Category Archives: Area News

Dream Big Little One; A “Simple” Solution to a “Simple” Problem

CFSEK Grantee Story Series:

Dream Big Little One; A “Simple” Solution to a “Simple” Problem

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to continue our series of articles highlighting the great work done by our grantees in Southeast Kansas communities. Our next grantee to highlight is Dream Big Little One, based out of Columbus.

When you go to bed every night, you probably don’t think much of it, it’s just something you do. But how many children in our region don’t have that luxury? Some sleep in beds, sure, but there are some who share beds with parents or siblings, or sleep on a couch, and sadly, some who must sleep on the floor. On the surface, you could say it is a “simple” problem with a “simple” solution, but what is the solution? Well, the solution started from a grandmother simply baking cinnamon rolls!

“My grandson and I were baking for a fundraiser to help a few families get beds for their kids,” said Tess Watson, Dream Big Little One (DBLO) Founder. “It opened my eyes to a real problem in my own community, and I couldn’t get away from it.”

After that, Tess said she wanted to help just a few more families, but she kept finding more families to help.

“My husband said to not get carried away with this, but I outgrew my house and now we have expanded to 3 locations around the region. I don’t think I got carried away!”

Working with community partners like school counselors and therapists, DBLO is able to identify and address the needs of area children.

To date, DBLO has provided almost 2,000 beds to children in the four-state area! That doesn’t happen without donations, grants, and volunteers. Last year, DBLO was the recipient of a CFSEK grant from the Knights of Columbus Endowment Fund, where the money was used to buy new beds and frames for area children in need.

“We can’t do what we do without grants from organizations like CFSEK and the Knights of Columbus,” Watson said. “We also are always in need of volunteers! There is always more to give. Even if you don’t get involved with us (DBLO), I hope more people will get involved with local nonprofits!”

DBLO covers the four-state area. If you have a gently used mattress and/or sheets, contact DBLO or visit their website at DonateBeds.com where you can arrange donations. Dream Big Little One Association is their Facebook group with over 3,000 active members where they regularly post updates on their progress and needs for volunteers.

The Knights of Columbus Endowment grant cycle is open until Friday, May 31st! Applications are available online at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2023 and has facilitated over $23 million in total granting to Southeast Kansas since its inception in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with various charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser, Boardwalk BBQ

 

 

A crowd of 150 people attended the 2024 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Tuesday, April 16th. The evening’s theme was a BBq, a Boardwalk BBq.  The foundation was excited to have the brand-new SEK Impact Center serve as the site for the evening’s festivities.  Doors opened at 6 pm.  Approximately $12,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent and live auctions.  New this year was our wine pull pong game and axe throwing.

 

Attendees were treated to a delicious BBq meal of pulled pork, pulled chicken, cole slaw, and baked beans furnished by The Hangout of Chanute, KS.  Dessert was peach cobbler in Waffle cones coated in chocolate, which were provided by Tri-Valley Director of Programming Brenda Harrison.  Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal.  Door prizes were courtesy of Tri-Valley’s Fort Scott Greenhouse, Special Olympics of Kansas, Opie’s Restaurant, Oriental Tracking Company, 4Imprint, and Jennifer Dietsch State Farm.

 

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  For 2024, we had two trips courtesy of Monarch Cement Company; a 3-night stay at the Historic Rancho de la Osa Dude Ranch in Arizona and a 3-night stay at a Tiffany’s B & B in Arkansas.  Other items auctioned off include:  a Breckenridge CO vacation package courtesy of Home Savings Bank; a Branson MO vacation package courtesy of Community National Bank; a full-size recliner courtesy of Ruddick’s Furniture in Fort Scott; Dinner for 10 courtesy of Brenda Harrison; a metal art piece, a pair of sunflower windmills, and tickets to the 2024 Symphany in the Flint Hills, to be held in Greenwood County.

 

All money raised from the evening will go towards the Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation projects.  Since 2001, the Foundation has built six homes and acquired eight additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Buffalo, Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to 72 of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.

 

“The evening was fantastic”, said Bill Fiscus, CEO. “The food, drawings and conversation were phenomenal.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We hope you had an enjoyable evening and look forward to seeing you all in 2025.”

 

A big thank you goes to the evening’s sponsors.  Promenade Level:  Steve Faulkner Ford, Monarch Cement Company, and David & Beth Toland

Colonnade Level: Community National Bank – Chanute, Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Home Savings Bank, and IMA.

Esplandae Level: Ash Grove, Cardinal Drug, Community National Bank – Eureka, Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA, and Peerless Products

Arcade Level:  Bank of Commerce, Hi-Lo Industries; and Cheney Witt Chapel.

 

Special thanks go to Dave Petersen who served as Emcee; Larry Holman for photography; and Anna Methvin and Crystal Poovey with SEK Impact Center

4-H Spring Dog Show: May 25 at 1 p.m.

Pictured is Ella Snider and her dog Tex earned 5th overall in their division at the Kansas State Fair last year. Submitted.

Zach Ross, Fort Scott,  is the  Kansas State University Southwind District coordinator for the local 4-H dog program. That district is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.

He and his wife, Aubrey,  will be hosting a Spring Dog Show at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on May 25 at 1 p.m.

The event is for youth participating in 4-H Clubs

“Typically (dog) handlers compete at the Bourbon County Fair to qualify to take their dogs to the Kansas State Fair,” she said. “The Southwind District has 43 handlers who have an opportunity that day, at least 10 from Bourbon County. Zach and I have been coaching the Bourbon County group for three years and we have several handlers who are looking to move up in agility and obedience divisions and need to have more qualifying scores to be able to go to state.”

“We’ve invited all regional dog show programs to attend and compete, she said. ” Handlers will be competing in Agility, Showmenship, Obedience, and Rally Obedience.”

“We are excited to have this opportunity for our handlers and want to share their hard work with the community,” she said.

The event is free for spectators and the dog handlers.

“Many of our handlers are ready to move up and our program needs to purchase advanced equipment,” she said.  “We will be accepting donations that will help fund new equipment so that handlers can compete in higher-level events in the future.”

Checks can be made to 4-H Council and in memo: Dog Program and be sent or delivered to the K-State Extension Office at 210 S. National, Fort Scott, 66701.

The Bourbon County Fair Dog Show is on July 13 at 8 a.m.

 

Ascension Via Christi Cyber Security Event On May 8

Submitted by: Scott Evans
Senior Director
External Communications

Ascension Via Christi, Wichtia

On Wednesday, May 8, Ascension Via Christi detected unusual activity on select technology network systems,due to a cyber security event.

“At this time we continue to investigate the situation. We responded immediately, initiated our investigation and activated our remediation efforts. Access to some systems have been interrupted as this process continues.

“Our care teams are trained for these kinds of disruptions and have initiated procedures to ensure patient care delivery continues to be safe and as minimally impacted as possible. There has been a disruption to clinical operations, and we continue to assess the impact and duration of the disruption.

“We have engaged Mandiant, a third party expert, to assist in the investigation and remediation process, and we have notified the appropriate authorities.  Together, we are working to fully investigate what information, if any, may have been affected by the situation. Should we determine that any sensitive information was affected, we will notify and support those individuals in accordance with all relevant regulatory and legal guidelines.

“We are reaching out to our business partners to ensure they are aware of the situation so they can take  appropriate steps to safeguard their systems.  We encourage all business partners to coordinate with the Ascension Technology partners to address any specific questions.

“This is an ongoing situation and we will provide updates as we learn more.  For the most recent information please visit: https://about.ascension.org/news/2024/05/network-interruption-update”

 

Kansans Can Win a Free Tree in Celebration of Safe Digging Month

 

Kansas Gas Service Promotes Safety and a Greener Community

 

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – April 2, 2024 – April typically marks the start of the spring planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations. It’s also National Safe Digging Month, and Kansas Gas Service asks residents to commit to always digging safely. As a bonus, participants will have a chance to win a free tree.

 

“As a utility company dedicated to safety and environmental responsibility, we recognize the importance of safe digging practices,” says Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for ONE Gas, the parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “With our pledge challenge and tree giveaway, we hope to not only emphasize the importance of contacting 811 before digging but also to contribute to a healthier community.”

 

Dig Hero Tree Giveaway

Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2024 Safe Digging Pledge at beadigherokansas.com, and recognizing the need to contact 811 before their shovels or excavating equipment hits the ground – regardless of the size of digging project. After taking the pledge, they are automatically entered into a random drawing to win a free tree in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees in the U.S.

 

New this year, winners of the tree giveaway contest will pick the tree they wish to plant and receive information about energy savings gained from their tree.

 

Why Contact 811?

With any digging project, whether planting a tree or repairing a sprinkler system, there is a high probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas pipelines, electric cables or water lines. The best way to avoid damage and injury or loss of service is to contact 811 at least two full working days before digging to learn the approximate location of buried facilities in your area. By calling 811 or submitting a request at Kansas811.com, professional locators will mark the underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the home or business owner. Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: 2 feet on either side of the pipe. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area.

 

Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherokansas.com for your chance to win a free tree.

 

 

Digital Toolkit: Access b-roll, Safe Digging Month flyer and graphics here.

 

 

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 647,000 customers in Kansas and is the largest natural gas distributor in the state in terms of customers. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit kansasgasservice.com and follow its social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees with a focus in communities and forests of greatest need. The Foundation — alongside its more than 1 million members, supporters and valued partners — is committed to unlocking the power of trees to help solve critical issues facing people and the planet. Learn more about the impact of the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.

 

 

 

John E. Johnson Jr. Escaped From Jo. Co. Department of Corrections

Escapee John Evans Johnson Jr.
Submitted photo.

Minimum-Custody Offender John Evans Johnson, Jr. Placed on Escape Status from Johnson County Department of Corrections’ Adult Residential Center

~Should be considered dangerous~

GARDNER, Kansas. –

Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) resident John Evans Johnson, Jr., has been placed on escape status after not returning to the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JSDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) facility this afternoon.

Johnson, a 49-year-old white male with green eyes, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. He has a shaved head and nine tattoos across his arms, legs, neck, and back.

He was placed on escape status when he did not return to the residential center following two job interviews.

Johnson has been serving a one-year sentence at the Johnson County Work Release Center since August 3, 2023. He was convicted in Wyandotte County for one count of burglary.

Anyone with information on Johnson should call the KDOC’s Enforcement, Apprehension, and Investigations Division (EAI) at 816-266-2102, the JCDOC at 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at [email protected]

The walk-away is currently being investigated.  New information will be released as it becomes available.

Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who meet certain criteria can be housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration into the community.

A photo of John Evans Johnson, Jr., can be found here.

Preparing for prom: Fairy Godmother Boutique set for March 16

PITTSBURG — Thanks to generous donors and the Fairy Godmother Boutique, area high school students can pick out new and gently used dresses. Many don’t look forward to prom
because they can’t afford to purchase a dress and accessories.

“The Fairy Godmother Boutique was created to help these students get the prom experience we all dream of — the perfect dress, the hair, the shoes,” Patient Education & Support Manager
Julie Laverack says.

The pop-up boutique is set for Saturday, March 16, at CHC/SEK in Pittsburg, at 3011 N. Michigan (Pittsburg). To shop for a free dress, prom goers must book an appointment by calling 620-231-
9873 and ask for a Family Resource Specialist.

Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff and community recently gathered their lightly used and nearly new prom dresses to give to the Fairy Godmother Boutique. Additionally,
sponsor Sara Loree’s Bridal and Formal, donated many dresses as well.

“We’ve had tremendous community support,” Laverack says. “Thank you all for donating these beautiful dresses. Another huge thank you to those who signed up to be volunteer stylists during the event.”

There will be dresses sizes 0-20 in a variety of styles. Personal stylists, makeup consultants and private dressing rooms will be available.
There are still opportunities to sign up and volunteer by reaching Laverack at 620-231-9873.
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Youth Volunteerism Grants Available

Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Announces 2024 Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle

 

The Dylan Meier Get Busy Livin’ (GBL) Foundation has been awarding funds for projects aimed at youth volunteerism as part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) Grant Program since 2016. Since then, 50 grants totaling $26,000 have been awarded to Southeast Kansas nonprofits for youth volunteerism projects.

 

These projects keep Dylan’s spirit of adventure, fitness, curiosity, generosity, and a daily zest for life experiences alive and thriving. The GBL Foundation is determined to “break down the boundaries that keep people from living life to the fullest, whether those boundaries be social, economic or imaginary.”

 

Last year, the GBL Foundation awarded $4,000 in grant funds to eight nonprofit organizations across Southeast Kansas.

 

“We are thrilled to announce the kickoff of the 2024 GBL Youth Volunteer Grant Cycle,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “These grants are not just about funding projects; they’re about fostering Dylan’s legacy and empowering youth volunteerism in our communities. Through volunteering, we hope young hearts are ignited to embrace adventure, curiosity, and the joy of giving back.”

 

Don’t forget the 2024 GBL 5K, Friendship Walk & Kid Fest on April 27th at Hutchinson Field.

 

CFSEK is pleased to be the host agency for the Get Busy Livin’ Foundation Fund and is proud to assist them in the granting of these awards.

 

For more information on the GBL Foundation, visit SoutheastKansas.org/GBL.

 

If you have an interest in establishing a grantmaking fund, please contact CFSEK at 620-231-8897.

 

 

Health Advisory, Safety Tips for Prescribed Fire Season in Flint Hills

 

TOPEKA – Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reminds Kansans that March and April are when large areas of the state’s rangelands are burned by prescribed fire, especially within the Flint Hills.

Prescribed fire is a tool used by landowners and managers to help preserve the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, control invasive species, reduce woody encroachment from species such as Eastern Red Cedar and provide better forage for cattle. Prescribed burning also reduces the risk of wildfires and is effective in managing rangeland resources. Smoke from the burns can influence the air quality of downwind areas. The use of smoke management techniques is vital to reduce the air quality and health impacts.

KDHE will activate the Kansas smoke modeling tool in early March, prior to widespread burning in the Flint Hills. The computer models use fire data and current weather conditions to predict the potential contribution of smoke and air quality impacts to downwind areas. There are approximately 2.2 million acres burned on average in the Flint Hills of Kansas and Oklahoma each year.

“We are entering the 14th year that we have been able to provide this important tool for the prescribed fire community,” Jayson Prentice, meteorologist at the KDHE Bureau of Air, said. “We continue to encourage ranchers and land managers to utilize smoke modeling resources, such as the smoke modeling tool to mitigate potential air quality impacts.”

Prescribed burns release large amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants that can form ground-level ozone. Particulate matter and ozone can cause health problems, even in healthy individuals. Common health problems include: burning eyes, runny nose, coughing and illnesses such as bronchitis. People with respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, children and the elderly are more vulnerable to experience symptoms.

Steps to protect your health on days when smoke is present in your community include:

  • Healthy people limiting or avoiding strenuous outdoor
  • Vulnerable people should remain
  • Keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
  • Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe

For more information about the prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, the Flint Hills Smoke Management Plan, April burn restrictions and the smoke modeling tool, please visit The Kansas Flint Hill Smoke Management Website.

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NRMC to Offer Free Colon Health Screening

 

  

Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) will offer free colon health screening kits beginning on Monday, March 4th in observance of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  The free kits will be available in the main lobby of NRMC from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month while supplies last.

Colorectal cancer is one of the 5 most common cancers in men and women in the United States. It is just as common among women as men. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Although there are no symptoms in the beginning, colorectal cancer is highly preventable through screening. This type of cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts.

To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:

  • Get to and stay at a healthy weight
  • Be physically active
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
  • Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.

 

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for colon cancer every year beginning at age 50 for people with no risk factors other than age.  Testing is painless, can be done in the privacy of your own home, and can save your life.  For more information or to begin with a consultation, call Nevada Regional Medical Center’s Professional Practice Clinic at (417) 448-2121.

 

 

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, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

 

 

The SEKnFind Newsletter February 2024

View Online
The SEKnFind Newsletter
February 2024

We hope you enjoy this newsletter sent as a courtesy to adult patrons of a southeast Kansas library using the SEKnFind catalog.
This selection of titles are NEW at a SEKnFind library and available for a hold.
Need assistance? Your local librarian can show you how!
Happy Reading!

New Fiction

The teacher
by Freida McFadden

A pariah at Caseham High School after having an inappropriate relationship with a teacher, Addie is desperate to keep the truth hidden, while Evie, horrified to find Addie in her class, is keeping something from her husband—and each will learn just how far someone will go to keep them silent. Original.

The night of the storm : a novel
by Nishita Parekh

Hunkering down with her sister in her fancy house in Sugar Land, along with her brother-in-law’s family, as Hurricane Harvey bears down on Houston, single mom Jia Shah and her 12-year-old son, Ishaan, finds tensions escalating along with the storm, resulting in murder.

Keep your friends close
by Leah Konen

Involved in a messy divorce and desperate for a friend, Mary confides in another playground mom, who disappears for two months only to reappear with a new identity after Mary’s ex-husband is found dead, making her a prime suspect. Original.

Mrs. Quinn’s rise to fame : a novel
by Olivia Ford

A contestant on a British baking show, Jenny, who, after 59 years of marriage, has decided to do something for herself, delights in her new-found independence, but finds the show unearthing memories buried decades ago—and a secret that could be a recipe for disaster.

The wren, the wren : a novel
by Anne Enright

Centering around celebrated Irish poet Phil McDaragh, who was lauded in public but was carelessly selfish at home, three generations of McDaragh women must contend with inheritances—poetic wonder, abandonment and a sustaining love—in this intricately woven tapestry of longing, betrayal and hope.

The frame-up
by Gwenda Bond

A magically gifted art forger, Dani Poissant, the daughter and former accomplice of the world’s most famous art thief whom she betrayed, must assemble her estranged mother’s old crew to pull off a once-in-a-lifetime heist and discovers there’s far more at stake in this job than she ever realized.

The mountain king : a novel
by Anders De la Motte

After a high-profile kidnapping case goes wrong, criminal inspector Leonore Asker is relegated to the so-called Department of Lost Souls where she, drawn into a peculiar case, one possibly linked to the kidnapping, is led to the darkest recesses of the city where an unusual kind of evil lurks in the shadows.

The book of doors : a novel
by Gareth Brown

When her favorite customer, a lonely yet charming old man, dies right in front of her, Cassie holds on to the last book he was reading, which turns out to be a rare volume that has great power and she is tasked with protecting it from those who will do evil.

Thirteen ways to kill Lulabelle Rock
by Maud Woolf

The 13th copy made of washed-up actress Lulabelle Rock, tasked with tracking down and eliminating her predecessors, finds her mission made difficult by a developing conscience and falling love with one of her targets. Original.

Everyone on this train is a suspect : a novel
by Benjamin Stevenson

On a famous Australian train between Darwin and Adelaide for the Mystery Writers’ Society one of the attendees is murdered for real in the new mystery from the author of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone. 150,000 first printing.

This plague of souls
by Mike McCormack

Returning from prison to his house in the west of Ireland to find it empty, Nealon, receiving calls from a man who claims to know what’s happened to his family, is drawn into a verbal game of cat and mouse that leaps from his past to a series of international crimes.

The Woman Who Inherited Trouble
by C. K. Crigger

When January Billings receives a letter informing her not only of a grandfather she knew nothing about, but also that a meeting with the attorney will include something to her advantage, she is both angry and intrigued. Eli Pasco convinces her to follow up on the matter. A second note telling her to stay away “on pain of death” only makes the decision easier. January is not a woman to be cowed by threats. Turns out her grandfather was enormously wealthy and he’s left most of his fortune to January. Three male cousins expected to inherit the fortune and, one way or another, mean to see they do. Matters escalate when January meets two more unnamed heirs-underage kids she begins to feel responsible for. Arson, arrows, kidnapping, and murder are all in the cousins’ bag of tricks. As January fights to stay alive and keep the kids safe, Eli and a few friends join her in her mission to see justice done.

New Audiobooks

Only If You’re Lucky
by Stacy Willingham

Margot finds herself living in an off-campus house with three other girls. But by the middle of their sophomore year, one of the fraternity boys from next door has been brutally murdered, and Lucy Sharpe is missing.

The Fox Wife
by Yangsze Choo

Manchuria, 1908. A young woman is found frozen in the snow. Her death is clouded by rumors of foxes involved, which are believed to lure people by transforming themselves into beautiful women and men. Bao, a detective with a reputation for sniffing out the truth, is hired to uncover the dead woman’s identity. Since childhood, Bao has been intrigued by the fox gods, yet they’ve remained tantalizingly out of reach. Until, perhaps, now. Meanwhile, a family that owns a famous Chinese medicine shop can cure ailments, but not the curse that afflicts them, their eldest sons die before their twenty-fourth birthdays. Now the only grandson of the family is twenty-three. When a mysterious woman enters their household, their luck seems to change. Or does it? Is their new servant a simple young woman from the north or a fox spirit bent on her own revenge?

The Wishing Bridge
by Viola Shipman

Middle-aged career woman Henrietta Wegner needs to convince her parents to sell their iconic Christmas store to a massive corporation before the holidays. But what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in reality.

New Nonfiction

Infectious generosity : the ultimate idea worth spreading
by Chris Anderson

Recounting inspiring stories from the world’s boldest thinkers, the bestselling author, media pioneer and curator of TED shows how generosity has the power to transform outrage back into optimism and offers a playbook for how to embark on our own generous acts. Illustrations.

If love could kill : the myths and truths of women who commit violence
by Anna Motz

An internationally acclaimed forensic psychotherapist based in London explores the underexamined psychological reasons for female violence, explaining that it is more widespread than realized and reveals how it exposes centuries-old beliefs about women and their value.

Budget Happy : The Win-win Secret to Saving and Spending Money
by Lisa Woodley

Hi, I’m Lisa, and I want to give the word ‘budget’ a makeover! For most people, the very thought of budgeting makes them want to run a mile. It suggests restriction, going without and only buying the cheapest of the cheap. But at its best, budgeting can mean making smart decisions, planning your spending carefully and having plenty left over for treats.

The last fire season : a personal and pyronatural history
by Manjula Martin

In this part memoir, part natural history, part literary inquiry, the author recounts her experiences in Northern California during the worst fire season on record, which causes her to question her own assumptions about nature and the complicated connections between people and the land on which we live.

Big meg : the story of the largest and most mysterious predator that ever lived
by Tim F. Flannery

A father-daughter scientist team presents an account of the ancient marine creature known as the megalodon, a now extinct shark that was the largest predator of all time, and its impact on both marine ecosystems and the human psyche.

Rethinking diabetes : what science reveals about diet, insulin, and successful treatments
by Gary Taubes

Exploring the history underpinning the treatment of diabetes, types 1 and 2, an award-winning journalist and best-selling author of Why We Get Fat reimagines diabetes care that argues for a recentering of diet over a reliance on insulin.

The batch lady : healthy family favourites
by Suzanne Mulholland

Provides easy-to-follow, freezable, portion-controlled recipes for creating fresh, healthy and satisfying meals for the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen. 10,000 first printing. Illustrations.

From the Associated Press: Kansas City Chief’s Super Bowl Parade Shooting This Afternoon

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A shooting at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade left at least eight injured while sending terrified fans running for cover.

Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins said eight to 10 people were injured but declined further comment, saying only that additional information will be released soon.

Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.

A woman is taken to an ambulance after an incident following the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers Sunday in the Super Bowl 58. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
A woman is taken to an ambulance after an incident following the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers Sunday in the Super Bowl 58. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Ofilio Martinez, 48, said he heard shots fired a couple blocks away about 10 or 15 minutes before the gunfire near the Union Station rally.

“This is making me nervous, scared,” he said.

Kevin Sanders, 53, of Lenexa, Kansas, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers and then people running. After that initial flurry, calm returned, and he didn’t think much of it. But he said 10 minutes later, ambulances started showing up.

“It sucks that someone had to ruin the celebration, but we are in a big city,” Sanders said.

Lisa Augustine, spokesperson for Children’s Mercy Kansas City, said the hospital “is receiving patients from the rally.” She didn’t know how many or immediately offer any details about their injuries.

The University of Kansas Health System was treating one person wounded in the shooting, said Jill Jensen Chadwick, news director for the health system. She didn’t know the person’s condition.

“When you have this many casualties, it’s going to get spread out among a lot of hospitals so that you don’t overwhelm single ER,” she said.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and the first lady were at the parade when shots were fired but are safe, Parson posted on X.

“State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts,” Parson posted. “As we wait to learn more, our hearts go out to the victims.”

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said he was with coach Andy Reid and other coaches and staff members, and the team was on buses and returning to Arrowhead Stadium.

Areas that had been filled with crowds were empty after the shooting, with police and firefighters standing and talking behind an area restricted by yellow tape.

Throngs lined the route, with fans climbing trees and street poles, or standing on rooftops for a better view. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of those buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy. Former “Modern Family” star Eric Stonestreet was part of the mob.

Players rolled through the crowd on double-decker buses, DJs and drummers heralding their arrival.

“We are stacking up trophies,” linebacker Drue Tranquill said as he grabbed a reporter’s mic during Wednesday’s festivities to mark the Chiefs’ come-from-behind, 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers.

“Best fans in the world,” exclaimed wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who caught the winning touchdown pass, as he walked along the route, with the players signing jerseys and at least one person’s head.

“Never stop,” running back Isiah Pacheco added from the route.

Key on the minds of many fans is whether pop superstar Taylor Swift would join her boyfriend Travis Kelce for the parade and victory speeches. Swift has not commented. She has a show in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday night, the first of three scheduled concerts on her Eras Tour.

She was nowhere to be seen early in the parade. Instead, Kelce was joined by his mom, Donna Kelce, the superstar of NFL moms (her oldest son, Jason Kelce, is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles).

Unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius) had players stripping off shirts. The weather also helped generate a crowd that city officials estimate could top 1 million.

“I missed last year. I said, ‘I’m not missing this year,’” said longtime fan Charles Smith Sr., who flew from his home in Sicklerville, New Jersey, for the parade.

Known by friends as Kansas City Smitty, the 52-year-old first became a Chiefs fan when Christian Okoye played fullback for the team starting in the late 1980s.

“I got a history with this team,” he said, adding that he ran out of his home with a giant flag, screaming “Kansas City,” when the Chiefs clinched the victory in overtime.

The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to defend their title.

Some fans camped overnight and others began to stake out spots before dawn to catch prime viewing spots. Bailey McDermott, 17, and Gracie Gilby, 16, of Lebanon, Missouri, got up at 3 a.m. to make the three-hour drive to the parade. They had a party to watch the game, confetti poppers erupting when the Chiefs won.

“Kind of freaking out at the end,” said Gilby, who wore a sequined Chiefs jerseys with Kelce’s No. 87 on it. McDermott also had a sequined jersey, hers bearing Mahomes’ No. 15.

After decades without a championship, the city is gaining experience with victory parades. Five seasons ago, the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the team’s first Super Bowl championship in 50 years. That followed the Kansas City Royals winning the World Series in 2015, the city’s first baseball championship in 30 years. That year, fans abandoned their cars on the side of the highway so they could walk to the celebration.

Then, last year, the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they would be back for more.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl