Fort Scott Tiger Andrew Callahan will sign and be officially invited to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl on Feb. 14 at 11:30 am in the Fort Scott High School Media Center.
Category Archives: Submitted
Mercy Partners With WIC
More Bourbon County families are getting the food and resources they need to be healthy due to a new collaboration between Mercy Hospital Fort Scott and the Crawford County Health Department, which provides Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to Bourbon County.
In October, the Crawford County Health Department partnered with Mercy to bring WIC counseling services for pregnant women and new mothers to the hospital. Personnel from the health department meet with new and ongoing clients the last Wednesday of every month at the hospital.
Additional clinics are held at Buck Run Community Center the first Tuesday and second and third Thursday of each month.
“Since starting the clinic at Mercy, we have seen the number of participants jump from three in October to 23 in December,” said Linda Timme, MS, RDN, LD, CBE, nutrition services coordinator at Crawford County Health Department. “This validates the significant need for continuing WIC services and other services for families in the Bourbon County area.”
The goal of the partnership between Mercy and the WIC clinic is to ensure families have access to supplemental food, nutritional education and other vital health care and social services.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, WIC serves 53 percent of all infants born in the United States.
Statistics for Bourbon County demonstrate the importance of offering WIC services to the area residents. For example, the number of babies born at a low-birth-weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces) is on the upswing, despite the national numbers declining.
Additional research by County Health Ranking and Roadmaps show families in Bourbon County are more likely to have limited access to healthy foods and lack a steady and reliable source for food than families in other areas of the country.
The idea of merging WIC with Mercy originated from the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Healthcare Pathways Subcommittee.
“Our focus is to take care of the whole person—including the social determinants of health, said Jody Hoener, LBSW, MBA, Mercy Clinic quality and community benefit liaison. “Before offering the WIC clinic at Mercy, pregnant women at Mercy’s Maternal and Infant Clinic found it difficult to make it to both their prenatal appointment and their WIC appointment due to work schedules and limited time off or finding transportation. We didn’t want these mothers to have to choose between eating healthy food or receiving prenatal care.”
Mercy dietician Sherise Beckham, MS, RD, LD, hopes the collaboration will help moms by connecting them to services in one location.
“We’re hoping Mercy can provide a one-stop-shop for mothers to access great obstetric care, prenatal/postnatal education and all the resources WIC has to offer them,” Beckham said. “Many of the mothers we see in the maternal and infant clinic also participate in WIC so it seemed a natural fit to begin a working relationship between WIC and Mercy. As a dietitian, I hope this will help eliminate barriers for these mothers to access nutrition education. I hope this collaboration will reinforce the importance a healthy diet and lifestyle is for them and their children.”
WIC’s target population is low-income, nutritionally at-risk pregnant women, breastfeeding women, non-breastfeeding postpartum women, infants, and children up to their 5th birthday.
For more information about the monthly WIC clinic at Mercy, contact Jody Hoener at 620-223-7029.
Golf Course Advisory Board Meets February 1
The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet February 1, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse. This meeting is open to the public.
Governor Issues Proclamation To Pray And Fast Jan. 30
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback on Friday issued a proclamation declaring Tuesday, January 30, 2018 a “Day of Prayer and Fasting” in Kansas, and issued the following statement:
“President George Washington, in his 1795 Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving called on Americans “to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experience.””
“I personally feel blessed by the time I have spent serving our great state and would like to observe a time of prayer and fasting before God takes me on to the next part of my journey. I invite all Kansans to join me as we pray for our state and our nation.”
This is Governor Brownback’s final proclamation signed as Governor of Kansas.
Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Reports Jan. 29
Bourbon County Commission Meeting Agenda Jan. 30
The agenda for the Bourbon County Commission, which meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the courthouse, 210 S. National Ave.
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris9:45-10:15- Commissioners consider and take action on any and all question regarding the law enforcement project10:00-Attorney-client privilege
11:00-11:15-Justin Meeks-acquisition of real property
12:00-1:30-Commissioners gone to lunch
2:00-Review deposit process for R & B Accounts
Tax sale/timeline
Health Insurance dept. head meeting update
Petition on drugs
Response from landowners about rock quarry
Fire Districts
2:30-Employee Handbook
1st District is Lynne Oharah,2nd District-Jeff Fischer,3rd District-Nick Ruhl, County Clerk-Kendell Mason.
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
Try These New Vegetables In 2018
New Vegetables to Try in 2018 by Krista Harding, District Agriculture Extension Agent, Southwind District. Call 620-244-3826, cell: 620-496-8786
Each year, the All-America Selections (AAS) tests and introduces new flowers and vegetables to home gardeners. These plants have proven themselves to do well in trials across North America. The AAS winner label is like a stamp of approval.
The vegetable descriptions were taken from All-American Selections material.
Corn, Sweet American Dream – with its excellent germination, very tender, super sweet kernels, this newbie will make a great addition to the home garden. American Dream matures slightly earlier than the comparisons and produces vigorous, healthy plants with cobs that have good tip fill of bi-colored kernels. Plants grow 6-7 feet tall and mature in 77 days after planting the seeds. It is perfect fresh, roasted, grilled, canned or frozen.
Pak Choi, Asian Delight F1 – Asian Delight F1 Pak Choi (or Bok Choy) is a Chinese Cabbage that outperformed the comparisons by leaps and bounds. This Pak Choi did not bolt like the comparisons, even weeks after other varieties went to seed. That means the yield from this AAS winner can be double or even higher than that of other Pak Choi on the market. Asian Delight forms small to mid-size heads that have a tasty, tender white rib and dark green, textured leaves.
Pepper cayenne, Red Ember F1 – this pepper winner won judges over by being earlier to mature than the comparison varieties. Red Ember produces a large number of rounded end fruits on durable, medium-sized plants. Judges described the thick-walled fruits as spicy, but tastier than the traditional cayenne, with just enough pungency for interest.
Pepper habanero, Roulette F1 – Routlette F1 resembles a traditional habanero pepper in every way (fruit shape, size and color, and plant type) with one exception – NO HEAT! The fruits are red with thick walls at maturity and have a nice citrusy (no heat) habanero flavor. This pepper is an early producer of large, uniform fruit and a very high yield.
Tomato, cocktail Red Racer F1 – this cocktail size tomato produces small, uniform fruits with a great taste. Cocktail tomatoes have a good sweet/acid balance and are a smaller variety tomato (although larger than cherry or grape tomatoes). These tomatoes are uniform in size and mature as a cluster of fruit. The compact determinate plants produced a huge yield 7-10 earlier than the comparisons. They are ideal for small spaces and container gardens. It is available in both organic and conventional seeds.
Tomato, Valentine F1 – hands down, the judges agreed this was the most appealing grape tomato they trialed. It has a deep red color and a very sweet taste. It held on the vine longer without cracking or losing the excellent eating quality. This tomato was quite prolific and matured earlier than the comparisons used for this entry. Valentine F1 is an indeterminate vine so it should be staked for best results. Tomato lovers will appreciate the sweet, firm flesh that is meaty enough to resemble a Roma tomato but in a smaller, grape-type fruit.
I will cover the 2018 AAS flowers in my next column. For a complete description of the 2018 All America Selections, visit www.all-americaselections.org.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at 620-244-3826 or [email protected].
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Zoning Consideration For Old Trailer Park
The Fort Scott Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, February 1st, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas at 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas. This meeting will be held to consider a zoning change for the property more commonly known as 1907 S. Horton and 1920 S. Huntington. After the zoning part of the meeting, the Planning Commission will review the proposed Comprehensive Plan. This meeting is open to the public.
“New Faces, New Neighbors” Textile Art Display
Do you like art and history?
Come to Fort Scott National Historic Site (NHS) and learn the history of the site as told by art that was created by youth from across the United States and throughout the world.
The art exhibit, titled “New Faces, New Neighbors”, will consist of 60 different pieces of textiles.
The exhibit will be on display from Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, March 31, 2018. It will be located on the second floor of the Infantry Barracks Museum in the hallway next to the theater.
“New Faces, New Neighbors” is a theme that has resonated throughout the history of Fort Scott. Soldiers and American Indians found themselves as new neighbors and had to face many challenges and adaptions along the way. During the Bleeding Kansas era, conflict evolved among neighbors, as the topic of slavery became an issue that divided the town of Fort Scott and Kansas Territory. During the Civil War, Fort Scott saw new faces as American Indians and African Americans enlisted to fight for the Union Army. In addition, Fort Scott became a place of refuge for many people of diverse backgrounds. Caring for these refugees provided an opportunity for the town’s residents to work together for a common cause. After the Civil War, more new neighbors came to Fort Scott with the railroads as the town transformed into a regional trade center. This story of settlement and resettlement, promises made and broken, dreams built and shattered, and facing challenges with new neighbors can all be seen through the creative minds of youth in the “New Faces, New Neighbors” art exhibit. We welcome you to come join us and explore this amazing story of Fort Scott.
In order to create this wonderful art exhibit, Fort Scott NHS has collaborated with the International Fiber Collaborative (IFC), INC. based out of Topeka, KS. The IFC is a nonprofit organization that works to create deeper learning experiences through art and cross-curricular themed-based programs. The IFC also promotes programs designed to link arts to science, math, engineering, and the humanities. For information, a schedule of events and other projects associated with the IFC can be found at https://ifcprojects.com.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 National Park Service areas and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Governor Sam Brownback Announces Plans To Stop KanCare 2.0
Governor Sam Brownback and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer on Wednesday announced plans to stop KanCare 2.0 and address concerns raised by legislators and other stakeholders regarding increased costs and the State’s ability to absorb those costs in future budgets.
As a result, they will be seeking to make improvements to the current KanCare program by either extending the contracts of the current three managed care companies for a period of three years or evaluating proposals received in response to the current bid solicitation without the cost increase drivers which have raised these concerns. The Administration will work with the Kansas Legislature to determine the best path forward and provide certainty and improvements to the current program.
In either scenario, the State will seek to implement budget neutral improvements to KanCare such as work requirements, an IMD exclusion waiver, foster care pilots, behavioral health and primary care integration and improved work opportunities.
Additionally, the new Secretary of KDHE, Jeff Andersen will renew the agency’s focus on addressing problems with the program’s eligibility process. A backlog of applications had slowed down the approval process for participants and reimbursement for providers. The state is in the process of issuing a letter of noncompliance to the contractor in charge of the eligibility clearinghouse where applications are processed.
The plan would call for continued meetings and involvement by the KanCare Process Improvement Working Group. The group will hold quarterly meetings with KDHE where participants and providers can discuss improvements and provide feedback.
“Keeping Kansans healthy continues to be a top priority,” said Governor Brownback, “We’re going to continue to work hard to make sure we have a program that works for Kansas.”
“With improvements to the current system of KanCare I feel we can continue serving Kansans by helping improve their health and well-being. We will continue to listen to participants and providers and work with the legislature to ensure we are increasing the quality of care and outcomes under KanCare,” said Lt. Governor Colyer.
KANSAS DAY PROMOTION Monday, January 29, 2018
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces a Kansas Day promotion.
Kansas entered the Union as the 34th state on January 29 in 1861. On this 157th anniversary of Kansas Day, the Fort Scott Area Chamber would like to promote both our state’s history as well as local businesses.
Any person shopping a participating Chamber member retailer this Monday wearing a Sunflower or the word Kansas on their apparel will receive 10% off of your purchase.
The participating businesses will have a sunflower placed in the front of their store.
Participating stores include Bids & Dibs, Common Ground Coffee Co., Country Cupboard, Courtland Hotel & Spa, Iron Star Antiques & Such, J&W Sports Shop, Main Street Gallery & Gifts, Papa Don’s Pizza, Ruddick’s Furniture, Sekan’s Occasion Shop, Shirt Shack, and Sunshine Boutique.
Celebrate Kansas Day and thank a local owner for doing business in our wonderful state!
Kansas Creative Arts Accepting Grant Applications
Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission now accepting applications for grant programs
TOPEKA — The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission is now accepting applications for its two main grant categories, The Strategic Investment Program and The Arts Integration Program.
The Strategic Investment Program recognizes the important role creative organizations play in building and sustaining cultural and economic vibrancy in Kansas. By funding a variety of professional and organizational development opportunities that impact cultural programming, these grants support initiatives that use the arts to enhance community vitality, revitalize neighborhoods, generate local business, create and preserve job opportunities and impact tourism.
The Arts Integration Programs support the role the arts play in all levels of education, community service, and workforce development. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations, and community service non-profits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills, and enhance community development.
The deadline for application submission is March 30, 2018, with review dates in early-mid April 2018. The main grant period is from May 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, however, projects with an end date prior to June 30, 2018 may have a start date of Jan. 1, 2018. This will be the final round of the fiscal year.
STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Strategic Investment Program grants are awarded in three categories:
- Organizational Development:This category provides funding for professional development opportunities for Kansas based arts organizations that help strengthen business practices, increase organizational viability and promote long-term sustainability.
- New and Expanded Works:This program provides funding for new or significantly expanded productions, exhibitions, programs or events by Kansas-based nonprofit arts organizations. Projects should either be an entirely new type of program for the organization designed to diversify its services or an expansion of an existing program designed to significantly enhance the quality of current offerings.
- Equipment and Technology: This program provides funding to purchase equipment, materials, and/or technology upgrades to expand or improve an applicant’s organization.
Applicants for a grant under the Strategic Investment Program must make a compelling case as to why this particular self-identified activity or opportunity was selected, how it will have a substantial impact on their work and community, and how it will enhance the national reputation of Kansas.
Guidelines and additional information can be found here:
http://kansascommerce.gov/707/Strategic-Investment-Program
ARTS INTEGRATION PROGRAM
Arts Integration Programs are awarded in three categories:
- Visiting Artists:This category provides funding for eligible organizations to engage and deepen the impact of arts programming on local and underserved audiences through exposure to and interaction with professional visiting arts. Presenters may book artists in any discipline, not just in performing arts. Projects should strive to integrate an arts discipline into non-arts content areas; help interpret an exhibition, performance, or presentation; and support community development goals and objectives. Booking artists on the Kansas Touring Roster allow for a $1,000 credit for the applicant organization: http://www.kansascommerce.gov/705/KS-Roster
- Note: KCAIC will review applications for roster inclusion in early March. Please check the website at that time for an expanded list and encourage qualified artists to apply. In addition, Visiting Artists grants featuring roster artists will be accepted and reviewed year round up to 30 days prior to proposed activities.
- Integrated Arts Education:This category supports new or expanded educational programming that integrates arts learning into the non-arts curriculum and content areas to address emerging technologies, areas of skills shortages, STEM curricula, workforce readiness, and increase student performance.
- Innovative Partnerships:This category supports innovative programming between arts organizations and non-arts organizations to impact a variety of community and/or economic development goals. Arts organizations are encouraged to partner with other community entities (hospitals, prisons, etc.) to develop arts-centered programs that address community needs such as public health, transportation, tourism, unemployment, aging, corrections, etc.
Guidelines and additional information can be found at http://kansascommerce.gov/666/Arts-Integration-Program
To review the application process, as well as program and category specific policies and guidelines visit KansasCommerce.gov/CAIC. Applications can be submitted online at https://kansascaic.submittable.com .
Grants will be reviewed by peer panel and awarded at the quarterly commission meeting in April.
All grants are made possible through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and are subject to KCAIC and NEA standards and regulations.
For more on the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission go to KansasCommerce.gov/caic.
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Contact:
Peter Jasso