Helicopters will fly low to capture images of selected transmission lines, substations.
Topeka, Kan., April 5, 2018 – Westar Energy is inspecting power lines using specially equipped helicopters to fly along sections of the transmission system. The images captured will help identify areas that may need maintenance and create a more modern record of the
transmission system.
The flights provide a more precise and searchable visual record of the transmission system, which improves power grid efficiency and reliability.
Flights are planned through mid-April. Flights will generally be from two hours after dawn until two hours before sunset and may occur on the weekends. They will take place throughout the eastern Kansas area served by Westar Energy.
Two small helicopters will be used for the project: one yellow and white and one red.
Governor Colyer Signs HB 2524 to Protect Victims Access to Cellular Service in Situations of Domestic Abuse
TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed HB 2524 allowing petitioners to request a transfer of the rights to a wireless telephone number while seeking a Protection from Abuse Act or a Protection from Stalking or Sexual Assault Act. The bill requires cellular service providers in Kansas ensure those seeking protection orders can continue to have access to their cellular service and bars any company from charging a fee for this service.
“In light of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Awareness Month, I am pleased to be able to sign this bill today,” the Governor said. HB 2524 removes the ability for abusers to isolate their victims from loved ones and use access to cellular service as leverage against them. This is great news for those trying to escape a dangerous or abusive situation. As Governor, I will continue to fight bring a voice to the voiceless and work to make our state a safer place for all Kansans.”
The legislation was supported by major wireless carriers like AT&T and passed through the legislature on a bi-partisan basis.
The City of Fort Scott will be updating some water distribution piping at the College Booster Pump Station on April 7th, 2018 – Saturday morning from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Customers that live south of 21st Street may experience low water pressure during this time. For questions or concerns, please contact Michael Mix, Public Utility Director at 620-215-6319.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The Fort Scott Police Department daily report can best be viewed on a computer.
The FSPD is located at 1604 S. National, Fort Scott, KS 66701, phone 620-223-1700.
Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator to develop a comprehensive response to the issue
TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce the creation of a new position within the agency to specifically address the human trafficking of children in Kansas. The position was announced today, during a news conference in Topeka, at which City of Topeka and Shawnee County leaders unveiled a joint resolution to combat human trafficking in northeast Kansas.
“We know there is a great need for collaboration on this important issue,” Secretary Meier-Hummel said. “This modern-day form of slavery is a reality in every corner of our state, and as we work to address the safety needs of child victims, we need a united effort to prevent human trafficking and develop a comprehensive response to the problem.”
The Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator position will be within DCF’s Prevention and Protection Services division, in Topeka. The individual hired will be responsible for leading the agency’s initiative to strengthen the comprehensive response and service system for youth in DCF care who are victims of human trafficking or are at risk. The position involves direct coordination with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and law enforcement. Data will be collected and analyzed to ensure an effective response.
“Human trafficking is a problem that goes unseen for most of us, yet it affects so many,” Governor Jeff Colyer said. “I appreciate Secretary Meier-Hummel’s commitment to tackling this problem, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have on our state.”
From March 2014 to December 2018, DCF helped 285 suspected child victims of human trafficking.
Secretary Meier-Hummel is focused on working with government entities, communities and others to combat human trafficking. As part of today’s news conference, details about a grassroots-level initiative were announced. Freedom Now is an anti-human trafficking effort led by Topeka Rescue Mission Executive Director Barry Feaker.
“We appreciate the participation from DCF on this monumental initiative,” Feaker said. “At the Topeka Rescue Mission, we have seen first-hand the tremendous impact this evil has on the lives of innocent children, and we will no longer stand for it. We expect our local effort to expand statewide and beyond as residents begin to realize that this is an issue that affects all of us, and we all have a role to play in stopping it.”
In addition to the new position, DCF also has staff members who sit on the State’s Human Trafficking Advisory Board. DCF also has staff on the Freedom Now board. Learn more about the Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator position at the Kansas Department of Administration website, State Employment Center. Those who suspect human trafficking involving a minor should call 1-800-922-5330.
Kansas Department of Revenue extends telephone hours for tax assistance
TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Revenue on Wednesday announced extended tax season telephone hours to offer assistance for Kansans before the April 17th filing deadline, including extended hours this Saturday.
Sales, Withholding, Income Tax and Homestead telephone lines will have the following extended hours:
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 14th
Additionally, Income tax telephone lines will be extended until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17th, the income tax filing deadline.
“The Department is committed to offering excellent customer service to Kansas taxpayers,” said Secretary of Revenue Sam Williams. “Extending our telephone hours allows us to accommodate Kansans with the resources needed to help them meet the filing deadline.”
The telephone number for these extended hours are (785) 368-8222 with the following options. Option 4 is Individual Income Tax/Homestead; Option 5 – 2 is Sales Tax; Option 5 – 5 is Withholding.
For assistance with electronic filings or electronic payment of any taxes, call (785) 296-6993.
The Department will resume regular telephone hours after the income tax filing deadline on April 17th. These normal operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.Monday through Friday.
TOPEKA, KS – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed a bill that makes changes to the college tuition assistance program for members of the Kansas National Guard.
Pending approval from the legislature of a budget that fully funds National Guard tuition assistance, this bill would then give current guard members the opportunity to earn 15 credit hours of college credit per semester at no cost to them. They can utilize this benefit as long as they have at least one year remaining on their enlistment contract at the beginning of any semester for which they receive assistance.
They also must agree to serve actively in good standing with the Kansas National Guard for at least 24 months upon completion of the last semester that they use the benefit.
“We value our men and women of the Kansas National Guard and the service they provide for our state,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “This program is a way for us to show our gratitude for these dedicated servicemembers and hopefully give them great opportunities for their future.”
“The improvements to the Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act will help make a college education more accessible and affordable for servicemembers,” said Kansas Board of Regents President and CEO Dr. Blake Flanders. “That is a tremendous benefit to members of the Guard and their families, as well as the Kansas economy.”
“With the passage of HB 2541, the Kansas National Guard can offer increased educational benefits to our Soldiers and Airmen that are comparable to the benefits offered in our surrounding states.” said Major General Lee Tafanelli, the Adjutant General of Kansas. “Investing in the education of Kansas Guardsmen incentivizes service to our great state and nation while also providing Kansas employers with a more educated workforce.”
Governor Colyer is hopeful that the legislature will see the value of this program as they make their final decisions on the budget.
“Funding for this program is currently included in the budget on the House side. However, the Senate has not yet added funding for this important effort to give back to those who serve. I am calling on the Senate to ensure that they include tuition assistance for our guard members in the budget. These men and women have earned that right,” said Gov. Colyer.
Albers Marine, Airwave, Autumn Exteriors, Bath Innovations, Blue Valley Trailers, Briggs Auto, Bo. Co. Conservation District, Bo. Co. Emergency Management, Busy Bugs Pest Control, Car Help Mechanic, Care To Share, CDL Electric, Cellular Sales/Verizon, City of Fort Scott, Country Place Living, Covey Garage Doors, Cricket Wireless, Culligan Water of Joplin, Dreamscape Innovations, Experience Hearing Center, Ed Graham Agency, F.S. Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott Community College, Hague Quality Water, Heartland Electric, Heartland Propane, Home Pro, Jim’s Sales and Service, K-State, Lavender Farms, Leaf Filter, Little Elves, Live Local, Meeks Lumber, Mercy Hospital, Midwest Exteriors, Norris Heating and Air, Omaley Implement, Pat’s Design, Pete’s, Pioneer Harvest Fiesta, Pro Active Agriculture, Positive Touch Massage, Quality Mechanics & Sound, R&R Equipment, Redbud Farms, Rolox Home Service, Ruddicks Furniture, Satellite Center, Seal Smart, SEK Heat and Air, Sharky’s, Shirt Shack, Skitch’s, S. Wind Extension Master Gardener, Sunscape Pool & Backyard, U.S. Cellular, Your Home Town Medical, and Yutzy Construction
Baylee Oney suffered an ACL tear while snow skiing in December. Not only is she on pace to participate in the upcoming rodeo season, she’s been inspired to make physical therapy her career.
FSCC Rodeo Athlete’s Snow Skiing Injury is “Life Changing”
As a barrel racer, Baylee Oney knows how to navigate twists and turns. But in late December when her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was torn in a snow skiing accident, her life may have the biggest turn yet.
“The whole ordeal has been life-changing,” said Oney, 21, of Creighton, MO.
As a student and rodeo team member at Fort Scott Community College, Oney knew she had a challenging road ahead. She needed surgery, she needed to stay in school, and she needed to recover from a serious injury before rodeo season kicked into high gear.
Fortunately all those “needs” have fallen into place, plus she’s found her career calling through her physical therapy experience at Mercy Health for Life.
“I’ve never been a physical therapy patient before and this has opened my eyes to a whole new world where people help people in overcoming challenges,” Oney said. “All my life I’ve been physically active and have enjoyed working with people.”
“Through my therapy at Mercy Health for Life, I’ve personally experienced how being surrounded by encouraging, highly skilled and knowledgeable people is helping me recover and remain determined. The therapy team here has been so influential that I’ve been inspired to change my careers goals and become a physical therapy assistant.”
During Oney’s three months of physical therapy, she has been treated with the typical modalities used for ACL surgery rehab such as strengthening exercises, stretching, and Biodex testing, plus the Mercy therapy team has added aquatic therapy and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), also known as the Graston technique.
Mercy physical therapist Denny Gillard uses a soft-tissue massage technique called the Graston technique to break down scar tissue around Baylee’s surgery site
“Baylee has benefitted from using aquatic therapy because water creates natural buoyancy that allows for therapy to be less stressful on her joints while increasing strength, flexibility, and range of motion,” explained Denny Gillard, Mercy Health for Life director and physical therapist.
“The Graston Technique is a soft-tissue massage that uses stainless steel instruments to break down scar tissue around the surgery site so Baylee has better mobility, plus her therapy is less painful and she can progress faster,” Gillard added. “The results are incredible.”
Oney is making excellent progress. She’s eager to get back on her horses and step into the next chapter of her life.
“I’ve learned that in a second, life can throw you a curve,” Oney said. “I’m not taking anything for granted. My experience has been great here at Mercy Health for Life, and I’m now focused on sharing the same with patients I’ll work with in the future.”
To learn more about Mercy Therapy Services, call 620-223-7073.
Mercy Hospital Fort Scott is an acute care hospital with 46 licensed beds, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, OB/GYN, pediatric, home care and hospice services. Inpatient care is provided with 24/7 physician coverage. In 2017, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott received The Leapfrog Group’s prestigious A rating. Mercy Clinic Fort Scott is located on hospital grounds as well as Mercy rural health clinics in Arma and Pleasanton.
