Business, Fort Scott

The Beacon Receives Donation From Bourbon County Cars

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Submitted photo.Josh Jones with Bourbon County Cars, right, delivers a $500 donation to David Gillen with The Beacon,

Josh Jones with Bourbon County Cars delivered a $500 donation to David Gillen with The Beacon.

“This is a co-op program Bourbon County Cars has with a vendor of theirs (ASC Warranty Company),” Jones said. ” ASC will in turn be donating $500 as well to The Beacon for a total of $1000 donation to The Beacon.”

The Beacon, Inc., in existence for almost forty years, began as churches in the community came together to serve the needs of Fort Scott and Bourbon County.

 

They have provided those struggling in the community with a food pantry and in offering financial assistance, dominantly through the efforts of community-related donations.

 

Currently, the organization provides food, financial assistance, and referrals to other service organizations.

 

The Beacon is located at 525 E. Sixth Street, Fort Scott, Ks. 66701, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one exception.

 

On the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the Beacon is closed during the day and is open instead from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

 

Exercise, Health Care

Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run

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NRMC Foundation Hosts Virtual Race in Support of Women’s Health

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Foundation recently unveiled an effort to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle by hosting a Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run. Proceeds from the race will be used to provide mammography screenings at no cost to uninsured and underinsured women in October.

Those interested in contributing to the cause without entering the race can visit the event website to make a donation or purchase a t-shirt. Those who wish to enter the race, whether competitively or not, may choose to enter a 5K or 10K for $15. All race participants will earn an event t-shirt as well as a finisher medal and commemorative race bib. The deadline to enter is Saturday, October 3.

To maintain social distancing, NRMC is encouraging online registration for the race. Once registered, participants may run or walk the distance on their own. Individuals may log their race time on the event website to compare scores on the leaderboard.

With the continuing concern about COVID-19 and its spread, it has never been more important for everyone to make health a top priority. While all people are susceptible to the disease, those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues should exercise special caution at this time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. While that may sound like a long time, spreading the time over several days makes it an achievable goal. Simply walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days does the job. Others may prefer to exercise for 15 minutes twice daily for 5 days.

In conjunction with the virtual race NRMC Diagnostic Imagining will host a Ladies Night with extended mammography screening hours on Thursday evening, October 1st. During this time, underinsured and uninsured women may utilize grant funding from the NRMC Foundation, covering any self-pay portions of the screening they may incur.

Though breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women, advances in diagnosis have improved the outlook in recent years. NRMC uses the latest 3D ultrasound mammography screening that is proven to help detect more cancer, sooner. If found early breast cancer can be treated and cured, often with less invasive procedures. The American Medical Association, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society all recommend that women begin getting regular mammograms by the age of 40.

To register for the Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run, visit the event registration website at www.nrmchealth.com/race.

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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.

Government, Kansas

FS City Commission Will Meet at Buck Run on Sept. 1

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

August 28, 2020

The September 1st, 2020 City Commission meeting will be held at Buck Run Community Center in the Corey Larson Gymnasium (1st gym), 735 Scott Avenue, Fort Scott, Kansas. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.

This meeting is open to the public. This meeting will also be made available via the City’s youtube channel at City of Fort Scott.

Government, Kansas

Increased COVID-19 Testing

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Governor Laura Kelly Announces Thermo Fisher Expansion to Help Increase COVID-19 Testing Statewide, Create Jobs

 

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in Lenexa to celebrate the opening of the company’s new Viral Transport Media manufacturing site, which will play a critical role in Kansas’ comprehensive COVID-19 testing strategy and create more than 300 full-time jobs.

 

“I want to thank the Thermo Fisher team for its work in protecting our health and safety and helping Kansas tackle the many challenges brought on by COVID-19,” Governor Kelly said. “By significantly increasing the manufacturing capacity of this facility, Thermo Fisher will not only have a positive impact on public health, but will help my administration as we work to rebuild our state’s fiscal foundation and make our economy stronger than it has ever been – not just returning to pre-pandemic conditions.”

 

Thermo Fisher has been producing COVID-19 testing products since the onset of the pandemic.

 

Built in just six weeks, this $40 million facility has created more than 300 new full-time jobs and added 120,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity in Lenexa. The company estimates that more than 150 million testing products will be produced by the end of the year.

 

Secretary of Commerce David Toland joined Governor Kelly at today’s ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony.

 

“The need for research and development of pharmaceuticals to test for and combat COVID-19 is essential to our economic recovery, and Thermo Fisher is stepping up to help take on this huge task,” Secretary Toland said. “Thermo Fisher is doing extremely important work for COVID-19 research, and I’m proud that such important, critically needed products will be produced in Kansas.”

 

Today’s ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony not only established the new Lenexa facility, but it also signified the beginning of Phase 2 of the project, which will focus on new research and development in the fight against COVID-19.

 

For more information on Thermo Fisher, including the viral transport media manufacturing site in Lenexa, visit their website here.

 

The below photos are available for media use:

 

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Government, Kansas

Virtual KS Products Fair

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Purple Ribbon Marketplace Offers Virtual State Fair Opportunity

 

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s state trademark program, From the Land of Kansas, and a variety of its member companies will be exhibiting in a virtual state fair-like experience, September 11-20, to showcase Kansas products.

 

The virtual experience, called Purple Ribbon Marketplace, will feature special deals like half-off shipping, as well as fun and interactive opportunities to learn about Kansas agriculture businesses and the stories behind them. KDA created a Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/thepurpleribbonmarketplace, and launched it on August 28 to begin sharing the stories about its members before product sales begin on September 11.

 

Since the cancellation of the Kansas State Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program wanted to find an alternative way to showcase these Kansas businesses and offer consumers the opportunity to purchase local products.

 

“This will be an easy way for these businesses to remain connected with consumers so they can enjoy high-quality food and unique products and share with their family and friends,” said Janelle Dobbins, From the Land of Kansas program director. “This virtual format will allow for more interaction, and, of course, the special state fair offers we all love.”

 

A variety of Kansas products will be offered through the Purple Ribbon Marketplace including popcorn, cheese, sunflower oil, coffee, spice and dip mixes, sauerkraut, and honey. A local distillery will also be selling their hand sanitizer.

 

From the Land of Kansas is the state’s trademark program that promotes and celebrates agricultural experiences and products grown, raised or produced in Kansas. It supports the KDA mission to serve Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and consumers by providing agribusiness marketing opportunities to participating local businesses and allowing consumers to identify and choose to support Kansas products.

 

For more information about the program and its members, visit fromthelandofkansas.com or engage with the program through social media by following From the Land of Kansas on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Shop for Kansas products year-round at shop.fromthelandofkansas.com.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Food, Fort Scott

Sharkey’s Gets A Facelift

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Dave Lipe submitted these photos of the Sharky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National Avenue. On the left is the before, on the right is the after of the facelift given the restaurant.

 

David and Tina Lipe, owners of Sparky’s Pub and Grub, 16 N. National, have invested time and money to give their restaurant a facelift.

The project started with Mid Continental Restoration, Inc. doing some joint repair and brick replacement on the front of building, David Lipe said.

“Peerless (Products, Inc.) did all of the tear-out and installation of all windows and front doors of the building,” Lipe said.  “The project started on August 17th and was completed on August 26th. ” There is still a little bit of floor replacement to be done, hopefully, this will be completed by August 31st.”

 

“We have been working on this project with Peerless for two years,” Lipe said. ” The building was extremely inefficient, windows were broken, (it) needed a facelift. We wanted to create an open-air type storefront.”

 

The facelift did not add any seating, Lipe said.  “But possibly some outside seating.”

 

“No grant monies were used on this project,” Lipe said.  “We have applied for a building improvement grant through the City of Fort Scott. I was told today that all funds are on hold due to COVID. We have also applied for some funding help through BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic Development Council), (we) have not received anything at this point.”

 

Sharky’s Pub & Grub phone number is 620-223-4777

The restaurant’s hours are: open at 11 am Monday through Sunday,
close at midnight Monday through Wednesday,  close at 2 am Thursday through Saturday, and close at 7 pm Sunday.

 

Business, Fort Scott

Mattox Promoted at UMB

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Crystal Mattox. Submitted photo.
Crystal Mattox was recently promoted to senior vice president of commercial lending at UMB Bank, according to Stephanie Kayser, a part of UMB Bank’s external communications team.
In her role, Crystal is responsible for developing new relationships, expanding existing business and maintaining customer relationships. Crystal provides financial solutions to help her clients grow, improve operations and increase value. 
 
Crystal has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined UMB Bank in 2010 as a vice president and commercial lender. Prior to UMB, Crystal worked at Emprise Bank as an assistant vice president and commercial lender.
 
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Kansas State University. She is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association’s National and Graduate Commercial Lending School and is a licensed insurance representative. Crystal is active in her community and is on the board of the local United Way chapter. She is also a member of the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers at St. Johns Catholic Church, Gunn Park Trails and the Moran Ball Association. 
Opinion

Protestors by Patty LaRoche

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Patty LaRoche

Scene #1: Protestors looted stores, torched the American flag, threw frozen water bottles at police, and destroyed their own communities.

Scene #2: Protestors created hand-made signs, lined the toll booths, gave drivers the thumbs up and waved them through.

Guess which scenario represented Mexico? Definitely not the first one.

A few years ago, my husband and I were driving from Las Vegas to Mazatlán, Mexico. Nearing our sixth toll booth, we noticed several adults waving signs protesting the gas price-hike in Mexico. Most Hispanics were concerned that because America was pulling businesses out of their country, they would suffer economically. They felt slighted and fearful.

Yet, no one appeared angry. No one blocked our path. No one chose to teach us Gringos a lesson by smashing our car or hanging us from the overpass. Quite the opposite. We were given the thumbs-up and waved through without paying a toll.

Last year, as Dave and I crossed the mountains in Mexico, we were stopped before our first toll booth by dozens of protestors, many resting in tarp shacks while their amigos blocked the road. Three smiling men approached Dave’s side of our truck and told him to pay them 50 pesos instead of the 31 pesos in tolls. I asked “¿Por qué?” (“Why?”) and was told “because that’s what we are doing.” Apparently, these men and women—along with their police escorts– had taken over the toll booth. We paid the money; the protestors removed the barrel from the front of our truck and we were waved on. Not for one second were we anxious.

Peaceful. Unified. Safe. Very unlike today’s American demonstrations… which makes me wonder, why is it that so many of America’s protests are becoming more barbaric than our less-advanced neighbors, they who have so much less than we? What happened to a code of morality where objectors show a modicum of self-restraint like they do in Mexico? When did a civilized society turn into brutes that rant, rave, curse, steal and burn Bibles (which, as we know, contains the answers to our problems) as a gesture of disagreement?

Christians must take action. We need to offer hope. That’s what happened at the “Riots to Revival” event in Portland, Oregon, Saturday night. CBS News reported that between 4,000 and 7,000 worshippers united for a night of “praise, worship, and to hear Bethel Music’s Sean Feucht speak” at Waterfront Park in an effort to heal America’s brokenness.

“White, Black, Hispanic – we came and released our song of hope over this city,” Feucht said. “People gave their life to Jesus. Hundreds of people. We baptized people in the river behind us. There was so much joy that took over the streets of that city last night.”

For those of us with less musical ability, here’s another idea. Let’s follow Franklin Graham’s Instagram call for specific prayers: for PEACE because “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:20); for PERSPECTIVE, because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17); for PATIENCE, because of God’s “kindness and forbearance and patience” toward us all (Romans 2:4); and for the OUTPOURING of God’s wisdom and direction for our leaders and officials who are dealing with this crisis. Ask God to change hearts and heal this divide in our nation.

Graham’s way is much more in line with the Mexican way. I think that God likes that way best.

Government, Kansas

Prisoner Review Board Location Change

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Kansas Prisoner Review Board Topeka Public Comment Session

Location Change

 

TOPEKA, Kansas – The Kansas Prisoner Review Board (PRB) announced today a change of location for the Public Comment Session scheduled for Friday, August 28, 2020.

 

Due to the announced closure of the Topeka Municipal Court building, the session has been relocated to the Florentine Room of the Jayhawk Tower located at 700 S.W. Jackson Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66603. Participants will be limited to 25 people at a time to meet social distancing requirements.

 

Participants who need assistance with directions or have questions about this change may call (785) 746-7529.

 

Government, Kansas

KDHE amends travel quarantine list

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has amended its travel quarantine list guidance to include Aruba. Additionally, those countries which previously held a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice with restrictions have been removed from the list effective today – this is in line with newly issued CDC guidance.

 

“While we are removing certain countries from our travel restrictions in line with CDC guidance, we will continue to issue travel quarantines of locations or activities that pose the largest threats to Kansans,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “For countries and/or states, the criteria will continue to be those that have new case rates three times the Kansas rate.”  

 

A comprehensive list of those individuals needing to quarantine for 14 days includes visitors and Kansans who have:

 

  • Travel to Aruba on or after August 27.
  • Attended/traveled to mass gathering events out-of-state of 500 people or greater on or after August 11.
  • Traveled July 14 – August 27 to countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notice and restrictions on entry into the United States, including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, and Brazil.
  • Been on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15.

 

Critical infrastructure sector employees who have travelled to these destinations or gatherings should contact their local health department regarding instructions for application of these quarantine orders while working. Critical infrastructure employees, such as public health, law enforcement, food supply, etc., need to have the staffing resources to continue serving Kansans so the local health department may allow a modified quarantine. Please note the only exemption for these quarantine mandates for critical infrastructure sector employees is work – they are not to go any other locations outside of work.

 

“If you are choosing to travel, in-state, out-of-state or internationally, please know that even though travel may be opening, there are inherent risks,” Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary, said. “Be sure to wear masks, practice social distancing and use proper hand hygiene. And, if you’re not feeling well, stay home!”

 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdhe.ks.gov/coronavirus.

Bourbon County Local News