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The Fort Scott Police Department Daily Reports Feb. 21-24
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Hedgehog.INK Featured Artist: Barbara Ritter, Today
U.S. 69 Hwy. Closed South of K-7 and K-39 Junction
US-69: ROAD CLOSED between 0.4 miles south of Junction Kansas 7 South and Kansas 39 and Junction US 69 Business Route and Kansas 57-Franklin.
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Act Against Child Abuse
Christa Horn Program Director Bourbon County CASA 620-223-2407
Bourbon County CASA Urges Residents to Act Against Child Abuse
Fort Scott, KS– In preparation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Bourbon County CASA challenges residents of Southeast Kansas to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.
At any given time, there are over 7,000 children in foster care in the state of Kansas. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own.
“Children continue to come into care and we aim to meet that need,” said Christa Horn, Program Director, Bourbon County CASA. “Every child deserves the support of caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”
Throughout the year Bourbon County CASA is calling on members of the community to help our program serve more of Bourbon County’s most vulnerable children.
Without intervention, the odds are stacked against children in foster care. A child with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, however, spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their wellbeing and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.
“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Horn. “A child may have multiple social workers, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”
Bourbon County CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities. At the heart of the movement are nearly 87,000 highly trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 280,000 of America’s children who have been abused or neglected. In Bourbon County, there are 22 volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of 75 children (annually) but many more children need the care and support of a CASA volunteer.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, contact Christa Horn at 620-2232407 or email [email protected]. New volunteer training begins April 1.
Fort Scott American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt
Upcoming Events
February 26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
February 28. Post 25 Executive Committee meets at 6 pm in Memorial Hall.
March 4. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 4. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
March 4. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
March 5. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 11. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 12. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 14. Post 25 Color Guard meets at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post members including SAL members are invited to join our growing Color Guard.
March 18. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 19. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 23. Department of Kansas District 2 Convention at Gardner Post 19 starts at 8 am. Districts will meet in Convention for the purpose of conducting its business and electing officers for the 2019-20 membership year which begins on July 1. All Legionnaires in good standing are invited and encouraged to attend District and Department conventions.
March 25. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
March 26. Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle departs Pete’s Convenience Store, 1920 South Main Street, parking lot at 6:15 am. Vets needing a ride for a medical appointment must call 785-925-0261 to schedule a seat.
April 1. Post 25 meet and greet at 6:30 pm in Memorial Hall. Come and enjoy the fellowship of other Veterans. Bring an eligible Veteran to visit our Post.
April 1. Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our membership meetings are open to all. SAL members are strongly encouraged to attend.
I am pleased to announce that once again Fort Scott American Legion Thompson-Harkey Post 25 leads the Department of Kansas in membership this week. Our 2019 goal was 51 members. Our current membership is at 143% and 73 members. We are 22 members over our goal. By way of comparison, Sterling Post 128 in District 7 is in 2nd place for membership at 121%. Thanks to all members who have made Fort Scott Post 25 a highly visible and active Legion Post in the Department of Kansas.
Recruit a new Legion member and both you and the new member will be entered into a drawing where each of you could win $500. This new member contest runs until May. Bringing in a past member whose membership expired in 2017 or earlier would also count towards the $500 drawing. If you need recruiting brochures or membership applications, please contact me. I’ll make arrangements to deliver them to you. A copy of the membership drive rules is attached.
Post Service Officer Myra Jowers will no longer hold office hours on Tuesdays at Memorial Hall. She will meet with anyone, by appointment, who has questions about filing VA claims, who need a second set of eyes to review their claims or help understand VA documents they have received in the mail. Her service is free and is for anyone, Veteran or family member, who wishes to file a claim or appeal a denied claim. She can be reached at [email protected] or 620.215.1286 to schedule an appointment.
Fort Scott/Topeka VA Medical Center shuttle is now in operation. Currently, the shuttle is only operating on Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the VA, additional days will be added to the schedule. Monday shuttle runs will start on Monday, March 4.th.
Any area Vet needing a ride for a medical appointment should call 785-925-0261 for more information or to reserve a seat. All Vets riding the shuttle must have medical appointments between 9 am and 1 pm and call by 5 pm the day before their appointment to schedule their ride.
We are moving towards starting an American Legion Riders. An organizational meeting will be scheduled in mid-March. The date and time will be based upon ALR District Officers availability. If you are interested in joining the Post 25 Riders Chapter, contact Post Commander Carl Jowers to be placed on a meeting notification list. The requirements to join the ALR are on the attached flyer.
Nominations for Post 25 Officers for the 2019 – 2020 Legion year will begin at our March meeting. Any Post 25 Legionnaire who is current on their dues can be nominated for any office. Please give thought to stepping up and being nominated for an office or encourage other members to step up and help guide Post 25’s growth for another year.
Legion merchandise can be ordered through Emblem Sales: https://emblem.legion.org/. Contact me if ordering a Legion cap to insure your cap has the correct lettering.
Remember to check out Post 25 on Facebook. It contains current information pertaining to Veterans and their families.
American Legion Fort Scott Post 25 American Legion Riders 022219
Carl Jowers. Commander
Telephone: 620.215.1688
What’s Happening in Fort Scott This Week By The Chamber of Commerce
| RADIO AUCTION – KOMB All Hit 103.9 FM – through the first week of March, every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Listen for details! | |
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ABE/GED Orientation Classes at FSCC will begin Tuesday, March 5th. There are 3 class times to choose from: 9am-12pm, 1pm-4pm, or 4pm-7pm. (See flyer below for more info) |
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4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair – March 7th, Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, 2pm-6pm (See flyer below)
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Care to Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) will be hosting the 5th Annual “TaTa” Ride on June 15th, 2019 and an “AR-15 Gun Raffle”. Raffle tickets are $5 each and on sale now! ATF Regulations apply. Contact Stacey Wright for tickets or more info. (See flyer below)
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| 22-23 |
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
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| 22 | 4th Annual Prairie Troubadour – Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., Friday: 7-10pm; Saturday: 8:30am-8:30pm
The Prairie Troubadour is a group of friends inspired by stalwarts of the Faith to live and share the Joy of Christ. This year’s topic: REASON FOR FAITH – Reflections on Particles and Paraclete. Join Dale Ahlquist, David Whalen, Stacy Trasancos, Kevin O’Brien and William Fahey to discuss the good life Visit our website for registration and information: https://prairietroubadour.org/?mc_cid=3cbfc63a98&mc_eid=bba1c6a31b |
| 23 |
Sweet Listings Open House Event by Stutesman’s Action Realty – Tour homes and be entered to win a $25 Casey’s gas card! Tour these 5 homes: 117 Crescent Dr., 1703 Westbury Ln., 901 Barbee, 722 S. Hill, 519 Holbrook See flyer below for details |
| 23 |
Hedgehog.INK presents their February Featured Artist, weaver Barbara Ritter, 16 S. Main St., 3pm Barbara’s artwork is on display at Hedgehog.INK during the month of February. She will give a presentation about her artwork and the techniques she uses (See flyer below)
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| 26-27 | Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am |
| 26 |
Kiwanis Pancake Feed at Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave., 11am-6:30pm Pancakes, sausage & drinks – $5. Kids under 5 eat free
FOR ORDERS OF 10 OR MORE, CALL: 620-223-0404
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| 26 | T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center, 3-4pm |
| 26 | Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info |
| 27 | Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am
Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission Call Buck Run at 620-223-0386 for more info |
| 27 |
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
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| 27 |
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
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TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends
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| 28 |
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Adventures in Mission (at Hole In The Wall Liquor) Location: 124 E. Wall St.
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| 28 | Pioneer Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12pm |
| 28 | Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info |
| 28 | Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize |
Alabama Residents are Invited to Tumbleweed Music Festival for Free
Governor Laura Kelly: Alabama Residents are Invited to Tumbleweed Music Festival for Free
Topeka, Kan. – Governor Laura Kelly announced details today of a new and entertaining musical opportunity for residents of Kansas and Alabama.
Working with assistance from the Kansas Department of Commerce, Governor Kelly announced today that residents of the state of Alabama are invited to attend the Tumbleweed Music Festival in Kansas for free, thanks to an offer from the festival’s promoter.
The festival will take place from May 30th through June 1st in La Cygne, KS. Every citizen of the state of Alabama is eligible to receive a three-day General Admission pass to the festival at no charge.
“I want to thank Alabama Governor Kay Ivey for the ability to share this Kansas experience with the residents of Alabama,” Governor Kelly said. “I hope this marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between our two beautiful states.”
In 2019, the Tumbleweed Music Festival will be headlined by the band Alabama. Other acts performing will include The Marshall Tucker Band, Blackberry Smoke, Whiskey Myers and many more.
Any Alabaman wishing to register can go to this site to claim their free pass: http://www.TumbleweedCountry.com/Alabama
Tumbleweed Festival Lineup Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHnm0TOvtUE
Governor Kelly on KPERS
Governor’s statement on the passage of Senate Bill 9
The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly on the passage of Senate Bill 9, a $115 million payment to KPERS to make up for years of delayed and eliminated payments:
“After years of delayed, reduced and eliminated pension payments to prop up a failed tax experiment, it is encouraging to see lawmakers act responsibly to fix past mistakes. However, Senate Bill 9 does little to address ballooning KPERS payments in future years, and it does nothing to stabilize state finances as a whole. In January, I put forward a commonsense, structurally balanced budget that tackled our most urgent priorities, paid down debt, rebuilt our state savings, all without raising taxes.
“While I’m eager to compromise with Republican leadership on policy proposals, I will not compromise Kansans’ commitment to fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets. I’m hopeful that Republican leadership will join me in that effort and come to the table to offer reasonable ideas so we can avoid the mistakes that made Senate Bill 9 necessary in the first place.”
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Kiwanis Pancake Feed Will Feature Music Artists
There will be music entertainment for the Kiwanis Pancake Feed on Tuesday, February 26.
“We will have music from various artists throughout the day from 11 am to close at 6:30 pm,” said Ralph Carlson, coordinator.
Featured artists will include the Miller family, Leta and Mike who play gospel and classic country. Also featured are Carolyn Tucker, piano and vocal, David Prickett, classic country and gospel, vocal and guitar;Floyd Feezell, vocal; The Sekanaires Quartet and Ralph Carlson.
“The Kiwanis Club appreciates the time and talents of our friends and we are excited about the really fine talent lineup,” Carlson said. “The group is composed of many of our regular contributors at the Friday Night Concert Chamber sponsored series. The Key Club will be there to assist with the service and festivities. They are also a vital part of the Kiwanis Pancake Feed project.”
Definition of A Weapon Considered by Kansas Senate
Department of Corrections Secretary Cautions Lawmakers to Consider Costs of Their Decisions During Testimony
Topeka, Kan. — During his neutral testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee this week regarding Senate Bill 80, which would expand the definition of weapon, Department of Corrections Secretary Roger Werholtz reminded lawmakers to consider a series of questions and its subsequent impact on the Kansas Department of Corrections. The proposed change would add the word “ammunition” to law thus raising the severity level of the penalty resulting in lengthening prison sentences for criminals. On the surface the change may seem to impose relatively little impact for the Kansas Department of Corrections, however, he offered another perspective with a series of questions.
Those questions included:
- What is the purpose of the legislation and the change in penalty? Is it to deter people from committing this offense? Is it simply to incapacitate them for a longer period of time?
- If the goal is deterrence, I would ask you to consider how many convicted felons will be aware of this legislation or will know that someone with a criminal history of two non-person felonies will move from presumptive probation with an underlying prison sentence of 11 to 13 months to a presumptive prison sentence of 25 to 29 months. I would argue that these folks will not do a cost benefit analysis of possible penalties and decide not to commit the crime because of the new sentences proposed. The fact is, these offenders don’t think they will be caught or simply don’t think at all.
- If the goal is incapacitation, how much more public safety will we buy by increasing prison time by 14 to 16 months, especially if the department does not have the program capacity to address the criminal behaviors that resulted in incarceration? We can certainly prevent offenders from doing much harm while imprisoned, but incapacitation is a very expensive strategy to pursue.
Werholtz cited legislative research requested by Rep. Ward Loyd in the past to determine how many changes were made to sentencing law for a multi-year period beginning in 2005. It was found that 108 changes to sentencing statutes were made. Of those 108 changes, 97 increased penalties.
“When considered independently, each of those decisions may seem to have insignificant impact on the Department of Corrections. However, the cumulative effect has considerable impact on our operations,” Werholtz said in his written testimony. “I chose to highlight this issue, with this legislation, because I think it is a good example of what can happen if we don’t look at the long-term consequences of a change.”
Secretary Werholtz provided a parallel of a truck that continued to have its cargo area loaded with more items. As more and more content is loaded into the truck it could seemingly handle the additional load, but eventually, he hypothesized, the load becomes too much and the truck’s chassis breaks and the truck is unable to be operated anymore. Similarly, the prison system, which is over its capacity will exceed its tipping point too.
“You are no doubt aware by now that we have insufficient space to house our population, insufficient staff to properly supervise them, and insufficient programming to effectively treat them,” Werholtz said in his written testimony. “My request is that, when considering all legislation impacting the size of KDOC’s inmate population, please be prepared to provide the necessary resources to safely house and treat them. Our current trajectory is unsustainable. Your careful consideration of this request is appreciated.”