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Kansas

Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy Available for Limited Time

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Kansas residents receive support to quit smoking and end tobacco products use

 

TOPEKA –  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)’s Bureau of Health Promotion is encouraging Kansas residents who want to quit using tobacco products to take advantage of the opportunity to get free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The NRT will be shipped directly to their homes by calling the Kansas Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Tips from Former Smokers campaign that began in April, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline is offering a free two-week supply of NRT to all callers who register, while supplies last.

 

About one in six (17.2 percent) Kansas adults, age 18 years and older, are current cigarette smokers. And more than half of them have tried to quit smoking at least once in the past year.

 

“Quitting smoking not only benefits the health of the smoker but also helps to protect their loved ones from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, KDHE Chief Medical Officer.

 

The Kansas Tobacco Quitline is a free, 24/7 resource available to Kansas residents to help them quit smoking. The Quitline provides help, such as counseling, a personalized Quit Plan and quitting support by phone and through online services. The Quitline can be reached by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visiting www.KSQuit.org.

 

“We want people to know that although quitting tobacco is hard, they can do it,” said Matthew Schrock, KDHE Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator. “Smokers often need to make several quit attempts before succeeding, but proven treatments and services are available that can improve your chances to quit for good.”

The Kansas Tobacco Quitline is supported by KDHE. For more information on the Kansas Tobacco Use Prevention Program, visit www.kdheks.gov/tobacco.

Area News

Wine Stroll, Art Walk, Concert on Main Street July 27

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Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk

and Concert Slated for July 27

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (June 14, 2018) – Looking for one of Fort Scott’s coolest summer events? Mark your calendar for Friday, July 27.

The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott has partnered with the City of Fort Scott, the Bourbon County Arts Council (BCAC) and other local businesses to host the second Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Blane Howard concert in downtown Fort Scott.

The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. and features a variety of events to appeal to a broad audience and all ages. Main Street will be blocked between 1st and 2nd Streets for the event beginning at 3:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The art walk, coordinated by the BCAC, is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the works displayed by area artists and sounds of local musicians.

The wine stroll will feature a sampling of wines from several Kansas vineyards. New to the event this year are samples of distilled spirits. Cost for the wine stroll is $25. The event is open to those age 21 years and older and includes a commemorative wine glass. A valid ID is required at check-in located outside of 119 S Main. Only paid participants with a valid wristband are able to sample product.

Topping off the night, country music sensation Blane Howard will have folks dancing at Liberty Theatre beginning at 8:30 p.m. Concert tickets are $35 each. Modern Woodmen of America is the corporate sponsor for the concert.

Patrons can save $10 if they purchase both the wine stroll and concert tickets for $50. Tickets are available online at http://bit.ly/HitTheBricksTix2.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mercy Health Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation which is fundraising to purchase a new transport ambulance for Mercy Fort Scott EMS.

Area News

Summer Activities at the Gordon Parks Museum

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Fort Scott-The Gordon Parks Museum will host three different activities for the public this summer. On Saturdays, the museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will show a film each week starting at 1:00 p.m. “Cinema Saturdays” will feature films of Gordon Parks and two films of filmmaker Kevin Willmott. See the website at gordonparkscenter.org for a list of the films and their dates.

On Tuesday, June 26, at 1:00 p.m., the museum will host a speaker, John Edwin Mason, from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Mason’s talk is entitled: “Seeing Another Charlottesville: Hidden Histories and the Power of Photography.”

Mason teaches African history and the history of photography at the University and he has written extensively on early nineteenth-century South Africa history, especially the history of slavery, South African popular culture, especially the Cape Town New Year’s Carnival and jazz, and the history of photography.

His research now concerns African-American and South-African photography. He is working on “Gordon Parks and American Democracy,” a book about the ways in which Parks’ Life magazine photo-essays on poverty and the black liberation struggle and the books that he published during the civil rights era made him one of the era’s most significant interpreters of the black experience. Mason is also a documentary photographer with a long-term interest in exploring race and gender in American motorsports.

A “Wine and Design” event will be held at the Museum on Friday, June 29 and on Friday, July 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants will experience creating a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork using photography, pastels and/or watercolors. The finished work will be printed on 11 x 17 paper and be suitable for framing.

Gordon Parks used this technique in his later years and created beautiful images by creating a background either with pastels, watercolor, etc. He then used a found object, lit the entire scene on two levels and took a photograph of it.

The $25 class fee includes supplies, one complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, and the printed artwork. Class size is limited so please register by calling 223-2700, ext. 5850.

The Gordon Parks Museum is open this summer Tuesday through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information contact the museum by email at [email protected] or by phone at 223-2700, ext. 5850.

Contact: Jill Warford at 1-800-874-3722, ext. 5850

Email:[email protected]

 

 

Area News

Non-Driver Transportation Funding Possibilities

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Transportation Alternatives Program call for projects

 

Topeka – The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program call for 2020 projects.

 

KDOT’s TA Program provides funding for a variety of alternative transportation projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation; projects that enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders; projects that improve scenic or environmental assets in the state and Safe Routes to School projects.

 

An estimated $7 million in federal funds are expected to be awarded for Federal Fiscal Year 2020. All selected projects are required to meet a minimum 20 percent local cash match.

 

Important dates:

  • Wednesday, June 13 – TA Program website was live with program guidance materials and application form – http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/TransAlt.asp
  • Friday, July 6, 4 p.m. – Deadline to participate in TA Program Workshops – KDOT will host two workshops to inform applicants about program requirements, review a demo application packet and changes from previous rounds of TA funding and answer questions. Space is limited – contact Matt Messina at [email protected] or (785) 296-7448 by the deadline and select one of the workshop times below:
    • Topeka: Tuesday, July 10 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – TA Workshop at Eisenhower State Office Building’s 4th-floor auditorium, 700 SW Harrison, Topeka.
    • Salina: Wednesday, July 11 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – TA Workshop at KDOT’s District Two conference room, 1006 N. Third, Salina.
  • Monday, Sept. 10, 4 p.m.  – Applications are due. Submit one paper copy and one digital copy in PDF format on a USB flash drive to KDOT headquarters: Attn: Matthew Messina, 700 SW Harrison St. 2nd Floor, Topeka, KS 66603.
  • October – November – KDOT staff will conduct site visits for eligible projects.
  • December – Project selections and public announcement of awards.

 

Program materials, which includes the TA Program Guide, the project application form, frequently asked questions with answers and more are available for download at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/TransAlt.asp

 

Area News, Submitted

Jimmy DeYoung to Speak at First Southern Baptist Church June 20

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Jimmy DeYoung is a world-renowned author and prophet of Gods Word.  This rally he will be talking on the subject “Presidents, Politics, and Prophecy”.

The Rally will be held at First Southern Baptist  Church, 1888 S. Main at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.

The doors will open at 6:00 pm to visit with Mr. DeYoung or look through his book collection.

VCY of Wisconsin will be bringing singers as well.  After the message, refreshments will be served in our fellowship hall.  All are welcome.

For additional information call 620-223-2986 or go to vcyamerica.org or fortscottsbc.com

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting At Lavender Patch June 14

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Join Us For Chamber Coffee & Ribboutting Ceremony!
Join us for the
Chamber Coffee and
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!
The Lavender Patch
Thursday, June 14th
Chamber Coffee will start at 8am & Ribbon Cutting will immediately follow
Click here for The Lavender Patch Facebook page.
Click here for information
about the festival happening this Saturday.
Chamber Coffee:
  • June 21st– Skitch’s , Inc.
  • June 28th– Bourbon County Garden Club
  • July 5th– No Coffee
  • July 12th– Bourbon County Conservation District
cocoa_gurantee_sign.jpg
Mercy Hospital, Submitted

Paid Parental Leave Available To Mercy Workers

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Mercy Offers Paid Parental Leave to 40K Co-workers

Paid leave also extends to foster and adoptive parents, both moms, and dads

ST. LOUIS (June 13, 2018) – While paid parental leave is fairly standard in other developed countries, it’s less common in the U.S., particularly in the healthcare industry. Two weeks of paid parental leave are now available to nearly 40,000 Mercy co-workers across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. To learn more about opportunities at Mercy, visit bit.ly/Mercy-Careers.

“This is awesome,” said Sherise Beckham, a registered dietitian at a Mercy Hospital Fort Scott. “I am proud to work for a hospital that cares about their employees…especially us working mommas!”

In 2017, Mercy surveyed co-workers about benefits and services. Mercy listened and then took action.

“Paid parental leave was one of the top concerns,” said Cindy Rosburg, Mercy’s chief human resources officer. “In the U.S., only about 10 percent of healthcare organizations offer paid parental leave. Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, never married or had children herself, but she adopted children. She founded the order in Ireland almost 200 years ago to help address critical human needs, especially those of children and mothers. For Mercy, providing paid parental leave is the right thing to do. Catherine would be proud.”

For co-workers, it’s no small change. Heather Schroeder, a registered nurse in Ozark, Missouri, has fostered children for nearly four years.

“Placement of foster children comes with the same joy and challenges as a birth or adoption,” she said. “To be honest, foster placements often come with more challenges because you are unable to prepare for the children in your home before they come and there are many requirements and tasks to complete within the first week they are placed. I am so thankful to work for Mercy and appreciate that every family, no matter how God chooses to bring them together, is valued.”

For Mercy, it’s a significant commitment. With 54 percent of Mercy’s nursing workforce under age 40, compared with an industry average of 37 percent, Mercy has a higher ratio of employees at the prime age for having children. In 2017 alone, nearly 1,000 Mercy co-workers gave birth. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires all large employers to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave, the U.S. has no law requiring paid leave.

In addition to paid parental leave, Mercy is piloting a program to provide child and elder care assistance. Mercy also recently rolled out a program for co-workers to refinance student loans, as well as share the benefit with family and friends. One co-worker refinanced a $314,244 loan, the largest submitted to date, and will likely save almost $80,000 over the life of the loan.

Like paid parental leave, these were some of the co-workers’ top concerns.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

Obituary, Submitted

Obituary of Jeanie Wiley

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Jeanie Wiley, 58, of Fort Scott, passed away early Monday morning at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

She was born July 24, 1959, in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Billy Lee and Marjorie Ann (Heim) Riggs.

She married Pete Wiley August 10, 1984, in Garden City, Kansas, and he survives of the home.

In addition to her husband, Jeanie is also survived by her daughter Cheyenne Von Krosigk and her husband Randell, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Following cremation, there will be a visitation 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday evening, June 14, 2018, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, and a Celebration of Life afterward at the Wiley home, 1476 225th Street, Fort Scott.

Memorial contributions may be made to Care to Share and 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.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension, Submitted

Fuel-saving Tips for the Farm

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

 

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District

 

Although the cost of fuel has declined the past few days, input costs are still high especially on the farm. With hay baling, planting soybeans and wheat harvest upon Southeast Kansas, one of the largest expenses will be fuel, so being conscientious how certain vehicles are used could aide in lowering those costs. Several tips are offered by K-State Research & Extension.

 

  1.  Avoid unnecessary driving. Maybe the task can be handled with a phone call instead of a trip.
  2. Match the vehicle to the task. Take the family car to pick up parts instead of the four-wheel-drive truck.
  3. Get rid of junk. Extra tools, supplies and other nonessentials in the back of a vehicle add weight that decreases fuel mileage.
  4. Keep vehicles in good running order. Clogged filters and injectors rob power and efficiency from tractors, trucks, and cars.
  5. Check the tire pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tires can increase rolling resistance and fuel use.
  6. Switch to a minimum or no-till farming practices. Fewer tractor passes through the field means less fuel used.
  7.  Match the tractor to the task. Don’t use a large field tractor when a smaller one will work.
  8. Make sure the tractor is ballasted properly. Tires on a poorly ballasted tractor will slip and increase fuel use. Too much ballast for the task uses more fuel than necessary.
  9. Gear up and throttle back when performing field tasks that don’t require full engine power. Operating a tractor at three-quarters power can save 5 to 15 percent, compared to full-throttle operation.
  10. Consider auto steer attachments for field tasks. Accurate work reduces overlaps or skips with sprayers and tillage equipment, reducing fuel use.
  11. Avoid unnecessary engine idling. Idling can account for 15 to 20 percent of fuel use.
  12. Paint fuel storage tanks white. A dark-colored, 300-gallon fuel storage tank can vent up to 120 gallons of fuel a year.

For more information, contact the Southwind District Office in Iola at 620-365-2242 or www.southwind.ksu.edu