Category Archives: Area News

KCC Approves Settlement To Recover Storm Costs

KCC approves settlement agreement allowing Liberty-Empire to recover winter storm costs over time

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has approved a settlement agreement outlining how The Empire District Electric Company d/b/a Liberty Utilities (Liberty-Empire) will recover $10.8 million in extraordinary costs incurred during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri. The utility, like others regulated by the KCC, was ordered to do everything possible to continue providing service to its customers, defer the charges, and then develop a plan to allow customers to pay the unusually high costs over time to minimize the financial impact.

The settlement, negotiated by KCC Staff, the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) and the company allows Liberty-Empire customers to pay for the extraordinary costs –associated with the Winter Event over a 13-year period from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2036. On average, residential customer bills will increase by $5.73 per month during this period. This is a reduction from Liberty-Empire’s originally requested plan which would have resulted in an increase in the average residential bill of $7.32 per month.

The Commission emphasized it was in the public interest for Liberty-Empire to incur the extraordinary costs to ensure the integrity of the electric system and provide continuous service to its customers.

Today’s order states that any proceeds received by Liberty-Empire from ongoing federal or state investigations into market manipulation, price gouging or civil suits will be passed on to customers.

In issuing today’s order, the Commission found the agreement was supported by substantial competent evidence, will result in just and reasonable rates, and is in the public interest.  The Commission’s order in this docket is the last of the Uri-related utility dockets to be filed and acted on.

Today’s order is available here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners on this order, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

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ARCADIA, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET

Pictured in center is Louise (Opitz) Hughes of Kearney, Mo. celebrating her 80th Year at the Arcadia alumni – Louise graduated at Arcadia High School in 1943.
Pictured with Louise is her daughter, Christine Bossung, and her son, David Hughes. Standing is Arcadia Alumni president, Pat Morris.
Submitted photo.

“HUGE SUCCESS”

 

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 27th and was catered by Chicken Mary’s 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 2022  Financial Report prepared by Shirley Landon, Treasurer.  The 2022

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 40 Alumni and 23 guests.  The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was led by Merle Engle.   The Lord’s Prayer in unison was led by Melvin Nichols.

 

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 2022 Minutes or the 2022 Treasurer’s report.  They stand approved as presented.

 

Merle Engle along with nominating Committee of Mary Lee Payne and Sherry Sisney nominated the following officers for the coming year as follows:  Pat Morris, President; Tom Watt, Vice President; Shirley Landon, Treasurer; Virginia Smith, Secretary; and Marilyn Flagg as Historian.  A motion was made by Betty Skidmore and seconded by

Lou Sheets and motion carried.

 

Special recognition was given to members of the 60th  (1963);

70th (1953); and 80th (1943) this year.

 

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

(Barnard) Foster and guest Richard Foster and Richard Page.

 

Attending from the 70th.   were as follows:  Bobby Charles Harris and

guest Bobby C. Harris, Jr..

 

Atending from the 80th.  were as follows:  Louise (Opitz) Hughes and

guests David Hughes and Christine Bossung.

 

Jan Steele was recognized as being the daughter of former Arcadia High School music teacher, Dick Steele.

 

All 18 guests were asked to stand and be recognized.

 

Virginia Smith, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, announced the winner of the 2023  A.F. Bowlus/Betty Kirksey Scholarships as Carson

Ruoff (Grandson of Alan and Joyce (Gable) Niebrugge).  Other AHS Alumni Scholarship winners were  Aaron Moe  and Adam Moe (Grandsons of Fred Dixon).  Carson Ruoff received $1,000.   Aaron and Adam Moe received $500 each.

 

Pat Morris introduced  Sharon Foster (Class of 1963), and Ronnie

Smith  (Class of 1962) who served on the scholarship committee with

Virginia.

 

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: Jo (Fowler) Ferraro, Helen (Fowler) Knoll, Jessie (Eggen) Dunn, Irene (Buchanan) Williams, Louetta

(Swezey) Schwatken, Betty (Ritter) Skidmore, Leona Maxine (James) Garrett, Boyd (Buck) McMillin, John Richard Meacham, Shirley (Birdsell) Garrett, Shirley (Stroud) Weber, Ernestine (Swezey) Murray, Jo Ellen (Elliott) Swezey, Margaret (Turner) Jones, Sharon (Powell) Thornhill, Olive (Curnutt) Berting, Richard L. Dixon, Geneva (Jeannie) Ham, Jerry McClendon, Gary Mayfield, Anita (Miles) Callahan, Richard Totman, Maxine James (Teacher), Marie (Hoover) Marshall, Dr. Retha (Hoover) Dr. Kilpatrick  Gries, Merle Mayfield, and Mary Lou (Davidson) Peace.

 

Louise (Opitz) Hughes, 96 years old (Class of 1943)  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 Bill Skidmore.

 

The Benediction was by Melvin Nichols.

 

The roll call which consisted of the following and the 1943, 1953,  and 1963  classes listed above was done by Tom Watt.

 

1949 –   Jerry Skidmore

1950 –   Betty (Clarkson) Skidmore

1951 –   David Fowler and guest Jeanie Watson

1954 –  Esther (Engle) Cousins and guest Janice Crooks

Gary Peterson and guest Patty Peterson

1955 –   Mary Lee (Eggen) Payne

1956 –  Shirley (McKinstry) Landon

Bill Skidmore and guest Twonette Skidmore

1957 –  Merle Engle

Francis M. Jones and guest Karen (Jones) Tripp

Lou Sheets and guest Linda Sue Sheets

Lilly (Turner) Sheffield

1958 –  Laura (Coonrod) Felt and guest Ronnie Felt

Fred Dixon

Marilou (Garton) Bork and guest Jerry Bork

Sandra Sue Stelle

1959 –  Michael Sheffield

Gary Skidmore and guest Jean Skidmore

Beverly (Swafford) Silvers and guest Vern Silvers

1960 –  Jerry Coonrod and guest Jan Steele

Melvin Nichols

1962 –   Marilyn (Coonrod) Flagg

Barbara (Dawson) Swearingen

Helen (Morris) Nichols

Ronnie Smith

1964 – Virginia (Harris) Smith

Ronny Kellogg and guest Barb Kellogg

Steve Morris

Pat (Smith) Morris

Peggy (O’Dell) Worsley

Sherry (Swafford) Page

1968 – Ronnie Page

Don Schaub

Larry Shead and guest Ralph Shead

Sherry Sisney

Tom Watt and guest Phyllis Watt

 

The servers were the

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

 

 

 

Kansas Launches Broadband Speed Test and Comprehensive Expansion Plan

 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to expand broadband infrastructure statewide and ensure every Kansan has access to reliable high-speed internet. To assist in this and provide accurate data for the plan, the department is calling on residents to participate in an important online speed test and survey.

The data collected ultimately will help guide the allocation of state and federal resources to areas in need.

“Accurate, comprehensive data is critical to our state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide across Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By engaging directly with Kansans to learn about their broadband capacity, we aim to secure significant funding to connect underserved areas and establish Kansas as one of the best states in the nation for high-speed internet access.”

The speed test will measure internet speed, general location and IP address, while maintaining the privacy of personal information. Participants also will be asked to complete an optional survey that provides vital insights into connectivity patterns, necessary training requirements and affordability of internet services.

“We understand that this is a busy time of the year, especially with the transition from school to summer,” Kansas Broadband Development Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. “We genuinely appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all participants in completing these tests, which will enable us to identify opportunities for better connectivity and reach our goal of #ConnectingAllKansans.”

While this is not the first initiative of its kind, it is undeniably significant, and greater participation from residents will allow more accurate results. Participants will be asked to take five to seven tests at different times of day or days of the week.

To ensure accurate results, participants are advised to conduct the speed test while connected to Wi-Fi from their home or business networks. It is important to confirm the presence of the Wi-Fi symbol and verify that a cellular network is not being used for the test. If possible, the test should be done in the late afternoon or early evening, as this is when service is typically the slowest.

To participate, residents should visit the official website of the initiative, broadbandks.com, where they can complete a quick and simple online speed test. This test, which only takes a few minutes, will provide valuable data on internet connectivity throughout the state.

Individuals without internet access at their homes or businesses can a call or text 1 (913) 349-9555 to share their address where service is unavailable.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for all Kansans. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, the office aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital literacy and foster economic growth across the state. For further information or any inquiries, please visit the official initiative website at broadbandks.com. For direct communication, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development can be reached at (785) 480-8555.

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MATTHEW BUCK: NEW MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR at CFSEK

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS ANNOUNCES MATTHEW BUCK AS NEW MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

 

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Matthew Buck as its new Marketing and Communications Coordinator, effective May 15, 2023.

Matthew comes to CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and Girard Area Community Foundation, with a unique skill set that will provide more community awareness through increased marketing and public relations.

“We are excited to welcome Matthew to the team,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “He will be a tremendous asset in increasing communication with our nonprofit partners, donors, and the entire Southeast Kansas region. His passion and dedication will help CFSEK strengthen our message and share more of our remarkable stories. ”

As a southeast Kansas native, Matthew earned a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Communications, with a minor in Marketing. Although this opportunity is Matthew’s first professional experience in the world of nonprofit work, he is no stranger to supporting his community and helping people.

Matthew has been engaged with the SEK community for many years. As a Pittsburg High School graduate, he participated in several annual food drives and community outreach programs. As a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at Wichita State, Matthew served as a chapter Vice President for two years and helped coordinate several community cleanup projects. Matthew currently serves on the Pittsburg Community Theatre board of directors as the Media Director. You can usually find Matthew on stage with PCT or cheering on the Gorillas at Pitt State football games.

When asked about his new position, Matthew said, “I am so excited to be joining the CFSEK team. CFSEK has a storied history of helping our community in a variety of ways, from grants to scholarships, one of which I received to help me pay for college. I really feel like I’ve come full-circle, and I can’t wait to continue serving the community I care for so deeply!”

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is a local public charitable foundation that awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2022 and has facilitated over $20 million in grants since its inception in 2001. The Community Foundation serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area. More information about CFSEK is available at SoutheastKansas.org.

 

GET YOUR DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR WAHZHAZHE: AN OSAGE BALLET SOON

 

FORT SCOTT, Kan. – Time is running out to get discount tickets for Wahzhazhe: An Osage Ballet.  This moving story of the Osage people is coming to Fort Scott, Kansas for three performances July 21-22, 2023.  Discounted early bird prices are only available until May 31.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.osageballet.com/events or by clicking on the get tickets button on the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Facebook page.  Persons needing assistance with online purchases can do so, in person, at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.

The heart-pounding drumbeats, rhythmic dancing, and compelling stories of Wahzhazhe are sure to delight dancing enthusiasts and history fans of all ages. The Fort Scott performances will be held Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College.

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site in partnership with the National Park Service are hosting Wahzhazhe as part of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s educational programming.  Contact [email protected] for more information.

 

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Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas to Host Forum for Professional Advisors


The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) will host the 2023 Estate Planning Forum in the large conference room of The Foundry at Block22 in downtown Pittsburg on Tuesday, June 13.

The fullday Forum, hosted annually in partnership with Foulston Siefkin LLP of Wichita, is open to Southeast Kansas attorneys, CPAs, insurance professionals, and financial advisors. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the first session will begin at 10:00 a.m.


Attendees will learn about new developments in the field of estate planning, earn up to six hours of continuingeducation credit, and enjoy a free lunch from Chatters courtesy of CFSEK.


This year’s Forum includes sessions on legal ethics; a comparison of probateavoidance devices;
drafting advice to minimize family disharmony; drafting support and discretionary trusts; and recent developments in estate planning, including the effects of recent changes on charitable
giving. Sessions will be taught by Foulston Siefkin’s Tim O’Sullivan, JD, LLM, and Corey Moomaw, JD, LLM.


The Forum has been approved for 6 hours of CLE credit (including one hour of ethics credit) and 5 hours of insurance CE credit. It also offers a recommended 5 hours of CPE credit for accountants and 5 hours of PACE credit for qualifying financial advisors.


Registration is required for this event. Professional advisors who want to attend the 2023 Estate Planning Forum can register by completing the online form at
SoutheastKansas.org/forum2023/, emailing j[email protected], or calling
(620) 2318897.

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The SEKnFind Newsletter May 2023

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

A history of burning
by Janika Oza

Taken from his village in India to work on the East African Railway for the British, Pirbhai spends his life reconciling an act he committed to survive that will haunt his family’s future for years to come. 50,000 first printing.

You know her
by Meagan Jennett

Becoming friends with Sophie Braam, Officer Nora Martin, new to the unwelcoming Bellair Police Department, begins to suspect something’s not quite right with the unnerving, enigmatic bartender and discovers she’s the serial killer terrorizing their small town, but wonders if anyone will believe her. 75,000 first printing.

Vera Wong’s unsolicited advice for murderers
by Jesse Q. Sutanto

When she discovers a dead man in the middle of her tea shop, Vera Wong, a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands, calls the police but not before swiping the flash drive from the body, setting a trap for the killer that becomes complicated by unexpected friendships with her customers.

Where waters meet
by Ling Zhang

Struggling with the unexpected loss of her mother, Phoenix Yuan-Whyller brings her mother’s ashes back to her homeland of China, on what at first seems like a daughter’s quest to uncover a mother’s secrets, but soon becomes a startling journey of self-discovery

Late bloomers : a novel
by Deepa Varadarajan

Thirty-six years into their dutiful but unhappy arranged marriage, an Indian couple decide to get a divorce and start new paths in life, leaving their adult children unmoored, confused and hiding secrets about their own lives.

Bear with me now
by Katie Shepard

After being hospitalized for depression and sent to a wilderness therapy retreat, Teagan is saved from a bear attack by the program’s handywoman and hires her to return to New York with him as an unnecessary sober companion. Original.

The island
by Natasha Preston

A visit to a private amusement park is the trip of a lifetime for a group of teen influencers, until they learn that getting off the island alive is not part of the plan

Camp zero : a novel
by Michelle Min Sterling

“In a near-future northern settlement, the fate of a young woman intertwines with those of a college professor and a collective of women soldiers in this mesmerizing and transportive novel in the vein of Station Eleven and The Power. In the far north of Canada, a team led by a visionary American architect is building a project called Camp Zero. With its fresh, clean air and cold climate, it’s intended to be the beginning of a new community and a new way of life. A brilliant and determined young woman employed as a sex worker to the elite is offered a chance to join the Blooms, a group meant to service the men in camp-but her mission is to secretly monitor the mercurial architect in charge. In return, she’ll receive a home for her displaced Korean immigrant mother and herself. Upon arrival at Camp Zero, she is named Rose. Rose quickly secures the trust of her target, but in the camp, everyone has an agenda, and her alliances begin to shift. Through skillfully braided perspectives, including those of a young professor longing to escape his wealthy family and an all-woman military brigade struggling for survival at a climate research station, the fate of Camp Zero and its inhabitants reaches a stunning crescendo. An electrifying page-turner where nothing isas it seems, Camp Zero cleverly explores how the intersection of gender, class, and migration will impact who and what will survive in a warming world”

Fourth wing
by Rebecca Yarros

“Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general–also known as her tough-as-talons mother–has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter–like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise”

The long march home : a World War II novel of the Pacific
by Marcus Brotherton

“Inspired by a true story, three best friends from Mobile, Alabama are captured in the Philippines during WWII–they vow to return home together. They struggle to survive against impossible odds that becomes known as the Bataan Death March”

The trackers : a novel
by Charles Frazier

Commissioned to create a mural representing Dawes, Wyoming, for their new Post Office, Val Welch, a painter in Depression-era America, stays with a wealthy art lover, his wife and a mysterious elder cowboy where he turns up secrets that could spark formidable changes for all of them. 150,000 first printing.

Fortitude : Stories of Revenge, Sacrifice and Endurance on the American Frontier
by Hazel Rumney

Travel back in time with these fourteen new stories that explore the individual courage and strength the tumultuous American frontier required. These stories are written by award-winning authors and the most exciting new voices in historical fiction. Fortitude and Other Frontier Stories, edited by Hazel Rumney, features engaging stories that will delight readers. These stories capture the spirit of freedom and individualism in the evolving 19th century American frontier. These epic narratives of courage and survival are organized by timeframe to offer readers a panoramic view of pioneers who faced life-changing challenges in settings that are in stark contrast to civilized society. In this anthology, you’ll enjoy stories by bestselling and award-winning authors such as Preston Lewis, K. Lyn Wurth, W. Michael Farmer, John D. Nesbitt, Larry D. Sweazy, Michael R. Ritt, Sharon Frame Gay, L. J. Martin, Greg Hunt, Diana Holguin-Balogh, Lisa Majewski, Del Howison, Butch Denny, John Neely Davis, and Richard Prosch.

New Audiobooks

The only survivors : a novel
by Megan Miranda

“A thrilling mystery about a group of former classmates who reunite to mark the tenth anniversary of a tragic accident–only to have one of the survivors disappear, casting fear and suspicion on the original tragedy”

The Golden Doves : a novel
by Martha Hall Kelly

To finally secure justice and protect the ones they love, two former female spies, American Josie Anderson and Parisian Arlette LaRue, aka the Golden Doves, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II

Things I Wish I Told My Mother
by Susan Patterson

When Laurie, a nomadic artist, surprises her mother, an elegant perfectionist, with a dream vacation to Paris, which brings an unexpected sparkle to her eyes, mother and daughter unpack a lifetime of secrets and hopes in the City of Light. 150,000 first printing.

New Nonfiction

Sing, memory : the remarkable story of the man who saved the music of the Nazi camps
by Makana Eyre

Drawing on oral history and testimony, as well as extensive archival research, this powerful story recounts the transformation of Polish nationalist Aleksander Kulisiewicz after an unlikely friendship with a Jewish conductor in Sachsenhausen who tasked him with a mission: to save the musical heritage of the victims of the Nazi camps. Illustrations.

Quantum supremacy : how the quantum computer revolution will change everything
by Michio Kaku

The best-selling author of The God Equation turns his attention to humanity’s next great technological advancement?—?quantum computing, which could change every aspect of our daily lives by solving some of our greatest challenges, from climate change to world hunger to incurable diseases. Original.

Generations : the real differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents–and what they mean for America’s future
by Jean M. Twenge

An expert on generational change looks at the six generations of Americans currently alive, from the Silents to the still-named generation born after 2012, and how they connect, conflict and compete with one another.

The origins of you : how breaking family patterns can liberate the way we live and love
by Vienna Pharaon

Complete with guided introspection, personal experiences, client stories and more, a licensed therapist and popular Instagram relationship expert helps us understand our Family of Origin—the family and framework we grew up within—to meaningfully improve our relationships and our lives in the future.

Under alien skies : a sightseer’s guide to the universe
by Philip. Plait

Drawing on the latest scientific research and his prodigious imagination, a renowned astronomer and science communicator takes us on an immersive tour of the universe to view ten of the most spectacular sights outer space has to offer, including the strange, beautiful shadows cast by a hundred thousand stars. Illustrations.

If it sounds like a quack … : a journey to the fringes of American medicine
by Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling

An investigative reporter takes us on a wild ride through the world of fringe medicine, aka “medical freedom,” that is a growing universe of nontraditional treatments, such as leeches and baking soda IVs, and alternative healers seeking the support and approval of the government. 18,000 first printing. Illustrations.

Under the henfluence : inside the world of backyard chickens and the people who love them
by Tove Danovich

Accompanied by delightful and sometimes heartbreaking anecdotes from the author’s own henhouse, this blend of chicken-keeping memoir and animal welfare reporting explores the lives of these quirky, mysterious birds, interviewing the people breeding, training, healing and, most importantly, adoring chickens.

Kansas DCF named to National Child Welfare Workforce Institute Collaborative

 

The 16-month series will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) recently joined the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative. The 16-month program launched in April and will focus on the recruitment and retention of the child welfare workforce and building cultures that value justice, equity, diversity and belonging.

The Breakthrough Series Collaborative brings together multidisciplinary teams to engage in a dynamic learning process that cultivates a healthy, equitable, sustainable workforce. Other states named to the collaborative include Illinois, New Mexico, Washington state and Westchester County (NY).

“We aren’t simply looking at the issues from the top down,” shared Laura Howard, Secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families. “Our teams, which are comprised of community partners, educational institutions, and DCF staff and leaders will learn up as we experiment with small and large approaches to recruiting and retaining child welfare workers.”

Kansas is represented with two teams focusing on the Northwest and Northeast regions of the state, which includes 41 Kansas counties and the cities of Colby, Hays, Salina, Manhattan, Hiawatha and Topeka. The teams include new and veteran DCF staff in leadership, child protection and human resource roles, and partners such as Saint Francis Ministries and Fort Hays State University.

“Staff at all levels want to be part of the solution to improve workforce recruitment and retention,” said Deanne Dinkel, DCF’s director of safety and thriving families and performance improvement. “This Breakthrough Series will provide this opportunity for staff to engage, learn, and be a part of the solution.”

The Collaborative requires the teams to meet monthly to discuss the test strategies they have and are planning to implement, while collecting data to track progress and share with other states and counties involved in the program.

The teams are focused on five domains in the Collaborative’s Change Framework. They are Mattering at Work, Opportunity for Growth, Community & Connection, Protection from Harm, and Work-Life Harmony. The Kansas teams are first looking at Protection from Harm and believes that progress made in this domain will impact the Work-Life Harmony domain.

“One approach we are taking in Protection from Harm is expanding our emergency contacts list,” shared Caroline Hastings, Northeast Kansas regional director and Northeast team manager. “We will begin to offer family members/emergency contacts of our child protection employees with supervisor’s work contact information.

“So, if a worker is late, their family member has someone to contact if they cannot reach their loved one,” she continued.

Other areas of exploration within Protection from Harm involves engagement with Fort Hays State University and Saint Francis Ministries in a more holistic approach to preparing students and staff for the work.

“We have begun educating our staff on secondary traumatic stress and tactics to deal with this,” explained Pamela Beach, Northwest Kansas regional director and Northwest team manager. “Although our agency has improved immensely in areas of communication, transparency, and being culturally responsive, we continue search for effective ways to support staff and buffer burnout as well as provide immediate in-house supports for trauma and therapeutic processes.”

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85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan

85th Session of American Legion Boys State of Kansas Set for June 4-10 in Manhattan

 

May 22, 2023 — High school students from across the State of Kansas will participate in the 2023 session of the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, Sunday, June 4, through Saturday, June 10, at Kansas State University in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 31st consecutive session at KSU and 85th overall.

 

The Kansas Boys State program includes students who have just completed their junior year of high school (will be seniors in the fall) and sophomore year of high school (will be juniors in the fall).

 

The objective of the ALBSK is to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Kansas Boys State provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.

 

Among the major events during the week (the below events are open to the public unless noted; members of the media are invited to attend all events):

 

Sunday, June 4

  • Delegate check-in, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Goodnow Hall

This event is not open to the public.

  • Opening ceremonies, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., McCain Auditorium

o   Keynote speaker: Kendall Gammon, 15-year NFL veteran with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Considered the best long-snapper in the NFL, Gammon, a 1987 graduate of Rose Hill (Kan.) High School and 1991 graduate of Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, was a member of Pitt State’s 1991 NCAA Division II national championship team. He also played in Super Bowl 30 and in the 2005 Pro Bowl. Gammon talk will draw on personal life challenges with a message threaded with vulnerability and authentic stories to inspire attendees to use emotional strength to embrace change, build strong relationships and positively impact growth and success.

Media note: Starting at approximately 2 p.m., the KBS delegates will walk 

from Wefald Hall to McCain Auditorium – great photo/video opportunity.

 

Monday, June 5

  • Swearing in of Kansas Boys State mayors, 7 p.m., Kansas Boys State Assembly Area (Goodnow Hall/Marlatt Hall parking lot [between buildings on Claflin Road]).
  • Party caucuses, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Federalist Party, Fiedler Hall, Room 1107; Nationalist Party, Rathbone Hall, Room 1073 (each party will select their candidates for the six state offices and formulate their party platforms.)

This event is not open to the public.

 

Tuesday, June 6

  • Kansas Boys State governor candidates’ debate, 1 to 2 p.m., McCain Auditorium
  • Announcement of Kansas Boys State general election winners for state offices and swearing in ceremony, 7 p.m., KBS Assembly Area.

 

Wednesday, June 8

  • Flag retirement ceremony, 7:30 p.m., World War II Memorial in front of McCain Auditorium. The event is an observance of the proper respect for the American flag and how unserviceable flags are properly disposed. The honor guard from American Legion Pearce-Keller Post No.17 in Manhattan will present the ceremony. Dr. John Lindholm, a 1949 KSU graduate who provided the dog tags as a model for the “Tags of Honor” sculpture at the Memorial, was a longtime Kansas Boys State staff member as a Legionnaire advisor before passing away in January 2020.

Media note: This event is a great photo/video opportunity.

  • Evening ceremonies, 8 p.m., McCain Auditorium.

o   2023 Kansas Boys State governor’s inaugural address.

o   Address by Jeremy Ehart, Hutchinson, Kan., American Legion Department of Kansas commander, and introduction of Kansas American Legion dignitaries

Watch and read Ehart’s cover story from the February 2017 issue of The American Legion magazine.

o   Kansas Boys State band, chorus and talent show.

 

Friday, June 9

  • Announcement of delegates who will represent Kansas Boys State as senators at Boys Nation in July, 8:30 a.m., KBS Assembly Area.

 

Saturday, June 10

  • Closing ceremonies, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., McCain Auditorium

o   Announcement of Kansas Boys State outstanding citizens, Kansas Boys State Samsung American Legion Scholarship winner and various awards, including Advisor of the Year, Counselor of the Year, New Counselor of the Year, William “Bill” F. Stahl Outstanding Justice Award, Outstanding Senator Award and Outstanding State Representative Award.

  • Final State Assembly/Final Flag Lowering, 10:45 to 11:15 a.m., KBS Assembly Area

 

In addition to the above events, the public is invited to view the daily morning assembly/flag raising at 8:30 a.m. (8:45 a.m. on Saturday) and evening retreat/flag lowering at 7 p.m. (6:50 p.m. on Monday). For those who cannot attend these events, Boys State of Kansas will provide updates during the week on its Facebook page, facebook.com/KansasBoysState.

 

— #KSBoysState —

 

The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.

The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.

Opioid Prevention Education

DCCA is dedicated to supporting  efforts to educate young people about the importance of medication safety and using skills to refuse invitations to misuse opioids.

DCCCA is offering $500 mini grant opportunities for youth serving community organizations willing to provide opioid prevention messages and activities for groups of elementary, middle and/or high school youth.  This would be a great summertime activity opportunity!!

Opioid prevention curriculum is available and easily tailored to your community needs. For more information about the mini grant opportunity and contact Crystal Dalmasso [email protected]

 

Prepare For Severe Weather With Simple Natural Gas Safety Tips

Prepare For Severe Weather With Simple Natural Gas Safety Tips

 

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – May 11, 2023 – May is the month in Kansas when the state typically sees its most severe weather, including tornadoes. Kansas Gas Service wants to remind all customers to keep safety in mind before and after a storm.

 

“Taking steps to protect your natural gas meter is often an afterthought, but it’s important to keep in mind for the safety of yourself and your community, especially during severe weather season,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of operations for Kansas Gas Service. “Preparedness is key, and we encourage our customers to join us in taking a few simple steps to plan for any storm.”

 

Here are some helpful steps to take in preparation for severe weather:

 

  • Check around your natural gas meter and remove any objects that could be blown into the meter by strong winds or pushed into the meter by heavy rain and flooding.
  • Remove any branches or other objects above the meter that could fall onto and damage the meter.

 

Safety should always be a priority, even after severe weather. Here are some important things to remember once the storm passes.

 

  • If you smell natural gas, usually described as a “rotten egg” odor, leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Kansas Gas Service at 888-482-4950. Be sure not to operate any electrical appliances, including light switches.
  • If you don’t smell natural gas, still do a maintenance check around your home by checking all gas appliances for damage and chimneys and flues for any fallen objects.
  • If you need to remove any fallen tree limbs or uncovered debris, contact 811 to locate underground natural gas pipelines and other utility lines if this requires digging.
  • If your natural gas meter was turned off or your service was interrupted during the storm, call the Kansas Gas Service customer service line at 800-794-4780 to restore your service. DO NOT attemptto turn your natural gas meter back on.

Customers can visit KansasGasService.com/safety for year-round safety tips.

 

About Kansas Gas Service

Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 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&PMidCap400 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, LinkedIn and YouTube

Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation holds Fundraiser

 

Randy Lemasters winning an item during the live auction. Submitted photo.

A crowd of 160 people attended the 2023 Friends of Tri-Valley Foundation annual spring fundraiser on Tuesday, April 18th.  For 2023, the Foundation decided to revamp our annual fundraiser.  The evening’s theme was a BBq, a Boardwalk BBq.  The event was held at Central Park Pavilion in Chanute and began at 6 pm.  Approximately $14,000 was raised during the evening from stretch, silent and live auctions.

Dave Petersen auctioning off an item during the Live Auction.

 

Attendees were treated to a delicious BBq meal of pulled pork, pulled chicken, potato salad, baked beans, green beans, and Hawaiian roll furnished by Horizons at Prairie Ridge in Erie, KS.  Dessert was delicious cupcakes provided by Jennifer Brown Sanchez.  Neosho County Community College students helped serve the meal.  Door prizes were courtesy of Tri-Valley’s Fort Scott Greenhouse and Jennifer Dietsch.

 

As in year’s past, the live auction was the highlight of the evening.  For 2023, we had two new items courtesy of Monarch Cement Company; a 7-night stay at Kissimmee, FL and a 3-night stay at a B & B in Arkansas.  Monarch was also kind enough to once again donate Wichita Thunder Hockey Tickets and use of Monarch’s 12-person suite at INTRUST Bank Arena.  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 Men’s Fur Coat, and a wooden bench.

 

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 six additional homes and a duplex.  The houses are located in our communities of Chanute, Fort Scott, Humboldt, Iola, Moline, and Neodesha.  These houses are home to sixty-four of our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Tri-Valley Developmental Services.  The Foundation is excited to announce that they have purchased two new properties in 2023.

 

“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 2024.”

 

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, Hofer & Hofer & Associates, Home Savings Bank, IMA, and Pete’s of Erie.

Esplandae Level: Ash Grove, A. Lusker Masonry, LLC, Community National Bank – Eureka, Gates Corporation, Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, CPA, and Neosho County Community College.

Arcade Level:  Hi-Lo Industries; and Cheney Witt Chapel.

 

Special thanks go to Dave Petersen who served as Emcee; Larry Holman for photography; and John Graham for sound and lighting.