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All posts by Submitted Story
Grant to Improve Food Assistance Benefits
Federal grant awarded to improve efficiency and access to Kansas Food Assistance program
TOPEKA – The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program has announced the awarding of a Process and Technology Improvement grant of $706,550 to the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The grant will enhance the digital system that accepts SNAP, known as Food Assistance in Kansas, applications.
“Our main goal is to reduce status wait times, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall client experience,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard shared. “This will result in Kansans receiving Food Assistance benefits in a timely manner and ensuring that Food Assistance continues to effectively serve as the primary defense against hunger.”
The FNS Process and Technology Improvement grants supports efforts by state agencies and their community-based and faith-based partners to develop and implement projects that use technology to improve the quality and efficiency of SNAP application and eligibility determination systems.
DCF will automate manual Food Assistance administrative tasks using BOT automation. Using this technology, the agency will be able to register cases, enter data, and create workflow tasks for caseworkers all without human intervention. Workers will receive notification of an issue with an application and then will follow-up with the Kansan to ask questions or get additional details.
In FY 2022, DCF received 147,224 Food Assistance applications. Currently, the state has 95,047 Food Assistance cases that are made up of 106,699 adults and 84,343 children. DCF is working in partnership with Accenture, the technology business manager of the data management system used by the agency for the benefit programs.
The teams will begin working immediately on the upgrades and have up to three years to complete the project using the funding from the FNS grant.
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USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of more than 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.
Pray For Israel by Patty LaRoche
Author: A Little Faith Lift…Finding Joy Beyond Rejection
www.alittlefaithlift.com
AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Assoc.)
When I visited Israel a few years ago, I learned much about its preparation for an attack. Every house and apartment had a safe room with a steel door about four inches thick where families would go, should there be a missile headed in their direction. When we were there, we were removed from a tourist bus because the sirens warned that the missiles had been launched. Scary stuff.
Fortunately, Israel’s Iron Dome (missile interceptors) shot them out of the sky before they landed. I learned that these interceptors are fired only if an incoming rocket poses a threat to a populated area. If not a threat, then the incoming rocket will land in an unpopulated area.
Recently, Israel’s enemy Hamas has purposed to bring horrific evil to God’s chosen people. “Time Magazine” reported the assault: “A world in which you see an entire tribe of people as lesser—as roaches, as vermin—this is how you justify gunning down hundreds of unarmed teenagers at a concert, how you rationalize men going house to house and murdering parents at point blank range in front of their children, how you legitimize intentionally setting houses on fire with infirm, elderly people trapped inside, unable to escape; how you explain kidnapping toddlers still not old enough to speak and mocking them in front of the camera; how you excuse desecrating corpses, stepping on their faces while grinning for the camera.”
As shocking as all of that is, what is almost as incredulous is how some students at Howard University are blaming Israel for the massacre of its own citizens. No matter how much one hates another group, albeit based on religion, politics, gender, ethnicity, etc., the brutality of this attack cannot be legitimized.
So, what are we to do? Dr. David Jeremiah, one of my favorite Biblical scholars, has asked that we pray this prayer for Israel:
“Heavenly Father, the psalmist tells us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” So I pray for peace for Your chosen people, Israel, and their beloved city today.
“You have planned for Israel, provided for Israel, and protected Israel for thousands of years. But as in days of old, there are those today who seek to harm, even destroy, Your people. So I ask you to keep Israel in Your loving care. Put a spiritual hedge of protection around Your people and their land. Watch over this nation as a Good Shepherd watches over his flock, and may Your chosen people find their ultimate safety and security in You.
“While You watch over Your people, may Your Spirit awaken in them a hunger to embrace their Messiah—the One who died for them—until they see Him face to face.”
I might add to that prayer that if any of us harbors hate towards anyone (including the college defenders of Palestine), may we ask for forgiveness and see them as God does—children who need a Redeemer…no different than any of us.
Chamber After Hours Ribbon Cutting at Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic
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Obituary of William “Will” Allen Wallis
William “Will” Allen Wallis, age 66, Fort Scott, KS passed away at his home on Tuesday October 17, 2023 after a battle with ALS.
Will was born on April 21, 1957 to Allen Thedell Wallis and Shirley June Simpson Wallis.
William owned the Reddy Refreshment vending and catering, which was a family business early in life. He also worked for FEMA as a Logistics Chief over numerous natural disasters for many years. After 8 years working as the Bourbon County Emergency Manager, he retired in December of 2022.
Will and Judith “Judy” Ann Wallis were united in marriage on horseback on August 15, 2009.
Will’s Christian faith was very important to him and he loved to read and study the Word. Will enjoyed fishing with his family and taking his bass boat to the lakes. He also enjoyed time spent with his grandkids, deer hunting, loved horses, and his beloved bloodhound. Will was an avid woodworker and spent many hours restoring furniture for his and his wife’s antique business. He collected John Deere toy tractors and loved restoring them. Will was active in local toy shows, the antique division at the BBCO Fair and the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta.
Will is survived by his wife; children Adam Wallis and wife Shari, Aaron Wallis, and Alicia Wallis; step-children Tim Brown and wife Nicole and Angie Bin; nephews Luke Wallis and Jack Wallis; grandchildren Stori, Aurora, Josie, Clinton, Brantley, Emma, Levi, Austin, Nick, Makenzie, Abbigale, Owen, Lillie; and great-grandchildren Riley, River, and Hudson. Will is also survived by his former spouse Marian Wallis.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother Mark Wallis.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 21st, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to either the ALS Association or Paws and Claws and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
KDOT requesting comments on STIP amendment
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Oct. 19
Obituary of Jean Reeves
Jean Ann Reeves, age 80, a beloved resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at St. Luke’s East Hospital in Lee Summit, Missouri. Jean was born in Zilwaukee, Michigan, to parents Nelson and Georgia Bauer.
In 1961, she graduated from Beaverton High School, embarking on a path that led her to Fort Scott, where she and her family settled in 1978. Together, they ventured into the world of business, establishing their own Welding Supply enterprise. She furthered her career by providing dedicated support during her tenure at Mercy Hospital and the Hudson & Mullies Law Firm.
Jean’s true joy in life revolved around her precious grandkids, who ranged in age from 23 to as young as 6. Her heart swelled with pride as she attended their numerous activities, from swim meets to volleyball matches, basketball games, and dance recitals. As a mother and grandmother, Jean conveyed a nurturing spirit that touched the hearts of those around her.
Throughout her life in Fort Scott, Jean was a dedicated member of Pioneer Kiwanis, PEO Chapter FU, and the Magazine Club. Her legendary card-playing skills and predictable Sonic drink runs leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Jean is survived by her loving daughters and their spouses, Amy and Dan Kelly, Rachel and Chris Pruitt, and Carrie and Whitney Archer. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Will, Jack, Kate, Brooklyn, Sydney, Grayce, Ruby, Dalton, and Holden, each holding a special place in her heart. Additionally, she leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Barbara Wasalaski.
Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and will be deeply missed every day.
A memorial service to honor Jean’s life, officiated by Rev. Dusty Drake, will take place at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 27th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on October 26th from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.
Memorials be made to CASA, a cause dear to Jean’s heart. Contributions may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel at PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. To share your cherished memories and words of remembrance, please visit the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
KS Flags Are Half-Staff In Honor of Judge Malcolm
Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Magistrate Judge William Malcolm
TOPEKA— Today, in accordance with Executive Order #20-30, Governor Laura Kelly directed flags be lowered to half-staff at the State Capitol Complex and all court buildings and facilities until Monday, October 23, 2023, to honor 21st District Magistrate Judge William Malcolm, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this month.
“Judge Malcolm was a dedicated public servant who, for nearly two decades, worked hard to ensure justice for the citizens of Clay and Riley counties,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “On behalf of the State of Kansas, I thank him for his service. My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones.”
Judge Malcolm passed away on October 15, 2023. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, October 22, 2023.
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit: https://governor.kansas.gov/
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Rotary Club Is Seeking Suitcases For Foster Children
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Killers of the Flower Moon Free Movie Premiere in Fort Scott Oct. 20
Killers of the Flower Moon Free Movie Premiere in Fort Scott
Friday, October 20, 2023, the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. and Fort Scott National Historic Site are sponsoring the premiere of Killers of the Flower Moon, as a part of the nationwide release. The free premiere showing is at 6:40 p.m. and is hosted by the Fort Scott Cinema, 224 W 18th St, Fort Scott, KS 66701.
The free tickets are available at the box office at show time.
In the late 1800s, oil was discovered on the Osage Indian Reservation in present-day Osage County, Oklahoma. The members of the Osage Nation earned royalties from oil sales through their federally mandated “head rights,” and, by the 1920s, the richest people in the world were members of the Osage Nation. Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off.
The family of an Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, became a prime target. Her relatives were shot and poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more and more members of the tribe began to die under mysterious circumstances.
FBI agents infiltrated the region, struggling to adopt the latest techniques of detection. Together with the Osage they began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history. This conspiracy of theft, terror, and genocide helped launch J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI.
This film is an adaptation by Director Martin Scorsese of the book Killers of the Flower Moon, a narrative nonfiction by David Grann.
There are 25,288 Osage Tribal Members who live across the globe, with just under half residing in Oklahoma. In “Killers of the Flower Moon”, the language you hear is taught by Osage Nation Language Teachers, the traditional clothing you see is made by Osage artists, and the landscape is the Osage Nation Reservation. They are not relics. The Osage Nation is a sovereign Nation that is thriving. A people of strength, hope, and passion, honoring the stories of the past and building the world of the future.
This is but one series of the many traumas experienced in Native American history. The National Park Service encourages you to be part of the discussion and learn more at www.nps.gov/fosc, www.nps.gov/subjects/americanindians, or www.osageculture.com. This event is a portion of a series of programs and events around the Native American Experience that Fort Scott National Historic Site and the Friends of the Fort have been hosting such as Wahzhazhe, the Osage Ballet. Additional programs are to be announced soon.
Fort Scott National Historic Site’s, a unit of the National Park Service, exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
-NPS-
Image of Mollie Burkhart. Credit Photo as: The Bismarck Tribune, June 16, 1926
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