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Area News, Submitted

State DUI Policy Strengthened

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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.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Submitted

Headline: FSCC Gears up for Jr./Sr. Day

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Fort Scott Community College invites high school juniors and seniors to Spring Junior/Senior Day on Thursday, March 29.

The event will begin with registration at 9:00 am at the Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 2108 South Horton, Fort Scott.

During the event, students and their parents will have the opportunity to visit and experience FSCC.

College faculty, staff, and students will be on hand to show potential students what it’s like to be a Greyhound.

The event will also include a free lunch and entertainment.

Students may preregister at fortscott.edu/juniorseniorday. For more information, please contact Matt Glades at 620-223-2700, ext. 3520.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Chamber Annual Dinner March 15

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FORT SCOTT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD ANNUAL DINNER & AWARDS CELEBRATION

Submitted By Vonnie Rickerson Phone: (620) 223-3566 Email: [email protected]

FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding the 2018 Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration Thursday, March 15st at Liberty Theatre.

The evening themed “Road Trip” will bring together members and guests to recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute greatly in different ways to benefit Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation will be the featured guest speaker along with WenDee Rowe. Marci has authored two books featuring all things to do and see in Kansas including the “8 Wonders of Kansas! Guidebook” and the “Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers”, which was co-authored by Marci and WenDee. The Kansas Sampler Foundation encompasses programs such as the Kansas Explorers Club, “Rural Kansas: Come and Get It!”, and The Big Kansas Road Trip. More information about Marci, WenDee, and the foundation may be found online at www.kansassampler.org.

The Annual Dinner event will start with a social hour and silent auction at 5:30 pm, followed by dinner, awards and live auction at 6:30 pm. Reservations are $30 for individuals, and table pricing is available. Those wanting to attend may contact the Chamber at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected] with your choice of beef tips or walnut chicken entrée by noon on Monday, March 12th.
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Fort Scott, Submitted

Diabetes Support Group at Mercy Hospital

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FORT SCOTT, Kan. (March 9, 2018) ­— Mercy Hospital Fort Scott will host a Diabetes Support Group on Monday, March 19 at 6 p.m. in McAuley Rooms C & D. The session topic is “How to Read Food Labels, Counting Carbs and Healthy Recipes.”

Patty Ryan, Mercy R.N. and diabetes educator, will lead the discussion and share details about options that may work for you.

The support group is open to the public. No registration is required and family members are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more about this topic or other important information regarding managing diabetes, join the Mercy Diabetes Support Group. The group meets the third Monday of every other month. Mark your calendar for meeting dates of 2018: May 21; July 16; and September 17.

For more information, contact Patty Ryan, R.N., at 620-223-8412.

Obituary

Obituary Of Ella Judy

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Ella Judy, age 87, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, went to her heavenly home Thursday, March 8, 2018.

She was born March 14, 1930, in Oklahoma, the daughter of Rev. W. L. Gates and Donna Hurley Gates. She married Elmer Judy, Jr. on April 15, 1949, at Ft. Scott.

In earlier years, Ella worked at Ahren’s Produce and for Key Industries. She later served as bookkeeper for the family business, Judy’s Iron & Metal. Above all, Ella was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed sewing and used her talents to make clothing for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crafts of all kinds especially ceramics and stained glass.

Ella was blessed with the gift of hospitality. Her home was always open to entertain youth groups, pastors, and her many friends. She faithfully attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).

Survivors include her husband, Elmer, of the home; a son, Mike Judy and wife, Carma, of Orange, Texas and two daughters, Gwen Chance and husband, Terry and Jan Beltram and husband, Larry, all of Ft. Scott; four grandchildren, Brent Chance and wife, Angela, of Harrisonville, Missouri, Brandon Beltram and wife, Amber, of Wichita, Kansas, Lynden Judy and wife, Katie, of Omaha, Arkansas and Kristi Beltram and fiancé, Justin Harbit, of Ft. Scott; and nine great-grandchildren, Alec, Nate, Kole and Alena Chance, Mikah and Emma Beltram and Tally, Claire and Jhett Judy. Also surviving are two brothers, Bill Gates, of Pittsburg, Kansas and Don Gates of Kodiak, Alaska and a sister, Frances Wise, of Wichita. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Leslie Judy, a grandson, Dustin Chance, a brother, James Gates and two sisters, Ida Durkee and Ethelene Richardson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 12th at the Parkway Church of God (Holiness). Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights 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.

Area News, Fort Scott, Submitted

Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Event Calendar March 9-11

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The Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, 231 E. Wall

FRI & SAT – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Livestock Sales – Fort Scott Livestock Market – 2131 Maple Rd. You don’t have to be a buyer to watch the sale and visit the café.

FRI, SAT & SUN – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site – History & Art come together. Kids have created textile works of art that
encompass the change of Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.

FRIDAY, March 9th
8:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display- Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Trolley Tours on the hour, leave from the Tourism Center, 231 E. Wall, $6a/$4c, last tour@3pm
12:00 pm—7:00 pm – Bourbon County Fine Art Exhibit—Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, on
the Campus of Fort Scott Community College.
2:00 pm – LAST DAY of All Hit KOMB 103.9 Radio Auction – Listen to All Hit 103.9FM for more details.
You WILL want to stay by your radio & your phone!
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Lenten Fish Fry– Every Friday through March 23 at Kennedy Gym 705 S. Holbrook
5:00 pm – Spaghetti Feed hosted by Winfield Scott and Eugene Ware Elementary PTO – Dinner includes salad, bread, drink and dessert at Buckrun Community Center – 735 S. Scott Ave.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – FSCC “Escape the Fort” Escape Room – Contact Matt Glades at [email protected] or call 620.223.2700 ext. 3520 to set up a time. “May the odds be ever in your favor”-Hunger Games
7:00 pm – Theology on Tap-“How are spirituality and religion connected for you, if at all?” 710 S. Crawford
7:30 pm – FSCC 37th Annual Spring College Rodeo- Around Arena – FSCC Campus
9:00 pm—1:00 am – Dirty Bourbon Band, Sharky’s Pub & Grub, 16 N. National Ave., $5 cover charge

SATURDAY, March 10th
8:00 am – 12:00 pm – FSHS Tiger Golf Team Car Wash – Typhoon Bay Car Wash, 15th & National Ave.
9:00 am – 12:00pm – Creative Memories Crop – 22 Golf View Dr.
9:00 am – Work Session, Dirt Sculpting, Trail Love, Whatever! – Gunn Park Trails, 1010 Park Ave.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Trolley Tours on the hour, leave from the Tourism Center, 231 E. Wall, $6a/$4c, last tour@3pm
10:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display – Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St.
10:00 am – Water/Ways Storytime – FS Public Library, 201 S National Ave
8:30 pm – Baloney Ponyz – One of the country’s best, most authentic, “hair/hard rock” bands at Liberty
Theatre 113 S. Main St.
1:00 pm & 7:30 pm – FSCC 37th Annual Spring College Rodeo – Around Arena – FSCC Campus
9:00 pm—1:00 am – Dirty Bourbon Band, Sharky’s Pub & Grub, 16 N. National Ave., $5 cover charge

SUNDAY, March 11th
1:00 pm – FSCC 37th Annual Spring College Rodeo- Around Arena – FSCC Campus
6:00 pm – Lenten Worship Services – Trinity Lutheran Church, 2824 S Horton St.
Schedule of Special Events in Fort Scott, Kansas
March 9 –11, 2018
Tell your friends you’re here! Check in on Facebook! @ Visit Fort Scott KS
@ Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce 800-245-FORT (3678) * www.fortscott.com

Area News, Schools, Submitted

Governor Signs Executive Order Creating Education Council

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Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. signs Executive Order 18-10 Creating the Governor’s Education Council

TOPEKA, KS – Governor Jeff Colyer issued an Executive Order creating the Governor’s Education Council with the purpose of improving outcomes for Kansas kids. This group will provide a platform for connecting educators from Pre-K through higher education with leaders in the business community and state policymakers. Their mission will be to promote policies and strategies to effectively prepare students to successfully enter and thrive in the rapidly-changing 21st-century workforce.

“The future of Kansas depends largely on how we educate the next generation and prepare them to contribute their ideas and skills back in to our state,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “It is our duty to help our students achieve their full potential and ensure they have the relevant knowledge, skills, and training that will prepare them for the jobs of the future.”

“An integrated educational system, from early childhood through postsecondary success, is essential in providing a world-class education for all Kansas children,” said Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. “That means collaboration between all education providers — Pre-K through postsecondary — business and industry leaders and other agencies is key. I support Gov. Colyer’s efforts to establish this council, and I look forward to working with him on these important issues.”

This Council’s mission will be the following:

    1. Explore methods for integrating college and workforce preparedness into K-12 learning programs that align with and complement the work of the Kansans Can initiative of the KSDE.
    2. Consider the application of public-private partnerships in developing industry-specific learning goals.
    3. Inventory and assess existing workforce development initiatives within the state.
    4. Discuss a system for measuring effectiveness and accountability of educational opportunities beyond the common and known metrics.
    5. Inform and advise the Governor on educational initiatives and policies to improve the overall success of education and workforce development in Kansas.

“The jobs created in the new economy require education and skills beyond high school,” said Blake Flanders, president, and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents. “I’m excited to work with Commissioner Watson as Co-Chairs of the P-20 Council, which will focus on the entire educational continuum.”

The Council will be co-chaired by the President and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education of the Kansas State Department of Education.   The Council will include representatives from three Cabinet agencies, 12 education-related organizations, and members chosen by the leadership of both parties in the House and Senate. The Governor will also appoint 3-5 members from the business community to serve on the Council.

The full text of the Executive Order can be found at https://governor.kansas.gov/executive-order-18-10-governors-education-council/

 

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Fort Scott, Schools, Submitted

FSHS Leading Efforts for National Theatre Education Awareness Campaign

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Theatre in Our Schools Month (TIOS) is a grassroots effort to educate everyone about the benefits of having theatre in the schools, and to draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs for all students. The campaign is jointly sponsored nationally by the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE), the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), and the International Thespian Society (ITS).

Fort Scott High School is promoting TIOS through our upcoming FSHS Talent Show on March 15 at 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium, the publication of theatre education research on our social media outlets (Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram), inviting new students to join our theatre endeavors, and participation in the Theatre Education Advocacy Day at the KS State Capital.

Fort Scott High School is the home of ITS Troupe 7365, the nationwide high school drama honorary society planning TIOS activities. TIOS is a chance for students, parents, communities, school boards, and elected officials to become familiar with the benefits of school theatre participation, which include the development of the 21st-century skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

In fact, according to The College Board, in 2015, students who took four years of art classes in high school scored an average of 92 points higher on their SATs than students who took only one-half year or less. But, according to the U. S. Department of Education, only 28 percent of public high schools in high poverty areas offer theatre instruction.

And according to a 2016 poll:

  • 9 in 10 American adults agree that the arts are part of a well-rounded K-12 education.
  • 90 percent believe students should receive an education in the arts in elementary school, middle school, and high school.

The poll, “Americans Speak Out about the Arts: An In-Depth Look at Perceptions and Attitudes about the Arts in America,” was conducted by Americans for the Arts.

To see ITS Troupe 736, and the FSHS drama program in action, come to the upcoming performances of the FSHS Talent Show on March 15 at 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium ($5 at the door) and the Thespian Improv Comedy Night, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Common Ground.

For more information about TIOS visit schooltheatre.org/programs/tios and follow
#TIOS18 and #TheatreinOurSchools on social media

Submitted by Angela Bin.

Obituary, Submitted

Obituary Of Anna Lou Inman

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Anna Lou Inman, age 88, a resident of rural Walnut, Kansas, passed away Monday, March 5, 2018, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.

She was born May 21, 1929, in Lamar, Missouri, the daughter of George Cobb and Mary Cochran Cobb. She married William Howard “Bill” Inman on September 25, 1946, at Girard, Kansas. Following their marriage, Bill and Ann operated their own farm for the remainder of their lives.

She enjoyed taking care of her family and taking care of the daily duties on the family farm. In earlier years, she enjoyed playing the piano and encouraged her grandchildren to take piano lessons.

Survivors include her three children, Shirley Ann Utley and husband, Steve, of LaHarpe, Kansas, William Inman, Jr. and wife, Bernadette, of Walnut, Kansas and Patti Lou Powers, and husband, Steve, of Chanute, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Stephanie, Wes, Brad, Melissa, Jason, Katie, Matthew, Amber, Clayton and Stephanie and eleven great-grandchildren, Elora, Connor, Lauren, Carter, Peter, Henry, Charlie, Claire, Brooklynn, Gavin and Anna. Also surviving are two sisters, Ruth Buck, of Girard, Kansas and Elizabeth Lyons, of California.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the Walnut Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Thursday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda For County Commission Meeting March 6

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: March 6, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: ____________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00- 9:45 Jim Harris

9:45- 10:00 Carla Nemecek – Extension Office

10:00- 10:30 Opioid Crisis

10:45- 11:00 Executive Session for personnel matters

11: 00- 11:15 Justin Meeks- letter to employees regarding smoking

11:15 -11:30 Justin Meeks- letter to Kansas Land Trust

12:00- 1:00 Commissioners gone to Lunch

1:30- 2:00 Jacqie Spradling – JV Detention Center

2:00-2:15 Justin Meeks – Executive Session attorney/client relationship possible litigation

2:15-2:45 Economic Development

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