Category Archives: Area News

Area News, Business, Schools

Degree Without Debt Offered to Walmart Employees

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Walmart Fort Scott, 2500 S. Main.

In May, Walmart announced a new associate education benefit program designed to help employees to enroll in college and graduate from college in certain fields of study, according to a press release.

Benefits include free college credit for Walmart Academy training and options for employees to earn a college degree without student loan debt.

Walmart employees will be able to access affordable associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business or supply chain management.

These programs are available to full-time, part-time and salaried Walmart U.S. store, supply chain, home office and Sam’s Club employees.

Degrees will be offered through the University of Florida at Gainesville; Brandman University, Irvine, California; and Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska. These schools were selected for their focus and strong outcomes on serving working adult learners, according to the press release.

Program highlights include:

AFFORDABLE
The associate contribution toward a college degree would be just $1 a day. Walmart will subsidize the cost of tuition, books, and fees, which helps get rid of student loan debt, according to a press release.

 

Also, associates can start their path by earning college credit for paid training at Walmart Academies. Hundreds of thousands of associates have already undergone skills training equivalent to more than $210 million in college credits. This will save associates both time and money in completing their degree.

RELEVANT
Walmart selected universities with a specialized focus on serving working adult learners and top outcomes for the working adult demographic. Walmart is also collaborating with these universities to tailor the curriculum to relevant skills for jobs and advancement across industries for today and in the future.

ACCESSIBLE
The goal is for all employees who apply for admission to be accepted, and the three selected universities have a dedication to high graduation rates for their students.

SUPPORTED
Employees will receive support from a  coach on everything from the application and enrollment process to selecting the appropriate degree. This kind of academic counseling has been shown to help students complete their degree.

Walmart kicked off a scalable approach to creating educational opportunity for America’s workforce,  said Rachel Carlson, chief executive officer and co-founder of Guild Education, with whom Walmart is collaborating to provide the program.

Guild Education helps people gain an education through their employer’s tuition benefits which lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention, according to http://www.guildeducation.com

Walmart is also leading innovation in workforce development and higher education to help associates earn college credit for on-the-job training, Carlson said.

The Lumina Foundation has agreed to research and measure the impact and effectiveness of the program and will work with the Walmart team to share findings.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING OFFERINGS
Walmart’s new education program underscores the importance of education in helping employees prepare for the future with degrees in supply chain management or business. This is part of a broader approach to preparing the workforce to succeed today and into the future.

Initiatives include:

· Developing a broad suite of offerings across roles from frontline to executive levels develop job-related skills for advancement.

· Covering the complete cost for employees and eligible family members for earning a high school diploma or GED.

· Offering employees and eligible family members access to tuition discounts, financial aid assistance, and education coaching across Guild’s broader network of more than 80 accredited, nonprofit university partners, including schools such as The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Columbia University and Purdue University. These institutions are made available through EdX.

· Giving access to professional development courses including college prep, leadership training, and ESL.

 

Walmart associates can learn more by visiting WalmartOne.

 

Area News

Wine Stroll, Art Walk, Concert on Main Street July 27

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Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk

and Concert Slated for July 27

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (June 14, 2018) – Looking for one of Fort Scott’s coolest summer events? Mark your calendar for Friday, July 27.

The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott has partnered with the City of Fort Scott, the Bourbon County Arts Council (BCAC) and other local businesses to host the second Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Blane Howard concert in downtown Fort Scott.

The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. and features a variety of events to appeal to a broad audience and all ages. Main Street will be blocked between 1st and 2nd Streets for the event beginning at 3:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The art walk, coordinated by the BCAC, is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the works displayed by area artists and sounds of local musicians.

The wine stroll will feature a sampling of wines from several Kansas vineyards. New to the event this year are samples of distilled spirits. Cost for the wine stroll is $25. The event is open to those age 21 years and older and includes a commemorative wine glass. A valid ID is required at check-in located outside of 119 S Main. Only paid participants with a valid wristband are able to sample product.

Topping off the night, country music sensation Blane Howard will have folks dancing at Liberty Theatre beginning at 8:30 p.m. Concert tickets are $35 each. Modern Woodmen of America is the corporate sponsor for the concert.

Patrons can save $10 if they purchase both the wine stroll and concert tickets for $50. Tickets are available online at http://bit.ly/HitTheBricksTix2.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Mercy Health Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation which is fundraising to purchase a new transport ambulance for Mercy Fort Scott EMS.

Area News

Summer Activities at the Gordon Parks Museum

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Fort Scott-The Gordon Parks Museum will host three different activities for the public this summer. On Saturdays, the museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will show a film each week starting at 1:00 p.m. “Cinema Saturdays” will feature films of Gordon Parks and two films of filmmaker Kevin Willmott. See the website at gordonparkscenter.org for a list of the films and their dates.

On Tuesday, June 26, at 1:00 p.m., the museum will host a speaker, John Edwin Mason, from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Mason’s talk is entitled: “Seeing Another Charlottesville: Hidden Histories and the Power of Photography.”

Mason teaches African history and the history of photography at the University and he has written extensively on early nineteenth-century South Africa history, especially the history of slavery, South African popular culture, especially the Cape Town New Year’s Carnival and jazz, and the history of photography.

His research now concerns African-American and South-African photography. He is working on “Gordon Parks and American Democracy,” a book about the ways in which Parks’ Life magazine photo-essays on poverty and the black liberation struggle and the books that he published during the civil rights era made him one of the era’s most significant interpreters of the black experience. Mason is also a documentary photographer with a long-term interest in exploring race and gender in American motorsports.

A “Wine and Design” event will be held at the Museum on Friday, June 29 and on Friday, July 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants will experience creating a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork using photography, pastels and/or watercolors. The finished work will be printed on 11 x 17 paper and be suitable for framing.

Gordon Parks used this technique in his later years and created beautiful images by creating a background either with pastels, watercolor, etc. He then used a found object, lit the entire scene on two levels and took a photograph of it.

The $25 class fee includes supplies, one complimentary glass of wine or soft drink, and the printed artwork. Class size is limited so please register by calling 223-2700, ext. 5850.

The Gordon Parks Museum is open this summer Tuesday through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information contact the museum by email at [email protected] or by phone at 223-2700, ext. 5850.

Contact: Jill Warford at 1-800-874-3722, ext. 5850

Email:[email protected]

 

 

Area News

Non-Driver Transportation Funding Possibilities

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Transportation Alternatives Program call for projects

 

Topeka – The Kansas Department of Transportation announces the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program call for 2020 projects.

 

KDOT’s TA Program provides funding for a variety of alternative transportation projects. These projects include, but are not limited to, the construction of pedestrian and bicycle facilities; infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation; projects that enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders; projects that improve scenic or environmental assets in the state and Safe Routes to School projects.

 

An estimated $7 million in federal funds are expected to be awarded for Federal Fiscal Year 2020. All selected projects are required to meet a minimum 20 percent local cash match.

 

Important dates:

  • Wednesday, June 13 – TA Program website was live with program guidance materials and application form – http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/TransAlt.asp
  • Friday, July 6, 4 p.m. – Deadline to participate in TA Program Workshops – KDOT will host two workshops to inform applicants about program requirements, review a demo application packet and changes from previous rounds of TA funding and answer questions. Space is limited – contact Matt Messina at [email protected] or (785) 296-7448 by the deadline and select one of the workshop times below:
    • Topeka: Tuesday, July 10 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – TA Workshop at Eisenhower State Office Building’s 4th-floor auditorium, 700 SW Harrison, Topeka.
    • Salina: Wednesday, July 11 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – TA Workshop at KDOT’s District Two conference room, 1006 N. Third, Salina.
  • Monday, Sept. 10, 4 p.m.  – Applications are due. Submit one paper copy and one digital copy in PDF format on a USB flash drive to KDOT headquarters: Attn: Matthew Messina, 700 SW Harrison St. 2nd Floor, Topeka, KS 66603.
  • October – November – KDOT staff will conduct site visits for eligible projects.
  • December – Project selections and public announcement of awards.

 

Program materials, which includes the TA Program Guide, the project application form, frequently asked questions with answers and more are available for download at http://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/TransAlt.asp

 

Area News, Submitted

Jimmy DeYoung to Speak at First Southern Baptist Church June 20

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Jimmy DeYoung is a world-renowned author and prophet of Gods Word.  This rally he will be talking on the subject “Presidents, Politics, and Prophecy”.

The Rally will be held at First Southern Baptist  Church, 1888 S. Main at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.

The doors will open at 6:00 pm to visit with Mr. DeYoung or look through his book collection.

VCY of Wisconsin will be bringing singers as well.  After the message, refreshments will be served in our fellowship hall.  All are welcome.

For additional information call 620-223-2986 or go to vcyamerica.org or fortscottsbc.com

Area News

New Massage Therapist Located at Presbyterian Village

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Salette Schee, massage therapist

Salette Schlee, 26, is bringing her massage therapy business, Knock Out Massage Therapy, LLC to Fort Scott.

Since graduating from Missouri College, St. Louis, MO in 2015 with a certification in massage therapy, Schlee has worked at Platinum Salon in Frontenac. Schlee graduated from Arma High School.

“I was wanting to serve another community,” Schlee said of her adding a therapy site in Presbyterian Village, 2401 S. Horton.

“I received my Associates of Science (2010-2012) from Fort Scott Community Collete and played volleyball for FSCC,” she said.

She started taking appointments last week at the facility.

Schlee can be reached at 620-249-7479 for appointments on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Schlee uses client specific therapy that includes a mixture of Swedish, sports massage, Trigger Point Release, deep tissue and myofascial release therapies.

 

 

Area News, Submitted

Mercy’s Golf Classic Results

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The Jon Allen team.

A whopping 32 teams participated in the third annual Mercy Health Foundation Golf Classic held at Woodland Hills Golf Course on June 9. The event is quickly becoming one of the largest tournaments in southeast Kansas and the most successful fundraisers for the foundation. Organizers predict net funds to surpass the $14,000 mark.

“We are extremely grateful to the participants, our huge and growing list of sponsors, golf course employees and our Mercy volunteers who came together to support this amazing fundraiser for the Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott,” said Tina Rockhold, foundation executive director and community relations manager.

Proceeds from 2018 Mercy Golf Classic will be paired with the July 27th Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Blane Howard Concert proceeds to help the Mercy Health Foundation to purchase a new transport ambulance for Mercy EMS.

The fourth Mercy Golf Classic is already scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Event results:

1st Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 50 – Jon Allen team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 51 – Shawn Marshall team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 52 – Barry Queen team

The Steve Anthony team.

2nd Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 57 (won in scorecard playoff 2 on 2) – Steve Anthony team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 57 – Mitch Quick team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 58 – Clay Campbell team

The Mike Harper team.

3rd Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 60 (won scorecard playoff 3 on 4) – Mike Harper team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 60 – Beth Nuss team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 62 – Jed Perez team

The Allen Bukowski team.

4th Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 62 (won scorecard playoff 3 on 14) – Allen Bukowski team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 62 – Dean Crager team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 65 – Cliff Yarick team

Special Events

Chipping Contest – (golf bag, umbrella, $30 LaHacienda and grilling utensils) – Matt Sanders

Men’s Longest Drive (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Blake Hudson

Women’s Longest Drive (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Jordan Mason

Closest to Pin (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Jim Ermel 37.5 inches

Closest to the Line (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Jordan Mason at 16 ft.

Closest to the Line (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Drew Clark at 4 inches

Sponsors for the event include: Queen’s Price Chopper, All Hit 103.9, 5 Corners Mini Mart, McDonalds of Fort Scott and Nevada, Briggs Auto of Fort Scott, Care 4 All, Landmark National Bank, Walgreens, Go2Partners, WCA, City of Fort Scott, Extrusions, Inc., Fort Scott Family Dental, City State Bank, Union State Bank, Cancer Center of Kansas, Names & Numbers, Cheney Witt Chapel, Inc., Citizens Bank, R & R Equipment, Mid-Continental Restoration Company, Inc., HydroWorx, Central States Fitness, EVCO, Campbell Print Solutions, Inc., Bourbon County Assisted Living, LLC, Pumpin Pete’s, Lowell Milken Center, SMM Holdings LLC, Peerless Products, Timken, Stutesman’s Action Realty, Watts Fitness LLC, Ward-Kraft, Common Grounds, Atkins Insurance Agency, Fort Scott Community College, Hammons Realty Company, Marsha’s Great Plains Deli, Medicalodges, Inc., Goody’s Department Store, {Re:Freshed Aesthetics} by Delane, LaHacienda of Fort Scott, and Labconco Corp,

The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott in a not-for-profit corporation which secures public support for projects that enhance health care in the Fort Scott area. Over the years, contributions have helped purchase medical equipment, support programs and established an endowment to meet Mercy’s future health care needs.

 

 

 

Area News, Government, Submitted

SEK Republican Chairs to Host Governor’s Forum

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Several Southeast Kansas (SEK) Counties have been working together to organize and host a Republican Governor’s Forum. The intent of the Forum is to educate voters and promote the SEK region. Four Republican county chairs, Don Alexander of Neosho County, Marsha Wallace of Crawford County, Mike Howerter of Labette County and Virgil Peck of Montgomery County have invested many hours in preparation for what they expect to be a big event for SEK.

The event will take place in Parsons, at the Parsons Municipal Auditorium, located at 112 S. 17th – one block west of the main north-south corridor (Hwy 59 or 16th street) in Parsons on the evening of June 16th. The doors will open at 5:00 and the Forum will formally start at 6:00.

Virgil Peck, the “unofficial chairman” of the group, said the idea came to him in the middle of the night several months ago. Soon after, he approached the other county chairs about the idea and says, “They all liked the idea and were immediately willing to join together to make it happen”.

The group first met at the Republican State Convention in Wichita last February to start the process. Peck reports that they have worked hard at planning and making the necessary arrangements to ensure that the Forum is a first-class event for SEK. He says he is very grateful to the many area businesses and individuals who have made financial contributions to cover the expenses, especially the Platinum sponsors: Monarch Cement of Humboldt, Taylor Crane and Rigging of Coffeyville and Ash Grove of Chanute. “Their contributions make it possible for the event to be free to the public,” said Peck. He went on to say that some Forums and Debates around the State have charged an admission of as much as $20 per person to attend their event. “We didn’t want to exclude any Republican voter, so we are making this happen at no cost to those who wish to attend.”

All five leading Republican candidates for Governor have confirmed their attendance and participation. They are Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Kris Kobach, State Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer, Dr. Jim Barnett and Patrick Kucera. In addition to the candidates seeking the office of Governor, several Republican candidates running for 2nd District Congress and other statewide offices will be at the event to visit with voters.

Alexander said, “This forum gives the people of SEK an unprecedented opportunity to personally meet future leaders in Topeka and Washington.” He encourages voters to: “Come talk with the candidates, shake their hands, and ask serious questions.” Alexander adds, “The forum also gives these future leaders a look at what we have to offer in SEK – so a good turnout is important.”

Howerter informs area residents that if they just can’t make it to Parsons on the 16th, they can listen to the forum live on KGGF radio (690 AM) or view it live on the internet – as it will be live-streamed worldwide. “I have run several of this type of meeting in the past. I commend my fellow chairs, especially Virgil (Peck) and Don (Alexander), they have really been doing a great job.” 

There will be free literature and yard signs from the many different candidates attending the Forum. It is recommended that attendees arrive early to get the best seats. Additionally, at 5:40 there will be a pre-forum event to introduce and hear from the candidates for Second District Congress.

Joining with the other Chairs to encourage attendance at the Forum, Wallace says, “Although it is beneficial to read about the candidates and listen to what they have to say on the radio or internet, there is no better way to get a feel for who a person truly is than to look them in the eye, shake their hand and visit with them in person.”

Area News

Conard To Be Honored by Polish Government June 10-11

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Norm Conard, the director of the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott,  will receive an award in a special ceremony in honor of the 10th anniversary of Irena Sendler’s death.

The recognition is for Conard’s work with Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, which brought Irena Sendler’s name onto the global stage, according to a press release.

The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in Poland along with Taube Philanthropies will present a special award to Conard at the Royal Castle in Warsaw, Poland, on June 11.

The award is presented in the name of Irena Sendler to Polish citizens who ‘preserve Jewish heritage and help renew Jewish culture in Poland.’

Conard is the first non-Polish citizen to receive the award.

“This is about emphasizing the history of the Jewish people in Poland,” Conard said in an interview with fortscott.biz. “Before the war there were 3,000,000 Jews after the war there were 30,000.”

Conard said he would be attending  a dinner Sunday evening with two former presidents of Poland, in addition to the award ceremony.

Following is excerpts from Conards intended speech:

“There are many people who have impacted history, in extraordinary ways. Irena Sendler stands out because of her incredible courage and undying love for children. ‘People caring about others’ was her mantra, understanding the need to ‘repair the world,’ was her motto.

“I salute the Taube Philanthropies and the Ministry of Culture for the Country of Poland, for their wonderful desire to ‘preserve Jewish heritage and to help renew Jewish culture in Poland.’

“Many years ago there was a thriving Jewish life in this country. May that again be the case, as awards like this bring out heritage and history. The two entities involved with this ceremony both believe in the future of the Jewish people in Poland.

“Almost 20 years ago, a project began in Kansas, which would change many lives. It would also lead to a close personal relationship for my students and myself, with Irena Sendler. It was our privilege to travel to Poland and be with Irena on five occasions.

“These times with her would be filled with laughter, with tears, and with a transparency from Irena that would transform everyone in the room. She also would share many, many rich thoughts and wishes. Until her death in 2008, she constantly spoke out for those people who were downtrodden and would say again and again, that we must respect all people, regardless of race, religion or creed.

“As stated many times by Irena, her one regret in life was not being able to rescue more children. She also would want me to say, that these rescues were done by her network of over 25 people, always being humble and giving credit to them. She would always give the names of those in this brave, powerful, and passionate network, who assisted her in the rescue, hiding, and care of these children and adults from the Warsaw Ghetto and the streets of Warsaw.

“… I also stand here representing three high school students in Kansas and many other students and adults who have shared her story with the world.

“For Megan, Liz and Sabrina, I say, ‘Job well done,’ but there is much more in the process of repairing the world. To Bieta, Renata and other child survivors, I say, ‘Your love of sharing Irena’s story has made a tremendous impact on Poland and the world.’ To those presenting this award, I say, ‘Your honoring of courage and valor is so appropriate in our day and time. Her story is needed as much today, as ever before.’

“In the performance of Life in a Jar, there is a line that says, “Irena Sendler was a light, a spiritual light in the darkness. She repaired the world, one child at a time, and made a difference.”

Area News, Entertainment

Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza May 31 Results

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The list of contestants of the Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza 2018 posted at Memorial Hall Thursday afternoon.
Morgan Eaton, 16 years old, Fort Scott, rehearses her performance Thursday afternoon for the Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza later in the evening.
Contestants were judged on talent, entertaining and appearance for the Fort Scott Talent Extravaganza Thursday evening at Memorial Hall. Pictured is the judges tally sheet.

 

The final results of the competition are:  First Place, Kenna Miles  who won $300; Second Place, Christina Ramirez, who won$200;
Third Place, Jakob Slinkard and Jorden Willard, who won $100.