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Fort Scott, Health Care

Contaminants Possible in Buck Run Creek:Don’t Enter

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Stream Advisory Issued for Buck Run Creek, located East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas
Residents and animals should not enter the Creek at this time

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the Buck Run Creek, along the area East of Scott Avenue and West of 69 Highway in Fort Scott, Kansas.

The stream advisory is a result of a manhole overflow due to heavy rainfall. The city of Fort Scott has repaired the problem and the overflow has ceased as of Monday afternoon.

The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in Buck Run Creek as it flows northward through residential areas to the Marmaton River. If you live or have activities near this stream, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.

Kansas Department of Health & Environment will rescind the advisory once flows recede and subsequent bacteria testing indicates secondary (wading) contact has been deemed safe.

For further information, please contact at the city of Fort Scott, Michael Mix at 620.215.6319.

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Bourbon County, Government, Health Care

Johnson Honored At Public Health Hero

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Rebecca Johnson, SEKMCHD Director.

Last week, Governor Laura Kelly recognized Rebecca Johnson as a Public Health Hero in Kansas at her 4 pm press conference:

https://www.facebook.com/GovLauraKelly/videos/3948694321829209

Johnson is the director of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department and her office is in Fort Scott.

The following is a submission by Johnson.

 

I am honored to be recognized by Governor Laura Kelly, but do not consider myself a hero. I care about and have a vested interest in the health and well-being of the counties and communities I serve and am trying to fulfill the duties of the Local Health Officer/Administrator to the best of my ability.

Just like as for many others, this last year has been extremely trying and stressful for me. COVID-19 has forced me from my comfort-zone and made new-norms for my everyday life, as it has for the rest of us. I am thankful to God for all the blessings and support He has given me. I would like to thank my husband and children, family, friends, my church, my staff, my board and medical director for all of their support. Without them, I may not have made it this far, as around 1/3 of the Local Health Officers/Administrators in Kansas have left their positions for one reason or another, since COVID-19 began.

There have been many people that have supported our organization and I over the past year and who still are, from city/county personnel and community members and local organizations to regional and state representatives. Thank you to all of these folks for your un-ending support-we still have a ways to go!!

I would like to recognize my amazing staff, the heart and soul of our health departments, many of whom have worked countless hours after they’ve gone home at night and throughout the weekend on COVID-19 related issues, but have missed out on so much with their own families, to promote and protect the health of the communities they love. They have continued to be adaptable and determined as they have trudged through, where many in their shoes would have already given up. These are the extraordinary people who work for SEK Multi-County Health Department and serve Public Health in the counties of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon and Woodson.

Allen County:

Public Health Nurse: Megan Neville

Administrative Assistant: Ruby Gulick

Accountant: Traci Ridge

Planning & Outreach Coordinator: Susan Belt

Home Visitor: Vicki Howard

WIC Coord/Public Health Nurse: Deidre Wilson

Anderson County:

Public Health Nurse: Samantha Mason

Administrative Assistant: Mika Mader

Bourbon:

Public Health Nurse: Alice Maffett

Public Health Nurse: Hannah Geneva

Administrative Assistant: Kristi George

Home Visitor: Holly Fritter

Woodson:

Public Health Nurse: Chardel Hastings

Administrative Assistant: Joni Diver

We have also been blessed to have been able to hire some part-time staff that work primarily on COVID-19 within our four counties. These exceptional people are: Cara Walden RN, Lisa Goins RN, Sara Goins, Jennifer Hyer RN and Benjamin Fischer, plus several others that have assisted us throughout the last several months: Stacy Sauerwein RN, Robin Hughes RN, Stachia Cooper RN, and Vicki Tureskis RN and numerous volunteers.

Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
January 22, 2021
Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1602 titled Value Them Both (VTB) was supposed to be debated on the Senate Floor but it didn’t happen. It needs 27 votes to pass but senators were gone or refused to vote Yes or No. The House passed their resolution, House
Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5003, with the same language on Friday. The Senate will debate it next week and if it passes there will be no need for the Senate resolution.
It is an important issue and should be debated. A few years ago, the legislature passed a bill banning dismemberment abortion in Kansas. A supermajority, 2/3 the legislature, supported the bill. The Governor signed it into law. However, the Kansas Supreme Court
nullified the law by issuing an extreme ruling that the Kansas Constitution allows dismemberment abortion. Where in the Kansas Constitution does it say that? The rogue Kansas Supreme Court is legislating from the bench again. The proposed constitutional
amendment, SCR 1602 and HCR 5003, would at least stop the Court from legislating on abortion. That duty is the responsibility of the legislature.
A constitutional amendment requires a resolution to pass in both chambers with a supermajority. Then the amendment would be on a ballot for all Kansas voters to cast a Yes or No vote. It is a high bar and should be to change our Constitution. The constitutional
amendment would reset the law as if the Court ruling hadn’t occurred. It is not a ban on abortion as such, but it would allow the people, through their elected legislature, to regulate
abortion.
COVID-19 testing parameters were quietly changed by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) earlier this month and by the World Health Organization (WHO) last
week. The change in Kansas decreases the cycle threshold for testing. This is important because, according the medical experts, the higher threshold results in more false positives.
The WHO parameter change requires a person to have symptoms along with a positive test before anyone is diagnosed with COVID-19. These changes will lower the number of COVID-
19 cases. You can bet the news and others are going to say how the cases dropped because of vaccines or government mandates. How will we know what caused the decreased number
of cases when the definition of positive test changed?
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Government, Kansas

State Tourism To Relocate To Kansas Dept. of Commerce

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Governor Laura Kelly Proposes Agency Reorganization to Spur Economic Growth

~Governor Kelly to realign Tourism Division under the Department of Commerce~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced her intent to submit an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) to the Kansas Legislature relocating the State’s Tourism Division to the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The move comes as the result of input from businesses, destination marketing organizations and other key industry partners, including the Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK), The Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (KRHA), and the Kansas Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), to consolidate Kansas’ tourism efforts primarily as an economic development tool.

“Consolidating our Tourism focus within the Department of Commerce sends a clear message to our industry partners and prospective companies that this administration will use every tool at our disposal to spur new economic development,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This realignment will benefit our business community, our tourism industry, and Kansas’s economic recovery as a whole.”

“This is a move the tourism industry has supported and it is the right time for this change,” TIAK President Jim Zaleski, Labette County CVB said. “Kansas Tourism and the Department of Commerce have a shared goal of bringing revenue into the state. A coordinated marketing effort will help establish and promote a consistent, strong state brand and a single “front door” to Kansas.”

“The Kanas Restaurant & Hospitality Association agrees the Kansas hospitality community will be best served by having our Travel and Tourism efforts within the Kansas Department of Commerce,” Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association President Adam Mills said. “At a time when hospitality needs every reform possible this reorganization will reposition us as we grow out of the recent strains of the pandemic.”

“The KEDA Board supports the ERO to move tourism promotion back to the Kansas Department of Commerce and believes that, utilizing the expertise and outreach of the state’s lead economic development agency, the move will increase awareness of tourism opportunities among visitors to our state,” President of the Kansas Economic Development Alliance, Steve Jack said. “Our organization serves 76 Kansas communities and counties, and we see the positive impact of the Department of Commerce’s efforts every day across the state. We are confident that Commerce will bring a similar spark to our state’s tourism.”

The Tourism Division will be housed within Business Development at the Kansas Department of Commerce. The Department already features several tools aimed at increasing tourism, including the Kansas Athletic Commission and the STAR Bond program.

“This move will create a more robust, centralized effort to attract Tourism to the state of Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “I appreciate the work that the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has put into this vital program, and I’m excited to see our team pursue new possibilities to increase tourism to Kansas.”

As a result of the ERO, the KDWPT will be designated as the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).

“It’s exciting to see Tourism being positioned as a key part of our state’s economic development strategy,” KDWPT Secretary Brad Loveless said. “I fully support this decision and look forward to continued collaboration with the talented Tourism Division staff to promote our state’s wonderful natural resources.”

Governor Kelly will submit the ERO to the Kansas Legislature on Jan.25. The ERO becomes effective on July 1, following its transmittal to the Legislature, unless within 60 calendar days of transmittal, either the Senate or House adopts a resolution disapproving it.

Obituary

Obituary of Anthony W. Milton

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Anthony Ward “Tony” Milton, age 58, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Saturday, January 23, 2021, at his home.

He was born May 16, 1962, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Ward and Temple Milton. He married Pamela Ada on December 23, 1994, in Venita, OK.

Tony worked as a welder for Kline Tools in Ft. Scott, a security guard at Price Chopper in Gardner, KS, and for USD 234 in various capacities including driving the special needs bus. He greatly enjoyed the children he transported.

Tony also served as a volunteer sheriff’s deputy.

He liked playing video games, watching broadcast news, and listening to the radio.

Tony was a huge Chiefs fan.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as head usher and formerly as deacon.

Survivors include his wife Pam of the home; 5 children, Maneka, Arthon, Ackland, Aztreia, and Mishken Milton; and several brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Andre Milton.

Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct funeral services at 2:00 PM Friday afternoon at the First Baptist Church.

Burial will follow in the West Plains Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service time at the church.

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

Obituary

Obituary of Donald W. Marsh

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Donald William Marsh, age 84, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, finished the race and went to join his wife, Barbara, on her birthday, January 23, 2021.

He was born February 3, 1936, in Fulton, Kansas, the son of Orin P. Marsh and Leona Fay Ballou Marsh.  He married Barbara J. Baysinger on February 24, 1961, in Miami, Oklahoma.

In earlier years, Donnie had worked as a heavy equipment operator for Charlie Large for sixteen years.  He later worked as a mechanic for Montgomery Ward and then for Baxter Tire.

He retired in 2001.  Following retirement, Donnie continued to do mechanic work out of his home.

Donnie was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa.  He loved spending quality time with his family especially his grandchildren.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting as well as racing.  In the early 1960’s, Donnie and some others started the Family Tradition Racing Team which competed in races throughout the area.  He was also an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals as well as the KU Jayhawks.

 

Survivors include his five children, Mike Simmons (Marsha), of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jerry Simmons (Lavetta), of Ft. Scott, Kansas, Donnie Marsh (Sandy), of Deerfield, Missouri, Ronnie Marsh (Mary), of Ft. Scott and Tammy Miller (Doug), also of Ft. Scott; thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is a brother, Buckie Ballou, of Kansas City and a racing buddy, Larry Ballou.

Donnie’s wife, Barbara, preceded him in death on December 22, 2020.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Farmer, a sister, Barbara Moll and racing buddy, Bob Turner and a good friend, Ronnie Button.

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 29th at the Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to Care to Share 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.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for Jan. 26

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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: January 26, 2021

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

 

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Call to Order

 

  • Flag Salute
  • Approval of Minutes from previous meeting
  • Eric Bailey, Road & Bridge Report (gravel for Evergreen Cemetery)
  • Eric Bailey, Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual non elected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Jim Harris, Executive Session, KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
  • Resolution 07-21 Bond Refinance
  • Jim Harris, Discussion regarding dates/times of commission meetings
  • Will Wallis, Magnitude of New Strain of Corona Virus
  • County Counselor
  • Public Comments
  • Commission Comments

Justifications for Executive Session:

          KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy

          KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships

          KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property

          KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Government

Kansas National Guard in U.S. Capital

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Submitted photos of Kansas National Guard with Senator Marshall. Submitted photos.

Today, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. visited with and thanked members of the Kansas National Guard protecting the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Senator delivered over 100 Chick-fil-A sandwiches for lunch, enough to cover all on-duty Kansas National Guard members.

“It is certainly an honor to be here in our nation’s Capitol and the Library of Congress with so many of my friends – troops from around the country. My dad was in the National Guard, my brother in the Air Force, myself in the Army Reserve for seven years – I have an appreciation for what it is like to leave your family behind and come do your job. So, I am truly grateful for them for keeping us all safe and sound. I am truly grateful for all the family members back home who made the sacrifice of sending your loved one here as well. And I just want to say thanks to the employers back home who make it possible for our National Guard and for our Army Reserve to come make the Capitol safe again. Thanks to everybody,” said Senator Marshall.

 

 

Obituary

Obituary of George Warren

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George Marcus Warren, 98, of Uniontown, Kansas, passed away Thursday morning, January 21, 2021. He was born November 16, 1922, in a barn near Muskogee, Oklahoma, the son of Rupert Marcus and Clara Alma (Price) Warren.

At age four, George and his family moved from Muskogee to McCune, Kansas in 1926. George graduated from McCune High School, President of his class, in 1941. After high school, George moved to Long Beach, California where he worked as a riveter for Lockheed. Later, he moved back to Kansas City, working as a riveter for Mid America Aviation. While working there, George enlisted in the Naval Air Corps as a pilot in the Test Flight Division in Hawaii. After World War II, he enrolled at Pittsburg State University where he was Phi Sigma Epsilon president. He graduated from PSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

After graduation from PSU in 1949, George came to Uniontown, Kansas, and took up farming with his dad Rupert. On October 13, 1956, George married the love of his life, Wilma Carolyn Bilyew. Two sons, Mark Edward and Joseph William were born to this union.

George served the Uniontown community on various boards. He was a member of the Uniontown United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board for several terms. He also served as President of the Uniontown Ruritan Club, and served on the Farmers Home Service Agency Board, Bourbon County Soil Conservation Service, Farmer’s Co-op Board for Fort Scott and Uniontown, and chaired the committee that unified schools to form U234 and U235. George also coached T-ball, Little League, and Pee Wee Baseball.

Wilma Preceded George in death on February 15, 1994. After her death George continued to serve the Uniontown community as a public servant. In 2013 George Attended an Honors Flight in Washington D.C.

George is survived by his two sons, Mark Warren and wife Mary, and Joe Warren and wife Lorequita, both of Uniontown; a sister, Anna Rose, also of Uniontown; five grandchildren, Sarah Walls and husband Cedric, Alison Weston and husband Chris, Wes Warren and wife Joanna, Kyle Warren, Glaizel Mae Warren, and two great-grandchildren, Stella Mae Walls, and Russell William Warren.

In addition to his wife Wilma, George was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bill Warren, and a grandson, Cory Warren.

Rev. Carl K. Ellis will conduct private family services 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at the Uniontown United Methodist Church under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Friends may see George and sign the book at the funeral home, and are invited to the graveside service at 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the Uniontown Cemetery following private services.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Uniontown Community Ruritan Club and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com.

Business, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Retailers Offer Discount For Kansas Day

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Shop local retailers celebrating Kansas Day, January 29th, 2021

The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces participating retailers and restaurants will be offering a shopping promotion to celebrate Kansas Day on Friday, January 29th. Patrons wearing apparel with Kansas or a sunflower will receive 10% off their purchase. Participating stores will have a Kansas Day poster in their place of business.

Kansas Day commemorates The Sunflower State being the 34th state to enter the Union in 1861. The Chamber encourages shoppers to celebrate Kansas Day and thank a local store owner for doing business in our great state.

In addition to this local shopping promotion organized by the Chamber, Kansas Tourism invites Kansans to Give a Toast to the Sunflower State on Kansas Day and post their own tribute to the 34th state to social media using the hashtag #ToTheStarsKS

Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.