All posts by Submitted Story

10 Warning Signs that Your Loved One is Considering Suicide

 

Sept. 11, 2022 (IOLA, Kan.) – Throughout September, Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Nearly everyone will feel the ripple effects of suicide in their lifetime. Those left behind experience grief, sorry and, often, regret. But, repeatedly, experiences show that suicide is preventable when caught in time to help. To build awareness about suicide prevention, it’s essential to know the warning signs and risk factors.

10 Warning Signs

  1. Depression: Frequently, suicide is accompanied by long-lasting sadness, despair and a feeling of hopelessness. People who seem to withdraw from family and friends or isolate themselves from usual social activities may be exhibiting signs they are thinking about ending their lives.
  2. Untreated mental health condition: It’s common for people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders or mood disorders (along with other mental health conditions) to experience thoughts of suicide. It’s even more likely that people with undiagnosed or untreated issues may consider suicide.
  3. Substance use: Any kind of substance abuse can increase the likelihood that a person may consider ending his/her life. When a person’s substance use increases or escalates in severity, it’s a strong warning sign that something is amiss and needs attention.
  4. Reckless behavior: It’s a warning sign that someone may be having thoughts of ending their life when they begin engaging in reckless behavior or taking unnecessary and excessive risks, such as participating in unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. It’s especially worrisome when someone who normally acts with caution and care acts with reckless abandon without caring about the consequences.
  5. Statements about suicide: People who say they want to die usually mean it. Anyone who says they are considering killing themselves is definitely at risk. Suicidal people may say they feel hopeless or they have no reason to live. Searching online for suicide methods or buying a gun can also indicate someone is a serious threat to themselves.
  6. Final preparations: Making a will or setting up life insurance policies is responsible adulting. However, when someone sets about to making final preparations it may, also, be a sign they are planning to hurt themselves. Other indicators of final preparations might include: giving away prized belongings and informing others about their life insurance policies, will, burial arrangements or who will get their assets. Another sign can be making it a point to clean their house or garage, being sure to not leave any loose ends to burden their loved ones.
  7. Unusual display of emotion/affection: A person who suddenly makes it a point to share their love and affection for a friend or family member may be showing a sign that they are considering suicide. Many times, people who are thinking of ending their lives will unexpectedly visit family members and friends and deliver an exaggerated goodbye when they see someone they care about. These behaviors can be signs they are in severe distress.
  8. Trauma/life crisis: Many people who think about committing suicide have a history of serious childhood trauma; physical, emotional or sexual abuse; neglect; or bullying in their lives. It’s also common for those on the verge of ending their lives to have recently experienced some other circumstances that makes them especially vulnerable: the loss of a loved one; unemployment; money crisis; or a relationship break up.
  9. Chronic/fatal health condition: Anytime someone is diagnosed with a severe health condition, it can impact their mental health. If they are in constant pain or discomfort, it increases the chances they’ve considered suicide. Many people worry about how their health condition will continue to affect them, fearing they will be/are a burden to their loved ones.
  10. Sudden calm or cheer: It’s relatively common for someone contemplating suicide to seem suddenly calm, at peace and, maybe, in good cheer. But it can be a warning sign of suicide that someone who is usually anxious, depressed or upset is relaxed and good with the world. It’s extremely possible they are no longer at war with themselves and have settled on their decision to end their life.

There is not just one single warning sign that can help prevent suicide. But, by being aware and making connections with others, it’s possible to notice the signs that are very clear indicators that someone is not ok.

 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of ending their life, encourage them to reach out for help. One resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline3, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is now an easy-to-remember 24/7 resource for reaching trained crisis counselors who can help with suicide, mental health and substance use-related crises. (988 replaces a longer and harder to remember 10-digit phone number.) Much like calling 911 in an emergency, people in crisis or those having thoughts of suicide may call or text 988 for immediate assistance during anytime of the day or night.

About Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center

The mission of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center is to provide, advocate and coordinate quality mental health care, services and programs for people in its service area. Our vision is to improve the qualify of life in southeast Kansas. We offer services and programs in the following counties: Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Linn, Neosho and Woodson. Our core services include outpatient psychiatry, therapy, consultation, chemical abuse counseling, case management, educational and skill-building groups, specialty training, physical healthcare coordination and 24/7 crisis intervention services. For more information, visit www.sekmhc.org.

 

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Obituary of Larry Denton

Larry David Denton, age 81, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at his home.  He was born August 8, 1941, in Ft. Scott, Kansas, the son of Robert Denton and Effie Thompson Denton.

Larry graduated from the Ft. Scott High School and Ft. Scott Junior College.  Larry became interested in pharmacology and worked for a time at Hurst Drug Store in Ft. Scott.  He went on to graduate from UMKC School of Pharmacy. While in pharmacy school, Larry caught the attention of fellow pharmacy student, Brenda Dull.  Larry and Brenda were married on July 4, 1964, at Humansville, Missouri.  Together, Larry and Brenda owned and operated Ft. Scott Drug Store located on Ft. Scott’s Main Street.

They later found it necessary to relocate and built a new pharmacy on the corner of First and National and renamed the business, Denton’s Pharmacy.  When it was built it was only the second pharmacy in the state of Kansas with a drive through window.  The Denton’s later sold their business; however, Larry remained active in pharmacy work.

At the time of his death, Larry was still working part-time at the Auburn Long-Term Care Pharmacy in Nevada, Missouri. Larry loved the Ft. Scott Community and had served for twenty-four years on the USD #234 School Board and in earlier years was active with the Ft. Scott Rotary Club.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Scott.

 

Survivors include his wife, Brenda, of the home; three sons, David Denton (Nancy) of New York, New York, Mark Denton (Sarah) of Frontenac, Kansas and Steve Denton (Stephanie) of Ft. Scott, Kansas and seven grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Robert Denton of Topeka, Kansas

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Leland and Elmer Denton.

 

There was cremation.

A private gathering to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ft. Scott Community Foundation and left in 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.

Do You Know A Health Champion?

Jody Hoener. Submitted photo.

The Governor’s Council on Fitness is seeking nominations for its annual Health Champion Award program.  This recognizes those community champions across the state who work hard to improve the health and wellness of your community.

“We are seeking individuals AND organizations that go above and beyond for the health and well-being of communities, residents or worksites,” Jody Hoener, said. “Please consider nominating today!”

Hoener was appointed by the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to serve on the Governor’s Council on Fitness board.

“This year I am the chair for the awards committee,” she said. “I am a previous honoree of this award as well.”

 

What does this champion look like?

 

Any Organization or Business: Anything from a company that takes pride in its robust workplace wellness program to a city municipality that prioritizes complete streets and active infrastructure.  We want to hear about that non-profit who feeds the hungry, or the school who implements a vaping prevention program.

 

Anyone: A public official, a community leader, a concerned citizen, a health or human serve worker, or a volunteer who works hard to improve the quality of life for residents.

 

Community First: Whether it’s an organization or an individual, these champions think of the greater good first; they’re committed to making things better for everyone.

 

Candidates will be selected based on their exemplary work to promote the health and wellness of Kansans. Individual and organizational awards will be presented at the Community Health Promotion Summit held on January 26, 2023, in Wichita, KS.

 

 

There is a champion in all of us, nominate an individual or an organization today! Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2022.

For easier access to the form, here is a direct link: http://www.getactivekansas.org/Documents/Health_Champion_Nomination_Form_2023.pdf

or visit http://www.getactivekansas.org/gcof.html or contact Alyssa Nava at [email protected].

 

 

 

or contact Jody Hoener
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc.
President and CEO

104 North National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
1-620-215-2892 Mobile
[email protected]

HBCAT.org

 

Heart of FCE Award: Doris Ericson

Heart of FCE Award


Doris Ericson, rural Hiattville, has been notified that she is the State winner of the Heart of FCE Award for 2021.

She was nominated by the Starlite FCE (Family and
Community Education) and represented Bourbon County.

After winning the District level, Doris was then declared winner at the State level. She will receive the state award for the
Heart of FCE at the October KAFCE State Conference in Newton, Kansas, October 3-5, 2022.

Doris Ericson has lived in Bourbon County since 1957. In 1962 she and her late husband Henry bought a farm, Cloverdale Angus, at Hiattville. Doris and Henry have six children who were members of the Hiattville 4-H Club. The first one entered 4-H in 1964
with the last child entering in 1980. 4-H was a major part of the children’s upbringing.


Their projects were livestock, cooking and sewing. Mom and dad were involved supporters of the 4-H program. Doris was a sheep leader for many years. If there was a 4-H event in the county the Ericson family was represented.


In 1990 Doris and Henry were inducted into the Kansas Master Farmer Homemaker group for their Extension, Agriculture and Community involvement.

In 2007 the Ericsons were awarded the title of “4-H Family of the Year”, in the State of Kansas.


Whatever happens in Hiattville, Doris is always ready to help. Building a fire station was one of the biggest projects. They provided food and labor. Doris and Henry were honored for their community service by being selected to be parade marshals for
the Hiattville Homecoming.


Doris joined the Bourbon County Garden Club after she became a Master Gardener. She says she has weeded, watered, and planted all around the pool of Fort Scott. She has helped beautify Heritage Park and downtown Fort Scott, filling planters and hanging baskets and taking her turn at weeding and deadheading the plants to make
sure they stayed healthy.


Doris volunteered to manage the dining room at the Bourbon County Fair. She bought supplies and ran errands. Cooking, making the early coffee and setting out things for the 4-H club that had breakfast duty; she was always busy. She held this
position for over 20 years. As a member of the Starlite FCE, Doris helps to clean and set up before the Fair. She has worked in the Prepared Foods Division for over 30 years,
entering exhibits and assisting the judge. She represents the FCE at the baked goods sale. This money funds the County FCE scholarship. For over 40 years Doris has taken entries to the Bourbon County Fair. She has collected many top ribbons and awards.
When the Fair closes Doris can be found helping to clean and put things up for next year.


Doris joined the Hiatville EHU in 1967. She was President and Secretary and then back to President when it dissolved in 1981. Joining The Starlite FCE in Fort Scott, she has been president twice , and in her words, “treasurer forever.” She is currently the
County Council representative and treasurer. For more than 45 years she has presented a lesson at the meetings. Doris takes an active part in the projects and meetings of the Starlite FCE donating her time and talents. She never misses an FCE gathering and
especially enjoys attending the Fall Follies and Spring Tea.
Doris is a member of the Friends Home Lutheran Church of Savonburg. She has served on the church board two times, and belongs to the womens’ organization,

 Doris is an active member and helps make quilt tops and tie quilts for the Lutheran World Relief. Her group of 4 women made and sent 15-20 quilts last year.


I am proud to present Doris Ericson, my neighbor of 53 years, for the Heart of FCE Award. She is a full time mother, farmer’s wife, and helper to anyone in need. She has done house and farm chores, raised children, and worked livestock, worked in the fields,
and then fed the harvest crews. Doris is always working. She is dedicated to her church ,family and community. She is a woman worthy of the Heart of FCE Award.


Submitted by :
Glenda Miller
President
Starlite FCE
1236 Fern Rd.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
[email protected]
620-547-2401

Family and Consumer Week is Oct. 13-19

KAFCE WEEK – October 13-19, 2022


What is KAFCE you ask ? Kansas Association for Family and
Community Education. FCE was founded in 1936 under the name of
National Home Demonstration Council (HDU) during an international women’s conference held in Washington D.C. It became the driving force in providing rural women with education in basic life skills.


Today FCE continues to stress education, concerns of family and
communities.


This organization worked to promote public opinion for investing
funds to establish public health services, County Health Departments.

In the 1940s members prepared hot meals and took them to local classrooms.


They worked to raise public awareness to establish a school lunch
program.

Fostering rural reading programs, members took carloads of books into rural communities and supported bookmobiles.
Using easy to understand and easy to teach lessons named , “The
Hearth Fire Series,” rural women learned about a variety of topics ranging from consumer issues such as buying safe food, to health lessons, learning about mammograms and the pap test, to public policy areas, the Judicial System, to media awareness topics.


FCE is a recognized leader in the areas of children. The
organization was a force in getting rating symbols displayed at the
beginning of television programs. Addressing media sources – video
games, the internet, music, books, magazines, etc. – FCE tries to help
parents make purchasing and viewing choices appropriate for
their children by educating adults and youth to the pros and cons of
various media sources that the youth are exposed to in the 21st
Century – books, video games, cyberspace, music, movies, cell
phones and sexting.


FCE also works to instill values in elementary children to
build and promote character using storybooks to teach children
character values. Volunteers present these lessons in the schools at
the fourth grade level.

Leadership through education is the key, volunteerism is the
means. The mission of the FCE – past, present and future – connects
with families. FCE looks to the future to empower women to change
their lives, their families and their communities for the better with
three main goals in mind:
CONTINUING EDUCATION
DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP
COMMUNITY ACTION


Kansas FCE Creed


I believe in the principles of the Kansas Association for Family
and Community. Education which strives to promote a better way of
life for all families and communities in making the world a better place in which to live. Through leadership, may we have pride in our role as volunteer educators, be conscious of the needs of others, and be strengthened by our unity.


There are 82 Family and Community Units in the Southwind
District. Two of these units are in Bourbon County – Starlite FCE,
which meets at 2:00 on the third Thursday of each month in the
Yeager Building at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds (for more
information call Glenda Miller 620-547-2401) and Thursday Night Live FCE, which meets at 5:30 on the third Thursday of the month at
various locations (for more information call Lori Nelson
620-215-9373.) An educational lesson is presented at each meeting,
with refreshments and lots of good fellowship.


Come join us! Consider this your invitation to drop in and find
out for yourself what FCE is all about. Join with us as we strive to
strengthen families, through continuing education, leadership
development and community action. We welcome you !

Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at Varia

Chamber Coffee, Grand Opening, & Ribbon Cutting hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing & Accessories

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee, Grand Re-Opening, & Ribbon Cutting hosted by Varia Quality Resale Clothing & Accessories, Thursday, September 15th at 8 a.m. at 114 E. 23rd St. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served, and attendees may register to win a special drawing. Ribbon cutting will immediately follow.

Varia just moved to a new and expanded location and has over 4,000 items in stock! They are open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm.

Chamber members and guests are invited to Chamber Coffee events each Thursday at 8 a.m. to network, make announcements, hear about happenings in the community as well as learn about the host business or organization.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information. Visit the Events Calendar and category of Chamber Coffees on fortscott.com for upcoming locations.

 

Flu Shot Drive-Through Sept. 17 at CHC

CHC/SEK-FORT SCOTT SCHEDULES SATURDAY SEPT. 17 DRIVE-THRU FLU SHOT CLINIC

By getting a flu shot now, you can protect yourself and your family and friends!

 

 

Flu season is coming, and the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is offering a “drive-thru” flu shot clinic on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9AM – 2 PM. The event will be held in the parking lot at 2322 S. Main Street, the future location of CHC/SEK’S new clinic, presently under construction.

 

The drive-through flu clinic is recommended for everyone six-months of age and older, because it effectively decreases flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for participants. It only takes a few minutes to get vaccinated. To help keep the vaccination line moving, please wear clothing where your shoulder is easily exposed. 

 

By getting a flu shot now, you will protect yourself and your family and friends!  

 

Flu vaccines and good hand hygiene are still the go-to recommendations for prevention; however, public health officials say it is just as important to contain the virus, which means staying home when you are sick.

 

Flu shots are also available at all CHC/SEK clinics on a walk-in basis or by appointment.   

 

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Local 4-Hers Win Third Place at Kansas State Fair Crops Judging

Pictured left to right: Carly Kramer, Abigail Meiwes, Henry Kramer, and Kason Botts.
Southwind District 4-H Crops Judging Team Wins 3rd Place at the Kansas State Fair
On Saturday , September 10, 4-H’ers from the Southwind District 4-H program participated in the Kansas State Fair Crops Judging Contest. They competed as both individuals and as a team in the Senior Division. The participants were Carly Kramer, Abigail Meiwes, Henry Kramer, and Kason Botts. Carly and Abigail are seniors and to make a senior team, Henry and Kason agreed to judge in the older division. These members did a great job at the contest winning as the 3rd place team. Individually, Carly Kramer was 8th, Abigail Meiwes was 10th, Henry Kramer was 11th, and Kason Botts received 21st. Congratulations to our Southwind 4-H’ers!
Pictured left to right: Carly Kramer, Abigail Meiwes, Henry Kramer, and Kason Botts.

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation 3rd Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic Results

The winners of 1st place A Flight Team of David Brown, Jarrod Brown, Tim Bradbury, and Tarrell Vann. Submitted photo.
2nd place A Flight Team from Labconco of Michael Harper, Shawn Marshall, Travis Schilling, and Chris Harper. Submitted photo.

 

Saturday, September 10th was a perfect day for the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation to hold their 3rd Annual Fort Scott Golf Classic.  Our 2021 tournament was canceled due to a COVID outbreak, but this year we had no problem.  The Tournament was held at the beautiful Woodland Hills Golf Course in Fort Scott.  It was fantastic golfing weather; the day started in the 60’s but quickly warmed to 80’s.

 

Play began at 9 am with 19 teams.  Prizes were given out to 1st and 2nd places in A, B, and C Flights.  The winners were:  A Flight 1st Place went to the team of Tarrell Vann, Danny Brown, Jarod Brad, and Tim Bradbury; A Flight 2nd Place went to the team of Michael Harper, Shawn Marshall, Travis Schilling, and Chris Harper; B Flight 1st Place went to the team of Trentyn Moore, Tim Moore, Brett Scott, and Mark Bruder;  and B Flight 2nd Place went to the team of Dustin Hall, Matt Wheeler, Clint Lawrence, and Ryan; C Flight 1st Place went to the team of Wally Maples, Mike Prince, Jake Scott, and Michael Hatcher; and C Flight 2nd place went to the team of Marcus Alexander, Michael Alexander, Larry Alexander, and Landon Bennett.

 

 

Along with the two flights, prizes were handed out for the Longest Drive which went to Steve Sewell and Closest to the Pin which went to Dustin Fowler.  Players were also given the opportunity to try their chances with the “Trouble” Hole in One game on hole 11.

 

At the end of the tournament, door prizes were given out to several lucky golfers.  The door prizes included:  garden decor and gift bag from Heidrick’s True Value, coffee mugs and ballcaps courtesy of Kale Nelson State Farm, and Gift Certificates to G & W, Miller Feed, The Butcher Block, Sharky’s, Luther’s BBq and tickets to Grand Country Music Hall in Branson courtesy of Fort Scott Broadcasting.

 

Along with the door prizes, a silent auction was held for a fire pit courtesy of Niece Products of Fort Scott.

 

All money raised from the event goes toward the Foundation’s mission of providing quality and affordable homes for our neighbors with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the eight counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson.

 

“Without the generosity of our communities, this fun event could not have been held.  Thank you to all the golfers who participated as well as to our event sponsors: corporate, hole, and in-kind.  This tournament would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors.  Thank you to Heartland HomeCare; Ashcraft Pest Control; Atkins Insurance; Bourbon County Cars; Brigg’s Auto of Fort Scott; Cheney Witt Chapel; Don’s Spirits and Wines, LLC; Diehl, Banwart, & Bolton; H & H Agency; Heidrick True Value; Kansas Teacher’s Community Credit Union; Konantz-Cheney Chapel; John & George Masterson; Medicalodge of Fort Scott; Mertz Tax Service; Microtronics; Peerless Products; SEK Financial; Stewart Realty Co; Young’s Welding; and Wise Accounting.  It is friends like you that allow us to provide services to our neighbors with I/DD and to help them achieve the quality of life they seek.  Thank you.”  stated Special Projects Coordinator, Tricia Campbell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Scott Library Teen Group Starts Today

Valetta Cannon reads a Christmas book to children during the 2015 Christmas party
Submitted by Valetta Cannon
Fort Scott Public Library
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fall is a perfect time to cozy up with a favorite book, take a stroll to watch nature change, or do both of those and more at your local library! Take a look at the upcoming programs the library is offering. All programs are free and open to the public (some programs have age limits). See you at the library!
 
Maker Monday 
Monday, September 19 at 4:15 pm
What can you make with a cardboard box? Show off your cardboard creation talents at Fort Scott Public Library for the first Maker Monday since early 2020. Boxes, cardboard scraps, special safe cutting tools, Makedo connectors, work tables, books filled with inspiration and instructions, and craft supplies will be provided, along with snacks. This event is for all ages, free, and open to the community. Families are encouraged to create things together.
 
Storytime 
Wednesday, September 21 at 10; Tuesdays at 10 for the weeks following.
Join Miss Val in the library’s event room for a themed storytime! Participants hear two to four stories, sing songs, make a craft, and enjoy snacks and drinks. Online storytime videos post in a private Facebook group for Storytime families and unlisted on the library’s YouTube page (families may email Miss Val at [email protected] for the link) on Thursdays at 10 am, so long as there is patron demand for the service. Reserve your curbside kit, complete with craft supplies and a snack, here: 
 
Teen Group
Wednesday, September 14 at 4:30 pm
Help decorate the library for fall, then enjoy refreshments in the event room. This event is for middle and high school students.
Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday is a hybrid meeting, with teens participating both in person and from home. Curbside kits which include supplies, snacks, and drinks, are available. Teens can also earn library loot, which they can spend on small prizes or save up for better ones, and reward books, for participating in the library’s ongoing teen reading challenge. Each 200 pages or 100 minutes of reading earns two loot and a book. To reserve a curbside kit, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/gTHh6Q1gjdVMhebi7
by 5 pm the Monday before the meeting your teen wishes to attend.
 
Marvelous Monday
Monday, October 10 at 3 pm
Homeschool families, meet and mingle with other local homeschoolers at Marvelous Monday events. At our next event, we will go on a scavenger hunt down Main Street. The middle and high school kids will have a more advanced list of items to find, and will begin making a collaborative newspaper for the group during this meeting. Homeschool families may submit their ideas and preferences for future meetings by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/6tZa2tRw8Y1b3w9a9
 
Teen Book Club
Monday, September 26 at 4:30 pm
6th – 12th graders, join Miss Valetta at Common Ground Coffee for teen book club! We will discuss our current and favorite reads, work on completing a custom book BINGO card for prizes, and enjoy delicious treats! This event is free and open to middle and high school students.
 
500 Books Before Middle School
Elementary-aged children now have a library literacy reward program of their very own. Each milestone your child reaches improves their literacy skills, increases their knowledge, and allows them to earn a prize and free book from the library. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/dPuXY8nhoicaUe5A7