St. Martin’s Academy students help clean trails at Gunn Park. Submitted photo
St. Martin’s Academy students spent time last weekend volunteering with Frank Halsey leader of Gunn Park Trails.
They cleared debris and refined trails in Gunn Park.
The young men sported Key Industries overalls, which were given to each student as part of a collaboration between Key Industries, Inc. and the Academy.
West Bourbon Elementary School was recognized by from left: Secretary Norman, WBE PE InstructorJackie Hall, Miranda Steele, Candice McField.
2020 Kansas Health Champions Announced
WICHITA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness (GCOF) presented the 2020 Kansas Health Champion Awards during a luncheon at the Community Health Promotion Summit today, Thursday, January 30.
The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas. Those recognized include an individual and organization, as well as honorable mentions in each category.
Individual Health Champion: Andy Fry, Topeka
Organizational Health Champion: Redemption Plus, Lenexa
Individual Honorable Mention: Jim Blackwell, Hoisington
Organizational Honorable Mention: West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown
“Eligible nominees include volunteers, schools, communities, employers, media organizations and policy makers that put forth exceptional efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said Candice McField, GCOF Awards Chair. “The winners were selected from the nominations of several worthy candidates in each category.”
This is the seventh year for these awards.
“Congratulations to these individuals and organizations for being exceptional in their efforts to model, encourage and promote fitness in Kansas,” said KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.
Health Champions
Andy Fry of Topeka serves in a volunteer capacity as the President of the Topeka Community Cycle Projects. Andy has planned events around cycling and has written and received several thousands of dollars’ worth of grants and additional monies through fundraising to support local bike and pedestrian activities. He has led different community groups and boards and is one of the most vocal advocates on the city and state level for bike and pedestrian-related issues. These are just a few of the many accomplishments over the last 10 years.
Jenny Kramer, State Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator at Kansas Department of Transportation, who nominated Fry said, “The work Andy does will continue to have ripple and long-lasting effects. Andy and his like-minded friends, and the decision-makers he has influenced, have made Topeka a place that people want to live and work.”
Redemption Plus a merchandising company in Lenexa, is described as a “a one-of-a-kind organization where enthusiastic, caring people can lead full lives by bridging their professional and personal worlds.” Through their Wellness Platform, employees can participate in education as well as personal, group and company-wide challenges. They offer daily healthy meals, stretching and meditation plus a variety of workout options throughout the week with special classes. They even let their vendors know they are a health and wellness-oriented company and ask that they not send unhealthy treats.
Julie Annett, Wellness Crusader (Director) of Redemption Plus, says one employee who joined them from another company has been positively impacted by the organizational efforts around health and wellness after losing 30 pounds and gaining higher levels of job satisfaction. Brittany Stucky, Culture Champion for the business, adds “it’s about serving customers to the best of my ability while also being able to be committed to myself and my family.”
Honorable Mentions
Jim Blackwell of Hoisington understands that where a person lives and works influences their health. Jim is a proponent of healthy living, is very visible in the community and always models and participates in the policies and programs that support health and fitness. Jim’s approach to improve health disparities is to find innovative ways to shrink the gaps. He supports efforts to build a safe and walkable environment. Most recently he led an initiative to fill a sidewalk gap around the high school which created another community walking loop and provides easy access to the grocery store.
“Jim’s desire for these projects comes from wanting to cultivate health and wellness not only for the hospital staff but for the entire community,” said Karla Crissman who nominated Jim. “His strong commitment to health and wellness has changed the trajectory of health in our community for generations to come.”
West Bourbon Elementary School in Uniontown is challenging students to be healthy movers for life. Faculty in the school help make physical activity become something more than just a class. Activities throughout the school include morning fitness activities, brain breaks and fitness equipment. In September, 98 parents took part in an event called Take Your Parent to PE Week, the third year of the program. Through this program, students are taught about healthy habits, including development of a personal fitness plan.
Jackie Hall, Physical Education teacher at the school, in her nomination shared, “I am very proud how our school and district are committed to helping our students, as well as the community, maintain and create healthy habits for life.”
Apex Clean Energy today announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Evergy, Inc. for 155.1 MW of wind power from Apex’s Jayhawk Wind project in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kansas. Evergy shared the news of the PPA in a press release along with an announcement that it will reduce carbon output by 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.
With this milestone for Jayhawk Wind, Kansas is one step closer toward its goal of sourcing 20% of power used in the state from alternative energy sources.
Simply stated, a PPA is a long-term agreement to buy the electricity generated by a project. PPAs benefit power purchasers like utilities and the communities in which they are located because:
It establishes the price of the power at the time of the agreement, therefore providing a hedge for the power buyer against future energy price fluctuations.
It provides stability for the Jayhawk Wind project and its host communities by ensuring the project has a long-term customer for the power the project generates.
Jayhawk Wind will connect into the existing Evergy 161 kV Marmaton to Litchfield transmission line that runs through the project area.
The power generated by Jayhawk Wind will in part supply commercial and industrial customers through Evergy’s green tariff program, Renewables Direct.
According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, the wind energy industry has created new opportunities across the state and particularly in rural communities by already:
Creating 12,000 Kansan jobs;
Bringing in $12 billion in capital investment; and
Generating $28 million in state and local tax payments.
Evergy announces plan to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent,
adds 660 megawatts of wind energy to its portfolio
New wind energy projects expand direct access to renewable energy for Evergy customers
TOPEKA, Kan., Jan. 30, 2020 – Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) announced today with Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly that it will expand its wind energy portfolio by 660 megawatts, and reduce carbon output by 80 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. Electricity from four new wind energy sites will be used to attract and retain large commercial and industrial customers.
Carbon Reduction Plan: More Sustainable and Cost-Effective for Customers
Evergy announced its commitment to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 2005 levels from its fleet of power plants by 2050, which is a commitment consistent with the Paris Climate Accord. By the end of 2020, Evergy will have reached an estimated 40 percent reduction in emissions.
Evergy highlighted the key components of a plan to achieve this significant emissions reduction:
Retiring all coal power plants in the Evergy fleet at the end of their useful life, which is currently estimated to be between 2040-2050, with the exception of Iatan 2 in Missouri;
Continuing to make significant investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency;
Operating the Wolf Creek Nuclear Station until its license expires in 2045; and
Adding a small amount of natural gas generation, if additional carbon-free generation is not available within the plan’s timeframe.
“Reducing carbon emissions and increasing the amount of wind energy on our system benefits our customers by reducing operating costs and by making our operations more environmentally sustainable,” said Terry Bassham, Evergy president and chief executive officer. “This represents a significant investment in the state of Kansas, helping to create clean energy jobs, and bring additional income for rural communities and school districts. It will also make Kansas more competitive for future economic development and job creation.”
“Without question, we are uniquely positioned to be a regional and national leader in the development and expansion of renewable energy,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Renewable energy is about far more than a cleaner future – it’s about jobs. It’s about adapting to the economy. It’s about innovation and business growth. We need an energy market that is affordable, efficient and meets the needs of our businesses and communities. I’m pleased to see Evergy commit to more renewable energy and wind production. My administration will continue to work together with stakeholders, consumers, businesses and industries alike. Because at the end of the day, we all will benefit from forward-thinking energy initiatives.”
Additional Wind Energy: Creating One of the Largest Wind Fleets in the United States
Evergy will add 660 megawatts of wind to its generation portfolio. This addition will bring the total amount of wind serving Evergy customers to 4,535 megawatts, making Evergy one of the top five wind energy companies in the United States. The energy from these wind farms will be used to support and expand Evergy’s Direct Renewables Program, which allows Kansas companies to access clean wind energy to become more sustainable and reduce the overall cost of energy. Evergy plans to use the additional wind energy as an economic development tool to attract manufacturers and technology companies who are seeking cost-effective, sustainable and carbon-free energy.
“With the abundant wind energy in Kansas, Evergy is a natural partner for businesses that want to use affordable renewable energy. Our innovative wind energy programs attract businesses and boost the local economy,” said Bassham. “Our ongoing transformation to cleaner energy sources reduces carbon emissions and provides our customers sustainable, affordable, reliable electricity.”
Combined, the four new wind projects bring $180 million economic benefit to the region, including hundreds of construction jobs and dozens of permanent green energy jobs. The projects are:
Expedition Wind, a 199 MW project being developed by National Renewable Solutions in Marion County, Kan.
Flat Ridge 3, an additional 128 MW of wind generation being developed by AEP Renewables near Kingman, Kan.
Jayhawk Wind, a 193 MW wind project being developed by Apex Clean Energy in Crawford and Bourbon Counties, Kan., with Evergy purchasing power from 155 MW of the site.
Ponderosa Wind, from which Evergy will purchase 178 MW of wind energy from the site being developed by a subsidiary of NextEra Resources, LLC, south of Liberal, Kan., in Oklahoma.
“Evergy is a national leader in renewables. In fact, thanks in large part to our wind investments, Kansas now ranks Number One in the nation for per capita wind generation,” Bassham said. “We will continue to grow our renewable energy commitment and provide affordable options to help our customers’ meet their sustainability goals.”
Judges: 5. Will score each contestant on their prepared and assigned orations. A scoring matrix is provided for Judges to use.
Tabulators: 2. It will be their responsibility to review the judges’ scorecards to be certain they are fully tabulated and signed before they are submitted for final tabulation.
Timers: 2. It will be their responsibility to keep an accurate time record of each
contestant. Hold up cards to notify the orator when 8, 9 and 10 minutes have elapsed during the prepared oration. Hold up cards to notify the orator when 3, 4 and 5 minutes have elapsed during the assigned oration.
Escorts: 3. One will stay with the contestants during the oratorical contest. One will escort the next speaker to and from the speaking area. One will provide the contestant with the assigned topic five minutes before their speaking time.
Ushers: 2. Assist with seating guests and helping with any issues that might arise during the competition.
The Uniontown Eagles competed against the Marmaton Valley Wildcats and the Osawatomie Trojans in the final game of the Mid-Season Tournament on January 25. The girls fought for 3rd place in the tournament and the boys played in the championship game.
The girls Varsity won against Moran 33-25, taking 3rd place in the tournament. Danielle Howard and Karleigh Schoenberger each scored 11 points; Howard also had 8 steals and 5 assists, and Schoenberger had 5 rebounds. Gwenyth Fry had 6 rebounds and 7 points. “Tonight was a good example of a hard-fought rivalry game. We knew coming in to this one that it would be a battle. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win.” Alie Fuhrman commented, “We didn’t play to our full potential, but we still pulled through.”
The boys lost against Osawatomie 49-51, leaving them the runners-up in the tournament. Luke George had 10 rebounds, all of them defensive, and 6 assists. Jake Harvey led in points, accumulating 16; he also had 9 rebounds. Clay Sutterby followed with 10 points and 5 rebounds. Drew Perry and Cade Goodridge each had 2 steals. “I am proud of our team,” said Coach Hays. “Not many would have picked us to be playing for the tournament Championship. It was a great game. Osawatomie has a talented team. Congrats to them on winning the tournament.”
The Gordon Parks Museum will celebrate Black History Month on Wednesday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m. with a “Lunch and Learn” presentation.
Guest speaker will be Frank Clay, Jr., author and a member of The National Speaker’s Association. The presentation titled “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours” will be held in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and drinks with them. Some dessert will be provided.
“Find the Right Weapons and Success is Yours” is a presentation reflecting on lessons learned from Gordon Parks and how Gordon chose the right weapons to bring about change in his life and the world.
Clay will also speak on how Gordon’s book The Choice of Weapons, helped to inspire others such as Frank to find the right weapons in life.
Frank Clay, Jr. is also a U.S. Army Veteran, business coach, entrepreneur, and the founder and principal of 2020 Solutions Inc. He is also a speaker and executive coach who holds a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in business management.
For more information about “Find the Right Weapons and Success is Your” presentation at the Gordon Parks Museum call 223-2700, ext. 5850 or email [email protected].
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Krista Harding District Extension Agent, Horticulture Southwind Extension District 111 S. Butler Erie, KS 66733 Office: 620-244-3826 Cell: 620-496-8786
Each year, the All-America Selections (AAS) tests and introduces new flowers and vegetables to home gardeners. These plants have proven themselves to do well in trials across North America. The AAS winner label is like a stamp of approval. This year, there were ten vegetables winners, of which seven were tomatoes, and four flower winners.
The vegetable descriptions were taken from All-America Selections material.
Cucumber Green Light F1 – this is an excellent mini cucumber that can be grown on stakes or poles. It will yield 40 or more spineless fruits per plant. Fun fact: This cucumber is parthenocarpic – meaning the flowers are all females and the fruits are seedless without needing to be pollinated.
Pumpkin Blue Prince F1 – vigorous trailing vines produce 7-9 pound beautiful blue flattened pumpkins with non-stringy, deep orange flesh with savory sweetness. These pumpkins are as pretty as they are delicious. Of all the varieties trialed, Blue Prince was first to flower and fruit which is beneficial for gardeners with a shorter growing season.
Watermelon Mambo F1 – these are perfectly round melons with a beautiful dark green rind and deep red flesh. The sweet crisp flesh is extremely tasty and holds well if you can’t harvest them right away. Each 9” fruit will weigh about 11 pounds at maturity. With a smaller seed cavity, they almost have the look of a seedless melon but with the superior taste of a seeded melon. The judges said this was one of the easiest watermelons they have grown because of high seed germination and vigorously healthy vines.
Coleus Main Street Beale Street – this is the first-ever coleus to be named an AAS winner. This is an outstanding variety that exhibits deep red foliage and holds the color extremely well in the garden. The rich color does not fade, bleach or get spotty as the season moves into late summer. This lush, bushy plant grows uniformly and does not flower until very late in the season. It can be grown in full sun or full shade – making it an ideal foliage for anywhere in the garden.
Echinacea Sombrero Baja Burgundy – this plant will add a bold accent to sunny gardens with its vibrant, deep violet-red blossoms. After being trialed over three tough winters, AAS judges noted this plant for its standout hardiness, sturdy branching, and floriferous blooming habit. Birds and pollinators will certainly flock to this deer-resistant beauty making it a dual purpose plant.
Nasturtium Tip Top Rose – a strong yet compact nasturtium with unique and showy rose-colored flowers. Judges described the color as a “warm, bright rose with less of the black undertones typical in nasturtium flowers.”
Rudbeckia x American Gold Rush – bright, golden-yellow flowered perennial with black centers. This compact, upright domed-shaped beauty has narrow 2-inch wide hairy foliage and
has resistance to Septoria leaf spot. It showed no signs of the fungus even in wet, humid conditions. It is incredibly easy to grow and pollinators love it. It is destined to be the new rudbeckia staple for gardens and landscapes!
For a complete description of the 2020 All America Selections, including the seven tomato varieties, visit www.all-americaselections.org
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or by calling 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc. is taking new subscriptions and renewals for their Fly the Flag Project. The project provides homeowners and businesses, within the city limits of Fort Scott, the opportunity to fly the Stars and Stripes on five different flag holidays during 2020 without the hassle of purchasing, erecting, and storing a flag and pole. You don’t even have to remember the holiday!
For $35 annually, the Friends will install a 3’x5′ flag on a 12 foot staff at your home or business on each of the following Flag Holidays :
Memorial Day, May 25th
Flag Day, June 14th
Fourth of July, July 4th
Labor Day, September 7th
Veteran’s Day, November 11th
Agreements for new subscriptions can be obtained at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce or can be requested by phone or text by calling Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484. Renewals notices have been mailed/emailed to 2019 subscribers. Questions can be directed to Kelley or Martha Scott at 620-224-9924.
New agreements must be returned by March 2, 2020 to allow time for acquisition of supplies and placement of in ground flag holders.
All proceeds support programs at Fort Scott National Historic Site. These include: Symbols of Sacrifice, a Citizenship Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, Youth Engagement, and many others.
Show your patriotism and help our local National Park by lining the streets of Fort Scott with our nation’s symbol!
The Fly the Flag Project is a yearly project sponsored by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site. Once signed up, you will receive the option to renew annually.
The American Red Cross would like to welcome you to become a Volunteer in the Fort Scott Community!
Volunteering is rewarding and meaningful. It is a chance for people to make a difference in their community by using their skills, knowledge and experiences, while developing new skills, knowledge and experiences. To visit with a volunteer recruiter, to start your Red Cross story, contact us by phone at 402-441-6397 or email us at [email protected] or to find the right opportunity yourself, visit redcross.org/volunteer. All Red Cross volunteers receive an orientation and training after the application process.
