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Bourbon County, Schools

UNIONTOWN HS 2020-21 BASKETBALL RESULTS GAME 2

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

Submitted by Adelay Martin, UHS Student Sports Reporter

The Eagles’ Varsity basketball teams traveled to Humboldt once again to face the Erie Red Devils. Both teams were defeated by Erie.

The Lady Eagles lost to Erie on Thursday 29-32. Sammie Hampton scored 10 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Gwenyth Fry had 1 assist and 8 rebounds, and Karleigh Schoenberger had 10 rebounds and 2 steals. Rylee Coulter, a freshman, had 4 rebounds and scored 4 points, one basket being a buzzer-beater that took us into a second overtime.

“As much as we hate losing, we really needed this experience tonight,” said Coach Miller. “Foul trouble, coupled with our usual top performers stumbling, required us to step outside of our comfort zone. This unfortunate outcome may have helped our team more than the sting of the loss will let us realize right now. Get bitter, or get BETTER. I know what these girls will choose.”

The boys’ Varsity team also lost to Erie 39-53. Jake Harvey scored 15 points and had 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Clay Sutterby scored 7 points and had 4 rebounds, and Luke Perry scored 6 points and had 5 rebounds. Drew Perry had 1 assist and 2 steals.

“I’m extremely proud of the guys on our team,” Coach Hays said. “We competed hard and left it all on the court. We defended and rebounded much better tonight. We need to continue to work on our chemistry on the offensive end, but that will come with time.”

Fort Scott

Rotary Close to Bikes for Children Goal This Year

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Rotary is close to meeting their goal of 87 bikes ~
no amount is too small to give!
You may drop off your donation to the E3 store at Wall & National Ave. or click here to pay via the Chamber PayPal and we will forward your donation.
Call Rhonda Dunn for questions or more info:
620-224-1186
Rotary asks for your
partnership in meeting
their goal on
purchasing Bikes
for Children this Christmas!
Rotary Christmas Bikes 2020
The Fort Scott Rotary Club is working with The Beacon
again this year to bring Christmas bicycles to Fort Scott children.
We really came together last year and met the needs and
think we can do it again this year. We need over
80 bicycles, scooters, or tricycles this year.
How can you help?
– Buy a bicycle, scooter, or tricycle and bring it to
Rotary c/o Rhonda Dunn 13 S. National between 9-6 Mon-Fri.
– Make a donation for bicycles and we will do the shopping for you. Mail it to: Fort Scott Rotary Club at 13 S. National Fort Scott.
– Click here to make a donation online via the Chamber’s PayPal and we will forward the money to Rotary.
– PM or call Rhonda @ 620.224.1186 with questions or for more info.
We will be collecting bicycles until December 16 and delivering them on December 17 to the Community Christian Church for distributions to the families on December 18.
Let’s make Christmas special for local families!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and possible contribution to this project!
Government, Kansas

Governor’s Race Equity Recommendations Released

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Governor Laura Kelly’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice Releases Recommendations

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that her Commission on Racial Equity and Justice has released to the public their initial report on law enforcement and policing in Kansas.

In June of 2020, Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order No. 20-48, establishing the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice. The Commission was tasked with studying issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas. It began its work focusing on law enforcement and policing.

“I’m proud to see that the Commission has engaged with so many diverse communities and stakeholder groups across Kansas to compile recommendations that get to the heart of these issues,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I implore legislators and law enforcement agencies across the state to take a close look at these recommendations and see how they can create real change for the communities they serve.”

The governor appointed a diverse group of professionals from law enforcement, academia, public education, public health, local government, the justice system, and more to spearhead the Commission’s work. Over the past five months, the Commission met with dozens of stakeholders, community members, and law enforcement professionals across the state and collected input for recommendations on improving law enforcement interactions with the communities they serve.

The Commission, led by co-chairs Dr. Tiffany Anderson and Dr. Shannon Portillo, held five months of bi-weekly meetings and hosted 26 learning sessions with community members and stakeholders.

“We are thankful for the hundreds of community members, law enforcement professionals, and all those who took the time to candidly and selflessly present their ideas and expertise to help lead us to become a more equitable state,” said the co-chairs. “Through the many hours of virtual meetings, we have learned how dedicated so many fellow Kansans are to do what it takes to create a safer, more trusting, and more inclusive environment for all. Our work was given deeper meaning and value through their participation and recommendations.”

Last week, the Commission submitted to the Governor a report with more than 60 recommendations on ways that state agencies, the legislature, and local governments can take action to improve racial equity around law enforcement and policing in the state of Kansas. The recommendations address topics including law enforcement training, accountability, data collection, and behavioral health.

The Commission will convene today, Thursday, December 10, 2020, to discuss future topics of study. Commissioners will analyze racial equity and justice in the context of various systems in Kansas, such as mental health, education, housing, and economic opportunity. Per Executive Order No. 20-48, the Commission is tasked with submitting to the governor a second report by July 1, 2021, and a final comprehensive report by January 1, 2022.

Read the full report here.

See a summary of the report recommendations here.

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Prom for People with Special Needs

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Submitted by
Michelle Hudiburg and Clayton Whitson,
[email protected]

Fort Scott Nazarene to Host Night to Shine Prom for People with Special Needs

Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation

FORT SCOTT, KS, The Tim Tebow Foundation’s NIGHT TO SHINE, hosted in Fort Scott Kansas is holding a raffle to raise funds to help make this year’s Night to Shine unforgettable. It is a 50/50
raffle.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go into a pot, 50% will go to Night to Shine and one winner will win the other 50%.

Last reports put that pot at over $400. You can purchase tickets in FORT SCOTT at Common

Ground Coffee or Five Corners anytime or Nazarene Church THIS Saturday from 10-1.

In NEVADA, you can purchase tickets at Verco / Davidson Shoes or Western Finance.

The winner will be drawn on DECEMBER 14th, 2020

.
We are still looking for Honored Guests, Volunteers, and Corporate sponsors. To register or for more information you can email: [email protected] or visit our Facebook page:
facebook.com/fsnighttoshine

Please like and share the Fort Scott Night to Shine Facebook page for the most up to date information.
********
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For 2021, due to the global circumstances of COVID-19, the Foundation has chosen to provide Night to Shine as a virtual event in 2021.

We feel that the best way to honor and love our guests is
to forego in-person proms in order to keep them as safe as possible. We are incredibly disappointed that we are not able to celebrate each amazing king and queen in person this year,
but we are committed to throwing one spectacular, safe, virtual celebration in their honor .

While this year’s event will be virtual, Fort Scott Nazarene and partners are anticipating hosting this event for years to come. This is just the beginning for Night to Shine in our community and
surrounding areas AND we are looking for sponsors to ensure a high-quality, high-impact evening for our honored guests. If you are interested in sponsoring, please visit our website or email
[email protected] .

An event of this magnitude requires an army of volunteers to make it successful. The Night to Shine Steering Team is actively seeking people to help make this celebration a reality. Register to
be a volunteer by using the provided link (you must be at least 16 years old to volunteer).

Volunteer Registration: https://forms.gle/7HFfz8KwqxcZ5RMt8

For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Fort Scott Nazarene, please visit our site or find us on Facebook. These will be the best sources of information as we approach Night to
Shine.

https://fsnighttoshine.wixsite.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FSNightToShine

For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, visit: http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/index.php/night-to-shine/

ABOUT TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION
The Tim Tebow Foundation exists to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is being fulfilled every day through outreach in the fields of
Orphan Care + Prevention, Special Needs and Children with Profound Medical Needs. To learn more about how the Tim Tebow Foundation is serving children and sharing God’s love by fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves, visit www.timtebowfoundation.org .

Obituary

Obituary of Marsha Hudson

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Marsha Ann Hudson, age 69, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. She was the beloved wife of 48 years to Leigh Carleton Hudson; dear mother of Tyler William Hudson (Jenn) and Ryan Carleton Hudson (Alka); and cherished grandmother to Reece Ricci Hudson, Rory Ann Hudson, Uma Hudson, and Ian Hudson. She treasured her family, her friends, her church, and her community in Fort Scott. She was a person of deep faith, integrity, beauty, positivity, frugality, and love. Marsha was born in Wichita, Kansas, December 5, 1951, the daughter of Ralph William and Mildred L. (Parker) Corn and younger sister to Jim Corn (Cheri).

A proud graduate of Emporia State Teachers College in 1973, she was a member of the Tri Sig Sorority and won “Miss Sunflower” as the most photogenic student. After graduation, Marsha was a home economics teacher for several years and helped to put her husband through law school.

After raising two young boys, she became a free-lance interior decorator in 1983 and worked with Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott until her retirement many decades later. Marsha was very active in all parts of her community. She was a Charter Member of the Pioneer Kiwanis Club; she began working with the Bourbon County Red Cross in 1982, becoming President in 1985; she was a member of the P.E.O. Chapter AQ, becoming the Vice-President in 1985; she worked on the “Holiday Homes Tour” and Good Old Days committees; she was a member of PTO and was a Debate and Cook-Off Judge; she was Winfield Scott School pictures chairperson; she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Yearbook Chairman 1985-1986; and she was a member of Magazine Club and Bridge Club.

Marsha was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Scott, having served as both Deacon and Ruling Elder. Marsha was strongly committed to the local schools, and in particular the debate and forensics programs, and she helped these programs take root and blossom. She was surrounded by many strong friends throughout the community and was both grateful and proud to live in Fort Scott. More than anything, she had a remarkable ability to get along with—and relate to—everybody. Marsha’s go-to phrase was: “If you can get along with people, you can do anything.” As so many in Fort Scott can confirm, Marsha lived this statement with a smile on her face every day of her life.

Her family is extremely thankful for the Kansas City Hospital and Palliative Care team. Due to the public health situation, the family will be conducting a family-only graveside service under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, and a celebration of life will be next year (on a date to be announced and circulated by her family). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to First Presbyterian Church in Fort Scott. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Government, Kansas

Rogers Appointed Kansas State Treasurer

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Intention to Appoint Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers To Become State Treasurer

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intention to appoint Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers to become the 41st Kansas State Treasurer when Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner vacates the position in January.

“Lynn is uniquely qualified to serve as the Kansas state treasurer,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “He has over 40 years of experience as a banker – both in urban and rural areas alike. I’m grateful for his service in my administration, and I have no doubt he will keep doing great things for the people of Kansas in his new role.”

The State Treasurer vacancy was initiated by the election of Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner to the U.S. House of Representatives for the 2nd Congressional District in Kansas. Lieutenant Governor Rogers will be sworn in as Treasurer on January 2nd, 2021.

“It is an honor to accept the position of Kansas State Treasurer,” Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers said. “I spent my entire career in banking and bring to this position more than 40 years of experience working in all aspects of the industry. I look forward to applying all of this experience to helping protect the financial interests of Kansans.”

The State Treasurer oversees Kansas’ revenue and finances, directs the investment of state assets, and ensures government can operate safely and efficiently through proper banking, investment, and cash management.

“The outstanding Treasurer’s Office staff and I look forward to assisting with a smooth hand-off to the new treasurer and ensuring Kansans continue to receive excellent service,” State Treasurer and Congressman-elect Jake LaTurner said.

Governor Kelly will announce her appointment to Lieutenant Governor next week.

Fort Scott

Wreaths Across America Anonymous Donation

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Wreaths Across America For Fort Scott National Cemetery Received an Extraordinarily Generous Anonymous Donation

The Wreaths Across America mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, is the foundation behind all the organizations efforts. Throughout the year, since 2007 volunteers tirelessly work to make certain that families, loved ones and heroes get honored and remembered for the holidays. For the past 2 years, due to the efforts of many selfless volunteers the Fort Scott National Cemetery has had the pleasure to honor every single one of our military veterans with a wreath at their final resting place of the Fort Scott National Cemetery. With the many challenges of 2020 this just seemed out of reach this year. In fact , we thought it unreachable as the order window closed and we sat at only 44% of our overall goal of covering the entirety of Fort Scott National Cemetery, including a small plot at the Barnesville Cemetery. However, with only days before the wreath trucks were set to run, an extraordinarily generous anonymous donor with a larger-than-life heart got word of our shortage and couldn’t bear the thought of every soldier not being honored, stepped up to cover the funds for the entire remaining portion of the Cemetery.

“Being contacted by a donor who agreed to sponsor payment for ALL of the local graves at Fort Scott National Cemetery who have not been sponsored for 2020 was about the most wonderful surprise I’ve ever received. Prior to this generous donation, our Cemetery had donations to cover about half of the graves for interred soldiers. How grateful we are, and what this means to the families of the fallen soldiers is hard to express.” Said Diann Tucker (Location Coordinator)

To ensure the most important part (the laying of a wreath on every hero’s grave) in our Fort Scott National Cemetery is accomplished for 2020, this year’s events in Fort Scott will look a little different and therefore compromises have been made. This year there will be no ceremony, however we will still be displaying the 7 ceremonial wreaths to represent the Coast Guard, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, Merchant Marines and Prisoners of war and those Missing In Action. We will be laying wreaths prior to National Wreaths Day to allow us to have registered volunteers while respectfully maintaining social distancing. This way wreaths will be ready to view by their loved ones on National Wreath Day on the 19th of December. (If you would like to volunteer to help place wreaths please reach out to our Location Coordinator Diann Tucker at 620-223-6700, send a email to [email protected] or logon wreathsacrossamerica.org to fill an open volunteer slot.)

Wreath sponsorships are only $15, and can be sponsored directly at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/ksfsnf or email [email protected] for a link to our local PayPal account. You can also contact location coordinator Diann Tucker at Stewart Realty in Fort Scott, 620-223-6700 or 620-224-7054.

“Every $15 wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “Whether the wreath is placed this December, or next, know that your gift will be honored. We are so grateful to the good people of this great nation for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

To stay informed about changes to Wreath Day events in your community or to sponsor a wreath for a local hero, please contact location coordinator Diann Tucker at 620-223-6700.

 

COVID-19, Government, Health Care, Kansas

COVID-19 Testing In Kansas Care Homes

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Governor Laura Kelly Issues Executive Order Requiring COVID-19 Testing in Adult Care Homes

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Executive Order #20-69, requiring COVID-19 testing in certain adult care homes, to enhance efforts to keep COVID-19 from entering and spreading through nursing homes.

“By implementing uniform testing guidelines for nursing facilities statewide, we create clarity on the testing practices that will protect adult care home workers, residents, and communities from the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

The order will require facilities to test residents and staff based on parameters and a frequency set forth by the executive order. The order requires testing of staff and residents in state-licensed facilities that are classified as adult care homes under K.S.A. 39-923(a). The order does not apply to facilities that are regulated by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services because those facilities are already subject to similar testing requirements.

The Executive Order outlines the routine testing requirements for adult care home staff based upon county positivity rates, monitoring and adjusting every other week, reported by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The minimum testing interval based on the county positivity rates are as follows:

  • Low (<5% positive test result rate) or Green – Once a month
  • Medium (5% – 10% positive test result rate) or Yellow – Once a week
  • High (>10% positive test result rate) or Red – Twice a Week

The guidance above represents the minimum testing expected. Facilities may consider other factors, such as the positivity rate in an adjacent county to test at a higher frequency than required.

“We thank Governor Kelly for her continued support via this executive order to prioritize adult care home staff and residents in the state’s COVID-19 testing strategy,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “This action gives us an opportunity to ensure our most vulnerable citizens and the staff critical to their hands-on care are afforded every protection needed to slow down or stop the entrance of this virus into our facilities.”

Facilities can meet the testing requirements by using rapid point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing devices or through an arrangement with an offsite laboratory. For a facility to conduct these tests with their own staff and equipment (including POC devices provided by the Department of Health and Human Services), the facility must have a CLIA Certificate of Waiver.

Facilities without the ability to conduct COVID-19 POC testing should have arrangements with a laboratory to conduct tests to meet these requirements. Laboratories that can quickly process large numbers of tests with rapid reporting of results should be selected to rapidly inform infection prevention initiatives to prevent and limit transmission. Facilities have access to laboratories contracted with the State of Kansas through the “It’s Up to Us, Kansas” testing strategy. This access is established through December 30, 2020.

The order states that, regardless of the frequency of testing being performed or the facility’s COVID-19 status, the facility should continue to regularly screen all staff, each resident, and all persons entering the facility, such as vendors, volunteers, and visitors, for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

The Executive Order further outlines guidelines for testing staff and residents with COVID-19 symptoms or signs, responding to an outbreak, refusal of testing, conducting tests, and reporting and documenting results.

Executive Order #20-69 becomes effective on Monday, December 14, 2020, and remains in force until rescinded or until the statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires, whichever is earlier.

View E.O. #20-69 here.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

UHS Basketball Results

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

UNIONTOWN HS BASKETBALL 2020-21 RESULTS GAME 1

The 2020-21 Uniontown Eagles’ basketball season kicked off at Humboldt with the first game of the Humboldt Tournament. Both Varsity teams played the Humboldt Cubs.

The final score of the first tournament game was 55-38, Uniontown. Danielle Howard was 5/5 on free throws and scored a total of 29 points. She made four three-pointers and had 4 assists, 6 deflections, and 5 steals. Alie Fuhrman had 4 rebounds, and Sammie Hampton had 3 rebounds. Karleigh Schoenberger scored 18 points with 2 three-pointers and had 4 steals, as well as 2 assists.

“We are blessed to be able to get back on the court and compete,” said Coach Miller. “We are grateful for everyone that made this possible. Our first game was a little rough, but we know how to fix it and we will. Looking forward to getting back in the gym to get better.”

The boys’ game, which ended after one overtime, was lost 55-59. Jake Harvey scored 23 points and had 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Clay Sutterby scored 13 points and had 5 rebounds. Cade Goodridge had 6 rebounds and Drew Holt had 4.

Coach Hays said, “I thought the boys competed hard against Humboldt. They have a really good basketball program and are well-coached. It was nice to see our boys play hard and fight back to take them to overtime. We have some things we need to improve on. We need to rebound the ball better and hit our free throws. We also need to do a better job of attacking the rim when our shots aren’t falling. We will continue to work hard in practice and prepare for Erie.”

The tournament will resume on Thursday, December 10 at Humboldt, where both teams will play Erie. Friday’s game will also be at Humboldt, where the teams will face Crest.

-Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Special Meeting Dec. 14

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The City Commission will meet for a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 14th, 2020 at City Hall in the City Commission meeting room at 123 South Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. It is anticipated the City Commission will recess into Executive Session to review the submitted applications for City Manager.

This meeting will be broadcast on the City’s You tube channel. This meeting is open to the public.

If you have any questions, please let me know.