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Category Archives: Area News
Beckham Appointed to Kansas Hospital Association Committee
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (April 6, 2018) – Mercy lead dietitian Sherise Beckham, MS, RD, LD, has recently been named to the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Healthy Kansas Hospital Committee.
The vision of KHA is “Optimal Health for Kansans.” In her role, Beckham will serve the committee as one of only two representatives from the southeast region of the State of Kansas.
The Healthy Kansas Hospitals Committee has been established to look at hospital policy and environments across the state to determine best practices health systems can implement to model healthy cultures—basically to set the “gold standard” of what hospitals can aspire to do. Hospitals in many communities are seen as the anchor organization and can lead the way (by example) to healthier lifestyles, communities and increase the quality of life.
Beckham’s responsibilities on the Healthy Kansas Hospitals Committee include:
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Exploring opportunities that provide greater access to healthy food and beverage options for hospital employees, patients, and visitors.
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Helping to establish strong community norms for healthier living and are willing to learn more about making healthy food/beverage policy changes to help all employees and patients live longer and better lives.
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Providing information that has the potential to establish a corporate culture which encourages key leadership strategies for a healthy food and beverage environment.
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Assisting in overall implementation through web tools to assist in vendor and food policy changes, assistance for food service staff implementing changes, and opportunities for shared expertise and interaction with peers.
To learn more about the Health Kansas Hospitals Committee, visit kha-net.org.
Ward Kraft Offers Careers, Not Just a Job to Their Employees
Jude Ward and Harold Kraft had a vision in 1972 of opening a company that would allow people a chance to grow financially and career-wise.
Mr. Ward and Mr. Kraft started up a printing company that would not only outperform the competition but would help create more opportunities for people who wanted a career and not just a job. Now over 45 years later, that “legacy” continues as Ward Kraft still stands at the top of the list when it comes to employers in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Ward Kraft employs 340 people.
That thirty-five percent of their current workforce has been employed at the company for ten years or more shows that Ward Kraft is a place that a person can call a career and not just a job.
What started out as a forms company in the early seventies has evolved into a company that specializes in forms, labels, plastics, and specialty products; working out of three divisions at their campus in Fort Scott.
Competitive wages (with wages ranging from $10.40 to $22.00 depending on the work area and skill level), good benefits, stability, advancement opportunities, and a good working environment are a just a few of the reasons the employees at WK have made the company their working home for so many years.
Dee Covey, who has been with the company for over 12 years says, “I have been blessed to have an awesome job. I work with great people who believe in teamwork and a boss who is very understanding and always listens to me”.
When asked about Ward Kraft and the longevity of their members, President of Manufacturing Phil Quick (a 28-year member) said, “I feel we keep good members at WK because of the work environment, and family atmosphere. Our managers and members care about doing the right thing for the customer, and the team. Attitude and effort are the main ingredients for being successful at WK.”
During the company’s annual Christmas dinner, service awards were handed out to members that were celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.
Celebrating 5 years: JoAnn Dugan, Ashley Farmer, Daniel Gauthier, Bryan Hughes, Brad Matkin, Mike Pyle, Richard Racer, Wayne Racy, Cindy Schroeder, Scott Smith, Chris Thurston, and Jay VanBuskirk.
Celebrating 10 years: Roberta Anderson, Ryan Kraft, Thom McCreedy, and Reva Dent
Celebrating 15 years: Ken Ash, Lisa Hull, Matt McClellan, Ben Morrell, Bob Piotrowski, Dana Ruhl, Jeanette Sisseck, Joshua Smith, Steve Williams, and Teresa Zimmerman.
Celebrating 20 years: David Budd, Sara Griffith, Michelle Heaton, Twila Milburn, Carey Mooney, and Randy Thurston
Celebrating 25 years: Billy Cowen, Steve Denton, Billy Hill, Bill Meech, and David Zimmerman
Celebrating 30 years: Mark Christy, Melinda Collins, Jesse Crum, Ray Mauck, and Joy Wiltse
Celebrating 35 years Gary Bosley, Danny Harper, Dennis Harper, and Roger Kraft
Celebrating 40 years: Patty Gauthier and Jerry Parsons
Celebrating the retirements of Jimmy Tucker (31 years of service), Danny Harper (35 years) and Joy Wiltse (30 years).
Ward Kraft, Inc. is part of the WK Holding Company which also includes local companies FS Munitions, KW Cattle Co., ReproLogix, 4 State Sanitation and Recycling, and Christian Learning Center.
Ward Kraft will hold a job fair on April 10th at the Empress Event Center, located at 7 North Main, from 10 am to 2 pm and will be looking for people who want to be part of their team.
Positions that are available are production members, sales personnel, and office staff to name a few. WK staff will be present to talk to prospective members about these opportunities and to answer any question you may have about the company.
Ward Kraft management believes the employees have made the last 45 plus years possible and successful and are still committed to hiring the “Person Not the Position”.
Reliability project takes flight.
Helicopters will fly low to capture images of selected transmission lines, substations.
Topeka, Kan., April 5, 2018 – Westar Energy is inspecting power lines using specially equipped helicopters to fly along sections of the transmission system. The images captured will help identify areas that may need maintenance and create a more modern record of the
transmission system.
The flights provide a more precise and searchable visual record of the transmission system, which improves power grid efficiency and reliability.
Flights are planned through mid-April. Flights will generally be from two hours after dawn until two hours before sunset and may occur on the weekends. They will take place throughout the eastern Kansas area served by Westar Energy.
Two small helicopters will be used for the project: one yellow and white and one red.
KLS Provides Service To Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victims
Kansas Legal Services (KLS) provides legal advice and representation to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, according to Eric Rosenblad, Project Director.
KLS is the recipient of a United Way of Bourbon County grant.
FortScott.Biz is featuring each of the agencies in a series.
The following is an interview with Rosenblad.
What services does KLS provide to our community?
” We provide legal help with restraining orders, family law matters and can also help with other legal problems such as housing, employment and debt problems that are caused by domestic abuse or sexual assault.”
Where is the KLS office and what are the hours?
“We are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 408 N. Walnut, Pittsburg. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 1509, Pittsburg, KS 66762.”
What percentage of your budget is the United Way grant?
“The Bourbon County United Way grant represents about five percent of our funding for Victims of Crime project.”
Who are the board members?
“Our Southeast Kansas representative to the Kansas Legal Services Board of Directors is Mr. Charles Apt, Iola.”
Rosenblad can be reached at 620-232-1330 or [email protected].
At Risk For AFib?
Annual Home Show April 13-14
Don’t Miss Out on All of These Great Vendors!
Albers Marine, Airwave, Autumn Exteriors, Bath Innovations, Blue Valley Trailers, Briggs Auto, Bo. Co. Conservation District, Bo. Co. Emergency Management, Busy Bugs Pest Control, Car Help Mechanic, Care To Share, CDL Electric, Cellular Sales/Verizon, City of Fort Scott, Country Place Living, Covey Garage Doors, Cricket Wireless, Culligan Water of Joplin, Dreamscape Innovations, Experience Hearing Center, Ed Graham Agency, F.S. Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College, Hague Quality Water, Heartland Electric, Heartland Propane, Home Pro, Jim’s Sales and Service, K-State, Lavender Farms, Leaf Filter, Little Elves, Live Local, Meeks Lumber, Mercy Hospital, Midwest Exteriors, Norris Heating and Air, Omaley Implement, Pat’s Design, Pete’s, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Pro Active Agriculture, Positive Touch Massage, Quality Mechanics & Sound, R&R Equipment, Redbud Farms, Rolox Home Service, Ruddicks Furniture, Satellite Center, Seal Smart, SEK Heat and Air, Sharky’s, Shirt Shack, Skitch’s, S. Wind Extension Master Gardener, Sunscape Pool & Backyard, U.S. Cellular, Your Home Town Medical, and Yutzy Construction
Rehabilitation Leads Baylee Oney to a New Calling
FSCC Rodeo Athlete’s Snow Skiing Injury is “Life Changing”
As a barrel racer, Baylee Oney knows how to navigate twists and turns. But in late December when her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was torn in a snow skiing accident, her life may have the biggest turn yet.
“The whole ordeal has been life-changing,” said Oney, 21, of Creighton, MO.
As a student and rodeo team member at Fort Scott Community College, Oney knew she had a challenging road ahead. She needed surgery, she needed to stay in school, and she needed to recover from a serious injury before rodeo season kicked into high gear.
Fortunately all those “needs” have fallen into place, plus she’s found her career calling through her physical therapy experience at Mercy Health for Life.
“I’ve never been a physical therapy patient before and this has opened my eyes to a whole new world where people help people in overcoming challenges,” Oney said. “All my life I’ve been physically active and have enjoyed working with people.”
“Through my therapy at Mercy Health for Life, I’ve personally experienced how being surrounded by encouraging, highly skilled and knowledgeable people is helping me recover and remain determined. The therapy team here has been so influential that I’ve been inspired to change my careers goals and become a physical therapy assistant.”
During Oney’s three months of physical therapy, she has been treated with the typical modalities used for ACL surgery rehab such as strengthening exercises, stretching, and Biodex testing, plus the Mercy therapy team has added aquatic therapy and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), also known as the Graston technique.
“Baylee has benefitted from using aquatic therapy because water creates natural buoyancy that allows for therapy to be less stressful on her joints while increasing strength, flexibility, and range of motion,” explained Denny Gillard, Mercy Health for Life director and physical therapist.
“The Graston Technique is a soft-tissue massage that uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue around the surgery site so Baylee has better mobility, plus her therapy is less painful and she can progress faster,” Gillard added. “The results are incredible.”
Oney is making excellent progress. She’s eager to get back on her horses and step into the next chapter of her life.
“I’ve learned that in a second, life can throw you a curve,” Oney said. “I’m not taking anything for granted. My experience has been great here at Mercy Health for Life, and I’m now focused on sharing the same with patients I’ll work with in the future.”
To learn more about Mercy Therapy Services, call 620-223-7073.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.
FSCC Enrollment Is Now Open
Now is the time to take hold of your future!
Enrollment at Fort Scott Community College is now open for summer and fall 2018. FSCC will be there with you to help your future begin now. Pursue an associate degree or certificate at Fort Scott Community College. For more information visit fortscott.edu or call 620-223-2700.
KDOT resurfacing U.S. 69 in Linn County
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has begun a resurfacing project on U.S. 69 in Linn County. Work starts north of the U.S. 69/K-52 north junction and continues for six miles, ending south of the Linn-Miami county line.
Project activity includes milling at various locations; a 1-inch reflective crack interlayer (RCI) mix overlay on the driving lanes; and an overlay on exit and entrance ramps. Both north- and southbound traffic is reduced to one lane on the project. The speed limit is reduced to 60 miles an hour, with a driving lane width restriction of 12 feet. Weather permitting, the road work should be finished by late summer 2018.
KDOT awarded the $5.4 million construction contract to APAC Kansas Inc., Shears Division of Hutchinson. Troy Howard, a construction engineer at the KDOT Garnett office, reminds drivers to watch for the signs, slow down and “Give ‘Em a Brake!” at the work zone. Persons with questions may contact Howard at (785) 448-5446, or Priscilla Petersen, KDOT Southeast District public affairs manager, at (620) 902-6433.
Fisher Park Project Moving Forward
Frank Adamson started seeing the need for improvements of Fisher Park, when his daughter, Hunter, starting playing softball there, three years ago.
Eventually, others joined him in the pursuit to improve the park and today they are awaiting engineering specifications of the first step, making more parking spaces at the park located at 7th and Main.
The Fisher Park Project group received a grant this last month from a local industry, the Timken Company, in the amount of $5,200 for the purpose of helping offset engineering fees
Agricultural Engineering Associates, Uniontown, is currently working on those specifications.
Once received, the specifications will help with the process of getting more grants to fund future park improvement projects, according to Adamson.
In addition to the parking lot, also envisioned in the project are concrete pads for wheelchair accessibility, more bleachers for viewing games, tearing down an unused tower that obstructs sight for viewers, and reconfiguring of the south ball diamond to make it regulation size.
More parking spaces are first on the list for improvement at Fisher Park.
Twenty-five standard parking spaces and one or two van accessible spaces will be provided in an off-street lot across Main Street from the ballpark.
Those serving on the Fisher Park Project board are Adamson, Josh Jones, Bill Michaud, Tom Robertson and Rhonda Dunn.
For more information, see the Fisher Park Project Facebook page or contact Adamson at the Courtland Hotel & Spa at 620-223-0098
Make a difference – Adopt a highway
Make a difference in your community and help the environment at the same time – join the Adopt-A-Highway program in Kansas.
The goal of the program is to clean along the roadways throughout the state to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians as well as improve the beauty of Kansas. This helps to raise awareness of the negative effects of pollution and the positive aspects of a clean community.
“We’ve been a long time with Adopt-A-Highway,” said Humboldt Lions Club member Larry Barnett, who estimated that club members have been cleaning up a two-mile stretch of U.S. 169 right-of-way east of Humboldt for over 20 years. “We try to do the best we can to keep the highways clean,” he said.
Any non-profit group that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or gender can join and there is no cost to the group. Members must be at least 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision. Groups have clean-ups two to three times a year and are recognized for their efforts with signs marking their sections of highway. Since spring 1990, thousands of groups have participated and a number of the original groups are still active today.
Adopt-A-Highway groups are gearing up for the annual Clean Up Kansas Campaign which takes place during the month of April. This event, as well as the program, is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. All Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged but not required to participate in the statewide event.
Groups clean their sections of roadway several times a year at their convenience. Most choose to schedule a clean-up time in the spring, summer, and fall.
For more information contact the KDOT office in your area (listed below).
KDOT – Iola
KDOT – Garnett
(785) 448-5446
KDOT – Independence
(620) 331-3760
KDOT – Pittsburg