Christa Horn Program Director Bourbon County CASA 620-223-2407
Bourbon County CASA Urges Residents to Act Against Child Abuse
Fort Scott, KS– In preparation for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, Bourbon County CASA challenges residents of Southeast Kansas to stand against child abuse and take action to support children who have been abused or neglected.
At any given time, there are over 7,000 children in foster care in the state of Kansas. These children come into the child welfare system through no fault of their own.
“Children continue to come into care and we aim to meet that need,” said Christa Horn, Program Director, Bourbon County CASA. “Every child deserves the support of caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”
Throughout the year Bourbon County CASA is calling on members of the community to help our program serve more of Bourbon County’s most vulnerable children.
Without intervention, the odds are stacked against children in foster care. A child with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, however, spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average, compared to a child without a CASA volunteer. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their wellbeing and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.
“CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos,” said Horn. “A child may have multiple social workers, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future.”
Bourbon County CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA), a nationwide network of programs in nearly 1,000 communities. At the heart of the movement are nearly 87,000 highly trained volunteers who advocate for the best interests of more than 280,000 of America’s children who have been abused or neglected. In Bourbon County, there are 22 volunteer advocates fighting for the best interests of 75 children (annually) but many more children need the care and support of a CASA volunteer.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, contact Christa Horn at 620-2232407 or email [email protected]. New volunteer training begins April 1.
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
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
Pictured from left: Mammography Technicians Jennifer Dugan and Suzanne Quick. Together. they have 15 years experience and look forward to serving the women of Bourbon County and the surrounding area.
Women needing mammography services in Bourbon County and surrounding areas can once again schedule appointments for the procedure close to home. As part of the transition of services from Mercy Health System to the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, the hospital’s 3D Mammography equipment was donated to CHC/SEK. It remains in its original location and staffed by the experienced staff who have been responsible for the service for more than 15 years.
The equipment – considered the most advanced breast screening technology available – was funded when it was originally acquired through a gift from the Mercy Health Center Foundation.
“We all agreed that the women of southeast Kansas – regardless of their ability to pay – should have continued access to this service,” said CHC/SEK Chief Executive Officer Krista Postai. “In our discussions with staff and community members, we found that many women in the region had come to rely upon its availability.” As in the past, regardless of where a woman goes for primary care, she can make an appointment for a mammogram in Ft. Scott.
“We were surprised at how many women have used this service locally saving – for many of them – a trip to Kansas City or elsewhere,” Postai said. “That certainly speaks well for the quality of the program and staff.
“We will now be able to extend this resource further making it more accessible to low-income women through special programs and discounts based on ability to pay,” she said. “Every woman has the right to quality screening and thanks to Mercy, the Mercy Foundation and CHC/SEK that will continue.” Postai went on to add the Foundation has contributed funding toward covering the cost for those in Bourbon County who otherwise would not be able to afford it.
Among the benefits of 3D mammography are more accurate detection resulting in fewer call backs for additional tests. Because of the use of multiple angled images, 3D mammography may help detect cancers earlier than conventional 2D mammography and is especially effective with women with dense breast tissue. It also can help reduce anxiety from false alarms while also delivering a minimal amount of radiation.
Mammography Technicians Jennifer Dugan and Suzanne Quick, well-known to area women, will be managing the program and look forward to continuing to serve women throughout the area.
“We chose to become a part of CHC/SEK because we love their mission and the opportunity to continue serving patients in the community that we have grown to love, as well as reaching out to a whole new group of women,” said Jennifer Dugan.
“It was their obvious commitment to helping women that convinced us that we should continue this service,” said Postai, who described her first meeting with the two technicians as inspirational. “I have never met anyone more dedicated,” she said. “They were far more concerned about their patients than themselves after learning of the hospital’s closure.”
Despite CHC/SEK’s lack of experience with mammography, Postai was confident the two women would make it work. “We’ve all spent the last two months learning the legal, technical and practical aspects of offering this service,” she explained. “Our staff worked closely with the organizations that approve mammography and despite all the hurdles were able to get all approvals within a week of transitioning the equipment to CHC/SEK ownership.”
Finding qualified radiologists to read the mammograms was also a challenge since this equipment is usually located in a hospital or a physician-owned service.
“Fortunately, Alliance Radiology based in Kansas City had originally provided this service to Mercy Fort Scott when it was started and were willing to reconnect,” said Postai. The technicians were very familiar with Alliance and had confidence they would meet local needs.
“This was definitely a team effort and it would not have been possible otherwise,” said Postai adding that the community – and CHC/SEK – owe a thank you to Jennifer and Suzanne for putting their patients first.
On February 6, Connie Jackson, a local resident and former Mercy employee, became the first person to have her mammogram at CHC/SEK. “I was scheduled for a six month follow up after having been diagnosed originally with breast cancer in January 2016. The technicians were so caring and considerate and put me at ease,” she said, urging other women to schedule this live-saving test.
In order to schedule a mammogram, it is not necessary to have a local physician. Women may call 620-223-8040 to make an appointment and test results will be sent to the physician of their choosing. Mammograms can be scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with expanded hours on Wednesdays to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate work schedules. Additional benefits offered through CHC/SEK include the ability to offer mammography at a lower cost with increased access.
Like Mercy, CHC/SEK is a participant in the Kansas Early Detection Works program with free mammograms available to women between the ages of 45 and 64years who do not have health insurance and otherwise qualify.More information about the program can be found on the Kansas Department of Health website www.kdheks.gov/edw.
CHC/SEK also offers financial assistance and accepts all patients regardless of their ability to pay along with commercial insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. For additional information on CHC/SEK’s financial assistance program go to their website at www.chcsek.org or call 620-231-9873.
ABOUT CHC/SEK:
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas is a Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing quality health care to everyone regardless of income or insurance status.CHC/SEK is a patient-owned and operated organization serving more than 50,000 children and adults annually.CHC/SEK employs more than 400 professionals and support staff at 15 clinic sites in Bourbon, Crawford, Cherokee, Labette, Linn, Montgomery, and Allen counties and is governed by a 13- member Board of Directors which includes patients and community representatives.
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FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Carla Farmer, senior marketing advisor, 620-224-6500
Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living – 820 S. Horton St., 2pm-4pm
Residents and the public are invited the 3rd Tuesday of each month for Community Bingo at Country Place Senior Living, 820 S. Horton St.
19
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
19
City Commission Meeting – City Hall, 123 S. Main St., 6-7pm
20
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
20
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
20
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – Clinic Benefits & Services Explained at Presbyterian Village – 2401 S. Horton St., 3:30pm
President and CEO of the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Krista Postai, will be at the Presbyterian Village, located at 2401 S. Horton, Fort Scott, KS to present information about what CHC can do for the Presbyterian Village seniors, staff, family members, volunteers and the Fort Scott community, as a whole
(See flyer below)
20
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
21
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Fort Scott Lofts
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
21
Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
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Hedgehog.INK presents February Author of the Month Gerri Hilger, 16 S. Main St., 6pm
Meet & greet author Geri Hilger, former Fort Scott teacher and resident. Gerri’s book, “Our Duty” recalls Kansas WWII nurses and airmen. It is available for purchase in the store
There will be an author talk, Q&A, and booksigning. Light refreshments served (See flyer below)
22-23
Weekly Livestock Sale at Fort Scott Livestock Market. Starting at 10am on both Fridays & Saturdays
Fridays: Cows, Pairs, Big Bulls
Saturdays: Stocker & Feeder Cattle, followed by any cows & bulls that come in late Friday & Saturday. Cafe open both sale days. You don’t have to be a buyer, just to come watch the sale and visit the cafe!
22
4th Annual Prairie Troubadour – Liberty Theatre, 113 S. Main St., Friday: 7-10pm; Saturday: 8:30am-8:30pm
The Prairie Troubadour is a group of friends inspired by stalwarts of the Faith to live and share the Joy of Christ. This year’s topic: REASON FOR FAITH – Reflections on Particles and Paraclete. Join Dale Ahlquist, David Whalen, Stacy Trasancos, Kevin O’Brien and William Fahey to discuss the good life
Hedgehog.INK presents their February Featured Artist, weaver Barbara Ritter, 16 S. Main St., 3pm
Barbara’s artwork is on display at Hedgehog.INK during the month of February. She will give a presentation about her artwork and the techniques she uses (See flyer below)
26-27
Story Time – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
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Kiwanis Pancake Feed at Buck Run Community Center – 735 Scott Ave., 11am-6:30pm
T.O.P.S Meeting – Buck Run Community Center,
3-4pm
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Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
27
Breakfast Bingo at BRCC – 735 Scott Ave., 9-10am
Come drink some coffee and play some bingo at Buck Run. Staff will provide the bingo cards, the caller, and coffee. Prizes provided by the Fort Scott Recreation Commission
Call Buck Run at 620-223-0386 for more info
27
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Crawford St., 12-1pm
27
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 2-4pm
Join us in the library events room for a relaxing afternoon of coloring and conversation. Library provides coloring pages, pens and pencils, and snacks. Bring your own beverage of choice (no alcohol, please)
27
TAG (Teen Advisory Group) – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4-5pm
Exclusively for middle and high school students. We have meetings weekly, including a games & snack night, a community service project, a book club meeting, and a craft night each month
Make a difference in your community while having fun at TAG! Each meeting includes food, drinks, and a good time with your fellow teens. Bring your friends!
28
Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 8am. This week’s Chamber Coffee will be hosted by Adventures in Mission (at Hole In The Wall Liquor)
Zumba Classes at FSCC Ellis Fine Arts Center, 2108 S. Horton
Zumba classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday night from 5-6:15pm. $3 per class
Contact Kassie Fugate-Cate: 620-223-2700 for more info
28
Thursday Card Players – Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave., 6-9pm. Free weekly event to anyone that wants to play cards, drink coffee, eat snacks, and socialize
Save the Date:
– March 6 – Google Livestream: Give Your Website a Refresh
– March 7 – 4th Annual KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair
Click here for full events listing on our website.
Christopher Petty, M.S. Extension Agent Livestock Production and Forage Management, K-State Research and Extension Southwind Extension District, 210 S. National Fort Scott, KS 66701 (620) 223-3720 Work (620)224-6031 Cell [email protected]
During late winter, many cow herds begin the calving season. This is also the time that our feed resources may begin to become limited. Additionally, in southeast Kansas, we get the occasional severe winter storm. As our farmers and ranchers know, this winter has been particularly cold, muddy and icy. Do we really know if our hay and other feeds can accurately meet the nutritional needs of our cattle?
The best way to be sure that your hay and other feeds are adequate is to send a sample to a lab for testing. Your local extension office is a great place to go for help in this process. Your Southwind Extension District Offices can loan you a hay probe for use in testing hay bales. We can also help with sending samples to the lab and with explaining the lab results, once returned to you.
Just before a winter storm approaches and throughout severe weather, cattle should have the opportunity to eat your better quality feeds. This increase in nutrition will help them persist until the weather improves. After the bad weather passes, you can return to feeding your regular feeds. Testing is the best way to know which feeds are of higher quality.
Additionally, better quality feeds can be used for heifers. Generally speaking, young growing heifers need a higher plain of nutrition for growth and development. Older dry or open cows can be fed your average quality feeds.
For more information call me, Christopher Petty, at 620-223-3720, that’s 620-223-3720
Clara Ylander, from Sweden, left, stayed with Jim and Janice Fewins; Rachele Tarpinelli,right, from Italy, stayed with Jay and Sara Jackman last year and attended Uniontown High School.
Learning a foreign language,enjoying the advancement of educational and cultural opportunities, supporing volunteerism, enriching someone’s life while enriching your own, these are all the benefits of hosting an international student, according to Janice Rake, coordinator for Greenheart Exchange Program.
Greenheart Exchange Program students seeking host families for the next school year are beginning to apply now, Rake said.
“The students are happy to live in any type of family scenario: family with or without children, empty nesters, retired couple, single person…..it does not matter,” said Rake. “They are just excited to come to America and have the opportunity. Most want to come for the entire school year but some come for only one semester.”
Host families complete an application process which includes a home visit, references and background checks.
“My goal is always to find a good family/student match so it is a positive experience for all involved,” she said.
“The host family provides a bed and place to study, three meals a day and needed transportation as the students are not allowed to drive,” Rake said.
The students bring spending money for personal spending, shopping and entertainment. Greenheart Exchange secures the VISA, arranges the arrival and departures flights, provides health insurance and monitors throughout the year. The student agrees to follow the guidelines of the program. Greenheart requires each student to fulfill some volunteer or community service work and expects high academic and personal standards.
Rake checks in and monitors the students progress throughout the school year, she said.
Included below are several of the students that have applied so far.
Olga, 16, from Poland, is an “A” student, who will come the first semester, enjoys reading, scouting, volunteering with a children’s group, drama, art, sports, nature, and travel. She has a fear of dogs until she gets to know them. She loves philosophy. Olga attends church sometimes.
Hannes, 16, from Germany, is an “A” student. He loves camping and motocross. His favorite classes are math, physics and PE. He likes sports but also enjoys baking. He works in a local grocery. Hannes attends church sometimes.
Alexandra, 16, from Germany, loves music, sings in choir, plays piano, likes archery, Taikwondo, biking and reading. She has a “B” average. She has a mild allergy to fur but this does not restrict her. She has a cat. She is a bit shy but sweet, friendly and open-minded. She attends church sometimes.
Oliver, 15, from the Czech Republic, is a “B” student. He plays piano and enjoys running, movies and music. He attends church sometimes.
Rebecca, 16, from Switzerland, is a “B+” student. She volunteers with a children’s group, plays guitar, enjoys swimming, reading and cooking. Her favorite subjects are Latin, French, geography and math.
Nicolas, 15, from Spain, is a”B+” student. He enjoys writing, movies,video games, cooking, He loves dogs but is allergic to cats. He wants to study journalism and be a writer. His religion is Catholic and would attend church sometimes.
If interested in hosting or want more information, please contact Janice Rake, Greenheart Coordinator, [email protected] or call 620-473-0646. Information can be found at the website greenheartexchange.org.
Janice Rake is a former teacher and retired postmaster who returned to education when she retired and moved to Redfield.
She was a substitute teacher at Uniontown where she hosted a high school exchange student, Carol, from Brazil.
“I fell in love with Carol and the Greenheart student exchange program,” Rake said.
Since then she has hosted and placed 18 students at various area high schools.
“Every one has been a joy,” she said.
They have come from Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Albania, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
“The students have varied interests: sports, camping, scouts, art, photography, theater, writing, literature, robotics, music, cooking, travel, history, volunteerism, animal lovers,” she said. “They are mature, independent and enthusiastic about experiencing American school and culture and love sharing their culture. They offer diversity and expose our local students to a world outside their own.”
Rafaela Lima, from Brazil, stayed with Janice Rake last year and graduated from Lawrence High School.
10:00-11:00-Fence viewing between property owners Cox & Gander
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:30-2:15-Bill Martin-Contracts/Vehicle
2:15-3:30-Commissioner to leave and go to the Fort-Senator Moran
Justifications for Executive Session:
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
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
Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
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
Hannah Ballou purchased the salon on Uniontown’s square on December 28, 2018, and opened her new business, entitled HB Salon on Jan. 3 in that building.
“I went to Fort Scott Community College Cosmetology school, after graduation in May 2015, I started working at Mercy’s Diamonds in the Market Place,” Ballou said. Mercy Hospital closed in Dec. 2018.
“I built a pretty good clientele and they have followed me to Uniontown,” she said.
Hannah Ballou opened her new beauty salon on Jan. 3 in Uniontown.
“I grew up in Uniontown and went to school there and most of my clientele are from Uniontown way,” she said. “I live in LaHarpe, so it’s kind of ‘meet in the middle’.”
HB Salon is currently open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 620-756-4770.
Haircut costs are as follows: women’s dry cut, $18; women’s wash, cut and style, $25; men’s cuts are $13.
“I offer a variety of hair color and perms, which vary in price depending on the products.”
Hannah has deep roots in Bourbon County. She is married to Levi Ballou, her parents are Tim and Kerri Travis and her grandparents are Arlo and Ernie Eden.
This is the oldest member of the Emergency Medical Services transport vehicle. It is a 2001 model, which is housed at the Fort Scott Fire Department. A ceremony is planned to dedicate a new addition to the EMS fleet.
There will be a Mercy Health Foundation dedication ceremony to add to the local Emergency Medical Services transportation fleet, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the Timken Company, 4505 Campbell Drive.
Timken is located at 4505 Campbell Drive, in Fort Scott’s Industrial Park, just off Hwy. 69.
The community is invited to attend this special presentation and may contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-223-3566 or [email protected] with questions
or for more information.
The Timken Foundation, Canton, Ohio, donated $25,000 which helped purchase an EMS vehicle.
The purpose of the Timken Foundation is to support entities such as hospitals, recreational, educational, cultural, social, and other charitable institutions, according to information provided by Rachel Pruitt, City of Fort Scott Economic Development Director.
An EMS transport vehicle costs approximately $100,000, according to Mercy Foundation President Jared Leek.
Additional funds were raised by fundraising events and private donations.
The new transport ambulance will be owned by Bourbon County and managed by the City of Fort Scott, according to a link provided by Dave Bruner, City of Fort Scott.
A transport ambulance looks more like a van than a traditional ambulance but has better longevity, fuel economy, easier service and maintenance than a traditional ambulance but comes with all of the same equipment, according to the link.
On April 1, the operation of the local EMS will transition from Mercy Hospital to Bourbon County EMS. Mercy Hospital closed in December 2018.
” We currently have four ambulances staffed 24-7 during the period that the emergency room is closed,” Bruner said.
Currently, there are eight full time and 16 part-time employees in the EMS, according to Bruner.
This includes paramedics, who have two years of schooling and have advanced life support certification. There are also Emergency Medical Technicians, who have six months of school, then must pass national certification, EMT Clint Lawrence said.
“We have to have a minimum of two people for each vehicle on duty,” Lawrence said. “Right now we have four vehicles because each of our patients has to go out of town to another hospital.”
