Category Archives: Area News

ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET

ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET

“HUGE SUCCESS”

Submitted by Marilyn Flagg

 

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 25th and was catered by Gebhardts 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 2023  Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer.  The 2023

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 42 Alumni and 25 guests.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle.   The invocation was by Larry Shead

 

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 2023 Minutes or the 2023 Treasurer’s report.  They stand approved as presented.

 

Larry Shead made a motion to move next year’s banquet to the Community Center in Arcadia. Helen Nichols and Merle Engle

seconded and motion passed. This action was taken because our attendance is getting smaller every year, cost involved, and other reasons.

Michael Sheffield led the nominations and election of officers.  There were no nominations from the floor and the following officers will remain for 2025: Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian.

 

Special recognition was given to members of the 60th  (1964);

70th (1954); and 80th (1944) this year.

 

Those attending from the 60th class were the following: Virginia

Harris Smith; Ronnie Kellogg and guest Barbara Kellogg; Terry

Kunstel; Steve Morris and guest Raymond Kalm; Peggy O’Dell Worsley

and guest Paul Worsley; Ronnie Portwood and guest Mary Portwood; Pat Smith Morris; and Sherry Swafford Page.

 

Attending from the 70th.   were as follows:  Esther (Engle) Cousins

and guest Janice Crooks; Yvonne (Garrett) Beck and guest Susie

Arvidson; Gary Peterson and guest Patricia Peterson.

 

Marilyn Flagg spoke in behalf of her Aunt Mary Coonrod Bournonville who resides in Hurst, Texas with her daughter and husband. If

Mary had been able to attend, it would have been her 80th.

 

Fred Dixon was recognized as being a teacher in the Arcadia Grade School. Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.

 

All 25 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.

 

Pat Morris, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2024  A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Trenton

Siemens. Trenton and his father attended and Trenton gave a speech expressing his appreciation for the scholarship.  He is the grandson of Tom Watt. Trenton received $1,000.  Andrew Bossung was awarded an additional “AHS” scholarship in the amount of $500.  Andrew is the youngest grandson of William and Louise (Opitz) Hughes. Because this day was Andrew’s graduation, Andrew was unable to attend.  His Uncle David Hughes spoke in Andrew’s behalf. David talked of Andrew’s accomplishments and how worthy that he was to receive a scholarship from Arcadia High School.  David also talked of his late mother’s passing, Louise Opitz Hughes, and how the Arcadia alumni banquet was her greatest event to attend every year.  Louise’s 80th was last year and she was so looking forward to the 2024 banquet.

 

Pat Morris introduced the officers who served on the scholarship committee.  They were Shirley Landon, Marilyn Flagg, Virginia Smith and herself. There was also help from 3 other individuals from outside of our alumni. One is  presently a teacher, another was a retired teacher, and the third one was a highly respected individual.

 

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: Lorraine (Bean) Starks; Louise (Opitz) Hughes; Marie (Hoover) Marshall; Robert W. Hamilton; Lavon (O’Dell) Rons; Joe Morris; Dr. Retha (Hoover) (Kilpatrick) (Gries); Richard Coonrod; John A. Swezey; Pauline (Coonrod) Hart; Mary (Panizzi) Granon; Gary Cambers; Carol (Morris) Davis; Merle Mayfield; Melvin Nichols; Orville Allen Darnaby; Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace; Charles Morris; and Lynda Lou DeNeve (Teacher).

 

Jerry Skidmore  (Class of 1949)  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 Mary Lee Payne.

 

The Benediction was led by Ralph Shead.

 

The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1944, 1954, and 1964  classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.

 

1949 –  Jerry Skidmore

1950 –  Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore

1951 –  Bertha (McClendon) Hencey and guest Dickie Hadley

1952 –  Don Kauble and guest Cynthia Kauble Kreisel

1953 –  Bobby Harris and guest Alisha Harris

1955 –  Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne

1956 –  Shirley (McKinstry) Landon

1957 –  Merle Engle

Francis M. Jones and guest Karen Kay Tripp

Lilly (Turner) Sheffield

1958 –  Fred Dixon

Sandra Sue Stelle

1959 –  William Page

Michael Sheffield

Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers

1960 –  Hilda Cockman Page

Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele

Joyce (Page) Wilson and guest Sheila (Page) Hale

1962 –   Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg

Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen

Joyce (Elliott) Maycumber

Helen (Morris) Nichols

Ronnie Smith

1963 –  Richard Page

1965 –  Betty (Jack) DeLoach

1966 –  Jerry Morris

Larry Smith

1968 – Don Schaub

Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead

Sherry Sisney

Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt

 

Other guests were David Hughes and Ardis Jefferies; Trenton Siemens;

and Austin Siemens.

 

The servers were the

Stansbury Brothers (Camryn, Sammy, Wyatt, and Timothy), of Arcadia, Kansas Open Door Mission Church Youth and Judy Stansbury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeast Kansas Library System May Newsletter

The SEKnFind Newsletter
May 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

How to end a love story : a novel
by Yulin Kuang

A best-selling author with writer’s block heads to L.A. for the film adaptation of her book where she must collaborate with a screenwriter who was involved in the tragic accident that bound them together 13 years prior. Original.

The hunter’s daughter
by Nicola Solvinic

A decorated sheriff’s lieutenant serving a rural county, Anna Koray, who is secretly the daughter of a notorious serial killer, finds her suppressed memories returning when a new serial killer emerges, copying her father, and must use her father’s tricks to stop him before everything she’s built for herself is destroyed.

The last murder at the end of the world : a novel
by Stuart Turton

On an isolated island where 122 villagers and three scientists live in peaceful harmony, one of the scientists is found brutally murdered, which triggers a security system, giving the islanders only 107 hours to solve the murder or be smothered by the fog that destroyed the planet.

April May June July
by Alison B. Hart

Four estranged siblings meet up at a family wedding and are shocked to discover the presence of their father, who went missing while serving overseas, leaving the family members to each confront their complicated pasts. 40,000 first printing.

The husbands : a novel
by Holly Gramazio

“A novel about a woman who one day comes home to find her attic is magic and producing an endless supply of interchangeable husbands”

Love, lies, and cherry pie : a novel
by Jackie Lau

Forced to work together for her sister’s wedding, writer Emily Hung and sweater-vest-wearing engineer Mark Chan fake a relationship to put an end to her marriage-minded mom’s meddling, but soon their fake dates become all too real, making her realize an argyle sweater isn’t so ugly after all. Original.

The gathering : a novel
by C. J. Tudor

When a boy is found with all the blood drained from his body, Detective Barbara Atkins must determine if a member of the Colony, an ostracized community of vampyrs, is responsible, or if she’s dealing with a twisted psychopath as she uncovers secrets darker than she ever could’ve imagined.

The Honey Witch
by Sydney J. Shields

On the tiny isle of Innisfree, 21-year-old Honey Witch Marigold Claude, who is cursed never to find true love, is determined to prove to Lottie, a notorious skeptic, that magic is real but soon begins to care for her in unexpected ways, placing her home, her magic and her heart in danger.

Floating hotel
by Grace Curtis

Tells a story of misfits, rebels, found family—and a mystery that spans the stars.

Rednecks
by Taylor Brown

Dramatizing the 1920 to 1921 events of the West Virginia Mine Wars, this powerful story of rebellion against oppression follows a Black WWI veteran and coal miner as he leads a miners’ revolt and a Lebanese American doctor who risks his life and career to treat the sick and wounded miners.

The year of the locust : a thriller
by Terry Hayes

A Denied Access Area spy for the CIA, Kane journeys to the borders of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, where violence is the only way to survive, to exfiltrate a man with vital information, but instead meets an adversary who will take the world to the brink of extinction.

Beans, bourbon, and blood
by William W Johnstone

In a new series, Western legend Luke Jensen teams up with chuckwagon cook Dewey “Mac” McKenzie to dish out a plate of hot-blooded justice.

New Audiobooks

You Like It Darker
by Stephen King

Delving into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal, the legendary storyteller and expert in short fiction presents this exhilarating collection of 12 tales, many never-before-published, about fate, mortality, luck and the folds in reality where anything can happen.

Table for two : fictions
by Amor Towles

“The millions of readers of Amor Towles are in for a treat as he shares some of his shorter fiction: six stories set in New York City and a novella in Los Angeles. The New York stories, most of which are set around the turn of the millennium, take up everything from the death-defying acrobatics of the male ego, to the fateful consequences of brief encounters, and the delicate mechanics of comprise which operate at the heart of modern marriages. In Towles’s novel, Rules of Civility, the indomitable Evelyn Ross leaves New York City in September, 1938, with the intention of returning home to Indiana. But as her train pulls into Chicago, where her parents are waiting, she instead extends her ticket to Los Angeles. Told from seven points of view, “Eve in Hollywood” describes how Eve crafts a new future for herself-and others-in the midst of Hollywood’s golden age. Throughout the stories, two characters often find themselves sitting across a table for two where the direction of their futures may hinge upon what they say to each other next. Written with his signature wit, humor, and sophistication, Table for Two is another glittering addition to Towles’s canon of stylish and transporting historical fiction”

The demon of unrest : a saga of hubris, heartbreak, and heroism at the dawn of the Civil War
by Erik Larson

“On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the fluky victor in a tight race for president. The country was bitterly at odds; Southern extremists were moving ever closer to destroying the Union, with one state after another seceding and Lincoln powerless to stop them. Slavery fueled the conflict, but somehow the passions of North and South came to focus on a lonely federal fortress in Charleston Harbor: Fort Sumter. Master storyteller Erik Larson offers a gripping account of the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter-a period marked by tragic errors and miscommunications, enflamed egos and craven ambitions, personal tragedies and betrayals.”

New Nonfiction

Co-intelligence : living and working with AI
by Ethan Mollick

“From Wharton professor and author of the popular One Useful Thing Substack newsletter Ethan Mollick comes the definitive playbook for working, learning, and living in the new age of AI The release of generative AI-from LLMs like ChatGPT to image generators like DALL-E-marks a new era. We have invented technologies that boost our physical capabilities and others that automate complex tasks, but never, until now, have we created a technology that can boost our intelligence-with an impact on work and life that researchers project will be greater than that of steam power or the internet. Mollick urges us not to turn away from AI, and instead to invite AI tools to the table.”

The cure for burnout : how to find balance and reclaim your life
by Emily Ballesteros

Combining scientific and cultural research, a burnout management coach and TikTok influencer shares the tried-and-true strategies she successfully implemented with clients around the globe to demystify burnout for our post-pandemic world—and set us on a path toward a life of personal and professional balance. Illustrations.

Beyond getting by : the financial diet’s guide to abundant and intentional living
by Holly Trantham

The team behind The Financial Diet website presents a guide for women who want to transition to a life where money is a tool for achieving what they want and not just a reflection of their worth. Illustrations.

Amphibious soul : finding the wild in a tame world
by Craig Foster

One of the world’s leading natural history filmmakers shows how we can reinvigorate our lives by developing a deep connection to the Earth, nurture our individual wildness and deepen our love for all living things. 200,000 first printing.

ADHD Is awesome : a guide to (mostly) thriving with ADHD
by Penn Holderness

The couple behind the massively popular Holderness family videos share their story of living with ADHD by rejecting traditional views and embracing creative and life-affirming solutions that focus on how ADHD can often be beneficial.

Hello tiny world : an enchanting journey into the world of creating terrariums
by Ben Newell

“Hello Tiny World will inspire a wide readership to discover the tiny wonder of a different kind of container gardening in their own homes–no outdoor space needed. How can terrariums teach us about the environment? Can working with plants improve our mental health and well-being? How do we learn to express ourselves and our creativity through these wondrous mini ecosystems? Hello Tiny World is Ben Newell’s exploration of these questions as he weaves in his own personal experiences, alongside practical projects with photographed step-by-steps allowing readers to delve into the detail of how to make various terrariums–from beginner terrariums and terrariums on a budget, to more creative and ambitious projects. Those curious to learn about ecology and living sustainably as well as those interested in how plants can help our well-being, mindfulness, and creativity will all be served by this book, alongside horticulturalists who have yet to discover terrariums”

Open wide : a cookbook for friends
by Benny Blanco

The pop music super-producer, artist and actor who’s obsessed with food and cooking for friends teaches you everything you need to know, from kitchen basics to throwing the greatest dinner party of all time, through a crazy collection of recipes that will make cooking your new addiction. Illustrations.

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.
###

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.