Category Archives: Submitted

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Schools, Submitted

Aggie Day at FSCC April 6

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Arnold Arena

The Fort Scott Community College Agriculture Department will host the 42nd annual Aggie Day on Friday, April 6. Approximately 1,400 students representing more than 100 schools will compete in the contest.

“We look forward to hosting Aggie Day each year,” said Ryan Edgecomb, FSCC Agriculture Instructor. “We are anticipating another large event, which will draw schools and 4-H clubs from across the Four States.”

Students will compete in a variety of areas, including agronomy, entomology, farm management, floriculture, food science, livestock, meat evaluation, milk quality and products, nursery/landscape, poultry, speech, and veterinary science.

Sponsored by Purina and Purina Mills Honor Show Chow, this event is the longest running interscholastic competition in the region. “We are honored to have Purina and Honor Show Chow back as our sponsors for a third straight year, and we’re grateful for their support,” said Edgecomb.

Teams should pre-register online at http://www.fortscott.edu/aggieday/registration before Friday, March 30. Registration for the event will begin at 7:00 am on April 6 at Arnold Arena, 2108 S. Horton St. Fort Scott, Kan. For more information, please call Ryan Edgecomb at 620-223-2700, ext. 3280.

Area News, Government, Submitted

Kansas District 13 Senator Richard Hilderbrand’s Weekly Newsletter

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State senator Richard Hilderbrand 13th district

communications from the state capitol

March 2, 2018 ∙ Week Eight

Quote of the Week:
“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand;

the spines of others are often stiffened.”

– Billy Graham

HARD FACTS:

PRESENATION ON K-12 EDUCATION FUNDING:

On Friday February 23rd, Dr. Lori L. Taylor gave a preliminary presentation to a joint session of the Kansas Senate and House of Representatives on the methods, data, and analysis plan for her research on K-12 education funding in Kansas.

Dr. Taylor was hired by the Legislature in December to act as an expert witness and to investigate whether Kansas’ K-12 funding is adequate. This comes after the Kansas Supreme Court declared the current funding level is not enough and gave the legislature an April 30th deadline to create a new funding system.

Taylor, a native Kansan, holds a BA in economics and a BS in business administration from the University of Kansas and received her PhD in economics from the University of Rochester.

She is currently a professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and works as the Director for Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy. Taylor’s research is focused in school finance and she has consulted for numerous state legislatures and state and federal agencies on the topic.

During Friday’s presentation, Taylor outlined her study’s objective to estimate the level of spending required to produce a given outcome within a given educational environment. Taylor explained that she is looking at many different factors of school finance such as differences in spending, student outcomes, student needs, labor costs, geographical differences, and many other variables. One major variable Taylor will investigate in her research is student achievement relative to spending per pupil.

Taylor is expected to deliver her results to the Legislature by March 15th, a few weeks before the court mandated deadline.

I had the opportunity to attend the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce First Friday Legislative update on March 2nd, at the Kansas Crossing Casino, and on Saturday March 3rd, I had the opportunity to attend the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott.

TASK FORCE ON SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER

On Thursday, Governor Jeff Colyer issued an executive order creating a task force addressing substance use disorder. The objective of the task force is to gather information regarding substance abuse in Kansas, particularly regarding the growing number of opioid and heroin overdoses in the state along with methamphetamine addiction. The task force will work to find useful resources and initiatives to fight drug abuse. It will also examine practices for prevention and treatment along with recovery options for at-risk individuals through early detection and education.

Since 2012, more than 1,500 Kansans have died from opioid or heroin overdoses and more than 100 Kansas residents continue to die each year. In 2016, drug poisoning was the cause of death to more than 300 people in Kansas, with 95 deaths caused by methamphetamine alone. The task force acknowledges that substance abuse is an illness which not only impacts the lives of those addicted but also their families and surrounding communities.

The task force will be chaired by Dr. Greg Lakin, Chief Medical Officer at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Membership will be comprised of heads from numerous state agencies, legislators, and professionals in industries such as education, law enforcement, hospitals, and more.

AVIATION DAY:

The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation along with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE) held their 4th annual Aviation Day event Thursday.

The day began with an economic development training event for city officials on how to best harness state and local resources to boost the aviation industry. During the Aviation Day event, legislators, manufacturers, suppliers, and aviation organizations gathered to discuss industry growth and opportunities and addressed development potentials for Kansas economic stakeholders.

The Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education highlighted industry development opportunities throughout the day, spreading awareness regarding STEM and aviation education through KCAE.

NEXT WEEK:

Monday-

    • Consideration of agency budget: Department of Education – [Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, March 5 at 11:30 am]
    • Presentation on: High Enrollment Weighting: KSDE, Dale Dennis, Deputy Commissioner, Legislative Research Department & Revisor of Statutes – [Senate Education Committee, March 5 at 1:30 pm]

Tuesday-

  • Hearing on: HB 2511, Making commercial driver’s licenses renewable every five years – [Senate Transportation Committee, March 6 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 400, tax lid exemption when taxing entity abolished and duties assumed by a city or county – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 6 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2088, allow use of certified drug abuse treatment program for drug severity level 4 crimes – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 6 at 10:30 am]
  • Presentation on: FutureMaker Mobile STEM Lab – update on Hands on Experience – [Senate Education Committee, March 6 at 1:30 pm]

Wednesday-

  • Hearing on: HB 2486, allowing golf carts to be driven on certain streets at night – [Senate Transportation Committee, March 7 at 8:30 am]
  • Hearing on: SB 415, depositing all state sales tax revenues from sales on the Kansas state fairgrounds into the state fair capital improvements fund – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2501, establishing the health occupations credentialing fee fund – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, March 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2600, increasing the fees assessed by KDHE for certain radiation protection services – [Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, March 7 at 9:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2458, adding violations of the act for obtaining a guardian or conservator, or both, to the crimes of mistreatment of a dependent adult and mistreatment of an elder person, changing the felony loss thresholds and adding the crimes to the inherently dangerous felony list – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 7 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on: HB 2479, allowing criminal cases to be stayed during state appeal of writ of habeas corpus relief – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 7 at 10:30 am]
  • Hearing on SB 378, creating the crime of counterfeiting currency – [Senate Judiciary Committee, March 7 at 10:30 am]
  • Discussion on: Joint Senate Select Committee on Education Finance & House K-12 Education Budget Committee- Dr. Jesse Levin, Peer Review of the LPA and Augenblick Studies (Skype Presentation) – [Senate Select Committee on Education Finance and House K-12 Education Budget Committee, March 7 at 1:00 pm]

Thursday-

  • Hearing on: SB 367, sales taxation; treatment of coupons; certain cash rebates on sales or leases of new motor vehicles – [Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, March 8 at 9:30 am]
  • Presentation on: Concurrent Enrollment – KBOR, Dr. Blake Flanders, President & CEO – [Senate Education Committee, March 8 at 1:30 pm]

Below are links to make it easy for constituents to follow the Kansas Legislature:

Website – www.kslegislature.org. It is great for looking up bills, calendars, journals, as well as, the roster in each Chamber.

YouTube of Legislature – http://bit.ly/2CZj9O0 Did you know the legislature is now streaming its proceedings? The YouTube page has an archive of the sessions thus far – including the State of the State and the State of the Judiciary.

Committee Streaming – http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/ The Kansas Legislature is also streaming committees, with every committee room equipped with audio streaming technology.

Thank You for Engaging

Thank you for all your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. Constituent correspondence helps inform my decision-making process and is taken into great consideration when I cast my vote in the Kansas Senate. I

 

Fort Scott, Government, Submitted

Agenda For Fort Scott City Commission 6.m. on March 6

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The Fort Scott City Commission meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at city hall, 123 S. Main. The  phone number of city hall is 620-223-1550. Following the agenda in this feature are the previous meetings minutes.

The agenda’s Commission for 6 p.m. March 6 is as follows:

I. ROLL CALL:

ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL

II. FLAG SALUTE

III. INVOCATION: Allan Schellack, Chaplain, Fort Scott Compassionate Ministries

IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: Recognition of City Employees

V. CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 20th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1210-A totaling $561,766.74.

  1. Approval of Archer Daniels Midland Amended Agreement – purchase of treated wastewater from City of Fort Scott

  1. Resolution No. 11-2018 and Notice of Hearing With Reference to Alleged Unsafe and Dangerous Structure and Accessory Structure located at 310 N. Cleveland – Public Hearing Date – 4/17/2018 at 6:15 p.m.

VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)

C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS:

6:15 p.m. Resolution 10-2018 directing the repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 1234 E. Elm Street

VII. CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Fitness Bids – Buck Run Community Center

  1. Consideration of 124 E. Wall Bids – CDBG Grant and Approval of Project

  1. Consideration of Tourism Center Upgrade Bids
  1. Consideration of Memorial Hall Rental Contract

  1. Consideration of Ground Lease Bids for land at Wastewater Treatment Plant

VIII. COMMENTS:

  1. Director Updates:
  1. Commission:
  1. City Attorney:
  1. Director of Finance:
  1. City Manager:

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE

SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO

(see below justification)

DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE

EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN

MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.

Justifications for Executive Sessions:

  • Personnel matters of non-elected personnel

  • Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

  • Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency

  • Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

  • Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

IX. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL

The minutes of the previous meeting:

CITY OF FORT SCOTT

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Minutes of February 20, 2018 Regular Meeting #4

The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held February 20th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners Adamson, Bartelsmeyer, Nichols and Parker were present with Mayor Mitchell presiding.

INVOCATION: Dave Martin, City Manager, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the city and all government and city officials.

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Rachel Pruitt, Clayton Miller, Frank Adamson, Paul Ballou, Rhonda Dunn, Deb Needleman, Robert Taylor, Matthew Wells, Patrick Wood, Denton Wescoat, Karen Gazaway, Larry Gazaway, Katlyn Stahl, Abby Fangman, Liseth Arana, Courtney Russell, Izzy Russell, Jade Russell, Samantha Hunt, Trey Hunt, Mersadies Roof, Amy Roof, Jenna Graham, Kimberly Graham, Ashlyn Graham, Alvin Metcalf, Sr., Alvin Metcalf, Jr., Alexis Metcalf, Candy Stroud, Rick Zingre’, Brandon Brown, Melissa Swisher, Teresa Russell, Kevin Russell, Hannah Vann, Jody Hoener, Amanda Roof, Edwin Roof, Addie Smith, Dakota Hall, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.

PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Recognition of Fort Scott High School Girls Wrestling Team – Mayor Mitchell recognized the Fort Scott High School Girls Wrestling Team which consisted of 12 girls. The team was formed in 2017/2018. There were 8 girls recently who placed at the State Wrestling Championship held in McPherson on February 10th, 2018. Those girls include: Jenna Graham, Mersadies Roof, Breya Brown, Alexis Rusk, Hannah Vann, Addie Smith, Jade Russell and Sam Hunt. The FSHS Girl’s Wrestling Team finished 2nd in the State of Kansas. The City is proud of each of these girls and their accomplishments. They were each presented with a Certificate of Recognition.

Introduction of new City employees – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, introduced Denton Wescoat and Karen Gazaway. Denton will be the IT System Administrator and Karen is the new Water Utility Clerk.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:

  1. Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of February 6th, 2018.

  1. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1209-A totaling $320,132.82.

  1. Approval of Archer Daniels Midland Agreement – Purchase of treated wastewater from City of Fort Scott

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Installation of Bicycle Racks in downtown area

  1. Certificate of Appropriateness – Approval of final Gordon Parks sign to be installed on Iron Star Building

Bartelsmeyer moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.

APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:

  1. APPEARANCE: None

B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute

limit per citizen) –

Robert Taylor – Mr. Taylor said he moved to Fort Scott two years ago. He would like to address the closure of the Beaux Arts Center. He said they have been forced to move out due to the Kansas State Fire Marshal and the Fire Prevention Code violations. It would cost a lot of money to bring the building up to code. This puts an establishment out of business and is bad for the community. It diminishes the tax base and cultural base as the Beaux Arts Center helped support the local arts base in Fort Scott. He asked that the City give the owners reasonable accommodations and rescind the letter that was sent to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

City Manager responded and said what was sent to the State Fire Marshal’s office was the code foot print. It is an important document that you need when you change occupancy of a building which is what has occurred at this location. A complaint was filed with the State Fire Marshal’s office that there was a change of occupancy for this building. The City has tried to work with the owners but they chose to close their doors.

Matthew Wells – Mr. Wells asked why the code foot print for the Beaux Arts Center was funded using City taxpayer funds. He also asked why the report was sent to the State Fire Marshal’s office before confirming the size of the windows and doors. Lastly, he asked about the other downtown businesses and if the City would lose more businesses due to changes in occupancies in their establishments.

Mayor Mitchell said that the Beaux Arts Center did not have to close their doors. The City’s first and foremost concern is safety for all of our citizens. The City would work with them as they would any other business.

Paul Ballou, Fire Chief, said that his department had been working with the Duncan’s for some time.

Rick Zingre’, architect, said he did the code foot print for the Beaux Arts Center. He said that the City is always willing to give variances and exceptions. The change in occupancy from business to assembly is why the State Fire Marshal’s office requires the extra exit on the third floor.

Rachel Pruitt informed Mr. Wells that the code foot print was paid for with the downtown building improvement grant that is only for historical buildings.

City Manager said that he had a meeting with them this morning and asked them to reconsider again and they told him they were done.

  1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None

CONSIDERATION:

  1. Consideration of Zoning Change – A change of zoning from R-2 (Medium Density Residential District) to MU (Mixed Use District) – For Tract #1 at 1907 S. Horton – Approval of Ordinance No. 3530 – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this zoning change went before the Planning Commission on February 1st, 2018. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change. This property is where the old trailer park used to be located across from the college. This property has been purchased by Patrick Wood and Jake Gross who have formed Two Dogs Barking, LLC.

Patrick Wood informed the Commission they plan to put a strip mall in the southwest corner of this property along Horton Street and a 12 unit apartment building along the northwest corner. The apartment building would be appealing to young professionals and be on an upscale level. He is working with Rhonda Dunn and Rachel Pruitt as he would like to put some retail business in this parcel of land. He hopes to be able to apply for a T.I.F. for this location.

Mitchell moved to approve Ordinance No. 3530 – Zoning change from R-2 to MU for the property at 1907 S. Horton Street. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3530 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM R-2 (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) TO MU (MIXED USE DISTRICT) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 1907 S. HORTON STREET.

  1. Consideration of Zoning Change – A change of zoning from R-2 (Medium Density Residential District) to R-3 (High Density Residential District) for Tract #2 at 1920 S. Huntington – Approval of Ordinance No. 3531 – Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that this zoning change went before the Planning Commission on February 1st, 2018. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change.

Patrick Wood said they are still deciding what to do with this property. This zoning will allow for housing at this area.

Mitchell moved to approve Ordinance No. 3531 – Zoning change from R-2 to R-3 for the property at 1920 S. Huntington Street. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3531 CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATIONS OR DISTRICTS OF CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED IN THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY K.S.A. 1973 SUPP. 12-708 – CHANGE OF ZONING FROM R-2 (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) TO R-3 (HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT) FOR THE PROPERTY AT 1920 S. HUNTINGTON STREET.

  1. Consideration of playhouse placement – Dave Martin, City Manager, informed the Commission that a playhouse has been given to the City of Fort Scott by Pittsburg State University. The Men’s Kiwanis group has worked on the playhouse to make it safer for children. City Manager said that they need a location now to put the playhouse and asked the Commission for their input. The Public Works Director would like to see it placed at Ellis Park. They would pour a concrete slab and the playhouse would be placed on top of that. There are other parks where it could be placed also.

Nichols moved to allow City Staff to make the decision where to place the playhouse. Parker seconded. All voted aye.

APPROVED TO ALLOW CITY STAFF TO MAKE THE DECISION FOR THE BEST PLACE TO PUT THE PLAYHOUSE THAT WAS DONATED TO THE CITY BY PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY.

  1. Consideration of Fitness Equipment purchase – Buck Run Community Center – City Manager asked for this to be tabled since Tom Robertson was not present.

  1. Consideration of Natural Gas Supply Agreement with Constellation for Memorial Hall and the Public Works building – Jon Garrison, Director of Finance, informed the Commission that several weeks ago he was approached by Constellation New Energy about switching our natural gas supplies from Kansas Gas Service to Constellation at Memorial Hall at 1 E. 3rd Street and the Public Works building at 2104 S. Sidney. He said that he has not checked with Kansas Gas Service yet to see if they would match their rate. He asked that this be tabled at this time and brought back in two weeks.

COMMISSION/STAFF:

  1. Director Updates: None

B. City Commission:

Adamson – Remarked that the City did a great job on the streets.

Bartelsmeyer – Remarked that the Beaux Arts Center is important to our community and she hopes they reconsider their decision to close.

Nichols – Remarked that he noticed in the Planning Commission meeting notes that the new Comprehensive Plan will be coming before them at the first meeting in March. He will not be present at that meeting and asked if it could be moved to the second meeting in March.

Parker – Remarked that she appreciated the comments tonight at the meeting.

Mitchell – Nothing to report.

C. City Attorney: Not present.

  1. Director of Finance: Nothing to report.

  1. City Manager: Remarked that he has reached out to the owners of the Beaux Arts Center and hopes they reconsider their decision to close.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 p.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.

ADJOURNED MEETING AT 6:57 P.M.

The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on March 6th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

RECORDED BY:

____________________

DIANE K. CLAY, CITY CLERK

 

Bourbon County, Submitted

Fescue Meeting to Discuss Endophyte Fungus

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Southwind Extension District Agent for Livestock Production and Forage Management Christopher Petty.

Fescue is one of the predominate grasses in southeast Kansas.

It can be successfully managed for intensive use as a livestock feed, but it is not without its drawbacks. Kentucky 31 fescue, the most commonly found pasture variety, has a fungus (called an endophyte), living within the plant. This endophyte is good for the plant but causes negative reactions in beef cattle.

Joint the Southwind District of K-State Research and Extension on Wednesday, April 4, to learn more about fescue endophytes, their effect on cattle, and how to manage fescue. This program will take place at 6 p.m. at the Moran Community Center, located at 407 N. Cedar St. in Moran, Kansas, and will feature Southwind Extension District Agent for Livestock Production and Forage Management Christopher Petty, Kansas State University Southeast Area Livestock Specialist Jaymelynn Farney, and Kansas State University Southeast Area Agronomist Doug Shoup.

The meeting is sponsored by Multimin 90 and Ag Choice of Moran. An evening meal will be provided, free of charge, by our sponsors. Pre-registration is required, by March 30 to reserve your meal.

For more information, or to pre-register, contact the Southwind Extension District, Iola Office at 620-365-2242 or e-mail [email protected].

Fort Scott, Submitted

What’s Happening This Weekend In Fort Scott

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Provided by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

FRI & SAT – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Livestock Sales – Fort Scott Livestock Market – 2131 Maple Rd. You don’t have to be a buyer to watch the sale and visit the café.
FRI, SAT & SUN – 8:30 am – 4:00 pm – Art Project: New Faces New Neighbors Fort Scott National Historic Site – History & Art come together. Kids have created textile works of art that encompass the change of Fort Scott NHS throughout its history.
SATURDAY, March 03
8:00 am – Kansas Conceal Carry Class – The Bunker – 108 Scott Avenue – Bring any caliber handgun and a box of ammo. Email, text, or call 620-215-1521 to reserve a seat, www.ksrockspark.com.
9:00 am – Fort Scott Legislative Update Coffee – Hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce in the lower level of Mercy Hospital by the Cafe.
10:00 am – Water/Ways Exhibit on display – Fort Scott Regional Tourism Center – 231 E. Wall St.
10:00 am – Free Watercolor Class – Empress Event Center, 7 N Main St. Part of the Water/Ways Exhibit Children 12 and under. Each child participating will utilize watercolors, recreating images of the Marmaton River. Paintings will be on display through the end of the Water/Ways Exhibit on April 8th
12:00 pm – FSCC Women’s Softball vs. State Fair Community College – FSCC Softball Field
1:00 pm – FSCC Hounds Men’s Baseball vs. Independence Community College – Doubleheader, Hounds men play at both 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
1:30 pm – 36th Annual Spelling Bee – Friendly competition for1st – 5th grade. Top spellers meet for the final round in the Buck Run Community Center auditorium. Call 620-223-0386 for more information.
3:00 pm – Spring Sheep Meeting hosted by Southwind Extension District – 4-H Building, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 23rd & Horton across from FSCC. Open to the public!
6:00 pm – FSHS Boy’s & Girls Sub-state Basketball Championship Games – 1005 S. Main – Girls play at 6:00 pm, Boys play at 7:30 pm.

SUNDAY, March 04
9:30 am – FSHS Boy’s & Girls Sub-state Basketball Championship Games – 1005 S. Main –
12:00 pm – FSCC Women’s Softball vs. Park University JV – FSCC Softball Field

Area News, Submitted

Flags Order At Half-Staff Today For Billy Graham

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Governor Colyer Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-staff in Honor of Reverend Billy Graham

Topeka – In accordance with Executive Order 10-12, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sun-down today, Friday, March 2, 2018 to honor the life of Reverend Billy Graham who is to be buried today at his library in North Carolina.

“Billy Graham was an inspiration to entire generations of Americans. Like many, I remember listening to his sermons as a child,” said the Governor. “Billy truly left the world a better place than he found it. My heart goes out to his family for their loss.”

The White House last week issued a proclamation directing flags at all public buildings and military installations to be flown at half-staff on the day of Rev. Graham’s interment.

To receive email alerts when the Governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors/ to subscribe.

 

 

Opinion, Submitted

Judging by Patty LaRoche

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Kari, my friend here in Mazatlan, was checking out the silent auction items at the annual Hospice Dinner/Dance when a woman approached her to make small talk–not atypical at these events. My friend shared that the lady was decked out with jewels dripping from every uncovered area of skin. The lady asked if Kari had been to Mexico before. When Kari answered “for 30 years,” the lady’s tone changed.

“I’m going to get to the point,” she declared. “I noticed you are dressed very nicely, but your husband has on shorts. That is entirely inappropriate for an event like this. If you look around, the men here have on slacks which is the custom in Mexico.”

Kari was speechless. There were close to 1000 people at this fundraiser, and the stranger had appointed herself the Sergeant-at-Arms for evening attire. “I just thought you should know for the future,” she said before disappearing into the crowd.

Kari returned to her table and shared what happened with our friends who immediately offered to take the woman to the parking lot and beat her up. (We’re close like that.)

Dave and I heard the story the following morning when we drove Kari to church. What my friend did next was a brave move. She sought out the stranger and confronted her, sharing that Rob, her husband, had on “nice” shorts (not the cargo ones he was wearing before Kari asked him to change) and a nice shirt, that there were a few other men there in shorts, that she doubted the Hospice leadership recognized a difference between the way people were dressed when it came to accepting their monetary donations, and that if it were that big of a deal, the tickets should indicate so. The stranger did not back down.

I told my friend what she should have said. “Thank you for letting me know that. Rob and I will take back our $10,000 donation since Hospice is so embarrassed by the way he is dressed.” ( Clever, right?) But since we were on our way to church, I offered a nicer counter. “I’m wondering why you are putting so much emphasis on how people are dressed. One day we will all stand before God and be judged on what’s in our hearts. He won’t care how many jewels we own or how we look to other people.”

Of course, then the meddlesome woman probably would have taken me to the parking lot and beaten me up.

What the stranger didn’t know—and maybe wouldn’t have cared to know–is that Kari is a Christian but her husband is an atheist. It has not been easy. She and I are in a Bible study together in which last week’s Philippians’ study guide asked a question about what we could do that week to be more Christlike. Kari had shared with her husband that her goal that week was to complain less (Chapter 2, vs. 14: Do all things without complaining or disputing.) His response? “We’ll see how long that will last.” I couldn’t help but groan.

And here is a busybody who wants Kari to be sure Rob understands the wardrobe rules of Mexico! An argument my friend chose not to have.

Here’s how I see it. Should Rob have worn slacks? Probably. (He doesn’t even own a pair.) But not at the expense of Kari nagging or driving a wedge in their relationship.

Perhaps Nosey-Nelly was trying to be helpful. Seriously, perhaps she was. Or perhaps her self-worth came from the gems she wore while her heart remained under-dressed and critical, which in my opinion is far more destructive than her prying personality.

And then again, whatever the case, perhaps none of it is any of my business.

Area News, Submitted

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

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#HaveTheConversation about problem gambling to raise awareness for this often-hidden disease

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling is dedicating the month of March to helping people “Have the Conversation” about problem gambling. Approximately two million (one percent) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for pathological gambling, another four to six million (two to three percent) would be considered problem gamblers. Yet gambling remains a hidden addiction for many.

Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to help raise awareness of the prevention, treatment and recovery services available for those adversely affected by gambling. The grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders – public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators – who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.

Across Kansas, groups including four state-funded regional task forces and a statewide coalition hold events, mount media campaigns, promote Gambling Disorder Screening Day on March 13 and conduct outreach to people who can make a difference ensuring that problem gambling services are promoted and the public is educated regarding problem gambling.

As March Madness reaches a crescendo with an estimated $10 billion in bets placed on NCAA basketball championship games, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline spike an average of 30 percent during this month.

To get help for a gambling problem for you or a loved one, Kansas residents can call the Kansas problem gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or can visit ksgamblinghelp.com for more information. The call is free and confidential. No out-of-pocket cost treatment is available for problem gamblers and concerned others with revenues collected from state-owned casinos. The program is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.

Area News, Submitted

Consumers: Potential Breach of Protected Health Information

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TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has begun to notify individual consumers about a recent incident in which personal or protected health information was disseminated to a specific group of KDADS business associates.

On February 23, 2018, KDADS became aware of a potential breach of personal or protected health information after an employee sent an unauthorized email containing personal or protected health information to a group of current KDADS business associates.

When notified, KDADS immediately began to reach out to the business associates and to affected consumers. Additionally, KDADS is actively investigating this matter to determine how the incident occurred, and the agency has put in place additional safeguards to ensure that an incident like this does not occur again.

To date, KDADS has verified that the personal or protected health information was only disclosed to the agency’s business associates. Contracts/business associate agreements protect this information from further dissemination, inappropriate or unauthorized use, and/or disclosure. Currently, KDADS has no evidence to indicate that the information has been misused or disclosed publicly.

The email contained an attachment which included consumer names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, gender, in-home services program participation information and Medicaid identification numbers. No banking, credit card or driver license information was included.

All involved consumers identified by KDADS will be sent an individual letter explaining the situation. Please check the KDADS website at http://www.kdads.ks.gov for any additional information, which will be posted as it becomes available. Consumers and other interested persons may contact KDADS by telephone without incurring charges at 1-800-432-3535. Please leave a message for Kahlea Porter requesting a return call.

KDADS apologizes sincerely to the consumers affected for any distress or inconvenience this may cause. KDADS is undertaking an immediate review of policies and procedures relevant to preventing a similar situation from occurring.

Options for consumers who want to take additional action to protect themselves:

  • Some state laws allow you to place a security freeze on your credit reports. This would prohibit a credit reporting agency from releasing any information from your credit report without your written permission.
  • You may order a copy of your credit report free of charge. You are entitled to receive one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus listed below.
  • You may place a fraud alert on your credit report. This can help prevent someone from opening additional accounts in your name or changing your existing accounts. You can call any of the three major credit bureaus listed below to place the fraud alert request.
Equifax Experian Trans Union Corp.
PO BOX 740250 PO Box 1017 Fraud Assistance Division, PO Box 6790
Atlanta, GA 30374 Allen, TX 75013 Fullerton, CA 92834
800- 685-1111 888-397-3742 800-916-8800
https://www.equifax.com/personal/ https://www.experian.com/ https://www.transunion.com/home-fintech
Fort Scott, Submitted

Winston Churchill Coming To Fort Scott

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“Winston Churchill” is coming to Fort Scott.    For those who enjoyed “Teddy Roosevelt” in 2016, the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site are bringing “Winston Churchill” to the Liberty Theatre on Saturday, March 31, 2018, for their Annual Friends Fest.

 

Randy Otto is  Winston and he is the only Winston Churchill impersonator endorsed by the Churchill family.    He is a nationally acclaimed “Winston” and the Friends group wanted to bring another impersonator to Fort Scott on the caliber with Teddy Roosevelt who performed at the 2016 Friends Fest.

 

Randy Otto’s recitation’s genesis was a simple encouragement from Otto’s University British History Professor in 1973.   He encouraged Otto not only to study Churchill’s life academically but to emulate the great man on stage.
An alumnus of the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre and numerous theatrical roles, Otto over the past 43 years has been a Churchill scholar, motivational speaker, and performance artist who has honed the concept into a one-man show designed to entertain and electrify.
The event on March 31 will feature  Otto’s performance with an appetizer buffet prior to the performance.    Tickets are $35 and are available this week at the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, contact Martha Scott, Chairman, 2018 Friends Fest, at 620-224-9924.

 

Area News, Submitted

DCF Promotes Need for More Social Workers

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Governor Jeff Colyer signs a proclamation designating March as Social Work Month. Those in attendance from left to right: Steven Greene II, DCF Legislative and Policy Director; Levi Jenkins, DCF Child Protection Specialist; Ann Goodall, DCF Child Protection Specialist; Governor Colyer, State of Kansas; Rachel Marsh, Saint Francis Community Services (SFCS) Executive Director of Government and Community Relations; DCF Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel; Patricia Long, DCF Director of Prevention and Protection Services.

Governor Jeff Colyer signs proclamation declaring March Social Work Month

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) social workers are often one of the first lines of defense against abuse and neglect for children and vulnerable adults. They work in collaboration with law enforcement, the courts, contractors, families and others to ensure the safety and well-being of those who cannot protect themselves. Due to the high demands of the job, Kansas, like other states across the nations, is experiencing a shortage of social workers.

To call attention to this need, today, Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel and DCF staff joined Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D., as he designated March as Social Work Month at the State Capitol Building, Topeka.

“Social workers perform an essential duty for Kansas families, and I am happy to recognize their dedication in a field that is so challenging,” said Governor Jeff Colyer. “Recruiting and retaining social workers is difficult, so I fully support the efforts of DCF to incentivize social workers to consider State service.”

DCF, along with its contracted providers, employ more than 1,000 social workers statewide. DCF has taken the following steps to attract social workers.

    • Increased the starting salary for social workers to $40,000, and supervisors to $44,000
    • Increased DCF attendance at career fairs, including out-of-state
    • Started posting open positions on Handshake, Indeed and DCF’s Facebook page
    • Worked with the Kansas Department of Commerce to recruit
    • Partnered with a headhunter organization to fill positions
    • Started accepting social workers on a part-time basis and as temporary positions. (These part-time social worker positions have increased dramatically since 2010.)
    • Increased the number of social work practicum students we take per region.
    • Hosted on-site career fairs at our DCF service centers.

“We should recognize and support our social workers, because their work is tough and essential,” said Secretary Meier-Hummel, a social worker. “I have the upmost respect for those who come to work each day with the goal of changing and saving lives.”

DCF Social Worker Ann Goodall, Topeka, discusses the challenges and rewards of her job.

“People don’t really understand the day in, day out duties because our work is so confidential. We protect families from harm, but we also protect their privacy,” Goodall said. “I’ve been a social worker in child welfare for 20 years, it is my passion. Getting to be one-one-one with children, talking with them about their lives, it makes a difference, and it is what I love doing.”

To become a social worker, individuals must graduate from an accredited university with at least a bachelor’s degree in social welfare. They must also pass a licensure exam and maintain the license with 40 hours of continuing education, every two years.

DCF is always looking for people who have a heart for serving vulnerable adults and children in Kansas. To learn more about becoming a social worker, and to view available positions, visit www.jobs.ks.gov.