10:30-David Neville-Executive Session-non elected personnel-15 minutes
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system.- 20 minutes.
Privileged on the attorney-client relationship.-20 minutes
Young Professional League members gather for a monthly meeting at Papa Don’s Restaurant in this Feb. 2016 photo.
The annual Young Professional League’s fundraiser for The Beacon, a helping agency, is here.
January 26 is the final day to order, with pick-up on Feb. 2.
We are in the countdown for enchilada sales! We’re encouraging all YPL-ers to push hard and continue to promote our fundraiser until the (extended) date of Saturday, January 26.
Orders can be taken on the form (collect cash or check at the time of ordering) or entered into the online system at www.ypl-bbco.org/enchiladas/ but don’t do both or it will duplicate the orders. Enchiladas are $20 a dozen. Pick-up is Feb 2.
Send a pic of your order form to [email protected] and make arrangements to drop off the money.
We are excited about this worthwhile activity and are proud to support the Beacon in Fort Scott.
Contact Laura Agee with any questions: [email protected] or 949-274-6514.
Recognized by KDHE and the Governor’s Council on Fitness
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Candice McField of the Governor’s Council on Fitness presented the 2019 Kansas Health Champion awards at a luncheon today during the Community Health Promotion Summit in Manhattan. The Health Champion Award was developed by the Governor’s Council on Fitness to recognize and promote exemplary contributions to fitness in Kansas.
“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 Awards Committee Chair, Candice McField. “The winners were selected from the nominations of several worthy candidates in each category”.
This year’s winners were:
Individual Health Champion: Pastor Adrion Roberson, Kansas City, Kansas
Organizational Health Champion: The Monarch Cement Company, Humboldt
Individual Honorable Mention: Jody Hoener, Fort Scott
Organizational Honorable Mention: City of Emporia
Health Champions
Pastor Adrion Roberson serves as co-pastor of the Berean Fellowship Church in Kansas City, Kansas. And CEO/Co-Founder of KC United! Youth Sports & Education Initiative. In 2008, it all started as the Wyandotte County Youth Football and Cheer. As of 2016 KCU! has evolved into the Mary Ann Flunder Summer STEAM Sports & Arts Camp. For the parents and guardians of the participants, he has started the GAMECHANGERS program. Under his leadership, he is developing an idea for a year-round after-school program that will help strengthen student/athletes and students who love the arts in the S.T.E.A.M. disciplines. Lastly, he has a vision for the old Indian Springs Mall that will transform it into a youth sports tourism/community revitalization center focused on among other things strengthening the ‘holistic health’ of the city. Lenton Bailey Jr. who nominated Pastor Roberson for the award said, “Although at times the challenge has been great, he has remained committed to his vision of creating the healthiest community in Kansas”. Throughout, his time with the organization KC United! has given over 5,000 youth and parents with a higher level of community engagement. His partnerships with dietitians, local healthcare programs and various wrap around services, ensure that those who attend the organization’s summer camps receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day.
The Monarch Cement Company places immense value on their employees and their overall health. They have an onsite clinic for employees and dependents. The clinic offers basic labs, medications, and immunizations at no cost with over 86% using the clinic in one way or another. Monarch is a WorkWell Kansas worksite and in 2017, a primary focus became physical activity. Every employee received training on proper stretching, and the company has a designated walking path in the corporate office. Elizabeth Ablah who nominated the organization remarked, “Improvements have been made, and are continuing to be made, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of Monarch’s employees, families and their community for a long time to come.” Interest by employees in other physical activities, like pickleball, has spread over to the community; where the local recreation department is developing plans to put pickleball courts in the city park and even offered equipment to the local elementary school.
Honorable Mentions
Jody Hoener is the grant coordinator for the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas Grant Coordinator and serves as Bourbon County’s Economic Development Director. Under her leadership, she has taken her county to the tops of the charts in terms of making impactful change to improve the health and fitness of her friends and neighbors. She has made great strides working with worksites. “Jody’s work will contribute to improving the health for more than 1,800 people,” said Elizabeth Ablah who nominated Jody for the award “that is not even counting the residual effect it will have on families and the neighborhood at large.” Aside from working in her own community, as a WorkWell Kansas champion, she also takes times to support others across the state who are working on similar projects.
The city of Emporia has been hard at work making improvements to encourage more physical activity in their community. In March, they adopted an ordinance banning all tobacco and electronic cigarettes on playgrounds and at youth sporting events. Ongoing events welcomed by the city such as Dirty Kanza and Disc Golf, both internationally known and recognized, have resulted in large groups of community members who come to take part in one or both activities. In August, the city expressed support for the Safe Routes to Healthy Food Access resolution that will now offer biking and walking infrastructure to help people get safely to and from grocery stores and farmers markets in low access areas. “Their willingness to support, expand and advocate for public health can be a model for other communities across the state,” said Theresa Briggs of Healthier Lyon County who also nominated the city for the award.
“Congratulations, to these fine individuals and organizations and their support in being exceptional in their efforts to model, encourage, and promote fitness in Kansas,” said McField.
The Care To Share Benefit Auction is this Saturday, January 26th at 10am!
Come find some treasures, have some fun, and help our cause!!
Through volunteer efforts, Care To Share (“The Sharing Bucket”) provides support to those who are affected by cancer. We provide friendship through emotional & financial assistance to individuals who are cancer survivors.
Wonderful items have been donated for this benefit auction. Furniture, collectibles, jewelry, dolls, a big wheel push mower, books, a popcorn machine on wheels, slot cars, pool cues and so much more.
Please plan to come!! It’s a one day sale, located in the 4-H Building (2102 S. Huntington Blvd., Fort Scott) Everything will go quickly!
Lunch will be served: pulled pork, chips, drinks, and pies.
For more info, contact Lavetta Simmons at 620-224-8070
2019 Kansas Health Champion Awards Luncheon Set for Thursday
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Governor’s Council on Fitness will host an awards luncheon, honoring the 2019 Kansas Health Champions at the Bluemont Hotel (Hartford room) in Manhattan on Thursday, Jan. 24 at noon. This marks the seventh year of presenting the Kansas Health Champion awards.
Individuals invited to the awards luncheon include Governor Laura Kelly, KDHE Interim Secretary Lee Norman, M.D., Pastor Adrion Roberson of Kansas City, Kansas, Jody Hoener of Ft. Scott, Judy Works of Humboldt and Mayor Danny Giefer and City Manager Mark McAnarney of Emporia.
After presentation of awards the champions will share a brief presentation on their efforts in modeling, encouraging, and promoting fitness in Kansas.
WHO: KDHE, The Governor’s Council on Fitness and guests
WHAT: 2019 Kansas Health Champion Award luncheon at the Bluemont Hotel
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 24, Noon – 1:00p.m.
WHERE: Bluemont Hotel, 1212 Bluemont Ave, Manhattan, Hartford Rm (second floor)
It’s time to turn the table and stop asking your children or grandchildren for help with your tablet or smartphone. Learn how to navigate your device at a free event at Fort Scott Presbyterian Village.
Your children and grandchildren will be coming to you for assistance after this seminar! We’ll cover the basics, like sending emails, downloading attachments, sharing photos and searching Google. We’ll also address some advanced topics, like how to use maps and which apps to download to make your life easier.
“Senior Cyber Café – Navigating Smartphones and Tablets” will begin at 2:30 p.m. January 31 at Ft. Scott Village at 2401 S Horton St. The talk is part of Presbyterian Manor’s Just Ask series, a free, ongoing lifelong learning program featuring information from local, regional and national experts on topics of interest to older adults and their families.
Space is limited. RSVP by January 30 to Becky Kellum by calling 620-223-5550 or emailing [email protected].
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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village has served Bourbon County since 1994 with independent and assisted living. Learn more at FortScottPresbyterianVillage.org. Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with 18 locations in Missouri and Kansas. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
This building. at 6th and Horton, will be the new site of the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.
The Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, with a location currently behind the Bourbon County Courthouse, is moving.
More privacy for clients and more room for future health care collaborations are the reasons for the move said Bourbon County Commissioner Jeff Fischer, who is also a member of the SEKMCHD board.
The site chosen is the former Mercy Hospital facility at 6th and Horton.
“We needed more space to provide more services,” Fischer said.
“SEKMCHD began looking at updating their current facility that is a modular office building on the courthouse square two years ago,” said Fischer. “SEKMCHD considered the Bourbon County Court Annex, the decommissioned jail and other properties on the market two years ago. Late this summer the Cornerstone Bible Church offered their building to SEKMCHD which was purchased in December 2018.”
The SEKMCHD received a building permit on Jan. 17. They will meet as a board on Jan. 22 for further discussions of the project.
“We are aiming for an April 1 date to move,” Fischer said.
“Moving into a structure that is more than twice the size of their existing facility presents some interesting opportunities,” Fischer said. “There are ongoing discussions on how to leverage this space to improve access to healthcare and – or provide other services that complement the mission of county health departments. This may include leveraging the Craw-Kan Fiber Optic Network and support Tele-health studios available to the public.”
“At this point, a building permit has been granted to modify the western side of the building, replacing interior walls and providing the ability to secure the SEKMCHD space from the commons areas that include the waiting room and reception area,” Fischer said. “There are no definite plans on how to best utilize the eastern half.”
“The project consists of replacing and installing approximately 120 linear foot of insulated 2X4 framed walls on a structure that was built by Mercy in 1992 to provide health care services,” Fischer explained. “In addition, the installation of nine doors to create three new office spaces and two examination rooms. The framed walls shall be covered with approximately 240 ft., 50 boards of half-inch sheetrock.”
“The plumbing portion involves replacing sinks and moving an existing sink to facilitate access to the restroom from one of the exam rooms,” he said. “The plumber will also extend a gas line to the vicinity of the generator set placed outside adjacent to the electrical service entry.”
“The electrical portion involves installing wiring for outlets, switches, dedicated circuits for critical equipment,” Fischer said. “In addition, it involves the installation of communication wiring. The installation of a generator set and appropriate automatic transfer switches will also be furnished.”
The Bourbon County Health Department provides adult and childhood immunizations and physicals, pap exams, birth control, blood lead screening, hemoglobin and blood sugar screening, hearing screening, blood pressure checks, STD screening and treatment, disease investigations, emergency preparedness, and labs such as CBC, Chem Panel, TSH.
“The costs depends on which service they choose, but we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Kancare Insurance associated with Medicaid- Amerigroup, Etna, and United Healthcare,” said Alice Maffett, the nurse at the SEKMCHD in Bourbon County.
For more information, contact Alice Maffett, Nurse, Bourbon County,620-223-4464 , or Jeff Fischer, board member, 620.223.6633 or Chardel Hastings, Director SEKMCHD 411 North Washington ~ Iola, 620-365-2191.
Kenny Holt is retiring as President and CEO of Union State Bank, after 25 years.
Bryan Holt became the president and Chief Executive Officer of Union State Bank on Jan. 1, 2019.
“I’ll be the fifth generation of the Holt family to hold this position,” Bryan Holt said. “It is a great honor for me.”
Union State Bank has been family-owned and operated since 1901.
“My great-grandfather, L.E. “Emett” Holt began, then grand-dad Curtis Holt, then my dad, Kent Holt,” Kenny Holt said.
Kenny Holt held the president and CEO position from 1993 to December 31, 2018.
“We (he and his wife, Nancy) are slowing down and doing things we want to do,” Kenny Holt said.
Kenny will work in the transition period to mentor Bryan and Chad Holt, his younger son, who will be taking over some duties as well, he said.
Bryan Holt has been preparing for leadership through education and career experience.
He has an associates degree from Fort Scott Community College and a Bachelors in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Pittsburg State University Additionally, he completed the Graduate School of Banking in 2012.
“I have worked at the (Union State) bank twice now,” Bryan Holt said. “Part-time as a teller from 1990 – 1993. I returned to the bank in 2005 as the Business Development Officer and Information Security Officer, moving from McKinney, Texas. In a bank our size, all of the officers have been exposed to all parts of the business and that’s true of me.”
“My duties will be evolving to include overseeing overall operations of the bank, including strategic direction,” he said. “Of course, I’ll still be working in lending and business development, but learning this new role will become a large part of my daily activities.”
Technology has been changed the culture in America and the world, and the banking sector is no different.
“The rapid advance of technology will continue to disrupt the traditional banking model,” Bryan Holt said. “Our customers will rely less and less on coming into the branch, preferring to do business via mobile methods. We are working to balance the personalized service that we’ve been providing for nearly 120 years with the convenience of banking from your mobile device.”
“Technology has allowed us to do a lot of things,” Kenny Holt said.
A negative change in banking in the last 25 years is the “regulatory burden put on us,” Kenny Holt said. “The regulation doesn’t apply to us (small banks), but we still have to abide.”
USB stated purpose is to provide affordable, high-quality financial products and services that enhance the customers’ financial well-being and strengthen the communities they serve. The mission is to be the bank of choice in the communities served.
Union State Bank has two locations: on the Uniontown square and can be reached at 620-756-4305 and Fort Scott at 1009 S. Clark, 620-223-0066.
From left: Darrell Spencer, Army; Stephen Dean. Army; Myra Jowers. Air Force, all vets themselves will be shuttle drivers. Not pictured Carl Jowers.
The Fort Scott to Topeka VA shuttle service will have its inaugural run to the Topeka VA Medical Center on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Many thanks to Patricia Neeland, Social Worker at the Fort Scott VA Medical Clinic and local Veterans Stephen Dean, Carl Jowers, Myra Jowers and Darrell Spencer for working together to make the Fort Scott – Topeka VA shuttle service a reality.
There is no cost to the veteran to ride the shuttle.
The VA shuttle holds five passengers and riders must preregister for a seat. Seats on the shuttle are open to any area veteran on a first come, first served basis.
At this time, the shuttle is operating only on Tuesdays. As more drivers are cleared by the Topeka VA Medical Center, the shuttle service will expand service to other days.
The shuttle will depart from First Southern Baptist Church parking lot (on South Main Street, near Pizza Hut) at 6:15 am and will return to Fort Scott after the last rider has completed their appointment in Topeka.
The rider must be at the designated departure point by 6:10 am or risk losing their seat to a standby.
The shuttle does not accommodate wheelchairs or pets. Only certified service dogs are permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the shuttle. Oxygen concentrators are allowed.
Family members may not ride with the veteran on the shuttle. Those veterans who need a caregiver to accompany them must have a signed note from their doctor attesting that the veteran requires a caregiver to accompany them to and from their appointment.
To register for a shuttle seat, the veteran must
·Have an appointment at the Topeka VA Medical Center between 9 am and 1 pm for the day they schedule their shuttle seat.
·Call 785-925-0261 to schedule their seat. All seat reservations must be scheduled by 5 pm, the day prior to their appointment in Topeka.
Left to right: Carla Nemecek, Brody Nemecek, Clay Brillhart, Jillian Keller, Haydon Schaaf, John Emmerson earned Reserve National Champions at the National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO.
The Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team of Jillian Keller (Piqua), Brody Nemecek (Iola), Haydon Schaaf (Uniontown), and Clay Brillhart (Fort Scott) recently participated at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. By the narrow margin of only one point, these youth were named Reserve National Champions to a team from Texas. They were selected as the only team to represent Kansas 4-H because they were the State Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team in August, 2018. With 24 teams and 97 youth in the contest, this group had to work hard to receive national recognition.
In addition to being the second team overall, they were also 3rd in Reasons, 2nd in Sheep and 2nd in Goats. Individually results include: Brody Nemecek – 3rd in Swine and 8th Overall; Clay Brillhart – 4th in Hogs, 8th in Goats and 9th Overall; Jillian Keller – 2nd in Sheep and 2nd in Goats; Haydon Schaaf – 7th in Sheep and 8th in Reasons. The team continues to be coached by Carla Nemecek, Southwind District Director. John Emmerson, a former member of a Southwind team who participated at the National Western, served as Assistant Coach.
As a reward for their talents, the top two teams were awarded an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and at the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland, June 19 – June 3, 2019. The contests are only a small piece of the international trip that will include agriculture seminars and opportunities to enhance leadership skills through interaction with the citizens of the UK and Ireland. The trip is limited to only nine American teams each year, and this is the first time a combined Southwind District team will participate. In 2005, a Neosho County 4-H team – Ryan Page, Trent Page, Clem Neely and Bailey Shaw were able to participate in the Scotland contest.
Although exciting for Southwind 4-H members, this opportunity comes with a price tag of about $6500 per person to attend. Fundraising efforts will soon be underway to send these youth on an international trip of a lifetime. Should you be interested in investing in this unique 4-H opportunity, please contact the Southwind Extension District at 620.365.2242.
The Bourbon County Health Department provides adult and childhood immunizations and physicals, pap exams, birth control, blood lead screening, hemoglobin and blood sugar screening, hearing screening, blood pressure checks, STD screening and treatment, disease investigations, emergency preparedness, and labs such as CBC, Chem Panel, TSH.
