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Obituary

Obituary of Larry Porter

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Larry Wayne Porter, 78, of Fort Scott, passed away Tuesday evening, February 23, 2021, at the Horton House in Fort Scott, Kansas. He was born June 14, 1942, in Hastings, Nebraska the son of Harry Edward and Thelma (Chenoweth) Porter. He married Georgia Paulette Kersbergen September 7, 1963, and she preceded him in death September 6, 2000. He married Susan Marie Daly February 5, 2002, and she survives of the home.

Larry served in the US Army for six years with three years in Germany as a Radio Teletype Operator. He worked in management and sales in the auto industry. Larry was a member of Grace Baptist Tabernacle. He loved his family, and he loved bowling and golf.

In addition to his wife Susan, Larry is also survived by his daughter Holly Fisher and husband Roger, of Wichita, Kansas; his stepchildren, Lynna and Larry Myer of Lancaster, Kansas, Troy and Rebecca Landers, and Jeff and Julie Daly, all of Fort Scott; a step-daughter-in-law, Jackie Hereford; a grandchild, Josh Fischer of Wichita, Kansas; nine step-grandchildren, Dalton Landers, Jake and Cindy Hereford, Emma Daly, all of Fort Scott, Noah Daly of Pittsburg, Kansas, Jacob and Baylee Graham of Pleasanton, Kansas, Hunter Landers, Hayden Landers, both of Lansing, Kansas, Ashton and Kierstin DeNoon of Olathe, Kansas, and Lisa and Shawn Rice of Kansas City, Missouri; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, all of his brothers and sisters, a stepson, Danny Hereford, and his first wife, Georgia.

Following cremation, the family will hold private services at a later date under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Business, Government, Kansas

Evergy Directed to Eliminate Controversial Demand Charge

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Kansas Corporation Commission directs Evergy to put distributed generation customers back on a two-part residential electric rate

 

TOPEKA — This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued an Order directing Evergy to put its residential distributed generation (DG) customers back on a two-part standard residential rate design eliminating a controversial demand charge. DG customers produce their own energy, primarily using solar panels, and connect to Evergy’s grid for additional power if needed.

 

The Commission originally approved the current three-part rate design for residential DG customers in September 2018 as part of a Westar (now Evergy) rate case.  The Sierra Club and Vote Solar, who were parties to the docket, filed an appeal. In April of last year, the Kansas Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the Court of Appeals and the Commission, calling the three-part design price discriminatory and sending the matter back to the KCC for further proceedings.

 

In issuing today’s Order, the Commission rejected two alternate proposals from Evergy to recoup DG customer costs that the Company claims are not captured in the standard residential rate. The first proposal called for the implementation of a grid access fee of $3.00 per kW of installed DG capacity. The alternative called for a $35 minimum monthly bill for all residential customers.   As a result of today’s Commission action, rates for standard residential and DG residential customers will be identical, at least until Evergy’s next scheduled rate case in 2023.

 

“Many states, including Kansas, are struggling to appropriately value residential DG resources, while ensuring those customers pay their fair share to support the grid. Evergy’s proposals weren’t the right way to address these concerns under current law, but the issue won’t go away. We need to look for new solutions,” said KCC Chairperson Andrew French.

 

The Commission encouraged Evergy to explore modern rate designs that address the DG subsidization issue in future rate cases. The Commission also encouraged all stakeholders that participated in the proceeding to explore legislative changes to modernize Kansas’ net metering laws and other statutes.

Today’s order can be viewed at http://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx?Id=dbf0d78a-209e-4c08-82a9-8a58810d3cef

 

Government

Assistance For Farmers Impacted by Recent Winter Storm

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USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in

Kansas Impacted by Recent Winter Storms

Manhattan, Kansas, Feb.25, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and financial assistance to help Kansas farmers and livestock producers recover from damages brought on by winter storms Uri and Viola. Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to learn about the programs available to help them recover from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses.

“These recent winter storms have taken their toll on farmers and ranchers in Kansas,” said Charles Pettijohn, acting state executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Kansas. “We stand with our producers who have worked tirelessly in these severe conditions to keep livestock fed and to protect crops from Mother Nature’s wrath. We know these storms have left damage in their wake, and I’m glad that USDA offers as strong portfolio of disaster assistance programs available to help.”

Disaster Assistance

USDA encourages farmers and ranchers to contact the FSA county office at the local USDA Service Center to apply for eligible programs and to learn which documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses should be provided to help expedite assistance.

Producers who experience livestock deaths due to the winter storms may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program. Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a notice of loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days.

Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines lost during the winter storms. This complements Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a program application must be filed within 90 days.

FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed loans, including operating and emergency loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs.

Risk Management

Producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or FSA’s NAP should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or FSA office. If they have crop insurance, producers should report crop damage to their agent within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. For NAP covered crops, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) must be filed within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.

“Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are there to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future,” said Collin Olsen, director of RMA’s Regional Office that covers Kansas. “The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well trained in handling these types of events.”

Conservation

The Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland or forests.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) also offers programs to help in the recovery process. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on farms, ranches and working forests impacted by natural disasters.

More Information

On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help producers and landowners determine program or loan options. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent. For FSA and NRCS programs, they should contact their local USDA Service Center.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with NRCS, FSA, or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Our program delivery staff will continue to work with our producers by phone, email, and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.  

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Bourbon County, Schools

Adult Basic Education Offered at FSCC

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Fort Scott Community College offers adult education classes to assist students in GED preparation, basic math and reading skills, employment skills, and college preparation and transition. Individuals who have completed the adult education classes will have the opportunity to earn a GED, Basic Computer Skills certificate, and the Kansas Work Ready certificate.

Adult education classes are open to students ages 16 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a Parental Waiver for Compulsory Attendance to attend class; the form can be obtained from the last school district the student attended.

Attendance is mandatory on all days of orientation. Class times are Monday through Thursday from 9 am – 12 pm, 1 – 4 pm, and 4 – 7 pm. The adult education center is located in the Student Success Center in Bailey Hall.

Based on the results of your assessment during orientation, staff members will develop an individualized plan to help you achieve your goals. In order to be eligible to take the GED examination, you must have completed all of the adult education class requirements, passed all required exams, and have a valid government-issued photo identification card.

The cost for the class is $30 and includes the ACCUPLACER college entrance exam, Northstar Digital Literacy Certification, WorkKeys Employment Skills Test, TABE assessment, and one GED Ready Practice Test. GED testing fees are not included in the class fee.  The GED test fees are $33 per subject (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, Social Studies) which can be taken and paid for separately; due when you register for the test.

Upon successful completion of the examination, the student will be issued a diploma by the Kansas State Department of Education.

“I am currently trying to build back my face-to-face classroom but I also offer online classes,” said Aubrey Duft, instructor.  “These classes could be for students lacking a diploma OR for anyone needing to review their basic reading and/or math skills.  I have had students take my class to prepare better for college entrance, to qualify for a program such as KansasWorks, or to even just learn how to use a computer and brush up on technology skills.  Students CAN enroll in the ABE class if they lack basic skills, even if they have a high school diploma or GED.

If you know someone that is interested, please send them my way.”

Contact info:

[email protected]

(620)223-2700 Ext. 4400 or Ext. 4270

Government, Kansas

PPP Update to Aid Kansas Recovery From Pandemic

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Governor Laura Kelly Provides Update on PPP Program to Aid Kansas’ Economic Recovery

~ Changes will increase access and relief for Kansas small businesses ~

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly shared details regarding changes in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that will increase access and relief to businesses with under 20 employees and other business owners who previously had limited access to the program. For the next 14 days, only businesses with fewer than 20 employees will be able to apply for PPP support.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Kansas communities and I am committed to using every tool to ensure they prosper now and into the future,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This targeted PPP support will make a huge difference to strengthen our small business community and economy statewide as we recover from COVID-19.”

The White House also made the following changes that will increase equitable access to the program:

  • Revising the loan calculation and setting aside $1 billion to support sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals;
  • Removing the restriction where any owner with 20% or more of the business must not have had a felony within the past year (excluding financial abuse fraud felonies or owners who are currently incarcerated);
  • Removing the restriction where any owner with 20% of more of the business must not be delinquent on student loans.

Kansas is already seeing the results of the 2021 available funding. As of January, over 17,000 Kansan small business owners have already been approved for over $800M in loans. Applications are still open through the end of March, and businesses can be eligible even if they received 2020 funding through PPP.

“I hope every small business in Kansas that needs support will consider applying to the Paycheck Protection Program. Kansas small businesses have shown great resilience throughout this pandemic and we hope this program will ease some of their burden,” said Lieutenant Governor David Toland.

Nation-wide, compared to the first round of PPP funding in 2020, the share of funding to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees increased by almost 60% and the share of funding to businesses in rural areas increased by nearly 30%.

For more information on the administrative changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, please visit the White House Fact Sheet here.

For information on the program overall and how to search for nearby lenders, please visit the Small Business Association Website here.

For general questions about Economic Development programs in Kansas, please visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS BASKETBALL RESULTS vs. CHERRYVALE 2/22/2021

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

The Uniontown Eagles played some tough games on Monday against Cherryvale. The Chargers defeated both Varsity teams. The boys also played a game in Oswego last Friday, which they won.

The Lady Eagles were defeated by Cherryvale 39-45. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Gwen Fry had 5 rebounds, and Rylee Coulter had 4. Laney Covey, Camryn Davis, and Addisyn Hall each had 3 rebounds. Hall and Sammie Hampton also each had 2 steals. The JV team lost 31-36, Hall and Davis scoring 10 and 9 points, respectively. The two also led in rebounds, 6 and 4. Brooklyn Dreisbach and Davis each had 4 steals.

Coach Miller says, “The Varsity and Junior Varsity girls suffered a couple of tough losses tonight. The girls battled hard, but unfortunately fell short. We will put this game behind us and focus on taking on Girard for our final regular-season game.”

The boys lost to Cherryvale 51-68. Jake Harvey scored 22 points and had 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Luke Perry scored 10 points. Drew Perry had 3 assists, Dawson Dreisbach had 6 boards, and Clay Sutterby had 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.

“It was a tough night for our basketball team,” Coach Hays admits. “Cherryvale came out on fire from deep. I liked how we continued to fight and play hard all four quarters. It will be nice to get back to practice tomorrow and work on getting better. Things don’t get easier with Girard coming to town Thursday.”

Their Varsity team beat Oswego 44-25 on Friday. Jake Harvey scored 21 points and had 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Dawson Dreisbach scored 11 points, and had 5 rebounds and 3 steals as well. Luke Perry also had 5 rebounds, while Drew Perry had 3 assists. Clay Sutterby had 10 rebounds and 3 blocks.

“Our game against Oswego was a last second schedule change, as both Pleasanton and St. Paul were both unable to play us. I’m glad we were able to squeeze this game in and give our boys another chance to compete. Oswego is a team on the rise and played extremely hard. We were fortunate to pull away in the second half,” Coach Hays says.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Ascension Via Christi, Business, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Ascension Via Christi Feb. 25: Drive-Through

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This week is a
DRIVE-THRU
Chamber Coffee!
Chamber members are invited to join Ascension Via Christi in Celebrating their 2nd Anniversary of operating the
Emergency Department in Fort Scott!
Thursday, February 25th
Drive-thru will be set up at the Emergency Department Helipad
401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
(south side of building)
Arrive any time between 8 to 9am
for donuts & coffee in a
complimentary reusable coffee cup!
Rain or Shine!
Drew Talbott, Ascension Via Christi President,
Tawny Sandifer, Vice President of Operations, and the ED staff
are excited to greet everyone and celebrate serving Fort Scott, Bourbon County, and the area with emergency services.
Ascension Via Christi says THANK YOU to the
community for your support!
doctors-nurses.jpg
bronze-medicine-symbol.jpg
Masks are strongly encouraged for the
drive-thru event.
Tune in to the Chamber’s Facebook page
for a Facebook Live.
Call the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
with any questions ~ 620.223.3566.
Upcoming Chamber Coffee Schedule
  • March 4th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 11th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • March 18th hosted by Briggs Auto of FS – Celebrating Birthday week Anniversary (6 years)
  • March 25th hosted by NRMC – location TBA
  • April 1st hosted by Jose’s Barber Shop (New Business)
  • April 8th “OPEN” Call the Chamber to schedule
  • April 15th hosted by Fort Scott Christian Heights
  • April 22nd hosted by Bourbon County Conservation District
  • April 29th hosted by Papa Don’s Pizza
Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Scuttlebutt

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I have emailed Bourbon County schools about the Boys State program, Cadet Law Program and the end-of-year American Legion School (Medals) Awards.

Any boy going into the 12th grade can apply for the Boys State program. Any boy or girl going into the 12th grade or is a graduating senior can apply for the Cadet Law program.

These programs can be positive, life-changing experiences for our students. If you know of any student who may be interested in going to either program, please let me know.

The cost for each student to attend is $350 with the student paying $50. However, if the student is unable to pay their share, Post 25 will cover the cost.

Membership Incentive: Recruit a new Legion member and be entered into a drawing for $500. If the new member’s name is drawn, both the new member and the recruiter win $500. If you have a potential member, let me know. Their membership information must be submitted by the Post 25 Adjutant. If the new member joins online or through the mail, they cannot be entered into the $500 drawing

Nominations of Officers. We will hold nominations of officers for the 2021 – 22 Legion year at our March 1st meeting. If you wish to make  a difference in the American Legion and our community, please consider standing for an office.

If you are interested in holding an office but cannot attend Monday’s meeting, email me and I will nominate you for your desired office.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Saturday. February 27. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.

Monday. March 1. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.

Thursday. March 11. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 6 PM in Memorial Hall.

Thursday. March 11. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7:15 PM in Memorial Hall.

Saturday. March 27. American Legion Riders Chapter 25 meets at 10 AM in Memorial Hall.

Your Post is member driven. Please contact your Executive Committee with your thoughts and suggestions for improving Post 25.

Submitted by Carl Jowers

Post 25 Commander

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Additional COVID-19 Vaccinators Authorized

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Governor Kelly Allows Temporary Authorization for Additional Vaccinators in Kansas

TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order allowing temporary authorization for additional vaccinators during Kansas’ state of disaster emergency.

Executive Order #21-06 allows state healthcare professionals such as pharmacy students, dentists, paramedics and others who may administer injections or inoculations within their scope of practice to administer a coronavirus vaccine that is approved or authorized by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

“We must use every tool in our arsenal to vaccinate Kansans as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “While there is still a vaccine shortage, this order will increase the number of vaccinators in our state so we can achieve our vaccination goals as soon as supply allows.”

To view E.O. #21-06, click here.