NRMC Sleep Center Staff with their most recent accreditation certificate. L-R: Andrea Miller, RT, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC, and Amber Brundridge, RT. Submitted photo.
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) proudly announces its approval of accreditation status by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for the NRMC Sleep Center.
“Our Sleep Center provides a consistently high level of service for our area that is comparable to larger hospitals,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Since opening, our staff have worked hard to repeatedly earn this accreditation.”
Every two years the ACHC surveys the Sleep Center to determine whether or not NRMC demonstrates compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.
“Our accreditation is proof of our commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare to our community,” says Andrea Miller, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC. “Through accurate sleep monitoring, we are able to help our patients determine the specific sleep disorder they may have, and take corrective measures to drastically improve quality of life.”
Kevin Thomure, 40, is a new Fort Scott Community College History Instructor. His office is located in Bailey Hall at the college.
Thomure earned a Bachelor’s in Science Degree (Social Studies Education) from Pittsburg State University, a Master’s in Science in Teaching degree (Secondary) from Pittsburg State University and a Master’s in Arts in History and Government Degree from Ashland University.
He has16 years teaching junior high and high school history and government classes and two years in administration for curriculum, and twelve years as an adjunct instructor in history and government.
His hometown is Fairland, Oklahoma.
Thomure has an 11-year-old son named Quincy and a 14-year-old daughter named Mya.
Community involvement/hobbies/interests:
Bicycling for fun and at bike ride events, supporting his kids in their sports and activities, visiting museums and historical sites, going to concerts and sporting events, and watching live theater and musicals.
How did you become an educator?
“I had teachers growing up who would challenge me to know more and do more with what I loved learning about. As I grew older I also saw the difference that teachers made with students and the impact they made in the classroom. I knew I wanted to make an impact and make a difference just like some of my favorite teachers did. I was able to pursue my interests in history and political science while learning how to teach it and spark a learning curiosity within the classroom. It was the best decision I ever made!”
Did someone inspire you to teach?
“I was fortunate enough to have several teachers growing up who were inspirational in making a difference with myself. The biggest inspiration for why I went into teaching in the field of history and political science definitely has to be my grandmother. From the early age of five, we had discussions on the Great Depression, World II, and the Vietnam War. I still remember the tons of questions I kept asking her about everything even during presidential elections. She always encouraged me to go learn more about it and it made for great conversations!”
What is the best part of teaching for you?
” I love helping and seeing the students make connections with how our past and how principles of key figures in history and the founding is relevant with every issue, situation, and action taken today. Challenging students to think and see events and perspectives in a way they never have before is so rewarding when you do see them make connections on their own. I enjoy playing any role I can as an educator in empowering students with knowledge and skills where they will be making their own positive impact on this world.”
What are the greatest challenges?
“Giving a voice to all students while creating an active learning environment can be challenging in a large classroom. Students can be extroverted and introverted so it is important to me to make sure I can get everyone involved in learning and being heard in different ways each class. I’m always looking to find various ways for each student to be involved in class and to be heard even if it is through a class discussion or using technology to empower each student.”
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is a funding resource for local organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in Bourbon County, according to Carla Farmer, FSACF Chairperson.
Applications are being received until August 31.
“In 2019, FSACF received 33 grant applications totaling over $106,000,” said Greg Motley, Grant Committee Chairperson. “The grant committee awarded over $33,000 for projects in our community, such as musical instruments and interesting field trips for elementary school children, food and clothing to serve the disadvantaged in our area, writing, music and art projects to support the arts in our community, amenities for parks and schools, critical medical equipment for our emergency room and equipment for high school girls’ athletics, to name a few.”
“The grant application period for 2020 ends August 31,” Motley said. “This year, we have over $42,000 in available grant money to be awarded during the October 29th Fort Scott Area Chamber Coffee at Landmark National Bank, 200 S. Main at 8:00 AM.”
For an application and copy of FSACF’s Grant Evaluation Guidelines, please email Gregg Motley, Grant Committee Chairman, at [email protected] .
History of FSACF, provided by Carla Farmer.
The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 2007. The Foundation, led by a local, volunteer board, was created to meet the needs of greater Bourbon County. Its mission is to partner with and be a resource to organizations whose goal is to improve the quality of life in Bourbon County. The Foundation strives to create connections between donors and a variety of worthwhile causes.
With assets over $9 million, the FSACF provides a tax-exempt vehicle for donations to be given to charitable groups and government agencies of the donor’s choice. Donations, large and small, are gratefully accepted from individuals living within Bourbon County or around the world. The Foundation offers a variety of giving options from gifts of cash, securities, stock, to planned gifts.
FSACF operates as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.
“The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation exists to support the good work being accomplished by our not-for-profit organizations in Bourbon County and to address the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Board members recognize that the needs in our community and county continue to increase. The annual grants awarded by the Foundation is one tool for placing funds directly back into the hands of not-for-profits to meet these needs,” said Farmer.
“These are challenging times in our community and the country. The Foundation offers opportunities for creating many types of funds that can continue to benefit our citizens for generations to come. If you have questions about giving to the Foundation, please contact me or any board member,” added Farmer.
You may visit www.fsacf.com for more information or call 620-224-6500.
This is part of a series of City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County public servant profiles. If you would like to nominate a person to be featured, please send their email address to [email protected].
Grant Moberly, 21, is a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for the Fort Scott Fire Department.
He graduated from Mill Valley High School and is pursuing an associate’s degree in fire science from Johnson County Community College, having obtained his EMT from JCCC.
Moberly is a first-year firefighter, who works from Station 2.
What are your duties?
“Fire suppression, EMS assist, vehicle and station maintenance, fire prevention training, rescue calls.”
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
Hunting and fishing, gardening and mini-tree farming.
4D Rafter H: Travis and Kellie Duncan, Justin, and Megan Hahner from last year’s Old Settlers Picnic Ranch Rodeo.Submitted photos by Julia Hall.
Even though there will be no traditional Uniontown Old Settlers Picnic activities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be rodeo events at the arena west of Uniontown.
“This virus has things shut down,” Wayne Hall, contact for the rodeos, said. “The rodeos are an outside event. We have hand sanitizer in the bathroom. We encourage people to not get too close. We find families stay together.”
Team Roping
On Friday, September 4, there will be a team roping contest at the Uniontown arena.
“It’s open to anybody that wants too,” Levi Motley, contact for the team roping said. “They’ll enter with people when they get here, find a partner and enter up,” although he added, “This isn’t a spectator sport.”
Teams compete for a jackpot prize, he said.
“Team roping begins at 7 p.m. and lasts about two hours,” Motley said.
Contact Motley at 620-768-9166.
Ranch Rodeo
Top Woman at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo was Shanna Eck. Submitted photo.
The 34th Annual Co-Ed Ranch Rodeo will happen on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
There are four people on a team.
“Two people on the team have to be a woman or kids,” Hall said. “The crowds enjoy it.”
“Last year we had eight teams,” Hall said. “Local teams mostly. But I’ve had calls from up around Topeka (this year).”
Each team pays $200 to compete.
“There is a 100 percent payback other than a stock charge,” Hall said. “The person who provides livestock for the events gets paid a fee.”
Contact Hall at 620-363-4206 for both rodeos.
Olson Ranch: Wally and Jennifer Olson, Travis and Kellie Duncan. Submitted photos from last year’s Old Settlers Picnic Ranch Rodeo.Top man at the 2019 Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo was Kolby Stock. Submitted photo.2019 Top Youth at the Old Settlers Ranch Rodeo was Kara Stock. Submitted photos.
Old Settlers Youth Rodeo
The 54th Annual Old Settlers Youth Rodeo begins on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. with the registration of events at 5:30 p.m. It is also located in the arena west of Uniontown on Hwy. 3.
Youth who are high school senior age and younger can register to do barrel racing, pole bending, steer riding, ewe busting, a “little kids stick horse race”, calf roping, team roping, goat tying, and a flag race, Hall said.
The 2019 Stick Horse Race winners at the Old Settlers Youth Rodeo. Submitted photos.
Costs to enter each contest is from $4 to $10 per person, per event.
This is part of a public servant profile series featuring the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County employees. If you would like to nominate a person to be featured, please send their email address to [email protected].
Travis Mewhinney, 33, is a Fort Scott Fire Department Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.
He is a Fort Scott High School graduate, attended Fort Scott Community College for college classes and EMT classes; Hutchison Community College for fire science classes and Kansas University Fire Rescue training certifications.
Mehinney has five years of experience and works from both Station 1 and 2.
What are your duties?
“Driver operator, fire suppression, EMS and rescue, vehicle maintenance, hydrant maintenance and records.
He and his wife Becky, have two sons: LT, 10 years old, and Jaxon, 4 years.
His community involvement, interests or hobbies:
Avid car collector, diesel mechanic, sign and antique collector.
Why did you pursue your career?
“I enjoy helping others in times of need and serving my community.”
The former St. Andrews Episcopal Church is getting a new roof.
The former St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 123 S. National Avenue is getting a new roof.
“The building was formerly decommissioned so it is no longer St. Andrews Church,” said owner DandeLyon Vredenburg.
Roofers from Kansas City were hired by owners Vredenburg and her partner, Carl Repp, for the installation of a new roof on the entire sloped portion of the building.
This completes the exterior envelope work they have been working on, she said.
“We have also replaced the flat roof in 2017,” Vredenburg said. “We have replaced the rotted windows with thermal pane energy-efficient windows. This… ensures it’s preservation for the long term. We have also completed our planned work on the interior. This includes two New York loft-style residences and professional offices/workspace. “
The building houses offices and currently is occupied, except for one suite, she said.
“That rents for $250 which includes electronic access, water, garbage, electricity, gas and WiFi,” she said. “There are four businesses that currently lease space from us and run out of that building.”
Vredenburg was asked if the building is for sale.
“The building is not officially on the market but we are always open for interesting business opportunities.,” she said.
Vredenburg and her partner, Repp, stay here when in the area.
“This endeavor has been a labor of love,” Vredenburg said. “Built with our own hands and funded entirely by our own dollars. This building has offered us and continues to provide a sanctuary when we return to Fort Scott throughout the year from working abroad.”
Uniontown residents who are interested in culling down unused items are invited to have a yard sale on Aug. 22.
Persons may have their names on a list, courtesy of City of Uniontown by calling 620-756-4742 by August 17.
Addresses of those participating will be put on a list and a map posted at the post office on the town’s square and at Union Station Convenience Store on Hwy. 3.
This is part of a series on Fort Scott and Bourbon County Public Servants.
Scott Shelton, 38, is a lieutenant with the Fort Scott Fire Department.
He is a Fort Scott High School graduate and earned Emergency Medical Technician Certification from Fort Scott Community College, and also graduated from FSCC Graduate. In addition, has Kansas University Fire Certifications.
Shelton has 18 years experience in fire fighting.
He works from both Station 1 and Station 2.
What are your duties?
“Fire suppression, EMS, equipment/ vehicle maintenance, public education, training, Life Safety Inspections, and manages a shift in the event of captain’s absence.”
He is married and has two sons.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
“Taking kids to ball games, volunteer time to community projects,
cars, motorcycles, running/fitness.”
Why did you pursue your career?
” I am a third-generation firefighter.
I enjoy serving the community and protecting the citizens and property. “
This is part of a series of City of Fort and Bourbon County public servant profiles.
Clint Roberts, 37, is a captain with the Fort Scott Fire Department.
He earned his Associates Degree from Fort Scott Community College and also Emergency Medical Training. In addition, he has received Kansas University Fire Service Training.
He has 14 years of experience.
Roberts works out of Fire Station 1, 1640 S. National Avenue.
What are your duties?
Fire suppression, EMS, rescue calls, shift management, public education.
Family:
He is married to Crystal, and they have two boys, Reece and Ryan.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
” Several members from the fire department have a motorcycle group,” Roberts said. “Every year we hold an annual benefit ride fundraiser for a child in need.”
In addition to motorcycles, construction is an interest of Roberts, he said.
Why did you pursue your career?
“I had a lot of interest in the fire (service) and EMS profession when I was younger.”
Chelsi Boydston, Mounds, OK, in her new student housing room at the former Mercy Hospital building.
School started Monday, August 10, for Fort Scott Community College, and the administration took the difficult situation of the COVID-19 Pandemic and used available community resources for expanding student housing.
FSCC is leasing 30 rooms at the former Mercy Hospital from the Mercy corporation.
“The reason we are leasing rooms at the Mercy building is that we had to leave rooms vacant in student housing, in case we need to quarantine students,” FSCC President Alysia Johnston said.
FSCC students moved in over the weekend to the west side of the former Mercy Hospital building. FSCC is leasing the building until May from corporate Mercy.
“It’s a beautiful facility,” Tom Havron, FSCC Vice President of Student Affairs, said. “It’s in really good shape. Mercy maintenance has been good to help us (accommodate the students). We like having them out here. We are excited about it.”
“There are lots of perks for staying here,” Havron said. “The rooms are larger, student lounges are larger and each room has its’ own bathroom.”
In student dorms on the main campus, two rooms share a bathroom.
Two students are in each room.
This FSCC student lounge has access to the Mercy outside enclosed courtyard.
One of the student lounges has available the Mercy courtyard, an enclosed outside area, that former Mercy employees and patients may remember.
Currently, there are 57 students and three residential assistants living at the site.
“The RA’s will supervise and make sure the students are safe,” he said.
The students will still be on the cafeteria plan on the main campus at at 2108 S. Horton, just down the street. The nursing stations will be used for studying, with internet availability, Havron said, and there will be tutoring available in the facility.
A former Mercy nursing station will be a study area for FSCC students with Wi-Fi availability.
Students moved their items in this past weekend and stayed at Sleep Inn Motel, until the Kansas State Fire Marshall gave approval of the building, which happened yesterday, Aug. 10.
The hallway of the repurposed Mercy building which now houses FSCC students.
FSCC had 11 positive cases of COVID-19 when students started arriving in July, Havron said.
They were quarantined, meals were delivered and coaches checked with them to make sure they were on track academically, Havron said.
Currently, there is no sign on the outside of the building that the site is now FSCC student housing.
“We had people who thought this was the emergency room over the weekend,” Havron said.
The west entrance of the building is locked 24 hours a day.
Other changes
“August 10 is one week earlier than originally scheduled,” FSCC President Alysia Johnston, said in an email interview.”We will not have a spring break and the semester will be over before Thanksgiving on November, 24. The reason we are starting early and ending before Thanksgiving is part of our (pandemic) mitigation plan. We do not want to bring students back from a large geographical area after thanksgiving and risk introducing COVID-19 again. Also, KDHE had predicted COVID-19 would spike in December, with the rise of the flu and cold season, therefore increasing our chances of positive cases.”
“We do not have any new programs or classes,” she said. ” We do have more classes offered online than in the past.”
Despite the pandemic, class numbers are up.
“As of this morning (August 10), overall enrollment is slightly up compared to this time last fall. On-campus and online enrollment are up, off-campus enrollment is down.”
