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Government, Health Care, Kansas

State Health Officer Encourages Public to Get Flu Shots

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TOPEKA – Influenza season is here in Kansas. While activity remains low, influenza cases have already been seen in Kansas.

The flu vaccine remains the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization and death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving the vaccine before influenza activity begins in your community, ideally by the end of October.

“Early indications say the flu may hit a little harder this year, so it’s very important to start thinking about getting the vaccine,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, State Health Officer at KDHE. “The good news is you don’t need two separate appointments; you can get your flu and COVID vaccines at the same time!”

KDHE monitors flu activity, including the percentage of emergency department visits and deaths attributable to influenza. During the 2021-2022 flu season, influenza was a contributing or direct cause of death in 44 deaths. Pneumonia, which often develops with influenza infections, was a contributing or direct cause of death in 1,200 deaths. Severe influenza infection and symptoms may be avoided with vaccination.

“The influenza vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone six months of age or older. Being vaccinated against influenza is especially important for anyone at high risk of complications, including babies and young children, pregnant women, older persons and people with certain chronic conditions,” said Duwve.

Kansans can start getting their vaccine from their health care provider, at local pharmacies, health departments and some medical clinics.

Getting vaccinated also protects people around you. Getting vaccinated is important for persons caring for young children, adults over 65, and those caring for persons with certain medical conditions. Most people who get the flu recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications like pneumonia which could lead to hospitalization and be life-threatening.

Find a flu vaccine by visiting vaccines.gov. For the latest on Kansas influenza news, visit kdhe.ks.gov/flu.

Government, Kansas

KDOT Secretary Given National Award

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Lorenz receives national transportation award
ORLANDO, FLA. – Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz was awarded the 2022 George S. Bartlett Award given jointly by the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for her outstanding leadership and extensive service in transportation.

Through AASHTO, Lorenz is currently leading a national effort to develop a united vision for state DOTs to deliver community centered transportation. The vision will provide state DOTs a range of strategies they can deploy to make transportation work better for people and communities in their states.

“Transportation is about people, those we serve, and those we work with to better deliver improvements in our communities, said Secretary Lorenz. “I’m honored to receive this award from organizations and colleagues I greatly admire because of our shared vision to make transportation safer and work better for all Americans.”

Lorenz has been actively involved in TRB for more than 15 years on numerous committees as well as the Chair of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project Panel on Administration of Highway and Transportation Agencies. She is Immediate Past President of AASHTO’s Mid America Association of State Transportation Officials, which serves 10 states in the Midwest. In addition, Lorenz serves on AASHTO’s Executive Committee and the Board of Directors as well as chair of AASHTO’s Council on Aviation.

In 2019, Lorenz was appointed by Governor Laura Kelly to lead KDOT. This is her second tour of duty at the agency as she served as the Director of Public Affairs from 2003 to 2011.

Previously, Lorenz directed national engineering firms’ strategic consulting and public engagement services for transportation projects at the local, regional and national levels.

Lorenz received the award on Oct. 22 at the AASHTO 2022 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Area News, Bourbon County

K-7 pavement repair project to start at Girard into Bourbon County

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In early November, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin a pavement repair project on a 500-foot section of K-7 at Girard. K-7 will be closed to traffic north of K-47. A state route detour will be signed on K-47, U.S. 69 and K-39 (see map).

 

Project activity includes repairs to the base drains and replacing the water lines and pavement. KDOT awarded the construction contract of $388,686 to Mission Construction, St. Paul. Weather permitting, the work should be completed by mid-December.

 

Persons with questions may contact KDOT Pittsburg Area Engineer Kyler Farmer at (620) 308-7617, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen, (620) 902-6433. Check KDOT’s updated traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details.

 

Fort Scott, Sports, Youth

Fort Scott 5/6 grade Football Champions Play Tonight

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The Fort Scott 5/6th grade Tiger football team is undefeated and will host  on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at Frary Field the championship game against Prairie View.

“These boys have worked so hard, said Leslie Godden “They’d love to have the stands packed and have other community schools/ events and older athletics there to support them!”
“Also the youth cheer team will be there cheering them on,” she said.
The two Facebook group pages for the kids are:
@ Fort Scott Tiger Youth Football Program
@ Fort Scott Tiger Youth Cheer Program
Area News

Lansing Inmate Renfro Captured

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Minimum-custody Inmate Joshua W. Renfro Who Walked Away from Lansing Correctional Facility Apprehended

~LCF Walkaway Apprehended Without Incident~

TOPEKA –

Minimum-custody resident Joshua W. Renfro has been apprehended.

Renfro was taken into custody Monday night, October 24, 2022, by law enforcement officials in Leavenworth County. He was arrested on the KDOC escape warrant without incident.

Renfro had been placed on escape status after he walked away from the minimum-security unit at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) on October 24, 2022.

No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.

 The Lansing Correctional Facility, formerly the Kansas State Penitentiary, opened in 1867. Serving only males, the facility maintains maximum and medium units totaling 1,920 beds and a 512-bed minimum security unit. 

Bourbon County, Government

Bo Co Commission Revised Agenda for Oct. 25

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Date: October 25, 2022
1st District–Nelson Blythe Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District–Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District–Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk–Ashley Shelton
MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM BEGINNING at 9:00AM.
Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of Accounts Payable/Payroll
• Jerry Witt – FS BBCO Riverfront Authority Appointment of Committee Member
• Burn Ban Discussion
• Ashley Shelton – Gas Price Lock In
• North Parking/Sidewalk Project
• Jim Harris – Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual
nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Financial Report
o KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
• Shane Walker – Chief Information Officer Comment
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
o KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which
would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
o KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to
protect their privacy
o KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of
such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
• Eric Bailey – Road & Bridge Report
• Public Comment
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session:
KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship
KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75–4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Fort Scott, Schools

Feedback Requested by U234

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USD-234 HAS SET A GOAL OF BETTER COMMUNICATION.

YOUR FEEDBACK IS REQUESTED

VIA THE SURVEY BELOW.

THERE ARE TWO LINKS –

ONE FOR USD-234 PARENTS/GUARDIANS

AND ONE FOR THE GENERAL COMMUNITY.
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Announcing

Your feedback is requested!
Please take the survey below to provide feedback to USD-234.

Your response is appreciated!
USD 234 has set a goal of better communication. Please help us succeed by filling out this quick survey to provide feedback:

  • Parent/Guardian Survey: Click HERE
  • Community Survey: Click HERE

Surveys may be found on USD-234’s website under Superintendent’s Message.

A paper survey may be picked at the Board Office, located at 424 S Main or patrons may call 620-223-0800 to complete the survey over the phone.
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Duling, Brown

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This week’s Friday Night Concert will feature four performers:  Dan Duling on vocals and acoustic guitar, his son John adds vocal harmony and bass guitar, and Shanna Stone as lead vocalist. The trio performs a variety of country and classic rock. Addi Brown, local performer and Fort Scott Idol winner, will complement the show with some vocal solos.

 

“These fine musicians and singers will conclude the 2022 outdoor season,” concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “The Dulings are talented local favorites and Shanna has toured with Meryl Haggard, Lefty Frizzell and other Nashville artists. Addi performs a wide variety of genres that’s sure to please the crowd. We’re expecting a great show, so come and enjoy the grand finale.”

 

The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and is free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

 

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to The Loading Dock at  Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.

Obituary

Obituary of Daryl Roufs

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Daryl M. Roufs, age 63, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 24, 2022, at his home.  He was born August 13, 1959, in Ft. Scott, the son of Harold J. Roufs and Catherine G. “Kay” Hill Roufs.

Daryl graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.  He worked as a heavy equipment operator and maintenance-man throughout the United States.  In addition, he helped on the family farm near Fulton, Kansas.  One could say Daryl was a collector.  He enjoyed showing off his many “treasures” to his friends and grandkids.  In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

 

Survivors include his children, Lonnie Roufs (Sara) of Uniontown, Kansas, Tabitha Hardesty (Kent), Kayla Bronson (Jeff), and Erica Bolton (Jason) all of Ft. Scott, five grandchildren, Kenzi, Morgyn, Cruz, Mason and Matthew and his beloved dog, Stan.  Also surviving is a brother, Gary Roufs (Cathy).

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Johnny Roufs.

 

There was cremation.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, November 1st at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Private burial will take place at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Heath Cannon Memorial Hunt and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 666701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Linda HowlingCrane

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Linda Darlene HowlingCrane, age 65, a resident of Fulton, Kansas, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her home following her battle with cancer.  She was born May 16, 1957, in Ft Scott, Kansas, the daughter of Willis Sanders and Patsy Eden Sanders.

Linda attended Ft. Scott Schools.  Shortly into her senior year, the family moved to Versailles, Missouri and she graduated from there with the Class of 1975.  Linda will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother.  For the last several years, she has served as the primary care giver for her son and also took care of her grandchildren.

She loved taking trips to Branson with her family.  She was fortunate enough to make one last trip to Silver Dollar City and enjoy the pumpkins and fall colors; she returned home on Friday morning and passed away Saturday evening. Linda loved to do crafts of all kinds.  She also had a green thumb and could grow houseplants to gigantic proportions.

 

Survivors include two daughters, Jamye Coffman (Tom) of Ft. Scott and Patricia Brake of Mound City, Kansas; a son, Drew HowlingCrane of the home in Fulton and an adopted son, Doug Ekberg (Angela) of Independence, Missouri; ten grandchildren and a great-grandson. Also surviving are her mother, Patsy Sanders, of Ft. Scott; a brother Greg Sanders also of Ft. Scott and a sister, Pamela Owenby (Russell) of Deerfield, Missouri.

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Willis and her brother, Shannon.

 

Bert Severy and Robert Clark will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, October 27th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

(Linda will do her best to be on time.)

Following funeral services, there will be cremation.

Private burial will take place at a later date in the Lath Branch Cemetery east of Ft. Scott.

Services 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.