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Business, Fort Scott

The Beacon Receives Donation From Bourbon County Cars

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Submitted photo.Josh Jones with Bourbon County Cars, right, delivers a $500 donation to David Gillen with The Beacon,

Josh Jones with Bourbon County Cars delivered a $500 donation to David Gillen with The Beacon.

“This is a co-op program Bourbon County Cars has with a vendor of theirs (ASC Warranty Company),” Jones said. ” ASC will in turn be donating $500 as well to The Beacon for a total of $1000 donation to The Beacon.”

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

 

They have provided those struggling in the community with a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

 

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

 

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

 

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

 

Exercise, Health Care

Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run

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NRMC Foundation Hosts Virtual Race in Support of Women’s Health

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Foundation recently unveiled an effort to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle by hosting a Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run. Proceeds from the race will be used to provide mammography screenings at no cost to uninsured and underinsured women in October.

Those interested in contributing to the cause without entering the race can visit the event website to make a donation or purchase a t-shirt. Those who wish to enter the race, whether competitively or not, may choose to enter a 5K or 10K for $15. All race participants will earn an event t-shirt as well as a finisher medal and commemorative race bib. The deadline to enter is Saturday, October 3.

To maintain social distancing, NRMC is encouraging online registration for the race. Once registered, participants may run or walk the distance on their own. Individuals may log their race time on the event website to compare scores on the leaderboard.

With the continuing concern about COVID-19 and its spread, it has never been more important for everyone to make health a top priority. While all people are susceptible to the disease, those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues should exercise special caution at this time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. While that may sound like a long time, spreading the time over several days makes it an achievable goal. Simply walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days does the job. Others may prefer to exercise for 15 minutes twice daily for 5 days.

In conjunction with the virtual race NRMC Diagnostic Imagining will host a Ladies Night with extended mammography screening hours on Thursday evening, October 1st. During this time, underinsured and uninsured women may utilize grant funding from the NRMC Foundation, covering any self-pay portions of the screening they may incur.

Though breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women, advances in diagnosis have improved the outlook in recent years. NRMC uses the latest 3D ultrasound mammography screening that is proven to help detect more cancer, sooner. If found early breast cancer can be treated and cured, often with less invasive procedures. The American Medical Association, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society all recommend that women begin getting regular mammograms by the age of 40.

To register for the Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run, visit the event registration website at www.nrmchealth.com/race.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Government, Kansas

FS City Commission Will Meet at Buck Run on Sept. 1

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

August 28, 2020

The September 1st, 2020 City Commission meeting will be held at Buck Run Community Center in the Corey Larson Gymnasium (1st gym), 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be made available via the City’s youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Government, Kansas

Increased COVID-19 Testing

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Thermo Fisher Expansion to Help Increase COVID-19 Testing Statewide, Create Jobs

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in Lenexa to celebrate the opening of the company’s new Viral Transport Media manufacturing site, which will play a critical role in Kansas’ comprehensive COVID-19 testing strategy and create more than 300 full-time jobs.

 

“I want to thank the Thermo Fisher team for its work in protecting our health and safety and helping Kansas tackle the many challenges brought on by COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “By significantly increasing the manufacturing capacity of this facility, Thermo Fisher will not only have a positive impact on public health, but will help my administration as we work to rebuild our state’s fiscal foundation and make our economy stronger than it has ever been – not just returning to pre-pandemic conditions.”

 

Thermo Fisher has been producing COVID-19 testing products since the onset of the pandemic.

 

Built in just six weeks, this $40 million facility has created more than 300 new full-time jobs and added 120,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity in Lenexa. The company estimates that more than 150 million testing products will be produced by the end of the year.

 

Secretary of Commerce David Toland joined Governor Kelly at today’s ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony.

 

“The need for research and development of pharmaceuticals to test for and combat COVID-19 is essential to our economic recovery, and Thermo Fisher is stepping up to help take on this huge task,” Secretary Toland said. “Thermo Fisher is doing extremely important work for COVID-19 research, and I’m proud that such important, critically needed products will be produced in Kansas.”

 

Today’s ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony not only established the new Lenexa facility, but it also signified the beginning of Phase 2 of the project, which will focus on new research and development in the fight against COVID-19.

 

For more information on Thermo Fisher, including the viral transport media manufacturing site in Lenexa, visit their website here.

 

The below photos are available for media use:

 

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https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_0507.jpg

 

Government, Kansas

Virtual KS Products Fair

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Purple Ribbon Marketplace Offers Virtual State Fair Opportunity

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s state trademark program, From the Land of Kansas, and a variety of its member companies will be exhibiting in a virtual state fair-like experience, September 11-20, to showcase Kansas products.

 

The virtual experience, called Purple Ribbon Marketplace, will feature special deals like half-off shipping, as well as fun and interactive opportunities to learn about Kansas agriculture businesses and the stories behind them. KDA created a Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thepurpleribbonmarketplace, and launched it on August 28 to begin sharing the stories about its members before product sales begin on September 11.

 

Since the cancellation of the Kansas State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program wanted to find an alternative way to showcase these Kansas businesses and offer consumers the opportunity to purchase local products.

 

“This will be an easy way for these businesses to remain connected with consumers so they can enjoy high-quality food and unique products and share with their family and friends,” said Janelle Dobbins, From the Land of Kansas program director. “This virtual format will allow for more interaction, and, of course, the special state fair offers we all love.”

 

A variety of Kansas products will be offered through the Purple Ribbon Marketplace including popcorn, cheese, sunflower oil, coffee, spice and dip mixes, sauerkraut, and honey. A local distillery will also be selling their hand sanitizer.

 

From the Land of Kansas is the state’s trademark program that promotes and celebrates agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. It supports the KDA mission to serve Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and consumers by providing agribusiness marketing opportunities to participating local businesses and allowing consumers to identify and choose to support Kansas products.

 

For more information about the program and its members, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Shop for Kansas products year-round at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Mattox Promoted at UMB

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Crystal Mattox. Submitted photo.
Crystal Mattox was recently promoted to senior vice president of commercial lending at UMB Bank, according to Stephanie Kayser, a part of UMB Bank’s external communications team.
In her role, Crystal is responsible for developing new relationships, expanding existing business and maintaining customer relationships. Crystal provides financial solutions to help her clients grow, improve operations and increase value. 
 
Crystal has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined UMB Bank in 2010 as a vice president and commercial lender. Prior to UMB, Crystal worked at Emprise Bank as an assistant vice president and commercial lender.
 
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Kansas State University. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National and Graduate Commercial Lending School and is a licensed insurance representative. Crystal is active in her community and is on the board of the local United Way chapter. She is also a member of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at St. Johns Catholic Church, Gunn Park Trails and the Moran Ball Association. 
Government, Kansas

Prisoner Review Board Location Change

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Kansas Prisoner Review Board Topeka Public Comment Session

Location Change

 

TOPEKA, Kansas – The Kansas Prisoner Review Board (PRB) announced today a change of location for the Public Comment Session scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2020.

 

Due to the announced closure of the Topeka Municipal Court building, the session has been relocated to the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Tower located at 700 S.W. Jackson Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66603. Participants will be limited to 25 people at a time to meet social distancing requirements.

 

Participants who need assistance with directions or have questions about this change may call (785) 746-7529.

 

Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list guidance to include Aruba. Additionally, those countries which previously held a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions have been removed from the list effective today – this is in line with newly issued CDC guidance.

 

“While we are removing certain countries from our travel restrictions in line with CDC guidance, we will continue to issue travel quarantines of locations or activities that pose the largest threats to Kansans,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “For countries and/or states, the criteria will continue to be those that have new case rates three times the Kansas rate.”  

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to Aruba on or after August 27.
  • Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out-of-state of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.
  • Traveled July 14 – August 27 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations or gatherings 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.

 

“If you are choosing to travel, in-state, out-of-state or internationally, please know that even though travel may be opening, there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

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

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Minutes of Aug. 13

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August 13, 2020 Thursday 10:00 am

The Bourbon County Commission met in open session to hold the 2020 Primary Election canvass, all of the Commissioners, the County Counselor and the County Clerk were present for the canvass. Present for the canvass were the following; Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt, Hazel Swarts, Sparky Schroeder and Julie Saker.

The Commissioners had a 2021 budget review beginning at 1:30 pm. Present for the meeting Lynne Oharah, Nick Ruhl, Kendell Mason and Justin Meeks, also present were Tammy Helm with the Fort Scott Tribune, Michael Hoyt and Hazel Swarts. The Commissioners said they were budgeting for 4 additional employees for the Road & Bridge departments (2 employees for a bridge crew and 2 employees for a ditching crew), Michael Hoyt questioned how the Commissioners were going to cover the loss of the Public Works director and the foreman; Lynne said they would open up the positions up for applications. The Commissioners decided to add $3,694.82 to the Correctional Center wages to help fund raises for two salaried employees, (this raise will not go into effect until a wage resolution is adopted to put the raises into effect). Lynne said a raise has been built into the IT department’s budget. Michael Hoyt questioned what expenses had been removed from the Commission budget and the Attorney’s budget; Lynne said expenses were removed from the Commission budget and that moving/remodeling expenses were removed from the Attorney’s budget that had been built in the prior year’s budget, District Court’s 2021 budget is more than 2020 due to money budgeted for Courthouse security, the Commissioners said the I/T’s overall budget is higher than 2020 to cover the cost of I/T expenses at the Hospital and if the County doesn’t take over the Hospital the money will be used as a carryover for the general fund. The Commissioners discussed the County Counselors 2021 wages; Lynne said currently the County Counselor makes $64,000 annually, he said the wages will increase to $78,000 in 2021 and the County Counselor will be paid as a 1099 employee without any benefits, he will pay for his own office supplies and CLE’s, $12,000 is budgeted in contractual for the tax sale work; Michael Hoyt suggested to make sure that the County Counselor meets the definition of an IRS 1099 employee. Tammy Helm questioned if part of the economic development’s salary is paid by grant money; the Commissioners said part of that salary will be paid by the Healthy Bourbon County Grant. The Commissioners continued to go through the 2021 budget; Lynne said they hope to have enough surplus in the ambulance fund to purchase a replacement ambulance. The Commissioners said the Road & Bridge 1% sales tax will be on the General Election 2020 ballot. Hazel Swarts questioned where the COPS and Sparks grants were accounted for on the 2021 budget; the Commissioners said the COPS is labeled as the SRO under the Sheriff’s revenue, Hazel questioned where the vehicle would come from for the SRO officer; the Commissioners said that the Sheriff stated he had a spare vehicle for this position.

Lynne made a motion to publish the 2021 budget as presented with the additional $3,694.82 for the Correctional Center wages, Nick seconded and the motion passed. Nick made a motion to hold a 2021 budget hearing on August 25th @ 10:00 am, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Lynne made a motion to adopt Resolution 25-20; a resolution with the results of the 2020 Primary Election, Nick seconded and the motion passed and they signed the resolution.

At 2:47, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and the motion passed.

THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Chairman
(ss) Jeff Fischer, Commissioner
(ss) Nick Ruhl, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Kendell Mason, Bourbon County Clerk
August 18, 2020, Approved Date