Category Archives: Bourbon County
Hard choices in the heartland: Farmers Need to Manage Stress
Submitted by; Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District Director
For Release: Week of October 22, 2018
Unpredictable weather, falling net farm income, spotty health care services and a host of other factors can make for incredible stress on farms and in rural communities. Many of the factors causing sleepless nights are beyond an individual’s control, yet there are often ways to manage the stress, according to North Dakota State University family science specialist Sean Brotherson.
“People will power through even if they don’t feel well,” said Brotherson, speaking at a recent K-State Research and Extension workshop in Manhattan. “There’s a cost to that. You can’t put your health or relationships on the back end for long without consequences.”
The most important asset of any agricultural operation is the health and wellness of the farm operator, said Brotherson, who also presented a workshop on the same topic in Dodge City.
Farming and ranching ranks in the top 10 of the most stressful occupations. That stress can lead to depression, anger, health concerns, failed marriages, loss of friendships or relationships with family members, alcohol or substance abuse or worse.
“When we talk about farm safety, we often talk about accident prevention but we tend to neglect talk about mental and emotional health,” Brotherson said, adding that’s a mistake.
Despite the overall U.S. economy booming, the farm economy has been in a slump the past several years: “This great economic condition is not translating into a good farm economy. Many farmers are very good at what they do, yet some still find themselves in situations that they can’t control,” Brotherson said.
Net farm income, a broad measure of profits, is forecast to decrease $9.8 billion (13.0 percent) from 2017 to $65.7 billion in 2018, after increasing $13.9 billion (22.5 percent) in 2017, according to an August report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.
Net cash farm income is forecast to decrease $12.4 billion (12.0 percent) to $91.5 billion. In inflation-adjusted 2018 dollars, net farm income is forecast to decline $11.4 billion (14.8 percent) from 2017 after increasing $13.0 billion (20.3 percent) in 2017.
If realized, inflation-adjusted net farm income would be just slightly above its level in 2016, which was its lowest level since 2002.
The situation is taking a toll, Brotherson said. Some feel extra pressure because their farm has been in the family for generations and they don’t want to be the one to lose it.
“Stress signals are like the warning lights blinking on your truck’s dashboard,” Brotherson said. “We often want to ignore them but at some point there is a price to pay – a heart attack, broken relationships, depression or worse. You maintain your car to keep it running properly. You have to maintain your health, too.”
Coping strategies include things that help you unwind, include exercise, getting enough sleep, hobbies, or reaching out to someone for support or help – a friend, a counselor, or a loved one.
K-State Research and Extension has teamed with NDSU’s Brotherson to share resources linked to farm stress management including a tip sheet. In addition, K-State programs such as the Farm Analyst program, Kansas Agricultural Mediation Service and Kansas Farm Management Association are available to work with rural enterprises.
Contact the Southwind Extension District at 620-365-2242 for more information. Your health matters too us.
Carla Nemecek
Southwind Extension District
Director & Agent
[email protected]
620-365-2242
1 North Washington, Iola, KS 66749
Introducing the Candidates: Adam Lusker
This is part of a series introducing the candidates in the November 6 election
State Representative, 2nd District (vote for one)
Adam J. Lusker Sr. 452 S. 210th St. Frontenac 66763 Democratic
Kenneth Collins 102 E. 1st Street Mulberry 66756 Republican
Name: Adam J. Lusker Sr.
Age: 46
Position running for: 2nd District Kansas State Representative
Residence: Frontenac, KS
Occupation: Mason
Community involvement:
Member of the following: American Legion Post 43, Frontenac Rotary, Frontenac Unified Methodist Church, Sacred Heart Church, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge 187, Mirza Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite, Former Member of Frontenac Education Foundation and USD 249 School Board, 25-year business owner
Party affiliation: Democrat
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
- Maintaining a consistent revenue source, to ensure our budget is balanced and meets the needs of our community.
Give your views on the sales tax.
- Sales taxes are regressive taxes. Higher sales taxes affect people’s buying power in a negative way, especially our lower and fixed-income citizens. Therefore, food sales tax impacts these same folks adversely. Our sales tax also puts border counties like ours at a disadvantage economically in regard to retail sales, food, mercantile, equipment, etc, with our neighboring state. I think we should work to reduce food sales tax, as well as sales tax in general as other sources of revenue, are realized.
Give your views on legalizing marijuana.
- I do not believe Kansas is ready for legalizing marijuana. Several states are still continuing to deal with legal marijuana. We were a test site for a very costly tax plan; I think we should let other states be the petri dish on this experiment.
Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid.
- We should continue to find ways to reduce health care costs, increase access to medicine and promote wellness in our state. Regardless of anyone’s opinion of the Affordable Care Act, it is law and Kansas has to take advantage of all we can to keep our hospitals open. Kansas taxpayers have sent over $3 billion of our money to other states to expand Medicaid. The numbers show that expanding Medicaid would have a positive impact on our healthcare systems and our communities.
Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood.
- I have a pro-life voting record and will continue. I think we should continue to invest in adoption and education to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda Oct. 23
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: October 23rd, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-10:30-Terry Sercer-Audit letter and 2018 budget balances
10:15-Budget Discussions
10:30-10:45-Bill Martin-Executive Session
10:45-Discussion about Fencing
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of non-elected personnel-30 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
2:30-2:40-Future of Bourbon County Health Care Updates
Updates of Meetings
2:45-3:15-NRP
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
Introducing The Candidates: Jake LaTurner
This is part of a series featuring candidates for the November 6 election.
State Treasurer (vote for one)
Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican
Name: Jake LaTurner
Age: 30
Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer
Place of residence: Topeka, Kansas
Current occupation: Kansas State Treasurer
Community involvement: Various church and community-related activities.
Party affiliation: Republican
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it:
Having served as State Treasurer for the last year and a half, I am proud to say that we improved the services offered to all Kansans while saving the taxpayer’s money.
I have taken the time to analyze agency operations, allowing us to find innovative solutions, efficiencies, and streamline processes.
For example, this last fiscal year we set a record for the most unclaimed property returned to Kansans’ in a single year by more than 12%. We have put over $37 million back into the pockets of Kansans.
Our Learning Quest 529 Education Savings Accounts were ranked Top 5 in the nation by Forbes.
We also launched the ABLE savings program for individuals living with a disability and enhanced it with legislation.
Additionally, we launched a brand new, user and mobile friendly website that improves the claims process and allows for direct deposit.
All of these things have been accomplished while decreasing the square footage of the office and reducing the budget.
I list these things because not only am I running for State Treasurer, but I have a proven record of success in the office. If elected to a full-year term, I will continue to look for ways of providing a better service at the best possible cost.
Give your views on food sales-tax:
Prior to becoming State Treasurer, I was honored to represent Fort Scott in the Kanas Senate. While in the legislature, I repeatedly voted to remove and/or reduce the sales tax on food.
Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
While in the legislature, I voted against the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid:
Access to quality healthcare is a critical issue to Kansans, especially in our rural areas. Costs continue to increase and many Kansans are struggling to pay their bills. This is something families across our state grapple with daily, specifically, my heart goes out to the Ft. Scott community as they cope with their recent decrease in healthcare access. I believe we can find Kansas based solutions that increase access and affordability.
Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I am pro-life and have a 100% pro-life voting record with Kansans for Life. My wife Suzanne and I are proud members of the pro-life generation because we believe women and their unborn children deserve better than abortion.
The vast majority of Kansans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars going to subsidize abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. My voting record on this issue is clear.
Candidates Forum October 22
CANDIDATES’ FORUM – GENERAL ELECTION
Monday, October 22, 2018
Ellis Fine Arts Center on the Campus of FSCC
Doors Open 5:30 p.m., Forum Begins 6:00 p.m.
FORT SCOTT – The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Candidates’ Forum for the 2018 General Election will be held Monday, October 22nd at the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the campus of FSCC, 2108 S. Horton. The doors will open at 5:30 pm and the forum will begin at 6 pm. Attendees are invited to arrive early to meet and greet the candidates.
Races that have been invited to the forum include Governor/Lt. Governor, U.S. House of Representatives District 2, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, Commissioner of Insurance, Kansas Senate District 13, Kansas House of Representatives Districts 2 and 4, State Board of Education District, Bourbon County Commissioner District 1, Bourbon County Attorney, and Bourbon County Treasurer.
The general public may submit questions to the Chamber prior to the event by submitting them via email to [email protected] or dropping them off at the Chamber, 231 E. Wall Street, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 22nd. There will also be information presented at the forum on the “Liquor by the Drink” local issue that will be on the ballot for Bourbon County.
The forum will run in the hierarchy of offices from the federal, state, then local level. Candidates will have the opportunity to make a one-minute opening statement and two-minute closing statement. Three questions will be asked of each candidate, with each candidate being allowed one minute to respond. Individuals representing candidates, not in attendance will be given an opportunity to make up to a three-minute statement.
For more information please contact the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566.
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Oct. 18
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Regular meetings are Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: October 18th, 2018
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
10:00-10:30-Jacqie Spradling
10:45-11:00-Christi Keating-Mercy EMS and Mercy closing
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-30 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of non-elected personnel-30 min.
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
1:30-2:00-Joe and Barbara Peine-Memorial for Harold Coleman
2:00-2:15-Bill Martin-purchase of fence
2:15-2:25-Future of Bourbon County Health Care Update
2:25-2:40-Executive Session-Preliminary discussion relating to the acquisition of real property
2:40-3:00-Executive Session-Data relating to the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorship
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
Introducing the Candidates: Trevor Jacob
This is part of a series featuring candidates in the Nov. 6 election.
State Representatives, 4th District (vote for one)
Lawrence Forbach 305 Dement Street Mound City 66056 Democratic
Trevor Jacobs 1927 Locust Rd Fort Scott 66701 Republican
Name: Trevor Jacobs
Age: 42
Candidate for the position of 4th District Kansas House of Representatives
Place of residence: Fort Scott Ks
Current occupation: BNSF Railway
Community involvement:
Preach on KMDO 1600 AM, KOMB 103.9 FM, Sunday mornings, for the radio broadcast Jesus Saves Ministries, preach at Linn County, Mound City Jail, Fort Scott Country Place, Fort Scott Guest Home Estates, Fort Scott Medical Lodge, and have a Bible outreach program, with Jesus Saves Ministries.
Party affiliation: Republican
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
To stand for our God-given rights of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” I stand to protect our constitutional freedoms. To stand for true American and Kansas traditional values that have made this nation and state great. I stand for the life of the preborn and the protection of the elderly. I stand unashamedly for Biblical morality. I stand for our God-given right to protect ourselves, our families, and our property from government intrusion.
2) Give your views on food sales tax:
I oppose sales tax on food. I voted every time to abolish the sales tax on food. This issue had been introduced and debated multiple times, in the Kansas House Chamber and was voted down everytime by the liberal fringes of both parties. If it wasn’t for partisan politics this issue would have already been resolved.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I oppose legalizing marijuana.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
This is a very important topic and issue and when considering the future of our healthcare system, the state has put itself in obligation to provide a safety net of healthcare to the elderly, disabled, and the poor. This program is taxpayer funded. It is extremely important to maintain the mindset that there must be serious checks and balances and a degree of accountability with the healthcare programs. Healthcare is not about the quantity of recipients on a particular plan, but of the quality of healthcare that the recipients are receiving.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I oppose the murder of children in the womb and I strongly believe it is contrary to the traditional values of the Founding Fathers and documents of this nation. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” God has formed and created every person for a purpose and a plan.
As for Planned Parenthood, I believe they do not deserve any taxpayer money…given the chance, I would vote to defund Planned Parenthood.
Enjoy The Music at Pioneer Harvest Fiesta: No Friday Night Concert
There will be no Friday night show this week due to the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta activities, according to Ralph Carlson, coordinator for the Friday night concert.
The public is encouraged to visit Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, located at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds on South Horton Streets on Saturday and Sunday where musicians will be entertaining the attendees.
There will be music in the entertainment tent at the festival, starting at 10 am Saturday, Carlson said.
The following is the list of music events.
Saturday
10 am Mike Lundeen on the keyboard. Old time music
11:45 am Sekanaires Quartet
1 pm Leta and Mike Miller
2 pm to 4, open mike with walk-ons welcome.
Sunday
9 am Rev Paul Rooks- Grace Baptist Church worship service
10:15 am Fuss and Feathers with Don and Mim Carlson and Ralph Carlson
walkons welcome and open Jam.
2 pm Marilyn Adcock
3 pm Open Mike jam with Fuss and Feathers
Introducing the Candidates: Jeff Caldwell
This is a part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.
Governor/Lt. Governor (vote for one)
Kris Kobach/ Wink Hartman P.O. Box 1993 Topeka 66601 Republican
Laura Kelly/Lynn Rogers P.O. Box 2098 Topeka 66601 Democratic
Jeff Caldwell/ Mary Gerlt 4900 W 108th St, Apt. 1202 Leawood 66211 Libertarian
Rick Kloos/Nathaniel Kloos 5339 SW 22nd Pl. Topeka 66614 Independent
Greg Orman/John Doll 18001 W 106th St Olathe 66061 Independent
Name:Jeff Caldwell
Age: 32
Candidate for the position of Governor of Kansas
Place of residence: Leawood, Kansas
Current occupation: Sales
Community involvement: Volunteer for Harvesters, Food Banks, and Food Pantries
Party affiliation: Libertarian
1) What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it?
The Kansas government spends way too much money and is $3.2 billion in debt. It’s time for Kansas to stop borrowing money from different agencies and stealing from KPERS. I will work with the legislators to responsibly cut government spending, abolish unnecessary agencies like the Board of Cosmetology, and eliminate overburdensome regulations and red tape. I will also look at returning state responsibilities back to local city governments and find ways to have nonprofit organizations take over some services provided by the state.
2)Give your views on food sales tax:
Kansas is one of only seven states in the entire United States that taxes food without a reduced rate or no rate at all. Kansas has one of the highest tax rates on food in the entire United States. Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado have a reduced tax rate on food. Oregon and Montana have no tax on food. Having some of the highest sales tax on food in the nation is a burden on everyone. My platform includes abolishing the tax on food and water, lowering private property taxes, and abolishing the income tax for the service industry.
3) Give your views on legalizing marijuana:
I am the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to fully legalize cannabis. I am also the only Kansas Gubernatorial candidate running to pardon all nonviolent cannabis offenses. Earlier this year, Kansas passed a $525 million school funding increase. The politicians in Topeka have not told us how they are going to pay for it or how they are going to improve our economic outlook. The unemployment rate in Kansas has been stuck at 3.4% for over 6 months; however, the Kansas legislators are telling us an improving economy will cover the funding. I want to use funds from full legalization of medical and recreational cannabis, hemp, and sports betting to cover the cost.
4) Give your views on health care for our state, including Medicaid:
I am running to keep Medicaid at current levels while cutting government regulations to allow free market solutions to health care [not privatization like Brownback, which created government granted monopolies]. This means more direct primary care doctors, ushering in coverage from insurance companies out of state, allowing more nonprofit organizations to enter health care, and allowing for importation of medicine from other countries. Having more doctors who do not require health insurance allows for there to be more doctors able to perform tasks without charge and have more flexible payments for people who cannot afford treatment. This offsets costs from catastrophic injuries and sickness. If we can cut enough government spending, and Medicaid expansion passes the house and senate, I will sign the bill for expansion. I will work to ensure expansion does not create more red tape and operates closer to a free market than having corporate or government monopolies on health care.
5) Give views on abortion and Planned Parenthood:
I would like to keep abortion laws the same as they are. To stop polarizing politics, I support allowing Kansans to choose where their tax dollars are spent. If a citizen does not want their tax dollars to go to Planned Parenthood, they should not be forced to fund Planned Parenthood. Furthermore, if a citizen believes in funding Planned Parenthood, they should be allowed to direct their tax dollars to Planned Parenthood.
Introducing the Candidates: Marci Francisco
This is part of a series of candidates for the November 6 election.
State Treasurer (vote for one)
Marci Francisco 1101 Ohio Lawrence 66044 Democratic
Jake LaTurner P.O. Box 67177 Topeka 66667 Republican
Name: Marci Francisco
Age: 68
Candidate for the position of Kansas State Treasurer
Place of residence: Lawrence, KS
Current occupation:
- Kansas State Senator, 2nd District
- Small business owner – My husband, Joe Bickford, and I renovate distressed properties to create quality affordable housing
Community involvement: As a member of the Lawrence City Commission from 1979-1983 and two-term Mayor from 1981-1983, I led efforts to protect the city’s vibrant downtown, revitalize existing neighborhoods, plan for new development, and start the city’s recycling program. I have remained involved in my community and state, serving as a member of my neighborhood association, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County and of Kansas, the Kansas Grassroots Arts Association, the Lawrence Preservation Alliance, the Kansas Preservation Alliance, the University of Kansas Student Housing Association, Depot Redux, as a member of the Lawrence Advisory Board of Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc., and as the Chair of my congregation’s Endowment Committee.
Party affiliation: Kansas Democratic Party
What is the biggest issue, if elected, and how do you plan to address it: The State Treasurer must ensure that all programs overseen by the office are managed responsibly. I do believe that it will be vital for legislators and the public to have an accurate picture of the state’s finances so we can plan appropriately to dig ourselves out of the fiscal hole created by the failed Brownback/Kobach tax experiment. Towards that end, all reports generated by the office must be made publicly available along with information about contracts and personnel expenditures made by the state. The legislature and the public need to have a good understanding of the state’s financial health and be able to address any concerns regarding inappropriate expenditures.
I am also concerned about reports indicating the state’s Learning Quest program, overseen by the State Treasurer, is among one of the poorest performings in the nation. Although the state should be encouraging families to save for post-high-school education, I would examine opportunities to restructure and rebid the program before advertising it more widely. One of my goals as Treasurer would be to increase the interest earned by its investments and its productivity for participants. I also will explore alternative opportunities to provide every child in Kansas an education savings account.
Give your views on food sales-tax: The sales tax on food is regressive, and as a Kansas State Senator, I have voted for amendments to reduce it. As Treasurer, however, I will only have an advisory role. With that in mind, I would advise the legislature to consider the impact on municipalities, alternative income possibilities such as a tax on internet sales, and an intermediate step to restore refundability to the food-tax sales rebate program to provide financial help for at-risk, low-income Kansans.
Give your views on legalizing marijuana: As a State Senator, I have supported the availability of medical marijuana for individuals whose medical conditions warrant such treatment.
Give your views on healthcare – including Medicaid: Healthful habits and healthcare are both important in maintaining and active and engaged population. As a State Senator I have voted to expand Medicaid; doing so would increase opportunities for insurance coverage, provide needed support for our hospitals, and create more jobs in healthcare. As Treasurer, I would publish information about the costs and the benefits of expanding the program in our state.
Give your views on abortion and Planned Parenthood: Federal law entitles women to direct their own healthcare in consultation with their physician. The public should be aware that no tax dollars are being used in Kansas to perform abortions. Planned Parenthood is one of many organizations that run clinics in our state to provide needed healthcare services for men and women; their services include reproductive health care for women and couples who are hoping to start a family.
Bourbon County Commission Meets Thursday This Week
Bourbon County Commissioners are attending a meeting and won’t meet until Thursday, October 18.
Submitted by Whitney Ball, Bourbon County Clerk