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Obituary

Obituary for Christopher John Allen

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Christopher John Allen, age 48, of Jasper, Indiana passed away at 10:25 AM on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at home.

Chris was born in Eureka, Kansas on February 19, 1970, to J.L. and Sadie (Howard) Allen. He married Melissa Bass on May 24, 1997, at the First Christian Church in Pittsburg, Kansas.

He received a B.S. Degree in Wood Technology from Pittsburg State University in Kansas.

He was the owner and operator of Creative Storage in Ireland, Indiana.

Chris was an active member of the Redemption Christian Church in Jasper, where he served on their security team. He previously served as a Cub Scout Leader for Pack 130 and a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 185 in Jasper, and also served as a facilitator for Financial Peace University.

He enjoyed scuba diving, flying Ultralight planes, was an accomplished woodworker, a car fanatic, and Halloween was his favorite holiday. He was a stay at home dad for 12 years and was devoted to his family.

Surviving are his wife, Melissa Allen of Jasper, one daughter, Chloe Allen, and one son Kyle Allen, both at home, his father and step-mother, J.L. and Shirley Allen, Pleasanton, KS, two sisters Nicole Murphy (Steven), Lee’s Summit, KS, Megan Brixey (Chris), Lee’s Summit, KS, and one brother, Jay Allen (Tana), Ft. Scott, KS.

Preceding him in death was his mother, Sadie Allen.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 7 at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Redemption Christian Church and may be left in the care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Area News

West Nile Virus In Johnson County

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Two Johnson County residents infected, four regions remain at high risk

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reporting two cases of neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) disease in individuals who reside in Johnson County. Four regions of the state remain under a high-risk warning for WNV, including north central, south central, northwest, and southwest Kansas. Northeast and southeast regions are at moderate risk for WNV infections.

 

WNV can be spread to people through mosquito bites, but it is not spread from person to person. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. Roughly one out of 150 infected people develop the more severe version of the disease, neuroinvasive disease, which includes swelling of the brain or brain tissue and, in some cases, death. There are no vaccines or medications to treat WNV. People who have had WNV before are considered immune.

 

“Although for most people West Nile virus may not cause a great deal of concern, we encourage residents, especially our vulnerable populations, to take steps to prevent infection because of the potential for complications,” said Dr. Greg Lakin, Chief Medical Officer, KDHE.

 

KDHE recommends you know your risk of WNV and take action to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself against WNV:

 

  • Visit the KDHE WNV website weekly to learn about the current WNV risk level; http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm
  • When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient on skin and clothing, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.
  • Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
  • The elderly or those with a weakened immune system should consider limiting their exposure outside during dusk and dawn when the Culex species mosquitos are most active.
  • Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
  • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
  • Horses can also be infected with WNV. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse to protect them against WNV.

 

Most WNV infections occur in the late summer and early fall. As of July 24, 39 cases of human WNV have been reported nationally. There have been more than 600 cases of the most severe form of WNV and 30 deaths in Kansas from 1999-2017. Symptoms of WNV disease include fever, headache, weakness, muscle pain, arthritis-like pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and rash typically developing two to 14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. People who are concerned about symptoms should speak with their physicians.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/.

WNV case counts are updated each Tuesday on the following website: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/case_reports_by_county.htm

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Mercy Hospital

Life After Stroke: Verdon Daubens

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Former Restaurant Owner’s Road to Recovery Leads to Monthly RV Trips

 After suffering two mini-strokes in December 2017, Verdon Daubens knew the road to recovery would be challenging. But having a skilled team of therapists at Verdon’s side to lead him proved to be the encouragement he needed.

“Verdon has always done everything he wanted to do,” said Chelsa, Verdon’s wife for nearly 59 years. “Life after a stroke is a big adjustment, and it seemed that nothing I would do or say made a difference in Verdon’s spirit to improve.”

Chelsa told Hugo Dahlstrom, Mercy occupational therapist, she felt Verdon was depressed and overwhelmed with the journey ahead. As an occupational therapist, Hugo is trained to help people recover from injury to improve their ability to perform daily activities and reach the goals.

“Hugo was like an angel on earth,” Chelsa said. “He’s a tall man, but he got down on his hands and knees in front of Verdon’s lift chair and looked him eye-to-eye. In the most kind and compassion way, yet assertive and sincere, Hugo was able to spark a fire that motivated Verdon.”

“Recovery after stroke can take a long time, and persistence is the key,” Hugo said. “Verdon was very, very persistent. Whether at home or in the clinic, Verdon worked hard and did his best with everything I asked him to do. That hard work clearly paid off.”

Verdon and Chelsa enjoy taking vacations in their motorhome, so one of Verdon’s goals was to be able to drive and go on vacation once a month. Five months have passed and they haven’t missed a trip yet, and they have trips booked through November 2018.

The road to recovery wasn’t easy. Verdon’s therapy began with Mercy Home Health then he transitioned to outpatient therapy at Mercy Health for Life where he received occupational, physical and speech therapy six hours a week for six weeks.

Today, the Daubens’ spend time enjoying a slower pace by reading, working in the yard and planning their next RV adventure.

“We’ve learned that it’s important to enjoy every day,” Verdon said. There is not time for burnout or to be depressed. Lean on the support of your family, children and have faith in the Lord.”

“We are very happy with the simpler life we live,” said Chelsa. “It’s just the two of us doing what we like to do.”

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.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

Enjoy Comedy and Magic at FSCC August 3

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Join us to watch the live production of Taylor Hughes Comedy Magic on Friday, August 3rd at 7pm!
You may buy your tickets in advance at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce!
Taylor Hughes is a full time entertainer with over 20 years of performance experience. He is one of the only people to have performed in all three showrooms at the World FamousMagic Castle before the age of 21. He is a featured act on the television series “Masters of Illusion” and was recently presented the awards for “Best Illusion” “Best Comedy Magic” & “Best Showmanship” by the Society of American Magician’s in Los Angeles. A popular entertainer, Taylor has performed for multiple organizations including Home Depot, AT&T, and The American Heart Association.
Fort Scott Community College
620-223-2700
Opinion

Letter To Editor: Kevin Jones VS Caryn Tyson

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Dear Editor,

Disappointing.  My State Representative Kevin Jones printed misleading and false information in his recent mailer. It is disappointing Jones would allow his campaign staff to sink to this level. Mr. Jones is one of Caryn Tyson’s opponents in a primary race to replace retiring Kansas 2nd District U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins.

In his mailer Kevin Jones stated, Caryn Tyson “supports import of foreign labor to compete with Kansans for jobs.”  Really?  Caryn said she would support Trump in fixing our immigration laws.  How could Jones twist her statement into this inaccurate and misleading statement in his mailer.

Next he prints, “Tax Chair, recommended passage of the largest tax hike in KS history.” Jones knows Caryn Tyson spoke against the bill and voted ‘no’ on the tax increase. Our representative either doesn’t understand the conference committee process as defined by statute or is lying about it.  He knows Tyson did not vote for that or any tax increase.  How could he print this when he voted for the 2nd largest tax increase ever in Kansas.

And third Jones wrote that Caryn, “voted against government efficiency reforms.”  Not true, anyone one who knows Caryn Tyson knows that she has always worked for a smaller and more efficient government.

Caryn Tyson is an effective legislator who gets things done.  She has cut wasteful spending, cut taxes, and fights to protect our Constitution.  Let’s not listen to lies.  Let’s send Caryn Tyson to Washington to help make America great again.

Robert Tyson

Parker, KS

 

Government, Kansas

Online Access To Vital Statistic Records

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Governor Colyer Announces Convenient Access

to Vital Records Through New Mobile App

KDHE latest agency to ease public access to important records, such as birth certificates

 

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) today announced that Vital Statistics certified records are now available through the State of Kansas’ iKan app. The application allows residents to request birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates from their computer or mobile device, eliminating the need to visit a physical office in person.

 

In March, Governor Colyer introduced the iKan app to allow users to interact with multiple State services in a single self-service, intuitive experience from their mobile phones, tablets, and computers. At the initial launch, the app allowed Kansas residents to remotely renew their vehicle registration. The app, which now includes Vital Statistics records, makes it easy to request official documents from anywhere with an internet connection and using technology most people carry with them everywhere.

 

“In today’s rapidly changing world, it is becoming increasingly important that we ensure government keeps pace with innovation and that we are taking advantage of technology to provide the best possible experience to those we serve. By quickly giving Kansans access to this important information, we are taking steps to do just that,” said Governor Colyer. “I’m excited to add another State agency to the list of iKan participants.”

 

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Jeff Andersen, added “iKan has already partnered with State government to facilitate vehicle registrations and other services. Today’s announcement is great news for Kansas and will make obtaining vital records much easier, while also decreasing lines and wait times in government offices.”

 

iKan is made available through PayIt, a Midwest-based technology firm specializing in the simplification of government transactions across the country, including taxes, utilities, court records, and more as part of their cloud-based platform. PayIt has provided the myKTag app for the Kansas Turnpike since 2014.

 

Once a Vital Statistics record is requested using iKan, depending on the delivery method selected, the requestor will be notified by text when the record is available for pick up or have it delivered within seven to 10 business days. Cost for a record and the processing fee through the app is $20. To download the app, search “iKan State of Kansas” on your iPhone and Android devices.

Area News, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

K-State Offers New Program For Managers

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Submitted by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce
Executive Education by Kansas State University to launch a new program for middle managers
 
MANHATTAN – Following the 2017 launch of The Executive Coach, Executive Education by Kansas State University is expanding its offerings to include a new program aimed at a new audience: The Strategic Leader.
The Strategic Leader is an educational program focused on equipping middle managers and executives with the tools they need to help their workplaces implement organization-wide change. Participants will gather in Manhattan, Kansas, for two days of group and individual coaching once every two months.
Sessions for the first year of the program focus around the theme of “people leadership,” with topics including task leadership, critical conversations and change management. After each session, participants will return to work with actionable goals and the tools required to implement them.
“After working exclusively with executives in our first year, we are pleased to expand this program and welcome in more leaders from the region,” said Russell Disberger, owner of Aspen Business Group and facilitator of the program. “This program is specifically tailored to help middle managers make an impact and grow as leaders within their respective organizations.”
In addition to the new offering, The Executive Coach is now forming a second group to begin Sept. 13. Executives work in a roundtable setting with coaches and their peers to hone the skills needed to establish and maintain an optimized workplace. The Executive Coach consists of 12 one-day sessions, meeting quarterly over a three-year period in Manhattan. Anyone interested in joining The Executive Coach can sit in for a sample session at the Manhattan Country Club on Aug. 9.
Executive Education by Kansas State University is a special collaboration between K-State Global Campus and Aspen Business Group. These programs are designed for high-level executives, middle managers, and emerging business leaders.

For more information on any of the programs offered through Executive Education by Kansas State University, visit exec.k-state.edu.
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Area News

Rydan White/Karlee Boots Win in National Little Britches Rodeo

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Rydan White, 12, from Redfield, and his partner Karlee Boots, 11, Welda,  are the Junior Ribbon Roping  Reserve World Champions in the National Little Britches Rodeo Association.

The contest was held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK, July 10-15.  There were 94 Ribbon Roping teams who qualified/attended finals.

White and Boots won two buckles, a pair of trophy spurs,  and $700 in scholarship money towards the college of their choice.

Karlee Boots at the National Little Britches Rodeo in Guthrie,OK.

They are part of the Southeast Kansas Little Britches franchise which produces rodeos in this area throughout the year and helps kids qualify for nationals.

Rydan also qualified in team roping with his partner Ty Scott of Oklahoma, breakaway, the flag race, and goat tying.

There are awards given for the two Go Rounds, Short Go, Average, and World standings to the top seven in each event.

Rydan won six buckles and three pairs of trophy spurs in all and ended up with 2 Go Round placings and placed in the Short Go in 3 events.

He ended up 5th in the world standings in breakaway roping and 10th in team roping.  Rydan was 4th in the Junior Boys All-Around world standings for the year.

Boots also qualified in junior girls barrels, poles, and goats.

Chloe White on her horse going around the barrel at the National Little Britches Rodeo in July.

Chloe White, also of Redfield, qualified in junior girls barrels, trail, and team roping.

Rydan and Chloe are the children of Ryan and Cody White and grandchildren of Dave and Sue Carey of Redfield.

Karlee is the daughter of Justin and Karla Boots of Welda.