Southeast KansasWorks is hosting a drive-through job fair on May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Pittsburg.
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Category Archives: Bourbon County
Scout Trees for Troubles
District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Trees are a huge asset to the landscape. Did you know that according to research, just three properly placed trees can save between $100 and $250 per year in energy costs? Whether you have just planted new trees or have large majestic trees, they can become the targets of disease, insects and human error that can slow their growth and even kill them. This article will cover several tree troubles to be on the lookout for in the next few weeks.
First, I want to address mulching. Unfortunately, as I drive around our communities, I continue to see what is known as the “mulch volcano.” This is the practice of piling mulch high up the trunk of a tree and sloping it down towards the ground – like the shape of a volcano!
When mulch is applied in this manner, it is very detrimental to the tree. It confuses the tree to thinking that the soil level has changed. This will cause the tree to start growing roots into the mulch and can even start to cause decay in the trunk. Mulch applied too deeply can actually prevent moisture from reaching the soil and suffocate the roots – causing the tree to die.
If you are guilty of the mulch volcano, it can easily be fixed by dragging the mulch away from the trunk and reshaping the pile. Mulch should be kept 3-6 inches away from the trunk and should be spread out away from the tree in each direction at least 3 feet – more if you can. As for mulch thickness, 3 to 4 inches is all that is needed.
The pine trees in our area have taken a beating and it is really showing. Have you noticed how most of the pines are exhibiting an abnormal amount of browning to the needles? The trees have been hit by a double whammy – Dothistroma needle blight and two years of excessive moisture! There isn’t anything we can do about the amount of rainfall, but we can try to tackle the needle blight.
Dothistroma needle blight is a common and serious disease of pines. This needle blight is characterized by the heavy loss of older, inner needles, plus the appearance of small black fruiting structures on needles in the spring. Copper-containing fungicides can be used for control. However, many of the trees in our area may have already been lost.
Finally, bagworm season is nearing. They are a yearly pest in our area and can cause considerable damage. Eastern red cedar and junipers are the most commonly affected species, although bagworms can attack arborvitae, spruce, pine and some broadleaf trees and shrubs. Last year was a bad year!
Bagworm larvae will begin emerging any time now. Hatching does not happen overnight. Instead, hatching can continue for 4 to 5 weeks. When hatched, they will be very small and rather difficult to see. As they consume plant material, the larvae will become larger and larger and so will the new bags.
Many times, homeowners don’t begin worrying about bagworms until they are large and easy to see! At that point, chemical controls are a waste of time and money. Chemical control is most effective when larvae are in their early developmental stages. There are a number of insecticides that are effective against bagworms this time of year.
Trees are an investment! Don’t let disease or insect damage take hold. The Extension office is available to help you with any tree issues you may be facing. For assistance, please contact me at one of our Southwind Extension District office locations.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
DaVolt Assumes Duties of Principal at Christian Heights School
Larry Davolt, 53, will be the new principal at Fort Scott Christian Heights School, effective June 1.
“I have been the secondary science teacher at FSCH for 28 years,” Davolt said. ” I have also taught math and Bible classes.”
The principal position is responsible for the day to day operations of the school, he said.
In addition to 28 years of experience is in the classroom, Davolt also pastored a rural church for 15 years, he said.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Pittsburg State University and completed some graduate work through the Institute for Creation Research, and is currently working online for a master’s degree in school leadership.
Davolt’s hometown is Independence, KS.
He has been married for 32 years, has three grown children, and seven grandkids.
His hobbies are working on cars and houses.
In addition, for the last five years, he has worked part-time for Mercy/Bourbon County Emergency Medical Service.
For Davolt, seeing the way God uses former students to make a difference in society, is the greatest part of teaching.
His greatest challenge?
“Following a legend,” he said, referring to Terry Chance, who is retiring. ” I have worked with Mr. Chance for all of my teaching career, I know the excellent job he has done, and the difficulty of the position.”
Briggs Auto Hosts Drive-In Movie May 30
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 19
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 19, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE FRONT STEPS OF THE COURTHOUSE WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PLACE
9:00 – 9:45 Jim Harris
9:45 – 10:00 Clint Anderson, Evaluation of Valu Merchandisers
10:00 – 10:15 Will Wallis, Extension of Current Declaration
10:15 – 10:30 Patty Love, Exec. Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
SEK Multi-County COVID 19 Update May 18
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 0 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 1 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 5 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 1 |
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 6 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 6 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.
Uniontown City Hall Reopens May 18
Uniontown City Hall will reopen to the public on May 18. The office has been closed because of the COVID 19 Pandemic, according to City Clerk Sally Johnson.
People are asked to used the south door in the alley to enter the office. Wearing a mask and social distancing will be maintained.
The community center and library will remain closed until phase three of the reopening of the state.
The playground on the square will reopen as soon as disinfectant arrives and as soon as the signage is posted, Johnson said.
“Use the equipment at your own risk, ” Johnson said. “Bring your own sanitizer and use before and after using the equipment.”
Farm Loans For Farmers
USDA Offers Farm Loans for Farmers Facing Covid-19 Related Challenges
Manhattan, Kansas, May 14, 2020 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that FSA offers farm ownership and farm operating loans to agricultural producers who may not find success obtaining loans from their traditional financial institutions because of COVID-19. Farmers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank can apply for FSA direct or guaranteed loans.
“Farming and ranching is a capital-intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers maintain their agricultural operations during this time of crisis,” said David Schemm, FSA State Executive Director in Kansas. “FSA loans are designed to assist beginning and historically underserved farmers and ranchers, as well as those who have suffered financial setbacks from natural disasters or economic downturns. Producers may find that an FSA loan is the best option for them if they cannot qualify for a loan with their traditional financial institutions or other financial institutions because of COVID-19.”
USDA offers a variety of loans to meet different production needs. Direct loans are made to applicants by FSA. Guaranteed loans are made by lending institutions who arrange for FSA to guarantee the loan. FSA can guarantee up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. The FSA guarantee allows lenders to make agricultural credit available to producers who do not meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria.
The direct and guaranteed loan program offers two types of loans: farm ownership loans and farm operating loans.
Farm ownership loan funds may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch; purchase easements or rights of way needed in the farm’s operation; build or improve buildings such as a dwelling or barn; promote soil and water conservation and development; and pay closing costs.
Farm operating loan funds may be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm equipment, fertilizer, and other materials necessary to operate a farm. Operating loan funds can also be used for family living expenses; refinancing debts under certain conditions; paying salaries for hired farm laborers; installing or improving water systems for home, livestock or irrigation use; and other similar improvements.
Repayment terms for direct operating loans are scheduled from one to seven years. Financing for direct farm ownership loans cannot exceed 40 years. Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically according to the government’s cost of borrowing. Guaranteed loan terms and interest rates are set by the lender.
For more information on FSA’s farm loan programs, please contact your local FSA office or visit farmers.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Bourbon County Commission Special Meeting May 14
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 14, 2020
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE FRONT STEPS OF THE COURTHOUSE WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PLACE
3:00 Jody Hoener, CDBG Documents
3:15 Jeff Fischer, KAC, Covid-19 expenses
Child Abuse Prevention Training: Free
Kansas Children’s Service League will be offering several training topics at various times at no charge. See below for topics, times, descriptions, and links for registering, and please feel free to forward this on to your colleagues and partners. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Trainings Available at No Charge!
- The Darkness to Light Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training is available online with a follow up zoom discussion. If you need directions for accessing this course and zoom discussion, please let me know. This training is approved for 2.0 hours of inservice credit and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences
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- Wednesday, May 13. 11am – 12pm. Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElf–urz4qE9ZG-DjkEKxfSbr16vtLfm1H
- Wednesday, June 10. 11am – 12pm. Registration: https://kcsl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItd-qqrzwoG9xtBdeRMTr_QZjfKPG-J5Iy
- Note: This training is approved for 1.0 hour of inservice credit, and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.
- Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Reporting
- Tuesday, May 19. 11am – 12pm. Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tdu6tqjMuGd2h1C8HKhxqy01duSJ3rSMB
- Wednesday, June 3. 11am – 12pm. Registration: https://kcsl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwoc-GurjMrHdAXkSeB8Rup-tXVEwtelNKt
- Note: This training is approved for 1.0 hour of inservice credit, and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience
- Wednesday, June 17. 2pm – 3pm. https://kcsl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpf-Goqj4oHNyD2Z0etabtDujtYojmpGww
- Wednesday, June 24. 11am – 12pm. https://kcsl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvcO-vrjIoH9PwMWHswCpQ8GKTbHiP0xzI
- Note: This training is approved for 1.0 hour of inservice credit.
- Preventing Infant Abuse with the Period of PURPLE Crying
- Tuesday, June 2. 11am – 12pm. https://kcsl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrcu-rpzwrHtRwmdmAYuvP2tD5NhxxZxuv
- Tuesday, June 16, 11am – 12pm. https://kcsl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJItduqtrDsqGNJAxngIT6hFuHdC8dxfJPgc
- Note: This training is approved for 1.0 hour of inservice credit, and preapproved by KDHE for child care licensing hours.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Description
Children who grow up in safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments that foster hope and resilience are better prepared for lifelong health and well-being. The 1998 landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study demonstrated that many adults recall experiences—including abuse, neglect, substance abuse, and areas of household dysfunction—that led to lifelong poor physical and emotional health. While ACEs are important, an exclusive focus on adverse experiences risks labeling children and their families, and it neglects to turn attention toward the possibility for flourishing even in the face of adversity (Sege, R). Participants of this training will learn about the ACEs research including the impact on social connections, school readiness and the likelihood of developing negative health behaviors, learn about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention framework being implemented to prevent ACEs called Essentials for Childhood: Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships and Environments; and brainstorm concrete ways to cultivate relationships and environments that create a positive impact for children and families in our communities. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.
Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition and Reporting Description
Kansas law states that most professionals who work with children, including medical professionals, social workers, nurses, educators and more, are mandated reporters. This means that they are required by law to report suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Participants of this training will be able to define the various types of abuse and neglect, identify signs and symptoms of each type, and address areas of risk and protective factors. In addition, participants will learn the appropriate responses to suspected abuse or neglect, discuss what to do in the event of child disclosure, and understand Kansas mandated reporter laws. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Description
This training will provide a brief recap of Adverse Childhood Experiences followed by a screening of Resilience, a film that chronicles the promising beginnings of a national movement to prevent childhood trauma, treat toxic stress, and greatly improve the health of future generations. We will end with group discussion on family and community resilience and how we can help support families.
Preventing Infant Abuse with the Period of PURPLE Crying Description
The Period of PURPLE Crying® is the phrase used to describe the time in a baby’s life when they cry more than any other time. Infants who cry a lot or are awake and fussy at night are a source of concern for many parents. Because of the normal increase in crying that occurs in the first months of a baby’s life, parents and caregivers usually have questions. Crying is the most frequently reported trigger for why a parent or caregiver would shake a baby. Early prevention education is the key to decreasing the incidence of shaken baby syndrome and infant abuse. The Period of PURPLE Crying® is an evidence-based shaken baby syndrome primary prevention program, created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Come learn about the Kansas strategy, how PURPLE is being implemented in hospitals and agencies across the state, how the program was selected, and the research behind it. This training is geared toward those professionals who are working with families with new babies, whether through child care, home visitation programs, health departments, clinics, etc. This training is approved by KDHE for 1.0 hour child care licensing hour.
Cancellation of The American Legion National Organization 2020 Baseball Season
In light of the continuing events resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, effective immediately The American Legion National Organization is implementing the following directives relating to The American Legion National Organization national baseball program for the 2020 season.
1. Any and all previous 2020 American Legion National Organization memos regarding the national baseball program for the 2020 season are retracted and replaced by the following.
2. The American Legion National Organization has cancelled all 2020 season’s Regional Tournaments and The American Legion World Series.
3. Concurrently, The American Legion National Organization has shut down all sponsorship and all involvement in baseball for the 2020 season.
4. This shutdown of all sponsorship and all involvement in baseball for the 2020 season means that those baseball teams that wish to continue playing 2020 season baseball shall be participating in a sporting event not sponsored, nor endorsed in any manner, by The American Legion National Organization, but sponsored and endorsed solely by the group the team is named.
5. Any baseball team that continues play in the 2020 season sponsored by the group the team is named must understand that its team is not playing as an American Legion National Organization “registered” baseball team and it is not playing in an American Legion National Organization baseball program.
6. The complete cancellation of the 2020 American Legion National Organization baseball season means there is no American Legion National Organization baseball program “national rules,” nor are there “national guidelines,” as there is no 2020 American Legion national involvement.
7. In other words, if an American Legion Department has a 2020 season baseball program, then that Department is having “The Department of ‘X’ American Legion Baseball Program – not authorized, nor endorsed by The American Legion National Organization.”
8. Those departments that conduct this 2020 baseball season program will need to determine
their rules, guidelines, schedules, insurance coverage, etc., for their own programs as The
American Legion National Organization will not provide this assistance.
9. The American Legion National Organization has already stopped collecting, and subsequently
returned to all teams any and all national baseball team fees to the respective teams.
10. With the shutdown of the online National American Legion Baseball registration portal, The
American Legion National Organization has stopped referring baseball teams to the K&K
Insurance portal for the 2020 baseball season. The departments that have their own programs
will need to determine what insurance their teams need in order to play in their programs;
The American Legion National Organization will not provide this assistance.
11. All baseball teams that paid to The American Legion National Organization administrative
fees shall have these fees reimbursed to the teams.
12. All other situation(s) that may arise during the 2020 baseball season in a department that elects
to have a 2020 baseball season is a situation for that particular department as that particular
department is solely responsible for its decision to any situation(s) as The American Legion
National Organization staff and volunteers are not authorized to address or help with any
department’s situation(s).
Art Is Ageless Winners Announced
Fort Scott Presbyterian Village, an assisted living facility, recently honored winning artists in the annual Art Is Ageless juried competition, according to a press release.
“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” Becky Kellum, marketing director at the facility, said. “Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”
Winners are as follows:
In the professional division:
1) The Tony Forelli piece, “Wilderness Knife” won two ribbons 1) Mixed Media /Crafts Professional and 2) People’s Choice Professional.
2) Sculpture 3/D Professional “ Forever” by Bobbie Kemna
3) Quilting Professional “ American Flag” by Carolyn Crystal
4) Photography Professional “ Sunrise at Fort Scott National Cemetery “ by Paul Milks
5) Painting Professional “ Gossip “ by Carolyn Munsell
6) Needlework Professional “ Flower Bag” by Carolyn Crystal
7) Christmas Professional ‘ Christmas Stocking “ by Carolyn Crystal
8) Best of Show Professional “ Druzy Diamonds “ by John Bartlesmeyer
9) Judges Choice Professional “ His Word” by Tony Fornelli
In the amateur division:
1) Christmas Amateur “Thompson Farm “ by Linda Thompson
2) Needlework Amateur “ Flower Bouquet” by Charlotte Kite
3) Fiber Arts Amateur “ Star of Bethlehem ” by Jean Strader
4) Mixed Media/Crafts Amateur “Joy in Motion”: Barbara Gibson
5) Painting Amateur “ The Cottage “ Glenda Stevicks
6) Sculpture 3/D ( Amateur ) “ G.E. lives Here!” by Gerald Elliott
7) This piece, “The Clover Valley” by Earline Foster, won two ribbons 1) Quilting Amateur 2) Judges Choice “ The Clover Valley “
8) People’s Choice Amateur “ Flower Garden “ by Carolyn Eastwood
9) Best of Show Amateur “ Round of Robins “ by Thyra Babcok