FORT SCOTT, Kan. (April 6, 2018) – Mercy lead dietitian Sherise Beckham, MS, RD, LD, has recently been named to the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Healthy Kansas Hospital Committee.
The vision of KHA is “Optimal Health for Kansans.” In her role, Beckham will serve the committee as one of only two representatives from the southeast region of the State of Kansas.
The Healthy Kansas Hospitals Committee has been established to look at hospital policy and environments across the state to determine best practices health systems can implement to model healthy cultures—basically to set the “gold standard” of what hospitals can aspire to do. Hospitals in many communities are seen as the anchor organization and can lead the way (by example) to healthier lifestyles, communities and increase the quality of life.
Beckham’s responsibilities on the Healthy Kansas Hospitals Committee include:
Exploring opportunities that provide greater access to healthy food and beverage options for hospital employees, patients, and visitors.
Helping to establish strong community norms for healthier living and are willing to learn more about making healthy food/beverage policy changes to help all employees and patients live longer and better lives.
Providing information that has the potential to establish a corporate culture which encourages key leadership strategies for a healthy food and beverage environment.
Assisting in overall implementation through web tools to assist in vendor and food policy changes, assistance for food service staff implementing changes, and opportunities for shared expertise and interaction with peers.
To learn more about the Health Kansas Hospitals Committee, visit kha-net.org.
Jude Ward and Harold Kraft had a vision in 1972 of opening a company that would allow people a chance to grow financially and career-wise.
Mr. Ward and Mr. Kraft started up a printing company that would not only outperform the competition but would help create more opportunities for people who wanted a career and not just a job. Now over 45 years later, that “legacy” continues as Ward Kraft still stands at the top of the list when it comes to employers in Fort Scott, Kansas.
Ward Kraft employs 340 people.
That thirty-five percent of their current workforce has been employed at the company for ten years or more shows that Ward Kraft is a place that a person can call a career and not just a job.
What started out as a forms company in the early seventies has evolved into a company that specializes in forms, labels, plastics, and specialty products; working out of three divisions at their campus in Fort Scott.
Competitive wages (with wages ranging from $10.40 to $22.00 depending on the work area and skill level), good benefits, stability, advancement opportunities, and a good working environment are a just a few of the reasons the employees at WK have made the company their working home for so many years.
Dee Covey, who has been with the company for over 12 years says, “I have been blessed to have an awesome job. I work with great people who believe in teamwork and a boss who is very understanding and always listens to me”.
When asked about Ward Kraft and the longevity of their members, President of Manufacturing Phil Quick (a 28-year member) said, “I feel we keep good members at WK because of the work environment, and family atmosphere. Our managers and members care about doing the right thing for the customer, and the team. Attitude and effort are the main ingredients for being successful at WK.”
During the company’s annual Christmas dinner, service awards were handed out to members that were celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.
Five-year service awards, pictured (from left to right) Richard Racer, Ashley Farmer, JoAnn Dugan, Chris Thurston, Jay VanBuskirk, Cindy Schroeder, Brad Matkin, Daniel Gauthier, and Wayne Racy
Celebrating 5 years: JoAnn Dugan, Ashley Farmer, Daniel Gauthier, Bryan Hughes, Brad Matkin, Mike Pyle, Richard Racer, Wayne Racy, Cindy Schroeder, Scott Smith, Chris Thurston, and Jay VanBuskirk.
Ten-year service awards pictured (from left to right) Reva Dent and Roberta Anderson.
Celebrating 10 years: Roberta Anderson, Ryan Kraft, Thom McCreedy, and Reva Dent
Fifteen-year service awards: pictured (from left to right) Ben Morrell, Matt McClellan, Dana Ruhl, Bob Piotrowski, Jeanette Sisseck, Lisa Hull, Steve Williams
Celebrating 15 years: Ken Ash, Lisa Hull, Matt McClellan, Ben Morrell, Bob Piotrowski, Dana Ruhl, Jeanette Sisseck, Joshua Smith, Steve Williams, and Teresa Zimmerman.
Twenty- year service awards –pictured (from left to right) Michelle Heaton, David Budd, Twila Milburn, Sara Griffith, Carey Mooney, and Randy Thurston.
Celebrating 20 years: David Budd, Sara Griffith, Michelle Heaton, Twila Milburn, Carey Mooney, and Randy Thurston
Twenty-five-year service awards (from left to right) Bill Meech, Billy Cowan, and Steve Denton
Celebrating 25 years: Billy Cowen, Steve Denton, Billy Hill, Bill Meech, and David Zimmerman
Thirty-year service awards pictured (from left to right) Melinda Collins, Raymond Mauck, and Jesse Crum.
Celebrating 30 years: Mark Christy, Melinda Collins, Jesse Crum, Ray Mauck, and Joy Wiltse
Thirty-five-year service awards pictured from left: Dennis Harper, Danny Harper, and Gary Bosley.
Celebrating 35 years Gary Bosley, Danny Harper, Dennis Harper, and Roger Kraft
Forty-year-service award, pictured is Patty Gauthier.
Celebrating 40 years: Patty Gauthier and Jerry Parsons
2017 Retirees – (from left to right) Danny Harper and Jimmy Tucker
Celebrating the retirements of Jimmy Tucker (31 years of service), Danny Harper (35 years) and Joy Wiltse (30 years).
Ward Kraft, Inc. is part of the WK Holding Company which also includes local companies FS Munitions, KW Cattle Co., ReproLogix, 4 State Sanitation and Recycling, and Christian Learning Center.
Ward Kraft will hold a job fair on April 10th at the Empress Event Center, located at 7 North Main, from 10 am to 2 pm and will be looking for people who want to be part of their team.
Positions that are available are production members, sales personnel, and office staff to name a few. WK staff will be present to talk to prospective members about these opportunities and to answer any question you may have about the company.
Ward Kraft management believes the employees have made the last 45 plus years possible and successful and are still committed to hiring the “Person Not the Position”.
The Design Review Board will meet on Thursday, April 12th, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Hall Commission Meeting room at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to the building at 202 State Street and any other matters that may come before the Board. This meeting is open to the public.
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.
