All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Health Department on COVID-19: Update

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 24, 2020

On August 25, Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator sent the following clarification on this information.

“According to KDHE, the antigen test (the rapid Sofia test is being used in our area) is a presumptive laboratory test. So, if COVID-19 is ‘detected’ on an antigen test, we list it as presumptive on our weekly county update.”

 

“The PCR test is a confirmatory test, which meets laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the result of the PCR test is ‘detected’ it is listed as positive.”

 

“We needed to list them differently because at one point KDHE was not counting the presumptive tests on the county totals, although we had to do the same work on them as we would have done for a positive PCR test and the individual would still be considered a COVID-19 case. KDHE is now listing the COVID-19 cases that were tested with an antigen test as a probable case. But a probable case, to KDHE can also be one with no testing done at all. So, we’ve stuck with using the word presumptive, because again, the antigen test is a presumptive laboratory test.”

 

“For the most part, around our area, the PCR test is the one that has been used the most, because it’s been around the longest and has been more available. Recently SEK Urgent Care and Ashley Clinic have started performing the rapid Sofia antigen test, and so we’ve seen a number of COVID-19 cases (presumptive) come from those clinics.”

 

“We are still going to continue to list the out of state/county, because as we’ve gone along, we’ve gotten several more cases, and again with this, we still have to do the same work on these cases, as we would one of our own residents and the individual is still in our county.”

 

 

 

Thanks.

 

 

Rebecca Johnson

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Administrator

Allen County

Current Active Cases 4
Presumptive Cases 3
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 26 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing 30 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 30
Total Positives Since Testing 32
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 5
Presumptive Cases 14
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 92 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing 86 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 1
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0
Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Public Servant Profile: Corrections Officer Mowen

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Jessica Mowen. Submitted photo.
Jessica Mowen, 44, is a Bourbon County Corrections Officer with the Sheriff’s Department.
Her education has included a Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Med Assistant and a  phlebotomist.
“I attended the jail academy at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson KS also,” she said.
Mowen has one year’s experience with the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.
” I take care of the inmates while incarcerated, book in inmates and release inmates,” she said.
Her family includes four grown kids, two grandkids.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
“M hobbies are my parent’s farm, enjoying time with my family, riding horses, riding four-wheelers, hunting, pretty much anything outdoors. I also drive tractors in the Good Ole Days and Pioneer Harvester parades every year,” she said.
Why did you pursue your career?
“I’ve always loved helping people in any way I can,” she said.  “Medical was my choice but to be honest I feel law enforcement chose me. I enjoy my job and I hope I can make a career with the Sheriff’s Department. My hope is that I can make a difference in the community one inmate at a time. I want to show them that I do care, don’t judge, I do want to help even if it’s just a conversation or an ounce of hope, they can change their lives, do better and be a productive citizen. Some people just need someone to believe in them. I want people to know WE Law Enforcement Officers are not all bad. ALOT of us do have hearts.”
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Home Preservation Requires Food Safety Steps

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Kathy McEwan, K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

 

 

Safety and security of foods preserved in the home depend on the cook. It is vital that proper techniques and processes are used to ensure that home-preserved foods remain safe.

The failure to follow a tested recipe or to store food in a safe place can jeopardize food safety, yet recognizing when home preserved foods are past their prime or no longer safe-to-eat is sometimes a challenge, said Karen Blakeslee, Kansas State University Research and Extension food scientist.

Tell-tale signs that suggest food is suspect and should be discarded include:

* Vacuum seal on the lid has been compromised; lid may pop, bulge, or show signs of rust;

* Jar is chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged;

* Evidence of loss of food quality, such as the presence of mold, loss or change of color, texture, or off odor.

* Evidence of insect or rodent infestation; and

* Date made is unknown.

Do not taste or use food from any jar that has become unsealed or shows any signs of spoilage, Blakeslee said.

To keep home canned foods safe, she recommends:

1) Choose a tested recipe from a reliable source;

2) Use canning equipment that is in tiptop shape. Check the pressure canner gauge annually or more frequently, if a malfunction is suspected. Replace damaged jars and containers. Use new lids;

3) Follow recipe directions exactly;

3) Label and date all home-preserved foods;

4) Store home canned foods in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid attics, garages, or shelving near a water heater or other appliances that generate heat;

5) Use home preserved foods within one year; and

6) Check food storage area regularly to inspect for potential problems, such as a water leak or insect damage.

It is recommended that pressure canner/cooker gauges be tested for accuracy. This can be done quickly and easily in any of the Southwind Extension offices at no cost. Call any of the Southwind offices to schedule a time to have testing done.

More information about food preservation is available at K-State Research and Extension Southwind offices, and on our website at www.southwind.ksu.edu.

An additional resource is the National Center for Home Food Preservation, located at the University of Georgia and online at: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp.

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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REMINDER!!!
Applications accepted through August 31st for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Grant cycle for 2020!
This year, FSACF will be awarding over $42,000.00 to local not-for-profits for projects to benefit our community. A certain dollar amount of the awards is reserved for projects that benefit our youth. Maximum grant to any one project is $5,000.00.
Applications can be obtained by sending an email:  [email protected].
Please use the same email address to submit any questions you might have. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 pm, August 31st.
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
8/21 & 8/22 –SMALLVILLE ATHLETICS – FORT GAMES 2020! Competition starts Friday, 8/22 at 5 pm & all Day Saturday 8/23 – Annual Fitness Competition includes:2 Day M/M F/F Partner Competition Divisions Include: Rx, Intermediate, Master’s 35+ & Scaled – Be held at 1905 S. Judson St.
8/22 – Mo’s Swap Meet– Every Saturday from
8am – 4pm (3rd & Margrave St)
Plaza in front of the Fort, 8am to noon.
8/22- Auction of the Living Estate of Nadine Rose by Anderson Auction Service,Starts at 10 am until 2 pm. 19 Golfview Drive Fort Scott, KS
8/23- Auction of the Larry Ginter Estate by Anderson Auction Service,Starts at 1 pm – 1708 Buckeye Rd., Fort Scott, KS (Pawnee Station)
8/21 & 8/22 – Fort Scott Livestock Sale starts as 10am – Sale Barn
8/21thru8/27 –Fort Scott Cinema: The Outpost, Inception & Unhinged…. Coming Soon: New Mutants & Tenant
8/21 – Boiler Room Brewhaus – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
8/23 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Brings back Trivia
night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
SAVE THE DATE!
8/25 ~ 8/27 – KANSASWORKS Virtual Job Fair, Employers to register Free!
8/29 ~ Cruise Night in Fort Scott starting at 7pm, plus Perry’s Pork Rinds Pop Up Shopfrom 6-8pm
8/30 – Boiler Room Brewhaus Paint Party! Paint & Sip “Witches Crazy, 6 pm -9 pm – Sell out quick!
9/5 – BOURBON COUNTY TOUR – 8:30am-12pm, Ghost Towns & Early Legends of Northern Bourbon County, carpool tour leaving from the Old Fort Genealogical Library, register today here. Limited to 40 participants.
9/5 -SPECIAL OLYMPICS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT! Sat. starting at 1:30 pm until 5 pm at the Woodland Golf Course to Sign up!
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Smallville Athletics “Fort Games”
Mo’s Swap Meet
Auction of Living Nadine Rose
Auction Larry Ginter Estate
The Boiler Room Brewhaus
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber? Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FSACF GRANTS ACCEPTED THROUGH 8/31
CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR DETAILS.
REGISTER FOR KANSASWORKS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR – NO COST TO EMPLOYERS!
SIGN UP TODAY FOR THE 9/5
BOURBON COUNTY TOUR!
THANK YOU TO OUR BOOSTER MEMBERS!
Area News, Health Care

NRMC Sleep Center Earns ACHC Accreditation

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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.”

Fort Scott Community College

New Teacher Profile: Kevin Thomure

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Kevin Thomure. Submitted photo.

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.”

 

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Community Foundation: Resource For Local Organizations

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Recipients of FSACF grants in 2018.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Public Servant Profile: Firefighter Grant Moberly

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FSFD Firefighter Grant Moberly. Submitted photo.
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.

 

Why did you pursue your career?
“To make a difference in the community.”

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Labor Day Rodeos On: No Old Settlers Picnic

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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.

Fort Scott, Government

Public Servant Profile: Firefighter Mewhinney

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Travis Mewhinney. Submitted photo.
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.”
Business, Fort Scott

New Roof On Old St. Andrews Completes Renovation

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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.”
Bourbon County

Uniontown City Wide Yard Sales Aug. 22

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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.