All posts by Submitted Story

Government, Kansas

Grants Assistance to Child Care Programs

Leave a comment

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Estimated $3.5 Million in Grants to Assist Kansas Child Care Programs

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly today announced that Child Care Aware of Kansas, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Office of Recovery, has launched a new Child Care Health Consultant Network to provide technical assistance to licensed child care providers as they implement COVID-19 health and safety guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

After working directly with a consultant to assess the environment, child care programs are eligible to apply for grant funding to purchase supplies or make adaptations to home or center-based facilities. Child Care Aware of Kansas anticipates providing $3.5 million in grants and supplies.

“Through the assistance and funding provided to Kansas child care providers by the Child Care Health Consultant Network, we will not only protect the health and safety of our child care workers and kids, but also ensure that centers can stay open throughout the duration of the pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants will help ensure working parents have access to safe, healthy child care facilities and continue to strengthen our economy and keep businesses open. I want to thank Child Care Aware of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Office of Recovery for their innovative approach to fulfilling this need.”

The Child Care Health Consultant Network comes at a critical time for Kansas’ child care system. A recent study by Yale University showed that child care settings were not associated with increased risks of COVID-19 infections provided that appropriate health and safety measures were taken. Kansas’ Child Care Health Consultants work with child care providers to implement the most current guidance from the CDC and KDHE.

With the first phase of implementation for the Child Care Health Consultant Network nearing completion, Child Care Aware of Kansas and state partners are now shifting their attention to long-term sustainability of the Network. In addition to supporting healthy and safe child care settings, Child Care Health Consultants will play a crucial role in protecting and promoting the health growth and development of children and their families.

“The Child Care Health Consultant Network is a critical support for child care programs that are working hard to ensure that children are safe and healthy in the midst of the pandemic. We work with providers to assess the child care environment and ensure that health and safety measures are in place,” said Kelly Davydov, Executive Director. “Child care is essential to a thriving Kansas economy, and families want to know that their children are cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. We’re doing everything we can to ensure that this support continues to be available for child care programs.”

“The global pandemic placed a considerable amount of uncertainty into my day-to-day that I had not expected at the beginning of the year,” said Dawn Chapman, owner and operator of The Nature and Nurture Spot in Gardner, Kansas. “With the help of the Child Care Health Consultant Network, I’ve been able to purchase the supplies I need to help ensure the safety of the children I care for every day.”

To date, 415 child care programs have requested consultations.

For more information about the Child Care Health Consultant Network, visit https://ks.childcareaware.org/child-care-health-consultant-network/.

###

About Child Care Aware® of Kansas

Child Care Aware of Kansas’ vision is that all communities across Kansas value and support early childhood development.  It is, therefore, its mission that high-quality early education is available to all Kansas families and children. Child Care Aware of Kansas is known as a strong advocate for children, their families and the early childhood profession. It works to:

  • Ensure families have access to affordable, high-quality child care across the state.
  • Support child care providers with ongoing professional development training and information/coaching support about how to improve the quality of child care.
  • Network with employers and community partners on how to support high-quality child care in their communities.

To learn more about Child Care Aware® of Kansas, visit www.ks.childcareaware.org

Obituary

Obituary of Joseph Harper

Leave a comment

Joseph Eldon Harper, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 of kidney failure and complications of COVID. A native of Fort Scott, Kansas, Joseph spent the last few years of his life at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri.

He is survived by a spouse, Gertrude (Johnston) Harper, two children: Mary Jo & Richard Harper, two grandchildren: Xavier Huffman and Cobie Haynes, one great-grandchild: Mabel Haynes, and family David Shaffer, Carroll Findley, Edna Stein, Wade and Julie Pellett, Nicole Pellett, Elly Booth, Weston Pellett, Dakota Brown, Jacob Pellett, Michael Nighswonger, Thomas Nighswonger, Brian Nighswonger, and Arria Booth. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles (Charlie) Harper and Mary (Pellett) Harper, sisters: Karen Shaffer and Peggy Findley, and family Larry Stein, Leona and Lewis Dreyer, Bud Johnston, Toby Nighswonger, Robbie Stein, and Tori and Sheena Peirano.

Joe was born June 29, 1945 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Charlie and Mary Harper. He grew up in the country north of town, helping his family run the farmland with his sisters Karen and Peggy.

Until the 4th​ ​ grade, Joe didn’t care much for reading, but after a kind teacher at Bunker Hill helped him, reading became a passion for him that he passed on to his children.

Joseph married a Blue Mound girl, Gertrude Johnston, February 10, 1967, before enlisting in the United States Air Force August 10, 1967. Joseph and Gertrude spent two and a half years in Japan during his service. During this time, he was an assistant coach for Gertrude’s softball team and they enjoyed getting lost at the World’s Fair in Osaka. He was discharged as an E-4 Sergeant in 1971 and they moved to Glendale, Arizona where they began teaching Wade and Nicole how to hunt (always remember the Glenn Miller 8-tracks) before having children.

After Mary Jo and Richard were born, they came home to Fort Scott where Joseph assisted his mother in running the store on Main Street: Master Printers. Through the store, he was also a traveling salesman once a week, known as the “Laughing Salesman.”

After retirement, he enjoyed driving a bus for USD 234 Fort Scott. The kids were good company and he loved traveling where he could enjoy the sights and then take a nap or read a book until the kids were ready to come home.

Joe was in DeMolay then a Mason of the Rising Sun Lodge and a Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 13, Fort Scott.

After graduating from Fort Scott High School and after service, he attended Glendale Community College and Arizona State University.

Joseph loved hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, and attending music performances of his kids.

Any who heard his laugh knew who it belonged to and where it was coming from. The laughter will ring through those who have been left behind, though his has been silenced.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 9th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Masonic and Eastern Star services will also be held at the chapel.  A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:30 P.M. Monday at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the PSU Foundation with emphasis on the Music Department 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.

Attachments area
Bourbon County

Fort Scott Area Community Foundation Launches Annual Appeal

Leave a comment
Recipients of the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation 2019 grants. Submitted photo.

The annual appeal for the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation is underway.

Since 2009, the Foundation has awarded 146 grants totaling more than $238,500 to area non-profits. The annual appeal supports the unrestricted endowed fund from which grants are awarded.

Grants to our hard-working non-profits come from the interest on this permanent fund. The principal is never touched, according to Carla Farmer, Foundation chair.

Leading the annual appeal are David Shepherd and Charles Gentry. Shepherd and Gentry serve on the Foundation Board of Directors and have been actively involved in community fundraising efforts over the years.

“Charles and I believe that growing this fund is more important than ever,” said Shepherd. “The needs in our community continue to increase. By supporting the annual appeal, more dollars will be available to provide more grants for our community’s elderly, youth, and quality of life initiatives.”

Gentry added, “This year we have the opportunity to maximize gifts through a match offered by a generous donor. Gifts of any size to the annual appeal will be matched up to $20,000.”

In October of this year, $36,250 in grants were awarded to 18 organizations by the Foundation. The grants affect all age groups and support initiatives including travel vouchers for cancer patients, youth music programs, and funds that help feed and clothe the neediest of our citizens.

One organization to receive a grant this year is CASA. Christa Horn, executive director, stated, “We have serious business to conduct during a very serious time. We wish that our service was not needed, but alas, child abuse and neglect does not care about a pandemic, does not care about safety.”

The funds that CASA will provide will be used to help volunteers continue their work in a time when face to face contact is not possible. “We will use these funds wisely to help our volunteers continue their roles as the eyes and ears of the Courts and the voice of the child,” Horn added.

To make a gift visit fsacf.com or call 620-224-6500.

Bourbon County, Church news, Entertainment, Schools

Prom For Special Needs People Is Feb. 12

Leave a comment

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

Sponsored by Tim Tebow Foundation

FORT SCOTT, KS, Fort Scott Nazarene announced today that they will serve as one of many churches around the world already registered to host Night to Shine 2021, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This event will be hosted virtually, with partnerships through local churches across the globe simultaneously on Friday, February 12. Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love for people with special needs ages 14 and older.

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].

We are looking to connect with Honored Guests, their families, and caretakers to make this a great celebration. Registration is NOW OPEN for Honored Guests 14 and older and is required to attend the Virtual Night to Shine experience.

Guest Registration: https://forms.gle/EPreA5pCm9A23b987

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.  

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Kansas Quarantine List Now Includes South Dakota

Leave a comment

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

South Dakota added

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list to include those who have traveled to South Dakota and the countries of Belgium and Czechia beginning today, November 4. North Dakota and the country of Andorra remain on the list as does attendance at out-of-state mass gatherings with 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance and wear masks.

 

Kansas evaluates the previous two week’s case rates by 100,000 population for states and countries. Locations with significantly higher rates – approximately 3x higher than Kansas – are added to the list. North Dakota has a two-week case rate 3.6 times higher than Kansas while South Dakota’s rate is 3.2 times Kansas.

 

This list is effective for all persons returning to or entering Kansas on the effective dates. A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to or from South Dakota on or after November 4.
  • Travel to or from Belgium and Czechia on or after November 4.
  • Travel to or from North Dakota on or after October 21.
  • Travel to or from the country of Andorra on or after October 21.
  • Attendance at any out-of-state mass gatherings of 500 or more where individuals do not socially distance (6 feet) and wear a mask.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Travel quarantines do not prohibit travel through Kansas. People from these locations may still travel through Kansas. If this is done, KDHE recommends limited stops, wearing a mask at rest stops or when getting gas and being 6’ from others when doing so. If the destination is Kansas, they would be required to quarantine upon arrival to their destination.

 

Mass gatherings are defined as any event or convening that brings together 500 or more persons in a single room or space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. This includes parades, fairs and festivals. Mass gatherings does not include normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 500 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include typical office environments, schools, restaurants, factories or retail/grocery stores where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within 6 feet of one another for more than 10 minutes.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector

employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Schools

FSHS Thespians Present Fall Play

Leave a comment

 

Fort Scott High School Thespian Troupe #7365 presents the full-length comedy The Monologue Show (from Hell) by Don Zolidis.

 

Performances are Nov. 18, 19, and 21 at 7 p.m. at the FSHS Auditorium.

 

Playscripts describes the play this way, “It took this drama class three long months to prepare for their monologue show . . . but barely a minute to throw all their plans out the window. From the couple staging their real-life break-up to the garden-gnome thief confessing his crimes, everything that can go wrong will in this collection of hilarious tall tales.”

 

Fifteen students from freshman to seniors play a variety of zany characters. Another ten FSHS students are involved in all technical aspects of the play ranging from lighting design to stage management.

 

Show Director Angie Bin chose this year’s play for a number of reasons, “We decided to switch the traditional fall musical to the spring and move the play to the fall with all of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic. This play has allowed me to rehearse one on one with students for less group interaction and has given us the opportunity to rehearse virtually as needed. We also have the ability to record and project students who may have to be quarantined, although we have had to push the original show dates back a week due to quarantine restrictions.”

 

This year’s performance allows the FSHS Drama Department to utilize online ticketing for the first time ever with built-in social distancing as reserved seats are assigned. Adult tickets are $7 and students and children are $5. Tickets can be purchased at fortscotthighschooltheatre.ludus.com or at the door. Any audience member who purchased tickets for the original show dates will be contacted via e-mail for exchanges or refunds.

 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for performances. Masks and social distancing are required in USD 234 schools.

There is also an online streamed performance of the show available for $7.

 

Bourbon County

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition Minutes of Nov. 4

Leave a comment

Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

November 4, 2020

  1. Welcome: Ten members representing eleven agencies attended. Billie Jo announced that the Coalition Board had received $1,600 from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation for assistance to needy families.
  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Sandy Haggard noted that RSVP has volunteers in Bourbon County working at the Beacon. She is working on a new program that would pair volunteers and home-bound seniors by way of encouraging phone calls. She also mentioned that the organization is selling Christmas poinsettias for $10 as a money-making project. Sandy will deliver the poinsettias to our December Coalition meeting.
  • Michele Lyon, DCF, shared that LIEAP applications would be mailed in December to those who have been on the program previously; others can apply online and in the office beginning in January. Michele also reminded members of the Presbyterian Church furniture ministry; if you have furniture to donate or need to refer a needy person, contact the Presbyterian Church or Michele.
  • Cinda Reynolds, American Red Cross, shared that she was recently assigned to help with the Hurricane Laura victims virtually. She also assisted with the latest Linn County blood drive. Billie Jo encouraged people in Bourbon County to make appointments to donate as opposed to simply walking in because at the last few Bourbon County drives, walk-ins were not always able to donate.
  • David Gillen, The Beacon, explained that sign-up for the Adopt-A-Family and Elks Christmas baskets will end on Friday, November 6. Families will be ready to be adopted on November 16; those wishing to help with the project should contact The Beacon at that time. David also noted that families are now able to enter The Beacon through the front door. Adopt-A-Family gifts will be picked up on December 18 at Community Christian Church; a drive-through system will be utilized. Elks baskets will be distributed on December 20.
  • Christine Abbott, Kansas Works, announced that beginning tomorrow, November 5, there will be a Bourbon County office at 17 S. Main Street, second floor. Contact Christine at 620-779-3727 for appointment and program information.
  • Patty Simpson, Fort Scott Housing Authority, said that she is accepting applications for a maintenance position. She has several varied sized apartments ready for rent. She also reminded members that through the CARES Act funding is available to help renters and landlords with rent.
  • Alice Maffett, County Health Department, noted that they are busy monitoring the Covid cases in the county. Covid vaccine and guidelines for its administration should be announced soon.
  • Allen Schelleck, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, announced that FSCM had also been awarded a FSACF grant to help individuals obtain proper IDs; they can also use the funds to provide blankets and heaters. He has been notified that the Red Bucket Campaign will happen, but he has not yet received guidelines as to how it will be done. In 2019, $7,000 was raised to be used in Bourbon County.
  • Robin Griffin, Thrive Allen County, mentioned that the virtual Opioid Prevention Conference will be November 12-13. Robin has funds that can be used to pay the $75.00 registration fee. She is also planning a “first aid mental health” training in the near future; this can be geared to different age groups.
  1. Program (no programs until January, 2021, at the earliest): As long as the Covid pandemic lingers, we will not be asking outside people to present programs. However, if any Coalition member has something that cannot be covered in the announcement time frame, we will be glad to schedule that member as the program.
  1. Open Forum: Billie Jo reminded members to be sure to sign the attendance sheet and thanked them for braving the face-to-face meeting.
  1. Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be December 2, 2020.
Obituary

Obituary of Rolene Lowry

Leave a comment

Rolene Lowry, age 70, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS.

She was born on December 30, 1949, in Moran, KS, the daughter of Ralph and Phyllis Jackson Miller. She grew up in Selma, KS, attending country school there. She graduated from Blue Mound high school. Rolene then obtained her cosmetology degree from Pittsburg State. She worked for a beauty shop in Erie, KS, before working at Western Insurance Company in Ft. Scott

There she would meet her eventual husband. She married Leon Lowry on July 8, 1973, in Selma, KS.   

She later would begin work for USD235 in Uniontown and continued for 31 years.

Rolene enjoyed reading Christian novels and spending time with her family. She was a member of the Mt. Orum Baptist Church for 13 years before transferring to the Xenia Baptist Church for the past 20 years.

Survivors include her husband Leon of the home; son Chad Lowry of the home; daughter Candace Jobe and husband Joel, Ft. Scott; step son Kurk Lowry; step daughter Angie Eck and husband Dave; her mother, Phyllis Miller, Iola, KS; 2 sisters, Pat Lasley and husband Denny, Moran, KS, and Linda Swisher, Winfield, KS; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved grand dog Rudy.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Rev. Randy Smith will conduct funeral services at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 7th at the West Bourbon Elementary School Gym.

Burial will follow in the Uniontown Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Xenia Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Obituary

Obituary of Roxine Poznich

Leave a comment

Roxine Poznich, age 73, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at her home.

She was born in San Angelo, TX, the daughter of Paul Hufstedler and Ruby Allison. Ruby later married Bob Roe, who raised Roxine as his own daughter.

Roxine married Johnie Poznich in 1998 in Weir, KS. He preceded her in death in 2008.

Roxine worked for Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott from 1991 until 2018.

She also owned and operated Books & Grannies bookstore.

She was an avid gardener, both flower and vegetable. She also enjoyed square dancing.

Roxine was an exceedingly kind person who embraced many people in her life.

Survivors include 3 sons, David Everett, Dwayne Everett, and John Needham; 2 daughters, Fara Simons and Sarah Tharrett; 13 grandchildren, Isaac, Brynn, Ellen, Taryn, Wesley, Morgan, Isabella, Truman, Carson, Allison, Eva, Ben, and Adam; 6 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews including a nephew Seth and his wife Denise who cared for Roxine; and many friends and customers from the bookstore.

 In addition to her husband Johnie, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother Johnny, a sister Brenda; and a dear friend Marilyn Pyne.

There was cremation.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:30 PM Saturday evening November 7th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to The Beacon and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee At VFW Nov. 5

Leave a comment
Join us for our weekly
Chamber Coffee tomorrow!
Hosted by Chamber Member
VFW Post 1165
“Veterans of Foreign Wars”
1745 S. National Ave., Fort Scott, KS 66701
Thursday, November 5th, 8am
Masks & social distancing are encouraged.
Click HERE for their Facebook page.
Click HERE for their website.
VFW is the largest and oldest war veterans service organization, we have a long and proven history of providing vital assistance and support to America’s service men and women worldwide.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.
Chamber Members & Guests are welcome
to make any announcement for $1 to the Chamber about their business or organization including events, new products, promotions, or any other specials!
UPCOMING CHAMBER COFFEE SCHEDULE
  • 11/12 ~ Integrity Home Care + Hospice
  • 11/19 ~ Briggs Auto
  • 11/26 ~ NO CHAMBER COFFEE
  • 12/3 ~ Laree & Co. ~ New Chamber Member
  • 12/10 ~ B-WERC Grand Opening
  • 12/17 ~ City of Fort Scott
  • 12/24 & 12/31 – NO Coffees will be scheduled-Holidays