  in Junction City on  March 25-28.

Hueston with be the Southwind District 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator.

” I will be helping with the logistics of the project, making sure instructors have what they need to be successful, proper paperwork is turned in, and help with planning and organizing of the project and events,” she said.

“You must be an active certified instructor to teach shooting sports in 4-H,” she said. “Chad Guthrie was certified in the shotgun discipline and Zach Ross was certified in bb, air rifle and .22 rifle”.

The sport shooting venues for practice will be at different places.

” This depends on the discipline, BB, air rifle can be done inside with the proper backdrop and targets,” she said. “An .22 rifle and shotgun will be outside at different ranges. Locations are to still be determined on how many kids from what counties sign up.”

The children from 8-years-old on up have until May 1 to sign up for the project.

To compete in a discipline, a bulletin will state what age group are allowed.

“We will be doing a starter/ safety class this summer for the bb, and air rifle,” she said. “And this fall (we will)be ready to go strong with the shotgun discipline, in hopes to have kids ready for competitions.”

“4-H has a strong background to ‘learn by doing’,” she said. “We are giving them the opportunity to learn their first shot fundamentals though competition level skills, all while providing a positive youth development environment.”

Short History of 4-H Shooting Sports

“The Shooting sports is not a new project; it has always been an option to the 4H youth,” she said. “There are many other disciplines such as archery, muzzle loading, western heritage and pistol that we will want to have instructors certified in to grow our youths options as well.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic halted many of the shooting programs.

“With COVID they could no longer meet in person so that specific project was unable to continue,” she said. “Since COVID halted many of the current programs we are starting by evaluating what equipment we have, while kids continue to join until May 1st,” she said.

“We will be looking for sponsors and donors to help with some new equipment and have some fun fundraising ideas planned once meetings begin, to update and upgrade what we do have,” Hueston said. “So far everyone has been super supportive and the previous instructors Joe Foulk and Gary Buntain have been fabulous in helping answer any question and willingness to help continue the project.”

 

Government

KS Requesting Comments on Statewide Transportation Program

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KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) requests comments on an amendment to the FFY 2022-2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) document.

The STIP is a project specific publication that lists all KDOT administered projects, regardless of funding source, and includes projects for counties and cities as well as projects on the State Highway System.  The list of projects being amended to the STIP can be viewed at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burProgProjMgmt/stip/stip.asp.

The approval of the STIP amendment requires a public comment period, which concludes May 4. To make comments on the amendment, contact KDOT’s Division of Program and Project Management at (785) 296-3254.

This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT Division of Communications, (785) 296-3585 (Voice/Hearing Impaired-711).
Fort Scott

Fundraiser For Local Animal Shelter April 23

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Fundraiser Yard Sale
Fort Scott Paws and Claws
Saturday, April 23rd, 8am-1pm
820 S. National
Donations are still needed!
Our annual sale fundraiser is back! This is a major fundraiser for the shelter to help with spay and neuter cost and vetting expenses for the 150+ animals adopted out from Paws and Claws each year.
Private message them on Facebookor call 620.223.288 for drop off info or to arrange pick up of your donations.
Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College

Women’s Business Expo and Luncheon April 27

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Submitted by Kassie Fugate-Cate on

Purple picture with lemons in top left and bottom right corners and "women's luncheon" written in the middle

Fort Scott Community College is excited to bring back our annual Women’s Luncheon and Vendor Expo. This event will take place April 27th on Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day from 11am to 2pm in the Ellis Fine Arts Center.

 

Local vendors will be set up throughout the lobby and meeting rooms of Ellis ready for you to shop! We will also be serving a light lunch of two different wraps, salad, and mixed fresh fruit. We will also have tea, water, lemonade, and coffee.

 

Cost is only $7 per person for lunch. Reserve your ticket or vendor space by emailing Kassie Cate at [email protected] or call 620.223.2700 ext. 5248. Tickets will be available at the door as well.

 

We hope you can ‘squeeze’ some time in for us and enjoy this very springy event wink

Obituary

Obituary of Harold Page

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Harold Eugene Page, age 56, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at the Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He was born July 15, 1965, in Ft. Scott, the son of James Russell Page and Edna Mae Taylor Page.

Harold primarily worked doing highway construction.  One could say he was a “jack of all trades.”  He could fix almost anything and used this ability to help anyone in need.  He enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandchildren.

 

Survivors include his three children, Brent Kober (Laura) of Olathe, Kansas, Shane Kober, Uniontown, Kansas and Taylor Hall (Greg) of Mound City, Kansas and twelve grandchildren, Greyson, Jade, Shaiden, Kamden, Faith, Jackson, Joseph, Landon, Halle, Brynlee, Lathan, and Presliegh.  Also surviving is his mother, Edna Sowder; three brothers, Russell, Jerry and Jimmie Page and three sisters, Margaret Metcalf, Linda Armstrong and Susan Dauben, all of Ft. Scott.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lacey Page, two sisters, Cindy Doherty and Connie Page, his father, James Russell Page and his step-father, Jerry Sowder.

 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 23rd at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Following services, there will be cremation.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until service time at the chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Harold Page Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.