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Asian Longhorned Tick Identified in Kansas
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) are alerting the public to the first known occurrence of the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT), Haemaphysalis longicornis, in Kansas. KDHE identified the ALHT after it was found on a dog in Franklin County last week.
ALHT is an exotic, invasive tick species that was first identified in the United States in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread westward across the U.S. and, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has now been documented in 21 states, with Kansas being the most recent (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/
“We have been monitoring the spread of the Asian longhorned tick, especially since it was confirmed in neighboring states,” Animal Health Commissioner Dr. Justin Smith said. “Now that it has been identified in Kansas, we have been in contact with accredited veterinarians across the state to remind them to be alert for this tick and to ensure they understand the risks.”
This prolific tick, which can reproduce without the need for a male tick, has both human and animal health implications. In 2019, an ALHT in Virginia was found to be infected with Bourbon virus, while Connecticut recently identified an ALHT infected with ehrlichiosis, both of which are tick-borne diseases that occur in Kansas but are currently transmitted by the Lone Star tick.
“We’re still learning about this tick and the ecologic role that it currently plays and may play in the future in terms of disease transmission to humans.” Dr. Erin Petro, KDHE State Public Health Veterinarian, said. “While the human health implications are uncertain, this tick has serious implications for animal health.”
The ALHT can cause extreme infestations on affected animals, sometimes leading to severe anemia or even exsanguination. Beyond the physical threat, the ALHT also transmits the cattle parasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda strain, which causes bovine theileriosis.
In 2024, KDHE piloted a program to create a passive tick surveillance network of veterinary clinics throughout the state. Through this program, participating clinics submit tick samples from animals in their care to KDHE for identification. This program has been successful in providing information on where various ticks are found across the state and has been especially useful in under-surveyed areas. One of these partners submitted a routine sample which was later identified as ALHT by KDHE and confirmed by the USDA. In both humans and animals, tick bite prevention is key.
To reduce the risk of disease, follow these precautions:
- Be aware of where ticks are found and using preventive measures when in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.
- Dress preventively by wearing long pants tucked into socks and shirt tucked into pants.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Use an EPA-approved repellent such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) when enjoying the outdoors or being in a tick habitat.
- After coming indoors, perform a thorough tick check, being sure to focus on the waistband, under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, back of knees, and in and around the hair.
- Check pets for ticks, especially around the tail, between the back legs, under the front legs, between the toes, in and around the ears, around the eyes, and under the collar.
- Shower soon after being in a tick habitat or engaging in outdoor activities. This will help remove any unattached ticks and identify any attached ticks.
- To remove attached ticks, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick near the skin, and apply gentle traction strait outwards until the tick is removed.
- Help prevent tick-borne diseases and tick infestations on pets by consulting with your veterinarian on use of a veterinary-approved flea and tick preventative.
- More information on tick bite prevention and controlling ticks in your environment can be found at Preventing Tick Bites | Ticks | CDC.
For more information on the Asian longhorned tick including where it has been found in the US, visit the USDA Longhorned Tick Story Map at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/
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Obituary of Nancy Ann Ellifrits
Nancy Ann Ellifrits, age 65, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at her home. She was born October 9, 1959, in Gardner, Kansas, the daughter of Vernon Charles Fortner and Anna Mae Deilman Fortner. Nancy had worked at area nursing homes as a nurse’s aide for thirty years. In earlier years, Nancy enjoyed taking walks around her neighborhood. Since her health failed, she spent quiet times at home doing diamond art pictures and playing computer games. She will be lovingly missed by her family, which she loved dearly.
Survivors include her children, David Kerr (Melody) of Beagle, Kansas, January Parker (Chris), Jeremy Kerr and Zelta Kerr all of Ft. Scott and Dorothy Miller (Travis) of Salina, Kansas; sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren with two more great-grandchildren on the way. Also surviving is a sister, Dorthy Bartlett (Mark) of Harrisonville, Missouri. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, a great-grandson, four brothers and two sisters.
There was cremation and no services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office Daily Report Oct. 9
Feedlot and Dairy Operations Incentives For Water Efficiency Available
MANHATTAN, Kansas —The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Conservation (KDA–DOC) is pleased to announce the availability of funds in the form of cost share assistance and incentive payments to assist commercial feedlots and dairy operations with livestock water efficiency technology. The Kansas Livestock Water Efficiency Project is part of the state’s ongoing effort to encourage water conservation and to seek solutions for water challenges in the state.
This initiative is designed to enhance and/or upgrade current large-scale livestock watering systems in commercial feedlots and dairies by providing cost share assistance for practices such as upgrading to high efficiency livestock waterers, water controls, and water recycling systems.
KDA–DOC will accept applications from October 15, 2025, to the close of business November 14, 2025. Equipment purchases and subscriptions made before application approval by KDA–DOC are not eligible for this initiative. Eligible applicants must hold a current livestock water right with the state of Kansas.
Funding is provided through appropriation from the State Water Plan Fund and the program is administered by KDA–DOC in consultation with the State Conservation Commission.
Applications for this livestock water efficiency cost share funding must be made through KDA–DOC. Find more information about the project including the application and more details about funding eligibility at www.agriculture.ks.gov/
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Obituary of Esther Ruth Arnold
Esther Ruth Arnold, 72, of Fort Scott, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Fort Scott Freeman Hospital. She was born in Kirksville, Missouri on August 26, 1953, the daughter of Maynard Land and Ethel Elizabeth Grogan Osborn. She married Victor Arnold on June 21, 1986, in Kirksville, Missouri, he survives of the home.
She was an L.P.N. in Kirksville, Mo. She attended K.C.C.B.S. and taught there, as well. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University. In 1986 she moved to Fort Scott and taught at the Fort Scott Christian Heights School and substituted for U234. She is a member of the Parkway Church of God.
In addition to her husband, Victor, she is survived by a son, Alex Arnold of Fort Scott, a daughter Kaitlyn and Kyle Warren of Redfield, Kansas, a sister, Deborah Johnson of Lambertville, Michigan, 12 brothers & sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews, including Heidi Mykolajczyk and Katrina Christian. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services for Esther Arnold will be 10:30am, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Parkway Church of God, with Pastor Nathan Bryant officiating. The Family will receive friends at 10:00 am Saturday at the Church prior to the funeral. Private burial will follow.
Memorials may be made to the Fort Scott Christian Heights School and may be left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701.
Friends and family may sign the online guest book and share memories at www.konantzcheney.com.
WIC Food Benefit Disruptions Are Possible Because of Federal Shut-Down
The U.S. Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding the government beginning on October 1, 2025.
WIC is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and it is affected by the shutdown. The local health agency is advising WIC users to stock up on food and other items to prepare for this lack of federal funding.
WIC is available for income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding moms, and children under five (up to their fifth birthday). Dads, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under five can apply for support for the kids in their care.
The local WIC Clinic is part of the SEK Multi-County Health Department, and is located at 6th and Lowman Streets in Fort Scott.
From a press release from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department:
WIC may operate short-term in Kansas by using limited prior-year federal funding.
There is a risk that WIC benefits will be paused, reduced, or ceased.
WIC Food benefits are estimated to last until the end of October, but that can’t be assured.
Users are encouraged to buy shelf-ready healthy food and/or items the family uses at this time, balancing food safety and storage areas available.
Local food banks, pantries, and non-profit groups may be of assistance if WIC benefits are temporarily disrupted.
WIC users are encouraged to continue using their benefits and attending appointments, but call 24 hours before, to verify the office is open, 620.223.4464.
If the WIC clinic closes due to lack of funding, contact the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment at 785-296-2683 for assistance.
The press release asks that users consider letting their elected U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt, and Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran know how important WIC is to their family and urge them to restore funding.
To reach elected representatives:
President Donald Trump has no phone number to leave comments on; however, the address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C.
Schmidt can be reached at 202.225.6601 or 1223 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D. C. 20515.
Marshal: 202.224.4774 or PO Box 1588, Great Bend, KS 67530
Moran: 620.232.2286 or PO Box 1372, Pittsburg, KS 66762
The maximum income to qualify for WIC:
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| Family of 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| Family of 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| Family of 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
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May 5, 2025
Christian Artists Brandon Heath, Jeff Ginnings In Concert In Fort Scott Nov.15
Voices of Prevention: Sharing Stories; Creating Impact
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Downtown Meet and Greet is Oct. 17
Greetings from the Chamber!
We invite you to our next Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet to be held FRIDAY, October 17th from 8:30 to 9:30am in the back room of Common Ground Coffee Co., where owners Wayne & Stacy Racy, are excited to host!
Please note that the Quarterly Meet & Greets are normally held the first Tuesday of each quarter, but we are trying a Friday this quarter to accommodate business owners not able to join us on Tuesdays.
We hope to see you there where we will go over details for upcoming Downtown events and other information related to our Downtown Historic District!
Saturday, 10/25 – Downtown Halloween Parade, activities 10am, actual parade 11am
>>> The City is hosting Almost Kiss for a concert at Gathering Square the night of 10/25 from 9-10:30pm, weather permitting, if not then Memorial Hall, costumes encouraged, bring your own chair.
Thursday, 11/6 – Holiday Open House Shopping Main Event, 5-8pm (open house continues Fri/Sat)
Saturday, 11/29 – Small Business Saturday
Thursday, 12/4 – Christmas Parade, 6pm
Thursday, 12/4 to Sunday 12/7 – Christmas on the Bricks, stores open late until at least 8pm (Candlelight Tours of the Fort Fri/Sat nights)
The Glide Synthetic Ice Skating Rink will be open at Gathering Square from Friday 12/5 thru at least the first weekend of January.
Let me know if you have anything particular you would like included on the agenda!
There will be coffee, water, and light refreshments available for the meeting, but feel free to arrive early or call in ahead to order anything you would like to support Common Ground at 620-223-2499.
Thank you!
Lindsay Madison
President & CEO
Leslie Godden
Events & Communications Coordinator
Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce