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Obituary

Obituary of William Higginbotham

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William R. "Willie" Higginbotham

William “Willie” Reed Higginbotham, age 71, resident of Mapleton, KS, went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at his home.

He was born July 18, 1947, in San Saba, TX, the son of William Hardy Higginbotham and Ezra Florese “Bobby” Mabry Higginbotham.

He married Vickie Tinkle on December 18, 1970, in Center, TX.  They later divorced.

He married Lesley Luce on August 8, 1997, in Kansas City, KS.

Willie worked for Otis Elevator in Dallas, TX for many years as a field manager.

After moving to Ft. Scott, KS, in 1998, he worked 10 years for Shepherd Team Auto Plaza followed by Cox Motor Company, Pleasanton, KS, for 8 years.

When not working, he enjoyed “piddling” on outdoor projects.  Willie was a big football fan, especially the Dallas Cowboys.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren with all their activities.

Survivors include his wife Lesley of the home; his mother, Bobby Higginbotham, Granbury, TX; three daughters, April Duffey and husband Jason, Louisville, CO, Condra Ables and husband Darin, Alvarado, TX, and Rachael Martin and husband Tyler, Redfield, KS; a son, Adam Worley and wife Jessica, Richmond, MO; a brother, Sandy Higginbotham and wife Holly, Antlers, OK; a sister, Kim Miller and husband Bryan, Bluffdale, TX; five grandchildren, Addie Martin, Andrew Martin, Katie Martin, Juley Martin and Arianna Jones; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Higginbotham, a nephew, Christopher Higginbotham; and his father.

Rev. Larry Stevicks will conduct memorial services at 3:30 PM Friday, October 5th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Memorials are suggested to the Family Worship Center, Baton Rouge, LA, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Government, Kansas

Addressing Substance Abuse Disorders In Kansas

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Governor Colyer Organizes Statewide Coordinated Opioid Response

Dr. Greg Lakin to serve as Substance Use Disorder Central Authority

 

TOPEKA – In response to the estimated $30 million dollars in grants being awarded to several state agencies in Kansas from the Federal government for use in battling opioid and substance use disorders, Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. today announced his coordinated effort to ensure those funds are targeted toward addressing the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders in Kansas.

 

“The timing couldn’t be better for this funding to reach our state,” said Governor Colyer. “The health of Kansans takes top priority, and with the misuse of opioids threatening the health of many in our state, I am determined that we target these grants specifically toward efforts that will hit the problem head-on and stem the tide of addiction and death from abusing opioids and other harmful substances.”

Governor Colyer has asked state agencies receiving this money to identify specific ways that it can be used toward this effort. Already, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) have identified several specific ways to use these new funds. (See attachments).

 

“Effective treatment is so important to overcoming opioid addiction,” said KDADS Secretary Tim Keck. “We are committed to working with our State and community partners to target our resources to effective programs and services for this and other substance issues.”

 

To keep the effort organized and centralized, Gov. Colyer has designated Dr. Greg Lakin as the State’s Central Authority on Substance Use. This action was one of the recommendations made by the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force organized by Gov. Colyer earlier this year. In this role, Lakin will be responsible for coordinating relevant State agencies and their response to substance use issues, such as the opioid epidemic. Dr. Lakin currently serves as the State’s Chief Health Officer for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and chaired the Governor’s Substance Use Disorder Task Force this year. He also serves on the Kansas Prescription Drug and Opioid Advisory Committee.

 

“We have an opportunity to help people struggling with addiction,” Dr. Lakin said. “By working together on this issue on a statewide and individual level, we will see successful outcomes. It will take the combined efforts of State agencies, stakeholders and communities. I appreciate the Governor allowing me to lead this crucial effort.”

One of Dr. Lakin’s patients shared her experience about the importance of support and coordinated services. Mandi Sims, Salina, suffered numerous injuries during a motor vehicle accident as a teenager. Following a reconstructive surgery, she was prescribed medication for the pain. She says after only a few weeks, she had developed an addiction that ultimately led to a prison sentence and the removal of her children from her care. While pregnant with her fourth child, she consulted with Dr. Lakin and believes her substance use is now behind her. Her children have since been reintegrated into her home, and she has stable employment.

“He literally saved my life,” Sims said. “I have been through so much because of addiction. I am very grateful to everyone who is dedicated to ending this epidemic. Addiction takes away so much, but with the help and support of well-intentioned and caring health professionals, you can get your life back.”

KDHE indicates that 326 Kansans died of a drug overdose in 2017, 36% involved a prescription opioid drug or substance (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, etc), 23% involved a psychostimulant (e.g., methamphetamine), and 7% involved heroin. Although Kansas is below the national average for fatal opioid overdoses, the opioid crisis is an emerging threat that remains a challenge for the state to address, including the rise in drug overdoses due to psychostimulant drugs. Increases in opioid-related drug misuse and deaths parallel the increase in prescription and illicit opioid availability.

Learn more about substance use disorders in our state, at www.preventoverdoseks.org.

Area News, Bourbon County, Government, Mercy Hospital

County Meets at 10 a.m. Oct. 3 to Discuss Mercy Hospital Closing

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Regular meetings are Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Special meeting date: October 3, 2018 at 10 a.m.

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

10:00 a.m.-Special Commissioners Meeting regarding Mercy Hospital.

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

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Gordon Parks Celebration Oct. 4-7

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Gordon Parks Celebration this weekend at the Ellis Center at Fort Scott Community College. Here is the list of activities.

Thursday October 4th

PHOTO EXHIBIT in the Lunt Lobby of the Fine Arts Center.  The Merl Humphrey Photography-sponsored photo contest will be on display with the theme of “What Inspires Me.”  Winners will be announced at the Chamber Coffee.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. — Ft. Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee at the Gordon Parks Museum.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. —“Leadbelly” film in the Gordon Parks Museum. FREE.

 

Friday October 5th

8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of the Museum.

9:05 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: “Leadbelly and Irene: Heartbeat of the Musical Frontier” with Megan Felt.  Megan Felt, Program Director at the Lowell Milken Center in Fort Scott, created this short documentary on Huddie Ledbetter when she was a student at Uniontown High School.  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.  FREE

10:05-11:30: “A Conversation with Roger Mosley.”  The 2018 “Choice of Weapons Award” honoree, Mr. Mosley played Huddie Ledbetter in the Gordon Parks-directed film “Leadbelly” and starred in the popular television series, “Magnum P.I.”  Discussion led by Karole Graham, Big Mabel in “The Learning Tree” and Laura May in “Leadbelly.”  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Theatre.  FREE

12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.—Grab a sack lunch from the lobby ($8-purchase that day) and join us in the museum for PARKS POETRY OUT LOUD, sponsored by the Bourbon County Arts Council.  Poetry Out Loud is a contest & reading of selected poems of Gordon Parks.  ANYONE may enter.  No preregistration –just show up!  Prize money of $100 (First Place), $75 (Second Place), and $50 (Third Place). (The eight poems are on the gordonparkscenter.org website.)  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.  FREE

2:00 p.m. Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott.  Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.  See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.  Fee: $7.

5:00 p.m.—Meet and Greet at Sharkey’s Pub.  Drop by and meet Roger Mosley and Karole Graham, “Big Mabel” in The Learning Tree.”

7:00 p.m.—Friday Night Concert in the Park featuring the music of blues guitarist Lem Sheppard, Heritage Park Pavilion at 1st and Main Street in downtown Fort Scott.  Food Vendors will be open at 5:00 p.m.

Bring your lawn chair! FREE

Saturday, October 6th

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Registration open outside of the Museum.

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Kid’s Art Workshop–Art activities for kids age 5-12.  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Meeting Rooms.  Fee: $5-payable the day of the workshop.

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Dimensional Art Workshop-Museum $10  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.  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.  FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center/Gordon Parks Museum.  Fee: $10-payable the day of the workshop.

12:00—1:30—Lunch on your own.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – “Gordon Parks, Jazz, and Photography,“ with John Mason, Associate Professor, Associate Chair, University of Virginia Department of History. Mason 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. FREE

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.—Guided Trolley Tour of Gordon Parks’ Fort Scott.  Meet at the entrance of the FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center.  See the places in Fort Scott that are part of Gordon Parks’ history.  Fee: $7.                            7:00 p.m. – “Celebration Tribute Dinner.” Dinner and evening of tribute; presentation of the 2018 “Gordon Parks Choice of Weapons Award” to Roger E. Mosley and a Celebration 15th-year Anniversary retrospective. Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main.  All seats reserved. Fee: $30.00. (Reserve by Wed., Oct. 3)

 

Sunday, October 7th

10:00 a.m.—Breakfast at Nate’s Place.  Enjoy breakfast at one of Fort Scott’s finest!  Located on the corner of National & 8th Street, you’re sure to find something on the menu to please.    Check it out at: lyonstwinmansions.com/nates-place-restaurant. (No ticket required-everyone pays for their own)

 

Obituary

Obituary of David Hornaday

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DAVID LEE HORNADAY

David Lee Hornaday, 86, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018, at his home in Moreno Valley, California.

He was born April 8, 1932, in Linn County, Kansas, the son of Compton Alvis and Eva Galora (Groseclose) Hornaday.

He married Eleanor Louise Scheel, and after thirty-three years of marriage, she preceded him in death on October 26, 1988.

David was an electrical engineer and worked for Pacific Bell for over thirty years.

Survivors include his two sons, Jeff Hornaday and his wife Alma, Al Hornaday and his wife Maria; his five grandchildren, including Carlos Felix, A.J., Alexandro, David, and Samuel Hornaday; and his two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018, at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home with burial following at the Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to service time on Saturday. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Medicare Update Season Is Here

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Joy Miller, Family and Consumer Science Agent K-State Research and Extension Southwind District 223-3720 or [email protected]

 

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment, What Should You Do?

Medicare Part D (prescription) annual open enrollment is around the corner.

This nationwide enrollment period runs from October 15 thru December 7.

In the state of Kansas, ten companies provide Medicare Part D totaling 26 different plans to choose from in 2019. Monthly premiums range from $16.20 to $99.50 a month. The deductible upper limit is $415 but ranges from $0-$415.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary enrolled in a Part D prescription plan, you may have already received your Annual Notice of Change for your plan in the mail. The notice will include information regarding any changes to your current plan such as monthly premium, deductible, and coverage of your medications. These notices may not include everything you need to know such as a change in medication formulary or change of in-network pharmacies. Carefully review them. If you do nothing, you will continue in your current plan.

Each year insurance companies providing Part D plans make adjustments regarding monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance and copayments.

Often people are happy with their current plan and can afford the increases, but there may be an opportunity to save money. For many years, probably since 2006 when Part D plans started, Humana Walmart RX has been the lowest premium plan.

It is great for those who do not take any prescription medications but enrolled to have coverage and avoid a penalty in the future.

Two new plans are being offered in 2019 with even lower premiums than Humana. The difference is $90, something beneficiaries may not know if they don’t evaluate all the plans each year.

Having a plan comparison completed will let you know what to expect financially for the upcoming year and make sure your 4 C’s are covered.

The 4 C’s to review in coverage are:

  • Cost. How much have you spent on premiums, deductibles, and copayments this year? How will these amounts change next year?
  • Coverage. Does your plan cover all of the medications you believe you will need next year? Do you want to get your health care and drug coverage through one single plan? If so, you should review your Medicare Advantage options.
  • Convenience. To what extent will your plan restrict access to certain medications you need, such as through prior authorization or quantity limits? Can you use the plan at the pharmacy of your choice? Can you get your prescriptions through the mail if you prefer to?
  • Customer service. Is your plan responsive when you have a question? Does it have a high-quality rating as displayed in the Medicare Plan Finder?

The Southwind Extension District provides free, unbiased, confidential assistance by a Certified SHICK Counselor to help you compare all 26 plans, providing you an estimate of your prescription costs for the upcoming year.

Last year 50% of the beneficiaries I assisted who were new to Medicare or enrolled in a new plan saved over $440,000 dollars.

It is also an opportunity if you have questions about how Medicare works, advantage plans (Part C), or supplement insurance plans.

Those new to Medicare or have questions about Medicare coverage may call the Extension office to discuss Medicare any time during the year. I can also assist you in understanding how Medicare does or does not work with employer insurance or Marketplace health insurance plans.

Evaluation of income and resources are also available to determine eligibility financial assistance programs such as Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program.

For an appointment, call me at 620-223-3720 or email: [email protected]. In person appointments will be scheduled at our Extension offices located in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott, and Yates Center.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

National 4-H Week Proclaimed in Kansas

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Gov. Colyer proclaims National 4-H Week in Kansas, inspiring kids ‘to do’

The event concludes with 48 Hours of Community Service on Oct. 13-14

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer signed a proclamation on Monday recognizing Oct. 7-13 as National 4-H Week in Kansas, clearing the way for a week-long celebration of America’s largest youth development organization.

4-H reaches nearly 75,000 young people across Kansas. Colyer’s proclamation notes that National 4-H Week “highlights the remarkable 4-H youth in Kansas who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.”

The Kansas 4-H program is delivered through K-State Research and Extension and its network of local extension offices. Amy Sollock, the southwest area 4-H youth development specialist, notes that the organization empowers youth with skills to lead in their life and career.

“4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers, and communities,” she said.

In addition to the youth members, there are nearly 11,000 people who volunteer their time to Kansas 4-H by creating the life experiences that “Inspire Kids to Do” for their communities, which is the theme for National 4-H Week.

“4-H Youth Development has been a part of Kansas communities since 1905,” said Wade Weber, the state program leader for Kansas 4-H. “Today more than ever, 4-H provides a unique opportunity for youth to discover their passions, build their skills, and grow confidence with the support of caring adults and dynamic partnerships with local and K-State based resources.

He adds: “4-H youth build essential life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and decision making that enable them to become tomorrow’s leaders by doing leadership today.”

National 4-H Week in Kansas wraps up Oct. 13-14 with the fifth annual 48 Hours of 4-H community service event taking place across the state. 4-Hers and volunteers plan community service events sometime during that weekend to symbolize the organization’s commitment to ‘doing.’

“Kansas 4-Hers are active in their community year-round, but 48 Hours of 4-H is an opportunity to highlight the 4-H members and volunteers who are ‘doing’ all across Kansas,” Sollock said. “In 4-H, kids roll up their sleeves and do with their hands. Their experiences grow the confidence they need for life and career. 4-Hers do with a purpose, lead by example and empower their peers to do the same.”

More information about 48 Hours of 4-H is available online. On social media, look for the hashtag, #484H.

For more information about National 4-H Week, visit 4-H.org. To join Kansas 4-H and the movement to Inspire Kids to Do, visit Kansas4-H.org.

Area News

Public Comments Welcome on Kansas Gas Service Rate Increase

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KCC to host a public hearing on Kansas Gas Service rate increase request

 

Topeka – The Kanas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 4 to receive input from Kansas Gas Service customers on the company’s rate increase request. The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at the Washburn Institute of Technology, Main Conference Center, Building A, located at 5724 SW Huntoon in Topeka.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate change and make comments to KCC Commissioners. Members of the public can attend in person or watch a live broadcast of the hearing on the Commission’s website: www.kcc.ks.gov. For those unable to watch live, a recording of the hearing will be available on the Commission’s website beginning October 11.

The application, filed by Kansas Gas Service in June, requests a $42.7 million dollar net base rate increase. If approved, the average residential customer’s natural gas bill will increase by $5.67 per month, an increase of 10 percent. A complete copy of Kansas Gas Service’s application and supporting testimony is available on the Commission’s website.

The Commission will accept public comments through 5 p.m. December 14, 2018. In addition to attending the public hearing, there are three convenient ways to submit a comment:

  1.  Go to the KCC website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” link to submit a comment.

2)  Send a written letter to the Kansas Corporation Commission, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604-4027.
Be sure to reference Docket No. 18-KGSG-560-RTS.

3)  Call the Commission’s Public Affairs office at 1-800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140.