Category Archives: Bourbon County
Bourbon County Team Selected for Healthy Kansas Program
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Selects The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team for Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Program in Bourbon County
TOPEKA, Kan. (July 20, 2020) — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) announces it has selected the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team in Bourbon County, along with 23 other communities in Kansas as grantees for its second phase of Pathways to a Healthy Kansas initiative. This includes 12 returning communities that were selected in the initiative’s first phase of grants.
Pathways to a Healthy Kansas is the largest community grant program ever funded by BCBSKS. Since the initiative began in 2016, BCBSKS has donated more than $11.7 million in grants and assistance to communities throughout Kansas. The Pathways program was created to inspire long-lasting, community-wide health and wellness in communities across Kansas.
“We are excited to recognize our second cohort of Pathways grantees,” said Matt All, president and CEO of BCBSKS. “We have been rooted in Kansas for over 75 years and have a commitment to our neighbors to strengthen the health of all Kansans. Through our Pathways initiative, we are making strides toward this goal by helping remove barriers to accessing healthy foods, increasing physical activity and preventing commercial tobacco use. We are thrilled to continue this program with our new Pathways grantees.”
The grant funding includes a coordination grant of $200,000 for each community.
In addition, Bourbon County community will have the opportunity to apply for non-competitive implementation grants amounting to $200,000, for a total of up to $400,000.
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team has seen measurable success with resources from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Pathways to Healthy Kansas Grant in the past four years. We look
forward to the next four years, working to make the healthy choice the default choice.” Jody Hoener, Coordinator Healthy Bourbon County Action Team.
The Pathways grant addresses the three behaviors of focus – physical activity, commercial
tobacco prevention, and healthy eating – that reduce the risk for serious health conditions though
six areas or work, or pathways.
The pathways include Community & Social Context,
Neighborhood & Physical Environment, Food, Healthcare, Education, and Economic Stability,
and strive to improve conditions that are the drivers of health in a community.
About The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team was created to coordinate community efforts and improve upon the health outcomes of Bourbon County. The Action Team consists of a cross-sector of members with a shared vision to improve the quality of life of Bourbon County residents, foster economic growth, and remove barriers to living healthy lifestyles. For more information, visit
http://www.bourboncountyks.org/healthy-bourbon-county-action-team/.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
For more than 75 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while
quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and
operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and
Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.
Shaunn Pytlowany: Candidate for Bourbon County Treasurer, Candidate Forum Is TODAY
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.
Today, 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.
Shaunn Pytlowany, 49, is a candidate for Bourbon County Treasurer.
He graduated from LaVista High School, Fullerton CA. He was a graduate and graduate assistant of Dale Carnegie training, a General Motors Mark of Excellence award winner, business management and financial training through Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Dodge.
” Professionally I have over 19 years experience in leadership and team building,” Pytlowany said. ” I’ve been a successful local business owner since 2006. Also, being that I’ve lived and have been active in the community for 26 years it’s given me the opportunity to develop strong working relationships with city and county officials.”
” If elected my past experience in the automotive industry along with operating a business would be a benefit,” he said. “From inventory control, building and developing teams, and expense management.”
What would be your day one priority if elected?
“Analyze the current structure in the office,” he said. “Are the correct people in the correct positions? Develop a plan to increase the amount of daily transactions that are currently processed during the pandemic. Keep the office on budget by reducing the amount of times an outside auditor is needed in turn saving the taxpayers money.”
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 Has 59 COVID 19 Cases
SEK Multi-County Health Departments
Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
July 20, 2020
Allen County
| Current Positive Cases | 5 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 2 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 5 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 10-1 removed-out of state and to remain there |
| Deaths | 0 |
Anderson County
| Current Positive Cases | 6 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 0 |
| Current Recovered Cases | 18 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 24 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Bourbon County
Woodson County
| Current Positive Cases | 1 |
| Total Hospitalizations | 1-0 remaining in hospital |
| Current Recovered Cases | 10 |
| Total Positives Since Testing | 11 |
| Deaths | 0 |
Recovered cases are based on dates of onset of symptoms, not on day testing results are received.
Staying Mentally Sharp
Most older people can remain intellectually sharp late into their lives, but doing so requires two things. First, believe in your ability to maintain mental alertness and remain optimistic and confident that you can. Next, regularly exercise your mental talents just as you need to exercise your body to stay in peak physical condition.
One of the greatest fears of many older people is the loss of mental competence. Although obviously a possibility for some, both middle-agers and elders often worry excessively about this occurring.
Besides being nerve-racking, the worrying can encourage the very behavior we fear: We believe we are becoming forgetful and then point to perfectly natural lapses in memory as proof that senility is setting in. Thus, too often, our fear of mental decline becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, sometimes at a surprisingly early age. Guard against this tendency both in yourself and among your friends and family.
As we grow older, we show some decline in what is called “explicit memory.” For example, you want to remember a name or fact, and try as you might, the memory refuses to come on demand. Also, with advanced age, distractions can be more of a problem, and the speed of processing information slows. Other kinds of memory show little or no decline with age.
Some of this process has to do with the learning processes that work best for us. If we are a visual learner, for example, then those things we see will stick with us better. If our preferred learning style is through auditory processes, then we may have a greater need to hear things to retain them. We need to remember that we have to learn something before we can remember it. When it comes to recalling names, for example, if we have never been good at remembering names, then we shouldn’t be hard on ourselves if we don’t remember them well in older age.
With frequent use and practice, older persons can significantly improve their cognitive functioning. Activities such as reading, word games and stimulating conversations aid our mental abilities.
Take one day at a time, expect the best, stretch yourself to achieve it, and appreciate the gift of a good mind. Remember that most of us are capable of far more than we realize.
Contact Barbara Stockebrand at the Yates Center Southwind Extension District Office at 620-625-8620 for more resources on keeping your mind sharp.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for July 20
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 20, 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 ON THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
1:30 Commission, 2021 Budget Review
1:45 Clint Anderson, Executive Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
2:00 County Grant Applications & Acceptances
2:15 Bob Reed, Executive Session, Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Julie Saker: Candidate for Bourbon County Sheriff
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.
Julie Saker, 54, is a candidate for Bourbon County Sheriff.
She has a high school/GED and took criminal justice classes at Fort Scott Community College.
“I have no experience in law enforcement,” Saker said. “But I have supervised/management experience. Twenty-five plus years in business.”
She has lived in Bourbon County for 30 years, she said.
What skills do you bring to the position if elected?
“Just be a good role model for my employees and the community.”
What is your priority on day one?
“To get acquainted with the staff and just keep learning as I go.”
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.
Walmart Donates Plants To Community Endeavors: Volunteers Needed To Plant
Walmart Fort Scott had excess seasonal plants at this time of year they needed to get rid of.
Walmart Claims Supervisor Kristi Maycumber, follows a group on Facebook, Community Resources of Bourbon County, administered by Alison Leach, Allen Schellack and Kate Sweetser.
“When the garden department said they needed to get rid of perennials and annuals, I thought of Alison,” Maycumber said. We got a hold of Alison, she’s been trying to do some things for the parks (in Fort Scott).”
“Kristi Maycumber contacted me…on Tuesday, July 15th, from Walmart, regarding the opportunity to donate annuals and perennials to the community,” Leach said.
Leach began to search for those areas in the county that might benefit from the donation.
“Gunn Park and Fort Scott bike trails entrances have been identified as an area for the donation,” Leach said. “In a collaborative effort, I reached out to Fort Scott Garden Club, Barbara McCord, as they plant and maintain the downtown area and (swimming) pool garden. Their club will be identifying areas and choose selections from this donation. Nancy Holt, with the Uniontown Garden Club, was also contacted regarding the donation and any areas of need, they declined at this time.”
“The total retail amount (of the donation) with 75% discount (the plants were on sale) is $1217,” Leach said.
Now, Leach said, volunteers are needed to get the donated plants in the ground.
“We would be very interested in volunteers to plant,” Leach said. “Our challenges are that, with the heat, hard soil and lack of water accessibility, it can appear overwhelming. However, we would like to stay positive and think of the long term benefit of highlighting our community settings with these donations.”
To volunteer, Leach can be reached at 620-215-2523.
Leach started the Community Resources of Bourbon County Facebook page on March 17, 2020, at the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic.
“Many people were contacting me via (Facebook) Messenger asking questions,” she said. “I referred them to the Bourbon County Health Department and City of Fort Scott Facebook page, however, the messages kept coming. I created the page and then asked a few people to assist in replying.”
Kendell Mason: Candidate For Bourbon County Clerk
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 the federal, state, then local candidates.
Kendell Dawn Mason, 48, is the current Bourbon County Clerk and is running for re-election.
Mason is a graduate of Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College.
She has worked for over 15 years in the Bourbon County Clerk’s Office, over seven of those years as the county clerk.
What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?
“The knowledge and experience of working in the office for 15 ½ years.”
What is your priority on day one?
“To continue to work hard for the taxpayers of Bourbon County.”
The following is taken from the Bourbon County 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.
The County Clerk is elected in November of Presidential Election years to a term of four years. There are no term limits to this elected office.
The Bourbon County Clerk/Election Officer is responsible for a wide range of things under Kansas Law. Some of those are listed here.
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.
Chamber Coffee at Bourbon County Fair July 16
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Bourbon County Commission Agenda For Special Meeting July 15
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: July 15, 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 IN THE COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
1:30 Special Meeting, Spark Grant
Patty Love: Bourbon County Treasurer Candidate
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.
Patty Love is the current Bourbon County Treasurer and is running for re-election.
Love received an associate’s degree from Fort Scott Community College, a certificate of completion from Fort Hays State University as Certified County Treasurer, a Certified Kansas County Finance Officer and will receive her third certification at the September state treasurer’s meeting.
“I have worked for Bourbon County for nine years,” Love said. ” I started as a temporary employee in the register of deeds office, this led to a full-time position as a floater between with deeds office and the county clerks office, then I transferred to the county treasurer’s office.”
” I was deputy treasurer for five years before being appointed treasurer when Rhonda Dunn resigned,” she said. “I was elected treasurer in 2018 to complete Rhonda Dunn’s term.”
What skills do you bring to the position if re-elected?
“I have worked in the other offices in the courthouse and understand how they work together. I have eight years of experience in the treasurer’s office and am familiar with all operations of the office.”
What is your priority on day one?
“My priority is the same as it has been in the last 2 1/2 years which is to make sure that tax collection and vehicle registrations are carried out in an accurate, courteous and efficient manner while keeping office expenses within budget and to cut expenses where possible.”
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.