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Hi Billie Jo,
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Category Archives: Area News
New Grant Will Help Local Businesses With Internet Presence: Application Deadline Oct. 31
A local business resource center was brought to fruition because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“The idea of a business resource center being needed became abundantly clear around March or April,” Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Director said. “Businesses were scrambling, trying to maintain or adapt as required, trying to keep their heads above water, all while attempting to navigate the very complex financial relief offered by the (U.S.)Small Business Administration and others. Just raising awareness of the opportunities and making critical connections to financial institutions for relief became a full-time job, let alone helping owners fill out applications.”
B-WERC Formed
The local program, called the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (B-WERC), was funded through Kansas’ Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas program, which was from money dispursed through the U.S. Cares Act Relief, all of these COVID-19 related measures by the layers of government.
Its purpose is to address current and immediate COVID-19 Pandemic related needs to assist business, encourage economic activity, and address unemployment, according to Hoener.
“I realized that the solution of throwing money at the problem was a very short term fix,” Hoener said. ” Businesses need customers for long term sustainability. The value in an increased online presence was highlighted more than ever during this pandemic. Restaurants were developing online solutions for curbside or delivery services as they were forced to close down. Other retailers were developing online solutions to get their products in the hands of customers. Distance learning, telework, or telehealth became a forced reality.”
Partnerships
“Other partnerships and resources are available through the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Scott Community College,” she said. “The chamber will assist the county in coordinating and promoting. Fort Scott Community College will be offering community classes in B-WERC on social media and other skills. Classes will be hands-on with available laptops for each participant. Telework and distance learning stations will be available for community members who need access to high-speed internet.”
“We will provide 20 qualified businesses free website building with expert assistance in value propositions and messaging critical to branding,” Hoener said.
A partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University will assist businesses to obtain needed capital and provide business planning assistance for sustainability, Hoener said.
“These incredibly valuable services, in addition to marketing or industry reports, will be readily available,” she said. “This unique assistance will give businesses the needed help to build sustainable models.”
Entrepreneurs
“Many times communities who experience high unemployment rate will in turn see high entrepreneurship rates,” Hoener said. “For those (who are) unemployed and have great ideas to start their own business, this will give them the tools and know-how to move forward successfully.”
Job-Seeking
“A job seeking service will also be available onsite through another partner, KansasWorks, two times a week,” she said.
Childcare, An Important Component
“Childcare centers and daycares have high standards to maintain licensures. One requirement is to meet continuing education requirements. Although continued education for staff is clearly a need, it can create a burden on the facilities in scheduling, costs, and human resources. It is estimated there are approximately 15 illegal daycare providers in our county. Through our partner KansasWorks, B-WERC will be implementing a program that will offer to work with the childcare centers and daycares to meet credentialing requirements of continuing education hours. A program will be implemented to incentivize illegal care to become legal. Childcare is critical to keep our workforce working.” Hoener said.
The B-WERC office will be located on the second floor of the old Kress building at 17 S. Main in downtown Fort Scott. The office is expected to be open Nov. 2, according to Hoener.
The street-level floor of the building will house a grocery store.
The store owner, BAJA Investments, LLC, was also a recipient of the SPARK grant program. To see the story on that, click below:
New Grocery Store In Downtown Fort Scott Is Coming
Bourbon County Website Building and Marketing Grants Program Parameters
The grants will be scored and consequently awarded on a first come first serve basis to those that are eligible, according to Hoener. Applications will remain open until October 31, 2020. The grant will be awarded until 20 qualified businesses have been awarded.
Who Is Eligible
- For businesses located within Bourbon County, priority will be given to those businesses with a physical location.
- The business must currently have minimal (basic) to no online or website presence.
- Grants are for businesses who have experienced business disruptions as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic and will benefit from an increased online presence through any or all of the following:
- Increased foot traffic
- Encouraging tourism activities
- Enhance or enable online scheduling (i.e. curbside, delivery, hair appointments)
- Enhance or enable online sales
- Raise awareness of critical structures in the community (i.e. Food Access, Child Care, etc.)
- The applicant must be willing to spend a minimum of 5-10 hours over the next several months working with The Bureau of Small Projects staff.
- Non-profits are not eligible under this program
- The County reserves the right to request additional documentation
How to Apply
Applications are online at Bourboncountyks.org/spark
Contact info:
Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director
620-215-5725
210 South National
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Once an application is submitted, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce President, Lindsay Madison, and Bourbon County Economic Development Director will review, Hoener said. The application will be scored to determine if the application meets minimum standards to qualify. A follow-up email will be sent to the applicant’s business.
An application will only be considered once it is fully completed with all requested documentation required to support the requested funding.
Parameters
- Grants applications will be open until October 31st.
- Grants are awarded on a first come first serve basis to those who are eligible.
- Grant Scoring Algorithm:
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Grant Purpose: Website Building and Marketing Services for Business Impacted by the COVID 19 Pandemic |
Points |
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Current Online Presence |
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Facebook Only |
5 |
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No Facebook or Website |
5 |
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A basic, static, webpage only |
5 |
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A dynamic web page currently exists |
0 |
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How Would an Online Presence Benefit the Applicant? (Check all that apply) |
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Increased foot traffic |
5 |
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Encourage tourism activities |
5 |
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Enhance or enable online scheduling |
5 |
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Enhance or enable online sales |
5 |
|
Raise awareness of a public need such as food or childcare |
5 |
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Business Activities and Impact (Check all the Apply) |
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The business is a childcare center or daycare |
5 |
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Business sales a product that can be legally sold online |
5 |
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The business provides a service that scheduling can be done online |
5 |
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The business is located in Downtown Historic District |
5 |
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The Business encourages overnight stays |
5 |
| ***Minimum score of 5 from each of the three categories is required to be determined eligible |
Process
- A complete application must be submitted online.
- Additional Information may be requested for clarification.
- Economic Development Director and Chamber President will score the application and make the final determination of eligibility.
- Economic Development Director will send congratulatory and introductory emails to The Bureau of Small Projects and the business contact.
Bourbon County: 14 Active COVID-19 Cases
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
October 5, 2020
Please call your local health department if you would like a further breakdown of cases.
Allen County
| Current Active Cases | 25 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 5-0 in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 71 |
| Total Cases Since Testing | 97 |
| Deaths | 1 |
Anderson County
| Current Active Cases | 3 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 2-0 in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 83 |
| Total Cases Since Testing | 86 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Active Cases | 14 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 10- 0 in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 195 |
| Total Cases Since Testing | 212 |
| Deaths | 3 |
Woodson County
| Current Active Cases | 3 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 2-0 in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 21 |
| Total Cases Since Testing | 24 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Timken Awards Grant to NRMC Foundation
Jennifer Wilson-Loving, HR Manager at The Timken Company in Fort Scott, KS hands a check off to Dana White, CFO, and Crystal Beshore, Outpatient Services Manager of Nevada Regional Medical Center.
The Timken Foundation of Canton recently approved a grant proposal from Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Foundation to fund the purchase of a new endoscope sterilization system which will allow NRMC to double the number of scopes that may be performed on any given day.
The Timken grant amount of $45,000 will fund the majority of the project, which totals nearly $74,000. The project is being co-funded by the NRMC Auxiliary in the amount of $25,000.
In June of 2019, the hospital purchased a new high-tech endoscope system. The new sterilizer will not only increase the efficiency and speed of the sterilization process, but it will extend the life of the new equipment by reducing wear and tear as they are disinfected.
“We are very grateful for this investment into our endoscopy program,” said Dana White, CFO at NRMC. “This will help us to take the best care possible of our patients and improve workflow for our employees.”
NRMC Welcomes Dr. Seals to Full-Time Staff
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is happy to announce that gynecologist and obstetrician, Larry Seals, DO will become a full-time member of the hospital’s medical staff beginning September 27th. His clinic will be located on the second floor of the south tower at 800 S. Ash Street in Nevada, in the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic. Dr. Seals is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.
With the closing of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott at the end of 2018, Dr. Seals shifted the delivery of his patients’ babies to either NRMC or Via Christi in Pittsburg, Ks. Since January of 2019 Dr. Seals has been dividing his time between his practice at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and his procedural and newborn delivery work at NRMC. Going forward, all of Dr. Seals’ obstetric and gynecological services will be performed at NRMC.
“Dr. Seals has always received a lot of positive feedback from our staff, employees, and community,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “He is well known for his excellent caring attitude for his patients. We are very excited about him making NRMC his home.”
Dr. Seals attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated in 1993, earning his doctorate. He completed a traditional rotating internship at Michiana Community Hospital in South Bend, Indiana in 1994 and an obstetrical and gynecology residency at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. in 1998.
Dr. Seals is accepting new patients and can be contacted at NRMC’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, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Nevada Medical Center Welcomes Kately Erwin, Nurse Practitioner
NRMC Clinics Welcome Erwin, DNP
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to welcome family nurse practitioner, Katelyn (Triplett) Erwin to Primary Care Center, located at 627 S. Ash in Nevada and at NowCare Clinic at 345 S. Barrett as needed.
A graduate of Nevada High School, Erwin earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Ks. In May of this year, she completed her Doctorate, also from PSU. For the past four years Erwin has worked part-time on the Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care Units at NRMC. Much of her clinical education hours were spent at NRMC alongside Dr. Amanda Turner, Dr. Jacqueline Youtsos, Sonja Albright, DNP, and Dr. Dan Barnes.
“In primary care you see people through the lifespan,” says Erwin. “That’s what I like – that there’s a little bit of everything. I’ll be seeing OB patients prior to delivery and then their babies for their well-child visits, helping manage chronic conditions and making sure my patients stay healthy and out of the hospital.”
Recently married, Katelyn is a new stepmother to three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, including traveling and outdoor activities. Her favorite hobbies include refinishing old furniture as well and reading, although she laughingly says, she would prefer it not be a textbook.
“Katelyn is a welcome addition to our clinics,” says Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Having the extra health provider opens up possibilities for extending clinic hours which we know would benefit our community.”
To become an FNP, one must first pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN. During years spent as an RN, crucial experience is gained. From there, most FNP hopefuls will work toward a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in family practice, a post graduate degree specific to FNP preparation, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as Erwin did.
FNPs have advanced clinical training and possess a graduate-level education, qualifying them to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They can perform a wide variety of duties that include but are not limited to development of treatment plans, education, and guidance for disease prevention and healthy living, health examinations, performing diagnostic tests and screenings, and prescribing medicine.
To schedule an appointment with Katelyn Erwin, call Nevada Regional Primary Care Center at (417) 448-3600 or visit the Patient Portal at www.nrmchealth.com.
# # #
About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Local Woman Considers Rally for Awareness of Trafficking And Pornography
Tonya Cliffman is a woman on a mission: human trafficking awareness.
She has organized an Awareness Rally of Human Trafficking and Child Pornography in Nevada, MO on September 19.
Cliffman is also considering a rally on the issue in Fort Scott this fall, if there is local interest.
Cliffman’s purpose is to bring the topic of human trafficking into everyday conversation, she said.
“Whether it’s in the car as they drive by the rally, or in the living room after reading an article about the event. To start conversations between families, neighbors and friends.”
“Parents need to have open communication with their children, be involved with their children’s online activities and know what resources are available to them,” Cliffman said. “Parents need to be empowered and comfortable having these conversations and knowing the vulnerabilities of the children. For example, the techniques that a ‘groomer’ would use to build trust online with their child in a chat room.”
“I have five great-nieces, and three great-nephews,” said Cliffman, who is also a mother of a teenage daughter. “According to the Center for Disease Control, the statistics are one in four girls. So I’m sitting there looking at my nieces, and I thought ‘I am not willing to sacrifice a single one of them to trafficking or sexual abuse.’ When you really look at the odds, and see one of them could be affected, it was really overwhelming. I’m not satisfied with that.”
” I know of instances where there’s ‘sextortion,’” Cliffman said, referring to a minor exchanging sexually explicit pictures with an adult. “I know that some of our teenagers are out there having conversations with men. Because if you have a sad story, they’ll send you money. I think it’s a dangerous road to go down.”
People can get involved in the rally by joining the event and educating themselves with the organizations that have resources available in prevention of these abuses, she said.
People can learn to use the resources available from established organizations whose sole purpose and function is fighting these rising abuses.
Human trafficking is not something that happens in far off places.
There was a recent human trafficking incarceration in Bourbon County, in July 2020, according to Captain Alvin Metcalf with the sheriff’s office.
“He was arrested in Kansas City and transported here,” Metcalf said.
“This was an investigation done by the Dept. of Homeland Security,” Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin said. His office had no involvement in the investigation, he said.
“My cell is 417-321-2550 and my email is [email protected] or they can send a message through the Awareness Rally Event page,” Cliffman said.
http://Event link on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/310128863441718
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Protect-the-Children-585461948802797
Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open
Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale, directed by MJ Harper.
The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire.
Performers will prepare music for community events and music festivals. COVID guidelines will be observed.
Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-7PM at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS and begin September 8th.
There is a fee of $25 per session (Sept-Dec/Jan-May) to cover the cost of music.
Scholarships are available.
To enroll, contact MJ Harper at 620-719-6633 or email [email protected], deadline September 8th.
NRMC Sleep Center Earns ACHC Accreditation
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) proudly announces its approval of accreditation status by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for the NRMC Sleep Center.
“Our Sleep Center provides a consistently high level of service for our area that is comparable to larger hospitals,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Since opening, our staff have worked hard to repeatedly earn this accreditation.”
Every two years the ACHC surveys the Sleep Center to determine whether or not NRMC demonstrates compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.
“Our accreditation is proof of our commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare to our community,” says Andrea Miller, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC. “Through accurate sleep monitoring, we are able to help our patients determine the specific sleep disorder they may have, and take corrective measures to drastically improve quality of life.”
NRMC Welcomes Orthopedic Surgeon
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is proud to welcome Justin S. Ogden, MD to its medical staff. Dr. Ogden is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Ogden was born in Joplin and is a lifelong Missouri resident. After graduating high school in Lockwood and undergraduate school at Missouri State University, he earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo in 2001 and went on to complete his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery with the University of Louisville, Kentucky.
After working as an orthopedic surgeon at the Ferrell-Duncan clinic for four years in 2010, he began working full time at Cox Barton County Hospital (CBCH – formerly Barton County Memorial) where he will still work part-time. He also serves at the Medical Director of Physical Therapy at CBCH, a position he has held since 2011.
“QUOTE FROM OGDEN”
Dr. Ogden is scheduled two days each week at NRMC beginning September 2 in the Professional Practice Clinic located on the second floor of the south tower at 800 S. Ash Street in Nevada. He is accepting new patients and no referral is needed. Initially, he will see all ages for office visits and outpatient surgery with plans to develop an inpatient and total joint surgery program.
Currently, Dr. Ogden serves as Vice President of the Lamar R-1 School District Board of Education, where he has been a board member since 2014. In the fall, Dr. Ogden spends many hours working with high school youth, serving as the Lamar High School Football Team Physician for the past ten years.
“The extent of orthopedic services that Dr. Ogden will provide has been a big need in our area for many years,” says Steve Branstetter, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with him to offer excellent orthopedic care again.”
To schedule a visit with Dr. Justin Ogden, call the NRMC 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, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
New COVID 19 Case In Bourbon County
Bourbon and Allen Counties both have new COVID 19 cases today, said Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson.
“Bourbon County has a new positive COVID-19 case today,” she said. “This individual is also symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The investigation is complete.”
“Allen County has a positive COVID-19 case today,” Johnson said. “The individual is symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The Allen County Public Health Department is diligently working to notify all close contacts and complete the investigation.”
Gordon Parks Museum Adds Interactive Learning
A July 2019 grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is helping to support interactive technology for youth and young adults, at the Gordon Parks Museum.
The museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.
“The interactive technology tablet is up and running,” Museum Director Kirk Sharp said.
The museum purchased a tablet kiosk, a stand for the kiosk, and operational interactive software.
“It is designed to deliver content in an interactive setting for all of our visitors, especially younger audiences,” Sharp said. “This interactive software will not only provide information about Gordon Parks but will also allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, review books, listen to music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more.”
“It has been a goal of the museum board to offer an additional and more modern approach to learning, viewing and appreciating all of the collections and works of Gordon Parks,” Sharp said. “Providing interactive displays in different areas of the museum will benefit the viewer(s) by providing additional details and content to each supported exhibit. This tablet helps us achieve this goal.”
“This project helped to give us the ability to provide a more engaging way for the younger generation to learn more about our museum and keep visitors fully engaged,” Sharp said. “The interactive technology has helped make our museum more appealing to younger crowds and to encourage visitors return for future visits.”
“This project also supports our mission of using Gordon Parks’ remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role diversity plays in our lives,” Sharp said.
“When the museum teaches about creativity, cultural awareness and diversity, it needs to be able to reach our visitors in creative ways, and by providing interactive technology, this will help us deliver on that objective,” Sharp said. “We want our visitors’ experience to be engaging, educational and interactive, especially for the youth so we can help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive for generations to come.”