Category Archives: Area News

Area News, Mercy Hospital

Mercy Hospital Fort Scott to Close

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Primary Care Services to Continue through Agreement with CHC/SEK

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (October 1, 2018) – In the face of declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement, Mercy has made the difficult decision to close Mercy Hospital Fort Scott by the end of the year. The decision was made following months of exploring options for keeping hospital services in the community.

At the same time, there is a plan for continuing physician services in the area. Mercy is finalizing an agreement with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), the federally qualified health clinic based in Pittsburg, to maintain primary care services in Fort Scott and other nearby communities in which there are Mercy Clinic locations. All Mercy Clinic Fort Scott primary care physicians have committed to continue practicing in the area as part of CHC/SEK. The two organizations expect to share more information soon.

“Mercy Hospital has been privileged to serve Fort Scott since 1886. Like many rural hospitals across the country, we have struggled to remain viable as community needs have changed,” said Reta Baker, hospital president. “We considered – and exhausted – every possibility for keeping our doors open, and ultimately we had to acknowledge that it’s a different era for hospital care in Fort Scott. There are many options in nearby communities for patients seeking hospital care, and there are many challenges we didn’t have in years past. Our hearts are heavy, but it’s the decision we know has to be made.”

The hospital will close by December 31, including all inpatient services, the emergency department and ambulatory surgery.

Mercy first announced the need to explore options for future sustainability in 2014, citing trends that included patients leaving the area to seek health care services in larger communities and declining reimbursement, especially from government payers which make up the largest source of revenue. The announcement was followed by an 18-month discernment process, which ended in 2015 with the understanding that should these trends continue, Mercy would need to revisit plans for the future.

“That time came earlier this year, and a new process of evaluating solutions was undertaken,” said Baker. “Unfortunately, the health care environment in Fort Scott has not improved, and in fact we’ve encountered the additional challenge of successfully recruiting and retaining physicians in the community.”

To prepare for closing the hospital, Mercy will undertake the required regulatory and legal notices and procedures, including notifying state and federal agencies and payers.

Mercy is developing plans to support hospital co-workers in through the closure process, and all will be treated with compassion and respect. There may be the possibility for some co-workers to transfer to other Mercy facilities.

“Having closed our hospital in Independence, Kansas, in 2015, we know how difficult this news is to hear – not only for our Fort Scott co-workers and the community, but for everyone across Mercy. Our prayers are with everyone impacted by this decision,” said Lynn Britton, Mercy president and chief executive officer. “We also know that the Sisters who served before us had to make similar decisions in light of changing community needs, and we draw strength from their courage.”

 

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

Area News, Entertainment

Tri-Yak-A-Thon Oct. 13

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The Gunn Park Trails volunteers would like to invite everyone to enjoy the fall weather and join us for the 6th annual Tri-yak-a-thon. 

This year’s proceeds will benefit the new bike share program. The event will take place on October 13 at 10:00 AM in Gunn Park.

 The Tri-yak-a-thon is a race where participants run on Gunn Park’s beautiful trails, kayak up and down the Marmaton River, and then tackle the trails again on a bike. 

The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the bike share program.

 The trail run is approximately 4 miles, the kayak portion is 2.5 miles, and the final portion is a 7-mile mountain bike ride.  Participate as a relay team, or if you are tough enough you can do the entire race as a solo participant. 

You must bring your own kayak, life jacket, helmet, and mountain bike. 

Riders must wear a helmet.

Onsite registration and packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM at Shelter House 6.  You can register online at https://www.trireg.com/tri-yak-a-thon.

The race will begin at 10:00 AM. 

Whether you enter the race or just come and cheer, please join us and support our park, our trails, and our bike share program.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:

UMB Bank

Landmark Bank

Briggs Auto of Fort Scott

City State Bank

Smallville Crossfit

Papa Don’s

Brock Electric

Southwind Cycle and Outdoor

Area News

Free Online Resources for Veterans

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FREE ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR VETERANS
FREE ONLINE SKILL-BASED CLASSES

Vets Prevail: Provides individualized evidence-based (CBT) mental health interventions to individuals who otherwise may not be able or willing to engage with traditional avenues for care. Its interface is very interactive, almost reminiscent of a video game, and Veterans earn points for completing courses that they can trade in for gift cards. https://www.vetsprevail.org/

PTSD Coach Online: Tools for coping with sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms that people who have been through trauma can develop. Some tools are brief and can help you relax when you feel stressed, or improve your mood, for example. Longer tools teach you how to tackle difficult problems, change thinking patterns, and take steps to achieve your goals. http://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/ptsdcoachonline/default.htm

Moving Forward: Online educational and life coaching program that teaches Problem Solving skills (8 classes) to help Veterans to better handle life’s challenges. It is designed to be especially helpful for Veterans, Military Service Members, and their families.

http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/apps/movingforward/index.html
Afterdeployment.org: Self-care solutions targeting post-traumatic stress, depression, anger, anxiety, stigma, mild TBI, sleep, health & wellness, MST, financial health, work adjustment, and other behavioral health challenges commonly faced after a deployment. http://afterdeployment.t2.health.mil/

Veteran Parenting: Online course featuring key tools to support your parenting. This parenting strategies learning program is targeted to Service Member and Veteran parents. You will find guidance to help you reconnect with your children after a deployment and beyond. http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/apps/veteranparenting/index.html

Veterans Crisis Line: Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. www.veteranscrisisline.net

FREE ONLINE EDUCATIONAL / INFORMATION SITES
Make the Connection: A national, public awareness campaign that features candid, personal testimonials from Veterans and their loved ones. This website gives information on everything from transitioning out of the military, homelessness, depression, anxiety, feeling on edge, chronic pain, drugs/alcohol problems, and countless other topics. www.maketheconnection.net

V.E.T.S.: serves America’s veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights. http://www.dol.gov/vets/

Veterans Employment Toolkit: http://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/

Hire Our Heroes: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/

FREE MENTAL HEALTH SMARTPHONE APPS FOR VETERANS
Resource list compiled by: Brittany Hartzell, Psy.D., Local Recovery Coordinator, Fayetteville VAMC

US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS & DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, SMARTPHONE APPS

The Mindfulness Coach App provides you with tools and guided exercises to help you practice mindfulness, which means paying purposeful attention to the present moment without passing judgment on it or your feelings. Mindfulness Coach can be used alone, but is not intended as a substitute for therapy (iPhone only).

The PTSD Coach App helps you learn about and cope with the symptoms related to Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) that occur following trauma. PTSD Coach can be used alone, but is not intended as a substitute for mental health treatment.

The Virtual Hope Box (VHB ) contains simple tools to help patients with coping, relaxation, distraction, and positive thinking. Patients and providers can work together to personalize the VHB content on the patient’s own smartphone according to the patient’s specific needs.

Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool. Breathe2Relax is a hands-on diaphragmatic breathing exercise. Breathing exercises have been documented to decrease the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ (stress) response, and help with mood stabilization, anger control, substance use urges, and anxiety management.

Tactical Breather App can be used to gain control over physiological and psychological responses to stress. Through repetitive practice and training, anyone can learn to gain control of your heart rate, emotions, concentration, and other physiological and psychological responses to your body during stressful situations.

Moving Forward App provides on-the-go tools and teaches problem solving skills to overcome obstacles and deal with stress. It is especially helpful in managing challenges such as: returning to civilian life, balancing school and family life, financial difficulties, relationship problems, difficult career decisions, and coping with physical injuries.

T2 Mood Tracker App: The app records a range of emotions for anxiety, depression, head injury, stress, posttraumatic stress and a user’s general well-being. Users can also create items to track their progress in unique areas. The saved results are displayed in an easy-understand graph. The data is saved in a graphical or spreadsheet file which can be transferred by e-mail or other wireless connection.
Resource list compiled by: Brittany Hartzell, Psy.D., Local Recovery Coordinator, Fayetteville VAMC

Life Armor: Comprehensive learning and self-management tool to assist with common mental health concerns. Contains information on 17 topics, including sleep, depression, anger, relationship issues, substance use, and post-traumatic stress. Brief self-assessments help the user measure and track their symptoms, and tools are available to assist with managing specific problems.

The Concussion Coach App provides you with resources to help you manage symptoms of concussion or mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. Concussion Coach can be used alone, but may be more helpful when used along with treatment from a provider.

Together Strong: Interactive app that lets you practice what to say and do when a peer is struggling with adjustment to civilian life. Through interactive role-play and simulations, you’ll become prepared to have a conversation that will motivate a friend to seek help, build resilience, and lead a positive life.

Parenting2Go App helps Veterans and Service Members reconnect with their children and provides convenient tools to strengthen parenting skills. Parents can find quick parenting advice; relaxation tools to use when frustrated or stressed; tools for positive communication; and strategies to switch gears between military
life and home.

Stay Quit Coach App helps you “stay quit” after you stop smoking with tools to control cravings, reminder messages and support links. Stay Quit Coach is best used while in treatment with a therapist or after your treatment has ended.

MOVE! Coach Mobile (MCM) is a weight loss app for Veterans, service members, their families who want to lose weight. This 19-week program can monitor, track,and receive feedback regarding progress with weight, diet, and exercise goals. This app also helps teach SMART goals and problem-solving skills to overcome barriers.

Positive Activity Jackpot (Android/Google play only): Positive Activity Jackpot uses a professional behavioral health therapy called pleasant event scheduling (PES), which is used to overcome depression and build resilience. This app features technology to help users find nearby enjoyable activities and makes activity suggestions with local options and the ability to invite friends.

BioZen: This app takes many of the large medical sensors in a clinic and puts them in the hands of anyone with a smart phone. Showing real-time data from multiple body sensors including electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), galvanic skin response (GSR), electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), respiratory rate, and skin temperature to show users their meditative & attentive cognitive states.

Resource list compiled by: Brittany Hartzell, Psy.D., Local Recovery Coordinator, Fayetteville VAMC
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS SMARTPHONE APPS, FOR USE WITH THERAPY

The ACT Coach App helps you work with a mental health professional during Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT aims to help you live with unpleasant thoughts and feelings without avoiding them or being controlled by them. ACT Coach is not a self-help tool and should only be used while in therapy with a provider.

The CBT-i Coach App helps you get the most out of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) so that you can develop good sleep habits and sleep better. CBT-i Coach is best used while in therapy with a provider.

The CPT Coach App helps you work with your therapist during Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). CPT is used to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by helping you work through your thoughts and feelings about your trauma, and decrease avoidance of difficult memories. The App helps you track your progress, appointments and PTSD symptoms. CPT Coach is not a self-help tool and should only be used while in therapy with a provider.

The PE Coach App helps you work with a mental health professional during Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. PE therapy is used to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by helping you decrease distress about your trauma by engaging with reminders of the experience (triggers). The App helps you track your progress, appointments and PTSD symptoms. PE Coach is not a self-help tool and should only be used while in therapy with a provider.

OTHER APPS NOT FROM US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS/DoD & NOT ENDORSED BY VA

WebMD Pain Coach App offers a holistic approach to balancing lifestyle with chronic pain conditions to help inspire a better day. It is a mobile companion to help you through daily health and wellness choices so you can better manage your chronic pain. Enjoy a personalized experience as physician-reviewed tips related to your specific condition are delivered daily to you. The App puts you in control of your lifestyle choices so you can review personal patterns to understand triggers, set goals, and easily share progress with your physician.

Suicide Safe: Designed for providers, but can help Veterans and family members by equipping them with education and support resources to assess risk of suicide, communicate effectively with patients and families, determine appropriate next steps, and make referrals to treatment and community resources.

Addicaid – Addiction Recovery Support: Free phone app dedicated to the prevention & treatment of addiction & alcoholism. Find and rate support meetings for a variety of addictions, track your progress, complete daily goals, and stay inspired to maintain sobriety with their newsfeed including news, videos, and music.
Resource list compiled by: Brittany Hartzell, Psy.D., Local Recovery Coordinator, Fayetteville VAMC

Quit That!: Simple app to track all the habit/addiction you are trying to quit. Find out how many hours, days, minutes, weeks, or years it has been since you quit each habit/addiction. Need extra motivation? You can also keep track of how much money you have saved since quitting!

Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief: From the developers of relaxation apps at Meditation Oasis comes this free app to quickly recharge. Listen to a seven-minute Work Break or 13-minute Stress Relief recording with or without music or nature sounds

Relax and Sleep Well with Glenn Harold (FREE): Twenty-nine minute guided meditation with music to help you fall and stay asleep. Relaxing and gentle, another free App available is: Relax with Andrew Johnson Lite (14 minute meditation).

Sleep Bug: Can’t fall asleep to the sound of noisy neighbors or honking cars? Sleep Bug is the perfect on-demand white noise machine. Get transported to the beach, a zen garden, or the middle of a jungle with the push of a button. There’s also a custom timer and even the ability to add noises—like rain or a whale’s call—to the scene.

US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS SMARTPHONE APPS, NON-MENTAL HEALTH APPS

The 311VET: App was designed for Veterans to ask general VA Benefits questions and receive answers 24/7/365 from any mobile device, allowing answers at any time and from anywhere. 311VET allows Veterans to gather information on Health Care Benefits, Pensions, Life Insurance, Dependents and Survivors Benefits, and much more.  Web-based

Launchpad: The VA Mobile Launchpad houses all Apps for Veterans that connect to VA’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) and access your personal VA health information. By signing into the VA Mobile Launchpad once with a DS Logon Level 2 (Premium) Account, you can access multiple resources without logging in to each App or website individually. **Web app (link to website) https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/launchpad/

New phone resources are routinely becoming available for our Veteran and Active Duty Service Members. You may wish to check the following websites for additional or new smart phone applications:
 The Department of Veteran Affairs App Store: https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/all
 The National Center for Telehealth & Technology (T2) is part of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). The mission of T2 is to lead the innovation of health technology solutions for psychological health and deliver tested, valued health solutions that improve the lives of our nation’s warriors, veterans, and their families. http://www.t2health.dcoe.mil/products/mobile-apps

Area News

New Citizens Sworn In At Memorial Hall

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The Honorable Teresa J. James speaking to the new citizens.

The United States District Court for the District of Kansas held proceedings for the Naturalization Ceremony of new citizens on Friday morning, September 21, 2018, at Memorial Hall in Fort Scott.

Speakers for the ceremony included local dignitaries Carl Brenner, Chief of Interpretation at Fort Scott National Historic Site; Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin; Magistrate Teresa James; and local attorney Robert Farmer.

The ceremony in years past has been held on the grounds of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, but rainy weather forced a change of venue.

The new citizens reciting the Oath of Citizenship led by Carol Kuhl, Courtroom Deputy.

The Honorable Teresa J. James presided over the ceremony with the Clerk of the Court, Timothy M. O’Brien.

Fort Scott High School Choral Teacher Meredith Reid leads the students in singing at the naturalization ceremony.
The Fort Scott High School Choir singing “Song for the Unsung Hero”.

Fort Scott High School Orchestra and Choir provided the musical entertainment including the “Star Spangled Banner”, the “Song for the Unsung Hero” and “America the Beautiful”.

The Presentation of Colors by the Pittsburg State University Army ROTC.

Following the ceremony, the new citizens had the opportunity to register to vote at a booth at Memorial Hall.

Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site provided a lunch at the Fort’s Grand Hall, feeding 166 people, including new citizens and their families.

 

Area News

Orange Poppyseed Muffins by Martha Meinsen Scott

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From Linderhof’s Kitchen . . .

 

Martha Meinsen Scott

 

Orange Poppyseed Muffins

 

Morning muffins are often on the breakfast table at Linderhof.     I have one good basic muffin recipe called “Sweet Muffins”. You can add fruit or nuts or flavorings to make different muffins.      And this recipe is almost  as easy as a boxed mix.    Plus the ingredients for the basic muffins are usual in your larder.    This is a version that we like with orange zest, extract and poppyseeds added.

 

ORANGE POPPYSEED MUFFINS

 

1 egg
1 c. milk
¼ c. vegetable oil or melted butter
1 ½ c. flour
½ c. sugar
2 t. Baking powder
½ t. Salt
Zest of 1 orange
1 t. Orange extract
2 T. poppyseeds

 

Glaze (optional):

 

Juice of 1 orange
Enough powdered sugar to make a glaze

 

Heat oven to 400.     Grease bottoms only of 12 regular-size muffin cups with shortening or line with paper baking cups.       In a large bowl, beat egg slightly. Beat in milk and oil until well blended. Add orange zest and orange extract.

 

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in another bowl.      Add to milk, egg mixture. Mix until flour is moistened (batter will be lumpy).  Add poppyseeds and mix again. Spoon into muffin cups.

 

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.    If baked in greased pan, let stand 5 minutes in the pan, then remove from pan to wire rack.    If baked in paper baking cups, remove immediately from pan to wire rack.

 

Spoon glaze over the muffins about 5 minutes after removing from oven.

 

Muffins are best served warm.
Martha Meisen Scott is a local foodie who creates from her home, called Linderhof, in Fort Scott.
Area News, Government

New Employee Profile: Uniontown Post Office

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Remick Paulsen, Uniontown Post Office Clerk, 2018

Remick Paulsen, 22, is the new U.S. Postal Service Clerk at Uniontown.

This is an employee profile to let the community better know her.

Experience: First job in the postal service

Education: Graduated from Paola High School in 2014, Fort Scott Community College in 2016 and earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business from Kansas State University in 2018.

Why did you choose this as your career?

“I enjoy working with people. I feel like you get the small town feel working in a post office, and it’s a career.

Paulsen also works in the Fort Scott Post Office as needed.

The Uniontown Post Office is located at 106 2nd Street.

Hours of the office are 7 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 to 9 a.m. The phone number is 620-756-4377.

The Uniontown mail delivery includes Uniontown, Mapleton, and Redfield, she said.

Karen Saker, the longtime Uniontown Postmistress, retired at the end of August 2018.

 

 

Area News, Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment

A Beautiful Day For Art In The Yard

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Tents and booths were set up in the shade of trees on the Kemna property Saturday for the public to view and buy the wares of artists.

The weather cooperated and the beautiful September day was enjoyed by attendees of the Art in the Yard festival at local artist Bobbi Kemna’s property northwest of Fort Scott on Saturday.

Local and area artists of all styles set up booths and tents in the shade to sell their wares.

Pottery, woodwork, fabric, painting, metal, photography, furniture, food, theater, music, jewelry and lavender artists were placed around the acreage for the public to visit with and buy their wares.

The City of Fort Scott provided a  free trolley from downtown to the site, located on 215th Street, rural Fort Scott.

There was no official headcount, Kemna said, but approximately 200 people is her estimate.

She said she welcomes feedback from attendees.

For more information click below:

Something New: Art In The Yard Sept. 15

Following are photos that were taken during the morning of the event.

The public is free to add their photos in comments.

Festival creator and host Bobbi Kemna, left, visits with Arnold and Clara Schofield and granddaughter on Saturday morning at the Art in the Yard Festival.
Barb McCord visits with an attendee while demonstrating how to weave in the nature tapestry she bought to the Art in the Yard Festival. The natural material was provided and the attendees were invited to weave the material through a giant loom, with the intent of a finished tapestry by days end.
Carol George admires Paul Milk’s Hardanger embroidery. Milk also sold photography and cross stitch articles at the Art in the Yard Festival Saturday.
The Fort Scott Community Orchestra, under the direction of Carson Felt, entertained the art festival attendees.
Sydney and Hannah Ramsey added final touches to Nick Magee’s artwork Saturday at Art in the Yard. Their mother, Emily Ramsey, right, supervises. Magee, in the background, had his paintings for sale at the Art in the Yard Festival.
The Fort Scott High School Thespians entertained the attendees with improv comedy Saturday. The group also sold soft drinks to further their cause of attending an international theater event in Scotland next summer.
Bobbi Kemna, event organizer and host, visits with attendees on the porch of her pottery workshop Saturday at  Art in the Yard.
Area News, Bourbon County, Mercy Hospital

Northeast Scott 4-H Club Makes Hand-Made Blankets for Mercy

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Back Row: Ella Maher, Dalayni Foulk, Jasper Allison, Reegan McDaniel, Joe Foulk (tall in the very back), Lily Westoff, Alisa Popp, Sierra Wright, Brennon Popp, Brody Wright. Front Row: Landon McDaniel, Korbyn Allison, Rydale Hereford, Avery McDaniel, Ana Christy, Maverick Wright and Karlee Hereford.

Mercy Home Health and Hospice Receives Gift

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (Sept. 17, 2018) – Members of the Northeast Scott 4-H Club donated hand-made lap blankets to Mercy Home Health and Hospice to be given to patients.

“I was so excited to receive the call about the donation,” said Tabitha Stults, Mercy Home Health and Hospice community relations coordinator. “The blankets are beautiful and so soft. Our team look forward to sharing the blankets with our hospice patients.”

The blankets were made during a crafts class under the direction of the craft leader Destiny Foulk.

 

 

Area News

Electric Company Imposters

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Westar Energy warns customers of electric company imposters

Callers use threat of disconnection to get immediate payment.

TOPEKA, Kan. – Sept. 12, 2018 – Westar Energy is alerting customers that imposters claiming to work for the company are threatening to disconnect service and asking for prepaid cards as payment. Several customers have contacted Westar Energy’s Customer Relations Center after receiving suspicious phone calls.

Some imposters are very convincing. They may use websites that allow them to manipulate caller ID, making the call appear to come from Westar. They speak with authority. When the targeted customer calls the phone numbers provided, the person who answers sounds like they work for Westar. In some cases, callers may even provide information like amount due that makes them sound credible.

“Scammers create a sense of urgency to get customers to act quickly rather than allowing them time to check their account,” Gina Penzig, manager, media communications, Westar Energy, said. “We will never require a pre-paid card for payment. Also, we notify customers multiple times in advance if service may be interrupted for non-payment.”

Before acting on one of these calls, check your records to see if a recent payment has been made. If you are still unsure, call our Customer Relations Center, 1-800-383-1183, and check your account status. More about identifying scams: https://www.westarenergy.com/scams If a customer receives a suspicious visit from an individual, he or she should also report it to their local law enforcement agency.

About KCP&L and Westar Energy: Serving approximately 1.5 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company and Westar Energy are the electric utilities of Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG). Together we generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Area News

Public Input Needed Sept. 25 for Trail/Bicycle Network

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“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team is working with our neighbors (Allen and Crawford Counties) to develop a plan for a regional trail system to be presented to each of the county’s governmental entity,” Jody Hoener, Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, said. “There are plans already put in place for US Bicycle Routes (ex. current route 76 and future route 55), unfortunately, each avoiding Bourbon County.”

” This will give our community a chance to make recommendations on connections to existing regional trail networks, highlight local trail networks already in place, and brainstorm new ideas to encourage tourism, enhance the quality of life, and access to outdoor recreation with hiking, trail running, or mountain biking,” she said.

 

“Either directly or indirectly, these larger trails will be beneficial for all, not just those who value an active lifestyle,” Hoener said.