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Ascension Via Christi, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At Ascension Via Christ Emergency Department Feb. 25

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CHAMBER COFFEE ON FEBRUARY 25, 2021 HOSTED BY ASCENSION VIA CHRISTI ER DEPARTMENT.

Save the date for Chamber Coffee for February 25, 2021!

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces that the Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Ascension Via Christi ER Department on Thursday, February 25th at 8:00 a.m. at 401 Woodland Hills Blvd. Ascension Via Christi ER Department will be celebrating their Two-Year Anniversary in Fort Scott with a Drive-Thru hosting and serving coffee, donuts and a Free Mug for the Chamber Members and guest.

The Fort Scott Chamber President, Lindsay Madison will able to livestream video via Facebook while meeting and greeting the staff of the ER department. Other Chamber Members are welcomed to be part of the meet & great as well.

All attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks and masks will be available for those without one and practice social distancing.

The Chamber is now booking Coffees for 2021 calendar year. Any member business or organization wanting to host may contact the Chamber to reserve a date at 620-223-3566 or email [email protected].

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.

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Obituary

Obituary of James Tucker

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James Paul Tucker, age 63, Fort Scott, KS, died Sunday, February 21, 2021, at his home.  He was born on July 24, 1957, at the Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, the son of Rev. James D. and Betty J. Tucker.

He was united in marriage to Carolyn Ann Hayward Tucker on April 18, 1980, in El Dorado Springs, MO. To this union was born two children, Mariam Ann Tucker Self and Aaron James Tucker.

Survivors include his devoted wife Carolyn Ann, two children and their spouses: Mariam and Levi Self of Peculiar, MO, Aaron and Cynthia Tucker of Asbury, MO; three granddaughters: Lydia Mae, Felicity Ann, and Vivienne Hope Self; his parents Rev. James D. and Betty J. Tucker; brothers Roger and Genie Tucker, Mark and Brenda Tucker, Joe and Belinda Tucker; sisters Carma Tucker, and Kerri and Kirk Bland; brother-in-law Randy and Corda Hayward,  many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

As a “preacher’s kid” he was exposed to the love of God and the way of salvation from birth. He received Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a small child at home. He had a Christian education all through grade school and high school, attended Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, and Fort Scott Community College for printing, auto-tuneup, and welding classes. He also attended a piano tuning and regulation class at Pittsburg State University. He successfully completed all four levels of the Joplin Nazarene Ministerial Studies, earning As in all 27 classes, concluding in 2006.

Jimmy was employed in Systems and Information Services at The Western Insurance Companies from 1979 to 1986. He then worked as a top pressman at Ward/Kraft from 1986 until April 2017.

Jimmy felt a call to the ministry in 1988. God spoke to him about preaching the truths he had been reading. He and Carolyn began a jail ministry in 1993 that lasted five years in Fort Scott. In 2000 the Lord gave him a dream of people waiting in line for the judgment. God told him to tell the people what He required. While reading Charles G. Finney’s theology on the attributes of love, he experienced that love shed abroad in his heart. His heart was opened to the reality of God’s love and he surrendered himself to a lifelong relationship with his Savior.

He was a passionate worker in the church, serving in various capacities of ministry: Sunday School teacher, worship leader, board member, sound engineer, home Bible studies, music ministry, counselor, and many Spirit-led endeavors. The Fort Scott First Church of the Nazarene issued nine local minister’s licenses to Jimmy, with the first one in 1998. He served as assistant pastor for the Independent Holiness Church, and fill-in preaching. He was pastor of the Diamond Community Church in Fort Scott from October 2016 until his resignation in September 2020.

He was a faithful husband, “all-in” dad and father-in-law, and a devoted and playful “Pappy” to his three granddaughters. He honored his parents, loved his siblings, and genuinely cared for his family and friends.  He loved to help people any way he could, and was especially concerned about the spiritual welfare of everyone he knew. He truly walked in love and was honest in all his dealings. He loved the Word of God and desired to know and do the will of God.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, February 25th at the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.  Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel.  Both the visitation and funeral service are open to the public.  Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights or Jailhouse Rock Ministries, Inc. and may be 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.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson

 

February 19, 2021

 

Foster Care

The foster care system in Kansas is broken.  Senate Bill (SB) 85 is another effort to fix it.  It would require notifications by foster care contractors to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) when a foster child is missing or spends the night in a location that is not licensed.  There is a $500 fee per day the incident is not reported.  The bill passed 38 to 0.

 

Unemployment System

Many of you have experienced the flaws in the Kansas unemployment system, be it as someone trying to file for payment, someone who had a fraudulent claim filed in your name, or a business with false claims filed against.  The problems are too numerous to list. It is devastating and it didn’t happen overnight.  Documentation presented in committee, stated that millions of dollars have been appropriated to upgrade and improve the system but those upgrades did not occur.  A Legislative Post Audit in 2007 speaks to fraud and flaws in the system and still those problems have multiplied over the years.  On top of this, approximately $1 billion in the unemployment fund has been depleted in less than one year.  It is estimated over $300 million has been paid in fraudulent claims.

 

In an effort to address the problems, there are two bills being worked, one in the House and SB 177 in the Senate.  Legislators are working hard to address these issues but ultimately it is the responsibility of the Governor.  There’s plenty of blame for governors past and present.  Let’s get it fixed.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

 

 

Business, Fort Scott, Jobs

Ward-Kraft Seeks Skilled Individuals

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WARD-KRAFT IS SEEKING QUALIFIED & SKILLED INDIVIDUALS TO FILL TWO
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!
ATTENTION……………..
Click Position Below for Full Job Description
&
Ward-Kraft started in 1972 with 25 employees, doubled in four years, and has grown to over 300 employees.
The company quickly became one of the top five manufacturers in the print industry and now has over 49 years of experience. Numerous patents, in-house R&D, and an in-house machine shop allows for both.
Ward-Kraft continues expansion to
new products and in perfecting of their forms & labels, specialty coatings,
and plastics divisions.
Ward-Kraft
encourages you to join our company & vision to be the first choice of our customers, members, and suppliers!
WARD-KRAFT, 2401 COOPER ST., FORT SCOTT, KS
800.821.4021
Job Description:
· Create and maintain systems using C#,VB.NET/ASP.NET, SQL Server, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JSON, and XAML
· Follow Domain-Driven Design (DDD) Principles
· Adhere to Agile methodologies
· Maintain Git repositories and Nuget Packages
Job Requirements:
· Associate’s Degree with emphasis on programming preferred, but not required
· Experience with C# preferred but any OOP (Object Oriented Programming) language will suffice
· Experience using relevant tool suites -Visual Studio, SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)
· Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
· Creative problem-solving skills
· Self-Motivated
The ideal candidate will be a team player who is goal-oriented, possesses a strong work ethic, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Position Summary: Responsible for digital file preparation, manipulation of customer artwork, recreating logos and other graphics, variable data file preparation, and pagination of images in a precise and accurate manner.
Key Qualifications:
  • Good working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator & Photoshop
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office especially Excel
  • Color manipulation experience
  • Mac and PC proficient
  • Outstanding problem-solving skills
  • Professional
The ideal candidate will be a team player who is goal-oriented, possesses a strong work ethic, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
If you have an interest in these positions, applications may be obtained at www.wardkraft.com or email resume to [email protected].You can also pick up a paper application at
2401 Cooper St., Fort Scott KS, 66701.
Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

DEADLINE FOR 2021 FLAG SUBSCRIPTIONS NEARS

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The deadline to sign up for the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Fly the Flag project is quickly approaching. Applications for new subscriptions must be postmarked by March 1st. Subscribers renewing for 2021 must submit a renewal application and payment by March 31st.

The project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes, hassle free, on five different flag holidays. For $35 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day.

Application forms can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text by calling Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484. Renewals notices have been mailed/emailed to all 2020 subscribers. Questions can be directed to Kelley or Martha Scott at 620-224-9924.

All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. These include: Symbols of Sacrifice, a Citizenship Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Youth Engagement, and many others.

Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!

The Fly the Flag project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.

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Obituary

Obituary of Gary D. Beerbower

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Gary Dean Beerbower, age 54, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Friday, February 19, 2021, at his home. He was born August 13, 1966, in Ft. Scott, the son of Lowell William Beerbower and Donna Kay Lawson Beerbower.

Gary graduated from FSHS with the class of 1985. He married Angie Riley on February 4, 1999. They later divorced but remained good friends.

Gary enjoyed shooting and was a member of the Old Fort Sharpshooters. He liked music and was a horror movie buff. He was a packrat and lover of junk. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

Survivors included 3 sons, Landon Beerbower, Trevor Pulliam, and Zach Riley; ex-wife Angie Riley; 3 brothers David Beerbower and wife Donna Jo, Ft. Scott, Allen Beerbower and wife Kim, Redfield, KS, and L. W. Beerbower, Ft. Scott; a sister, Rhonda Tinkey and husband Preston, Ft. Scott; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Troy Beerbower, and his parents.

There was cremation. Services will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Gary Beerbower Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Work Session Feb. 23

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The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss upcoming Streets and Parks projects if the proposed sales tax passes. This meeting is open to the public, but no action will be taken.

The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Winter Home Safety by The American Red Cross

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Power Outage Safety

Learn how to prepare your home for a power outage and what to do when one occurs

Prepare in Advance

Create a support network. Identify people who can help you stay at home or evacuate during an extended power outage. Keep a paper copy of your contact list.


Stay connected and alert.
Sign up for and monitor alert systems and apps for text alerts. Have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio, a non-cordless home phone, chargers/batteries for your cell phones and your computers.


Stock food and water.
Store non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks. Plan to use coolers and ice to extend food refrigeration and keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer or cooler to monitor the food temperature.


Know and plan for your personal and medical electrical needs.
Take an inventory of your electrical needs. Consider both back up and non-power alternatives for lighting, communication, medical devices and refrigerated medicine, cooking, garage doors, locks and elevators. Discuss a plan with your primary care or medical device providers for your medical needs.


Prepare a pet emergency kit for your companion animals.

Plan for heating or cooling your home.
Use methods such as sealing around windows to insulate your home. If the weather is very hot or very cold, plan to go to a location with air conditioning or with heat. Never use a generator, outdoor stoves or heaters indoors.


Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Install smoke alarms with battery backup on every floor, inside and outside sleeping areas. Test monthly. Make sure that you have one carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home.


Plan for surge protection.
Make sure that you have current surge protectors for household electronics.


Plan how to decide to stay or go.
Plan how and when you will evacuate safely to maintain needs such as power-dependent medical devices. Keep your car gas tank at least half full.

Safety Tips for After a Power Outage

Keep away from power lines. Stay at least 35 feet away from fallen power lines and anything they are touching. Call 911 and let them know.

Avoid electrical shock in flood areas. Don’t go into flooded areas or use any electrical equipment or electronics that may have been submerged. Have a qualified electrical inspector check the electrical system.

When in doubt, throw it out. If food is 40 degrees F or warmer, especially dairy and meat, throw it out. Ask your provider about using refrigerated medicines.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills outdoors only in well-ventilated areas at least 20 feet away from windows.

Winter Storm Safety

Learn how to stay safe during a blizzard and how to prevent or thaw frozen pipes

Take immediate precautions if you hear these words on the news:

Winter Storm WARNING:

Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Blizzard WARNING:
Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer.

Staying Safe During a Winter Storm or Blizzard

  • Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
  • Listen to a local station on battery-powered radio or television or to NOAA Weather Radio for updated emergency information.
  • Bring your companion animals inside before the storm begins. Move other animals to sheltered areas with a supply of non-frozen water. Most animal deaths in winter storms are caused by dehydration.
  • Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
  • Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Drink liquids such as warm broth or juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, accelerates the symptoms of hypothermia. Alcohol, such as brandy, is a depressant and hastens the effects of cold on the body. Alcohol also slows circulation and can make you less aware of the effects of cold. Both caffeine and alcohol can cause dehydration.
  • Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days, placing great demand on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.). Lower the thermostat to 65° F during the day and to 55° F at night. Close off unused rooms, and stuff towels or rags in cracks under the doors. Cover windows at night.
  • Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.

After a Winter Storm

  • Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Access to some parts of the community may be limited or roads may be blocked.
  • Help people who require special assistance—infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help in an emergency situation, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
  • Avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved.
  • Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of death during the winter.
  • Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is unimpeded by drifted snow, ice, or other obstacles.
  • If you are using a portable generator, take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.

Home Fire Safety

Learn how your family can prevent home fires, escape from a home fire in 2 minutes, and recover after a home fire.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Learn what else to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Top Tips for Fire Safety

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
  • If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

If a Fire Starts

 

  • Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher
  • Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.
  • Yell “Fire!” several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
  • If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
  • If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.
  • If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
  • Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.
Need Help Now?
If you need help after a home fire or other disaster, the following resources are available 24/7:

Requesting Help: From finding an open shelter to recovering financially, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Services page provides a list of 24/7 resources and action steps to get families on the road to recovery quickly.

Suite of Emergency Apps: Available in English or Spanish for Android or Apple devices, these apps will alert users of severe weather while also connecting users to emergency shelters and resources, when necessary. Apps can be downloaded here.

Recovering Emotionally: For free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746 or find additional help here.  

Reconnecting Families: Disasters can tear families apart when they need each other the most. The American Red Cross can help family members reconnect.

Individuals can also contact 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for any other assistance.
Submitted by Nancy Ven Etten

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

K-State’s Garden Hour – “Best Plants for a Beginning Landscape”

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Krista Harding
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786

 

The K-State Garden Hour – a popular online program featuring horticulture experts from across the state – will highlight best plants for a beginning landscape on Wednesday, March 3rd from noon to 1 p.m. Learn how to choose the right plants for your landscape including tough plants that will grow well for any level of gardener.

Garden hour programs will continue two times a month through the summer. To register and participate in the K-State Garden Hour, visit www.ksre-learn.com/KStateGardenHour-register

For more information, please contact Krista Harding, horticulture agent, at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.