All posts by Submitted Story

Area News

Flags at Half-Staff For Senator John McCain

Leave a comment

Governor Jeff Colyer orders flags flown at half-staff

Monday, August 27 in honor of Senator John McCain

 

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from sun up to sun down Monday, August 27th. in honor of United States Senator John McCain, who passed away Saturday, August 25th.

 

“Senator McCain will long be remembered for his years of dedicated service to our nation,” said Gov. Colyer, “He displayed great courage and strength in the way he lived his life. We are grateful to him for his devotion to this country and send our deepest condolences to his family as they grieve his passing.”

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit http://governor.ks.gov/subscribe-to-flag-honors.

 

Area News

Mary Jo Harper Directs Youth Chorale: Invites Local 4-6th Graders

Leave a comment

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open

Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale through Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center. Participants do not need to be enrolled in USD 250 to belong to this ensemble.

Pittsburg Youth Chorale is under the direction of Mary Jp Harper, Music Teacher at Eugene Ware Elementary in Fort Scott, KS. The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire. Participants will have the opportunity to perform at community events as well as on the Memorial stage.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5PM-6PM at Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center, 503 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS. Rehearsals begin September 4th. There is a fee of $60 per session (Sept 4-Dec 11). To enroll, visit Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, or call 620-231-7827, deadline September 4th.

Obituary

Obituary of Leland Wood

Leave a comment

Leland Duane Wood, 70, of Fort Scott, was welcomed into Heaven’s open arms on August 23, 2018. Bless his tired heart, he is now shooting baskets with the best cheering section you could find in Heaven.

Leland was born October 14, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Vergil Leon and Delma Dorene (Brown) Wood. He married Mary Underwood September 28, 1968, in Mapleton, Kansas, and she survives of the home.

Leland was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, and was a teacher, coach, and Insurance Agent. He was a member of the Every Other Wednesday Night Poker Club, Every Monday Night Poker Club, Ruritan, and Max’s Way Station Coffee Group. He originated Biddy Football and Biddy Basketball in Uniontown.

In addition to his wife Mary, Leland is also survived by his children, Gerald Wood of Rosemount, Minnesota, Matthew Wood and Rebecca, of Uniontown, and Amy Mitchell and David, of Shawnee, Kansas; a sister, Carol Majors and Bruce, of Fort Scott; three brothers, Craig Wood and Linda, of Pleasanton, Kansas, Dave Wood and Debra, of Fort Scott, and Kevin Wood and Kathy, of Prescott, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Vicki Wood, of Humboldt, Kansas; and seven grandchildren, Brian Wood, Brenden, Carter, A.J., and Alaina Wood, and Tyler and Zachary Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Kenny Wood, and two nephews, Chris Homan and Benjamin Underwood.

Pastor Marty DeWitt will conduct funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 27, 2018, at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Uniontown, followed by burial at the Prescott Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening, August 26, 2018, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund 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.

Obituary

Obituary of Bobbie Gene Combs

Leave a comment
Bobbie Gene Combs, age 79, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the Franklin House assisted living facility in Ft. Scott.
He was born August 12, 1938, in Ft. Scott, the son of Ralph Francis Combs and Georgia Haynes Combs.
He served with the United States Army.  Following his time with the Army, Bob had worked as a carpenter in both Washington State and in the Branson, Missouri areas.  He moved from Branson to Ft. Scott in the later years of his life due to health reasons. 
 
Survivors include two brothers, Fred Combs, of Republic, Missouri, and Ralph Combs, of Alabama and two sisters, Dorothy Willis, of Springfield, Missouri and Karen Dryer, of Holden, Missouri.  Also surviving is a step-son, David Lusby, of Branson, Missouri and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Robert Combs and Rickey Combs.
Following cremation, graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, August 27th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.
Fort Scott, Schools

Fort Scott High School Auditions for Musical “Bright Star”

Leave a comment
Fort Scott High School.

 

Fort Scott High School is proud to announce auditions for the regional premiere of the new musical “Bright Star.”

Auditions are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. either Monday, Aug. 27 or Wednesday, Aug. 29 at the high school auditorium. Students only need to attend one night, but need to plan to stay for the entire time period.

“Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful,” according to publisher Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

The show is open to current FSHS students and rehearsals are Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. The performances are Nov. 6, 8, and 10.

Students who wish to audition for a lead solo role should prepare as follows: females will sing a portion of “If You Knew My Story” and males will sing “Bright Star” from the show. Links to karaoke tracks and piano accompaniment for the songs can be found at the “Fort Scott High School Thespians” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FSHSThespians/?ref=bookmarks and the “Fort Scott Choirs” website at www.fortscottchoirs.com.

The show is directed by FSHS Drama Director Angie Bin and FSHS Choral Director Meredith Reid and choreographed by Delynn Abati, assistant to the FSHS Dance Team.

For more information, please contact Angie Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Time to Check in on Your Health

Leave a comment

 

Joy Miller K-State Research and Extension Southwind District, Family and Consumer Science News Column, 620-223-3720 or [email protected]

 

Medicare’s Preventive Services

With the year more than halfway over, now is a great time to check in and see if you are up to date on your preventive care appointments. These services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and keep you from getting certain diseases.

Twenty four preventative services including exams, shots, lab tests, screenings, counseling, and education are available to help you take care of your own health.

You will need to talk with your doctor or health care provider to find out what tests or other services you may need and how often you need them.

A reminder that health care providers may suggest exams or tests that Medicare does not cover or you might have a deductible or copay. They may also recommend that you have tests more or less often than Medicare covers them.

If you have Medicare Part B, the following ten examinations and screenings are no cost to you.

  • A “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. This is available only in the first 12 months you are on Part B. It includes a review of your medical history, certain screenings and shots, measurements of vital signs, a simple vision test, review of potential risk for depression, an offer to discuss advance directives and a written plan outlining which screenings, shots and other preventive services you need. This visit is covered one time.
  • Annual wellness visit. You’re eligible for this free exam if you’ve had Medicare Part B for longer than 12 months. The physician will review your medical history; update your list of providers and medications; measure your height, weight, blood pressure and other vital signs; and provide you with personalized health advice and treatment options.
  • Mammogram. An annual screening mammogram is free. If you require a diagnostic mammogram, you’ll pay a 20 percent copay and the Part B deductible will apply.
  • Colonoscopy. A screening colonoscopy once every 24 months is free if you’re at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren’t at high risk, Medicare covers this test once every 10 years.
  • Diabetes screening. You’re eligible for two free screenings each year if you have a history of high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, are obese or have a history of high blood sugar levels. The screenings will also be free if two or more of these issues apply to you: You are over 65, are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, or you had diabetes when you were pregnant.
  • Prostate cancer screening. An annual PSA test is free. A digital rectal exam will cost you 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount plus the doctor’s services related to the exam. The Part B deductible also applies.
  • Vaccines. Annual flu shots, vaccines to prevent pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia, and shots for hepatitis B (for those at high or medium risk) are covered free of charge.
  • Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy). As a Medicare recipient, you also get a free yearly visit with your primary care provider to help you lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
  • Lung cancer screening. An annual test with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is free if you are between 55 and 77, don’t have any signs of lung cancer, are a smoker or have quit in the past 15 years, and you have a tobacco smoking history of at least 30 “pack years” (meaning you smoked an average of one pack a day for 30 years).
  • Depression screening. A yearly screening is free if conducted in a primary care center where follow-up and referrals are available. Copays may apply for follow-up care.

For a full list of Medicare’s Preventative Services, visit Medicare.gov/publications to view or print “Your Guide to Medicare’s Preventive Services”. You can also register at MyMedicare.gov to get direct access to your preventive health information. You can track your preventive services, get a 2-year calendar of the Medicare-covered tests and screenings you are eligible for, and print a report to take to your next doctor’s appointment.

For additional information, contact the Southwind Extension District, Fort Scott office 620-223-3720. Our website is http://www.southwind.ksu.edu or follow us on Facebook: Southwind Extension District.

Obituary

Obituary of Arlene Allen

Leave a comment

Arlene Allen, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 23, 2018, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.

She was born December 15, 1928, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Terry Misener and Winifred Allison Misener.

Arlene graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1946 and the Fort Scott Junior College with the Class of 1948. She married Jimmie Allen in 1956. They later divorced.

Arlene had worked for twenty-nine years in the Inland Marine Department of the Western Insurance Company. She was a life-long member of the Grace Baptist Tabernacle.

Survivors include her children, Debra Barrett and husband, Pat, of Wichita, Kansas and Jim Allen and wife, Rhonda, of Ft. Scott; five grandchildren, Jacob and Jaron Barrett and Hilary, Scott and Marliss Allen and six great-grandchildren, Tracen, Alice, Eva and Arya Barrett and Kamry and Alayna Hutchison. Also surviving is a niece, Donna Ruth Davis, of Medford, Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents a brother, Ernest Misener and a sister, Donna Jean Fooks.

Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, August 28th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Burial will follow in the Woods Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Monday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Grace Baptist Tabernacle or Mercy Hospice and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Government, Kansas

Bats In The House?

Leave a comment
 

Increase in Questions about Bats and Rabies, State Agencies Offer Guidance

Safety tips provided for coming in contact with bats and other animals

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Departments of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT) have had an increase in the number of calls recently from residents who have questions about bats in their homes. Experts from the State agencies encourage Kansans to be aware of the rabies risk associated with exposure to bats.

 

“Although only 3 percent of about 1,000 bats tested over the last five years were positive for rabies in Kansas, they remain an important cause of human rabies cases in the United States,” said Dr. Ingrid Garrison, State Public Health Veterinarian at KDHE. “Contact with bats is a concern because their teeth are so tiny that a bite may not be felt or even leave a noticeable mark. That is why it is important to speak with someone who can evaluate your situation for potential exposure to rabies,” said Dr. Garrison.

 

Rabies is a fatal viral disease in mammals, including people. Infection with the rabies virus can occur from a bite by a rabid animal or when saliva from a rabid animal comes into contact with the eyes, inside the mouth, or a fresh, open wound. In Kansas, skunks are the animal that most commonly tests positive for rabies.

 

“We see an increase in bat activity, usually in July and August, as baby bats learn to fly,” said Samantha Pounds, an ecologist with KDWPT. “Of the more than 1,000 species of bats around the world, 15 have been found in Kansas. Bats play a vital role in the Kansas ecosystem by consuming millions of insects each year, including agricultural pests and mosquitoes. They can eat one-half of their body weight in insects each night. However, some bats may also be infected with rabies. We want people to be aware of bats, but not afraid of them,” said Pounds.

 

It is best to exclude bats from your home in the early spring or fall when they are not roosting (giving birth and raising young). Young bats that are not able to fly can get trapped inside, which can lead to an upset mother bat or foul-smelling dead bat. Bats often enter homes through unsealed cracks, gaps or small holes, so filling in these entry points is one way to keep bats out of a home. Another method is to use an exclusion tube or small piece of mesh to create a one-way exit for bats living in an attic. Professional help to exclude or capture bats may be available in your area.

 

KDHE asks that you call your health care provider or local health department if you have had any contact with a bat if a bat is found in the room of a sleeping person, unattended child, or anyone who is unable to tell you about the encounter. If possible, the bat should be captured safely and not released. Tips for safely capturing a bat can be found on the Bat Conservation International website at www.batcon.org. If the bat is not available for rabies testing, the person who was exposed to the bat should seek medical care and receive rabies prevention shots.

KDHE and KDWPT offer the following tips about bats and other animals regarding rabies for your safety:

  • If you wake up in a room with a bat present, regardless if there is evidence of a bite or scratch, seek advice from your health care provider or local health department. If possible, trap the bat for testing. Do not release the bat.
  • If bitten by any animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local health department or animal control department immediately.
  • If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.
  • Do not handle or feed wild animals. Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; it is both unsafe and illegal.
  • Do not try to nurse sick or injured wild animals back to health. Call animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
  • Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and valuable livestock (cattle and sheep) against rabies.

For more information on bats and rabies visit: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/education/index.html. For more information on excluding or removing of bats: http://www.batcon.org/resources/for-specific-issues/bats-in-buildings/faq.

 

A list of companies that are registered with the Kansas Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control Program (NADC Permit Holders) can be found on the KDWP&T website at https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control or by calling 620-672-5911. These companies may charge a fee for their services. For more information on rabies in Kansas: https://keap.kdhe.state.ks.us/Ephtm/PortalPages/ContentData?CID=109.