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Bourbon County, K-State Extension

The County Fair

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Jennifer Terrell, K-State Extension Agent

July is in full swing and that for most of the country means it’s time for the county fair. For many, this is the best time of year.

The county fair is more than just a carnival or night time events. It is an exhibition of talents from all ages with exhibits ranging in a variety of sizes and categories. Most exhibits have taken an entire 4-H year to complete and some a lot less, but all of the exhibits have a special story and add value to the county fair.

As any 4-H’er can tell you, there is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears involved with preparing for the county fair. The animals you see were raised by youth not just because of the county fair, but to help the youth learn invaluable life lessons to become responsible, caring individuals. The same goes for any of the indoor exhibits from cooking to sewing to photography to woodworking and so on! The opportunities are endless.

I would like to encourage you to take a minute and attend a county fair near you. Explore all of the great accomplishments within the indoor exhibits and the barns full of animals. Visit with a 4-H’er about their project and see the excitement they display.

In the coming weeks, there will be three fairs held within the Southwind Extension District. The first is Bourbon County Fair – July 10th-17th, Woodson County Fair – July 17th-21st, Neosho County Fair – July 22nd-26th, and Allen County Fair – August 22nd-25th. We hope to see you at the county fair!

If you would like more information on how to be involved either to enter exhibits or be a helper, please contact your local Extension Office. Contact information can be found on our website at www.southwind.ksu.edu. For more information about being in 4-H, contact Jennifer Terrell, 4-H Youth Development Agent at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

Government, Kansas

Kansas Parental Leave Policy Expands

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Governor Laura Kelly Expands Parental Leave Policy for State Employees

~~Encourages other employers to develop similar models to strengthen Kansas’ workforce~~

TOPEKA – As part of her ongoing commitment to supporting State of Kansas employees, Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order 21-24, which expands parental leave benefits to primary caregivers, secondary caregivers, and foster parents.

“Supporting working parents in our workforce is not only the right thing to do – it’s good for our economy,” Governor Kelly said. “We’re committed to recruiting and keeping talented Kansans in our state and creating a supportive environment for our families.”

Under the new policy, primary and secondary caregivers, along with foster parents, receive the additional leave. The new policy is as follows:

  • Primary caregivers receive eight weeks of leave (an increase of two weeks from the original policy);
  • Secondary caregivers receive four weeks of leave (an increase of one week from the original policy);
  • Foster parents are now eligible for parental leave, with primary caregivers receiving eight weeks of leave and secondary caregivers receiving four weeks of leave;
  • Parental leave can now be used thirty days in advance of the birth date, adoption, or fostering of a child or children per calendar year;
  • New State employees become eligible after 180 days of employment. Current employees will not be subjected to this requirement.

“Paid family leave is a win-win for both families and employers,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO, United WE. “Policies like this that expand these benefits to women and their families bolster economies, improve health and education outcomes and strengthens business through a stronger employee workforce. We applaud Governor Kelly’s action today and urge other states without paid family leave policies to consider the research-backed benefits of strong economic policies that support employees and their families.”

Effective immediately, the Kansas Department of Administration’s Office of Personnel Services will implement the new policy and provide information to State of Kansas agencies and employees.

View the EO here.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College, Jobs

Human Resource Roundtable July 7

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HR Roundtable
Hosted by the Chamber
TOMORROW!
Wednesday, July 7th
8:15 to 9:30am
Fort Scott Community College
Ag Hall (just north of Arnold Arena)
2108 S. Horton St.
Click here to RSVP if you
haven’t already.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Chamber is hosting an HR Roundtable for those in a human resources role at our local businesses on Wed., July 7th from 8:15 to 9:30am in Ag Hall on the campus of FSCC.
We hope you can join us or send another appropriate contact from your business.
We will have a loose agenda, but would like to hear feedback on workforce needs, challenges, or good stories. And, hear back anything you may need from the Chamber or ideas on recruiting qualified workforce to the community. We also want to allow time for those in HR to just connect with each other.
We will have light refreshments ~ please click here to RSVP if you can attend on Wed., July 7th from 8:15 to 9:30am at FSCC Ag Hall, just north of Arnold Arena.
Hosted by the Chamber’s Workforce Development Division:
Alysia Johnston, FSCC
Cathy Bishop, Niece Products
Payton Coyan, SEK-CAP
Fort Scott, Government

City Water Flushing Starts July 8

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The  City of Fort Scott Water Utility is initiating our flushing/ free Chlorine burnout program for the year.

The flushing will start on Thursday, July 8th and last approximately two weeks throughout the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County Rural water districts.

 

This is in order to maintain water quality.

If this maintenance is not performed in the water distribution system, the water will eventually lose all of its disinfection residual, which could cause the utility of incurring disinfectant residual violations from KDHE.

The Fort Scott Water Utility has commenced the annual flushing program along with a free chlorine burnout of the water distribution system. This burnout is a part of the necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the disinfection residual levels required by KDHE.

During this flushing and free chlorine burnout, the disinfectant used in the distribution system will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine which is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. Flushing and chlorine burnouts are routine distribution system maintenance conducted by utilities with chloramine disinfection.

There are two common types of chlorine used in water treatment for disinfection purposes, combined chlorine (or chloramines) and free chlorine.

A benefit of using chloramines is that they will retain disinfection residual longer in the distribution system and they do not lend themselves in promoting taste, or a “chlorine” taste in the water.

Except during a burnout in the summertime, the City of Fort Scott Water Treatment Plant uses chloramines to disinfect the finished water before entering the distribution system.

However, chloramines are not as strong of a disinfectant as free chlorine and it can allow certain types of nitrifying bacteria to grow in the distribution system. These natural occurring bacteria feed on the ammonia found in our finished water. These bacteria are nonpathogenic – they are not a health concern. Nitrifying bacteria which naturally grow in any distribution system when using chloramines can become prolific in warm summer temperatures. They will eventually cause water quality to degrade in the warmer summer months. Also, heat alone is a major factor that will cause disinfectant residuals to dissipate.

Surface water systems across the State do annual or biannual free chlorine burnouts. The term burnout is commonly used because free chlorine is a much more powerful disinfectant than combined chlorine. Free chlorine will oxidize nitrifying bacteria and keep it in check.

Fire hydrants will be utilized to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant.

Customers may notice city personnel flushing fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. This free chlorine is pulled through the distribution system by flushing the entire system through fire hydrants, and overflowing water towers.

Occasionally during this process customers may temporarily experience low pressures, taste or odors, discolored water, or even some sediment in their water.

During the flushing and burnout you may notice that your tap water tastes different than normal. This is because most people cannot smell or taste combined chlorine in the water, however most people can smell and taste free chlorine in the water. It could also affect the taste of fountain drinks. If you find the chlorine taste unpleasant, it can be helpful to leave an uncovered pitcher of water sit overnight. This will allow some of the chlorine to evaporate and could help improve taste during this time.

The burnout process normally takes two weeks after which we can return to the combined chlorine residual and the excellent tasting water of which we are accustomed.

The city is extremely fortunate to have such a quality water supply available. Quality water helps promote quality life. Much of the rest of the world is not as fortunate in water supply and water quality.
If questions, concerns, or comments please contact Michael Mix or Scott Flater at the Water Treatment Plant at 223-5160 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Area News, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, COVID-19, Health Care

Unvaccinated Individuals Comprise 90% of New COVID Cases In The Region

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CHC/SEK requests patients to wear masks in clinics

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas clinics are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases and is reminding all patients to wear a mask during their clinic visits. Masks are also available for patients who need them. 

COVID-19 testing is also available at all locations, and patients are asked to call ahead to their local clinic and request a test, and to remain in their cars for testing. 

Unvaccinated individuals have comprised about 90% of the new cases, 95% of hospitalizations, and 98% of virus-related deaths in our region, according to CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer Linda Bean D.O.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be the best way to protect yourself and others from serious or long-term effects of the virus,” Bean says.  “CHC/SEK has now given over 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine which has shown to be safe and effective protection from the virus.”

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all CHC/SEK clinics for anyone age 12 and older. People can walk-in or can request an appointment by calling their local CHC/SEK clinic or by going online at https://chcsek.org/getmyshot/

At this time the current vaccines appear to be effective against the variant Delta strains of COVID-19 which is more transmissible and can cause more significant illness in younger patients.

Art, Bourbon County, Fort Scott

Art Offerings For Children

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Happy Snappy Art offers five different paintings reflecting a weekly theme for children.
“Our upcoming Kids theme will be ‘Down on the Farm’,” said Judy Earp, Happy Snappy Art.  “We will paint country scenes and farm animals while learning new techniques and having fun.”
“The Teen Art Camp theme will be ‘French Impressionist Painting’,” she said.  “We will paint five different paintings inspired by the Impressionists. We will even paint our own version of Monet’s Garden.”
Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert Features the Apostolic Christian Church

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
The program for this week’s Friday Night Concert in the park will be presented by the Apostolic Christian Church. The music will feature a concert of hymns and gospel songs in a variety of stylings.
Concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said, “The vocalists
represent all ages and excel in their close harmony and exuberant presentation.  This local church group is a crowd favorite and we are pleased to welcome them to the park pavilion.”
The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public.  Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs as seating is limited.
In the event of inclement weather, the show will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Shop, 12 E. Wall Street.
Obituary

Obituary of Charles Lowry

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Charles A. "Russ" Lowry

Charles Arthur “Russ” Lowry, age 65, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Pittsburg, KS. He was born October 2, 1955, in Ft. Scott, the son of Charles and Shirley Ledbetter Lowry.

Russ drove a truck for Arrow Trucking for many years. He was an avid photographer in his younger days.

Survivors include his brothers, Steven Lowry, Ft. Scott, and Louis Christopher Lowry, CA; five sisters, Jamie Hemphill, Ft. Scott, Artricia Lowry, Ft. Scott, Judy Whitchurch and husband Dick, Bartlesville, OK, Rita Lynch, Bartlesville, OK, and Yvonne Fiegener, Bartlesville, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Barnes, and infant Cindy Lou Lowry; a brother, Donald Ray Lowry; and both of his parents.

Opinion

Honey in the Rock by Carolyn Tucker

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Carolyn Tucker. Submitted photo.

Keys to the Kingdom

 

The first special song I remember hearing in church in the 1960s was “Mansion Over the Hilltop.” My cousin’s wife Shirley and her sister Judy sang it in perfect harmony as Shirley played her happy accordion. Another gospel song I recollect is “Honey in the Rock“ written by Frederick A. Graves, an Assembly of God minister who was healed of epilepsy. He penned, “Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious? Do you walk in the way that’s new? Have you drunk from the Living Fountain? There’s honey in the Rock for you.”

God isn’t confined to doing things that are explainable. Everybody knows there’s no honey in a rock. But Psalm 81:16 NLT states, “I would satisfy you with wild honey from the rock.” You can think what you want, but I believe that “honey in the rock” signifies God’s special blessings. God wants to satisfy (bless) you with extraordinary honey for the taking. Our awesome God enjoys doing unexpected and out-of-the-ordinary things for His born-again children who love and obey Him. God created us because He desired an object of love. All He wants is for us to live as we have been created — in His image.

My Mom experienced honey in the Rock when she delivered a baby girl on February 7, 1958. While praying a few years prior, she had promised the Lord that she would one day have a baby girl for Him. That was a tremendous pledge of faith because she was the last child and only girl out of thirteen children. She delivered on her promise with me.

My Dad experienced honey in the Rock on the battlefield in Germany when he spotted a watch on the ground. When he bent over to pick it up, his Army buddy standing right beside him was shot and killed. After a few minutes of somewhat recovering from this traumatic experience, he looked for the watch and discovered there was no watch.

Several years ago, my brother experienced honey in the Rock when he made his weekly jail visit. He was extremely tired and seriously considered not going; after all, there was only one inmate there. But he followed his heart rather than his feelings and, while ministering to the man, discovered that he had planned to end his life that very night if Randy had not come. Both men’s lives were forever changed.

When my late husband was about 14 years old, he experienced honey in the Rock when he mounted Dynamite. That nutsy unbroken colt dragged his leg down a barbed-wire fence while running full speed. Concerned Jimmy would bleed to death before the ambulance arrived, his mother drove him to the hospital. The emergency surgery was successful and he was dismissed later that night. The family was greatly impacted and deeply grateful for God’s divine participation.

I experienced honey in the Rock the day I was driving on a hilly Missouri road between Cane Hill and Bona. I topped a hill and met a tractor-trailer rig more than hugging the center line. With no shoulder for extra room and no time to think, I jerked the wheel with uncanny precision to avoid a collision. After that close encounter of the scary kind, I realized an angel had most certainly taken control of the steering wheel.

The Key: God is your Rock and He has more honey than you can shake a stick at.

Uncategorized

FS Commission Agenda For July 6

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NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR
MEETING OF
FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL

CITY COMMISSION MEETING ROOM

123 SOUTH MAIN STREET
JULY 6, 2021
5:15 P.M

  1. K. Allen P. Allen R. Nichols L. Watts J. Jones

II. Flag Salute:

  1. Invocation: Led by: (To be Announced)

  2. Approval of Agenda:

  3. Proclamations/Recognitions:

  4. Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 15th, 2021, special meeting of June 17th, 2021 and special meeting of June 22nd, 2021.

B. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1291-A totaling $555,302.20.

C. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $36,476.00 – Rejuvenator Application – National Avenue

D. Request to Pay – ProSeal, Inc – $24,684.00 – Crack Sealing – National Avenue

  1. Public Comment:

(Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at Commission discretion)

  1. City Manager Reports and Comments

  1. Engineering Firm Update

  1. Old Business:

  1. Public Hearing: 6:15 p.m. Vacation of Durkee Street and Approval of Utility Easement for the North 50’ of Lots 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 & 28, Block 4, Durkee & Stout Addition

  1. Appearances:

Jody Hoener – Bottle Filling Stations Presentation

Rob Harrington, Bedco Presentation

  1. New Business:

  1. Discussion and Approval of St. Martin’s Sewer Agreement

  2. Cooper Street Right-of-Way Easements

  3. Request approval to bid out Directional Drilling of Water Pipe

  4. Request approval to bid out Sanitary/Storm Sewer Line Deep Repairs

  5. Request approval to bid out Cooper Street project (Plans available at City Hall – link:

https://earlesengineering.sharefile.com/dsca64eac8d8584b4094c5b45ce3d4572f

  1. Request approval to bid out Union Block Alley

  2. Request to bid out Horton Street 6th to 8th – (mill and overlay)

  3. Discussion of sale of First Source Building

  4. Discussion of sale of lake lots (deed restrictions, covenants, etc.)

  5. Discussion of moving City Hall to Bourbon County Courthouse building

  6. Discussion of potential City/County shared services for Information Technology and Human Resources

  7. Discussion and request approval to bid overlay of 13th to 17th on National Avenue

  8. Discussion of feasibility study – hospital building

  9. Approval of purchase of Sewer Camera for Utilities Department

  10. Discussion of future Lake Fort Scott repairs/upkeep

  11. Consideration of Pay Requests – Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation – Port-a-Potties

April 2021 $2,267.20

May 2021 $2,536.00

June 2021 $2,640.00

  1. Discussion of Golf Course Ordinance

XII. Reports and Comments:

B. Commissioners Reports and Comments:

C. City Attorney Reports and Comments:

XIII. Executive Session – If requested, (please follow script in all motions for Executive Sessions)

XIV. Adjournment: