Do you work in Bourbon County? Do you live in Bourbon County? Either way or both, we want your thoughts about work and education. Our Chamber is assisting Bourbon County Regional Economic Inc on its workforce assessment. A few weeks ago, we asked for input from company leaders. Now, we want to know what employees and residents think. Even if you are not currently employed we want to know what you think. This survey only takes about five minutes and is completely confidential.
Thank you!
The Chamber is sending in
partnership with Bourbon County REDI
Greetings!
RE: Calling all young adults from 18 to 29 years of age – Your Response is Appreciated!
Young adults from the ages of 18 to 29 represent our future and we need your input on workforce, jobs and training opportunities. Did you know that your age groups (nationally) are the least likely to engage in a survey and yet YOUR input is the most important as we plan for the future.
The Chamber is supporting our economic development entity, Bourbon County Regional Economic Development, Inc, in gathering information on what you think about your jobs, your training and what you want as a future career. This is done with an on-line survey and only takes about FIVE MINUTES. Your thoughts are really important. Take the survey today!
Please pass this along to family, friends, employees, co-workers, and others. The more input we get, the better. Bourbon County REDI and the Chamber need your help to make sure we keep good jobs in the area.
Again, your input is very critical to ensuring REDI and the Chamber have a good view of the current and future employment needs. Please take the survey today.
*PLEASE NOTE that we would like all ages of residents to take the survey, but we would like to particularly get a good representation of the 18-29 age group. Your assistance is appreciated.
Thank you!
Halle Striler
Communications & Events Coordinator
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
IF YOU HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THE SURVEY,
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE
& PARTICIPATION!
Thank you to our Chamber Champions listed below.
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce | 231 E. Wall Street, Fort Scott, KS 66701
Teri Hulsey, 53, is the new Bourbon County Emergency Medical Services Director as of May 1, 2022.
She had previously worked 11 years at Mercy Hospital until the unit became Bourbon County EMS.
Hulsey and her husband Shannon have four children and nine grandchildren.
In her spare time she volunteers at Kansas Rock Recreation Park.
The following is with an interview with fortscott.biz:
Why did you pursue your career?
“I chose this career to give back to my community and for the opportunity to be an influence to others.”
What will your duties be in this new role?
“To be a leader for the EMS department, to oversee all employees and the responsibilities of those employees, scheduling, billing, and filling the void with shift coverage when needed. Also, hiring and maintaining full rostered staff.”
How many EMS personnel are there?
“There are nine full time and 10 part time employees.”
Teri Hulsey’s office is located at 405 Woodland Hills Blvd,
Fort Scott, KS. 66701 and can be reached at 620.644.7951.
EMS Agreement
Dave Bruner, the former director, was a part of the Fort Scott Fire Department, and was employed by the city.
“EMS is under the county governorship, with Susan Bancroft’s oversight,” Fort Scott City Manager Kelley Zellner said. Bancroft works for both the city and county as the financial director.
On May 1, 2022, the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County governments signed an agreement that the county will work with, and compensate the city, for dispatch services and an EMS truck operated by the Fort Scott Fire Department. The city agreed to continue maintenance of the EMS vehicles and allow Bourbon County EMS to fuel their EMS vehicles at the city’s fuel pump and then turn in a bill to the county for these services.
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Tema Gilion, is the new West Bourbon Elementary School Principal, Uniontown. She is replacing Vance Eden, who is the new USD 235 Superintendent.
West Bourbon Elementary School, Uniontown.
Gilion completed her administrative preparation program at Pittsburg State University.
She has experience in elementary, middle and high school teaching-1st and 3rd general education, 5th grade math, high school Spanish and English as a Second Language and a sub-director and teacher at a private bilingual school.
When not teaching she loves traveling, reading, gardening, and time with family.
Her hometown is Carthage, MO.
Why did you become an educator?
“I was privileged to have some amazing teachers in the Carthage school system who inspired me to become a teacher. I’ve always loved school and learning, so becoming an educator was a very natural path for me to follow.”
I enjoy seeing students learn and grow academically as well as in character. Inspiring students to be life-long learners is something for which I strive as an educator.
This is part of a series helping the public get to know the new school administrators in Bourbon County.
Tracy Smith, 64, was hired as the 2022-23 Uniontown Junior High/High School Principal.
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from Ottawa in 1979 and his Masters In School Administration in 1992 from Pittsburg State University for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
He was an Art Teacher/Coach at Louisburg (1979-82),
Art Teacher, Athletic Director, Coach at Maize (1982-85),
Assoc. Director of Development at Ottawa University (1985-87),
and previously served at Uniontown Schools-(1987-2015) at the K-12 Art/Coach (87-92,) JH/HS Principal (1992-2010)and West Bourbon Elementary School Principal (2010-15).
He has been married to Teresa for 34 years and has three adult children, all married, all graduates of UHS: Dain, Kaity, and Abbie.
“We have seven grandchildren plus #8 arriving in August from my son in California,” he said.
“Since my retirement seven years ago I have been actively involved in the United Methodist Church,” he said. “I am a local licensed pastor and currently serve three area churches: Bronson, Moran, and Mildred UMC’s.”
In his spare time he spends time with grandkids, woodworking, art projects, and officiating volleyball and is a track starter with the Kansas State High School Athletic Association.
His hometown is Richmond, Kansas.
Why did you become an educator?
“Art has always been a gift that I’ve had and it was/is something that was a natural fit. Teaching/showing/leading others has also been a gift. My career has been enjoyable and I’ve never been disappointed any day. I like and step up to the challenges each and every day in working with my team of teachers and our kids we are assigned to lead.”
Did someone inspire you?
“I come from a long line of teachers in my family. Grandfather French Booher was a principal in southeast Kansas. My Grandmother and Mother we’re both teachers. Teresa my wife, now retired, was a lifetime teacher and Kaity, my daughter is also this year returning to teaching (5th grade) at WBE.”
What is the best thing about being an educator?
“Making a difference with kids. That’s what it is all about. Period. Being part of a group of professional educators is a great inspiration for me. Watching them bring a kid from A to Z is exciting and a blessing to be associated with these teachers. Uniontown has always been a great place/school. Time after time, the Eagles prove success in college readiness, vocational success, and leadership skills when they leave us.”
What is a challenge?
“Change. Happens every day. Global, Society, Requirements from Fed, State…. For me to create a environment of success, top down, where all children can be safe, comfortable and hungry to learn and to succeed is my personal goal. I feel stepping back into the ‘U’ I have a little advantage, due to a long relationship with the parents in the past, and yet with my tenure, at some point grandparents….I’m old, I admit. We all need to work together, because bottom line, it’s about your kids, our future and our heritage of having one of the best school systems in Kansas. ‘Go Eagles’.”
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be presented by musician friends Ralph Carlson, Stephan Moses, and Carolyn Tucker. The program will feature a vocal/instrumental mixed bag of the gospel, spiritual, blues, roots music, and Latin-American light classical. Carlson on acoustic guitar, Moses on electric lead guitar, and Tucker on the keyboard have 191 combined years of playing music.
“All three of us began studying music in early grade school and have had a heart for sharing the gift of music in different venues for a long time,“ concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “We‘re happy to perform for the loyal folks who attend this seasonal weekly event. Bring a neighbor and come out and join your friends for a fun evening.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion on First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to The Loading Dock at Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
Agenda Bourbon County Commission Room 1stFloor, County Courthouse 210 S. National Avenue Fort Scott, KS 66701 Tuesdaysstarting at 9:00 Date: June 14, 2022 1stDistrict–Lynne OharahMinutes:Approved:_______________ 2ndDistrict–JimHarrisCorrected: _______________________ 3rdDistrict–Clifton BethAdjourned at: _______________ County Clerk–Ashley Shelton MEETING HELD IN THE COMMISSION ROOM Call to Order •Flag Salute •Approval of Minutes from previous meeting •Eric Bailey–Road & Bridge Report •AshleyShelton–Approval of Fireworks Permits •Ashley Shelton–KSA 25–2708 Preservation of Ballot and Election Records •Bill Martin–Jail Operations •Lynne Oharah–Executive Session KSA 75–4319(b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship •Justin Meeks–County Counselor Comment •Susan Bancroft–Chief FinancialOfficer Comment oSEK Multi–County Health Dept of BBCO Community Baby Shower oBBCO Bank Reconciliation for The Five Months ending May 31, 2022 o2023 Funding for Juvenile Detention Center oExecutive Session–KSA 75–4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy •Shane Walker–Chief Information Officer Comment •Public Comment •CommissionComment Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75–4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters ofindividualnonelected personnelto protect their privacy KSA 75–4319(b)(2) For consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney–client relationship KSA 75–4319(b)(3) To discussmatters relating toemployer–employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of thebody or agency KSA 75–4319(b)(4)To discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust, and individual proprietorships KSA 75–4319(b)(6) For the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property KSA 75–4319(b)(12) To discuss matters relating to security measures, if thediscussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.
Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.
Staying Motivated to Exercise
Over and over again we hear that one of the best contributing factors to aging successfully is to keep active. Regular exercise is found to help with our sleep, our mental state, brain function — not to mention keeping our physical body stronger longer that assists with better balance.
So why do we find it easy to forego that much needed daily activity? I find excuses on occasion myself – “I’m tired,” “I ache or just don’t feel well.” Most of the time my day just gets away from me.
As we age, we truly have those days where we don’t feel well enough to exert extra energy – and we need to heed those hints our bodies send us. However, more than likely it could be a lack of planning or a shortage of desire that keeps us from following through.
If daily physical activity is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves to keep doing the things we enjoy as we age, how do we stay motivated? Consider the following tips.
First, make daily exercise a priority and then find ways to fit it into your day. We are more likely to stay moving if we consistently make time for it. This time of year, we may plan to beat the heat with an early morning walk. Make it a habit to park a distance away when connecting for appointments or shopping, if you can handle the extra steps. Physical activity doesn’t all have to be done in one fell swoop. Break it up into smaller segments and different activities to better use a variety of your muscles.
Do activities you enjoy. It will make it more fun. Right now the garden is a busy site for some physical activity. With this rain, I’ve found areas where the weeds have been flourishing even when the sun doesn’t shine. Be creative and try something new. I’m interested in learning more about pickleball.
Make it a social activity. Whether it’s the family dog or a neighbor close by, research has proven we are more accountable with our physical activity when others are counting on us to move with them. This encouragement helps keep us going and provides emotional support.
Get back on track if there has been a break in your routine. Life happens. Well laid plans aren’t always able to be kept. Things like weather and injury or illness interfere. If it has been an extended break, it’s important to start slowly and gradually build back up to your previous level. The activity types may need to be altered. However, there are some great chair activities that can be done if recuperation is needed.
Set goals and keep track of your physical activity. Tracking can be a motivator. The tracking may begin to indicate where weaknesses might be in a plan. Sometimes we think we are getting more exercise than we really are. There are devices available that track steps and heart rates to help monitor exercise levels. When goals are reached reward yourself and set a new goal.
Research suggests building up to at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week that accelerates your breathing. We are also encouraged to spread our activity across a variety of exercises that promote endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.
Exercise should not hurt or make you feel really tired. You might feel some soreness, a little discomfort, or a bit weary, but you should not feel pain. Overall, being active will probably make you feel better and more productive.
For more information on physical activity, contact your Southwind Extension District office.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
There have been 40 identified cases in the US as of 6/8/22, but none have been reported in the 4-state area so far.
What is it?
Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. The Orthopoxvirus genus also includes variola virus (which causes smallpox), vaccinia virus (used in the smallpox vaccine), and cowpox virus.
Monkeypox was discovered in monkeys in 1958 and the first human case recorded was in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The natural reservoir of Monkeypox remains unknown. However, African rodents and monkeys may harbor the virus and infect people.
What are the signs and symptoms?
In humans, the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion. The main difference between symptoms of smallpox and monkeypox is that monkeypox causes lymph nodes to swell (lymphadenopathy) while smallpox does not. The incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkeypox is usually 7−14 days but can range from 5−21 days. Within 1 to 3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often beginning on the face then spreading to other parts of the body. Lesions progress through stages before falling off. The illness typically lasts for 2−4 weeks.
How does it spread?
Monkeypox spreads between people primarily through direct contact with infectious sores, scabs, or body fluids. It also can be spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. Monkeypox can also spread during intimate contact between people.
How can I prevent Monkeypox?
Avoid contact with animals that could harbor the virus (including animals that are sick or that have been found dead in areas where monkeypox occurs).
Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick animal.
Isolate infected patients from others who could be at risk for infection.
Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans. For example, washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
JYNNEOSTM (also known as Imvamune or Imvanex) is an attenuated live virus vaccine which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of monkeypox. On November 3, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend JYNNEOS pre-exposure prophylaxis as an alternative to ACAM2000 for certain persons at risk for exposure to orthopoxviruses.
What is the treatment?
Many individuals infected with monkeypox virus have a mild, self-limiting disease course in the absence of specific therapy. However, the prognosis for monkeypox depends on multiple factors such as previous vaccination status, initial health status, concurrent illnesses, and comorbidities among others. Currently there is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox virus infections. However, antivirals developed for use in patients with smallpox may prove beneficial.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 6). Monkeypox. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
