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All posts by Submitted Story
Help With Phone Service For Recently Unemployed, Low Income
Lifeline Program offers relief to those struggling to keep phone service
TOPEKA – Low income and recently unemployed Kansans may qualify for phone service discounts of up to $17.02 per month with the Lifeline program. Currently more than 10 million low-income Americans, including 35,000 Kansans, are benefiting from Lifeline discounts on home and wireless phones as well as broadband.
At a time when many Americans may be unemployed or facing other circumstances that make them eligible for the program for the first time, the Kansas Corporation Commission is joining utility regulators nationwide in increasing awareness of the Lifeline program.
Under the federal Lifeline Program, those who qualify can receive up to $9.25 per month off their monthly bill. Participants may also be eligible for an additional $7.77 monthly discount through the Kansas program. Fifty-two telecommunication companies offer Lifeline services in the state.
Residents enrolled in any of the following assistance programs are eligible for the Lifeline program: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA), Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard), and the Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.
Those at 135% of the federal poverty level also qualify. Normally, applicants must provide three consecutive months of income documentation or provide a copy of their tax return for the previous year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement of three months of income documentation has been waived until June 30, 2020. Instead, recently unemployed individuals may apply for the program by submitting an official document, including notice of unemployment benefits to confirm their income-based eligibility for Lifeline support.
More information on Lifeline eligibility and enrollment is available on the KCC’s website: http://kcc.ks.gov/telecommunications/lifeline or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. For a complete list of Kansas Lifeline providers, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/State/StateOption/KS.
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Chamber Coffee At Briggs Auto June 11
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The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports June 10
The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports June 9
Click below:
Pesticide Prohibited After July 31, 2020
EPA Cancellation Order for Dicamba Products Impacts Kansas Agriculture
MANHATTAN, Kansas — On Monday, June 8, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final cancellation order for three dicamba products in response to the recent court ruling that vacated registration for the products. The EPA’s cancellation order intended to clarify the limited and specific circumstances under which these dicamba products can be used for a limited period of time, including provisions for existing stocks. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified several unanswered questions about how this order applies to Kansas farmers and agribusinesses and is in communication with the EPA for further interpretation.
The EPA cancellation order addresses the sale, distribution, and use of existing stocks of the three affected dicamba products: Engenia, FeXapan, and Xtendimax with Vaporgrip Technology. Under this cancellation order, further distribution or sale of all existing stocks of these products is allowed only to the end user. Such distribution and sales can only be made by Kansas restricted use pesticide dealers. If growers, commercial applicators, and agribusinesses have these products in their possession, end use applications may still occur provided that all label restrictions are followed. All use is prohibited after July 31, 2020.
As further details become available from the EPA, KDA will share that information on our website at www.agriculture.ks.gov/dicamba. This site will also serve as a source for more detail on the affected dicamba products, the EPA order, and how this order applies in Kansas. If you have additional questions, please contact the KDA pesticide and fertilizer program at 785-564-6688.
Obituary of Larry Tinsley
Lawrence K. (Larry) Tinsley, 63, of Fort Scott, passed away Monday morning, June 8, 2020 at his home.
He was born on June 9, 1956 in Overland Park, KS the son of Lawrence O. and Jacqueline (Day) Tinsley. He grew up in the Overland Park and Paola, KS area and attended schools there.
He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era from 1973 to 1975 and a member of the American Legion.
He graduated from Pittsburg State University (Welding) in 1982.
He enjoyed living life, bowling, reading, gardening, watching TV, and fishing.
Known to his family as Larry, LT, and Papa Larry/LT. Most of all he loved his family and enjoyed calling, texting, and visiting with them when well. He lived his life loving and was loved.
Larry is survived by his wife, Mary of the home, a brother: Mark and wife Cindy Tinsley of Paola, Kansas, a son, Michael and wife, Kayla Tinsley of Fort Scott and a daughter, Raechelle Tinsley of Rancho Cucamonga, California, grandchildren, Maggie, Kailen, Tesla, and Deacon, his aunt Charlotte and husband, Gary Earley, brothers/sisters In-Law: Vincent (Evelyn) Morales, Virginia (Tom) Moody, Christopher (Estella) Morales, Martha (Dennis) Miller, Abigail (Randy) Berning. As well as, several close loving relatives including: aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and large extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by, his grandparents, parents, and brother, Randall James (Randy) Tinsley.
Rev. James Collins, Chaplain of Post #25, American Legion will conduct Graveside Funeral Services for Lawrence K. Tinsley, 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2020 at the Fort Scott National Cemetery with the American Legion and the V.F.W. Post #1165 coordinating the Military Honors.
Attendance will be limited and social distancing rules still apply.
Masks are required and are not supplied by the cemetery.
The Family suggests memorials to the American Legion Post #25, donations may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.
Businesses Interested in Insurance: Survey Due June 11
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KS Guard Tested, Monitored and Provided Logistics at Lansing
Lansing Correctional Facility
Declared a Contained Site by
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
TOPEKA, Kansas – Today, Secretary Jeff Zmuda, Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), expressed his thanks for the service of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas National Guardsmen at the Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) in support of KDOC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of June 1, 2020, KDHE confirmed the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus at LCF as contained. As a result, the Guardsmen who have supported logistics, food and medical services at the facility concluded their mission on June 4.
“The Kansas National Guard is full of highly trained, professional public servants who are ready at a moment’s notice to serve their fellow Kansans,” Zmuda said. “We were extremely impressed with their willingness and ability to adapt to their new surroundings and face each task with strength and dignity. On behalf of the department, I want to sincerely thank them for their work.”
The first four Kansas National Guard members arrived at Lansing on April 15 and grew to more than 40 in support of LCF’s COVID-19 response. The Guardsmen were instrumental in monitoring residents for symptoms, carrying out mass testing for the virus and conducting twice-daily health checks. Additional members also provided support in food service, as residents who normally prepare meals were unable to do so while they were quarantined and assisted with the move to the new buildings at the reconstructed facility. Their contributions allowed Lansing employees to remain focused on safety and security tasks with confidence that these services were continuing.
KDHE began assisting KDOC with their COVID-19 preparations in early March and when the situation at LCF escalated, they dedicated a full-time staff member to assist with ensuring the health and safety of the residents. As the agency moves into a new phase of response, the two agencies will continue to partner to determine what additional steps may need to be taken in the future.
“Secretary Lee Norman and Phil Griffin, Director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention at KDHE, have been amazing partners to our agency,” Zmuda said. “They have brought the health expertise that we needed to make sure that our staff received the most up-to-date information on the virus and how to keep the men, women and youth in our care safe.”
With the virus contained, residents, staff and contractors at the facility are moving forward with the resumption of many activities. This includes residents returning to their jobs in food service, laundry and maintenance activities as well as essential private industry jobs. In addition, the contracted medical provider will continue providing all services under the terms of their contract. Activities that expose residents to the community, including visitation, volunteers, mentors, and non-essential private industry jobs will not be resumed at this time.
“While we are resuming many activities, we fully recognize that this virus will still be present for the foreseeable future, so we plan to maintain the mitigation strategies that have been implemented at each of our facilities,” Zmuda said. “This resumption of activities is a first step to normalizing operations at Lansing, but one we will do with an abundance of caution and care.”
For current information on COVID-19 in Kansas, and to sign up for updates, go to the KDHE COVID-19 Resource Center at kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus. For information on the KDOC’s response to COVID-19, visit https://www.doc.ks.gov/kdoc-coronavirus-updates.
Local Museum Receives Grant
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUTH ACTIVITIES GRANT BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS
Fort Scott, KS- A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support the purchase of interactive technology for youth and young adults. This includes a tablet kiosk with a stand and software. The tablet can also be used by any visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. The interactive technology tablet helps the museum to engage visitors in different ways, especially the youth and young adults. This offers a more modern approach to learning, viewing, and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks. We want to help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive and well for generations to come.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.
The Interactive Museum Display will allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more…
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors. www.southeastkansas.org
GORDON PARKS MUSEUM RECEIVES INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY WITH YOUTH ACTIVITES GRANT BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS
Fort Scott, KS- A grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas helped support the purchase of interactive technology for youth and young adults. This includes a tablet kiosk with a stand and software. The tablet can also be used by any visitors of any age.
“We are very thankful to be part of this grant. The interactive technology tablet helps the museum to engage visitors in different ways, especially the youth and young adults. This offers a more modern approach to learning, viewing, and appreciating the collection and works of Gordon Parks. We want to help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive and well for generations to come.” said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum.
The Interactive Museum Display will allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more…
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas hosts individual charitable funds, created by donors who have a passion for giving back to their community. Grants from the funds assist people throughout Southeast Kansas and many charities beyond Kansas. Call the Foundation, 620 231 8897 with questions about the Community Foundation and its many services available for donors. www.southeastkansas.org
SEK COVID 19 Update June 9
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 1 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 1 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Presumptive Cases | 1-listed on KDHE website, tested negative |
| Current Recovered Cases | 7-includes presumptive case |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 7 |
| Deaths | 1 |
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 6 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.
Bill Meyer Announces Candidacy for Kansas House District 4
On June 1, Bill Meyer, who retired after 30-year career as a healthcare executive and chose, with his wife, Liz, to relocate to Fort Scott, filed as a candidate for the Kansas House of Representatives in District 4.
Bill earned his M.H.A. degree from George Washington University in 1971 and over his career served on hospital and hospital system executive staffs in Virginia, Maryland, Kansas, Iowa, Maine, and Washington, D.C. In the mid-1980s, he served as President of Mercy Hospitals of Kansas, based in Fort Scott. He is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Upon returning to Fort Scott in 2000, Bill served as Registrar of Fort Scott Community College until retiring in 2007. During that same period, his wife, Elizabeth Meyer, served as Director of the Nursing Program at the College. Bill is a member and past-President of the Rotary Club of Fort Scott, a member of the Bourbon County Arts Council, the Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County, and a volunteer in the Kansas Guardianship Program. He served on a committee that successfully promoted voter support of the bond issue to renovate and update U-234 high, middle and elementary schools. In January of this year, Bill was chosen to serve as a Trustee on the Board of Fort Scott Community College. The position had been held by his wife who died suddenly in November 2019. Bill and Liz celebrated 50 years of marriage shortly before her death.
“I am a Kansan by choice, not birth,” said Bill Meyer. “Liz and I fell in love with Fort Scott and the surrounding community during my years with Mercy Hospitals of Kansas and, when we decided to retire, Fort Scott was where we wanted to be.” Meyer added, “Of all the places we lived, we always felt welcomed and wanted here. I am now in a position where I have an opportunity to give back to this community through service in public office.”
Bill Meyer knows and is prepared to deal with the challenges we face. He will be a strong advocate for Medicaid Expansion and protecting funding for K-12, Community, and Technical Colleges. He sees the expansion of broadband internet availability as a critical ingredient in fostering economic stability and growth in rural communities across Kansas. He recognizes that promoting economic growth is the only alternative to the heavy tax burden currently carried by homeowners, small businesses, and farmers/ranchers in District 4.
District 4 covers the eastern half of Bourbon County, to view: