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Category Archives: Food
Powdered Infant Formula Recalled
KDHE and the FDA warn consumers not to use select Similac, Alimentum and EleCare powdered infant formula
TOPEKA – Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is investigating complaints of infant illness related to products from Abbott’s Nutrition’s Sturgis, MI facility. Three brands of powdered infant formula were recalled for possible Cronobacter contamination. As a result of the ongoing investigation, the FDA is alerting consumers to avoid purchasing or using certain powdered infant formula products produced at this facility.
The FDA is advising consumers not to use Similac, Alimentum, or EleCare powdered infant formulas if:
- the first two digits of the code are 22 through 37; and
- the code on the container contains K8, SH or Z2; and
- the expiration date is 4-1-2022 (APR 2022) or later.
Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. Products made at the Sturgis facility can be found across the United States. Individuals can find more information about returning the product directly to Abbott by using the Product Recall tool.
Cronobacter infections are rare, but they can be deadly in newborns. Infections in infants usually occur in the first days or weeks of life. About two to four cases are reported to CDC every year, but this figure may not reflect the true number of illnesses because most hospitals and laboratories are not required to report Cronobacter infections to health departments.
The first symptom of Cronobacter infection in infants is usually a fever, accompanied by poor feeding, crying, or very low energy. Infants with these symptoms should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.
Common Ground Is More Than A Coffee Shop
Common Ground Coffee Company is not just a place to gather but also offers small event catering and rental space venues.
Like other coffee shops, one can hang- out with others, catch up on some studying or just find a little solitude, all while enjoying specialty drinks and scrumptious foods, according to its website.
In addition to a hang-out place, the business offers small event catering and rental space venues.
The conference room, a private space at the rear of the business, is free, when available.
And there is a large space with outdoor access and a stage in the rear also called the Loading Dock.
“We rent rooms for showers and parties,” Vickie Waldron, manager, told the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce Coffee attendees on Feb. 17. In addition, “We cater baked goods for small events.”
Common Ground Coffee Co. is located at 12 E. Wall St.
Fort Scott, phone number: (620) 223-2499 or email:
[email protected]
The coffee shop is a ministry of the Fort Scott Church of the Nazarene.
The excess profits are given back to the community, Waldron said.
“We donate to any of our staff’s charity of choice,” she said. “We have donated to the Sharing Bucket, Paws and Claws, American Childhood Diabetes Assn., the local GED program, the Leukemia Association, just to name a few off of the top of my head.”
Common Grounds currently employs 16-17 people.
Hours of operation for the business are:
Monday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday Closed
Methodists Reschedule Soup Lunch Until Feb. 25
NOTICE – Due to the weather, the soup lunch that was scheduled today has been cancelled and rescheduled for next Friday, February 25.
The Soup Luncheon has been rescheduled for NEXT Friday, February 25 from11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is a to-go meal that can be picked up under the covered entrance off of National Avenue. A variety of soups including potato, vegetable beef, and chili will be served along with a dessert for a free-will offering. Sponsored by the Mission Committee.
Beacon: New Pick-up/Drop-off Area
The Beacon, a helping agency in Fort Scott, is working to make it safer for their clients to move food in and out of their building.
“We are pouring a concrete driveway in the back of the Beacon, to make it safer for our clients to pick up their groceries from us, also to make it easier for deliveries and donation drop-offs,” Dave Gillen, Beacon Director said.
This project started on Feb. 10 and was completed on Feb. 11, he said.
“However our clients will not be able to use it until Friday of (this) week as the concrete will need to be cured,” he said.
“All Beacon business will be conducted through the front door until then.”
This project was funded through church, individual, and civic organizations donations.
“This is something we have been wanting to do for a long time and because of the generosity of our great community it was made possible,” Gillen said.
“Thank you RII Concrete Construction for also making this possible and your great employees,” he said.
“The Beacon (staff) serves about 300 families a month currently,” Gillen said. “Clients call in their food orders and they are placed on the back porch. Additional items such as produce and bakery items are placed on the back porch for them to shop, also”.
The Beacon Food Pantry is a non-profit organization, a food pantry serving Bourbon County, Kansas, also provides financial assistance
The agency is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, and can be reached at 620.223.6869.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are closed Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, according to their Facebook page.
Chocolate Lover’s Shopping This Saturday
For those who love to shop and LOVE chocolate, get your walking shoes on.
This Saturday, Feb. 12, is the Love Local Chocolate Crawl shopping event, sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.
This is the second annual Fort Scott Chocolate Crawl, according to Executive Director Lindsay Madison.
Stores festooned with red and white balloons and with the chocolate crawl poster in the window are participating and many will be offering drawings and store give-aways.
The majority of the retailers are in Fort Scott’s Downtown Historic District, but there are others also.
Downtown retailers are Angie Dawn’s Boutique, Bartlesmeyer Jewelry Store, Better in Bourbon Boutique, Bids and Dibs resale clothing and more, Hare and Crow Barbershop, Hedgehog INK Bookstore, Iron Star Antiques, and Such, Laree + Co. clothing store, Main Street Gallery and Gifts, Sunshine Boutique, The Beauty Lounge hair salon and spa, and Treasure Hunt Flea Market.
Other retailers participating are Museum of Creativity, Shirt Shack clothing store and Varia clothing store.
Customers are invited to shop at local retailers and sample chocolate treats.
Chamber Announces Love Local & Chocolate Crawl Shopping Event
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Love Local & Chocolate Crawl shopping event will take place on Saturday, February 12th.
Most stores in the Downtown Historic District and several additional locations will be participating in the fun.
Customers are invited to shop local retailers while sampling a variety of chocolate treats along the way, and many will also be offering drawings and promotions.
Locations included in the event will have a Chocolate Crawl poster and red and white balloons displayed at their entrance.
The Chamber encourages the community to shop local, love local and join the Chocolate Crawl on February 12th to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
“You can’t buy love, but you can buy local!”
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566
Big Kansas Road Trip coming to Fort Scott
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CCC Bingo and Soup Night Rescheduled Until Jan. 31
Emergency Food Assistance Benefits Extended for 63,000 Kansas households
TOPEKA – In an effort to continue supporting Kansans as they manage the impacts of COVID-19 and the multiple variants of the virus, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced the continuation of the emergency food assistance (SNAP) benefits to current participants.
The extension will increase the maximum monthly benefit for 63,000 households across the state and deliver an additional $14,591,000 per month to Kansas.
“Our goal at DCF is to protect children and strengthen families,” DCF Secretary Laura Howard said. “The extension of the emergency food assistance benefits will help ensure Kansas families continue to have access to healthy groceries and basic necessities.”
The continuance of the emergency allotment is effective through July 31, 2022, or upon the termination of the federal declaration of a Public Health Emergency, whichever occurs sooner. This is the second instance the emergency food assistance benefit has been extended.
No application is necessary to receive the emergency food assistance funds. The distribution will continue to follow the standard alphabetical schedule.
Those who do not currently receive food assistance, but are interested in applying, are encouraged to visit the DCF website at www.dcf.ks.gov.
Secretary Howard issued the Declaration of Continuing Benefits due to COVID-19 — under K.S.A. 39-708c, et seq. — which directs the agency to continue taking all necessary actions to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the State of Kansas.
Bo Co Coalition Minutes of Jan. 5
Bourbon County Inter-Agency Coalition
General Membership Meeting Minutes
January 5, 2022
- Welcome: Billie Jo Drake, the chairman, welcomed eleven members representing twelve agencies to the regular membership meeting. She reminded members that the Coalition Board had funds available to help with rents, utilities, and clothing. Persons in need just need to apply for assistance through The Beacon.
- Member Introductions and Announcements:
- Mandi Woods was unable to attend the meeting; she sent her announcement with information about upcoming programs and openings in her program via email. Billie Jo forwarded her message to all members.
- Elizabeth Schafer, CASA, and Pioneer Kiwanis announced that the annual Kiwanis chili feed realized enough money for their yearly budget.
- Sandy Haggard, RSVP, explained the difference between her program and the Ameri-Corp program. Target areas for her grant included food distribution and drug disposal. Sandy also reported for April Jackson on the SEK Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition through Thrive Allen County. April has been able to obtain a location and will be opening a Recovery House in Iola shortly.
- Christine Abbott, SEKWorks, reminded members that their food drive will conclude on January 7. She also noted that funds are still available for GED, work training, etc. She continues to be in the Fort Scott office on Mondays and Ashley is here on Fridays.
- Allen Schellack, Compassionate Ministries and Salvation Army, happily announced the Red Bucket campaign has exceeded the goal of $10,000 and collected $11,398 to be used in Bourbon County. He also reminded members that he has grant funds that can help with taxi fees, obtaining birth certificates and driver’s licenses, heaters, blankets and bedding, and emergency shelter. The Salvation Army and the Senior Citizens will be hosting Evergy on January 12, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. for LIEAP applications.
- David Gillen, The Beacon, shared that they are beginning 2022 with a good stock of food thanks to generous organizations and careful purchasing. They are also able to help with some prescriptions and financial aid.
- Holly Fritter, Bourbon County Health Department, shared copies of the latest COVID-19 guidelines and 2022 dates for the “Mommy and Me” meetings. For dates and to RSVP call or text 417-661-0308.
- Michelle Stevenson, Fort Scott Early Childhood Program, announced that they are in the beginning stages of preparing for a new building, they now have a mental health worker on-site, and they continue to conduct “Child Find” screenings the first Friday of every month. Her primary role is to be a resource for parents of children prenatal through age six.
- Janelle Tate, Early Childhood Block Grant, works in six counties to assess pre-kindergarten skills to provide necessary resources to ensure school success. Janelle also invited members to view the Warming Hearts of Ft. Scott website to become informed about the project to help the homeless in our area.
- Patty Simpson, Director, Fort Scott Housing Authority, explained the locations of the 188 units that are part of the housing program. She also reviewed how rent and utility assistance is determined for those who qualify for the housing units. At present, she has three two-bedroom apartments ready to rent, one three-bedroom apartment ready shortly. She has a short – 30-60 day – wait for list for other units. She also noted that she works closely with Ironquil Estates, Cavalry Crossing, and the Highlands to ensure people receive appropriate housing.
- Nancy Van Etten, CASA, shared that she and her husband are retiring closer to family and will be resigning from the Coalition Board. Thank you, Nancy, for your involvement with our organization.
- Program: There was no formal program today; the February program will be announced later.
- Open Forum: Nothing further came before the group.
- Adjournment: Next General Membership meeting will be February 2, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.
Kansas Issues Fish Consumption Advisories for 2022
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) are issuing fish consumption advisories for 2022. The advisories identify types of fish or other aquatic animals that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. General advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and the risks associated with eating locally caught fish from Kansas waters.
Definitions:
Bottom-feeding fish: buffaloes, carps, catfishes, sturgeons and suckers.
Shellfish: mussels, clams and crayfish.
Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):
- Adults and children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
- Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
- Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces
Statewide Mercury Advisories for Fish:
Getting outside to catch fish and eating fish has many health benefits, but all fish contain some amount of mercury. Anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to their children should carefully consider the types and amounts they eat, including store-bought fish. Too much dietary mercury can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies and growing children. Therefore, mercury-sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children younger than 17 years old) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating fish caught in Kansas.
Fishing and Eating Guidelines:
- Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.
- Eat types of fish with less mercury (Preferred Choice Fish in the chart below).
- If you don’t know the type or size of fish you are eating, wait at least a week before eating fish again.
- When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches as regulations allow.
| Preferred Choice Fish | Servings |
| Blue and Channel Catfish
Common Carp Crappies White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye Bullhead Catfish Drum Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.) |
1 or 2
per week |
| Second Choice Fish | Servings |
| Buffaloes (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)
Flathead Catfish Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted) |
1 or 2
per month |
Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than about 20 inches to:
- Preferred Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per week
- Second Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per month
For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas fish, please contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, in store bought fish, and in other types seafood please visit the U.S. EPA and U.S. FDA websites.
Waterbody specific advisories for all consumers:
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish and catfishes to 1 serving per week from the following locations because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):
- Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
- Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties).
- Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).
Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish and catfishes to 1 serving per month from the following location because of PCBs:
- K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).
Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:
- Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish and catfishes due to PCBs.
- Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
- Spring River from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
- Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
- Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County) – Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.
Waterbodies affected by Harmful Algae Blooms
To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) suggest the fish are safe to eat. However, please take the following precautions:
- Avoid skin contact with water.
- Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
- Rinse fish with clean water.
- Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
- Eat only skinless fillets.
- Do not eat shellfish.
General advice for reducing exposure to chemicals in fish
- Keep smaller fish to eat and let the big ones go.
- Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
- Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
- Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
- Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.
Other information from KDHE, KDWPT, EPA, and the American Heart Association
To view the advisories online and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program please visit the website at http://www.kdheks.gov/befs/fish_tissue_monitoring.htm.
For information about fishing in Kansas including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and fishing forecasts please visit the KDWPT fishing website http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.
For information about the health benefits vs. the risks of including fish in your diet please visit this American Heart Association website https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/25/eating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk.
For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits please visit http://www2.epa.gov/fish-tech.