Southeast KansasWorks is hosting a drive-through job fair on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Pittsburg.
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Category Archives: Area News
Addressing The Stigma of Substance Use Disorder May 19
Child Abuse Prevention Training Online
The month of April has shaped up to be a unique one: we’re observing Child Abuse Prevention Month mostly from the comfort of our own homes. As our communities continue to press pause and participate in social distancing, we’re encouraging you to take things One Day at a Time. While the current COVID-19 has dramatically impacted life as we know it, protecting kids doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process—in fact, there are protective measures we can take that can come as easy as taking a deep breath.
During this month it is important, now more than ever, to help people understand that safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments are necessary to ensure that children thrive. Everybody plays a part in preventing child abuse and neglect – everyone can make great childhoods happen. Small discreet actions can make a big difference in a child’s life—and a parent’s as well.
Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) is pleased to announce the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training is now available online, for Kansas residents, through a grant administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General. This is a free 2.0 hour training.
Registration spaces are first-come-first-serve. You are encouraged to forward this opportunity to other PARENTS, EDUCATION and CHILD CARE professionals, and COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS who work with children, churches, school staff, and area agencies.
Contact KCSL ([email protected]) with any questions or for directions on how to access the training opportunity.
We look forward to discussing steps we can take together to help keep kids safe!
Need local resources? Call any day, any time for FREE. We’re here to connect you to resources, answer any questions or just be a listening ear.
American Legion Impact Report
The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The following monthly reports provide a summary of membership, participation and volunteerism making an impact in the lives of veterans, families and communities.
American Legion Posts can share the many ways Legionnaires are making a difference in their communities. To view the impact American Legion posts made throughout the year, please read the attached March 2020 membership impact report.
Please keep me posted as to any area Veterans who may be in need during these shut downs and business closures.
Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.
Kansas Youth Community Change Conference Online April 20
For those of you who might have teenagers at home or know families who do, there is a virtual opportunity for teens that is coming up!
The Kansas Youth Community Change Conference (KYC3) is going virtual! It is totally free and sessions will take place from April 20th through May 21st.
Here’s how it works:
- Everyone who plans to attend must register for virtual KYC3 here: www.dccca.org/events/KYC3
- When you register, you’ll pick each session you are interested in participating in.
- Teens who participate in the sessions will receive prizes!
- Every teen who registers will receive a KYC3 t-shirt.
- Our keynote speaker Javier Sanchez from Youth to Youth International will be facilitating his sessions on Friday, April 24th at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. You won’t want to miss it!!
We’re offering over 20 different sessions for teens to attend, you can view the full agenda here: https://www.dccca.org/kansas-youth-community-change-conference-kyc3-agenda/
We’ve also developed a list of FAQs, which you can view here: https://www.dccca.org/kansas-youth-community-change-conference-kyc3/
Please share this with any teens you know who might be interested and/or adults who work with teens. It will be a fun, interactive few weeks and we’re looking for to continuing the conference this way!
Medical Workers Urge The Public To Stay Home
Open letter to the American public: Physicians, nurses and our entire medical community are urging all people to stay at home.
We are honored to serve and put our lives on the front line to protect and save as many lives as possible. But we need your help.
Physical distancing and staying at home are the key to slowing the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to give physicians, nurses and everyone on the front lines a fighting chance at having the equipment, time and resources necessary to take on this immense challenge.
Those contracting COVID-19 are your family, friends, and loved ones.
That’s why we’re urging the public to #StayHome as we reach the critical stages of our national response to COVID-19.
Of course, those with urgent medical needs, including pregnant women, should seek care as needed.
Everyone else should #StayHome. Millions of you are already leading this effort – and we thank you. You’re still connecting with friends and loved ones through video chats, social media or just over the telephone – proving that meaningful social connections can happen at a safe distance.
Millions more must join this effort, which is why we’re calling for all-hands-on-deck to confront this public health battle against COVID-19.
Staying at home in this urgent moment is our best defense to turn the tide against COVID-19. Physicians, nurses and health care workers are at work for you, please stay home for us.
Your partners in health, American Hospital Association American Medical Association American Nurses Association.
Submitted by Nancy Van Patten
Larry Shead Retiring From FSCC
Larry Shead, 69, instructor at Fort Scott Community College will retire in May.
A teacher of computer science classes at the college for the last 20 years, Shead worked in private business, then as principal of a local school and began his career at FSCC in 2000.
Even though his college degree is in mathematics, his involvement in his church got him into eduction.
“When our church started Faith Christian Academy and our children attended there, I was involved as a parent,” he said. “Later, I was involved as the principal of the school.”
” I have several preachers and teachers in my ancestry.,” Shead said. “However, my children are the main reason I got involved in education. I believe that children get a much better education when their parents are involved in their education. All of my grandchildren are being home-schooled by their parents. They are very involved.”
“When my family moved to Garland from Joplin, in 1978, I had a job as a computer programmer at the Western Insurance Companies,” Shead said. “After that, I worked for Midwestern Distribution for a short period, then Farm and Home in Nevada. I got more into education after that as the Principal of Faith Christian Academy for 10 years. I taught at FSCC as a night time adjunct instructor while working at the Western. In 2000, I began as a full-time employee at FSCC and soon became the Computer Science teacher when Dennis Smirl retired.”
Shead attended Arcadia High School, then graduated from Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, before earning a Bachelor of Science – Mathematics from Kansas State College of Pittsburg. and also attended Ozark Christian College for one year. He received a Master of Arts in Education from Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK.
His hometown is Arcadia, KS and has been married to his wife, Vickie for 47 years.
They have four married children-Mark (Haley) Shead, Fort Scott, Michael (Chrisi) Shead, Chichicastenango, Guatemala; Maria (Clayton) Whitson, Garland, KS; Mitzi (Joel) Ray, Tulsa, OK and 20 grandchildren.
His community involvement is Faith Church on the prayer team; Bourbon County Republican Central Committee; Christians on Campus Faculty Sponsor; and International Student Coordinator at FSCC.
The best part of teaching for Shead is graduation, he said. “Seeing these young people having completed their associate’s degree, or certificate and moving on to the next phase of life!”
The greatest challenge for Shead has been keeping students attention., he said. “This age of gadgets has many distractions even in the classroom.”
” Some people ask me what I will do when I retire,” Shead said. ” I tell them, I have a farm. I will not lack for something to do. As my wife and I made a short trip recently, we made a list of items we need to do on our farm. Also, our family in Guatemala has a new baby we have not seen. We plan to make a trip to see them. Hanging out with grandchildren is big on the list, too.”
Sizzling Summer Craft Fair July 18, Vendors Sought
Perry’s Pork Rinds invites vendors to join a
🔥🔥1st Annual Sizzling Summer Craft Fair🔥🔥.
🔥🔥1st Annual Sizzling Summer Craft Fair🔥🔥.
💰💰Admission to our air-conditioned event is FREE.
“We do ask you to donate any shampoo conditioner 🚿toothpaste toothbrushes 🦷 sanitary items for women razors and 🪒deodorants🧼,” Kelly Perry said. ” Also feel free to donate a monetary donation for us to purchase the toiletries. Items will be given to local families in need in BB County via one of the many resource centers.”
“We will be accepting 60-100 craft, hand made, mass-produced, one of a kind or direct sales items as well as foods. No repeat of items will be allowed. Step away from the summer heat☀️☀️Drop the kids off at the aquatic center to swim 🏊♀️ and come enjoy some free time with indoor shopping 🛍 in the AC right here in Ft Scott KS🌻”
Vendor Applications available Friday, March 13, 2010.
www.PerrysPorkRinds.com Click on EVENTS tab & print form.
Mail to:
Perry’s Pork Rinds
PO Box 112
Bronson. KS66716
Steve Stockard Appointed 11th District Judge
Governor appoints Steve Stockard to fill district court vacancy in the 11th Judicial District
Today Governor Laura Kelly appointed Steve Stockard to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffry L. Jack.
“Steven is a talented attorney and has extensive experience with a wide variety of legal issues,” Kelly said. “I was particularly struck by his ability to put himself in his client’s shoes and by his passion for foster care. I know he will serve citizens of the 11th Judicial District well.”
Stockard is a partner at Wilber & Towner, P.A., where he represents clients in a broad range of legal matters including personal injury, bankruptcy, family law and juvenile justice. He also is a part-time prosecutor of juvenile offender and child-in-need-of-care cases for Bourbon and Crawford counties.
His prior experience includes eight years as a Crawford County Assistant County Attorney and time as a staff attorney with the Kansas Department of Revenue. Stockard also is a member of the Kansas Bar Association and a youth volleyball coach at the YMCA. He graduated from Benedictine College in 1992 and earned his juris doctor from Washburn University School of Law in 1996.
“I’m grateful to the nominating commission and to Governor Kelly for the confidence they have placed in me with this appointment,” Stockard said. “I know this community. I know the judges, the lawyers and the people of our district, and I will dedicate myself to serving them fairly and impartially every day. Our district has been blessed with great judges over the years, and I will do my best to honor and be a part of that legacy.”
District court judges in the 11th Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from among nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years. The two other nominees selected by the district nominating commission were Hon. Samuel Marsh, (Cherokee County district magistrate judge, Columbus), and Shane Adamson (private practice attorney, Parsons).
Hwy. 69 Expansion Continues in Two Projects
Travelers to Pittsburg and south will see progress on the expansion of U.S, 69 Hwy. starting Monday, March 2.
Expanding the highway from two-lane to four-lane has been on-going for about three years in Southeast Kansas.
This is the first project slated for U.S. Hwy. 69 to begin in 2020.
When the press release was published yesterday, questions arose on the FortScott.Biz Facebook page about the remaining sections of 69 Hwy. being completed.
Here are the answers from the Kansas Department of Transportation:
Second Project 2021-2022
A second project for the remaining section is scheduled to start in the spring of next year, according to officials.
“Work on both projects will be occurring at the same time,” Priscilla Petersen with the Kansas Department of Transportation said. “With a fall letting, construction on the northern project will likely start in the spring of 2021. We’ll have more information available on the second project later this year.”
The second project will have bid letting this fall.
“KDOT will let a second project this autumn to expand the remaining miles on U.S. 69 in Crawford County to four lanes,” Peterson said. “The second project will start three miles north of Arma and end at the Crawford-Bourbon county line.”
” These two Crawford County projects, when finished, will make U.S. 69 a four-lane expressway from Kansas City south to Pittsburg, * Peterson said.
There are currently no projects scheduled to expand U.S. 69 south of Pittsburg, she said.
2020- 21 Project
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) plans to start the project, which will expand a six-mile section of U.S. 69 in Crawford County to a four-lane divided expressway, during the week of March 2, according to a KDOT press release dated Feb. 27.
The expansion project begins north of the U.S. 69/K-47 junction and continues north to end three miles north of the Arma city limits. Two lanes will be added to the existing U.S. 69 alignment.
Two-way traffic is being maintained on the existing lanes of U.S. 69 while the new lanes are under construction. Traffic will be switched to the new lanes when the existing lanes are rebuilt. Early project activity includes grading and work on box culverts off the highway.
KDOT awarded the $21.8 million construction contract to Koss Construction Co. of Topeka. According to the project schedule, the new expressway will be open to unrestricted traffic by mid-August 2021.
Persons with questions may contact Bob Gudgen at KDOT-Pittsburg, (620) 308-7621, or Priscilla Petersen at KDOT-Chanute, (620) 902-6433.
Bourbon County Takes Ownership of Former Mercy Hospital Building
Officials Introduce Innovative Healthcare Model
Mercy donates building and 1 million dollars toward a sustainable approach to rural healthcare.
Bourbon County and City of Fort Scott officials are committed to improving the quality of life for each member of the community, increasing access to affordable quality healthcare, and remaining vigilant stewards of taxpayer dollars. For years Fort Scott, KS was renowned for its healthcare. Mercy Hospital was an integral part of our health system from primary care to community benefit to leadership involvement.
What remains today are the caring professionals, ambitious leaders, beautiful hospital campus, and the ingrained culture of ensuring community health needs are addressed appropriately.
Bourbon County Commission will be partnering with our community healthcare partners, The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Ascension Via Christi, and higher education partner, Fort Scott Community College, in transforming our approach to rural healthcare. Bourbon County will be taking ownership of the previous Mercy Hospital Building.
With Ascension Via Christi and CHC/SEK occupying a portion of the facility, the county is working with other health service agencies to supplement the community’s health care needs by housing them in the remainder of the move-in ready space.
For the common good of the community, the building will be repurposed into a collaborative effort that will be here for decades to come.
Ascension Via Christi President, Randy Cason, states, “This is exciting news for Fort Scott and the surrounding communities. Ascension Via Christi is eager to continue working with our community partners here to help to find solutions for the healthcare needs of this more rural area.”
Mercy Health Southwest Missouri/Kansas Communities has submitted a draft donation agreement to donate the building and one million dollars to Bourbon County for use of building maintenance and operations. This donation allows healthcare entities to lease space in the healthcare mall at market-rate. A standardized market-rate lease has led to discussions with healthcare organizations to expand services not otherwise offered.
Administration from Bourbon County and The City of Fort Scott will work together, develop a regulatory board and long-term lease agreements moving forward.
“This project is much more than just saving a building,” Jody Hoener, Economic Development Director, “Preserving this asset allows our community to no longer be victims of circumstance, but to assume responsibility for our community’s healthcare destiny. It creates a sustainable healthcare model under one roof.” There is little doubt in the concept’s success with the right amount of support and will be used as a model shaping rural healthcare policy across the nation.
Contact information:
Jody Hoener, Bourbon County Economic Development Director
Black History Speaker Lunch And Learn Feb. 18
February is Black History Month.
The Gordon Parks Museum is bringing an author and entrepreneur to speak on how to choose one’s weapons in the face of adversity on Tuesday, February 18 at 11 a.m. with a “Lunch and Learn” presentation. The museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College in the Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2401 S. Horton.
The guest speaker will be Frank Clay, Jr., author and a member of The National Speaker’s Association.
“We chose to bring Frank Clay as author, business coach, entrepreneur and veteran for his perspective on important figures like Gordon Parks, who helped shaped African American history and inspired others,” Kirk Sharp, director of the Gordon Parks Museum , said.
The presentation titled “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours”.
Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and drinks with them.
Dessert will be provided.
“Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours” is the presentation reflecting on lessons learned from Gordon Parks and how Gordon chose the right weapons to bring about change in his life and the world, according to a press release.
Clay will also speak on how Gordon’s book The Choice of Weapons, helped to inspire others such as Frank to find the right weapons in life.
Frank Clay, Jr. is also the founder and principal of 2020 Solutions Inc.
Clay holds a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in business management.
For more information about “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Your” presentation at the Gordon Parks Museum call 223-2700, ext. 5850 or email [email protected].