Tri-Yak-A-Thon winners in a past competition. Submitted photos.
The Gunn Park Trail volunteers are hoping to hold an annual multi-sport competition on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. in the park.
“We may not be able to hold the Tri-Yak-A-Thon this year,” Penny Pollack-Barnes, spokeswoman for the group, said. “In these uncertain times, we decided to hold the event if we have enough interest in the event. If we have 40 registered participants by September 26 we will hold the event, assuming we don’t experience a COVID surge and the weather cooperates. So far, we have nine registered participants.”
“We will be observing social distancing recommendations at the event,” she said. “We expect participants to help us in our efforts to make sure our event does not result in the spread of the Coronavirus.”
A runner in a prior Tri-Yak-A-Thon. Submitted photos.
Triathalon competitions are multi-sport events that require all-around fitness for the solo participants, Barnes said.
“The variety in activities allows team members with different skills to participate,” she said. “We make the event ‘off-road’ to show off Fort Scott’s wonderful trail system.”
Kayakers in a prior Tri-Yak-A-Thon, navigate the Marmaton River. Submitted photos.
“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,” -Barnes, said. “We will donate all proceeds from the 2020 Tri-Yak-A-Thon to Fort Scott Paws & Claws.”
“The goal of the event is to have fun and raise money to support the animal shelter,” she said. “The trail run is a 5K, the kayak portion is another 5K, and the bike portion is a 10K. 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.”
The race starts during a previous Tri-Yak-A-Thon. Submitted photos.
The cost is $35 for individual participants and $75 for each team.
Packet pickup will be from 8:00 to 9:45 AM at Shelter House #6.
Registration will only be available online this year. Participants must register before the event to avoid people congregating at the registration area. Online registration will close on September 26.
Kayaks are lined up waiting for the kayaking leg of the Tri-Yak-A-Thon in a prior competition. Submitted photos.
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 animal shelter,” Barnes said. “While much of the race occurs out of view on the trails, the participants go through our staging area multiple times. This offers many opportunities to cheer people on.”
On September 13, 2020, Fort Scott Police and Fire Departments, Fort Scott Rural Fire, Bourbon County EMS and Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a missing person call at Fort Scott Lake. Kansas Wildlife and Parks along with an Air Methods helicopter also assisted in the search.
Raymond Harper, 19, of Fort Scott, had been kayaking in the lake.
His kayak had been found but friends were unable to locate Harper.
First responders searched until 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 14, when the search was stopped until daybreak.
Kansas Highway Patrol joined in the search today. Sheriff Bill Martin reached out to the Overland Park Dive Team and Fire Chief Dave Bruner to the Newton County Dive Team to assist in the search.
At 1:53 p.m. today, a body was found, that was suspected to be Harper’s. The body was sent to Frontier Forensics for an autopsy.
“At this time our thoughts and prayers are with the Harper family,” Fort Scott Police Captain Jason Pickert, said.
When it comes to aging, it’s been said that if a home transition — or move to another dwelling–is being considered, it is most easily done when individuals are in their 60’s or 70’s. This is especially true if a couple can move together to a new home and adjust to their new surroundings together.
Our homes are familiar to us, they hold special memories, and it may be ‘home’ for other family members to come back to that have moved away. However, our homes that have been safe havens over the years, can become danger zones in our later years.
Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall related injury. Yet, many falls are preventable. Next week, September 21-25, is Falls Prevention Awareness Week. It presents a good opportunity to re-evaluate our living situation and take a look at what ‘stumbling blocks’ could be existing in our homes.
Many of us have lived in our homes for numerous years. We’ve learned to navigate the steps and hallways and probably feel like we could do it safely with our eyes closed. Yet, activity limitations can creep in with aging, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, hearing/vision impairments, and heart conditions. Our balance may not be as good, our strength is likely not what it was, and there may be pain involved that can interfere with mobility.
Even if we don’t require the assistance of a mobility device – such as a cane or walker—the need exists to make sure walking areas throughout the house are clear. I find I don’t pick up my feet as far as I used too. Thus, I catch my toe on steps a little more often than I would like.
Look for areas of clutter that can be cleared, cords that may be removed, or furniture that can be rearranged to create a clearer walking path. Pitch the throw rugs that could contribute to a tripping hazard. Make sure light switches are at the ends of stairways and hallways to better mark travel paths.
Yes, we might feel comfortable walking around in our house in the dark. However, it may be that one out-of-place item that takes us down and creates a serious injury. Establish better lighting situations for night time movement throughout the home. Our eyes are slower to adjust to light and dark environments as we age. Our eyes may also find it harder to differentiate between patterns on floors and steps.
Medications, along with reduced strength in arms and legs, can play havoc with our sense of balance — especially if we try to raise or lower our bodies too quickly. Installing grab bars and handrails at proper heights and locations can make those movements safer. Medications should be reviewed with health care providers on a regular basis to make sure they are not contributing to a balance issue.
A basic desire of all of us is to maintain our independence. Many of us want to do that in our current homes. To help assess the safety of your home and areas that can contribute to falls, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) has a room-by-room checklist of areas to more closely consider. To assist in determining your risk for falls, the NCOA also has a free fall risk assessment available online.
Both the home checklist and the personal fall risk assessment can be accessed on the Southwind Extension District website at https://www.southwind.k-state.edu/home-family/adults/. Contact me by phone at 620-625-8620 or by email at [email protected] for more information on falls related information.
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
9:00 – 9:30 Jim Harris, Executive Session, Discuss Public Works Director Position
9:30 – 9:45 Spark Findings & Greenbush
9:45 – 9:50 Nancy Van Etten, Lake Sewer District #1
10:00 – 10:15 Will Wallis, FEMA Update
10:15 – 10:30 Jim Harris Executive Session, Contract Negotiation
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Clinic, 401 Woodland Hills, just off Hwy. 69 south of Fort Scott.
Mental health is a factor in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
With increased stress due to the virus, the economy, social injustice issues, and the upcoming United States general election, mental health issues are a concern.
Eric Thomason, PMHNP, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Behavioral Health and Addiction Treatment Services Clinic Director, answered the following questions in an email interview with fortscott.biz.
Thomason said he is seeing a spike in people needing mental health services.
Eric Thomason. Submitted photo.
Thomason gives a recap of the pandemic, starting with how it began.
” It was this invisible thing, which we didn’t know much about, and it was killing people. This is an anxiety-provoking idea. We started to see the spread through urban areas of the United States. A lot of us collectively held our breath and thought, “How long until it is here?” Instead of carrying a belief that tomorrow can be better today, we removed the hope that tomorrow can provide.
Hope: A Weapon Against Depression
Hope is the single most important weapon in the battle of depression. One of my primary jobs is to restore hope. To restore a very simple idea, that if I get up, get dressed, and keep fighting, today can be better than yesterday.”
Economic Stress
“The economic fallout has been tremendous. I treat a lot of blue-collar hard-working folks from Fort Scott and the surrounding areas. Our community members are some of the hardest hit in the nation due to involvement in livestock operations. I have had patients who lost jobs in the foodservice industry or as a part of other health care clinics. The removal of employment does two terrible things. It reduces our income and it reduces the perception of our value and purpose. Employment gives us a sense of accomplishment. If we did nothing else today, we finished our days’ work. COVID-19 took that away from a lot of the hardworking individuals I serve”
Social Support Systems Needed
“Lastly, social support systems are profoundly important to our wellbeing. Social isolation is often a symptom and predictive factor of depression. COVID-19 increased our isolation, thus increasing our risk of depression.”
Have there been more substance abuse issues during this time?
“Unfortunately, the rate of substance abuse, accidental overdoses, and death related to drug overdose throughout the nation has increased. Some national tracking services such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program estimate that drug-related overdose has increased over 40% across the country. This is in part to the removal or lack of coping strategies as well as treatment dropout rates due to social isolation and fear of COVID-19. One of the ways we worked to combat treatment dropout is to offer telephone, telemedicine, and in-person appointments despite COVID-19 spread throughout our communities. This is a testament to our incredible staff who chose to continue to serve and provide support to our communities when we were needed the most.”
What are some practices that people can do to help themselves with their mental health?
“Be honest with yourself or listen to your loved ones. If you aren’t doing well or someone you trust says you aren’t doing well, please get help.
Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Get on Skype, Zoom, Facetime, etc to have social interaction. The telephone is not enough.
Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise. You can socially distance and exercise outside. CHC/SEK offers Wellness Services that includes a Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, Nutritionist, and Fitness Coordinator.
Avoid illicit drugs and alcohol.
Stay away from social media and political radicalism. We should be supporting one another during this difficult time, not tearing each other apart.
Be there for someone. Make a difference in someone’s life and you will feel better for it.”
Is a physician referral needed for mental health services?
“It is very easy to access any of our services. No physician referral is required. You can contact our Fort Scott Clinic at 620-223-8040 and ask about any program or service offered through CHC/SEK. Our goal is to answer your questions as efficiently as possible.”
Does insurance cover mental health services?
“Mental health services are covered under most insurance plans. For any specific questions, please contact our clinic and we can help determine your plan’s coverage. We work with our patients to determine if they would qualify grant-supported treatment and/or sliding scale fees. Always remember at CHC/SEK we treat all individuals regardless of their ability to pay for service.”
Closing Thoughts
“You are worth believing that tomorrow can be better than today. You are worth being a better father, mother, husband, wife, brother, sister, employee and/or boss. You are worth treatment. In a world where everything is outside of your control, you can control whether you pick up the phone and ask for help. CHC/SEK is committed to being that help.”
On Tuesday, September 1, the Lady Eagle Volleyball team opened their 2020 season at Erie with non-league play against the Erie Red Devils and the Girard Trojans. Both the Varsity and JV teams were defeated by the other two teams.
On the JV end, Erie defeated Uniontown in three matches with scores of 25-19, 21-25, and 15-8. We were also defeated by Girard in two matches with scores of 25-14 and 25-18. Alexis Herring lead the team in points, earning a total of 14 across all five matches.
The Varsity team lost to Erie in three matches with scores of 25-16, 24-26, and 25-16. Bri Stokes lead in points and assists, garnering 7 and 6 respectively. Danielle Howard was 21/22 on attacks and had 5 kills, while Karleigh Schoenberger was 13/15 on attacks and had 3 kills. Girard won against the Lady Eagles in two matches, both ending with scores of 25-19. Danielle scored 7 points, was 11/12 on attacks, and had 2 kills. Karleigh also had 2 kills, and was 6/8 on attacks. Bri Stokes had 2 assists.
“Even though we came out with losses, we are very proud of the way the girls played. They have worked hard for the past two weeks in practice and we needed to see how we looked against another team. We will continue to work on correcting parts of our game, and get better each time we step out on the court,” says Coach Hall.
Thursday, September 3 saw the Lady Eagles headed to Fredonia to play against Sedan and Fredonia. The JV lost all six of their matches, but the scores were incredibly close. Varsity won their four matches, bringing their season record to 2-2.
Submitted photos.
The JV played two Fredonia teams, losing to the first with scores of 25-23 and 25-22. Rylee Coulter lead this game with 11 points. The second Fredonia team won in two matches with scores of 26-24 and 25-20. Skyler Coulter scored 5 points total. Sedan also defeated the Eagles in two matches, the scores being 25-15 and 25-19. Brooklyn Dreisbach lead with 5 points.
The Varsity Lady Eagles beat Fredonia in two matches with scores of 25-14 and 25-21. Danielle Howard lead with 10 points. She was also 9/12 on attacks and had 3 kills. Gwenyth Fry was 8/9 on attacks, and Bri Stokes had 5 assists. Uniontown also defeated Sedan in two matches, the final scores being 25-15 and 25-14. Paige Mason scored 16 points. Danielle was 14/14 on attacks and had 4 kills, while Karleigh Schoenberger was 9/10 on attacks with 2 kills. Bri Stokes once again lead in assists, garnering 4 total in these games.
Coach Hall said, “All teams played very well. Adjustments that were made seemed to work, so we will continue to work and improve our play.”
On Friday, September 4, the Uniontown Eagle Football team faced off against the Southeast Lancers. This game also served as Senior Night, and we honored our senior fall athletes and band members and their families. The Eagles beat the Lancers 40-12 in our first home game of the season.
UHS football, Sept. 4, 2020. Submitted photos.
Hunter Schaaf had 20 carries for 103 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Treden Buckman had 22 carries for 185 yards and also scored 2 touchdowns. Drew Perry had 12 carries for 62 yards and one touchdown, and 1-3 passing for 27 yards with one touchdown. Tyler Harvey had 1 catch for 27 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, this was a very successful first week for the Uniontown Eagles!
GUIDED TOURS OF THE FORT DAILY, 10AM &1PM-The Fort Scott National Historic Site is open daily 8am-5pm for touring on your own, but arrive at 10am or 1pm on any day and take advantage of a guided tour with a park ranger! Guided tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
9/11 – REMEMBRANCE – Names of lives lost in the war on Terror will be read throughout Downtown Fort Scott. Organized by the Fort Scott National Historic Site and Friends of the Fort.
9/11– FSHS FOOTBALL GAME!The FSHS Tigers will play at home field advantage against Springfield Central, MO. Game starts @ 7 pm
9/11 –COMMON GROUND COFFEE CO. Celebrating your pup with Dog Days of Summer! Bring your pup by for a pup cup or a homemade puppy treats until 9/12.
9/11 –BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! – Come in and drink and sing Karaoke night!
9/12 –BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! – Live Music with PDA Live, Charlie & Julia Barrale, from 7:30 – 9:30 pm
9/11 & 9/12- FORT SCOTT LIVESTOCKSale starts as 10am – Sale Barn and Sat. at 7 am
9/12 – 5th ANNUAL FS PICKLEBALL OPEN TOURNAMENT – 8 am until 12 pm @ 910 Burke St. Pickleball Courts. Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Men’s 55+ and Women’s 55+. $15 includes a T-Shirt. Call Tom 620.224.707
9/11thru9/17 –FORT SCOTT CINEMA: New Mutants, Tenant, & Bill & Ted ~ Face the Music
9/12 – THE LAVENDER PATCH FARM – Visiting and shopping from 9 am -1 pm. Second Bloom is starting, so pick your favorite! 2396 Locust Rd.
9/13 – BOILER ROOM BREWHAUS! Brings back Trivia night for teams of 2 to 6 people, $5 entry
per team, 5-7 pm
9/12 & 9/13 – Midwest Nationals Fall Baseball at LaRoche Baseball Complex. See bracket on fortscott.com ~ events.
SAVE THE DATE!
9/17 – THE FORT SCOTT CHAMBER COFFEE HOSTED BY COMMON GROUND COFFEE CO.Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee at Common Grounds Coffee Shop new location and a Ribbon Cutting and Grand opening will take place directly after..
9/17 – BOURBON COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE ~ Empress Event Center, 7 N. Main St. from 6-7:30 pm. This meeting is a reorganizational meeting to elect officers, leadership positions, & appoint vacant precinct/women positions.
9/19 & 9/20 – MIDWEST NATIONALS FALL BASEBALL – LAROCHE COMPLEX! – More Information to come.
Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.
(Yates Center, KS) – Do you know how that playground equipment at the park down the street was purchased? Or the new sign leading visitors to a local landmark? How about initial money for a festival? In any community, chances are that someone, or a group of individuals, wrote a grant proposal and received funding to help with the project.
Individuals and community groups can learn more about writing successful grant proposals at a workshop planned in Yates Center, KS on Thursday, November 5, 2020. The workshop is presented by Nancy Daniels, a community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the author of many grant proposals. The training will be at the Yates Center Community Building, 713 S. Fry Street, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes lunch. The cost to attend is $40.
“This workshop is for everyone, whether they’ve never written a proposal before and have no idea where to start, to those who have experience but are looking for ways to improve their approach,” Daniels said. “The magic that happens in a local community when people find out they don’t have to wait to get something done, that they can do it themselves, is incredible.”
Participants also learn from each other, Daniels said, adding that even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after coming together with peers in their communities. Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share.
Workshop topics include:
Sources of data for community needs (where do you find the numbers to back up your request?);
Where to find grants;
The five common elements of a great grant proposal;
Practicing the grant writing elements.If you have questions, please contact Carla Nemecek at the Southwind Extension District Iola Office, 620-365-2242 or email [email protected]. Details and registration are available at www.southwind.k-state.edu
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Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent [email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
Rinehart Christian Church will have a corn maze in October. This an areal view of the maze. Submitted photo.
Rinehart Christian Church will be offering their Corn Maze event again this year the first four Saturdays of October (3, 10, 17, & 24) from 11 AM-4 PM. This is an event for the whole family to enjoy together with activities including the maze, hayrides, a corn pit, lawn games, pumpkin painting, duck races, and fire pits. Admission to this event is completely free, with a hot dog lunch included from 11 AM- 1 PM.
We have a heart for families, and that is what drives this event. We want to provide an opportunity for families in our community to enjoy time together. We believe serving families is one of the best ways we can serve God.
To make this event as safe as possible, we have moved every event outside this year.
Rinehart Christian Church is located at 9443 S 900 Rd in Richards, MO.
Here are directions from Fort Scott: Take 69 Hwy. north to the Hammond exit. Then go east two miles on Soldier Rd. The road turns to the north; follow the blacktop (245th St.) to the stop sign (Valley Road); then go east. This becomes Hwy. D in Missouri. Continue on Hwy. D through Stotesbury to 900 Rd. Go South 0.5 miles to the church.
A reminder that Auxiliary Unit 25 will be meeting tonight, Thursday, September 10 in Memorial Hall at 6 pm. Bring a guest and potential new member.
I will have the 2021 Auxiliary membership cards at the meeting. Dues are $25. If you have already paid your 2021 dues, let me know and I’ll mail your card to you.
The American Legion Auxiliary motto is “Service, Not Self.” The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
American Legion Auxiliary membership is open to the mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, grand-daughters, great-grand-daughters, or grandmothers of a member of The American Legion, currently serving active duty military and deceased veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Female Veterans can also join the American Legion Auxiliary as well as their spouses.
Please call 620.215.1688 for more information on joining the American Legion Auxiliary.
