Category Archives: Bourbon County

Bourbon County

Bo Co Coalition Minutes of June 1

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Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition

General Membership Meeting Minutes

 

June 1, 2022

 

 

  1. Welcome:  Eleven members representing nine agencies attended.  Billie Jo noted the following greetings from those unable to attend in person:
  • Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, has openings for the new grant year for families with children prenatal through age 6.
  • Christine Abbott, Youth Career Advisor for SEKWorks, will be working in Independence on Wednesdays while they hire and orient a new Career Advisor for that area.
  • Sandra Haggard, RSVP, did not have anything new to report but was unable to attend due to the weather.
  • Jackie Sellers, Senior Citizens, reported that she has Farmers’ Market vouchers available for those who qualify. She also wanted members to be aware that the transportation service will run until 9:00 p.m. during Good ‘Ol Days.  Due to the rise in cost for gasoline, taxi prices have been increased to $6.00; senior citizens and low income price is $5.00.

 

  1. Member Introductions and Announcements:
  • Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, reviewed all the services that are available through his program. He also noted that the fan distribution funded by Evergy and managed by Salvation Army is now in progress.
  • Holly Fritter, SEK Multi-County Health Department, reminded members of the Community Baby Shower to be held at Buck Run Community Center, June 23, from 10a.m. until noon.
  • Shelly Kelley, SEK Mental Health, was welcomed as a first-time attendee.
  • Lisa and Erin Thurston, Bourbon County Angels, also first-time attendees, gave a quick synopsis of their services. They are located at 111 West Third Street.  Agency hours are 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.  They can be reached through the Facebook page or 620-644-8291.  They would welcome volunteers.
  • Lisa Robertson, CHC COPE (Community Organization to Promote Equity), noted that CHC is looking for drivers for their transportation program.
  • Patty Simpson shared that all 190 units in the Fort Scott Housing Authority are currently full; she does maintain waiting lists.
  • Elizabeth Schafer, CASA, noted they are still in need of volunteers.

 

 

  1. Program: April Jackson: Narcan Training.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, April was not able to attend; we will plan this program for a later date.

 

 

  1. Open Forum:
  • Billie Jo announced that the Community Christian Church will serve the Monday Feeding Families meals beginning June 6 and serve through August 29. There will, however, be no meal served on July 4.
  • Billie Jo also shared that the Coalition Board had approved 27 family passes to the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
  • Elizabeth and Billie Jo informed members that the Next Steps program has been dissolved due to Covid and the lack of participants willing to commit to the class requirements.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Next General Membership meeting will be August 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Bourbon County, Exercise, Fort Scott

Walk The Yellow Brick Road: Story Stroll On Main Street

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Fort Scott Public Library, 2nd Street and National Avenue.
The Fort Scott Public Library staff have created a new program, and  will begin registering participants for it today.
The following describes the program and invites readers to sign up.
Submitted by Valetta Cannon
Youth Librarian & Assistant Director
Fort Scott Public Library
WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!
Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to walk the Yellow Brick Road with us! Introducing a walking contest for all ages & fitness levels.
• Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone
• Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
• Earn a free pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up (while supplies last)
• Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may earn coupons or gift cards from local businesses
• Reception & book club meeting after the contest ends for all participants
• A Story Stroll along Main Street, with story panels in the shop windows will provide extra motivation to walk & read
The contest begins June 15! Open to everyone & free. If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected].
Bronson residents can sign up at Bronson Public Library and receive their t-shirt & pedometer there. Hedgehog.INK! will also provide registration forms.
Sponsors include Hare & Crow Barbershop & Mercantile and After Affect Salon. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.
This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System.
Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for May 31

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Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: May 31, 2022
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jim Harris Corrected: _______________________
3rd District-Clifton Beth Adjourned 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
• Deb Needleman – Bourbon County Senior Citizens Budget Review
• Justin Meeks – County Counselor Comment
• Susan Bancroft – Chief Financial Officer Comment
o Executive 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
• Commission Comment
Justifications for Executive Session: KSA 75-4319(b)(1) To discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to 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 discuss matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body 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 the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize such security measures.

Agenda Request-K9 Retire Davidson

Add Funding Request BB Cty Commissioners Ltr

Purchase Agreement for Retired (Law Enforcement) K9

Bourbon County, Government

The Bourbon County Commission Minutes of May 17

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May 17, 2022 Tuesday 9:00 am
The Bourbon County Commission met in open session with all three Commissioners and the Deputy County Clerk present.

Anne Dare, Clint Walker, Matt Crystal, Bill Martin, and Robert Harrington were also present for some or all of the meeting.
Clifton made a motion to approve the previous meetings minutes. Lynne seconded.

All approved.

Jennifer Hawkins, Public Works Department, presented two culvert permits. One is for Travis Schilling at 895 209th Terr. The other is for Joshua Sharp on 255th North of Osage Rd. Lynne made a motion to approve the new permits for Travis Schilling and
Joshua Sharp. Clifton seconded. All approved.

Will Wallis, Emergency Preparedness, presented the Hazard Mitigation Plan that was approved back in 2019. This is a new one and the next one will be in 2026. If we were to have a disaster hit the county and FEMA brought in mitigation money then we
would qualify for it. This agreement does that. Clifton made a motion for Chairman
Harris to sign the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to amend the agenda to add SEK Mental Health before County Counselor comment. Lynne seconded. All approved. Nathan Fawson, CEO, SEK Mental Health along with Dr. Wright, Chief Operating Office, presented budget request for continued services in the amount of $91,800.00 no levy support.

This money goes for those who are unable to pay. The types of services we provide are Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance Abuse. Mr. Fawson gave some history of the decline in mental health services and funds back in the 1990’s and a return to these
services with possible expansions and access which allows us to be more responsive to immediate needs. Dr. Wright stated that in rural Kansas we always kind of come in last place when the state’s voting on how to fund things. Dr. Fawson stated that currently people have a wait time of 3 days to get into a facility. Crisis intervention
center could help lessen that burden. We’ve been exploring possibilities in that area.

Dr. Wright stated they’ve had requests for therapist in the schools and the college in this community.

Justin Meeks, County Counselor, stated the title company has raised their rates from $85.00 to $110.00 per parcel. Wanted to make you aware before Commissioner Harris signs the agreement.

Susan Bancroft presented a financial report including a 5 year look-back of sales tax and then whatever the current year versus previous year to show if we are over or under we’ve brought in for sales tax. We are looking pretty good as we are up $103,000.00 as of the end of April. Alcohol is another one that we are starting to see
some money coming through on those funds assuming that is with the new addition at the south end of town. Other major sources of revenue include culvert sales, landfill receipts, chemical sales, sewer district, EMS and the medical building so we can track month by month so we can see if we are hitting the target that we need to. I am
concerned with EMS and what we brought in last year. I’m going to reach out to OMNI and see if we can get some reporting from them. Susan stated that we had an audit last week. There were a few concerns that Terri will discuss later. No big surprises
which was encouraging. We knew there would be a few violations. Clifton made amotion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy regarding contracts and job performance for 20 minutes including three commissioners, Susan Bancroft, Justin
Meeks, and Shane Walker returning at 9:48am.

Clifton made a motion to return to normal session with no action at 9:48am. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion for an executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual personnel to protect their privacy including three commissioners for minutes returning at 9:59am. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session
at 9:59am with action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Clifton made a motion to allow Chairman Harris to sign contracts for  CIO and Public Works Director. Lynne
seconded. All approved.

The other contract is to go out for a replacement at the
hospital.

CIO Comment: No Comment

Public Comment: Clint Walker stated that our #1 concern in this area is housing. The thing I’m bringing up to the commissioners today is they are giving money to developers in a community our size to develop apartments and we need to keep track of that and make sure they are aware. Hopefully that will encourage developers in
our area. That is state dollars not federal. There was discussion that the county did the NRP program to help those building or expanding.

Commission Comment: Clifton stated that he received the feasibility study this morning at 7:15am. He received paper form only. We will receive an electronic version eventually. Clifton asked Justin to weigh in on whether the information
should be released to public at this time. Clifton is concerned that there is some proprietary information in the report and shouldn’t be released at this time. Anne Dare asked about getting a copy. Clifton stated we charge 35 cents per page. He said we would eventually have an electronic copy at a later date. Anne asked if she could
make an appointment to come and review the report at the courthouse, not leaving the premises with it. Clifton stated that a potential evaluation of PPS or REH legislation that will be January 2023 we are not part of that legislation currently. We
would have to file an exception to be part of that. We as a county do not apply for that. The operator would have to do that. Anne Dare asked what the next step is now that we have the feasibility report. Clifton stated that now Noble Health is gone we are actively looking for partners to operate the facility. Clifton stated his personal opinion is that we should not be building owners and we have no business running a hospital. Justin stated that he glanced through the hospital feasibility report and there is proprietary information that needs to be removed before it is viewed by the public. Justin will review over the next two weeks and get back with
the Clerk’s office and let them know which parts should be removed.

Clifton made a motion for executive session KSA 75-4319(b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy for job performance including three commissioners and Justin Meeks for 10 minutes returning
at 10:38am. Lynne seconded. All approved. Clifton made a motion to return to normal session at 10:38am with no action. Lynne seconded. All approved.

Anne Dare asked if she could come review the feasibility study and review it in the commission room. They approved.

Jim congratulated USD 234 on hiring a superintendent. Excellent choice. Jim also stated the meeting next Tuesday, May 24th will be held at Garland Community Center at 6:00pm.

At 10:39am Lynne made a motion to adjourn meeting. Clifton seconded. All
approved.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF BOURBON COUNTY, KANSAS
(ss) Jim Harris, Chairman
(ss) Lynne Oharah, Commissioner
(ss) Clifton Beth, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Ashley Shelton, Bourbon County Clerk
May 24, 2022, Approved Date

Bourbon County, Entertainment

Fishing and Entertainment At Uniontown This Weekend

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A pond hopping bass tournament will start at 6 a.m. this Saturday, May 28 at Union Station Convenience Store on Hwy. 3 just west of Uniontown. There will also be a beer garden, food and live music throughout that day.

The event is a fundraiser to supply Christmas presents for children in Bourbon County in honor of a local service man.

Butch Hall. Submitted photo.

Butch Hall was a 2000 graduate of Uniontown High School who was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2004.

“Butch loved fishing and this is a way for his friends and family to honor him this Memorial Day weekend,” said event organizer Sara Roufs.

“All money made from this event will go to purchase Christmas gifts for local kids in need through the Bourbon County Angels, all in Butch’s honor,” Roufs said.

Registration will be at 6 a.m. at Union Station, with weigh-in at 3 p.m.

The entry fee is $20 person, with a limit of three people per team. There is a 50 percent payback, and a $5 big bass pot.

Fish must be alive at weigh-in.

“Union Station is the main sponsor for the event,” Roufs said. “We also have contributions from K&K Auto, BN Hunting, Don’s Spirits & Wines and Perry’s Pork Rinds.”

Timber Hills. Submitted graphics.

Timber Hills Lake Ranch is donating a weekend cabin stay for our raffle.

“Registrants for the fishing tournament will have a chance to win a knife donated by Ryan Demott with Turkey Forge,” she said.

They will be selling pulled pork sandwiches for lunch, with pork purchased locally through Bronson Locker.

“We will also have baked beans, coleslaw, and Marsha’s Deli potato salad. BBQ dinners will go on sale at noon,” Roufs said. “Union Station will be hosting a beer garden throughout the day.”

“At 3 p.m., we will draw for the raffle prizes and have the weigh-in for the bass tournament,” she said. “Bourbon Boy Bait Co. will handle the weigh-in for the tournament.”

At 4 p.m. there will be live music from the Bourbon County Revival.

All money made from this event will go to purchase Christmas gifts for local kids in need through the Bourbon County Angels, all in Butch’s honor.

“Friends and family of Butch donated trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place,  as well as one for the biggest bass,”  Roufs said.

 

Bourbon County, Food

New Farmers Market at Uniontown

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Extra cars on the east side of Union Station let passers-by know of the farmer’s market on May 19.

On Thursday evenings at Union Station Convenience Store near Uniontown, you might notice more cars than usual.

A farmers market started May 5 there, just west of Uniontown on Hwy. 3. It meets every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. but may expand a day in the future if the community responds.

Vendors set up for customers at the farmers market near Uniontown.

“Union Station is allowing vendors to set up on the east side of the convenience store parking lot, in the trees,” Schotze Griffiths, store manager said.

Currently, there are four vendors who have set up, but “I have more people coming when their garden starts to produce,” Griffiths said. “This is an opportunity to buy fresh food locally.”

There is no cost to the vendor, and anyone that would like to set up a table, may.

“It’s a work in progress,” she said. “So don’t give up on us. If it is real hot in the summer it might get sparse, but it will be here as long as people want to come. There might be less vendors this week because of prior commitments.”

Saturday mornings are a possibility in the future she said.

“Especially when we have rodeos that come,” Griffiths said.

Union Station is directly across the street from the Uniontown Rodeo Grounds on Hwy. 3.

Current Vendors

The four vendors currently coming are MMM Flavor Shop, Prairie Rose Farmstead, 9 Acre Farm and Mama Mary.

Addi Foster tells of her wares to a customer on May 19.

MMM Flavor Shop is owned by Addi Foster and her sister, Emelia Whiteaker, who are selling spices. Addi’s daughter, Mayla also has crafts, eggs, peacock feathers and poultry grown on the family farm to sell. The mother-daughter duo are part of Foster Dairy, from the Hiattville area. Contact info is 620.224.8442 or 620.224.9411.

 

Dale and Lisa Griffiths set up a vendor booth for their wares on May 19.

9 Acre Farm is owned by Dale and Lisa Griffiths, Bronson, and sells fresh eggs, pickled items and candles at their booth. They will bring produce later as it starts producing on their farm. Interested parties can watch them on YouTube. For more information contact them at 620.215.3101.

 

Jessi Hall displays her wares with a customer on May 19.

Prairie Rose Farmstead is owned by Sage and Jessi Hall, Uniontown.They offer goat milk products including soap, lotion, salve and lip balm. In addition they sell raw milk, pastured poultry and grass fed beef. Contact them at 316.821.0309 or [email protected].

 

Mary Ridge sells homemade food items at her booth, Mama Mary.

Mama Mary, Mary Ridge of the Zenia area, sells pies, take and bake meals and canned goods. Her homemade food items are also sold at the Bronson Locker in Bronson. Her contact info: 620.939.4977.

 

 

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Business, Sports

Sports Training Available

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Momentum Indoor Training Summer Offerings:

Sports Performance Training – Training designed specifically for an individual to increase general and sport specialized sports performance.  It is crucial to improving an athlete’s ability to master the skills of their chosen sport, reduce the risk of injury, and gain a competitive edge.  Scheduled individually or in small groups each athlete has training designed specifically to teach proper movement patterns that will improve their speed, power, agility, and more.  Athletes from any and all sports benefit from Sports Performance Training.

 

Sports Performance Training is scheduled on an individual or small group basis Tuesdays to Fridays.

 

Pricing –

7 to 11 years old – $50 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)

 

12 years old and older – $75 for 12 sessions (2 sessions per week for 6 weeks)

 

Monthly pricing is available after the first 12 sessions

 

 

Skills Room Access

 

Volleyball – Utilize the Sports Attack Volleyball Skillz Attack machine.  This machine can Serve, Pass, Set, and Hit.  It allows any player to train any and all the positions by themselves anytime they want or need to.  The Skillz Attack can also be used in small groups.  Volleyball will be set-up for scheduling on Wednesdays.

 

Softball/Baseball – Train like an elite athlete with the Hack Attack Softball and Baseball pitching machine.  Both machines can pitch multiple pitches and simulate a live pitcher by throwing balls around the strike zone instead of just straight pitches.  20 minutes against the machine will allow an athlete to see an average of 75 pitches.  The Softball/Baseball machines will be set-up for scheduling on Tuesdays and Thursday for individuals and groups of less than 5 players.

 

 

All training is by appointment and on a first come first serve basis and will be the following:

Tuesdays – Softball/Baseball

Wednesdays – Volleyball

Thursdays – Softball/Baseball

Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays – Skills Room is closed to all scheduling

 

Skills Room Pricing

30 minutes – $25

1 hour – $40

A loyalty program will be in place for those who qualify

All previously purchased packages will continue to be honored

 

 

Emelia Whiteaker, MS, ATC, PES – Owner/Operator/Trainer

A native of Fort Scott, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Washburn University and a Master’s of Science in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Sports Performance and Injury Prevention from California University of Pennsylvania.  Emelia holds certifications from the Board of Certification in Athletic Training and the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist.  Over a 15 year career she has trained athletes ranging in age from 6 years old to the professional levels and sports that include: Football, Distance Running, Softball/Baseball, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Rodeo, Hockey and more.  Many of Emelia’s athletes have gone on to be individual and team state champions and compete as elite athletes.  It is her belief that every child that has the heart to be an athletes has the potential to be an athlete and it is her job to help them get there.

 

Momentum Indoor Training can be reached by Call or Text at (620) 224-8442, e-mail: [email protected] or message the Facebook page: @mitrainingfs.

 

 

 

Bourbon County, Government, Schools

Vance Eden: New U235 Super In The District

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Scout, Vance, and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.
Vance Eden, 37, is the new associate superintendent of schools for USD 235, Uniontown.
Following completion of his education programming, he will assume the title of superintendent.
Process

“As I still haven’t completed my programming at this point, for the next year Mr. (Bret)Howard will work on a consultation basis to help with any needs that I may have,” Eden said.

Howard is the current superintendent who ends his tenure from the district on June 30.

“This provision is necessary under the current leadership license that I have,” Eden said. “Once I complete the coursework and receive the Kansas Department of Education licensure credential next spring, my title would then transition to superintendent.”

“We have tried to be open and transparent about this  process,”he said. “I had sent a letter to parents when I was hired that explained this information, but understand that many in the community would not have received such communication.”

“I will officially assume the role July 1st,” he said. “But I have been working in transition over the course of the past 6-8 weeks to make plans for the coming school year.”

His office will be located inside Uniontown Junior High/High School building.
Uniontown Junior/Senioer High School.
Education
Eden received his Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education and  a Master’s in Educational Leader from Pittsburg State University.  
“I’m currently working on a Specialist in Education Degree with a Major in Advanced Studies in Leadership from Pittsburg State that will be completed in the Spring of 2023,” he said.
Experience
Just out of college Eden taught math at Webb City Middle School before transitioning to be the assistant principal of that same building.  
“I then served as a Title I Reading and Math Interventionist at West Bourbon for three years before assuming the role of the principal for the past four years,” he said.
Ms. Tema Gilion will become the WBE principal in the next school year.
Background
Eden was raised in Bourbon County on the Eden family farm that is located on Hwy. 54 near Bethel Church, and attended Uniontown schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
His family is made up of “my amazing wife, Rachel, and two great kids, Scout and Rhuey,” he said. 
Scout, Vance,  Rachel and Rhuey Eden. Submitted photo.

In their leisure time, the Edens can be found outdoors.

“Our family enjoys all kinds out outdoor activities,” he said.  “Riding dirt bikes and spending time on the lake would top the list for this summer.”
While in college, Eden changed careers to enter education.
“While in college pursuing a different major, the idea of becoming an elementary teacher really started to intrigue me,” he said.  “I had always enjoyed kids and seemed to have a pretty natural rapport with them. Once I made the switch in majors, things seemed to fall into place pretty naturally.” 
Many people inspired him to pursue education.
“I’ve been impacted by too many people to list just one,” he said.  From my supportive parents and extended family, to remarkable teachers, to current friends and co-workers.”
The best part of being an educator for Eden is giving students the tools they need to pursue their passions.
There are a few challenges in education.
“Kids don’t all start from the same place,” Eden said.  “They haven’t all had the same support, opportunities, and care.  Schools have to find a balance in supporting social, emotional, and academic needs so that by the time they leave us as 18 year-olds they are ready to thrive in adulthood.” 
Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Friday Night Free Concert: Prairie Sunflower Strings

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Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.

The Prairie Sunflower Strings will be the featured entertainment at this week’s Friday Night Concert. The musical group, consisting of eight musicians, play traditional folk music on  dulcimers, guitar, violin, and autoharp. A few newer songs will also be added into the mix.

 

“These talented musicians and vocalists have been playing together for four years,“  concert-series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “Members of The Prairie Sunflower Strings are Cherry Nelson, Joyce Love, Barbara Ray, and Jean Strader on mountain dulcimers, Charlena Burns on bowed dulcimer, Marilyn Adcock on autoharp and vocals, Sandy Hemphill on guitar, violin, and vocals, and Jack Hemphill on guitar. We are pleased to welcome this fine group back to the park pavilion. Come out and join us for a fun opportunity to see friends and enjoy some great music.“

 

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at 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 show will be moved to The Loading Dock at  Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall

Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Age My Way!

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Barbara Stockebrand. K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

Our early life stages are pretty predictable.  We speak our first words and take our first steps — generally within a short time frame of a few months to a year or two.  We can also count on puberty taking place between a few short years of our youth.

When we become young adults, our development and maturation from there on have more to do with our environment around us and the choices we make.  These factors are what contribute to our older adults being the most diverse age sector of the world’s population.

Beyond biological changes, aging is often associated with other life transitions such as retirement, relocation to more appropriate housing and the experience of death of friends and partners. A longer life brings with it opportunities, not only for older people and their families, but also for societies as a whole.

Additional years provide the chance to pursue new activities such as further education, a new career or a long-neglected passion. Older people also contribute in many ways to their families and communities. Yet the extent of these opportunities and contributions depends heavily on one factor: health.

If people can experience their extra years of life in good health and if they live in a supportive environment, their ability to do the things they value will be little different from that of a younger person. This thought was brought home to me through a recent conference I attended.  One of my take-away statements — “At retirement, it’s important to keep our activity level up to the level it was prior to retirement. Those activities may change and should change, but we must remain involved and active.”

Maintaining healthy behaviors throughout life, particularly eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and refraining from tobacco use, all contribute to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, improving physical and mental capacity and delaying care dependency.

Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way. Sure, we can distinguish those who are in their second half of life, but we don’t dare guess their age.  Our aging processes differ so greatly that we can easily miscalculate their years through simple observations.

Every May we have the opportunity to celebrate Older Americans Month.  The theme for 2022 is ‘Age My Way’ with a focus on aging in place and exploring ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.

While Age My Way will look different for each person, here are common things everyone can consider:

  • Planning: Think about what you will need and want in the future, from home and community-based services to community activities that interest you.
  • Engagement: Remain involved and contribute to your community through work, volunteer, and/or civic participation opportunities.
  • Access: Make home improvements and modifications, use assistive technologies, and customize supports to help you better age in place.
  • Connection: Maintain social activities and relationships to combat social isolation and stay connected to your community.

 

Diverse communities are strong communities. Ensuring that older adults remain involved and included in our communities for as long as possible benefits everyone.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.