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Obituary

Obituary For Lois Alyene Capps Fowler

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Lois Alyene Capps Fowler

Lois Alyene Capps Fowler, 100, formerly of Nashville, TN, died July 14, 2018, at Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott, KS.

She was born February 18, 1918, in Gurdon, AR, the daughter of James Roy and Della Mae Wingfield Capps. Growing up, Alyene attended schools and the First Presbyterian Church in Gurdon. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, AR where she majored in Home Economic and was crowned Homecoming Queen in 1937. At a summer church camp meeting, she met her future husband, Dr. Henry Thornton Fowler, a Methodist minister, and they married on December 30, 1940.

After she and Thornton married, they lived in Smithville, Savannah, Cookeville, and Nashville, TN where he served as pastor. While in Cookeville, they were instrumental in building a new church building. Alyene was always interested in the youth of the church and taught Sunday School (9th, 10th, and 11th grades) for many years.

Dr. Fowler served as the Senior Pastor at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN from 1952 until 1962. They remained in Nashville while he served as District Superintendent (1963-1970) and then as Associate Publisher of the United Methodist Publishing House until his death in 1978.

Alyene was a wonderful homemaker and minister’s wife who was always a cheerful, caring person. She moved to Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott, KS in 2003, and she maintained her sense of humor and her infectious laugh throughout her life. She celebrated her 100th birthday in February with her nephews and niece, a great niece, and a great- great niece and nephew in attendance.

Alyene is survived by her nephews, Dean (Becky) Mann, Georgetown, SC (formerly of Fort Scott, KS), Dr. Michael (Carolyn) Mann, Houston, TX, Robert Mann, Pearland, TX, Dr. James Austin (Judy) Capps, Jr., Conway, AR, Dr. Billy Roy (Betty) Capps, Hot Springs, AR, and niece, Nancy Mann (Jim) Adkins, Houston, TX, and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her husband, twin sons who died at birth, a brother, James Austin Capps, and a sister, Mary Louise Capps Mann.

There was cremation. Memorial services for Alyene will be held in August 2018 with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery in Nashville, TN. Local arrangements are entrusted to the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS.

Obituary

Obit For Bill Winship

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SMSgt Garice William “Bill” Winship, 90, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home Friday evening, July 13, 2018, with his loving wife of 66 years at his side.

He was born on November 19, 1927, on the family farm in Uniontown, Kansas the son of James E. and Blanche Alma (Folk) Winship.

After graduating from Uniontown High School in 1946 he joined the United States Air Force. He worked on Navigation equipment on bombers. His first assignment was to Japan and when he returned on leave, his sister introduced him to Emma Jean Powell they would later marry on October 14, 1951, in Mapleton, Kansas, she was the love of his life. During his 20 year career where he rose to the Rank of Senior Master Sargent, he was stationed at Biggs field in El Paso, Texas, and Turner Field in Albany, Georgia, he retired in June of 1966. He then went to work for IBM in Kansas City, Missouri as a Computer Technician and retired in April of 1983 after 17 years. After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and traveling with his wife, Emma Jean.

In addition to his wife, Emma Jean of the home, he is survived by a son, James and wife, Debbie Winship of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, a daughter, Wilma Jean and husband Tony Boyce of Fredericksburg, Virginia, five grandchildren: Kyle Winship and wife, Becky, Jarrod Winship, Alaina Winship, Brittana Morelock and husband Jordan, and Alexandra Boyce; and five great-grandchildren, Emma, Matthew, Carter, Cordell and Harper. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Dwight, Jimmy, Donald, and Elzola Winship and a sister, Wilma Wright.

Many thanks to Integrity Home Care and Hospice for the wonderful care given Bill during his last year, his wonderful neighbors, Calvin and Carolyn and John and Joyce, and his special doctors, Gerald Mancuso and David Peters.

Graveside services for Bill Winship will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at the National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Family and friends will meet for a Visitation at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military Funeral Honors will be provided by the Memorial Detail from Whiteman Air Force Base.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter, contributions may be sent to, or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Uncategorized

Mercy Offers $10 Sports Physicals August 2

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Mercy Clinic Sports Physical Dates Announced

Free or reduced-cost physicals only offered on specific dates

 It won’t be long before children are suiting up for school activities. So it’s important to ensure everything is in order before they hit the field or court.

Every August, Mercy Clinics set aside specific dates when middle school and high school students walk-in for a reduced-cost or free sports physical.

Mercy Clinic Fort Scott will offer $10 sports physicals in suite A of the clinic on Thursday, August 2 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary and the $10 rate is available only on this date.

Mercy Clinic Linn County will hold the free annual sports physical clinic on Friday, August 3 from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 25 from noon to 6 p.m. at 11155 Tucker Rd. in Pleasanton. Sports physicals are free on this date only. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 913-352-8379 or toll-free at 877-336-3729.

In the case of the reduced-cost physicals, the $10 fee is donated back to the student’s school activity fund. In 2017, the clinic was able to donate $2,600 to local schools to help with equipment or supply purchases.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association requires students who plan to participate in extracurricular activities to have a current physical on file.

According to Mercy Clinic Fort Scott director Michelle Bruner, “The physicals ensure that the student is healthy to participate. The students receive a thorough physical exam to be sure there are no signs of heart disease or other health-related issues that would cause problems playing sports and being physically active.”

Bruner added, “The clinic staff considers it a privilege to offer this service to students. By volunteering our time, we are able to pass the benefit right on to the schools in our service area.”

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Locals To Perform In Pittsburg Community Theatre’s “Sister Act”July 19-22

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Make plans this week to attend Pittsburg Community Theatre’s production of “Sister Act,” running Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center. Tickets are $12/adults, $10/seniors and children 13 & under, $8 general admission balcony.

The cast and crew are made up of community members from Pittsburg, Frontenac, Girard, Arma, Fort Scott, and Uniontown area. Mary Jo Harper will be playing the role of Deloris Van Cartier. USD 234 student, Addy Labbe will be playing Sister Mary Robert, Fort Scott Community College student Hannah Gatson is playing Michelle, Sister Mary Claire, and incoming FSCC student Fayelyn Kmeic is playing Sister Mary Eleanor.
To purchase tickets, check out www.memorialauditorium.org, call 620-231-7827, or visit the box office M-F 8:30-4: 30 PM. Tickets are also available at the door. Concessions will be available at the show as well.
For more information, check out www.pctinfo.org or www.facebook.com/pctinfo
See you at the show!
Entertainment, Fort Scott

For Families: Art Show July 28; Scavenger Hunt August 4 at The Fort

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

“Riddle me this” Scavenger Hunt & “The Fort Art Show”

 Lyrics of a popular song declare that ‘the children are our future’. The National Park Service highly values education programs and opportunities for youth. In keeping with that spirit, Fort Scott National Historic Site will be hosting events geared toward youth in the next few weeks.

On July 28, 2018, the site will be hosting an art show commemorating the beauty of the fort and its history. Artists of all ages are invited to submit a drawing or a painting that illustrates something related to the fort. Artwork must be submitted at Fort Scott’s visitor center no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 26. Please be sure to include your name, telephone number, email address, category, and title of artwork with each submission. There is no fee to enter.

Art will be on display on July 28 throughout the day in the infantry barracks museum next to the visitor center. The art will be divided into two categories; Grades K-12 and adults (age 19 and above). Awards will be given to 1st and 2nd place for each category. Visitors will also be able to vote for their favorite piece of artwork: the popular favorite overall will also receive an award. So come join us for a day of art and fun!

On August 4, 2018, you, your family and friends are invited to participate in a Scavenger Hunt at Fort Scott NHS from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. During the scavenger hunt, your team will solve riddles that will help you find various items around the fort. You may sign up as a team (up to six people) or as a single participant. An award will be given to the group or person that finds all the hidden items in the fastest time. All you will need is a cell phone or a digital camera to take a picture of the item and your thinking caps. The scavenger hunt will start precisely at 10:30 a.m. Participants need to be on site, ready to go, no later than 10:15 a.m. All ages are welcome to come! Come and see if you can find them all! Participation is by registration only. Call 620-223-0310 or come by the site to register no later than July 29, 2018.

The Youth Engagement Team, high school age students working at the fort this summer, is leading these events. The team’s job is to find ways to engage with youth and to bring more youth to the site this summer.

For more information about these programs, call 620-223-0310, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

www.nps.gov/fosc

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 413 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTubewww.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Bourbon County Fair: Hard Work On Display

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Jennifer Terrell, District Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development Southwind District – Erie Office, 620-244-3826.
County fairs are an integral part of life in rural America.
Bourbon County is no different.
Today, Saturday July 14 at 9 a.m. the Bourbon County Fair begins with the dog show at the fairgrounds on South Horton Street, across from Fort Scott Community College.

” In Bourbon County, the opportunities in 4-H are truly infinite,” Jennifer Terrell, K-State District 4-H Youth Development Agent, said. “Youth ages 7-18 are eligible to participate as full-fledged 4-H members. For those youth ages 5 and 6, there is a Cloverbud Program. Beyond being a member of the monthly community club, youth are encouraged to attend projects meetings, 4-H Camp, 4-H Days, the County Fair, and other State 4-H Events.”

The county fair is a good way to see the youth in our community put forth effort on projects and a good way to see if it is a fit for your family.
Today, July 14, the dog show was held at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.

” At the Bourbon County Fair, 4-H members pre-enter to exhibit in the 4-H Division and other youth may participate in Open Class,” Terrell said.  “Families considering being involved in 4-H are encouraged to visit the county fair to view all of the hard work.”

The following is a press release from Terrell and the poster of the events of the fair:

“It is county fair time across the State of Kansas! While you may attend the fair as a form of entertainment, 4-H’ers and their families know this is time to display the hard work put into their year-long project learning in the 4-H Program.

While visiting the county fair, it is hard to miss the different colored ribbons or stickers placed on the exhibits.

Have you ever wondered why there are different colors and how that came about? Well, I am going to share with you the judging process.

 In 4-H most judging involves the Danish System of judging. In this system, the judges do not judge one person’s work by comparing it to another’s. The evaluation is made against a standard.

A judge looks to see whether requirements are met. Exhibits are placed into four ribbon groups.

The best ribbon placing is purple which means the project is outstanding on all standards.

Blue means it exceeds the minimum standard and may have minor flaws where improvements can be made.

The ribbon placing that meets all minimum standards and may show visible signs of needed improvements is red.

And projects failing to meet minimum standards receive a white.

One advantage of this system is that everyone whose work fulfills minimum qualifications can receive a ribbon. If all entries are judged to be excellent, all receive blue ribbons.

The purpose of using the Danish System is to give every 4-H member the recognition deserved for the work that was done. It also helps young people recognize the need to improve their skills and to “make the best better.”

So, how did that ribbon placing come about you might be asking? 

You should know that having one’s accomplishments evaluated can be motivating and educational for 4-H’ers.

When judges critique their work or performance, it serves as a guide to further improvement. The judging process is probably more valuable than the award or recognition. To plan, practice, and present a finished product is to “learn by doing.” To graciously accept constructive criticism of one’s work is a real life experience. 4-H’ers learn quickly that judging results reflect a personal opinion, and that evaluation will vary among judges.

There are three different types of evaluation in 4-H.

The first is conference or interview. This is where the judge will interview the participant as he/she evaluates the product against a set of standards. The purpose of this is to determine what the 4-H’er learned in completing the project. Comments are provided verbally mostly, but can also be found written on a score sheet.

Another way 4-H’ers are evaluated with their projects is performance judging. The judge evaluates how a 4-H’er accomplishes a task or a goal in progress. The judge looks for skills being used, as well as evaluating the end result. This type of event enables the 4-H’er and the judge to see how the performance directly effects the end product. Comments are often provided verbally and also in writing on a score sheet.

And the final type of evaluation is project judging. The judge evaluates the finished products against a set of standards without the member present. The focus is the quality of the project itself and not the learning process. Comments are provided to the participant in writing, usually on a score sheet.

As you have read, there is a lot to know and understand with the judging process of projects in 4-H. It is not something taken lightly.

I encourage you to visit your local county fair this year to view all of the exhibits and pay close attention to those 4-H exhibits. And maybe for fun evaluate the exhibits and see what placings you would give.

For more information on 4-H Youth Development, give me a call at 620-244-3826 or email at [email protected].”

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Invitation To Family Day At The Fort July 21

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The bike rack at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Contact: Sarah Stepanik, (620)-223-0310

Youth Conversation Corps and Youth Engagement Team host Family Day, July 21

FORT SCOTT, Kansas: “The family that plays together stays together” is a variation on an old saying about families. If you are looking for a fun and educational activity for your family, then come to join us at Fort Scott National Historic Site for Family Day, a new event that is taking place on Saturday, July 21, 2018!

On that day, families can engage in a number of activities that will immerse them in 1840s military life at Fort Scott.

In the morning, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., three different stations will be ongoing. At a cooking demonstration, visitors will be instructed in food preparation and cooking methods. In a historic garden display, you can work in the garden and help with the harvest. In a third station, visitors will be drilled in the use of 1840s firearms using wooden “dummy guns”.

Afternoon activities from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. will include fun arts and crafts for the family at one station and historic, interactive games and activities for adults and kids at a second station.

Family Day activities are being presented by two groups of youth who are working at Fort Scott, the Youth Conservation Corps and the Youth Engagement Team. Both groups consist of high school age students who are gaining experience with the National Park Service this summer.

For more information, call 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

www.nps.gov/fosc

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTubewww.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Minutes of July 3

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of July 3, 2018 Regular Meeting #13

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held July 3rd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols, and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Deb Needleman, Billy Keith, Darrell Parker, Travis Shelton, Rebecca Todd, Jackie Neale, Bob Duncan, Silas Todd, Diana Morriss, Deb McCoy, Larry Gazaway, Michael Mix, Dave Bruner, Rhonda Dunn, Paul Ballou, and Clayton Miller.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 19th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1218-A totaling $776,247.88.

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

Bob Duncan – Mr. Duncan read a portion of Rhonda Dunn’s letter that was sent to him regarding the code footprint for the Beaux Arts Center. The letter stated that they would have 30 days to have a plan submitted to accomplish what was needed to be in compliance. He said that they had no choice but to close their business. He stated that the code footprint is incorrect and the City needs to fix it.

Rebecca Todd – Ms. Todd said that she is the daughter of the owner of the Beaux Arts Center. She has been a resident of Fort Scott since 2009. She believes a City should be business friendly to help build a better economy, but she says that this City has done the opposite. The City has made it impossible for a small business to recover and will not work with them. She believes this whole situation could have been avoided. She ended with shame on the Board, business development, and the City Council.

Billy Keith – Mr. Keith asked about the demolition of the old Driller’s Bar that is occurring where the demolition company is digging a hole and burying the debris.

Rhonda Dunn stated that they have a permit from the State of Kansas and it is legal.

Mr. Keith also asked about the Stout building and if the City could hire the Amish to come in and gut the whole building and save the building.

City Manager said that a deal is being worked out with the property owner on this building and that it will more than likely come down. It will be used for a parking lot.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Approval of Code of Conduct Policy for Buck Run Community Center – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that there is currently not a code of conduct policy at Buck Run Community Center. This policy will provide the staff with rules to back them up when dealing with inappropriate behavior. This code of conduct will be posted throughout the center and will also be included with the forms that the fitness center members are required to sign. Approval was recommended.

Parker moved to approve the Code of Conduct for Buck Run Community Center. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BUCK RUN COMMUNITY CENTER.

  1. Approval of Motor Vehicle Report Policy for City employees – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that many of the City positions require the employee to drive a City vehicle and the job descriptions state the employee must have a valid driver’s license and meet the City’s driving history requirements. We have never had a policy on what those driving history requirements entail. She worked with the City’s insurance carrier, KCAMP, to develop the Motor Vehicle Report Policy. All City employees driving records will also be reviewed annually which has not be done in the past. Approval was recommended.

Nichols moved to approve the Motor Vehicle Report Policy. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT POLICY.

  1. Change in policy for Septic Haulers in Bourbon County – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that there are a few haulers that haul grease in Bourbon County. The City’s plant is not set up to process grease.

City Manager suggested drafting up the letter and sharing it with the Commission and it could be voted on at the next meeting.

  1. Approval of contract with Zingre’ & Associates for architectural services for repairs at the water and wastewater treatment plants – Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director, informed the Commission that there are several miscellaneous masonry repairs that need completed at the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities. He asked for approval for the engineering contract with Zingre’ & Associates for architectural services in the amount not to exceed $15,470.00.

City Attorney said that since these are repairs that it would not need to go out for bid. It is not new construction. The City can take bids on the different items that need fixed at the plants and award accordingly without having the repairs engineered.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Nothing to report.

Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.

Nichols – Nothing to report.

Parker – Nothing to report.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.

  1. Director of Finance: Remarked that he gave each Commissioner a budget notebook and asked them to review it. There will be a budget work session at 4:30 p.m. on July 17th, 2018 before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

  1. City Manager:

  1. Fireworks – City Manager said that there have been many calls about fireworks being shot off other than on the 4th of July. The 4th of July is the only day waived in the City limits of Fort Scott. He thanked the Police and Fire Departments for getting everything set up for tonight’s fireworks display. The City is the only one authorized to shoot off fireworks on July 3rd inside the City limits.

ADJOURNMENT:

Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:24 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:24 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on July 17th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY

CITY CLERK

 

 

 

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for Fort Scott City Commission Meeting July 17

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AGENDA

FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

FORT SCOTT CITY HALL

COMMISSION ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN

JULY 17, 2018

6:00 P.M.

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Pastor James Collins, First Southern Baptist Church

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Introduction of Drug Dog, Mozzie

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 19th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1219-A totaling $375,841.80.

VII. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE:

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit

per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 31-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe

and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 608 S.

Broadway Street

6:15 p.m. Resolution 32-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe

and dangerous structure located at 1914 E. Wall Street

VIII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Wastewater Facility Inspection Review
  1. Change in policy for Septic Haulers in Bourbon County
  1. Consideration of appointment to Fort Scott Public Library Board
  1. Adoption of 2018 Standard Traffic Ordinance No. 3536
  1. Approval to solicit bids for a mower at Airport/Parks

IX. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates: Deb Needleman

Larry Gazaway

Dave Bruner

  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be

deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in

consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or

agency

Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of

corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

Government, Kansas

DCF:Community Relations and Outreach Staff Placement

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DCF Enacts Changes to Improve Community Relations, Foster Care Recruitment

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce the relocation of five staff to improve community relations and outreach. The staff, previously located in the DCF Administration Office in Topeka, Kan., are now being strategically placed across the state to create meaningful community relationships, and to focus on targeted foster care recruitment.

Effective July 1, 2018, staff were placed in specific counties that have a high number of young people in foster care. In the next two months, two more staff will start with the agency to assist with foster care recruitment as well. Additionally, the team will be working with community partners, schools, faith-based organizations and others to discuss effective prevention programs to serve the families in each community.

“We are working diligently to strengthen numerous things at our agency—our community outreach being one of them,” said Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel. “Having more staff in the communities will allow us to foster positive, beneficial relationships to best serve the children and families of Kansas.”

Additionally, the Foster Kansas Kids website, an initiative funded by DCF, now features an interactive map that helps connect interested families with Child Placing Agencies (CPA’s) and other foster care organizations in their county. From there, individuals can click on specific agency names to learn more about each organization in their area.

The website also features a live-chat function, a comprehensive calendar of foster care events across the state, foster parent and former youth-in-care blogs and an extensive resources page that features frequently asked questions and a video library.

“I agree wholeheartedly with Secretary Meier-Hummel’s decision to improve community outreach and make foster care recruitment a community effort,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “Together, we can rally in each of our communities to support and care for some of our most vulnerable citizens.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please visit www.fosterkskids.org or call 1-844-380-2009. To stay up to date on foster care in Kansas, follow Foster Kansas Kids on Facebook and Twitter.