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Area News, Exercise, Food

Walk Kansas: Eight Week Healthy Lifestyle Challenge

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Walk Kansas registration is open now at WalkKansas.org! This eight-week healthy lifestyle challenge will inspire you to lead a healthier life by being more active and making better nutrition choices. You are part of a six member team which selects a goal and supports one another in reaching it. If you don’t have a team, we can assign you to one or you can fly solo! The cost to participate is $10 per adult. (Youth can participate for free.) The benefits of participating in Walk Kansas include:
  • Weekly newsletters filled with motivational healthy lifestyle information, resources, and recipes;
  • Access to the online tracking system, as well as the Walk Kansas app, to help keep you on track as you work to reach your goals;
  • Support in working towards leading a healthier life, including support gained from your teammates and exclusive membership in a closed Walk Kansas Facebook group; and
  • A new opportunity this year to participate in the online “Med Instead of Meds” class series! If you are interested in eating the Mediterranean way but not sure where to start, this is the perfect way to learn more.
We will also be hosting a kickoff event this year in collaboration with the Wildcat Extension District! At this event, participants will be able to run or walk a 5K, 3K, or 1K. The cost to participate in the kickoff event is $25 per adult, which includes a t-shirt and your Walk Kansas registration fee. If you are interested in attending the kickoff event, please register for it first at https://bit.ly/wildwindwalkrun. If you have any questions, please contact me at 620-365-2242 or [email protected].

Obituary

Obituary of Jerry Allen

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Jerry Wayne Allen, age 68, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away early Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Guest Home Estates in Ft. Scott.  He was born November 28, 1954, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harold Allen and Esther Gibson Allen.

Jerry first married Caroline Frances “Fran” Morrow on April 20, 1981, in Ft. Scott.  They enjoyed sixteen years of marriage until her death on May 29, 1997.  Jerry later married Deborah Morrow on December 28, 1998, at Miami, Oklahoma.

Jerry had a knack for working on small engines and had repaired many motor bikes and lawn mowers.  He also used his mechanical abilities to rebuild lawn tractors that he used in area lawn tractor pulls.  Fishing was also a favorite pastime.

 

Survivors include his wife, Deborah, of the home and three step-children, Sara Schnichels, Casey Keirsey and Christopher Keith.  Also surviving are two brothers, Pete Allen and Charles Allen and a sister, Barbara Wheeler.

In addition to his first wife, Fran, Jerry was also preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther Allen, a brother, Tom Allen, a sister, Bonnie Hill and his beloved dog, Susie.

 

There was cremation.  Private burial will take place at a later date in the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Opinion

I Surrender by Patty LaRoche

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Sometimes the theme song behind my prayer time sounds more like “Is That All There Is?” rather than “I Surrender All.” Not only do I fail to enter the throne room, I’m not even knock, knock knockin’ on Heaven’s door.

That’s what my prayers are sometimes like. Actually, more than sometimes.  Oh, I start out fine, all right, thanking God that I’m awake/breathing, that I’m in a warm, comfortable bed, and yes, even that my husband is snoring beside me.  And for just a few moments I’m doing fine. Just my Heavenly Father and me.  Sharing the love. AAAAHHHHHH.

But then the inevitable happens. My mind sinks from the eternal heights and wanders off to la-la-land. From wondering what will happen if I get tongue-tied in my upcoming talk to organizing appetizers for tonight’s dinner party to reliving the time in 8th grade when I didn’t make cheerleader, I hip-hop through a gamut of nonproductive brain-traps.  Once I realize what I’ve done, I spend the next few minutes apologizing to God and attempting to get my mind on a more spiritual track…until I remember the trash bill I forgot to pay and the article I need to write.

Can you imagine going out to lunch with your best friend and spending the entire time spewing every random, helter-skelter thought that popped into your head? “Hi, Sue. Saw a red bird on my drive here—so pretty.  How about those Chiefs?  I hear we’re getting a new barbecue restaurant.  I love barbecue.  Hope we get some rain.  Wish I could get rid of these wrinkles.  Do you like horses like I do?  Oh yea, here are some things I need you to do for me.”

Chances are, that would be a short-lived friendship.  So why do I do that with God?

Why is it I give Him second-best (if even that)?  The One who loves me unconditionally, the One who yearns for a relationship with me, and I can’t find time for Him?  My Father “surrendered all” in His son; what keeps me from understanding “that IS all there is” when it comes to establishing my daily/weekly/monthly/yearly/life priorities?

On Instagram this week, I read this: “You can’t be 98% for God and 2% with the world.  Jesus didn’t die for 98% of you.  He died for 100% of you.  That 2% will eat away at you.  It’s a cold world.  100% with God is better.  Trust me.  He won’t fail you.”  Can you imagine what surrendering all would look like?  (Can you imagine what surrendering 98% would look like?)  But 100%?

To have every thought, word and deed honor God?  How I dress.  What I eat.  Whom I hang with.  Where I go.  How I spend my time. How I love.  Absolutely everything that makes me who I am.

Someone once asked, “Would you be willing to die for Christ?”  “Of course,” was the answer.  But the real question is this: “Would you be willing to live for him?”

Because that’s what surrender is all about.

Obituary

Obituary of Michael Pool

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Michael Louis Pool, age 70, a resident of Lake Fort Scott, passed Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at his home.  He was born July 27, 1952, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of William Louis “Louie” Pool and Norma Elaine Johnson Pool

Mike grew up in the Bronson area and graduated from the Uniontown High School.  He married Patricia A. Floyd on November 11, 1970, at Nevada, Missouri.

Mike was a brick and stone mason as well as a tuck pointer.  He used his skills on construction sites throughout Kansas and Missouri.

Weekends were spent racing at the Mo-Kan track or fishing on the lake.

 

Survivors include his two sons, Brian Pool and Brent Pool (Tawny) both of Ft. Scott; six grandchildren, Laura, Ashleigh, Logan, Nash, Kellen and Evan and a brother, Steve Pool of Penokee, Kansas.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, on May 21, 2019.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Elaine Pool.

 

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 15th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Bronson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Tuesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of William “Buddy” Pruitt

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William Stanley “Buddy” Pruitt, 82, resident of Garland, Texas, passed away March 1, 2023.

He was born July 26, 1940, in Fort Scott, Kansas, the son of Thomas William Pruitt and Lazetta Fae (Ridenour) Pruitt.

 

Buddy is survived by his sons, Troy William Pruitt, and Richard Thomas Pruitt, both of Garland, Texas; a sister Fay Farley, of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and seven grandchildren.

 

Ronnie Pruitt will conduct graveside services 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Fulton, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Obituary

Obituary of John Jackson

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John Lyle Jackson, 93, of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away on March 6, 2023. John was born April 13, 1929, at Isabel, Kansas. He was one of eight children born to John Ervin Jackson and Jessie Eva (Hollister) Jackson. He married Norma Jean (Smith) Jackson Nov. 25, 1951, in Bronson, Kan.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers and five sisters, Calvin Jackson, Fern Jackson, Dean Jackson, Ruth McEndree, Stella Ludlum, Lila Ludlum and Shirley Ludlum.

 

John and Jean were married for 68 years at the time of her passing in September 2020.

John is survived by son Dan and wife Jeannie of Bartlesville, Okla., son Rick and wife Denise of Bartlesville, Okla., daughter Diana Myers and husband Vincent of Overland Park, Kan.; Grandchildren Janett (Chris) Ferrell, April Jackson, Zeb (Mandi) Jackson, Danielle (Mark) Bernal, Rachel Myers, Evan Myers, Skyler Myers; great-grandchildren, Collin, Foster, Carley, Justin, Nayeli, Brady, Everly, Larkin, Boone, Keith and Kassius; great-great-grandson Jaxxen; and grand-dog Bubba John.

 

John graduated from Isabel High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948. He was stationed in Germany before returning to Kansas in 1950. He was then recalled in 1951, for the Korean War, training many soldiers for deployment at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, completing service in 1953.

John and Jean made their home in Iola, Kan., purchasing 17 acres on Park Street, where they raised their three children and ran an office for MFA Insurance. They attended every football, basketball, baseball game and horse show that their children were involved in. John was the head of the Spur Club with Bud Sifers and they rang the Mustang bell at every home game.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his best friend Gene Sallee.

In 1975, they relocated to Fort Scott and opened Jackson Real Estate. After 15 years, they closed the real estate office and opened Outpost Antiques in downtown Fort Scott, for another 10+ years. John enjoyed finding a good deal…he had an eye for antiquities and collectibles of all types.

He eventually retired from H & H Real Estate in Fort Scott, at 80 years young.

 

John was a voracious reader and kept the staff in the public library busy every week, often reading one or two books a day. In his last years, he still enjoyed reading, garage sales, puzzles, and visiting with anyone that called or stopped by – even though he would never wear his hearing aids.

He was known to break out in song at any time with his favorites being ol’ Dan Tucker or Ramblin’ Bob.

John was a devoted fan of KU Basketball, the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

 

Following cremation, Chaplain Lloyd Houk will conduct graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Fort Scott National Cemetery under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome as well as cards and letters to the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Scott Public Library and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

 

Government, Kansas

Psychiatric Bed Capacity Increases More than 30% Under Kelly Administration

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TOPEKA – Today, on Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Day, Governor Laura Kelly announced that psychiatric bed capacity has increased by 32% since the start of her administration. The Kelly Administration has added 233 needed beds at child inpatient facilities, psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF), and adult inpatient psychiatric facilities.
Child Inpatient Acute Beds
Adult Psychiatric Beds
PRTF Beds
Total
2019
170
243
308
721
2023
212
318
424
954
Total added
42
75
116
233

“A lack of psychiatric beds has been one of the largest barriers preventing mental health resources and care from reaching Kansans who need them. A 30% increase in capacity reflects a major step forward,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, we must continue our progress in addressing the mental health crisis here in Kansas by reducing the stigma around mental illness and substance use disorders and by dedicating additional, much-needed resources to these challenges.”

Under the Kelly Administration, more resources have been put toward mental health, including for the launch of the 9-8-8 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline, the creation of KansasAgStress.org to provide mental health resources for Kansas farmers and ranchers, and expanded mental health programming in schools.

The Administration has also applied federal funding to help 13 community mental health centers expand access and availability of mental health services and qualify as certified community behavioral health clinics, a new model of care being implemented across the state.

“Addressing mental health and substance use issues play a huge role in breaking down the barriers that might be keeping people from seeking help,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “We have made great strides in Kansas toward funding mental health and recovery services and building compassionate and cost-effective programs and policies that can improve the lives of adults and children living with mental illness.”

“Governor Kelly has been a leader for behavioral health, from supporting Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics to ending the state hospital’s moratorium on voluntary admissions to supporting the 9-8-8 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Hotline,” Kansas Mental Health Coalition President Mary Jones said. “As we face the current workforce shortage and mental health crisis, her ability to work with the Kansas Legislature is crucial.”

The Governor spoke at the Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Day rally hosted by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Kansas Mental Health Coalition in front of the statehouse.

Government, Kansas

Application Deadline Approaching for Energy and Water Assistance Programs

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TOPEKA – Qualifying Kansans are encouraged to submit applications to receive assistance paying for water and energy bills this month. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Emergency Water Assistance Program (EWAP), both managed by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), will stop accepting applications at 5 p.m. on March 31.

LIEAP is an annual program that provides financial assistance to families struggling to pay their heating bills during the cold winter months. Information about the program, including how to apply and Frequently Asked Questions, are available at www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.

EWAP was created in 2021 in response to the COVID pandemic. It was established to help families restore or prevent the disconnection of drinking water and wastewater services. This temporary program will close permanently on March 31. Learn more and apply for the program by visiting www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.

The income qualifications for both programs are:

Persons Living at the Address

Maximum Gross Monthly Income

1

$1,699

2

$2,289

3

$2,879

4​

$3,469

​5

$4,059

6​

$4,649

7​

$5,239

8​

$5,829

*Add $590 for each additional person

EWAP is funded by the American Rescue Plan of 2021 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Funding for LIEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Service through the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

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Government

Sen. Marshall Seeks Input from Kansans on 2023 Farm Bill, Launches Online Survey

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(Washington, D.C., March 7, 2023) – Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. launched a web page for Kansas’ agriculture community to share its input on the 2023 Farm Bill. The U.S. Senate is currently in the early stages of writing the 2023 Farm Bill, which will impact agriculture in Kansas and around the world for the foreseeable future.

“This legislation needs to deliver the critical resources and support that our farmers, ranchers, growers and producers have long relied upon,” Senator Marshall said. “That is why I am asking members of Kansas’ agriculture community to take our 2023 Farm Bill survey. Your input through this survey will be informative as we continue our work on this important piece of legislation. We only write a Farm Bill every five years so it is important we get it right.”

Additionally, Senator Marshall released a video announcing the launch of the webpage. You may click HERE or on the video below to view the video.

Kansans may click HERE or on the image below to take Senator Marshall’s 2023 Farm Bill survey. Additionally, the 2023 Farm Bill survey can be found under the “For Kansans” section on www.marshall.senate.gov.

Background:

The original Farm Bill – The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was a federal law passed in 1933 as part of U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. The law offered farmers subsidies in exchange for limiting their production of certain crops. The subsidies were meant to limit overproduction so that crop prices could increase. This was so farmers wouldn’t go out of business and then ultimately not produce enough food for the U.S. Today, along with crop prices, the Farm Bill authorizes federal programs related to conservation, trade, crop insurance, and nutrition.

Last month, Senator Marshall launched a new initiative to highlight conservation efforts within the Kansas agriculture community. The series will also feature ongoing federal conservation programs taking place in Kansas. Stories will be released throughout the legislative process on the 2023 Farm Bill on Fridays.

To date, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry has held three hearings on the 2023 Farm Bill. These hearings have focused on the Farm Bill’s titles related to trade, horticulture, crop insurance, commodity programs, nutrition, conservation, and forestry. You may click on the titles or images below to watch Senator Marshall’s remarks and questions from each hearing.

March 1: Conservation and Forestry Programs

February 17: Nutrition Programs

February 9: Commodities and Crop Insurance

February 1: Trade and Horticulture

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