Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections, Government

Derick Burke: Candidate For Bourbon County Sheriff

July 6, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County. The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local candidates.

Derick Burke, 37, is running for the Sheriff of Bourbon County, Kansas position.

He is an Oak Grove, MO High School graduate and also graduated from the Carpenters Union Apprenticeship program and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

His experience includes ten years in the Carpenters Union and six years in law enforcement.

What skills do you bring to the position if elected or re-elected?

“I have knowledge of law enforcement, records management, how property and evidence should be handled, and what it takes to have a successful department. In the past ,I have been successful with budgets by managing time and manpower, ordering materials, and setting the schedule. I was efficient, effective, on time, never over budget, and never had to ask for more money to finish the task I was given.”

What is your priority on day one?

“My very first priority is personnel retention. I believe it is imperative I sit down with each of the deputies to see what they think of the department, find out if there are any improvements they believe need to be made, and to see what they expect from me as their sheriff. I would also take this time to let them know what I expect from them. I think the department will improve exponentially if everyone has an open line of communication.”

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election. You may advance vote in one of two ways: By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you OR in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott

American Legion Post 25 Scuttlebutt

July 6, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Kudos to Post 25’s own Myra Jowers as the incoming Second District Commander for the 2020 – 21 Legion year. Commander Jowers will be guiding 24 Second District Posts for the next year.

In addition to Myra assuming the helm of Second District leadership, Post 25 Commander Carl Jowers was elected as Second District Adjutant/Finance Officer and Post 25 Adjutant Leslie Montee was elected as Second District 3^rd Year Executive Committeewoman. This is the first time in years that Post 25 has several members in District leadership positions.

Post 25 Officers for 2020 – 21

First Name	Last Name	Title
Carl	Jowers	Commander
Leslie	Montee	Adjutant

James	Collins	Chaplain
Dean	Stephen	Executive Committee
Marvin	Taylor	Executive Committee
Michael	Hansen	Executive Committee
Darrell	Spencer	Finance Officer
Kenneth	Lyon	Historian
Myra	Jowers	Service Officer
Jake	Campbell	Sgt at Arms

Sylvia	Norris	Auxiliary President
Michael	Johnson	SAL Commander
Jessica	Allison	ALR Director

Membership

Post 25 finished the recent Legion year with 100 members and as the Second District’s number one Post in membership. Our 2021 membership goal has not yet been announced.

The 2021 membership cards have arrived. Any member desiring to pay their 2021 dues can pay them at our meeting on Monday or go online to www.legion.org and follow the prompts to renew. Dues are still $40 per year.

Renewal notices will also be mailed out in July to both current members and members whose membership has expired.

Upcoming Events

July 6. American Legion Post 25 general membership meeting at 7 pm in Memorial Hall. Our regular Post meet and greet starts at 6:30 pm.

July 9. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 25 meets at 600 pm in Memorial Hall.

July 9. American Legion Post 25 Color Guard meets at 730 pm in Memorial Hall. All Post 25 Legion family members can join the Post 25 Color Guard. This includes Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion Squadron members.

May 15 -17. Department Convention at the Ramada Hotel. The Department Convention is open to all Legionnaires.

Don’t hesitate to contact me or any Officer with any suggestions to improve Fort Scott American Legion Post 25.

Carl Jowers. Post 25 Commander.

620-215-1688

[email protected]

Area News, Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

New COVID 19 Case In Bourbon County

July 4, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bourbon and Allen Counties both have new COVID 19 cases today, said Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson.

“Bourbon County has a new positive COVID-19 case today,” she said. “This individual is also symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The investigation is complete.”

“Allen County has a positive COVID-19 case today,” Johnson said. “The individual is symptomatic and in isolation. Their family is in quarantine. The Allen County Public Health Department is diligently working to notify all close contacts and complete the investigation.”

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Seven New Cases of COVID 19 Yesterday Total

July 4, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson said there are five more positive COVID-19 cases.

Some are contacts of previous cases & some are not.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department is diligently working to complete the investigations.

Please stay home when sick, social distance, practice good hygiene & wear a mask in public.

There were seven total yesterday.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Two New Cases Of COVID 19 on July 3 In Bourbon County

July 4, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

On July 3, Bourbon County had two new positive COVID-19 cases today, Rebecca Johnson, Bourbon County Health Officer said.

One individual is symptomatic and the other is not.

One individual is a contact of a previously listed case and the other is not.

The investigations are complete.

Please use good judgment and protect yourself and those you’re in contact with.

Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government, Health Care

Local Health Officer Comments on Governor’s Recommendations For Masks

July 3, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

“After reviewing the Governor’s order 20-52, it is the strong recommendation by the Health Officer of Allen, Anderson, Bourbon & Woodson Counties, that the order is followed,” Bourbon County Health Officer Rebecca Johnson said. “Please take the time to read it fully before making assumptions.”

Governor Laura Kelly Signs Executive Order Mandating Masks in Public Spaces

Governor Laura Kelly today issued Executive Order #20-52 requiring that most Kansans must wear a mask while in public spaces, and in places where individuals are unable to maintain social distancing of six feet.

Executive Order #20-52 takes effect beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and will remain in place until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster Emergency expires – whichever is earlier.

“The last few months have presented many new challenges for Kansans, and all of us want to return to our normal lives and routines,” Governor Kelly said. “Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths across our state and our country. We must act.”

Viruses don’t stop at county lines. This order doesn’t change where you can go or what you can do. But wearing a mask is a simple and effective way to keep Kansans healthy and keep Kansas open for business.”

Under the order, Kansans are required to wear masks when inside any public space – including their workplace – or in situations where social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. Guidance regarding specific places or situations in which masks are required is outlined within the order.

Kansans under five years of age, those with medical conditions, and others specifically outlined in the order are exempt from these requirements.

To view EO #20-52, click here.

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Health Care

Presbyterian Village Earns Zero-Deficiency Rating

July 2, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village earns zero-deficiency rating
for assisted living focused infection control survey

FORT SCOTT, Kan. — Fort Scott Presbyterian Village earned a zero-deficiency survey for a focused infection control survey conducted by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) in June.

Senior living communities are surveyed annually by their licensing agency for compliance of regulations established by KDADS. These regulations are designed to ensure a standard of care is met. By meeting this standard, senior living communities are able to renew their licenses and continue to provide care.

The Kansas Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly directed KDADS to complete focused infection control surveys for all adult care homes in Kansas by September 30, 2020. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) directed states to perform focused infection control surveys in all skilled nursing facilities by July 31, 2020.

“Every day I see our mission to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values unfold as our employees go above and beyond in the care they provide,” said Ginger Nance, executive director. “At this time, we have had no residents or employees test positive for COVID-19. Our employee screening processes and infection control practices are working to keep COVID-19 out of our campus.”

The focused infection control surveys hone in on an adult care home’s adherence Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for infection control practices to prevent disease at the community. Communities are assessed on staff and resident education on hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, cleaning, screening of employees and residents, effective transmission-based precautions, proper use/discarding of personal protective equipment and signage at entrances and resident rooms. It also examines the facility’s policies and emergency preparedness related to a pandemic or outbreak.

“This recognition is tangible proof of our commitment to providing quality senior care and services based on Christian values. This survey recognizes the hard work this team has put in throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” Nance said. “We will continue to be vigilant as we work with the Bourbon County Health Department on our reopening plan.”

Fort Scott Presbyterian Village is an assisted living community, which means it is licensed by KDADS. Residents have their own private apartments, one or two bedrooms complete with all appliances, and may receive some assistance with activities of daily living.

“Although the restrictions on visitors has been difficult, we have been offering many ways for residents and their family members and friends to stay connected,” Nance said, citing drive-through parades, outdoor fishing and walking paths, and exercise classes offered throughout the pandemic.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, contact Becky Kellum, marketing director, at 620-223-5550 or [email protected].

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, a Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America community, has been offering independent and assisted living apartments for seniors from southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri since 1994. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with 16 locations and 2 hospices in Kansas and Missouri. Learn more at PMMA.org.

Bourbon County, Bourbon County Sheriff's Office, Elections

Craig Rice: Candidate For Bourbon County Sheriff

July 2, 2020 Loretta George Leave a comment

Craig Rice. Courtesy photo by Merle Humphrey.

This is part of a series of features on the candidates running for offices in Bourbon County. The Bourbon County Primary Election will be held, Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Monday, July 20, is the candidate forum at Ellis Fine Arts Center, on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a meet and greet with candidates. The forum starts at 6 p.m. in the order of federal, state, then local candidates.

Craig A Rice, 59, is running for Bourbon County Sheriff.

His education includes a high school diploma, Kansas Law Enforcement Training, Military Police Diploma, Emergency Medical Technician.

His experience includes 36 years Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Training, leadership and training experience, rescue, hostage negotiator, crisis management team leader, field training officer, community event leader, and correctional officer.

His priority:

“To ensure that I establish a good working relationship with all city and county heads so we can create an environment of cooperation and respect,” he said.

The following is information provided on the Bourbon County Kansas website.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote or where to vote?

You may register to vote online, through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Check your voter registration status, the location of your polling place and view a sample ballot at VoterView by the Secretary of State.

Advance Voting is available prior to each election. You may advance vote in one of two ways: By mail, by filing an application for a ballot to be mailed to you OR in-person, beginning at least one week prior to any election.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott

Fort Scott Public Library Youth Summer Reading News

July 1, 2020 Submitted Story Leave a comment

Summer reading is in full-swing, but if you have not signed up for it yet, there’s still time! Just register here and call 620-223-2882 or email Miss Val to arrange pick up of your welcome packet. Specify how many children or teens and what grades you need packets for, when you call or email.

The library hands out packets filled with prizes (earned by reading or completing challenges), along with crafts and activities (for all participants), weekly. Participants should call or email the library every week to schedule a Friday pickup. This week, due to the Independence Day holiday weekend, the library will begin Friday pickups early, starting Thursday, July 2, at 9 am. Call 620-223-2882 or email Miss Val to schedule your pickups. If you need to catch up from past weeks, be sure to let the library staff know.

Letters to the Elderly

The library is partnering with Medicalodges, Fort Scott, in a project designed to connect summer reading families with elderly residents in care at Medicalodge. The library will send out letter stationery, envelopes, and instructions in this week’s craft and activity packets, and will collect the letters throughout the month of July. After quarantining the letters, Miss Val will deliver them to Medicalodges, Fort Scott, for distribution to their residents. Letters should be returned to the library by August 1, and Miss Val hopes to deliver them by August 3. It is the wish of library staff that the project provides comfort, entertainment, and a measure of joy to the residents, and that some of them will write back to the families, perhaps even establishing a connection that will outlast the project.

Free Books & Prizes

The library allows patrons to browse its tubs full of free books, placed on the library lawn outside the north entrance, during curbside pickup hours on days with a clear weather forecast. Youth summer reading participants may also earn books, both pre-owned and new, as prizes for completing weekly reading goals. Other prizes include toys, coupons or gift cards for free food or drinks, craft kits, snacks, dress up accessories, and summer items. The library has already distributed gift cards (as prizes for meeting weekly reading goals) purchased by the library, as well as gift cards and/or coupons donated by the following local business sponsors: Casey’s General Stores, Daylight Donuts, Domino’s Pizza, G & W Cash Saver, Marsha’s Great Plains Deli, Sonic Drive-In, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s. Pete’s Convenience Stores has also pledged a donation, which is expected to arrive soon.

Storyteller Will Stuck

From 8 am, July 18 through late night, July 23, Fort Scott Public Library will offer two video performances by Storyteller Will Stuck, provided as a part of the library’s summer reading program. Will Stuck has created one performance for preschoolers and another for elementary-aged children, inspired by this year’s summer reading theme. You may access the videos through the library’s Facebook page, showing on this playlist from July 18 – 23.

Community Members Read & Craft for Summer Reading

On this playlist, you will find local retired and current teachers, parents, librarians, and other professionals, who have already read stories or demonstrated crafts for this year’s summer reading program. The videos will remain online through the last day of summer reading, August 5.

Upcoming Programs:

July 7 – 10 am: Mixed-Up Tales Preschool Stories with educator Alexandra VanSickle (Zoom)

11 am: Mythological Villains Elementary Stories with educator Alexandra VanSickle (Zoom)