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Business, Fort Scott

Gordmans Celebrates Those Born on Feb. 29

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On Feb. 29, Gordmans is throwing a birthday party for anyone with a Leap Year birthday. The fun festivities will include birthday hats, streamers, balloons plus cupcakes and a special gift for the Leap Year birthday gal or guy.

Gordmans is putting the fun back into shopping by having special events like celebrating Leap Year birthdays. Special in-store activities for those celebrating their birthday on February 29 include:

Special Gift – Guests and their friends celebrating a Leap Year birthday will receive a special gift on Feb. 29. Remember to bring a valid ID to the store to receive your gift.

Cupcakes & More – No birthday is complete without treats, hats, streamers and balloons.

Birthday Shout Outs – Gordmans associates will acknowledge guests with Leap Year birthdays over the PA system, wishing them a special day and thanking them for shopping at Gordmans.

Style Circle Rewards – For guests not celebrating a Leap Year birthday, there’s still something for you: sign up for Gordmans’ Style Circle Rewards program so you will receive a special gift on your birthday, in addition to perks and payback rewards every time you shop at Gordmans.

Gordmans, part of the Stage community of stores, is delivering a whole new shopping experience. Gordmans is an off-price retailer, which means Gordmans offers popular name brand apparel, on-trend home décor and other merchandise for the entire family at prices that are lower than department stores.

Because consumers are responding positively to Gordmans’ off-price concept, Stage is converting its department stores to Gordmans off-price stores during 2020. In addition, for further convenience, customers can ship their Amazon orders to Gordmans’ in-store Amazon Counter for fast, flexible and secure package pick-up.

If you or someone you know is celebrating a Leap Year birthday, come on over to Gordmans on Feb. 29 and join the party!

Obituary

Obituary of Marilyn Bruner

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Marilyn Louise Bruner, age 76, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Monday, February 24, 2020, at her home. She was born November 5, 1943, in Mapleton, KS, the daughter of Walter Eberly and Agnes Mackie Bruner.

Marilyn loved spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephews. She and her brother Joe always planted a large garden. She enjoyed baking, cooking, dancing, gardening, playing cards and board games. She also enjoyed attending church and dining out with friends. Her CB handle was “Dancing Queen”.

Survivors include a sister, Venita Miller, Kincaid, KS; two sisters in law, Darla Bruner, Ft. Scott, KS, and Freda Bruner, Mound City, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by five sisters, Pauline Seitz, Lorraine Wilcox, Leora Ross, Shirley Ball, and an infant sister; three brothers, Virgil, Joseph, and Willard Bruner; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 29th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Burial will follow in the Sunny Slope Cemetery, Blue Mound, KS.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the Marilyn Bruner memorial fund 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.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda For February 25

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: February 25, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-9:45 – Jim Harris

9:45-10:15 – Justin Meeks, Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

1:30-2:15 – Jody Hoener, Healthcare Presentation

2:15-2:30 – Rachel Martin, Windmills

2:30-2:45 – Deb Lust, Windmills

2:45-3:00 – Barb Peine, Windmills

3:00-3:15 – Joe Ludlum, Windmills

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Fruit Trees Should Be Pruned Now

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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

 

It’s been a long winter. I can remember many times when February brought stretches of really nice spring-like weather. Not this year! Are you itching to get out of the house and do something productive in the landscape? If you have fruit trees, now is the time to prune. A little planning ahead with fruit trees, such as pruning, can mean big rewards later in the growing season.

Are you like many who are “afraid” to prune? Don’t be. When done correctly, pruning is an essential component of growing a healthy, productive fruit tree. Fruit trees should be pruned every year and for several reasons. The first is the development of a strong tree structure. Pruning should begin when the tree is planted and continued each year thereafter. Another reason to prune is the increased penetration of sunlight for the development of fruit buds and for the fruit to mature properly.

Trees can be pruned this early (winter) because they are dormant. This can be done in January, February and even early March. Pruning when trees are dormant makes it easier to see undesirable branches because leaves aren’t present. It is important to do any pruning before dormant sprays are applied, to avoid spraying some of the wood that will later be removed. Total spray coverage of limbs, branches and shoots will be increased after pruning. Do not prune if temperatures are below 20°F because this can cause tissue damage.

Have your fruit trees been neglected for quite some time? If so, pruning can seem like an overwhelming task; where to start, how much wood to remove, etc. But a neglected tree can be revitalized.

The first step in revitalizing a neglected tree is to prune wood around the trunk area and near the ground. Remove all sucker growth around the trunk by cutting as close as possible to the point of origin. Next, remove all branches that hang below a 4-foot level. Prune them off at the supporting limb. Stand back and study the tree and decide the next cut to make. Retain scaffolds that are growing away from the tree center at wide angles with the trunk. Scaffolds are one of the main branches making the basic framework of a tree. They should be positioned on different sides of the tree for good distribution of the fruit crop.

The right tools are needed for proper pruning. Tools always need to be sharp so clean cuts can be made. Cuts that result in bark tears, stubs, or jagged surfaces are slow to heal and may even not completely heal. A scissor type of hand shear is used to prune small size wood, usually ¼ inch in diameter. Long handled loppers should be used to cut ¼ to ½ inch wood. These will need to be used generally by the third year of tree growth. For branches larger than ½ inch, use a fine-toothed pruning saw.

The Extension office has a couple of publications on pruning fruit trees that explain in more detail how to prune depending on the species and age of the tree. These publications have diagrams that demonstrate how and where pruning cuts should be made. As with most Extension services, this publication is free of charge.

If you would like me to evaluate your trees, give me a call and a home visit can be scheduled.

Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District.  She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Fort Scott

DEADLINE FOR 2020 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 mailed by March 2nd. Subscribers renewing for 2020 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 2019 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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Opinion

A Friend To The End by Pastor James Collins

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“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

“Chappy,” Mike said. “Do you ever wonder what comes after this?”

“After what?” I asked. “The Army?”

“No. Have you ever thought about what happens after you die?”

“Yes.”

“Are you afraid of death?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because Jesus is so real to me. He saved my soul. I know that when I die, I will go to heaven to be with Him.”

Mike looked up at the stars and I did too. I don’t remember ever seeing as many stars as there were in the sky that night over Baghdad. After a minute or so of silence, he said, “Goodnight Chaplain, I’ll see you in the morning.” He turned and went inside the tent. I sat there for a while and prayed for him. Then I went inside, found my cot, and went to sleep.

The preceding conversation took place ten years ago. Operation Iraqi Freedom was winding down and changing to Operation New Dawn. Soon, all U.S. Military Forces would leave the country. Soon, we would all be home. However, Al Qaeda was still active in our area. Iraq was still a dangerous place. So, when Mike asked me about death, I assumed he was worried about the war. How could I have known that there was a war going on inside his soul?

Sometimes we have wounds that are not visible. Mike was wounded inside. He was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He was carrying a tremendous amount of pain that came from multiple combat tours.

When we arrived home, I was transferred. Mike and I kept in touch through social media. He would often share pictures of his family, especially his kids.

Last Friday, on Valentine’s Day, Mike took his own life.

By the time you read these words, Mike will be buried. He will be just another statistic. He will be just one of the twenty U.S. Military Veterans who die by suicide in America each day. But to me, he was more than a statistic. He was my friend. I will live the rest of my life with the heartache of not being there when he needed a friend to lean on.

If you know someone who is suffering from depression or PTSD, give them a call. Better yet, go visit them. Who knows? You just might be a friend who can make a difference.

As I have been grieving for Mike, I have sought counsel from another Friend. I have turned to Jesus for comfort. Jesus is a Friend who will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). He is a Friend Who loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17). He is a Friend Who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13). I don’t know how a person can make it in this world of heartache without my Friend, Jesus.

The point is: Jesus is One Friend you can’t afford to be without. When you turn from your sin, ask Him for forgiveness, and submit to Him, Jesus becomes your Savior, Lord, and Friend. Once you come to Christ, He will be your Friend to the end…and beyond.

Is He your Friend?

James Collins is a retired U.S. Army Chaplain and current pastor of Fort Scott’s First Southern Baptist Church. If you are a Veteran in crisis, call 1-800-273-8255, or call Pastor James at (620) 223-2986.

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Senior Night Sweep for Eagles Varsity Basketball Teams

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

by Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles faced the Southern Coffey County Titans in our last home game of the season. This game was also Senior Night, serving to honor our seniors (and their families) who participate in basketball, wrestling, and band. Both Varsity teams won, but the girls’ JV lost to the Titans by one point.

The Varsity girls beat the Titans 37 to 29. Karleigh Schoenberger and Danielle Howard once more lead with points, scoring 15 and 13, respectively. Schoenberger also had 3 rebounds, an assist, and 3 steals, while Howard had 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Gwenyth Fry scored 4 points and had 3 rebounds, and Sivanah McAnulty and Alie Fuhrman each scored 2 points. Sammie Hampton had 6 rebounds.

The Varsity boys also won against SCC, with a score of 61 to 28. Luke George and Hunter Schaaf scored 16 and 14 points, respectively; George also had 2 assists and 4 steals, while Schaaf had 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Jake Harvey had 9 points and 5 steals. Luke Perry and Cade Goodridge each scored 5 points, and the rest of the board is pretty even on scoring. Fan-favorite Kord Bowen sunk a 3-pointer in the last minute of the game, thanks in part to the great sportsmanship showed by the Titans. Coach Hays commented, “I’m really happy for our seniors tonight. They all played really well and capped off with a 3 pointer from Kord Bowen. These seniors are really good leaders for our team and, more importantly, great people. I’m excited for their future when they leave Uniontown High School.”

Bourbon County, Schools, Sports

Eagles Basketball Teams Soar Above the Jets

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Adelay Martin. Submitted photo.

by Adelay Martin, UHS Sports Media Reporter

The Uniontown Eagles played the Altoona-Midway Jets once again, this time in a regular-season game instead of a tournament. Both Varsity teams, as well as the boys’ JV team, won their games. There was no girls’ JV.

The Varsity girls won their game against Altoona with a score of 54 to 24. Karleigh Schoenberger lead in points and rebounds, scoring 18 points and rebounding 7 times. Danielle Howard had 17 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Sivanah McAnulty had 6 rebounds, Breleigh Harris had 4 steals, and Sammie Hampton had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Many of our JV players got to play up for this game, including freshman Skyler Coulter, who had 2 points and 3 rebounds, and foreign exchange student Irina Otero. “Tonight, our team was able to experience one of the biggest reasons why we play the game,” stated Coach Miller. “Irina Otero stepped onto the varsity basketball court for the first time in her life tonight. Irina, an exchange student from Vilanova de Arousa, Spain, contributed to the Lady Eagles’ win with 4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal. The win was great, but watching Irina meet her personal goals was even better.” I asked Irina what it was like playing for the varsity team. She replied, “We played as a team, even when we weren’t playing the best. We supported each other. Even when we missed, we cheered for each other. We had fun and enjoyed the game, which we don’t always do. We felt like a family.”

The boys’ Varsity team beat Altoona 64 to 32. Jake Harvey scored 18 points and had 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Hunter Schaaf had 12 points and 2 assists, and Clay Sutterby had 11 points and 7 rebounds. Luke George scored 9 points and rebounded 4 times. Drew Perry had 2 assists. “I thought we played one of our best games of the season tonight,” said Coach Hays. “I loved the energy and the unselfish basketball. Our shots weren’t falling from the perimeter, but we did a good job of attacking their zone and getting some good shots.”

Area News, Ascension Via Christi, Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Government, Health Care

Bourbon County Takes Ownership of Former Mercy Hospital Building

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The Bourbon County Government has taken possession of the former Mercy Hospital.

Officials Introduce Innovative Healthcare Model

Mercy donates building and 1 million dollars toward a sustainable approach to rural healthcare.

Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott officials are committed to improving the quality of life for each member of the community, increasing access to affordable quality healthcare, and remaining vigilant stewards of taxpayer dollars. For years Fort Scott, KS was renowned for its healthcare. Mercy Hospital was an integral part of our health system from primary care to community benefit to leadership involvement.

 

What remains today are the caring professionals, ambitious leaders, beautiful hospital campus, and the ingrained culture of ensuring community health needs are addressed appropriately.

 

Bourbon County Commission will be partnering with our community healthcare partners, The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Ascension Via Christi, and higher education partner, Fort Scott Community College, in transforming our approach to rural healthcare. Bourbon County will be taking ownership of the previous Mercy Hospital Building.

 

With Ascension Via Christi and CHC/SEK occupying a portion of the facility, the county is working with other health service agencies to supplement the community’s health care needs by housing them in the remainder of the move-in ready space.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 403 Woodland Hills Blvd., operates the clinic at the former Mercy Hospital building.

For the common good of the community, the building will be repurposed into a collaborative effort that will be here for decades to come.

Ascension Via Christi President, Randy Cason, states, “This is exciting news for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities. Ascension Via Christi is eager to continue working with our community partners here to help to find solutions for the healthcare needs of this more rural area.”

 

Ascension Via Christi operates the emergency department at the former Mercy Hospital building.

Mercy Health Southwest Missouri/Kansas Communities has submitted a draft donation agreement to donate the building and one million dollars to Bourbon County for use of building maintenance and operations. This donation allows healthcare entities to lease space in the healthcare mall at market-rate. A standardized market-rate lease has led to discussions with healthcare organizations to expand services not otherwise offered.

 

Administration from Bourbon County and The City of Fort Scott will work together, develop a regulatory board and long-term lease agreements moving forward.

 

“This project is much more than just saving a building,” Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, “Preserving this asset allows our community to no longer be victims of circumstance, but to assume responsibility for our community’s healthcare destiny. It creates a sustainable healthcare model under one roof.” There is little doubt in the concept’s success with the right amount of support and will be used as a model shaping rural healthcare policy across the nation.

Contact information:

Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director

[email protected]