Earl “Poncho” Colley, Jr., age 55, resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at his home.
He was born October 24, 1964, in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Earl Colley, Sr. and Pamela Rice Colley.
Earl worked for Rent-A-Center for 17 years. He never met a stranger and could always make you laugh. He enjoyed MOKAN races, football (Chiefs), swimming, and classical rock music.
Earl was a talented individual, from auto mechanic, to carpentry, to cooking.
He and wife Lisa never had an argument.
Survivors include his wife Lisa of the home; three sons, Zach Lyman, Ft. Scott, Andrew Colley and wife, Erica, CA, and Joseph Colley, CO; two daughters, Kaitie Lyman, Ft. Scott, and Enjoli Colley, CO; three brothers, Rusty Green, Joplin, MO, Earl Colley and wife, Froenie, Sulphur OK, and Jamie Allen Rice, Midland, TX; a sister, Missy Colley Carriger and husband Darren, Osawatomie, KS; 10 grandchildren including JayLynn and Lynkoln Lyman; and 7 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
There was cremation. Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Earl Colley, Jr. 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.
Some Vehicle Titling, Registration, and Renewals Near Deadlines
TOPEKA – As the end of July approaches, deadlines near for vehicle registration renewals and extensions given for recent vehicle purchases. The following information outlines the deadlines for specific transactions administered by county treasurers across the state.
Vehicle Registration Renewals:
Vehicle registrations with an expiration date of March through June 2020 must be renewed by Nov. 14, 2020. Vehicle registration renewals from July 2020 forward must be renewed in the regularly scheduled month.
Recent Vehicle Purchases:
Kansas residents who have purchased new or used motor vehicles on or after Jan. 1, 2020, and are operating with a valid, extended 60-day permit, may continue to do so beyond the 60 days. Through Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-55, the Kansas Department of Revenue is extending any temporary, 60-day Kansas permit for motor vehicles purchased after Jan. 1, through May 31, 2020.
The table below determines the deadline to complete the title and registration process for a recently purchased vehicle. Late penalties and loss of authority to operate motor vehicles on State roadways will be incurred after the deadline listed.
Purchase Date:
Title & Registration Deadline:
Jan. 1-31, 2020
Monday, Aug. 31, 2020
Feb. 1-29, 2020
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020
March 1-31, 2020
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020
April 1-30, 2020
Monday, Nov. 30, 2020
May 1-31, 2020
Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020
Driver’s License Renewals: The deadline to renew Kansas driver’s licenses and state identification cards with expiration dates of March 12 through Sept. 15, 2020, is Dec. 31, 2020.
Some county treasurer offices offer limited licensing services in which operations may vary.
While each county treasurer determines how its office completes these transactions, the Kansas Department of Revenue continues to encourage the online renewal of vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses. This can be done by visiting ikan.ks.gov or by downloading the iKan app from the Apple App or Google Play stores on your mobile device. By statute, some restrictions apply.
State identification card renewals require a visit to a Kansas Department of Revenue Driver’s License Office.
If a visit to a Kansas Driver’s License Office is necessary, an appointment is required. To schedule an appointment, customers are asked to use the method listed at ksrevenue.org/reopening. This site only lists state-run office locations.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces Department of Commerce’s Third KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the third KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair will be held today, Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30.
“We need to maintain a strong, healthy workforce in our state, and getting Kansans back to work safely is one of my top priorities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The KANSASWORKS virtual job fair has proven to be a creative and effective way to connect Kansans with jobs opportunities, and will be important as our economy recovers from the challenges of COVID-19.”
The virtual fair will allow job seekers to easily live chat with employers from across the state through computers and mobile devices. This is the third KANSASWORKS virtual job fair so far in 2020, with four more planned later this year.
The Department of Commerce moved its statewide job fairs online this year to eliminate the public health risks associated with mass gatherings, while continuing to provide job opportunities for job seekers and maintain a ready workforce for Kansas businesses.
“Increasing employment opportunities and keeping our economy strong is a top priority of the Department of Commerce,” Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The need for both businesses and job seekers in our state is significant, but health and safety concerns mean it’s still not safe to hold in-person job fairs. The Virtual Statewide Job Fair system is a perfect example of how our KANSASWORKS team is continuing to provide Kansans access to employers in a way that protects everyone involved.”
This year’s second virtual fair in June was a great success, with approximately 165 employers and 1,497 jobseekers participating. Employers represented included:
KanEquip, Inc.
Foley Equipment
Fuller Industries
Johns Manville
National Beef
PKM Steel Service Inc.
Salina Regional Health Center
Cornejo
Russell Stover
Reser’s Fine Foods
Johnsonville
Dillons
Glassman Corporation
CivicPlus
ADT
Bombardier Aviation
Creekstone Farms
Southwest Medical Center
Farmers Insurance
Goodwill Industries of Kansas
Emprise Bank
Wichita Public Schools
The University of Kansas
As concerns for the health and safety of Kansans remain high due to COVID-19, the Department of Commerce will maintain the virtual job fair system for the remainder of 2020. Future statewide events are scheduled for:
August 25-27
September 22-24
October 27-29
December 8-9
As these dates get closer, updates will be provided with employer and jobseeker registration links for each individual virtual fair.
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners, the County Counselor the County Clerk and the Economic Development Director present.
The Commissioners continued the discussion from July 14th regarding hiring an administrator for the Spark grant funds.
Greenbush, the Southeast Kansas Education Center gave a proposal to the Commissioners to be a grant administrator for the Spark grant. The Commissioners all liked the Greenbush proposal, they felt they could offer more feet on the ground, the business would be local; they felt there would be easier communication and coordination and this would align with the regional development goal.
Jody Hoener said she would put together a steering committee for the Spark grant; all of the Commissioners preferred that Jody be a representative from Bourbon County on the steering committee. Jody and the Commissioners reviewed the names on individuals that they felt should serve on the steering committee.
Nick made a motion to approve the Greenbush proposal for the Spark grant and to allow Lynne to sign the Greenbush contract and to allow Jody Hoener to be the representative from Bourbon County on the steering committee, Jeff seconded and all approved.
Jeff made a motion to allow all of the Commissioners to attend a virtual award ceremony for the Pathways grant, Nick seconded and all approved.
At 1:51, Lynne made a motion to adjourn, Nick seconded and all approved.
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
July 20, 2020, Approved Date
The Bourbon County Commission received $2.9M in CARES Act funds through the State of Kansas SPARK funding. This funding is designed to help the county with the health and economic emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about the funding, visit https://www.bourboncountyks.org/spark/.
The County Commission has created the following categories of funding requests:
Reimbursement-for COVID related expenditures from March 1-July 30.
Direct Aid-for COVID related expenditures from August-December.
Small Business/Nonprofit Grant Program-a formula grant program designed to support these two groups with less than 50 employees.
Applications for funding requests from Bourbon County businesses, government entities, schools, and nonprofits can be found here. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE Saturday AUGUST 8 AT NOON.
There will be Zoom information meetings on Wednesday, July 29. Register here to watch live or visit this link after Wednesday afternoon for a recording of the meetings. Instructional slide decks will also be posted.
Kansas Department of Transportation Proposes Safety Rule Regulating Minimum Railroad Crew Size
TOPEKA—The Department of Transportation today proposed a new regulation requiring railroads operating within Kansas to maintain a minimum of two crew members in the control compartment of the lead locomotive unit of a train.
“Kansas has faced issues ranging from crew member fatigue to derailments which pose a threat to our safety and security – but by maintaining the current practice of requiring a two-person crew we can ensure the health and safety of Kansas workers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This proposed regulation is a commonsense, necessary measure to protect our state’s railroad crew members and keep every community along the tracks safe.”
The regulation reads as follows:
K.A.R. [36-43-1]. Crew Requirements.
Railroads operating within Kansas shall maintain a minimum of two crew members in the control compartment of the lead locomotive unit of a train.
Compliance with subsection (a) of this Section shall not be required during switching operations, brake testing, safety inspections, or while performing setouts in conjunction with road service.
The benefits of the proposed rule and regulation is railroad and community safety, including the role two-person crews can play in helping to prevent potential accidents or derailments and in emergency situations.
Other states that have enacted legislation on minimum railroad crew requirements are Wisconsin, Arizona, Oregon, California, West Virginia, Colorado, Nevada, and Illinois.
Nearly all railroads in Kansas are currently operating two-person crews and will have no increased labor costs from the implementation of this regulation.
The Fort Scott City Commission will meet on Tuesday, July 28th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Meeting Room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas to hold a work session to discuss the City’s 2021 budget.
The work session will also be available on the City’s YouTube channel.
MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
Addie Mae Ralph, age 94, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.
She was born September 26, 1925, in Pleasanton, Kansas, the daughter of Charles J. Vest and Francena Holmes Vest. She married Henry Delbert Ralph on October 8, 1947, at Salinas, California.
Addie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
She was a member of the Prescott Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Debra Taylor, of Ft. Scott; a grandson, Jeremy Taylor and wife, Teresa, of Springfield, Missouri and two grandchildren, Kailey and Caden.
Addie’s husband, Delbert, preceded her in death on January 28, 2017. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles “Buddy” Vest and a sister, Evelyn Ham.
A private funeral service will take place on Tuesday, July 28th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Addie will be laid to rest beside her husband, Delbert, at the Holmes Cemetery northeast of Prescott, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to the Medicalodge Activity Fund 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.
Kansas State University nutrition specialist Sandy Procter says recent changes to nutrition labels on most foods should be viewed as a great ally for consumers and their good health.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration initially published rules on changing nutrition information on food labels in 2016, citing the need for those labels to reflect updated scientific information, including the link between diet and such chronic diseases as obesity and heart disease.
Since that time, American food companies have gradually come into compliance. Manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual sales were required to switch to the new label by January 1 of this year; those with less than $10 million in annual sales must meet the labeling requirements by January 1, 2021.
“The consumer is the winner here,” Procter said. “It allows each of us to control what we are putting into our bodies.”
The new label not only reflects more of what we know about foods, but also is based on current nutrition and public health research, and the updated dietary guidelines for Americans. Public input was also considered, Procter said.
In addition to larger print, the new label is more clear on the number of calories per serving of any given food, and lists information on nutrients considered more vital for overall health.
For example, Procter said, “vitamin D and potassium were never on the label until now. Before, the nutrients highlighted were vitamin A and vitamin C, which are nutrients of concern in other countries, but not in the United States.
Procter said the new labels reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, identifying vitamin D and the mineral potassium as nutrients where most U.S. consumers fall short.
“Vitamin D is activated in the liver and is made by our bodies when we spend a little time out in the sun each day,” Procter said. “But vitamin D is limited in food sources.”
“Vitamin D is important to boost our auto-immune systems. And it works with calcium to support bone health and bone strength. So, it makes sense for us to look at a food label and determine that a food is a great source of vitamin D.”
Potassium, she adds, forms a pump with sodium to keep fluids in balance in and around cells. Eating foods high in potassium helps to offset high levels of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other disease.
“So, while we are carefully watching our salt intake, we might want to be more interested in sources that are high in potassium,” Procter said. “Fruits, vegetables, milk and other dairy products are good sources of potassium.”
The new food labels not only include the quantity of sodium, potassium and other nutrients in a single serving, but also the percentage one serving contributes to the daily dietary guidelines of a given nutrient – called the Percent Daily Value.
“That information was there before, but you had to invest time and some thought process to find it,” Procter said. “Most of us really don’t want to do that when it comes to limiting or determining our food intake.”
“The new label is user-friendly and contains as much information as most of us would really need when choosing foods,” Procter said. “If you are watching your weight or concerned about pre-diabetes, then it’s much easier to look at calories and added sugars. Or maybe you’ve been told to watch your fat and sodium intake because you have high blood pressure; in that case, you may read the label to quickly know how many calories, grams of fat or sodium is in a food.”
“We can pick and choose the parts of the label that mean the most to each of us. It’s great if you want to read the whole label, but certain parts may be more important and allow us to focus on our personal nutrition needs.”
For more information about making wise food choices, contact Kathy McEwan at [email protected] or by phone at 620-365-2242.
