Financial assistance and sliding fee discounts are available to eligible patients, as stated on the front door of the CHC/SEK Clinic in Fort Scott.
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, is still in the planning stage of the new site they purchased, the old Price Chopper store at 2322 S. Main.
“Planning on the renovation of Price Chopper is going smoothly,” Krista Postai, CEO and president, said. “It will have walk-in care along with regular medical clinic space and diagnostic, including x-ray, CT-scanner and bone density diagnostic equipment, offices for behavioral health/addiction treatment staff and other support staff and a drive-through pharmacy.”
Krista Postai. Submitted photo.
“No start date for renovation, as of yet,” Postai said.
“To help offset the expense of renovation, CHC/SEK was the recipient of a $1.1 million federal grant through the American Rescue Plan,” she said. “A large portion of the diagnostic equipment will also be covered by an $11.3 million grant that CHC/SEK received through the American Rescue Plan for Health Centers program.”
New Family Physician Is Added
“Dr. Sarah Bradshaw, a board-certified family physician with additional training in treating allergies will be joining the Ft. Scott Medical Staff in June,” Postai said. “Dr. Bradshaw is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at the University of Missouri of Kansas City. She also has a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas School of Public Health. She was formerly employed by Allen County Regional Hospital.”
“Her time will be initially split between Iola and Ft. Scott,” she said. ” Her schedule is now being finalized and more details will be available this week.”
Bourbon County Arts Council’s annual art walk is seeking artists to display their work.
The annual art walk is on June 25 from 5-8 p.m. at the Liberty Theater/Crooners Lounge patio 113 S. Main Street.
“Items sold must be creative, original pieces, no national companies,” said Deb Anderson, spokesperson. “Artists are responsible for their own display needs and setup.”
The BCAC Wine Stroll in 2017
The mission of the council is: To foster, promote and increase the knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the arts.
The cost to display/sell their art is $15 for non-member of the council, free to council members.
Food and drink for the art walk is available to purchase from Crooner’s Restaurant.
In the event of inclement weather the event would be canceled, Anderson said.
For more information contact Anderson at [email protected] or 224-8650 or Terri Floyd at 224-7221.
Current members of the council are Anderson, Floyd, Cindy Bartelsmeyer, Elaine Buerge, Bre Eden, Steve Floyd, Deb Halsey, Laura Meeks, Linda Noll, Tedena Tucker, and Chris Woods.
Gregg Motley. President of the Bourbon County Economic Development Council. Submitted photo.
In a previous column entitled “Successful Small Towns”, I listed the 11 common factors held by towns eluding the negative growth megatrends, noted by researcher James Fallows during his 55,000 mile travels around the USA. One of those factors listed is “Local Patriots”. Who are those leaders who keep the town moving toward progress? Who are the straws that seem to stir every drink?
In the last 20 years, we have seen American leadership gradually transition from the “Greatest Generation”, to the “Silent Generation, to “Baby Boomers”, and now to Gens X, Y, and Z. In many cases, this transition has not been smooth. All these generations tend to view the world and our country much differently, and sometimes the gens have devolved into competing camps and conflicts.
We have seen these types of lively battles in various communities in Bourbon County, playing out in commission rooms and conferences rooms everywhere. Many of us have witnessed loud encounters between commissioners with diverse priorities, critical citizens, organization board members and trustees charged with the public trust. Uncomfortable. Discouraging. It gives us a feeling that our communities are not doing very well.
I disagree. We have so much going for us! I believe that Bourbon County and our towns are on the verge of a leadership surge that will pave our way to progress. We have a unique opportunity to create a common vision of success, bringing together the list of generations, including past, present and future leaders to set aside personal agendas in favor of the common good. We need the wisdom of age and the energy of youth to unite behind the investments that will make our communities better. We need to start trusting each other again.
How do we bring this to reality? First, civic leaders of the past have to come out of retirement. We need you! Current leaders need to expand their vision to be more inclusive, and more young people need to take the personal risk to get involved in setting goals for our communities.
It is human nature to battle for scarce resources when the population drops and assets dwindle. We become fearful and retreat into “every person for themselves” mindsets. When we invest our time, talent and treasure toward the common good, instead of our own narrow interests, it is risky and we become vulnerable. These are risks Local Patriots are willing to take.
Step forward. Invest your resources. Suggest, LISTEN, and seek understanding. Drop your grudges. Don’t assume. Don’t yell! Pursue the common good. I believe we can create a plan for our communities to resist the megatrends that are impacting virtually every small town in America, and make BB a more attractive place to live and work.
I leave you with a quote from the One who I consider the greatest Teacher who ever lived: “…let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.” I encourage you to serve our communities with the resources you have.
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
Someday you may find yourself filling the shoes of someone who settles an estate for a loved one or close friend. You may be asked in an estate planning process (prior to a loved one’s death) to serve as an Executor for a Will, or you may be asked by the Court to serve as an Administrator of an estate. If an Administrator is appointed, no Last Will and Testament exists. If you agree, either way, be ready for a challenging road ahead.
Even in a simple estate where a living spouse inherits everything, there is paperwork to be done — paying creditors, closing accounts, and distributing assets. Settling an estate is not a quick process.
The grieving process sometimes makes it hard to think clearly if you are close to the one who has passed on. Family dynamics often create extra challenges.
An Executor will usually be asked to fill that capacity by the writer of the Last Will and Testament. Often a copy of that official document will be shared with the named Executor. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with the writer prior to passing to learn more of the background of their decisions and their wishes.
An Executor’s role doesn’t begin until after the loved one has passed and has been officially appointed by a Probate Court. For this to take place, the original Will needs to be located and filed with the Court. The attorney who drafted the Last Will and Testament will likely need to be contacted. An attorney will likely need to be hired, however, it’s not required to use the attorney who drafted the Will for the estate settlement process.
Families are sometimes surprised with designations that may be laid out in a Will, such as a gift to a long-lost friend or a charity. Purposeful exclusions, such as a direct heir, can create conflict in the estate process. To help address those potential trouble spots, asking the writer of the Will to include an informal letter with the Will explaining the reasoning behind their actions, can help deflate those obvious contention points.
If there is a home or other property involved after the loved one’s passing, putting small valuables in a safe place is advisable. Empty homes are prime targets for thieves who may be watching obituaries. Family members may also believe things in the home may be theirs. Locking buildings, possibly even changing locks, and taking photos of contents are good steps to take to document the property and help you as the estate representative to follow the guidelines of the tasks before you.
Some of the greatest conflicts within families during an estate process rise from those items with sentimental value. These items may have little or no monetary value. However, they may hold great meaning to more than one of the heirs. Coming up with a process that is fair for everyone involved when distributing the assets, may be one of your most challenging tasks as the estate representative.
The Probate Court will make sure that all creditors and taxes are identified and paid before real estate transfers and monetary payments can be made from the estate to the heirs. You, as the estate representative, may need to convey this message to all of the heirs to prepare them for the extended time frame before the estate can be settled.
K-State Research and Extension has a simple publication called “Decisions After Death” which shares practical suggestions in knowing where to start relating to financial and legal matters after the death of a loved one. Gathering needed documents and learning who to contact are included in the information.
Not everyone is comfortable wearing the shoes of an estate representative. It’s okay to decline that responsibility when asked if it is going to create undue stress.
It is an honor to be asked to represent a loved one’s wishes after they have passed. Hopefully these tips can better prepare those asked to settle an estate in a way that respects the loved one who has passed, serve the heirs that remain, and complete their tasks as well as possible.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Inaugural Kansas filing mirrors Missouri as energy company
moves toward goal of net-zero carbon emissions.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 28, 2021 – Today, Evergy filed its first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Kansas Corporation Commission. The plan prioritizes sustainability, reliability and cost competitiveness with retirement of 1,200 megawatts of coal-based fossil generation and the addition of 3,200 MW of renewable generation in the next 10 years.
“We’re on a journey to a cleaner energy future, while balancing the highest priorities of reliability and affordability for our customers,” said David Campbell, president and chief executive officer. “Our coal-fired fossil plants are now more flexible than ever and frequently operate as a backup to renewable generation sources. This flexibility allows us to adapt to real-time needs – running fossil plants more when renewable availability is low or customer demand is high. This measured transition toward more sustainable resource options maintains the reliability our customers need.”
The filing includes the same forecasted generation additions and retirements announced in April when Evergy filed its IRP with the Missouri Public Service Commission. The transition toward more sustainable energy sources advances Evergy’s goal to reduce carbon emissions 70 percent by 2030 (relative to 2005 levels) and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, assuming technology, regulatory, and legislative enablers have advanced to facilitate this goal. Within the next three years, the company will retire its Lawrence (KS) Energy Center and add 700 MW of solar energy.
Continuing recent trends, Evergy expects its coal plants will run fewer hours as their energy is increasingly displaced by lower cost renewable resources. At the same time, the reliability challenges driven by the extreme weather of February 2021 demonstrated the value of dispatchable generation with fuel on the ground. The phased transition approach in the IRP provides Evergy the ability to adjust planned additions and retirements based on evolving market, technology, and policy dynamics. As the company’s older fossil-fueled plants near the end of their useful lives, Evergy will continue to responsibly manage these assets for the benefit of customers while allowing advancing and emerging technology to develop. Evergy will also continue its focus on people, offering opportunities for employees at retiring generation facilities to learn new skills and fill different roles at the company.
Today’s IRP is a triennial filing that establishes a clear implementation plan through the next triennial filing in 2024 and describes expectations for meeting longer-term customer energy needs through 2040. The Plan was developed through an extensive regulatory stakeholder process to meet the diverse needs of the company’s customers and communities. The IRP is central to Evergy’s Sustainability Transformation Plan (STP), the company’s strategic plan guiding decisions through 2024, and continues the company’s transition toward a more sustainable energy company. Click here to read Evergy’s 2021 IRP Overview and here to learn more about Evergy’s energy mix.
About Evergy, Inc.
Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. 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.
KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy
KSA 75-4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
KSA 75-4319(b)(3) To discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
KSA 75-4319(b)(4) To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property
KSA 75-4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open me
5/27 & 5/28 – 6A State Baseball Tournament @ LaRoche Baseball Complex, click here for bracket.
5/28 thru 5/31- Fort Scott National Historic Site Honor the Fallen, Memorial Weekend “Symbols of Sacrifice”, Click here to join the FSHS in placing the flags for the Field of Honor Friday morning at 9 am & learn more about this event.
5/28 – WW II Sailor Returns Home, William Barnett. Graveside service at 1:30 p.m. open to the community & visitors, park outside the National Cemetary gates and walk/be escorted to service.
5/28 – Museum of Creativity Open Play Session Click hereto view all the crafts, games, exhibits we will be having from 10 am -2 pm & 4 ~ 8 pm. 209.275.2372
5/28 & 5/29 2021 Merchant Madness Sidewalk Sales Downtown & around Fort Scott!. Clickhere to see all the participating retailers. Two or more stores will also be doing an in-store drawing for a special gift.
5/28 & 5/29 Trolley Tours depart from The Fort Scott Chamber, 231 E. Wall St. 50-minute narrated tour of Historic Fort Scott, leaving from the Chamber & Visitor Center Fridays (11 am, 12 pm 1 pm and 2 pm) & Saturdays (10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm) throughout the summer. $6 adults, $4 children.
5/28 & 5/29 FSHS Tiger Drama Camp Performs “The Legend of Mulan” Friday at 7 pm, and again on Sat. at 2 pm. Click Here to read the full details of showtimes, location, and fees.
5/28 – 7 pm Friday Night Concerts at Heritage Park Pavilion ~ Rick Hite on the Guitar & Vocalist. Click here to see more details on this event.
5/28 & 5/29- Livestock Sale at the Fort Scott Livestock Market, both Friday & Saturday, click here for their FB page
5/28 – Friday Night Karaoke at The Boiler Room! 7 PM. The Boiler Room Brewhaus.2 S. National Ave.
5/28 | 6/3 – Fort Scott Cinema Showtimes
Now showing: A Quite Place2, Cruella & Those Who Wish Me Dead. Click here to view showtimes.
5/29 – Farmers’ Market, 8 am to noon, Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort.
5/29 thru 5/30 – Dave Regan Memorial 14 U Baseball Tournament @ LaRoche Baseball Complex. So, give a welcome to baseball players & families! Click here for 14U bracket.
5/29 – Woodland Hills Memorial Weekend, 4-Person Scramble. See the full schedule here.
5/29 – Kansas Rocks Recreation Park Memorial day all weekend! Visit www.ksrockspark.com for more info.
5/31 – American Legion Post 25 Memorial Day Services. Click here for the event schedule.
5/31 – Memorial Day @ 4 pm at The Fort Scott National Historic Site. Patriotic music by Pat & Steve Harry, followed by the final flag retreat for the weekend.
Looking Forward to a week of upcoming events!
6/2 – Chamber After Hours Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Lyons Realty Group at 5:15 pm. Everyone welcome! Clickherefor details of this event.
6/3 – Chamber Coffee hosted by Good Ol’ Days Committee at 8 am, Skubitz Plaza.
6/3 thru 6/6 – Midwest Showcase Tournament I @ LaRoche Baseball Complex. Clickhere to see more details about this event.
6/4 – Extrusions/Win-Vent Customer/Employee Appreciation Golf Outing @ Woodland Hills Golf Course. See the full schedule here.
6/3 – Good Ol’ Days Talent Show |6 pm at Memorial Hall. Tickets $6. Purchase at the door or in advance at The Fort Scott Chamber.
6/4 – Good Ol’ Days Chicken Dinner |4:30~6 pm. Tickets $8 at The Fort Scott Chamber.
6/4 – Good Ol’ Days Parade celebrating 40 Years of Family, Friends & Fun @ 6 pm. The deadline to register (free) in Parade is 6/3 at 1 pm. Click here to apply online or forms are available at The Fort Scott Chamber.
6/4 & 6/5 – Good Ol’Days Parade celebrating 40 Years of Family, Friends & Fun! Click here to see details on vendors and festivities.
Leah Bowman, administrative assistant, Allyson Turvey, Fort Scott Community Development manager, Carla Farmer, FSACF chairperson, and Tom Robertson, Buck RunCommunity Center director. Submitted photo.
The City of Fort Scott recently announced plans to open a roller skating rink for individuals of all ages to enjoy.
Leading up to this decision, volunteers and others researched the concept of a roller skating rink to determine if it would be a viable venture in Fort Scott.
When it was determined that there was community support for a roller skating rink, the opportunity to purchase 120 pairs of skates and a rack presented itself to the City.
In response to a grant application received by the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, a special mid-year grant for $5,900 was awarded to the City toward the purchase of 120 pairs of skates and a rack.
“The Foundation annually holds a granting process beginning the first of August culminating with the announcement of the grants at a Chamber coffee in November,” said Carla Farmer, FSACF chair. “On several occasions in past years since the Foundation was established, we have awarded a mid-year grant that meets the criteria of addressing a compelling need in the community and/or the timing of the request cannot be delayed until the annual granting cycle. The Foundation Board recognizes that not all needs in our community present themselves during the granting cycle and we are pleased to be able to respond to this special request.”
FSACF awarded $36,250 to 18 not-for-profits in 2020 during its 12th annual granting cycle. The funds for these grants are derived from interest earned each year from the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment. Several of the organizations receiving funding included U-234 third grade music program, Lowell Milken Center Ft. Scott Front Line Heroes, Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition rent/utilities assistance, Care to Share, First United Methodist Feeding Families In His Name and Compassionate Ministries ID and Winter Warming Project.
Gregg Motley, granting committee chair, along with his committee, reviewed the application and final approval was made by the Board.
“When we have an opportunity to support the other positive things happening in our Community, we believe we are truly fulfilling the mission of the Foundation,” Motley stated.
For more information on the Foundation, visit FSACF.com or call 224-6500.
The May meeting of the Starlite FCE was held May 20th at the Yeager building at the Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order, the Flag Salute and Club Collect were led by Deb Lust. Ten members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for ten hours and had recycled eighty pounds of cardboard.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. Doris Ericson presented the Treasurer’s report. Glenda Miller read a thank you card from Betty Johnson. Glenda also announced that the Aging with Attitude sessions are available on line if you missed them.
Deb Lust announced that the Master Gardeners had assisted Presbyterian Village with their vegetable beds. Starlite members Clarice Russell, Noleen Whiteside and Letha Johnson, residents of Presbyterian Village, assisted the Master Gardeners.
Jackie Warren updated the club on the Bourbon County Fair, this year’s theme is “Fun for the whole Herd.” Deb Lust announced the Memorial Day service activities, which include a service on the Court House lawn at 9:30 at the veteran’s memorial, a 10:30 service at Memorial Hall and a reinternment of a WW11 veteran at the National Cemetery at 1:30.
New business consisted of the club voting to participate in the Scarecrow and Hay Bale decorating contests at the fair. Doris Ericson made the motion to participate in both contests, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried Glenda Miller asked for volunteers to bring wrapped candy to the next meeting to make firecracker treats for Tri-Valley, Karen Peery, Letha Johnson, Doris Ericson volunteered. Glenda also announced that the Recognition Day has been cancelled, but Fall Follies will be held in Bronson this year.
Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Deb Lust seconded the motion, motion carried, meeting adjourned. After the meeting Terri Williams presented the lesson on “Where is the Top of the world. Refreshments of food from that area was provided by Glenda Miller and Terri Williams.
Allen Schellack unboxes a fan at the ministry storage room.
EVERGY DONATES FANS TO THE SALVATION ARMY
Annual Donation Helps Those In Need
For the 5th year, The Salvation Army will be distributing fans for those without access to air conditioning or other means of staying cool during hot and humid weather. Fans are distributed by appointment at the local Salvation Army Extension Unit located at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries Center/Bourbon County Senior Center, 26 N Main.
The fans are intended for elderly, disabled, and those who do not have a fan or air conditioning in their home and cannot afford to purchase one. To help the most people, each household is eligible for one fan. Applicants will need to provide ID and proof of address. Distribution will continue until all fans are distributed.
Evergy’s local gift of fans is part of a large contribution distributed throughout the communities it serves.
For further information, contact Allen Schellack at Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries, 620-223-2212.
Fans help relieve sweltering summer heat, but some days finding an air-conditioned space is the safest option. Stay aware of these heat safety tips and signs of heat illness.
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid problems by drinking plenty of fluids and limiting drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.
If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if some shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
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About Westar Energy
As Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions free sources: nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve. For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com. Westar Energy is on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/westarenergy and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WestarEnergy. Westar Energy media line 888-613-0003.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Kansas and Western Missouri is and evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, supporting those in need in His name without discrimination. The organization provides assistance through a board array of social services ranging from food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. For more information about the Kansas and Western Missouri Division of The Salvation Army, visit www.salarmymokan.org.
