Category Archives: Submitted

Bourbon County, K-State Extension, Submitted

Fuel-saving Tips for the Farm

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Carla Nemecek is Southwind District Director and agent.

 

Submitted by: Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension District

 

Although the cost of fuel has declined the past few days, input costs are still high especially on the farm. With hay baling, planting soybeans and wheat harvest upon Southeast Kansas, one of the largest expenses will be fuel, so being conscientious how certain vehicles are used could aide in lowering those costs. Several tips are offered by K-State Research & Extension.

 

  1.  Avoid unnecessary driving. Maybe the task can be handled with a phone call instead of a trip.
  2. Match the vehicle to the task. Take the family car to pick up parts instead of the four-wheel-drive truck.
  3. Get rid of junk. Extra tools, supplies and other nonessentials in the back of a vehicle add weight that decreases fuel mileage.
  4. Keep vehicles in good running order. Clogged filters and injectors rob power and efficiency from tractors, trucks, and cars.
  5. Check the tire pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tires can increase rolling resistance and fuel use.
  6. Switch to a minimum or no-till farming practices. Fewer tractor passes through the field means less fuel used.
  7.  Match the tractor to the task. Don’t use a large field tractor when a smaller one will work.
  8. Make sure the tractor is ballasted properly. Tires on a poorly ballasted tractor will slip and increase fuel use. Too much ballast for the task uses more fuel than necessary.
  9. Gear up and throttle back when performing field tasks that don’t require full engine power. Operating a tractor at three-quarters power can save 5 to 15 percent, compared to full-throttle operation.
  10. Consider auto steer attachments for field tasks. Accurate work reduces overlaps or skips with sprayers and tillage equipment, reducing fuel use.
  11. Avoid unnecessary engine idling. Idling can account for 15 to 20 percent of fuel use.
  12. Paint fuel storage tanks white. A dark-colored, 300-gallon fuel storage tank can vent up to 120 gallons of fuel a year.

For more information, contact the Southwind District Office in Iola at 620-365-2242 or www.southwind.ksu.edu

Area News, Submitted

Mercy’s Golf Classic Results

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The Jon Allen team.

A whopping 32 teams participated in the third annual Mercy Health Foundation Golf Classic held at Woodland Hills Golf Course on June 9. The event is quickly becoming one of the largest tournaments in southeast Kansas and the most successful fundraisers for the foundation. Organizers predict net funds to surpass the $14,000 mark.

“We are extremely grateful to the participants, our huge and growing list of sponsors, golf course employees and our Mercy volunteers who came together to support this amazing fundraiser for the Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott,” said Tina Rockhold, foundation executive director and community relations manager.

Proceeds from 2018 Mercy Golf Classic will be paired with the July 27th Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Blane Howard Concert proceeds to help the Mercy Health Foundation to purchase a new transport ambulance for Mercy EMS.

The fourth Mercy Golf Classic is already scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2019.

Event results:

1st Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 50 – Jon Allen team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 51 – Shawn Marshall team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 52 – Barry Queen team

The Steve Anthony team.

2nd Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 57 (won in scorecard playoff 2 on 2) – Steve Anthony team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 57 – Mitch Quick team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 58 – Clay Campbell team

The Mike Harper team.

3rd Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 60 (won scorecard playoff 3 on 4) – Mike Harper team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 60 – Beth Nuss team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 62 – Jed Perez team

The Allen Bukowski team.

4th Flight Winners

1st Place ($300) with a score of 62 (won scorecard playoff 3 on 14) – Allen Bukowski team

2nd Place ($200) with a score of 62 – Dean Crager team

3rd Place ($100) with a score of 65 – Cliff Yarick team

Special Events

Chipping Contest – (golf bag, umbrella, $30 LaHacienda and grilling utensils) – Matt Sanders

Men’s Longest Drive (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Blake Hudson

Women’s Longest Drive (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Jordan Mason

Closest to Pin (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Jim Ermel 37.5 inches

Closest to the Line (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Jordan Mason at 16 ft.

Closest to the Line (1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls) – Drew Clark at 4 inches

Sponsors for the event include: Queen’s Price Chopper, All Hit 103.9, 5 Corners Mini Mart, McDonalds of Fort Scott and Nevada, Briggs Auto of Fort Scott, Care 4 All, Landmark National Bank, Walgreens, Go2Partners, WCA, City of Fort Scott, Extrusions, Inc., Fort Scott Family Dental, City State Bank, Union State Bank, Cancer Center of Kansas, Names & Numbers, Cheney Witt Chapel, Inc., Citizens Bank, R & R Equipment, Mid-Continental Restoration Company, Inc., HydroWorx, Central States Fitness, EVCO, Campbell Print Solutions, Inc., Bourbon County Assisted Living, LLC, Pumpin Pete’s, Lowell Milken Center, SMM Holdings LLC, Peerless Products, Timken, Stutesman’s Action Realty, Watts Fitness LLC, Ward-Kraft, Common Grounds, Atkins Insurance Agency, Fort Scott Community College, Hammons Realty Company, Marsha’s Great Plains Deli, Medicalodges, Inc., Goody’s Department Store, {Re:Freshed Aesthetics} by Delane, LaHacienda of Fort Scott, and Labconco Corp,

The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott in a not-for-profit corporation which secures public support for projects that enhance health care in the Fort Scott area. Over the years, contributions have helped purchase medical equipment, support programs and established an endowment to meet Mercy’s future health care needs.

 

 

 

Government, Submitted

Local Author at Library June 18

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Local author, Carol Russell, will read portions from her books “Brianna Meets Lemonade Lucy” and “Brianna Meets Sybil,” which are books two and three in her Back In Time series, in the Fort Scott Public Library event room, June 18, 3 – 4 p.m. She will also be selling and signing copies of her books, including the first in the series, “Brianna Meets Miss Addie.”  Russell’s stories are historical fiction and are geared toward children ages 8-12. All ages are welcome to attend the event.
 
Information from the back covers: 
“Brianna Meets Lemonade Lucy”: Brianna finds herself in the White House in 1878. How can the radio transfer her in time and place? When she is discovered, she is mistaken for hired help. What happens to her in this era? And can she get back to Kansas?
 
“Brianna Meets Sybil”: Brianna is transported back in time. How can the strange radio transfer her? The minute she sets foot in Connecticut in April 1777, she realizes that she is not alone. Will she be able to get both her and another person home? Can she convince Katie to keep their secret?
Kansas, Submitted

Federal Grant to Help Traumatic Brain Injuries

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KDADS Awarded Federal Grant to Expand and Improve TBI Services

 

TOPEKA – The federal Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living has awarded the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) a three-year grant to expand and improve the services the state provides to individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

 

KDADS will use the $150,000-a-year grant to create and strengthen a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence, well-being and health of Kansans with TBI in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators and other key stakeholders.

 

The objectives of this project are to increase representation of people affected by TBI on Kansas’ TBI Advisory board, develop an annual State TBI Action Plan, develop a TBI Registry, increase enrollment of at least 30 people onto TBI Medicaid waiver, conduct annual seminars and educational events that increase knowledge and build capacity for advocacy, and create a sustainability plan to maintain and expand services in the future.

 

“We expect this project to result in an increased number of individuals with TBI receiving services under the state’s 1915(c) Medicaid waiver for TBI, which currently serves about 425 individuals,” KDADS Secretary Tim Keck said. “Another aim of this project is to educate people experiencing TBI, and the public, about brain injuries and to make them aware of the community resources available to support them.”

 

Kansas’ TBI Medicaid waiver provides a range of services and supports to individuals with TBI and their families with the aim of ensuring that individuals can remain in their homes and be as independent as possible in a safe, healthy environment. The HCBS/TBI program serves individuals who would otherwise require institutionalization in a TBI rehabilitation facility. The TBI waiver is designed to be a rehabilitative program for consumers to receive therapies and services that enable them to rely less on supports as their independence increases.

 

In 2018, the Kansas Legislature enacted a law requiring that the TBI Medicaid waiver cover children and people with acquired brain injuries as well as those with traumatic brain injury. Kansas is in the process of renewing federal approval for its TBI waiver and the proposed new waiver will include children and individuals with acquired brain injuries as required. The waiver is due for renewal in July of 2019. If approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Kansas will become the first state in the nation to establish a rehabilitation program for children who have a brain injury.

 

Bourbon County, Government, Submitted

Agenda For the Bourbon County Commission June 12

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

2nd Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: June 12th, 2018

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

9:00-Firework permit

9:45-Decker Electric

10:00-10:30-Benefits Direct-Andrew Allen

10:30-11:00-Bill Martin-trash bids for the new jail/sheriff

11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks

Executive Session-Privileged in the attorney-client relationship-15 min.

Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-15 min.

Bids and contract title insurance-7 min.

Sale of County Property-5 min.

Update on NRP-5 min.

12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch

` 1:30-1:45-Old Jail/New Jail-Justin Meeks

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual 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(s) 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

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

Kansas, Submitted

KDOT Funding Improvements For Local Public Agencies

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Governor Colyer, KDOT Announce Local Projects Funding Improvements

Topeka – Governor Jeff Colyer today announced that the Kansas Department of Transportation is increasing the exchange rate for local public agencies seeking to fund local projects with state funds through the Federal Fund Exchange Program, returning the exchange rate to $.90 in state funds made available for every $1.00 in federal funds awarded a local agency, upon that agency’s request.

“By participating in the Federal Fund Exchange Program, we are hoping to increase the control that localities have over their transportation projects and make sure that funds are available when they need them,” said Governor Colyer. “It is important to me that local governments have access to resources for local projects with less federal regulation and bureaucratic red tape. We want Kansas solutions for Kansas transportation issues.”

The Federal Fund Exchange Program is a voluntary program allowing local public agencies the option to sell all or a portion of their federal funds for state transportation dollars, which provides greater flexibility of use and allows local agencies the opportunity to fund larger projects that may not have been possible with federal funding.

“We value the partnership we have with local public agencies and we are looking forward to maximizing our capacity to help them improve their local transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary of Transportation Richard Carlson. “We want to continue providing a statewide transportation system that meets the needs of the people of Kansas.”

Federal funds exchanged for state funds can be used for local projects such as road construction, maintenance or preservation, safety improvements, sidewalks, ADA ramps, bridge construction, rehabilitation or repair, and low water crossings. The funds exchange program allows local agencies to deposit federal funds over a period of years to bank funds for larger projects or to fund projects that would not have fallen under federal requirements.

Max Dibble, Phillips County Commissioner and Kansas Association of Counties President, said, “Restoration of the $.90/$1.00 ratio in the federal funds exchange program will allow counties to further stretch our transportation dollars.  This means safer local roads and bridges for our citizens, farmers and businesses depending on them.”

Michael White, Executive Director of the Kansas Contractors Association commented that, “our economy depends on good roads and infrastructure. We appreciate the Governor and KDOT’s leadership to leverage innovative opportunities for transportation funding. This is a perfect example of how we can all work together – at the local, state and federal level – to repair and grow our economy through results-driven infrastructure investments.”

“As we travel the state and talk to cities, we repeatedly hear transportation funding and infrastructure development is critically important to maintain and grow our state,” said Erik Sartorius, Executive Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities. “We appreciate the Governor and KDOT for reinstating the 90-cent exchange rate for local projects. These funds are used to build important projects in cities including the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of roads and bridges.”

The exchange rate was $.90 for fiscal years 2011-2017 and was at $.75 for fiscal year 2018. Approximately $30 million in federal funds has been eligible for the program. The new rate will take effect with all new contracts.

 

Area News, Government, Submitted

SEK Republican Chairs to Host Governor’s Forum

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Several Southeast Kansas (SEK) Counties have been working together to organize and host a Republican Governor’s Forum. The intent of the Forum is to educate voters and promote the SEK region. Four Republican county chairs, Don Alexander of Neosho County, Marsha Wallace of Crawford County, Mike Howerter of Labette County and Virgil Peck of Montgomery County have invested many hours in preparation for what they expect to be a big event for SEK.

The event will take place in Parsons, at the Parsons Municipal Auditorium, located at 112 S. 17th – one block west of the main north-south corridor (Hwy 59 or 16th street) in Parsons on the evening of June 16th. The doors will open at 5:00 and the Forum will formally start at 6:00.

Virgil Peck, the “unofficial chairman” of the group, said the idea came to him in the middle of the night several months ago. Soon after, he approached the other county chairs about the idea and says, “They all liked the idea and were immediately willing to join together to make it happen”.

The group first met at the Republican State Convention in Wichita last February to start the process. Peck reports that they have worked hard at planning and making the necessary arrangements to ensure that the Forum is a first-class event for SEK. He says he is very grateful to the many area businesses and individuals who have made financial contributions to cover the expenses, especially the Platinum sponsors: Monarch Cement of Humboldt, Taylor Crane and Rigging of Coffeyville and Ash Grove of Chanute. “Their contributions make it possible for the event to be free to the public,” said Peck. He went on to say that some Forums and Debates around the State have charged an admission of as much as $20 per person to attend their event. “We didn’t want to exclude any Republican voter, so we are making this happen at no cost to those who wish to attend.”

All five leading Republican candidates for Governor have confirmed their attendance and participation. They are Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Kris Kobach, State Insurance Commissioner Ken Selzer, Dr. Jim Barnett and Patrick Kucera. In addition to the candidates seeking the office of Governor, several Republican candidates running for 2nd District Congress and other statewide offices will be at the event to visit with voters.

Alexander said, “This forum gives the people of SEK an unprecedented opportunity to personally meet future leaders in Topeka and Washington.” He encourages voters to: “Come talk with the candidates, shake their hands, and ask serious questions.” Alexander adds, “The forum also gives these future leaders a look at what we have to offer in SEK – so a good turnout is important.”

Howerter informs area residents that if they just can’t make it to Parsons on the 16th, they can listen to the forum live on KGGF radio (690 AM) or view it live on the internet – as it will be live-streamed worldwide. “I have run several of this type of meeting in the past. I commend my fellow chairs, especially Virgil (Peck) and Don (Alexander), they have really been doing a great job.” 

There will be free literature and yard signs from the many different candidates attending the Forum. It is recommended that attendees arrive early to get the best seats. Additionally, at 5:40 there will be a pre-forum event to introduce and hear from the candidates for Second District Congress.

Joining with the other Chairs to encourage attendance at the Forum, Wallace says, “Although it is beneficial to read about the candidates and listen to what they have to say on the radio or internet, there is no better way to get a feel for who a person truly is than to look them in the eye, shake their hand and visit with them in person.”

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Submitted

What’s Happening in Fort Scott

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What’s Happening

June 8, 2018

8-9
Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market, 10am
8
Friday Night Concert in the Park – Heritage Park Pavilion, the corner of 1st & Main, Downtown Fort Scott, 7-8pm – Hemphill Family Band
9
Conceal Carry Class – The Bunker, 108 Scott Ave, 8am-4pm
9
Mercy Health Foundation Golf
Scramble – Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 Horton St, 9am-2pm
9
4th Annual Fort Scott Fire Department Benefit Ride, will start @ 12pm, Fort Scott Fire Department, 1604 S National Ave., and end @ Holmtown Pub, 206 N National Ave. with live band.

Click here for more information.
9
Live Band at Holmtown Pub – John Thomas Band, 9-12pm
11
USD 234 Board of Education Meeting, 424 S. Main, 5:30-6:30pm
11
American Legion Post 25 General Meeting – Memorial Hall, Corner of National and 3rd, 7-8pm
11
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program ages 6-10-Mercy HFL, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, 9-10am
11
Summer Reading: Libraries Rock! – Fort Scott Public Library, 10-11am
11
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 Horton St., 12:00 pm
11
T.O.P.S Meeting – BRCC, 4-5pm
12
Historic Preservation Association of Bourbon County Meeting – Old Congregational Church, 7-8pm
13
Breakfast Bingo – BRCC, 9-10am
13
Summer Reading: Libraries Rock- Musician Alan Cunningham – Danny & Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center, 10 am
13
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 12-1pm
13
Adult Coloring Program hosted by the Fort Scott Public Library, 2:00 pm
13
TAG – Teen Advisory Group Meeting – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 4:00 pm
14-17
Adam LaRoche 16U Baseball Tournament – LaRoche Baseball Complex
14
Chamber Coffee – Lavender Patch, 2376 Locust Rd., 8am
14
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program – Mercy HFL, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, 9-10am
14
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 Horton St., 12:00 pm
14
Thursday Card Players – BRCC, 6-9pm
14-15
Livestock Sale – Fort Scott Livestock Market, 10am-5pm
15
Art Walk – Bourbon County Arts Council, 5-8pm
15
Friday Nigh Concert in the Park – Hertiage Park Pavilion, 1st & Main St. Downtown, 7-8pm
15
Tumbleweed Real Country Festival with Cody Johnson & more, 7095 W. 339th St, La Cygne, KS 66040, just 45 minutes north of Fort Scott, 7-11pm
16
4th Annual TATA Benefit Ride – Care to Share, 11am

Click here for more information about registration and event.
16-17
Eastern Kansas Swine Show Series – Bourbon County Fairgrounds
16
Bike Across Kansas ends in Fort Scott!
16
Lavendar Festival – The Lavander Patch, 2376 Locust Rd., 9-3pm
16
Couples Night – The Bunker, The Outdoor Range, 1562 Maple Rd., 5-7pm
Click here for more information about the event.
18
Chamber Board Meeting – Papa Don’s, 12-1pm
18
FSCC Board of Trustees Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 5:30-6:30
18
Community Book Club – Fort Scott Public Library, 7-9pm
Click here for more information about event.
19
FSCC Livestock Judging Clinic – FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St.
Click here for more information about registration and complete details
of event.
19
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program – Mercy HFL, ages 6-10, Mercy Health For Life, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd., 9-10am
19
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 12-1pm
19
T.O.P.S. Meeting – BRCC, 4-5pm
19
City Commission Meeting – City Hall,
6-7pm
20-22
FSCC Livestock Judging Camp 2018 – FSCC, 2108 S. Horton St.
Click here for more information about registration and complete details
of event.
20
Summer Reading: Librairies Rock! – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S. National Ave., 10-11am
20
Rotary Meeting – Presbyterian Church, 12-1pm
20
Adult Coloring Program – Fort Scott Public Library, 201 S National Ave.,
2-4pm
20
TAG – Teen Advisory Group – Fort Scott Public Library, 4-5pm
21-24
Grand Slam Baseball Showcase – LaRoche Baseball Complex
21
Chamber Coffee – The BEACON Food Pantry, 525 E. 6th St., 8am
21
Fit-N-Fun Summer Program ages 6-10-Mercy HFL, 405 Woodland Hills Blvd, 9-10am
21
Kiwanis Meeting – FSCC Heritage Room, 2108 Horton St., 12:00 pm
21
Thursday Card Players – BRCC, 6-9pm
21
Coffee with Doug – Common Ground, 116 S. Main St., 6-8:30pm
Save the Date:
 June 23rd – SEK Outdoorsmen Scramble
June 23rd – Ben Taddiken in Concert @ Liberty

                    Liberty Theatre Patio
June 28th – Surf Beach Bash VBS @
                    Parkway  Church
June 28th – Patriots’ Baseball Tournament
     benefiting Combat Veteran’s Organization