Local Woman Wins 23rd Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Annual Truck Raffle Drawing
After 23 years, the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing has a Kansas Winner. The Foundation is proud to announce the winner of the 23rd Annual Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Truck Raffle Drawing: Gwen Martin. Gwen’s ticket was drawn from 1,659 entries on Friday, June 23rd at 1:30 pm by TVDS Financial Specialist Christie Fritch. Gwen was notified immediately and was both surprised and excited to hear that she had won. Gwen came on Wednesday, June 27th to collect her prize. She is from Woodson County and as such is familiar with the services Tri-Valley provides and has been a proud supporter in the past. She is from now the proud owner of a 2023 Ford F150 Platinum Edition Truck, purchased from Steve Faulkner Ford in Chanute, KS.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s raffle drawing. This year’s raffle drawing raised $10,000 which will go to provide quality and affordable housing as well as aid in the delivery of services for our neighbors with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Since 2001, the Foundation has built six houses as well as acquired eight houses and one duplex. These fifteen houses are home to 66 individuals with I/DD that reside in the SE Kansas counties of Allen, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Elk, Greenwood, Neosho, Wilson, and Woodson. The Friends of Tri-Valley is licensed through the State of Kansas for this raffle (RAF000005).
Tricia Campbell, TVDS Special Projects Coordinator; Gwen and Pete Martin; Bill Fiscus, TVDS CEO; and Jeff Lassman, Steve Faulkner Ford. Submitted photo,.
High school students from across the State of Kansas participated in the 85th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, held June 4-10 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This was the 31th consecutive year the Kansas Boys State program was held at K-State.
The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
Among the highlights from the week, Samuel Houston, a resident of McPherson, Kan., and a senior-to-be at McPherson High School, was elected Kansas Boys State governor.
Adiel Garcia II, a resident of Olathe, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Spring Hill (Kan.) High School, and Creytin Sanner, a resident of Junction City, Kan., and a senior-to-be at Junction City High School, were elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation, Friday, July 21 through Saturday, July 29, at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.
Kyle Wheatley, Fort Worth, Texas, was named Advisor of the Year. Wheatley, a 2003 KBS delegate and 2004 graduate of Wichita (Kan.) Northwest High School, serves as a KBS associate director and bank advisor.
Ethan Doherty, Denver, Colo., who served as a county counselor for Powell County, was named Counselor of the Year (counselors with four or more years’ experience). He was a 2016 KBS delegate and a 2017 graduate of Girard (Kan.) High School. Theo Wagnon, Topeka, Kan., who served as a House of Representatives counselor, was named New Counselor of the Year (counselors with three or fewer years’ experience). He was a 2020 KBS delegate and a 2021 graduate of Seaman High School in Topeka.
Josef Kuehnen, Olathe, Kan., a senior-to-be at Olathe South High School, received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, given to the outstanding member of the Boys State of Kansas Supreme Court as voted on by his Supreme Court peers. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding commitment to justice under the law and dedicated service to Boys State of Kansas. Stahl, of Junction City, Kan., passed away in September 2015 and was a longtime supporter of the ALBSK.
Kalo Hineman, Scott City, Kan., a senior-to-be at Scott Community High School, was named the Outstanding Senator (representing Eisenhower County), and Jaxon Blubaugh, Silver Lake, Kan., a senior-to-be at Silver Lake High School, was named the Outstanding State Representative (representing Eisenhower County).
Shawn Sullivan, Leavenworth, Kan., a senior-to-be at Leavenworth High School, was named the American Legion Department of Kansas winner of the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. As the state winner, Sullivan receives a $1,250 scholarship and his application moves on to the national level where he could receive a $5,000 award as a national runner-up or $10,000 scholarship as a national scholar.
The 86th session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas is tentatively scheduled to be held the week of Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, 2024, again at Kansas State University. For information on becoming a delegate (high school sophomores and juniors in the 2023-24 academic year), nominating a delegate or sponsoring a delegate next year, visit https://ksbstate.org.
The following is a list of this year’s ALBSK delegates (listed by zip code/city of residence; all cities in Kansas unless noted). Those delegates denoted with a star (*) were elected by their Kansas Boys State city as its outstanding citizen:
(Name, Year in School for 2023-24 Academic Year, High School; Kansas Boys State position – all cities/high schools in Kansas unless noted)
64012 — Belton, Mo.
Chase Rothhaas, senior-to-be, The Barstow School, Kansas City, Mo; City of Shelton Councilman
64152 — Kansas City, Mo.
Boston Orth, junior-to-be, LEAD Innovation Studio; City of Shoemaker Councilman
66006 — Baldwin City
Grayson Coffield, senior-to-be, Baldwin High School; KBS Media
Parker Massey, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School, State Treasurer
66007 — Basehor
Nishan Thomas, junior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Eisenhower County District Court Official
66013 — Bucyrus
Luke Torrez, senior-to-be, Spring Hill High School; KBS Media
66027 — Fort Leavenworth
Levi Hanlen, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Powell County Representative
Ethan Herken, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Kennedy County Representative
Connor Torres, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Bramlage Councilman
66030 — Gardner
Braeden Fitzgerald, senior-to-be, Gardner-Edgerton High School; Powell County Commissioner
Ashton Lang, junior-to-be, Gardner-Edgerton High School; Department of Education and Culture Official
Isaiah Lang, junior-to-be, Gardner-Edgerton High School; Eisenhower County District Court Official
66043 — Lansing
Caleb Baltazar, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Bramlage Councilman
Paul Curtis, senior-to-be, Lansing High School; Seitz County Commissioner and KBS National Guard
Jack Corrigan, senior-to-be, Lansing High School; Seitz County Representative
66044 / 66047 / 66049 — Lawrence
Levi Bates, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; City of Shelton Councilman
Sebastian Borjas, junior-to-be, Bishop Seabury Academy; Seitz County Commissioner and KBS National Guard
* Mason Hadl, senior-to-be, Baldwin High School; Seitz County Commissioner
o Hadl was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Werring
Jake King, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; City of Krupco Councilman
James Loyless, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; City of Gardner Councilman
Max Mitchell, senior-to-be, Eudora High School; Seitz County Commissioner
Jack Sartorius, senior-to-be, Perry-Lecompton High School; Powell County Representative
Brandon Sikes, senior-to-be, Lawrence Free State High School; Department of Human Resources Official
* Hayden Slough, senior-to-be, Bishop Seabury Academy; Kennedy County Commissioner
o Slough was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Shelton
Drake Spurlock; senior-to-be; Bishop Seabury Academy; Eisenhower County Commissioner
66048— Leavenworth
Jaden Daniel, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Seitz County Representative
Quintin Hoppe, senior-to-be, Pleasant Ridge High School, Easton; Kennedy County Representative
Trey Johnson, junior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Krupco Councilman
Grady Mathews, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Gardner Councilman
Luke Monroy, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; City of Werring Councilman
Shawn Sullivan, senior-to-be, Leavenworth High School; Lieutenant Governor
66053 — Louisburg
Colton Prettyman, junor-to-be, Louisburg High School; Department of Natural Resources Official
66061 — Olathe
* Henry Bailey, senior-to-be, Olathe North High School; Eisenhower County Commissioner
o Bailey was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Klassen
Austin Chase, junior-to-be, DeSoto High School; Dole County Representative
* Evan Faimon, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School; City of Whorley Councilman
o Faimon was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Whorley
Dylan Harker, senior-to-be, Heritage Christian Academy, Olathe; KBS Highway Patrol Officer
Adiel Garcia II, senior-to-be, Spring Hill High School; Attorney General
o Garcia was elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation
Joey Geisler, senior-to-be, Blue Valley Southwest High School; Senate Majority Leader and Kennedy County Senator
Jackson Gwartney, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School; City of Thomson Councilman
Reid Kalkman, senior-to-be, DeSoto High School; City of Shoemaker Councilman
Jakob Kuehnen, senior-to-be, Olathe South High School; City of Whorley Councilman
Josef Kuehnen, senior-to-be, Olathe South High School; Supreme Court Judge
o Kuehnen received the William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award
Ricky Nosworthy, senior-to-be, St. James Academy, Lenexa; City of Klassen
Isaac Shilling, junior-to-be, Olathe West High School; Department of Education and Culture
66067 — Ottawa
Aiden Demoret, senior-to-be, Ottawa High School; KBS Highway Patrol Officer
66071 — Paola
Johnson Martell, senior-to-be, Paola High School; City of Krupco Councilman
66080 — Richmond
Marcius Englund, senior-to-be, Central Heights High School; City of Raymond Councilman
66086 — Tonganoxie
Gavin Shupe, senior-to-be, Tonganoxie High School; Powell County Commissioner
66109 — Kansas City
Thomas Hapke, senior-to-be, Piper High School; Speaker of the House and Kennedy County Representative
Grayson Lamb, senior-to-be, Piper High School; Eisenhower County Representative
Logun Nigh, senior-to-be, Lawrence Virtual School; Seitz County Representative
66202 — Mission
Wilson Biles, junior-to-be, Shawnee Mission East High School; Dole County Commissioner
66203 — Shawnee
Sam Wilson, senior-to-be, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School; City of Werring Councilman
66205 — Westwood
Rocco Marrello, senior-to-be, Bishop Miege High School, Department of Human Resources Official
66207 — Prairie Village
Julius Lopez, senior-to-be, Bishop Miege High School; Powell County Commissioner
66208 — Mission Hills
Dean Patterson, junior-to-be, Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Mo.; City of Werring Councilman
66209 — Leawood
Gavin Nelson, junior-to-be, Blue Valley North High School; Dole County Senator
Landon Nelson, junior-to-be, Blue Valley North High School; Eisenhower County Representative
66211 — Olathe
Trenton Rogers, senior-to-be, Olathe West High School, Department of Education and Culture Official
66213 / 66214 / 66221 — Overland Park
Samuel Olson, senior-to-be, Olathe North High School; Dole County Representative
Kevin Colerick, senior-to-be, Blue Valley Northwest High School; City of Whorley Councilman
Matthew Newbold, junior-to-be, Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Mo.; Dole County Representative
Cody Peng, senior-to-be, Blue Valley Northwest High School; Secretary of State
Matthew Stevens, senior-to-be, Blue Valley Southwest High School; City of Krupco Councilman
66215 / 66220 — Lenexa
Logan Grosserode, senior-to-be, Home School; Eisenhower County Representative
Hayes Schoenfeldt, senior-to-be, Olathe Northwest High School; City of Thomson Councilman
66216 / 66218 / 66226 — Shawnee
Garrett Dykes, junior-to-be, DeSoto High School, Seitz County District Court Official
Adam Poe, senior-to-be, Rockhurst High School, Kansas City, Mo.; Department of Economy Official
Sebastian Smith, senior-to-be, Mill Valley High School; Eisenhower County Commissioner
Mason Van Allen, senior-to-be, DeSoto High School, Kennedy County Commissioner
66224 — Leawood
Jack Graves, senior-to-be, Blue Valley High School; City of Klassen Councilman and KBS National Guard
Joshua Murphy, junior-to-be, Blue Valley High School; Department of Economy Official
* Chetan Thomas, senior-to-be, The Barstow School, Kansas City, Mo.; KBS Media
o Thomas was named Outstanding Citizen for the City of Krupco
Luke Wakeman, junior-to-be, Blue Valley North High School; Seitz County Commissioner
66409 — Berryton
Grant Bryan, senior-to-be, Bishop Seabury Academy, Lawrence; Department of Economy Official
66440 — Hoyt
Jackson King, senior-to-be, Royal Valley High School; Powell County District Court Official
66441 — Junction City
Noah Fields, senior-to-be, St. Xavier Catholic School; City of Whorley Councilman
Travis Leasure, senior-to-be, Chapman High School; Seitz County Representative
Creytin Sanner, senior-to-be, Junction City High School; House Majority Leader and Powell County Representative
o Sanner was elected to represent Kansas Boys State at Boys Nation
66442 — Fort Riley
Joseph Knell, senior-to-be, Junction City High School; Supreme Court Judge
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) expects to begin mill and overlay projects on K-39 and U.S. 59 in Neosho County the week of June 26.
The adjoining projects start on K-39 east of Chanute and continue east and north for 15 miles, ending at the Neosho-Allen county line. The contractor plans to begin at the county line and work westward.
Flaggers and a pilot car operation will guide one-lane traffic through the work zone during daylight hours. Expect delays of 15 minutes or less. The road work should be finished by August, weather permitting.
KDOT awarded the construction contract of $4.6 million to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., Topeka. Check KDOT’s traveler information website, www.Kandrive.org, for more highway condition and construction details. Persons with questions may contact Doug Pulliam at KDOT-Pittsburg, (620) 235-9523, or Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at (620) 902-6433.
Heartland Virus Disease Identified in Crawford County Resident
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Crawford County Health Department have identified Heartland Virus Disease (Heartland), a rare tickborne illness, in a Crawford County resident. Health care providers diagnosed the resident in late May 2023 after further testing was coordinated through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is the first case of Heartland in Crawford County and only the third case identified in Kansas since the virus’s discovery in northwest Missouri in 2009. The previous two cases were identified in Miami County in 2015 and Anderson County in 2018. To date, there have been over 50 cases of Heartland diagnosed across areas of the Midwest and Southern United States.
“We’re entering the time of year when we start to receive a lot of complaints about ticks on animals and in the environment and questions regarding tick bites and tickborne diseases in people. People must take the risk of tickborne disease seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce their chance of acquiring a tickborne illness,” saidDr. Erin Petro, DVM, MPH,KDHE public health veterinarian. “While Heartland and other tickborne viruses like Bourbon virus are rare, they can lead to severe illness and even death.”
Heartland virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Lone Star Tick, the most common tick in Kansas, which is most active from May through August. The symptoms of Heartland are vague and include fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headache and occasionally a rash. Health care providers should consider Heartland in patients with compatible clinical illness and bloodwork findings when other common tickborne illness testing is negative.
This case serves as an important reminder to take precautions as you enjoy the outdoors this summer. Ticks are commonly found at the edge of trails, on tall grasses and in wooded, shaded areas. To reduce the risk of contracting a tickborne disease, take the following steps:
Wear long pants with socks tucked into pants and long sleeves when doing yardwork, hiking, camping or recreating in areas where ticks may be found.
After being outdoors in tick habitats, take a shower to help wash off unattached ticks and identify any attached ticks. Always perform a thorough tick check after being outdoors.
Reduce tick habitats in your yard by clearing brush, leaf litter and tall grasses around your home and at the edge of your lawn.
Apply an EPA-approved repellent, such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, when enjoying the outdoors.
If hunting or camping, consider treating gear and clothing with permethrin; always follow label directions for safe application of permethrin.
Additional information about Heartland Virus can be found on the CDC website.
KCC approves settlement agreement allowing Liberty-Empire to recover winter storm costs over time
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a settlement agreement outlining how The Empire District Electric Company d/b/a Liberty Utilities (Liberty-Empire) will recover $10.8 million in extraordinary costs incurred during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri. The utility, like others regulated by the KCC, was ordered to do everything possible to continue providing service to its customers, defer the charges, and then develop a plan to allow customers to pay the unusually high costs over time to minimize the financial impact.
The settlement, negotiated by KCC Staff, the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) and the company allows Liberty-Empire customers to pay for the extraordinary costs –associated with the Winter Event over a 13-year period from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2036. On average, residential customer bills will increase by $5.73 per month during this period. This is a reduction from Liberty-Empire’s originally requested plan which would have resulted in an increase in the average residential bill of $7.32 per month.
The Commission emphasized it was in the public interest for Liberty-Empire to incur the extraordinary costs to ensure the integrity of the electric system and provide continuous service to its customers.
Today’s order states that any proceeds received by Liberty-Empire from ongoing federal or state investigations into market manipulation, price gouging or civil suits will be passed on to customers.
In issuing today’s order, the Commission found the agreement was supported by substantial competent evidence, will result in just and reasonable rates, and is in the public interest. The Commission’s order in this docket is the last of the Uri-related utility dockets to be filed and acted on.
Pictured in center is Louise (Opitz) Hughes of Kearney, Mo. celebrating her 80th Year at the Arcadia alumni – Louise graduated at Arcadia High School in 1943. Pictured with Louise is her daughter, Christine Bossung, and her son, David Hughes. Standing is Arcadia Alumni president, Pat Morris. Submitted photo.
“HUGE SUCCESS”
Even though Arcadia High School closed its doors at the end of the “1965” school year, the annual alumni banquet is still being held on memorial week-end every year in Pittsburg, Kansas. The membership also includes the Junior, Sophomore, and Freshman Class of 1965. The banquet was held at the Lamplighter Inn on Saturday afternoon, May 27th and was catered by Chicken Mary’s and served by the Stansbury
brothers of Arcadia, Ks. Open Door Mission Church Youth.
Enclosed with the invitation to the banquet this year was the 2022 Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer. The 2022
Minutes were enclosed also prepared by Virginia Smith, Secretary.
These were included in the mailing to provide more time for visiting.
Social hour was 1:00-3:00 p.m. followed by lunch and business meeting. President Pat Morris of Arcadia welcomed the 40 Alumni and 23 guests. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle. The Lord’s Prayer in unison was led by Melvin Nichols.
At the opening of the business meeting, Pat introduced alumni officers Vice President, Tom Watt; Secretary, Virginia Smith; Treasurer, Shirley Landon; and Marilyn Flagg, Historian.
There were no objections or corrections to the 2022 Minutes or the 2022 Treasurer’s report. They stand approved as presented.
Merle Engle along with nominating Committee of Mary Lee Payne and Sherry Sisney nominated the following officers for the coming year as follows: Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian. A motion was made by Betty Skidmore and seconded by
Lou Sheets and motion carried.
Special recognition was given to members of the 60th (1963);
70th (1953); and 80th (1943) this year.
Those attending from the 60th class were the following: Sharon
(Barnard) Foster and guest Richard Foster and Richard Page.
Attending from the 70th. were as follows: Bobby Charles Harris and
guest Bobby C. Harris, Jr..
Atending from the 80th. were as follows: Louise (Opitz) Hughes and
guests David Hughes and Christine Bossung.
Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.
All 18 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.
Virginia Smith, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2023 A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Carson
Ruoff (Grandson of Alan and Joyce (Gable) Niebrugge). Other AHS Alumni Scholarship winners were Aaron Moe and Adam Moe (Grandsons of Fred Dixon). Carson Ruoff received $1,000. Aaron and Adam Moe received $500 each.
Pat Morris introduced Sharon Foster (Class of 1963), and Ronnie
Smith (Class of 1962) who served on the scholarship committee with
Virginia.
Any child, grandchild, or great grandchild of Arcadia High School Alumni may apply for a scholarship.
Marilyn Flagg led the memorial service for alumni deceased since the last meeting. Those remembered were: Jo (Fowler) Ferraro, Helen (Fowler) Knoll, Jessie (Eggen) Dunn, Irene (Buchanan) Williams, Louetta
(Swezey) Schwatken, Betty (Ritter) Skidmore, Leona Maxine (James) Garrett, Boyd (Buck) McMillin, John Richard Meacham, Shirley (Birdsell) Garrett, Shirley (Stroud) Weber, Ernestine (Swezey) Murray, Jo Ellen (Elliott) Swezey, Margaret (Turner) Jones, Sharon (Powell) Thornhill, Olive (Curnutt) Berting, Richard L. Dixon, Geneva (Jeannie) Ham, Jerry McClendon, Gary Mayfield, Anita (Miles) Callahan, Richard Totman, Maxine James (Teacher), Marie (Hoover) Marshall, Dr. Retha (Hoover) Dr. Kilpatrick Gries, Merle Mayfield, and Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace.
Louise (Opitz) Hughes, 96 years old (Class of 1943) was given an award for being the “Oldest” alumni. Esther (Engle) Cousins (Class of 1954) was awarded for traveling the “Most Distance”.
The school song was led by Bill Skidmore.
The Benediction was by Melvin Nichols.
The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1943, 1953, and 1963 classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.
1949 – Jerry Skidmore
1950 – Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore
1951 – David Fowler and guest Jeanie Watson
1954 – Esther (Engle) Cousins and guest Janice Crooks
Gary Peterson and guest Patty Peterson
1955 – Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne
1956 – Shirley (McKinstry) Landon
Bill Skidmore and guest Twonette Skidmore
1957 – Merle Engle
Francis M. Jones and guest Karen (Jones) Tripp
Lou Sheets and guest Linda Sue Sheets
Lilly (Turner) Sheffield
1958 – Laura (Coonrod) Felt and guest Ronnie Felt
Fred Dixon
Marilou (Garton) Bork and guest Jerry Bork
Sandra Sue Stelle
1959 – Michael Sheffield
Gary Skidmore and guest Jean Skidmore
Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers
1960 – Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele
Melvin Nichols
1962 – Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg
Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen
Helen (Morris) Nichols
Ronnie Smith
1964 – Virginia (Harris) Smith
Ronny Kellogg and guest Barb Kellogg
Steve Morris
Pat (Smith) Morris
Peggy (O’Dell) Worsley
Sherry (Swafford) Page
1968 – Ronnie Page
Don Schaub
Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead
Sherry Sisney
Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt
The servers were the
Stansbury Brothers (Camryn, Sammy, Wyatt, and Tido), of Arcadia, Kansas Open Door Mission Church Youth and Judy Stansbury.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to expand broadband infrastructure statewide and ensure every Kansan has access to reliable high-speed internet. To assist in this and provide accurate data for the plan, the department is calling on residents to participate in an important online speed test and survey.
The data collected ultimately will help guide the allocation of state and federal resources to areas in need.
“Accurate, comprehensive data is critical to our state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By engaging directly with Kansans to learn about their broadband capacity, we aim to secure significant funding to connect underserved areas and establish Kansas as one of the best states in the nation for high-speed internet access.”
The speed test will measure internet speed, general location and IP address, while maintaining the privacy of personal information. Participants also will be asked to complete an optional survey that provides vital insights into connectivity patterns, necessary training requirements and affordability of internet services.
“We understand that this is a busy time of the year, especially with the transition from school to summer,” Kansas Broadband Development Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “We genuinely appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all participants in completing these tests, which will enable us to identify opportunities for better connectivity and reach our goal of #ConnectingAllKansans.”
While this is not the first initiative of its kind, it is undeniably significant, and greater participation from residents will allow more accurate results. Participants will be asked to take five to seven tests at different times of day or days of the week.
To ensure accurate results, participants are advised to conduct the speed test while connected to Wi-Fi from their home or business networks. It is important to confirm the presence of the Wi-Fi symbol and verify that a cellular network is not being used for the test. If possible, the test should be done in the late afternoon or early evening, as this is when service is typically the slowest.
To participate, residents should visit the official website of the initiative, broadbandks.com, where they can complete a quick and simple online speed test. This test, which only takes a few minutes, will provide valuable data on internet connectivity throughout the state.
Individuals without internet access at their homes or businesses can a call or text 1 (913) 349-9555 to share their address where service is unavailable.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for all Kansans. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, the office aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital literacy and foster economic growth across the state. For further information or any inquiries, please visit the official initiative website at broadbandks.com. For direct communication, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development can be reached at (785) 480-8555.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES MATTHEW BUCK AS NEW MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Matthew Buck as its new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective May 15, 2023.
Matthew comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and Girard Area Community Foundation, with a unique skill set that will provide more community awareness through increased marketing and public relations.
“We are excited to welcome Matthew to the team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “He will be a tremendous asset in increasing communication with our nonprofit partners, donors, and the entire Southeast Kansas region. His passion and dedication will help CFSEK strengthen our message and share more of our remarkable stories. ”
As a southeast Kansas native, Matthew earned a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Communications, with a minor in Marketing. Although this opportunity is Matthew’s first professional experience in the world of nonprofit work, he is no stranger to supporting his community and helping people.
Matthew has been engaged with the SEK community for many years. As a Pittsburg High School graduate, he participated in several annual food drives and community outreach programs. As a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at Wichita State, Matthew served as a chapter Vice President for two years and helped coordinate several community cleanup projects. Matthew currently serves on the Pittsburg Community Theatre board of directors as the Media Director. You can usually find Matthew on stage with PCT or cheering on the Gorillas at Pitt State football games.
When asked about his new position, Matthew said, “I am so excited to be joining the CFSEK team. CFSEK has a storied history of helping our community in a variety of ways, from grants to scholarships, one of which I received to help me pay for college. I really feel like I’ve come full-circle, and I can’t wait to continue serving the community I care for so deeply!”
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is a local public charitable foundation that awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2022 and has facilitated over $20 million in grants since its inception in 2001. The Community Foundation serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.
FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Time is running out to get discount tickets for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet. This moving story of the Osage people is coming to Fort Scott, Kansas for three performances July 21-22, 2023. Discounted early bird prices are only available until May 31. Tickets can be purchased online at www.osageballet.com/events or by clicking on the get tickets button on the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Facebook page. Persons needing assistance with online purchases can do so, in person, at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
The heart-pounding drumbeats, rhythmic dancing, and compelling stories of Wahzhazhe are sure to delight dancing enthusiasts and history fans of all ages. The Fort Scott performances will be held Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service are hosting Wahzhazhe as part of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s educational programming. Contact [email protected] for more information.
TheCommunity Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) will host the 2023Estate Planning Forumin the large conference room of The Foundry at Block22indowntownPittsburgon Tuesday, June13.
Thefull–dayForum, hostedannuallyin partnership with Foulston Siefkin LLP of Wichita,is open to Southeast Kansas attorneys, CPAs, insurance professionals, and financial advisors.Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the first session will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Attendees willlearn about new developments in the field of estate planning, earnup tosix hours of continuing–education credit, andenjoya free lunchfrom Chatterscourtesy of CFSEK.
This year’s Forum includes sessions on legal ethics;a comparison of probate–avoidance devices; drafting advice to minimize family disharmony; drafting support and discretionary trusts; and recent developments in estate planning, including the effects of recent changes on charitable giving.Sessions will be taught byFoulston Siefkin’s Tim O’Sullivan, JD, LLM, and Corey Moomaw, JD, LLM.
The Forum has been approved for 6 hours of CLE credit (including one hour of ethics credit) and 5 hours of insurance CE credit. It also offersa recommended5 hours of CPE credit for accountants and5 hours of PACE credit for qualifying financial advisors.
Registration is required for this event.Professionaladvisorswho want to attendthe 2023 Estate Planning Forumcanregister by completing the online form at SoutheastKansas.org/forum2023/, emailing j[email protected], or calling (620) 231–8897. ***
Taken from his village in India to work on the East African Railway for the British, Pirbhai spends his life reconciling an act he committed to survive that will haunt his family’s future for years to come. 50,000 first printing.
Becoming friends with Sophie Braam, Officer Nora Martin, new to the unwelcoming Bellair Police Department, begins to suspect something’s not quite right with the unnerving, enigmatic bartender and discovers she’s the serial killer terrorizing their small town, but wonders if anyone will believe her. 75,000 first printing.
When she discovers a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, Vera Wong, a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands, calls the police but not before swiping the flash drive from the body, setting a trap for the killer that becomes complicated by unexpected friendships with her customers.
Struggling with the unexpected loss of her mother, Phoenix Yuan-Whyller brings her mother’s ashes back to her homeland of China, on what at first seems like a daughter’s quest to uncover a mother’s secrets, but soon becomes a startling journey of self-discovery
Thirty-six years into their dutiful but unhappy arranged marriage, an Indian couple decide to get a divorce and start new paths in life, leaving their adult children unmoored, confused and hiding secrets about their own lives.
After being hospitalized for depression and sent to a wilderness therapy retreat, Teagan is saved from a bear attack by the program’s handywoman and hires her to return to New York with him as an unnecessary sober companion. Original.
A visit to a private amusement park is the trip of a lifetime for a group of teen influencers, until they learn that getting off the island alive is not part of the plan
“In a near-future northern settlement, the fate of a young woman intertwines with those of a college professor and a collective of women soldiers in this mesmerizing and transportive novel in the vein of Station Eleven and The Power. In the far north of Canada, a team led by a visionary American architect is building a project called Camp Zero. With its fresh, clean air and cold climate, it’s intended to be the beginning of a new community and a new way of life. A brilliant and determined young woman employed as a sex worker to the elite is offered a chance to join the Blooms, a group meant to service the men in camp-but her mission is to secretly monitor the mercurial architect in charge. In return, she’ll receive a home for her displaced Korean immigrant mother and herself. Upon arrival at Camp Zero, she is named Rose. Rose quickly secures the trust of her target, but in the camp, everyone has an agenda, and her alliances begin to shift. Through skillfully braided perspectives, including those of a young professor longing to escape his wealthy family and an all-woman military brigade struggling for survival at a climate research station, the fate of Camp Zero and its inhabitants reaches a stunning crescendo. An electrifying page-turner where nothing isas it seems, Camp Zero cleverly explores how the intersection of gender, class, and migration will impact who and what will survive in a warming world”
“Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general–also known as her tough-as-talons mother–has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter–like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise”
“Inspired by a true story, three best friends from Mobile, Alabama are captured in the Philippines during WWII–they vow to return home together. They struggle to survive against impossible odds that becomes known as the Bataan Death March”
Commissioned to create a mural representing Dawes, Wyoming, for their new Post Office, Val Welch, a painter in Depression-era America, stays with a wealthy art lover, his wife and a mysterious elder cowboy where he turns up secrets that could spark formidable changes for all of them. 150,000 first printing.
Travel back in time with these fourteen new stories that explore the individual courage and strength the tumultuous American frontier required. These stories are written by award-winning authors and the most exciting new voices in historical fiction. Fortitude and Other Frontier Stories, edited by Hazel Rumney, features engaging stories that will delight readers. These stories capture the spirit of freedom and individualism in the evolving 19th century American frontier. These epic narratives of courage and survival are organized by timeframe to offer readers a panoramic view of pioneers who faced life-changing challenges in settings that are in stark contrast to civilized society. In this anthology, you’ll enjoy stories by bestselling and award-winning authors such as Preston Lewis, K. Lyn Wurth, W. Michael Farmer, John D. Nesbitt, Larry D. Sweazy, Michael R. Ritt, Sharon Frame Gay, L. J. Martin, Greg Hunt, Diana Holguin-Balogh, Lisa Majewski, Del Howison, Butch Denny, John Neely Davis, and Richard Prosch.
“A thrilling mystery about a group of former classmates who reunite to mark the tenth anniversary of a tragic accident–only to have one of the survivors disappear, casting fear and suspicion on the original tragedy”
To finally secure justice and protect the ones they love, two former female spies, American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette LaRue, aka the Golden Doves, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II
When Laurie, a nomadic artist, surprises her mother, an elegant perfectionist, with a dream vacation to Paris, which brings an unexpected sparkle to her eyes, mother and daughter unpack a lifetime of secrets and hopes in the City of Light. 150,000 first printing.
Drawing on oral history and testimony, as well as extensive archival research, this powerful story recounts the transformation of Polish nationalist Aleksander Kulisiewicz after an unlikely friendship with a Jewish conductor in Sachsenhausen who tasked him with a mission: to save the musical heritage of the victims of the Nazi camps. Illustrations.
The best-selling author of The God Equation turns his attention to humanity’s next great technological advancement?—?quantum computing, which could change every aspect of our daily lives by solving some of our greatest challenges, from climate change to world hunger to incurable diseases. Original.
An expert on generational change looks at the six generations of Americans currently alive, from the Silents to the still-named generation born after 2012, and how they connect, conflict and compete with one another.
Complete with guided introspection, personal experiences, client stories and more, a licensed therapist and popular Instagram relationship expert helps us understand our Family of Origin—the family and framework we grew up within—to meaningfully improve our relationships and our lives in the future.
Drawing on the latest scientific research and his prodigious imagination, a renowned astronomer and science communicator takes us on an immersive tour of the universe to view ten of the most spectacular sights outer space has to offer, including the strange, beautiful shadows cast by a hundred thousand stars. Illustrations.
An investigative reporter takes us on a wild ride through the world of fringe medicine, aka “medical freedom,” that is a growing universe of nontraditional treatments, such as leeches and baking soda IVs, and alternative healers seeking the support and approval of the government. 18,000 first printing. Illustrations.
Accompanied by delightful and sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes from the author’s own henhouse, this blend of chicken-keeping memoir and animal welfare reporting explores the lives of these quirky, mysterious birds, interviewing the people breeding, training, healing and, most importantly, adoring chickens.
The 16-month series will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) recently joined the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative. The 16-month program launched in April and will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce and building cultures that value justice, equity, diversity and belonging.
The Breakthrough Series Collaborative brings together multidisciplinary teams to engage in a dynamic learning process that cultivates a healthy, equitable, sustainable workforce. Other states named to the collaborative include Illinois, New Mexico, Washington state and Westchester County (NY).
“We aren’t simply looking at the issues from the top down,” shared Laura Howard, Secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families. “Our teams, which are comprised of community partners, educational institutions, and DCF staff and leaders will learn up as we experiment with small and large approaches to recruiting and retaining child welfare workers.”
Kansas is represented with two teams focusing on the Northwest and Northeast regions of the state, which includes 41 Kansas counties and the cities of Colby, Hays, Salina, Manhattan, Hiawatha and Topeka. The teams include new and veteran DCF staff in leadership, child protection and human resource roles, and partners such as Saint Francis Ministries and Fort Hays State University.
“Staff at all levels want to be part of the solution to improve workforce recruitment and retention,” said Deanne Dinkel, DCF’s director of safety and thriving families and performance improvement. “This Breakthrough Series will provide this opportunity for staff to engage, learn, and be a part of the solution.”
The Collaborative requires the teams to meet monthly to discuss the test strategies they have and are planning to implement, while collecting data to track progress and share with other states and counties involved in the program.
The teams are focused on five domains in the Collaborative’s Change Framework. They are Mattering at Work, Opportunity for Growth, Community & Connection, Protection from Harm, and Work-Life Harmony. The Kansas teams are first looking at Protection from Harm and believes that progress made in this domain will impact the Work-Life Harmony domain.
“One approach we are taking in Protection from Harm is expanding our emergency contacts list,” shared Caroline Hastings, Northeast Kansas regional director and Northeast team manager. “We will begin to offer family members/emergency contacts of our child protection employees with supervisor’s work contact information.
“So, if a worker is late, their family member has someone to contact if they cannot reach their loved one,” she continued.
Other areas of exploration within Protection from Harm involves engagement with Fort Hays State University and Saint Francis Ministries in a more holistic approach to preparing students and staff for the work.
“We have begun educating our staff on secondary traumatic stress and tactics to deal with this,” explained Pamela Beach, Northwest Kansas regional director and Northwest team manager. “Although our agency has improved immensely in areas of communication, transparency, and being culturally responsive, we continue search for effective ways to support staff and buffer burnout as well as provide immediate in-house supports for trauma and therapeutic processes.”
