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City Design Review Board Will Meet March 15
The Design Review Board will meet on Thursday, March 15th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to the building at 22 & 22 ½ N. Main Street. This meeting is open to the public.
Governor Declares Drought Emergency, Warnings and Watches for all Kansas
The Governor’s Drought Team examines conditions; extreme fire dangers and encourages Kansans to be mindful of the state’s worsening conditions
Topeka – Today Governor Jeff Colyer, MD issued Drought Declarations for Kansas counties with Executive Order 18-11 at a press conference with Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey and Kansas Water Office Director Tracy Streeter. The declaration includes all 105 counties either in an emergency, warning or watch status.
“The entire State of Kansas has been considered in drought or abnormally dry conditions for the past several weeks,” said Governor Colyer. “This has led to an extremely high risk of fire hazards and many have already occurred.”
The drought declaration placed 28 counties in emergency status, 29 into a warning status and 48 into a watch status. This action was recommended by Tracy Streeter, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. Over the past six months, the state-wide average precipitation was only 66 percent of normal and in January and February, the statewide average precipitation was even less, at 43 percent of normal.
“While wildfires are the most urgent concern at this point, water supplies can be dramatically impacted in a very short period of time, especially as we start to enter into spring and summer months,” said Streeter. “The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the situation closely as future outlooks call for drought persisting and make recommendations to the Governor as necessary.”
Secretary of Agriculture McClaskey, who was also present at the press conference, remarked on the potential impact the drought could have on Kansas agriculture, saying “The Kansas Department of Agriculture is committed to serving Kansas farmers and ranchers, especially during challenging times like the current drought. Whether that means making sure regulations and statutes are in place to move hay or working with our federal partners to gain access to additional grazing land, we stand ready to work with farmers and ranchers and all of our partners in agriculture.”
Counties who are in an emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes due to the Kansas Water Office (KWO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).
County Drought Stage Declarations:
Drought Emergency:
Barber, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Harper, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kingman, Kiowa, Meade, Morton, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Rice, Sedgwick, Seward, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Sumner
Drought Warning:
Allen, Butler, Chautauqua, Chase, Cowley, Dickinson, Elk, Ellis, Ellsworth, Greeley, Greenwood, Harvey, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, McPherson, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Ness, Rush, Russell, Saline, Scott, Trego, Wallace, Wichita, Wilson, Woodson
Drought Watch:
Anderson, Atchison, Bourbon, Brown, Cherokee, Cheyenne, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Crawford, Decatur, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Gove, Graham, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Linn, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Miami, Mitchell, Nemaha, Norton, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Rawlins, Republic, Riley, Rooks, Shawnee, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Thomas, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wyandotte
For more detailed information about current conditions, see the Kansas Climate Summary and Drought Report on the Kansas Water Office website at www.kwo.ks.gov
New Medicare Cards This Year
Between April 2018 and April 2019, Medicare will be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.
Patients with Medicare will get a new Medicare number that is unique, and will only be used for Medicare coverage. The new card won’t change coverage or benefits.
Here’s how you can get ready:
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date. If your address needs to be corrected, contact Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount or 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
- Beware of anyone who contacts you about your new Medicare card. Medicare will never ask you to give personal or private information to get your new Medicare Number and card.
According to the cms.gov website, here are 10 things to know about your new Medicare card:
1. Mailing takes time: Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.
2. Destroy your old Medicare card: Once you get your new Medicare card, destroy your old Medicare card and start using your new card right away.
3. Guard your card: Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
4. Your Medicare Number is unique: Your card has a new number instead of your Social Security Number. This new number is unique to you.
5. Your new card is paper: Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy, and they save taxpayers a lot of money. Plus, you can print your own replacement card if you need one!
6. Keep your new card with you: Carry your new card and show it to your health care providers when you need care.
7. Your doctor knows it’s coming: Doctors, other health care facilities and providers will ask for your new Medicare card when you need care.
8. You can find your number: If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.
9. Keep your Medicare Advantage Card: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card too.
10. Help is available: If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800- MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. You have the right to get Medicare information in an accessible format, like large print, Braille, or audio. You also have the right to file a complaint if you feel you’ve been discriminated against. Visit CMS.gov/about-cms/agency-information/aboutwebsite/cmsnondiscriminationnotice.html, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for more information. TTY users can call 1-877- 486-2048.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, homecare and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.
Job Fair April 24 at Ellis Center at FSCC
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Fort Scott Students Are Pages In Topeka
Fort Scott Middle School students spent the day in Topeka with Representative Trevor Jacobs on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
They toured the State Capitol building and served as Representative Jacob’s pages for the day.
The highlight of the trip was having the opportunity to sit in the Speaker of the House’s chair and see first hand how bills are introduced and passed in the House of Representatives.
Local Students Move To State History Day Competition
Front row from left are Boden Kiwan, Katelyn Dancer, Kaitlyn Hardwick, Adelynn Nolan, and Abraham Fredrick. Back row from left are Kaitlin Leavell, Hannah Peck, and Trent Toth.
Fort Scott Middle School students competed in the District 2 Kansas History Day Competition at Fort Scott Community College on Saturday, March 10, 2018. These students will be moving on to the State competition in Topeka on April 21.
Abraham Fredrick from Frontenac Junior High School wrote a historical paper titled “Tensions and Hostility: The Division of Europe After World War Two”.
Remaining students are all from Fort Scott Middle School.
Trent Toth, Boden Kiwan and Katelyn Dancer did a junior group performance titled: “The Walker School Walkout of 1949: The Untold Story of Corinthian Nutter.”
Adelynn Nolan, Kaitlyn Hardwick and Hannah Peck created a junior group website titled: “Laodicea Langston: The Female Paul Revere”.
Kaitlin Leavell created a junior individual website titled: ” Claudette Colvin: A Story of Civil Rights and Social Justice”.
Agenda For The Bourbon County Commission March 13
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
2nd Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 13, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00- 9:15 Jim Harris- Asphalt Tanker Trailer
9:15-9:45 Jim Harris-Preliminary discussion relating to acquisition of real property
9:45-10:15 KDOT Annual update
10:15-10:30 Executive Session – personnel matters of non-elected personnel
10:30-10:35 Justin- discuss Opioid Meeting in Independence, Ks. on March 19, 2018@ 10am
10:35-10:40 Justin- Executive Session Consultation deemed privileged attorney-client relationship/
possible litigation
10:40-10:45 Justin-Executive Session Consultation deemed privileged attorney-client/relationship/
Personnel matter of individual non-elected personnel
10:45-11:00 Justin- Executive Session Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
11:00-11:30 William Wallis/Shane Walker- emergency operations plan for Bourbon County
Courthouse/emergency drills
11:30-11:45 Justin -regarding business in Fort Scott needing to change a law for Bourbon County
11:45-12:00 Justin- regarding direction from Commissioners/ Visioning Committee
12:00- 1:00 Commissioners gone to Lunch
2:00-2:30 Pathways Bourbon County
2:45 Employee Handbook
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual 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(s) 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
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system
Obituary Of Anita Louise Carpenter
Anita Louise Carpenter, age 78, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, March 10, 2018, at her home.
She was born March 27, 1939, in La Harpe, KS, the daughter of George and Hazel Foster Hurd. She graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1957 and attended Ft. Scott Community College.
Anita worked for Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott before moving to Texas. She worked as communication secretary for the University of Texas Pan-Am in Edinburg, TX, for twelve years, then the University of Texas-San Antonio for thirteen years until retirement. She moved back to Ft. Scott about ten years ago. When not working, Anita enjoyed reading and traveling, especially to Branson, MO.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Carpenter and wife Karen, Omaha, NE, and Stephen Carpenter and wife Jana, Poteet, TX; a daughter-in-law Angela Carpenter, Ft. Scott, KS; two sisters, Janet Carpenter and husband Harry, Ft. Scott, KS, and Judy Fleming, LaCygne, KS.
Four grandchildren, Carrie Rivera and husband Josh, Ben Carpenter and wife Jessica, Nicolette Carpenter and husband Corey, and Dalton Carpenter; four great-grandchildren, Octavian Carpenter, Elysian Carpenter, Cason Davis, Colbi Davis, and one more on the way; several nieces and nephews. Best friend and travel mate, Joan Soltren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Randy Carpenter; a brother, George “Sonny” Hurd; and her parents.
There was cremation. No services are planned. Private burial will take place in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Ft. Scott. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com
Garden Soil – Test Before Planting
Whether you are new to gardening or have been gardening for years, all gardeners should think about their soil fertility levels. Just looking at your plants won’t provide the proper information. Soil fertility is something that cannot be seen, felt or guessed about. So as we get ready for planting time, consider having a soil analysis on your garden soil.
A soil test reveals the base line nutritional values of soil. From this test, the type and amount of fertilizer to be used can be determined. In addition, a soil test will find the pH level of the soil. This kind of information is basic for developing a good plant nutrition program. For example, if your soil doesn’t need phosphorus or potassium – which may very well be the case – applying it is a waste of time and money.
Nutrient levels can change over time of course. K-State recommends testing garden soil every three to five years. But soil tests are only as good as the samples submitted. To take a soil sample, follow these steps:
- Mentally divide your garden into areas. Each area should be fairly uniform in soil color, texture and slope, as well as ability to grow plants. Avoid or sample separately any places that could give misleading results: low spots, old fence rows, etc.
- You will need a clean bucket and a soil probe or spade. Take 10 thin core or slices from different spots in the garden. Include soil down 6 to 8 inches deep. This is much easier to do if you don’t take samples when the soil is really wet.
- Put all samples into a bucket, crumble and mix them thoroughly. Remove any stones, grass, roots and thatch. Then take out a cup to a pint’s worth of soil, air dry it, and put it in a sealable container. You can spread the soil out on a newspaper to dry.
- Put soil into a lock-seal plastic bag or plastic food container. Label each container with your name, mailing address and phone number.
- Bring soil sample to the Southwind District Extension Office in Erie, Iola or Fort Scott. Chanute residents can drop soil of at Breiner’s Feed Store for pick-up. Soil sampling is $12 per sample. Sample results are usually available in 7 to 10 days.
Phosphorus and potassium levels tend to build up in the soil. Excess can harm growth, or worse yet, leach out and pollute streams and lakes. In recent years, the soil testing lab at K-State has found some Kansas garden and landscape samples contained so much phosphorus and potassium that testing couldn’t measure the amounts. The results literally were “off the charts.” By soil testing, you can determine if these nutrients need to be applied or not.
Did your garden just not perform the way you wanted it to last year? It could have been because the soil fertility level is not what it should be or the soil pH is off. Soil testing will determine that.
Don’t put off sampling until after the garden is planted. Do it now so soil fertility corrections can be made!
And as a reminder as we head into the growing season, I have office hours in each of the three locations within the district. I am in the Erie office Monday, Wednesday and Friday; Iola on Tuesday and Fort Scott on Thursday.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Obituary Of Kenneth Charles Corbin
Kenneth Charles Corbin, Sr., 96, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2017.
He was born September 7, 1921, in Fort Scott, Kansas to the late Kenneth Howard and Florence Louise Richards Corbin.
He was a World War II veteran of the US Coast Guard, where he was a Boatswain’s Mate.
He was a retired police officer, and Maintenance Director with Spring Meadows Children’s Home. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Coast Guard Combat Veterans Association, KY Historical Society, KY Colonel, a charter member of the Greatest Generation of Veterans, and he was very proud of his 30th anniversary of the Corbin Research.
He is survived by his daughter, Donna Corbin Cain of Tampa, FL, and a host of wonderful longtime friends, and his beloved “sidekick” Baby. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his son Kenneth C. Corbin JR, and his wife Geraldine “Jerry” Corbin.
Services to celebrate Ken’s life will be held Saturday, at 5 pm at Arch L. Heady & Son Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road, with a visitation before services from 2:00-5:00 pm on Saturday.
Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2018, at the US National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kansas, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Military Honors at the cemetery will be conducted by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
State DUI Policy Strengthened
Governor Colyer Signs “Caitlin’s Law”, Strengthening State’s DUI Policy for Repeat Offenders
TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed HB 2439, also known as “Caitlin’s Law” into law, joined by Representative Russell Jennings (R-122) and members of the Vogel family.
The legislation is named for Caitlin Vogel who was tragically killed in 2016 by a repeat offender drunk driver in Johnson County. The initial research behind Caitlin’s law is credited to Blair Gordon, Caitlin’s former soccer coach and friend, who was motivated to seek changes to DUI policy after Caitlin’s death. Together with Representative Jennings, and other members of the Kansas legislature, Gordon and the Vogel family succeeded at getting the bill through the legislature and to the Governor’s desk on what would have been Caitlin Vogel’s 26th birthday.
“What happened to Caitlin was a terrible but preventable tragedy and we must do whatever we can as a government to try and prevent such deaths from happening in the future” said Governor Colyer, “I commend the Vogel family and Ms. Gordon for their tireless efforts to get this legislation passed to forever honor Caitlin’s memory in hopes that no one else will have to suffer what they have suffered.”
The bill, which passed both legislative chambers unanimously, strengthens penalties for repeat DUI offenders who kill or seriously injure others.
“For me, it is very gratifying to see harsher DUI penalties enacted into Kansas law in honor of Caitlin. Nothing can be done to bring her back, but knowing that others might not have to endure the pain of the loss of a friend or family member at the hands of a senseless DUI accident offers those of us close to Caitlin some measure of closure,” said Gordon.
“This bill assures those who choose to ignore limitations placed upon their privilege to drive as a result of DUI will feel the full weight of the law for their senseless act,” said Representative Jennings, the lead sponsor of the legislation, “We are sending a strong message; don’t do it, the price you pay will be very high if you do.”
“We are so honored to have our daughter’s name attached to this bill,” said Caitlin’s parents Patti and Kevin Vogel, “Caitlin’s Law will hold accountable the repeat offenders who have a blatant disregard for the restrictions placed on them for the privilege to continue to drive. Caitlin’s death at the hands of a drunk driver is a tragedy that is ours to bear for eternity. There will now be significant consequences & significant jail time for those repeat offenders who choose to drink & drive and then injure or kill someone.”
The full text of the bill is available at the following link:
http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/documents/hb2439_enrolled.pdf
The Governor has now signed 7 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas Governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.