All posts by Loretta George

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown Community Announcements

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Uniontown Community Announcements from its websitehttp://www.cityofuniontown.net/index.html
City Hall will be closed April 18.

REMINDER:  PLEASE ONLY PUT TREE BRANCHES, BRUSH, LEAVES, GRASS AND YARD WASTE AT THE BURN PILE.  ALL OTHER ITEMS ARE FORBIDDEN.  WHEN BURNING THE PILE ON APRIL 4, SOMETHING EXPLODED AND SENT GLASS FRAGMENTS FLYING.  WE ARE ALL VERY LUCKY THAT OUR MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL WERE NOT INJURED.

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 2019 REVIVAL – SUNDAY, APRIL 14, THROUGH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 7PM, PASTOR MURRAY SATTERFIELD

CITATIONS WILL BE ISSUED IN APRIL FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER YOUR CAT/DOG.  IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER UNTIL AFTER A CITATION IS RECEIVED YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY COURT COST, REGISTRATION FEE FOR EACH ANIMAL, AND LATE FEE FOR EACH ANIMAL.

THE 2019 SPRING CITYWIDE CLEANUP HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR MAY 3, 4, & 5.  THERE WILL BE 3 DUMPSTERS ON THE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY AT FIRST AND CLAY STREETS.  CLEAN OUT THE GARAGE, ATTIC, AND CLOSETS!

THE COUNCIL ADOPTED A NEW ORDINANCE REGARDING THE SELL OF CEREAL MALT BEVERAGES AND BEER NOT TO EXCEED 6% ALCOHOL BY VOLUME.  IT WILL BE PLACED ON THE FEATURES PAGE AFTER IT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE FORT SCOTT TRIBUNE.

2019 is an election year for local governments and school boards.  There are three city council positions and four school board positions for election this year.  If interested in running for any of these positions contact City Hall or USD 235 Board Clerk.  Filing deadline is noon June 3, 2019.

Beginning July 1, 2019, we will be able to accept debit/credit cards for payments of utilities, court fines/fees, and miscellaneous fees, licenses and permits.  Payments may be made online at govpaynow.com (pay location code a001te for utilities, code a001ud for court fines/fees, and code a001td for misc permits/license fees), by phone, or in person at City Hall.  A link on this page is coming soon. Call or stop by City Hall for more information.
 
We have received complaints of coyotes running in town. We have contacted Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to find out how to get rid of them. They suggested that they are probably young coyotes and are looking for food.  Please do not feed your pets outside and put your garbage in a covered container.  If they can’t find food they will go elsewhere.  

There has been some inquiry about “pit bull” dogs in town.  The City still has an ordinance banning “pit bull” breeds and mixes.  We would also like to remind citizens that each household is only allowed three dogs and three cats six months of age or older.
 
The Council would like to ask owners of golf carts to make sure there is an adult in the golf cart when being driven by minors under the age of 16.  Thank you for your cooperation.

We would like to remind owners of go-karts to not drive them on city streets as they can’t be seen by drivers of other vehicles.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Bags of Love Ministry Gifted by Progressive Mothers Club

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Joyce Davenport, right,  President of Progressive Mothers Club of Fort Scott, presenting $200 to Janet Tucker for Bags of Love ministry on April 4. Submitted photo.

The local Fort Scott Progressive Mothers’ Club has been very active through the years, according to Shirley Palmer a member.

The local group recently presented Janet Tucker with a check for $200 to help with the project which helps children.

“At their recent meeting in April, Janet Tucker, Bourbon County chapter President spoke to the group and talked about It’s My Very Own BAGS OF LOVE project,” Palmer said.  “It is championing the immediate needs of the displaced child.”

“This is a local mission project for Bourbon County,” Tucker noted. “Where a group of volunteer women meets each week at the Seventh-Day Adventist church to sew comforters and duffle bags.”

Locally, the group program is called It’s My Very Own,  Bags of Love.

“When a child is removed from their home for reasons out of their control, a bag is filled with gender and age-appropriate items,” which is then given to the child, Tucker said.

When a child is removed from their home by the local protective service, often they can take nothing with them but the clothes on their back.

It’s My Very Own, is dedicated to providing a bag with personal care age and gender appropriate items for children from birth to 17 years old.

“These consist of basic body care items, stuffed animals, new toys, clothes, socks, p.j.’s, books, journals, diapers, baby care items, and then packed with lots of love and prayers,” Tucker said.

Items currently needed: large/small stuffed animals (can be gently used), new toys, puzzles, coloring books/crayons, journals, pens, craft kits, shampoo/body wash, toothpaste/toothbrush, deodorant, combs/brushes, hair bows, and seasonal items, according to information provided.

The supply list for duffle bags/comforters is colorful cotton/poly fabric, thread, twin flat sheets, high loft batting, thick cording, 1-inch buttons.

Needed items for children “aging out” of foster care: laundry detergent and basket, Clorox wipes, paper towels, all-purpose cleaners, dish soap/sponge, stain remover, dryer sheets, trash bags, tampons/pads, body wash/soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, towels/washcloths, small first aid kit, small lock box to keep important papers in, basic tool set, flashlight, batteries, planner for them to keep track of appointments, school supplies, blankets, basic cooking supplies, Walmart Gift Cards in increments of $25.

Also needed are prayers, monetary gifts and ink and paper for printing, stamps, blade replacements, sewing pins/needles, and volunteers.

For more information contact Tucker at 620-768-9356.

About Progressive Mother Club

The following is from a press release from Palmer:

“The local Progressive Mothers’ Club meets monthly, September-April, with the purpose of helping and promoting children and their activities.

The local group had a yearly membership of 24 people for many years and there used to be a waiting list for ladies in the community wanting to join. They met in homes for many years.

Today their membership is eighteen and they often still meet in homes of members or in a place in the community.

Through the years the local group has participated often in the Christmas Parades, Good ‘Ol Days parades, always promoting children. Their objective is to promote and to help children.

They have helped with the Mother to Mother ministry by donating items many times. They give money to each of the schools for needed items for children throughout the school years.

They often donate to families with children who have experienced house fires and who have lost everything. They adopt children of various ages at Christmas time and provide special Christmas gifts to them.

All in all, this club is a very caring and giving organization.

The Progressive Mothers’ Club was founded in March 1918 in Dayton, Ohio.

The purpose of the club was to bring together local mothers for social and educational functions that were meant to nurture and enhance their role as mothers.

The Progressive Mothers sought to provide opportunities for mothers to learn about child development, nurturing family environments, and the stresses associated with youth and families. The non-profit group prided itself on providing welfare and advocacy for all children.

The Progressive Mothers’ Club joined the Federation of Women’s Clubs in 1921, as well as later joining the National Federation of Women’s Clubs.

The official Progressive Mothers’ Club on the national level disbanded in 2003 but many Progressive Mothers’ alumni are still active and functioning in local clubs such as the Fort Scott group.

Joyce Davenport has been the local president the past two years. Shirley Palmer was installed as the new president for the Fort Scott group at their April meeting. Other officers are Donna Wilson, vice-president; Teri Campbell, Secretary, and Connie Finley treasurer.”

For more information about the club:  contact Shirley Palmer at 620-223-4105.

 

Fort Scott, Schools

Teacher Lynette Jackson Retires After 31 Years

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Lynette Jackson. Submitted photo.

Lynette Jackson, a second-grade teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary School, is retiring after 31 years in education.

“I taught first grade for one year in Shawnee, Oklahoma and thirty years have been with USD 234 as a K-3 teacher and instructional coach,” Jackson said.

Born and raised in Fort Scott, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University.

Several factors influenced her to become a teacher.

“One was the relationships I had with my former teachers,” she said. “I have great memories of school because my teachers made school fun and exciting. They also made me feel very secure and important. Although I’ve enjoyed school throughout my lifetime, my elementary years are the most memorable to me. Therefore, I became an elementary teacher.

“In thinking about all the teachers I’ve had from elementary school through college, I must say that the great majority of them had some influence on me, one way or another. I’m reminded of how important it was to be assured at school that I had potential and skills, that I could use in life to be successful. It was very important and with gratitude, I will never forget what they did for me as I was growing up. All my educators impacted my desire to teach and I hope I have repaid the debt to my past teachers that invested in me.”

Jackson believes a  teacher has a mission.

“Being a teacher means being a nurse, counselor, substitute mom or dad, cheerleader, and disciplinarian,” she said. “It is my hope that I have been all these roles for my students over the years. I am flattered when a child says to me, ‘I want to be a teacher just like you.’ Have I given that youngster the best example I could to pattern his or her life and career?”

Jackson has had the privilege to work with colleagues that were past students.

“There is no better honor than working with someone that you once taught,” she said. “To see these students, grow up and have a career in education, is overwhelming. It is my hope they enjoy their careers and have many years in education as much as I have.”

As with all professions, there have been challenges.

“Several challenges I have faced over the years have been balancing the different learning styles of students, technology in the classroom, budget constraints, office politics, and lack of time to collaborate or implement new resources,” she said. “I would urge the community to get behind our schools and become knowledgeable about the educational trends we use at USD234 and become involved with our local school board and legislation.”

Jackson said she is hoping to spend time with her family and “enjoy attending my son’s school events.”

 

Obituary

Obituary of Ralph Anderson

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Ralph Lee Anderson Jr., age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

He was born September 13, 1950, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Ralph Lee Anderson and Dorothy Irene Goddard Anderson.

Ralph attended grade school at Redfield, Kansas and later graduated from the Uniontown High School with the Class of 1968.

  Ralph first worked in farming and construction.  In 1986, he began a career with Dayco which later became Carlisle and then Timken.    In earlier years, he enjoyed drag racing.  He also enjoyed collecting toy tractors and going to garage sales.

Survivors include a daughter, Kate Anderson, of Orlando, Florida; a sister, Deanne Bloesser and husband, Don, of Redfield, Kansas; a niece, Sarah Sisseck and husband, Barry, of Oronogo, Missouri and two nephews, Seth Bloesser and wife, Melanie, of Redfield and Silas Bloesser and wife, Serini, of Park City, Kansas; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Brady, Bolton, Kennedy, Maddie, Kendyl, Makinlee and Rheason with one more arriving in August.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Dorothy Anderson.

Pastor Ben Heffernan will conduct graveside services at 10:30 A.M. Friday, April 19th at the Mt. Orum Cemetery near Redfield, Kansas.

Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.

Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Business

The Claytons Purchase Union Station

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Ronni and Dane Clayton are the new owners of Union Station, Uniontown.

Union Station,  in the small town of Uniontown, population 267, has new owners.

The station has been the gathering place/gas station/convenience store in Uniontown for about 20 years, under the ownership of Susan and Ron Eldridge.

Ronni, 32, and Dane, 33,  Clayton of rural western Bourbon County, purchased Union Station from the Eldridges, on April 1, 2019.

“We’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit,” Ronni said. “This came up for sale. We’ve known the Eldridges for years.”

“It seemed like it would be a good investment for the community and our girls, ages 6 and 4,” Ronni said.

Both are graduates of Uniontown High School, Ronni in 2005 and Dane in 2004, and had attended school with the Eldridge’s daughters.

The best thing for the Clayton’s so far is the community, Dane said.

“It’s been great, especially in the morning,” Ronni said. “Friends and family, everybody knows everybody.”

The Claytons have no current plans to change the business.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Ronni said.

The phone number remains 620-756-4884.

The summer hours have taken effect and are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Both continue to work other jobs and fill in shifts when needed at Union Station.

Dane works for Walmart.

“I do heating and air conditioning for Walmart,” Dane said. “My job is flexible.”

Ronni works for the Farm Service Agency in Fort Scott.

The two were working a shift Saturday evening so some employees could attend the Uniontown High School prom, just down the road.

Other employees are Schotze Griffiths, manager; Christy Pritchett, Tammy Davidson, Nicole Clayton, Candace Clayton, Danea Esslinger, and additional high school students.

Fort Scott, Schools

David Brown: New Fort Scott Middle School Principal

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David Brown. Submitted photo.

David Brown, 55, was recently hired by USD 234 to be the Fort Scott Middle School Principal.

” My wife and I will be moving back to Fort Scott in June into my childhood home,” Brown said. “I look forward to the opportunity to once again serve my community. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger.”

Brown is a Fort Scott native.

He is a 1981 Graduate Fort Scott High School, 1982 Graduate Fort Scott Community College, 1985 Graduate Baker University Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and History,  and in 2015  he graduated from  Pittsburg State University with a Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

“I started my teaching career at Raymore-Peculiar High School and after a year I was fortunate to return to Fort Scott and assume a teaching position at Fort Scott Middle School where I taught Math, Civics, and History for 13 years,” Brown said. “I then transferred to the high school teaching history and PE. I coached football, basketball, wrestling, and track at the middle school during my time there and coached football, wrestling, track, and softball at the high school. I was head wrestling coach from 1995 until 2016. In 2016, I became assistant principal at Chanute High School and have been in that position until now.”

Brown’s first love was coaching and to coach is to teach, he said.

“I had siblings who had entered the field of education,” Brown said. “I could see how their influence on students inspired learning. I saw the joy that came over both student and teacher when that spark of learning and success took place. I knew I wanted to have that impact and that experience.”

“I believe every worthy educator has been inspired to teach but seldom is the inspiration singular. We educators are inspired by our own teachers, our family, and our friends. ”

“The joy of being in education is knowing you have a tremendous impact on the future. What we do every day in classrooms directly affects the lives of the children, families, and the community we serve. ”

He believes education is facing a challenging future.

“The children we are teaching today are experiencing access to information at a rate unseen in history,” Brown said. “The skills we provide them with are preparing them for careers and jobs that have yet to be invented. The ten most in-demand jobs today were not even in existence ten years ago. Our challenge is to equip our kids with the tools to achieve their dreams whatever that may be.”

Brown is married to Stacy and has four daughters: Cori, Morgan, Addi, and Riley.

 

Bourbon County, Schools

Christian Heights Country Store May 4

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Teachers at Fort Scott Christian Heights School. From left: Terry Chance, prinicpal; Jeremy Budy, history teacher; Larissa Hunter, pre-school and kindergarten teacher; Karen Schellack, 7-8 grade; Julie Going, 1-2 grade; Sarah Pridey, English; Esther Arnold, 3-4 grade; Amanda Bachand, 5-6 grade; Larry Davolt, science; and Jan Beltram, secretary.

Terry Chance, principal of Fort Scott Christian Heights School, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee attendees that the school was started in 1947.

The school educates children pre-school through grade 12.

“We are not funded by the state,” Chance said. “We are funded by tuition, donations and interest income.”

Country Store

To help support the school, each year a Country Store event happens at the school, located at 1101 S. Barbee.

This year it is May 4.

The Country Store includes a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a supper from 4-6 p.m.  and an auction at 6 p.m.

Chance thanked the businesses in town who contribute prizes, including silent auction items that help make the fundraising event successful.

Terry Chance speaks at the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce weekly coffee on April 11. In back ground is the Chamber Announcer Robert Uhler.

5K Race

Prior to the Country Store event, the school offers a Crusader Charge, which is a 5K race and two-mile fun walk for persons 12 through 31-plus years old. The race will be conducted on Margrave Street.

The entry fee is $15, with t-shirts free for the first 60 paid entrants.

For more information contact Larry Davolt at 620-223-4330.

Fun Run

The Kids Fun Run and Obstacle Course is for children 6th grade and younger, and includes water balloon carry, gunny sacks, jump ropes and more.

Participants who pre-register by April 29, will receive a t-shirt and concession stand voucher.

The entry fee for this is $15. For more information contact Lacey Avery at 913-375-7608.

The kids event starts at 10 a.m. at the south entrance to the school.

Applications can be picked up at the school.

School Play This Weekend

This weekend it the FSCH Junior/Senior school play “Cheaper By The Dozen.”

Play time is 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13.

Chamber members converse before the announcement segment of the weekly coffee at Fort Scott Christian Heights School on April 11.

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Prom is Coming: New Venue

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Fort Scott High School Homecoming 2019 candidates are front: Kelcie Bailey, Rebekah Sweyko, Shaylee Terry, Karli Wright;  back row: Johnathan Gauthier, Nicholas Krebs, Gage Lamb, and Alan Santana.

Fort Scott High School Prom 2019 is this Saturday, April 13 at the River Room,  3 West Oak Street where it intersects with North National Avenue.

The public may view the prom site indoors from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“Great Gatsby is the theme,” Bert Lewis, FSHS teacher and sponsor said. “Cars and vehicles will drive north on Judson and drop off at the corner of Oak and Judson. Valet parking is available. Oak Street will be blocked off at 2 p.m. Saturday through 12 a.m. Sunday morning to accommodate the walk-in.”

“Parent parking will be allowed in the public lots behind the old Downtowner (Currently the Boiler Room Brewhaus),”  Lewis said. “Please refrain from parking behind or east of Sharky’s and Nu Grill to respect these businesses.”

“Parents will be able to set up chairs, or watch from sides of the street,” she said.

The promenade walk-in is from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The prom is from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

April 05, 2019

The 2019 regular session is over, first adjournment.  All that is left is veto session (scheduled 17 days in May this year) and sine die.  The Senate attempted to finish all of our work during session.  The House had other plans.

Tax:  I made every attempt to negotiate with the House on moving tax legislation forward before the close of session and we had agreements on a majority of items.  However, in less than two hours, the House Tax Conference Committee Chairman receded on agreements and by the next morning negotiations completely broke down.  The House Chairman decided to wait until veto session.  As a result we could lose some good policy that passed the Senate.  The policy includes allowing small businesses to expense certain purchases, freezing property taxes for low income seniors and for some disabled veterans, allowing certain counties to hold elections for a change in sales tax, providing a sales tax exemption on gold and bullion, extending the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program for five more years, increasing the number of counties in ROZ, and other tax legislation that passed this year.  Hopefully, there is time and a desire to complete the work during veto session.  It isn’t about one person or legislator winning or losing – it’s about Kansas taxpayers.  You deserve a win!

The Governor’s veto of SB 22 was a setback for Kansas taxpayers.  SB 22 would have stopped tax increases as a result of 2017 Federal tax changes,.  It takes 2/3 majority, 27 votes in the Senate and 84 in the House, within 30 days of the veto to override a Governor’s veto.  It doesn’t appear the votes are there in either chamber.  Myself and other legislators aren’t giving up but the odds are slim.

Budget:  Negotiations between the House and Senate budget conference committee broke down Thursday evening and was postponed until veto session.  The legislature will need to pass a budget during veto session.  That is the only legislation required by law.

K-12 Funding:  Negotiations between the House and Senate were tense regarding school funding.  They did come to agreement on SB 16 Conference Committee Report (CCR).  To quote the House Majority Leader regarding SB 16 CCR, “…the never-ending cycle of school funding litigation.  The plan adds over $360 million to the K-12 budget on top of the $3.13 billion in new funding approved over the last [few] years.  It also includes an inflationary measure that will increase K-12 funding between $50 and $100 million each year…forever.  This isn’t about supporting school districts and providing a quality education to our children.  This is a state being held hostage by trial attorneys who continually sue for more.  These same trial attorneys have already come out publicly saying this increased spending is not enough and they expect the Kansas Supreme Court to strike it down and demand an even greater ransom.”  He goes on to say, “This funding plan is fiscally irresponsible… Kansans deserve better.”  The CCR passed the Senate on a vote of Yes 31 to No 8.  I voted No because Kansans and Kansas schools deserve better than a fiscal promise that Kansas taxpayers CANNOT afford.

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) Health Plans:  HB 2209 CCR allows KFB to establish health care plans available to KFB members.  It is not insurance but will provide an alternative healthcare coverage.  The vote was Yes 28 to No 11.  I voted Yes.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

Business, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Family Dental: In Historic Downtown

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Fort Scott Family Dental, 2 N. Main.

Fort Scott Family Dental moved from a residential neighborhood to the corner of Wall and Main Streets in the historic downtown district earlier this year.

“We moved in officially January 30th, 2019,” said Dr. Timothy P. Crawford DMD. “My staff pulled together a crazy two-day move!”

” We needed more space and operatories to grow business so we chose to move downtown and restore an amazing historic building,” Crawford said.  “We are thrilled to be here.”
Dr. Timothy Crawford’s new dental office. Submitted photo.
The dentist office is located at 2 N. Main.
Fort Scott Family Dental, as viewed from the front door of the practice.
“We have five employees at the moment, and are looking at adding one more employee either PRN for on call when we have a call-in, or just as additional help because we have expanded our patient data base so much after we moved,” Crawford said.

The office hours are Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
Contact the office at 620-223-4448.
Fort Scott Family Dental is located at the corner of Wall and Main Street.

The following are services Dr. Crawford and his staff provide:

  • Composite Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Cosmetic Bonding
  • Tooth Whitening
  • Clear Correct
  • Crowns and Bridges
  • Laser Tissue Surgery
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Partial and Complete Dentures
  • Tooth Replacement Implants and Implant Supported Dentures
  • Bone grafting
Fort Scott Family Dental
The old office, at 1115 S. Main, was sold to a family who is transforming it into living quarters, Crawford said.
Crawford owns the whole building at the corner of Wall and Main Streets.
Currently, there are five tenants on the third floor including the doctor Crawford himself, who stays in town two nights a week.

Area News, Bourbon County, Health Care

Vets Shuttle Now Includes Kansas City

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At the Topeka Veterans Administration Luncheon recently are from left to right: Michael Leachner, Darrell Spencer, Roger “Skipper” Brown, Myra Jowers and Carl Jowers. All are veterans although non-veterans have volunteered to be shuttle drivers as well.

Local citizens have signed on to take veterans to doctors appointments for free at two Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Kansas.  And plans are in place to pick up any veteran along the Hwy. 69 corridor from Fort Scott northward.

To register for a shuttle seat, the veteran must

·         Have an appointment at a VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 p.m. for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.

·         Call 785-925-0261 or email [email protected] to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 p.m., the day prior to their appointment.

The Fort Scott VA Shuttle service is coordinated by Carl Jowers, who commander of the local American Legion Post 25.

Shuttles are provided on Mondays and Tuesdays from Fort Scott to Topeka VA Medical Center; and Wednesdays from Fort Scott to Kansas City VA Medical Center.

Veterans must have an appointment scheduled between 9 am and 1 pm on the day they ride the shuttle.

“The vet should mention that they are a shuttle rider, when calling for a VA medical appointment,” Jowers said.

The shuttle will depart from the designated spot in Fort Scott,  Pete’s 66 Convenience Store, across from Briggs Automall on Hwy. 69 and will return to Fort Scott after the last veteran has completed their appointment. The departure time is based upon the time of the first appointment of the day at the VA Medical Center day. Riders will be notified of the shuttle departure time the evening before their ride.

“The departure time depends upon the time of the appointment of the riders,” Jowers said.” If there is a 9 a.m. appointment, then the shuttle departs at 6:15 a.m. for Topeka or 6:45 a.m. for KC.  If the earliest appointment isn’t until 10:45 a.m., then the departure time is adjusted accordingly. It didn’t make sense to me for a driver to pickup a rider at 6:15 a.m. to arrive in Topeka at 9 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. appointment.”
“As the shuttle coordinator, after the reserved seating has closed out at 5 p.m. for the next day’s schedule, I decide on the shuttle’s departure time and convey this information to both the driver and the rider. It’s extra work on my part, but I think it’s a better use of time for both driver and rider.”

The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.

Veterans living along Highway 69 may be picked up at the Casey’s Convenience Store in Pleasanton.

“We are going to make a pick up spot at McDonald’s in Louisburg at the intersection of Hwy. 68 and Hwy. 69 for either the Topeka VA or the Kansas City VA,” Jowers said.

“The Ottawa pickup location will be at Love’s Truck Stop at Highway 68 and I35, going to Topeka,” Jowers said.

” Veterans scheduling rides must be at one of our predetermined stops to ride the shuttle,” he said. “This is a shuttle service, not a taxi service. We have to plan for a group. If a person calls and is at a specific spot, they can ride the shuttle. They have to have a seat reserved.”

The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat by calling 785-925-0261. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area veteran on a first come, first served basis.

Family members may not ride with the Veteran on the shuttle. Those veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.

“Drivers have to pass a comprehensive VA medical and background investigation,” Jowers said. “It’s the same process as if you were being hired by the VA. We’ve had quite a few people step up and two more are awaiting background clearance.”

The list of shuttle drivers is: Roger and Faye Brown, Darrell Spencer, Steve Dean, Michael Martin, Michael Leachner, and Danny Graham. Jowers and his wife, Myra are back-up drivers.

Currently, one veteran a week is using the shuttle to get to their medical appointments, Jowers said.

“While at this time, there are not a lot of riders, I think that this will change as vets become aware of the service and begin making use of it,” Jowers said.