Fort Scott National Historic Site Welcomes 96 New Citizens

 

Special Naturalization Ceremony

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Thursday, September 14, 2023, Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services (USCIS) and the U.S. District Court, Kansas District, for a Special Naturalization Ceremony. Check-in for new citizens begins at 8 am and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 am. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the historic grounds of the Fort.

 

The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, welcoming remarks by Acting Superintendent Carl Brenner and Mayor Matthew Wells, and an address from Mark McCoy, former city manager for the City of Fort Scott.

 

Approximately 95 applicants will be naturalized from 36 different countries (Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Burma, Canada, China, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, El Salvador, France, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Korea, South, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam) at the ceremony, which is open to the public. There will be seating for the applicants, but other seating will be limited. Friends, family, and guests are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo: NPS Photo

Governor Kelly Announces Funding to Grow Small Business Exports

Governor Kelly Announces Funding to Grow Small Business Exports

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) awarded $200,000 to the Kansas Department of Commerce to expand the state’s robust export sector, which hit an all-time high of $13.97 billion in 2022.

The agency’s International Division oversees the administration of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) award, enabling eligible businesses to leverage these funds for conducting focused activities that promote export growth. The STEP program plays a crucial role in equipping Kansas’ small businesses with the necessary resources and knowledge to excel in export-related endeavors, assisting existing exporters and companies venturing into international markets for the first time.

“Consumers around the world continue to find that made-in-Kansas products simply are the best,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This support from SBA will help our outstanding small businesses continue to grow, something my administration has prioritized since taking office.”

The SBA began administering STEP in 2011 as part of federal legislation encouraging trade. Through STEP, states competitively apply for and receive financial awards to assist small businesses with export development. The award will allow Kansas to assist small businesses with foreign trade missions and foreign market sales trips, obtaining services provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, accessing expertise in designing international marketing campaigns and export trade show exhibits, participating in training workshops, and more.

“Investing resources to help broaden the Kansas exporter base is good for these small businesses – and the entire state economy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As the global marketplace continues to present new opportunities for Kansas companies, our International Division will provide whatever support we can to help our exporters take advantage.”

Since the program’s inception in 2012, more than 220 Kansas small businesses have participated and achieved more than $44 million in actual export sales.

“Many Kansas small businesses have insufficient resources to venture into new markets or have uncertainty about how to begin exporting their products,” Randi Tveitaraas Jack, Deputy Director of the International Division, said. “The STEP funding allows us to tackle those challenges and help them succeed.”

To learn more about the STEP program, visit the Kansas Department of Commerce website or the SBA website.

Governor Kelly Announces Appointments to Kansas Corporation Commission

Governor Kelly Announces Appointments to Kansas Corporation Commission


TOPEKA
– Today, Governor Laura Kelly announced she has appointed former longtime State Representative Annie Kuether and reappointed Andrew French to serve on the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). These appointments will be submitted to the Kansas State Senate for confirmation.

“Representative Kuether brings experience to the Kansas Corporation Commission from her 25 years in the Legislature, where she served as a ranking minority member on the energy, utilities, and telecommunications committee,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I am pleased to appoint her and reappoint Andrew French to serve the people of Kansas on this vital commission.”

The KCC is one of the first state regulatory bodies in the nation, originally formed in 1883, and has five main divisions: Administration, Conservation, Utilities, Transportation, and Energy. The KCC consists of three members appointed by the Governor to overlapping four-year terms.

Kuether was previously a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1997-2022, representing a central portion of Topeka in District 55. Kuether’s appointment replaces Susan Duffy, who decided not to seek reappointment when her term ended on March 15, 2023. If confirmed, Kuether would begin on October 3, 2023.

French was originally appointed to the commission in 2020. He currently serves as the Kansas representative to the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the 2023 SPP Regional State Committee President. If confirmed again, his new term will begin on March 16, 2024.

###

Uniontown City Council Agenda for Sept. 12

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR

COUNCIL MEETING

Page 1 of 2

CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________
ROLL CALL:
___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Josh Hartman ___ Amber Kelly ___ Bradley Stewart
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
2024 Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
2024 Budget Hearing
Dangerous and Unfit Structure Hearing – 404 Washington St
Motion by __________, Second by ___________, Approved _____, to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating
to financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual
proprietorships
CITIZENS REQUESTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes of August 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
B. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Superintendent: Bobby Rich
Codes Enforcement: Doug Coyan
Clerk Report: Sally Johnson
Citywide yard sales – Sept 23???
KMU Regional Meetings – already registered
KDHE Kansas Drinking Water Application Portal
KMGA Fall Conference, October 19-20, Wichita – already registered
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Ervin –
Councilwoman Esslinger –
Councilman Hartman –
Councilwoman Kelly –
Councilman Stewart–
Mayor Jurgensen –
OLD BUSINESS
Electrical in Park –

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
COUNCIL AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, 6:45PM REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE HEARING,
FOLLOWED BY BUDGET HEARING, FOLLOWED BY REGULAR

COUNCIL MEETING

Page 2 of 2

Street project –
Mural Grant –
Placemaking Project –
NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2 nd ___________________,

Attachments:

09-23 Informational Items

2023 Financials-August

Resolution 2023-0912-2

Resolution 2023-0912-1 RNR Exceed

Budget Attachments for Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Hearings

2024 Proposed Budget – Gas Amended

2024 Proposed Budget

Unapproved Minutes of The City of Uniontown Meeting on August 8

CITY OF UNIONTOWN
UNIONTOWN, KS 66779

AUGUST 8, 2023 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
The Regular Council Meeting on August 8, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor
Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, Josh Hartman (8:08), Amber Kelly, and Bradley
Stewart. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Amanda Lancaster (Diehl, Banwart, Bolton), Mary
Pemberton, Joe George, Betsie Binford (Old Settlers Committee), Mary Pillion (Old Settlers Committee), Codes
Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan, City Superintendent Bobby Rich, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, and City Clerk
Sally Johnson.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
Amanda Lancaster, Diehl, Banwart, Bolton – Amanda Lancaster gave a presentation of the 2022 financial audit.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-0 to accept the 2022 financial audit as presented

CITIZENS REQUEST
Mary Pemberton passed on comments she has heard about the City not having 30AMP or 50AMP receptacles in the park
for food trucks/vendors. Clerk will reach out to other cities. She will get a quote for installation of 2 receptacles and put
on the agenda to discuss further at the next meeting.
Joe George complained about “dirty”, sandy water, but tastes OK. His filter has been very dark. Superintendent Rich will
flush the lines as soon as all of C2’s broken lines have been repaired and flushed.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger present the July 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was
$399,740.95, Receipts $35,731.67, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $25,392.09, Checking Account Closing
Balance $407,054.53. Bank Statement Balance $407,937.32, including Checking Account Interest of $85.04, Outstanding
Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $882.79, Reconciled Balance $407,054.53. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit
$33,283.27, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $19,889.95, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,559.71, Total All
Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $493,787.46. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $545.35, and Utility CDs
$331.95 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $877.30. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the
month of July 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. July Transfers from Sewer
Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for
Total Transfers of $3,026.00. Net Income for the month of July $7,313.58, Year-to-Date Net Income $63,502.56. Budget
vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $69,373.71 (56.8%), Expenditures $66,903.65 (41.8%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue
$21,771.23 (59.1%), Expenditures $17,537.62 (42.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $94,208.55 (60.1%), Expenditures
$68,835.85 (30.6%); General Fund YTD Revenue $129,221.13 (86.3%), Expenditures $94,088.90 (50.9%); and Special
Highway YTD Revenue $6,040.03 (81.0%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The August 2023 estimated payables in the amount
of $40,651.43 were presented.

CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:
 Minutes of July 11, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and July 18, 2023 Budget Worksession
 Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
Motion by Ervin, Second by Stewart, Approved 4-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to data relating to
financial affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to discuss economic
development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and
individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 7:53, include Sally Johnson.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 4-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial
affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:10, include Mary Pemberton and Sally Johnson.
Mary Pemberton out at 8:09.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to extend executive session pursuant to data relating to financial
affairs or trade secrets of second parties matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(4), in order to continue to discuss
economic development that pertains to private financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships,
trusts and individual proprietorships, with the open meeting to resume at 8:23, include Sally Johnson.
Open meeting resumed at 8:23, no action from executive session.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich reported that the boards holding the electrical receptacles need replaced. Mayor Jurgensen
asked that he continue mosquito fogging – this week, skip a week, then next two weeks in a row.
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan reported that most property owners had cleaned up after the two storms in July.
Locations that need his attention this month are 201 Second St-fence; 301 Second St #1-pile of debris on west side; 405
Hill-debris in backyard and shingles; 102 Franklin-dead tree/grass/weeds; 505 Washington has been mowed; 303 Second-
grass; and 505 Wall-vehicle is not properly registered/flat tires. Unfit structure hearing for 404 Washington is September
12. Council asked if there were anymore stray dogs in town; seems to be an influx of stray cats and armadillos.
Clerk Johnson reported on the KMGA Regional Meeting.
She asked to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration
cost is $25.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to allow Sally Johnson to attend CCMFOA Region 7 Kansas
Alcohol Beverage Control Training in Olathe on October 6, registration fee $25
Mayor Jurgensen asked her to contact Bettis Construction for a timeline on starting our street project.

COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilman Hartman – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – nothing
Councilman Stewart – nothing
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

OLD BUSINESS
Mural Grant – an update was given. We have received 75% of grant funds and 100% of donations pledged. Mural is finished.
Placemaking Project – One of the suggestions from the community engagement was to add a baby changing station to
restroom facilities.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Esslinger, Approved 4-1 (Stewart) to purchase a baby changing station from AmeraProducts, Inc for the women’s restroom
Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan will acquire a quote for the concrete slab for the pickleball court. Other amenities for
the area were discussed. Clerk Johnson will send an update to Rachel Carpenter, Health Bourbon County Action Team.

NEW BUSINESS
Old Settlers event insurance –

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to donate $300 in lieu of portapotties to the Old Settlers Committee
Review and update Capital Improvement Plan – after discussion, remove replace/purchase City maintenance vehicle,
as it has been purchased, and purchase/install a chlorination system for the water distribution system, as it is not a priority
now, and add refurbish the warehouse into Public Works space. Leave the rest as is.
Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to transfer the $10,000 in the fund for the chlorinator to
refurbish the warehouse
Motion by Hartman, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan as amended
Moved by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0, to adjourn

KS To Promote Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health

Governor Kelly Announces Kansas to Receive $10M to Integrate Behavioral and Primary
Physical Health Care

~~Expands Kelly Administration’s Efforts to Provide Care to the Whole Person, Reduce Stigma~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is receiving $10 million as part of a five-year federal grant to promote the integration of primary and behavioral health care. Integrated care recognizes the impact physical health can have on an individual’s behavioral health needs and is developed to manage whole-person care.

This project will serve an estimated 8,850 Kansans over the five-year project span, with an estimated average of 1,770 Kansans annually.

“Mental and physical health can’t be separated, and neither should mental and physical health care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With this grant, my administration will work closely with partners across the state to improve our health care systems so that they serve the whole person.”

KDADS, in consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Community Care, will partner with four Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or FQHC look-a-likes and one Rural Health Clinic (RHC) to integrate behavioral health care with primary care services.

Partners include the Atchison Community Health Clinic, Konza Prairie Community Health Center, Mercy & Truth Medical Missions Inc., Hunter Health, and Greeley County Health Services, Inc. The main behavioral health conditions to be served include adults with serious mental illness (SMI), children with serious emotional disturbance (SED), persons with substance use disorders (SUD), and persons with co-occurring SMI and SUD.

“Expanding programs and introducing new programs to fund and support the mental health needs of people across the state has been a top priority of the Kelly administration since day one,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “Investments like these from federal grant opportunities help us meet the needs of both adults and children where they are, and oftentimes that is the first person we turn to and trust – a primary care physician. This project will allow us to marry mental health and primary care health and open more doors to services.”

This project will address the key needs for integrated care and implement goals to achieve the following:

  • Reduce barriers to accessing integrated physical and behavioral health care.
  • Increase the capacity for integrated care by implementing evidence-based practices to reduce the proportion of adults and youth with nicotine use disorder and other SUDs.
  • Decrease the frequency of suicidal ideation through collaborative supports and services that address physical, behavioral, and health-related social needs.
  • Improve access to oral health care services through screening and referrals.
  • Develop a robust state infrastructure to implement and establish an integrated care model across Kansas.

Each provider organization’s service area reflects a high need, defined geographic region, and provides or coordinates services to individuals experiencing both physical health concerns and behavioral health concerns. These regions span urban, rural, and frontier areas across Kansas, representing a diverse set of opportunities to advance integrated care and reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health.

What Participating Organizations Are Saying:

“This grant will not only support the much-needed integration of behavioral health and primary care services within our clinic but also facilitate collaboration with community providers. Community health centers are positioned extremely well to identify patients in need of behavioral health services, and this grant offers us the ability to expand our ability to provide and coordinate care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. ACHC is excited to demonstrate the positive impact that integrating services has on our patient’s quality of life.”
– Steve Durkin, CEO, Atchison Community Health Clinic (Atchison, Kan.)

“We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care grant as part of Community Care. We welcome the chance to improve services to the rural residents of far western Kansas and work with our fellow clinics across the state.”
– Chrysanne Grund, Project Director, Greeley County Health Services (Tribune, Kan.) 

“We are honored to be a recipient of the Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care grant. This is an incredible opportunity for Hunter Health to join with our partners across Kansas to support the improvement of integrated care models statewide. We look forward to working with SAMHSA, KDADS, Community Care, and other community health centers to promote integration and collaboration between primary care and behavioral health care in community health centers.”
– Amy Feimer, CEO, Hunter Health (Wichita, Kan.)

“What great news! There is so much need in the communities we serve. No one organization can meet them all; it takes collaboration.  As a community health center, Konza aims to reduce barriers to health by providing as much care as possible for the patients we see. Meeting patients’ needs by integrating behavioral health services in the medical exam room, in the dental operatory, and throughout the various patient support services available at the health center not only reduces stigma but it improves access and embodies what we believe- health care is for all, and that includes behavioral health.”
– Dani Hallgren, CEO, Konza Prairie Community Health Center (Manhattan, Kan.)

###

New Bo Co Undersheriff: Kevin Davidson

Kevin Davidson, 50, will step into new duties officially as the Bourbon County Undersheriff on September 18.

As the next in line, under Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin, Davidson’s duties are monitoring the day-to-day activities of the sheriff’s office, along with scheduling of personnel.

“Generally, keeping the train on the track,” he said.

There are currently 19 employees in the sheriff’s office.

Davidson enjoys “getting to make a difference in the community, bringing a positive attitude in law enforcement. Trying to make the community a safe place for our kids.”

He became a narcotics detective in October 2021.

He says he works with some good colleagues, and they “have been able to eliminate a lot of narcotics in the community. Recently they helped take out 10,000 fentanyl pills in Crawford County that had connections to coming back to Bourbon County.”

Davidson’s office is at the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, 293 E. 20th, Fort Scott. The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office phone number is 620 223-1440.

The jail is known as the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center, Fort Scott.

He graduated from Pleasanton High School, attended Highland Junior College where he played football, and attended Pittsburg State University for a period.

Davidson has been in law enforcement since June 2014 at the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, then the Fort Scott Police Department, then returned to the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office.

He has five children.

Davidson is replacing Ben Cole as the undersheriff.

 

 

 

 

KS High School Athletics Adopted New Policy in Response to Fairness In Women’s Sports Act

As schools kick off fall sports season, AG Kobach commends KSHSAA

TOPEKA – (Sept. 7, 2023) – With the start of fall sports, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office reminds Kansas school districts that a Kansas State High School Athletic Association (KSHSAA) policy prohibits biological males from competing in girls’ sports. The KSHSAA Executive Board adopted the policy last April in response to a new state law, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act.

“I want to commend KSHSAA for adopting these well-reasoned guidelines that fully comply with Kansas law,” Attorney General Kris Kobach said. “As the father of five girls who enjoy sports and athletic competition, I am delighted that the Kansas Legislature and KSHSAA have taken strong action to defend opportunities for women athletes and to protect them from unfair competition.”

###
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Copyright © *2023* *Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
120 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612

The Blending of America by Patty LaRoche

Patty LaRoche. 2023 Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection www.alittlefaithlift.com AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)

A visiting pastor attended a men’s breakfast in the middle of a rural farming area.  The group had asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast.

“Lord, I hate buttermilk,” the farmer began. The visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going. The farmer loudly proclaimed, “Lord, I hate lard.” Now the pastor was growing concerned. Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, “And Lord, you know I don’t much care for raw white flour.” The pastor once again opened an

eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn’t the only one to feel uncomfortable.

Then the farmer added, “But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm fresh biscuits. So, Lord, when things come up that we don’t like, when life gets hard, when we don’t understand what you’re saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen.”

I have to wonder if God isn’t doing a little blending in America. A country that started off so strong has taken a turn that (hopefully) is teaching us much, mainly that God remains in charge.  He is fully capable of making warm, fresh biscuits out of some pretty unpalatable ingredients, and yes, some of us require a little more kneading than others.                                     So, if we agree that this blending is our answer, then  2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV gives us instructions on our goal: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear. 

To do that, we need to make Ps. 139:23-24 our daily/hourly prayer.  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.

Examining our own hearts is pointless, no doubt because we will find a way to justify our evil actions/attitudes. After all, we haven’t killed anyone.  We didn’t loot stores or throw iced water at the police officers.  We merely sat in our comfy living rooms and watched on television as the wickedness of someone else’s heart played out.  But that’s not what God calls us to do.  He wants us to lay our ugly hearts at His throne and ask Him to reveal any wickedness in us (even though it is so much more our nature to find the wickedness in others).

Get that?  Any wickedness.  Any times when we have remained silent and not spoken out against bigotry and violence.  Any times we have secretly celebrated payback between our race and theirs.  Any times we have allowed others’ prejudiced behavior to affect ours.  Any times we have not asked God to help us examine our hearts, to call our wickedness into account and to change our ways.

Last year I watched Just Mercy, the true story of Harvard law school graduate Bryan Stevenson’s defense of wrongly condemned Walter McMillian who was sentenced to die for the murder of an 18-year-old girl.  Stevenson quickly learned that in the South, he, a black man, was himself a target, simply because of the color of his skin.

Refusing to return hate for hate, he founded the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama.  He and his staff have won reversals or release from prison for over 135 wrongly condemned death row prisoners and won relief for hundreds of others wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced.  Black and white.  Blending at its finest.

If God is stirring something in your heart like He is mine, then we need to agree to be part of the blending process.  Granted, we’ve come a long way, but until we determine what we can do to make a difference, we will have a long way to go.

 

 

 

 

Nance Shifts Careers as of Sept. 15

Ginger Nance. 2023. Submitted photo.

Ginger Nance has been the Executive Director at the Fort Scott Presbyterian Village for 20 years.

“My last working day at the Village is scheduled for Sept 15th as I will be retiring… and shifting my focus to care for others in a new, different career way,” she said.

Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The executive director’s job entailed leading and directing all operations of the site: budgeting, marketing, fundraising, staffing, resident care, dining and environmental services, policy and regulations, and “extending a helping hand to anyone in need,” she said.

“The very best thing about the job, hands down, is that it gives me the ability to make lasting, meaningful, relationships with people from all walks of life,” she said.  “Getting the chance to meet new people and rekindle relationships with others whom I’ve known since childhood is wonderful!”

A challenge for Nance was the pandemic.

“As with any occupation, there are always challenges,” Nance said.  “One of the biggest challenges during my career was managing all the issues surrounding the COVID pandemic in senior living.  Probably my best and my worst attribute, at the same time, is that I care so much about our seniors and the families that we serve.”

During these years of COVID, the state and federal governments set many extreme restrictions to protect the resident’s lives.

“For a long period during the pandemic, senior living organizations were mandated to not allow people to enter the building for any reason,” she said. “This was heartbreaking to all!  We worked as a team and included the families in trying to come up with solutions so they could still be involved and active in their loved ones’ lives.”

” For the first time in senior living, we learned to use Facetime…and sent out weekly communication updates to family members.”

“We created visiting areas with glass separations that were heated using amplified microphones for the hearing impaired. We set up the spaces so they could enjoy a meal together, a cup of hot chocolate, or whatever they desired to do during their visits.”

“I have never been more challenged, yet so very proud, of the amazing team that we have at the Presbyterian Village!” Nance said. Before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and every day since it ended, I am reminded of how fortunate Fort Scott is to have the Presbyterian Village in our community, as I watch the team at the Village care for our seniors. Their care and commitment go far beyond receiving a paycheck. I’m so very thankful that I could be part of such a great team for so many years.”

New Career

Nance feels the time is now to step out in faith in a new career to help people differently.

She has had conversations with senior citizens living in their homes, isolated, feeling helpless, because their physical condition wouldn’t allow them to get outside or even move about easily in their own homes.

“Often the senior would express… that one of the biggest barriers to the idea of making a move to downsize and either move to a smaller, more manageable home, or an assisted living was the idea that they didn’t even know where to begin,” she said.

They didn’t know how to go about downsizing their belongings and/or selling their home, which would stop them, due to fear or physical inability, she said.

“I understand their fears and their concerns and I would like to be available to help people through this process in a kind, patient, understanding way, always keeping them in the driver’s seat every step of the way,” she said.

“For this reason, I am currently offering my services as a ‘Rightsizing Specialist,’ to help seniors and other adults with these types of issues they are facing,” she said.

Services she will offer the community is downsizing, upsizing, or simply “right-sizing” to find a home that meets the current needs of their life.

“We all know that one shoe doesn’t fit all and my goal is to offer my assistance on an individualized basis for each person,” she said.  “The options: live auction, estate/tag sales, private sales to individuals,  charity donations, assistance with packing, boxing, and the moving process, as well as assistance with buying and selling your home, if desired.”

She is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri and recently joined the Stutesman’s Action Realty team, with offices located in Fort Scott, Nevada, and Lamar, Missouri.

“I very much want to remain active in my hometown, where my family roots are, and I want to continue to build lasting relationships with people from all walks of life,” she said. “The passion I have to help others is the fuel that continues to drive me as I work to build a new business line to offer to our community.  If you know someone who could benefit from my help, please give me a call, and let’s talk (620) 224-6173.”

 

 

Kansas Prevention Conference on October 12-13 in Wichita

Kansas Prevention Collaborative logo
6th annual Kansas Prevention Conference: Different Paths, One Kansas. Graphic design with text inside the outline of kansas with a blue dotted line curving around to point to Kansas.

Join us for the 6th Annual Kansas Prevention Conference on October 12-13 in Wichita, KS

The Kansas Prevention Conference provides educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse, and advocate for best practices.

The KPC Conference hosts state and local professionals from the various facets of the substance misuse prevention field and related disciplines.

The Pre-Conference will be held October 11, 2023.

You’ll be able to choose from a long list of evidence-based sessions as well as learning from our two keynote speakers, Monty Burks and Dr. Fred Rottnek.

Dr. Monty Burks

Dr. Monty Burks, CPRS, PLC, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, where his role is engaging and connecting Tennessee’s faith communities to the behavioral health care system, with the goal of expanding addiction and mental health support services across the state.

Opening Keynote: Building Blocks – Faith, Prevention, Recovery

Dr. Fred Rottnek

Dr. Fred Rottnek, MD, MAHCM is a Professor and the Director of Community Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the Program Director of the Saint Louis University Addiction Medicine Fellowship.

Closing Keynote: The Intersection of Substance Use and Trauma on the Path to One Kansas

Sessions will focus on a variety of topics including basic theory and practice, building knowledge, skills and abilities, prevention workforce development, keeping current with prevention science, best prevention practices, innovative partnerships and capacity building, and new to prevention. Keep an eye out for the icons as you browse available breakout sessions.

Connect With Us

FacebookInstagramTwitter

Copyright © 2023 Kansas Prevention Collaborative, All rights reserved.