Government, Kansas

Special Equipment Approved For Hunting Coyotes at Night in Kansas 

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PRATT – In a 5-2 vote, Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commissioners passed a regulation change that will allow hunters to use artificial light and thermal-imaging equipment when hunting coyotes at night beginning in 2021. Once the regulation is implemented, interested hunters must purchase a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50, to use artificial light, scopes and equipment that amplify visible light, and thermal-imaging scopes and thermal-imaging equipment, when hunting coyotes at night, with the following restrictions:

  • Use of this equipment will be permitted from Jan. 1 to March 31 only;
  • Use of this equipment will require a hunter to possess a Night Vision Equipment Permit, $2.50;
  • Use of this equipment will be permitted for hunting coyotes only;
  • Use of a vehicle when hunting with this equipment is prohibited;
  • Use of this equipment will not be permitted on department lands and waters, including WIHA and iWIHA properties.

“The amount of public input we’ve received on this proposed regulation change was truly impressive,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Brad Loveless. “It just goes to show that, as a state agency, we make better decisions when we take good data, consult with our subject matter experts, and invite the public to provide their experience and insights. I’m pleased with this process and believe this will expand opportunities for hunters, and will benefit our ranching community, as well.”

 

The new Night Vision Equipment Permit will be valid beginning Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, hunters must observe all current laws and regulations pertaining to the use of special equipment and hunting coyotes (see ksoutdoors.com/Services/Law-Enforcement/Regulations for details).

 

To watch a recording of KDWPT’s Aug. 20 Commission meeting, visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Commission.

 

For more on hunting in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com/Hunting.

 

Fort Scott, Government

City Press Release Regarding the Union Block Building

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NEWS RELEASE from the City of Fort Scott
August 24, 2020: Regarding the Union Block building the City reviewed its records and has determined the following:
1) The Commission appropriately proclaimed the use of the City’s economic development funds in support of economic development projects as a public purpose.
2) The City Commission recognized the Union Block Building as a project deserving of the City’s economic development programs and services, and authorized expenditures.
3) All expenditures toward the Union Block Building were authorized and paid by funds allocated by the Commission for the public purposes for which they were authorized.
4) All payments on the Union Block Building were properly paid and accounted for in the normal course of business. Requests for payment were supported by invoices or other documents certifying that the funds were for the Union Block Building project and for purposes approved by the Commission.
5) No funds under any Commission-approved program were intended or required to be repaid by the developer, owner, or contractor(s) of the Union Block Building.
The City encourages and supports economic development in the City, including the preservation and redevelopment of its many historic properties.
Inquiries on the City’s economic development programs should be directed to the City’s Economic Development Director, Rachel Pruitt ([email protected]).
Follow up on the Union Block Building can be addressed to the City Attorney ([email protected] )
Taken from the City of Fort Scott Facebook page
Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

Health Department on COVID-19: Update

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, and Woodson Counties

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

August 24, 2020

On August 25, Rebecca Johnson, SEK Multi-County Health Departments Administrator sent the following clarification on this information.

“According to KDHE, the antigen test (the rapid Sofia test is being used in our area) is a presumptive laboratory test. So, if COVID-19 is ‘detected’ on an antigen test, we list it as presumptive on our weekly county update.”

 

“The PCR test is a confirmatory test, which meets laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. If the result of the PCR test is ‘detected’ it is listed as positive.”

 

“We needed to list them differently because at one point KDHE was not counting the presumptive tests on the county totals, although we had to do the same work on them as we would have done for a positive PCR test and the individual would still be considered a COVID-19 case. KDHE is now listing the COVID-19 cases that were tested with an antigen test as a probable case. But a probable case, to KDHE can also be one with no testing done at all. So, we’ve stuck with using the word presumptive, because again, the antigen test is a presumptive laboratory test.”

 

“For the most part, around our area, the PCR test is the one that has been used the most, because it’s been around the longest and has been more available. Recently SEK Urgent Care and Ashley Clinic have started performing the rapid Sofia antigen test, and so we’ve seen a number of COVID-19 cases (presumptive) come from those clinics.”

 

“We are still going to continue to list the out of state/county, because as we’ve gone along, we’ve gotten several more cases, and again with this, we still have to do the same work on these cases, as we would one of our own residents and the individual is still in our county.”

 

 

 

Thanks.

 

 

Rebecca Johnson

SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Administrator

Allen County

Current Active Cases 4
Presumptive Cases 3
Positive Out of State-Staying in Allen County 3
Total Hospitalizations 2-1 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 26 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives )
Total Positives Since Testing 30 (Allen County + out of state)
Deaths 0

Anderson County

Current Active Cases 2
Total Hospitalizations 0
Current Recovered Cases 30
Total Positives Since Testing 32
Deaths 0

Bourbon County

Current Active Cases 5
Presumptive Cases 14
Positive Out of State/County-staying in Bourbon 11
Total Hospitalizations 8-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 92 (recovered positives + recovered presumptives)
Total Positives Since Testing 86 (Bourbon County + out of state/county)
Deaths 2

Woodson County

Current Active Cases 1
Total Hospitalizations 1-0 remaining in hospital
Current Recovered Cases 11
Total Positives Since Testing 12
Deaths 0
Area News, Entertainment

Pittsburg Youth Chorale Fall Enrollment Open

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Area singers in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join Pittsburg Youth Chorale, directed by MJ Harper.

The purpose of this vocal ensemble is to further grow vocal abilities, musical knowledge, and choral repertoire.

Performers will prepare music for community events and music festivals. COVID guidelines will be observed.

Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6-7PM at First United Methodist Church, 415 N. Pine, Pittsburg, KS and begin September 8th.

There is a fee of $25 per session (Sept-Dec/Jan-May) to cover the cost of music.

Scholarships are available.

To enroll, contact MJ Harper at 620-719-6633 or email [email protected], deadline September 8th.

Bourbon County, Government

Revised Bourbon County Commission Agenda Aug. 25

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Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: August 25, 2020

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

MEETING WILL BE HELD IN COMMISSION ROOM. ANYONE ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 9:15 JT Heckman

9:15 – 9:30 Jayhawk Wind Road Use Agreement

9:30 – 9:45 Spark Findings & Greenbush

10:00 – 10:30 2021 Budget Hearing

10:30 – 10:45 Jody Hoener, CDBG CV Plan Parameters

10:45 – 11:00 Lora Holdridge, US Imaging Project

Obituary

Obituary of Audrey Crutcher

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Audrey Elaine (Golden) Crutcher, revered high school business educator and former Fort Scott resident, passed away Sunday, August 23, 2020, in Springfield, Missouri.

Her husband of nearly 65 years, James Samuel “Tex” Crutcher, preceded her in death on July 26, 2018.

 

Born October 1, 1931, on the Golden family farm and ranch near Garland, Kansas, she was the daughter of Walter Bryan Golden and Opal Louise (Pettibon) Golden.

 

Crutcher graduated from Fort Scott High School and then attended Fort Scott Community College where she was named homecoming queen in 1949. She continued her education at Kansas State Teacher’s College and graduated with a degree in business from what is now Pittsburg State University.

 

After college, she worked in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, as a secretary at the headquarters of Phillips 66 Oil Company and lived in an apartment building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. After two years she returned to Pittsburg, Kansas, where she was employed at the Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma Dairy Association.

 

She married James Samuel “Tex” Crutcher November 25, 1953 in Pittsburg, Kansas. They later moved to Columbus, Kansas where her husband was assistant coach of football, basketball, baseball and track at Columbus High School from 1955 to 1958.

 

In 1958, the Crutcher family, which now included son Greg and daughter Kim, moved to Garland, Kansas to help manage the Golden Farm and cattle operation with her father Walter B. Golden. They continued farming but moved to Eddy Street and later East National Avenue in Fort Scott where the farm and ranch operation was headquartered. For many years she was employed at Fort Scott Motors, an automobile dealership.

 

In the early 1970’s, Audrey Crutcher returned to college and earned a teaching certificate. She performed her student teaching obligations at Uniontown High School then took a position teaching business practices, accounting and typing at Fort Scott High School for many years. Her leadership and mentoring influenced many young women to pursue careers in business.

 

In their retirement, she and her husband Tex, former president of Citizen’s National Bank, managed a popular travel club for seniors called Funseekers for more than 20 years. The group traveled regionally and to countless destinations around the world. She was a longtime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization that supports women’s educational opportunities

 

The Crutcher’s moved to Springfield, Missouri, in June 2015, to be closer to their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Survivors include daughter Kimberley Hart and her husband James of Willard, Missouri; a son, Greg Crutcher, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three grandsons, Aaron Hart and wife Kristi of Jefferson City, Missouri; Justin Hart and wife Sarah and Tyler Hart and wife Kayla of Republic, Missouri. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Trysten, Mason, Grayson, Abe, Remington, Viv, Marion James and Eliza Mae.

 

Additionally, she is survived by her sister Bernita Hill and nephew John Hill, both of Fort Scott and Robb Hill of Des Moines, Iowa. In Texas, Crutcher is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Paul DeWitt Crutcher, William Donald Crutcher, Diane Margaret Crutcher, Judy Jane Crutcher and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt and Rev. Steve Cole will conduct funeral services at 11:30 A.M. Friday, August 28th at the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Scott.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:30 A.M. prior to services at the church.

Private burial will take place at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Memorials are suggested to the Ft. Scott Community Foundation and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com. 

Obituary

Obituary of George Hall

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George R. Hall passed away August 21, 2020 at KU Medical Center. He was born 4/4/1944 in Fort Scott Kansas the son of Donald and Hazel Hall. He was married to Mildered Brewer, they recently celebrated their 57th anniversary.

George worked for KG&E for 30 years, retiring in 1999. He had a passion for hunting and fishing that he shared with his family and friends. His love for travel took him to nearly all 50 states and Canada. He was an avid music lover and loved to share his favorite songs. George was an amazing storyteller whether he was telling stories of his travels with family and friends or fishing and hunting tales he always brought a smile to the listener.  Most of all he loved his family and time spent with his grandchildren

 

 

He is survived by his wife Mildred Hall of the home, son Don Hall, Norwich KS and daughter Dana Ussery and husband Tim of Pittsburg, KS. Seven grandchildren Ashten Hall, Erin Hall, Gabe Harris, Abigail Harris, Katie Ussery, Brooke Ussery, Ashten Hall and Erin Hall. Also surviving are his mother in-law Clara Brewer and brother in-law Charles Brewer and wife Paula.

 

 

A memorial service will be held at Cheney Witt Chapel at 10:30 A. M. Saturday, August 29th.

. The family will receive friends following the memorial service until noon.

Memorials may be made to the Get Busy Living – The Dylan Meier Foundation and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.  Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guest book at cheneywitt.com.

Bourbon County Sheriff's Office

Public Servant Profile: Corrections Officer Mowen

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Jessica Mowen. Submitted photo.
Jessica Mowen, 44, is a Bourbon County Corrections Officer with the Sheriff’s Department.
Her education has included a Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Med Assistant and a  phlebotomist.
“I attended the jail academy at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson KS also,” she said.
Mowen has one year’s experience with the Bourbon County Law Enforcement Center.
” I take care of the inmates while incarcerated, book in inmates and release inmates,” she said.
Her family includes four grown kids, two grandkids.
Community involvement, interests or hobbies:
“M hobbies are my parent’s farm, enjoying time with my family, riding horses, riding four-wheelers, hunting, pretty much anything outdoors. I also drive tractors in the Good Ole Days and Pioneer Harvester parades every year,” she said.
Why did you pursue your career?
“I’ve always loved helping people in any way I can,” she said.  “Medical was my choice but to be honest I feel law enforcement chose me. I enjoy my job and I hope I can make a career with the Sheriff’s Department. My hope is that I can make a difference in the community one inmate at a time. I want to show them that I do care, don’t judge, I do want to help even if it’s just a conversation or an ounce of hope, they can change their lives, do better and be a productive citizen. Some people just need someone to believe in them. I want people to know WE Law Enforcement Officers are not all bad. ALOT of us do have hearts.”
Bourbon County, K-State Extension

Home Preservation Requires Food Safety Steps

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Kathy McEwan, K-State Extension Agent. Submitted photo.

 

 

Safety and security of foods preserved in the home depend on the cook. It is vital that proper techniques and processes are used to ensure that home-preserved foods remain safe.

The failure to follow a tested recipe or to store food in a safe place can jeopardize food safety, yet recognizing when home preserved foods are past their prime or no longer safe-to-eat is sometimes a challenge, said Karen Blakeslee, Kansas State University Research and Extension food scientist.

Tell-tale signs that suggest food is suspect and should be discarded include:

* Vacuum seal on the lid has been compromised; lid may pop, bulge, or show signs of rust;

* Jar is chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged;

* Evidence of loss of food quality, such as the presence of mold, loss or change of color, texture, or off odor.

* Evidence of insect or rodent infestation; and

* Date made is unknown.

Do not taste or use food from any jar that has become unsealed or shows any signs of spoilage, Blakeslee said.

To keep home canned foods safe, she recommends:

1) Choose a tested recipe from a reliable source;

2) Use canning equipment that is in tiptop shape. Check the pressure canner gauge annually or more frequently, if a malfunction is suspected. Replace damaged jars and containers. Use new lids;

3) Follow recipe directions exactly;

3) Label and date all home-preserved foods;

4) Store home canned foods in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid attics, garages, or shelving near a water heater or other appliances that generate heat;

5) Use home preserved foods within one year; and

6) Check food storage area regularly to inspect for potential problems, such as a water leak or insect damage.

It is recommended that pressure canner/cooker gauges be tested for accuracy. This can be done quickly and easily in any of the Southwind Extension offices at no cost. Call any of the Southwind offices to schedule a time to have testing done.

More information about food preservation is available at K-State Research and Extension Southwind offices, and on our website at www.southwind.ksu.edu.

An additional resource is the National Center for Home Food Preservation, located at the University of Georgia and online at: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp.

Bourbon County Local News