Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, 401 Woodland Hills Blvd.
The past month has been busy for the new Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff’s move to the former Mercy Hospital Clinic.
“As expected, we had a few glitches with technology but believe we have internet and phone systems now working well…so thanks to everyone for their patience,” said Krista Postai, CEO for CHC/SEK.
The east entrance to the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas states that the center provides services regardless of ability to pay. Sliding fee discounts and financial assistance is available to eligible patients.
“Patients have been great about getting us signed consents to transfer records – so great, in fact, that we are backlogged….but working through the stack as fast as possible.”
“We also have been very appreciate for all the kindness we’ve been shown…many folks have gone above and beyond.”
“We did get mammography back up and running and are now working at restoring wound care services.”
“We’ve also approached three organizations about the possibility of offering cancer care in Fort Scott to replace the Cancer Center of Kansas who closed their clinic with minimal notice. We’ve had some interest but no commitments.”
“As in the past, we are providing comprehensive primary care including obstetrics. Dr. Burke is now on staff at Via Christi and doing deliveries; Dr. Seals is also doing deliveries at Via Christi and Nevada Medical Center.”
“With the addition of the new clinics, CHC/SEK now employs about 420 – about 40 of these are in the Ft. Scott clinics and about 30 staff are in Arma, Pleasanton and Mound City. We still have openings to fill in registration and nursing, as well as behavioral health where we are looking for a LSCSW or a psychologist (PHD),” Postai said.
“Convenient Care – now Walk-In Care – transitioned Feb. 1; the main clinic on Feb. 4.
“The pharmacy will formally transfer to our ownership April 1. In the interim, Mercy continues to operate it and have contracted with us for the 340B drug discount program which makes it possible for us to provide medications at very low cost for those who are uninsured or have limited finances.
“As we’ve mentioned in the past, our lease in the hospital building is for two years so we continue to explore long-range options. We will need about 20,000 sq. ft. which will allow us to offer more services including dental and behavioral health. Expect to have a decision on the direction we’ll take by May 1.”
“We are working to recruit a pediatrician to Ft. Scott and have interviewed one candidate; also interviewed a dentist with an interest in returning to the area.”
“Phone numbers remain the same. Hours of operation have expanded at the main clinic to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.”
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas east entrance door states the hours of operation and the phone number of the medical provider on call.
Introducing the Chief Executive Officer of CHC/SEK:
Krista Postai. Submitted photo.
Postai, an original founder and former board member of CHC/SEK. She serves as Chief Executive Officer, according to the CHC/SEK website.
Prior to joining the organization in November 2004, she was vice president of planning and development at Mt. Carmel Regional Medical Center. During her 23 years with Mt. Carmel, she was instrumental in the development of several key programs including the regional cancer center, the $17.5 million outpatient expansion completed in 2004, the creation of a physician recruitment and retention program and several mission-directed services including CareVan (a transportation service), Congregational Health Ministry, and the Wesley House Dental Clinic. She served as secretary to the Mount Carmel Foundation and as liaison to the Mt. Carmel Auxiliary.
She attended Pittsburg State University and is a graduate of Kansas University in Lawrence with a Bachelor’s of Science.
Mike Mulrey, superintendent for JRJ Construction, Texas, watches on Monday morning as plumbers install a drain in preparation for the coolers that will be installed in Walmart for new beer coolers. A hole was dug in the floor of the area for the plumbers to install the pipes for the drain.
Customers may have noticed some bare grocery shelves at a local store.
Walmart at 2500 S. Main is reconfiguring the grocery section to “make it flow better,” said Steve, the assistant manager.
Beer Sales
A recent law has precipitated changes in the beer/liquor section of the store.
“The state law changed and effective April 1, we will carry up to six-percent beer,” Steve said. “Hopefully in the future liquor will be added.”
Former Gov. Sam Brownback signed a law in 2017 allowing the sale of higher percentage alcohol beer in grocery and convenience stores to start in 2019, according to a Wichita Eagle newspaper feature story on April 18, 2017.
It’s a significant shift in the way the state regulates alcoholic beverages, according to the Eagle story. The bill was proposed as a compromise between big stores and liquor stores in response to changes in alcohol laws in neighboring Colorado and Oklahoma.
Online Grocery Shopping
“Part of the remodel is for our online grocery that will start,” Steve said. “I don’t have an exact date right now. There is pre-work going on.”
Approximately six more employees will be hired to work in that new section, he said.
The new service will target young customers, Steve said.
“You can order groceries then when you arrive we bring it out to your vehicle. We do the shopping,” he said.
Fort Scott Walmart Employees 160-plus People
Currently, there are 160 employees at Walmart in Fort Scott.
That doesn’t include the pharmacy.
“Pharmacy is a separate entity,” Steve said. “Eyewear is staffed by the pharmacy. That’s why if somebody needs help, we can’t just send someone from the store to help.”
First Presbyterian Church seeks to hire a part-time Office Director. This position directs the church office and handles accounting and payroll. Successful candidates will be organized, proficient in office and computer skills as well as desktop publishing; have experience in basic accounting, and a willingness to play a role in a congregation committed to serving our local community. Please submit a letter of interest, along with resume and references by email to jaredwitt@gmail.com.
Seasonal Park Ranger Position Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site is recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger temporary position Wednesday, February 13th, through Thursday, February 21st, for the summer of 2019. Application information can be found at www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/524354100. Additional park positions will be announced later this spring.
The Park Ranger serves as a front-line representative conducting independent research and developing original, thematic interpretive programs, and presenting interpretive, educational, and living history demonstrations/programs about the area’s cultural and natural resources to audiences ranging in size from 1-200, using a variety of props and techniques. The incumbent operates the park visitor center and ensures visitor safety. They are also responsible for opening and closing the site and basic resource protection tasks including exotic plant control and routine cleaning of museum objects and exhibit spaces. Other duties include making and maintaining interpretive products (such as signs and labels) and caring and accounting for interpretive props (such as living history clothing and equipment). They will work closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.
The GS-05 Park Ranger generally work a full-time 40-hour week, and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.
This position is expected to start in April and end in September.
For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Seasonal Park Guide Position Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site is recruiting for a GS-04 Park Guide temporary position starting Monday, February 11th for the summer of 2019. Application information can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/523844900. Additional park positions will be announced later this spring.
The Park Guide is responsible for daily visitor center operations, including providing visitors with accurate information on park resources and cultural history, as well as safety and information for the surrounding area. The incumbent serves as a front-line representative providing informal interpretive opportunities and formal interpretive programs such as walks, talks, multimedia, demonstrations, and children’s programs. They will also participate in living history programs, education programs, and work closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.
The GS-04 Park Guides generally work a full-time 40-hour week and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.
This position is expected to start in April and end in September. The advertisement closes on Friday, February 15, 2019.
For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Summer Student Intern Positions Available at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Scott KS – Fort Scott National Historic Site begins recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger (Student Trainee) temporary position Friday, February 8 for the summer of 2019 as part of the National Park Service’s Pathways Program. Additional positions will be announced later this spring.
Student Trainee (Laborer) interns will perform tasks to assist the Division of Maintenance with cyclic preservation projects to maintain the exterior of historic structures. The interns may also assist with special events and a variety of routine maintenance and resource management projects.
In order to be eligible for an appointment under the NPS Pathways Internship Program you must be a current student who has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. To maintain eligibility for internships individuals must remain enrolled in a degree or certificate program throughout their appointment. Additional information on the Pathways Internship Program can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students
A WG-03 Student Trainee (Laborer) earns an hourly pay rate, generally works a full-time/40-hour week, M-F. Holiday, evening, and weekend work may be required. A valid state driver’s license is required.
Persons selected to these positions are expected to start on May 28, 2019 and end in August. To apply, follow the instructions in the application announcement at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/523456800. The advertisement closes after the first 50 applications or on February 15, 2019 (whichever occurs first).
For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Topeka, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Commerce, in partnership with KANSASWORKS, will host the KANSASWORKS Statewide Job Fair on March 7, 2019. The annual job fair will provide employers, veterans, and job seekers with the unique opportunity to connect face-to-face.
“Wherever I go in our state, I hear from businesses seeking the employees they need to grow and from workers seeking new job opportunities to help them advance their careers,” said Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce David Toland. “The Statewide Job Fair is part of the solution to these challenges, providing a great opportunity to bring together talented Kansas workers and growing Kansas companies.”
The Statewide Job Fair is also an opportunity for veterans of any status and their families to meet with a variety of employers in various industries and fields. Veterans at any stage in their career search are invited, including active duty, reservists, or National Guard.
“The Kansas workforce is made up of talented, highly-skilled individuals with a passion and drive that brings an inherent value to everything they do,” said Mike Beene, Kansas Department of Commerce Director of Employment Services. “Our workers make up the fabric of this state, holding it together through their commitments to hard work and excellence.”
The job fair will be open to all job seekers from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the following locations across the state:
o Colby: Colby Community College, Multi-Purpose Room, 1255 South Range
o El Dorado: Train Depot, 430 N. Main Street
o Kansas City: Wyandotte County Workforce Center, 626 Minnesota Avenue
o Independence: Memorial Hall Civic Center, 410 N. Pennsylvania Avenue
o Lawrence: Peaslee Technical Center, 2920 Haskell Avenue, #100
o Leavenworth: Leavenworth County Workforce Center, 515 Limit Street, Suite 200
o Manhattan: Holiday Inn Across from the Campus, 1641 Anderson Avenue
o Overland Park: Johnson County Public Library, Central Resource Library, 9875 West 87th Street
o Salina: The Kansas Army National Guard Training Center, Building 365, 2929 Scanlan Avenue
o Topeka: West Ridge Mall, Lower Center Court, 1801 SW Wanamaker Road
o Wichita: Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 North Amidon Avenue
Registration for the Statewide Job Fair can be done via the following links:
Fort Scott National Historic Site will begin recruiting for a GS-05 Park Ranger (Student Trainee) temporary position Monday, February 4 for the summer of 2019 as part of the National Park Service’s Pathways Program. Additional positions will be announced later this spring.
The Park Ranger intern will assist the Division of Interpretation and Resource Management with leading our YCC and youth outreach programs. They will present talks, answer questions, guide small groups and provide orientation services to park visitors. The interns will also participate in maintenance and resource management projects, as well as working closely with park staff on critical special initiatives including website development, social media, and special events.
In order to be eligible for an appointment under the Pathways Internship Program you must be a current a student who has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled at least half-time in an accredited high school, college, professional, technical, vocational, or trade school pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. To maintain eligibility for internships individuals must remain enrolled in a degree or certificate program throughout their appointment. Additional information on the Pathways Internship Program can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students
The GS-05 park rangers earn 16.10 per hour, generally works full-time 40-hour week, and is entitled to paid holidays. Holiday, evening, and weekend work is required. A driver’s license is recommended.
This position is expected to start in early May and end in September. Application information can be found at: www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/522940700. The advertisement closes February 11, 2019.
For more information about the park in general, contact Fort Scott NHS at (620) 223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.
Apparel and home décor retailer Gordmans, a division of Stage Stores, is coming to Fort Scott and surrounding regions this March.
Gordmans is currently hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions and encourages interested candidates to apply online at gordmans.com and then attend the job fair at the following new location:
Fort Scott Gordmans
Tuesday, Feb. 19
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2400 S. Main Street
Fort Scott, Kansas
Pittsburg Gordmans
Thursday, Feb. 7
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
202 E. Centennial Drive
Pittsburg, Kansas
Kansas Department of Commerce Releases Economic Development Statistics for 2018
Topeka, Kan. – Kansas has had much to celebrate in the area of economic development during 2018, according to statistics released today from the Kansas Department of Commerce. 2018 has been an exceptional year for the Kansas economy, with over 11,000 new jobs and $1.7 billion in capital investment added to the state’s economy.
The Department of Commerce reports it participated in 138 successful economic development projects across the state during 2018, yielding 11,548 new jobs and 9,116 retained jobs. The total capital investment on these projects was $1.7 billion and $1.17 billion in payroll.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished with the economy during my time in office,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. “Unemployment is at record lows, we have more people working than ever before, and job creation is on the rise. Kansas has a brighter future because of the hard work done by so many over the past year.”
Of the 138 successful projects in 2018, the following are among the largest:
o GEICO announced a new service center in Lenexa, with a $9,800,456 capital investment and 500 new jobs.
o Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc. is expanding its manufacturing facility in Abilene, with a $10,841,000 capital investment and 200 new jobs.
o Hospira, Inc., a Pfizer company, is expanding its pharmaceutical plant in McPherson with a $156,000,000 capital investment and 325 jobs added.
o New Directions Behavioral Health announced it will move its headquarters to the Sprint campus in Overland Park with a $15,500,000 capital investment and 566 jobs added.
o Orizon Aerostructures, LLC announced it would relocate a manufacturing operation to Olathe, with a $127,285,001 capital investment and 400 new jobs.
o Palmer Manufacturing & Tank, Inc. announced a $16,642,000 capital investment in its Garden City plant, adding 201 jobs.
o Shamrock Trading Corporation will build an office tower in Overland Park with a $248,000,000 capital investment and the company will add 1,500 jobs.
o Spirit Aerosystems announced another major expansion, with plans for adding 1,400 new jobs.
“This has been an extraordinary year for economic development in Kansas,” said Robert North, Interim Secretary for the Kansas Department of Commerce. “The businesses that have made the wise choice to open or expand in the state of Kansas are making substantial contributions to the health of our economy and overall quality of life.”
Fort Scott Community College staff came back from Christmas break on January 3, teacher in-service is today, January 9, with classes resuming on January 14.
Several new staff have been added this semester, with final approval to be given at the FSCC Board of Trustees meeting on January 28, said Juley McDaniel, director of human resources.
Kirk Sharp has been hired as the new Gordon Parks Museum Director, Jentry Page as the High School Equivalency Instructional Coordinator, Cody Crim as the assistant rodeo coach who will double as a Resident Assistant at the Greyhound Lodge at 701 N. National Avenue, Jared Kaylon as a maintenance technician, Jamal Robinson as the athletic trainer, Vanessa Matlock as the assistant women’s basketball coach and Resident Assistant, and Jay Wilson and Scott Mitchell as assistant football coaches.
There are still positions open, McDaniel said and noted two: a web developer and a cashier.
In addition to new staff and students arriving this semester, there is a vacancy on the FSCC Board of Trustees.
Trustee Tina Rockhold, who was the communications director at Mercy Hospital before it closed Dec. 31, has moved and the board will be following their policy for replacing her, McDaniel said.
“They will pass a resolution at their January (28) meeting which will allow us to post the vacancy and provide direction to those interested in filling the position, ” McDaniel said.
