Governor appoints Lorenz to lead KDOT

Gov. Laura Kelly has appointed Julie Lorenz to lead the Kansas Department of Transportation as Interim Secretary. She succeeds Richard Carlson, who retired on Jan. 11.

While new to this position, this is her second tour of duty for KDOT, serving as the Director of Public Affairs and Special Assistant from 2003 to 2011. During that time, Lorenz led the development of several efforts at the agency, including the development and eventual legislative passage of the $8.2 billion, 10-year T-WORKS funding program in spring 2010.

“I am honored to be back at KDOT,” Lorenz said. “I’m excited to help develop new opportunities to expand our transportation investments across the state while also working to maintain the existing system. Transportation is a part of everyone’s lives and the work KDOT does is critical to our state.”

Lorenz comes from Burns & McDonnell where she was a Principal specializing in strategic business consulting and planning and policy development for the transportation industry at the national, regional and local levels.

Southwind Judging Teams Earn National Recognition

 

Left to right: Carla Nemecek, Brody Nemecek, Clay Brillhart, Jillian Keller, Haydon Schaaf, John Emmerson earned Reserve National Champions at the National Western Stock Show, Denver, CO.

The Southwind Extension District 4-H Livestock Judging Team of Jillian Keller (Piqua), Brody Nemecek (Iola), Haydon Schaaf (Uniontown), and Clay Brillhart (Fort Scott) recently participated at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO.  By the narrow margin of only one point, these youth were named Reserve National Champions to a team from Texas. They were selected as the only team to represent Kansas 4-H because they were the State Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team in August, 2018. With 24 teams and 97 youth in the contest, this group had to work hard to receive national recognition.

In addition to being the second team overall, they were also 3rd in Reasons, 2nd in Sheep and 2nd in Goats. Individually results include: Brody Nemecek – 3rd in Swine and 8th Overall; Clay Brillhart – 4th in Hogs, 8th in Goats and 9th Overall; Jillian Keller – 2nd in Sheep and 2nd in Goats; Haydon Schaaf – 7th in Sheep and 8th in Reasons. The team continues to be coached by Carla Nemecek, Southwind District Director. John Emmerson, a former member of a Southwind team who participated at the National Western, served as Assistant Coach.

As a reward for their talents, the top two teams were awarded an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and at the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland, June 19 – June 3, 2019. The contests are only a small piece of the international trip that will include agriculture seminars and opportunities to enhance leadership skills through interaction with the citizens of the UK and Ireland. The trip is limited to only nine American teams each year, and this is the first time a combined Southwind District team will participate. In 2005, a Neosho County 4-H team – Ryan Page, Trent Page, Clem Neely and Bailey Shaw were able to participate in the Scotland contest.

Although exciting for Southwind 4-H members, this opportunity comes with a price tag of about $6500 per person to attend. Fundraising efforts will soon be underway to send these youth on an international trip of a lifetime. Should you be interested in investing in this unique 4-H opportunity, please contact the Southwind Extension District at 620.365.2242.

 

Chamber Coffee Jan. 17 at Fort Scott High School

WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER
Join us for Chamber Coffee
 
Hosted by:

USD 234
 
Location:

Fort Scott High School, 1005 S. Main St.
Thursday, January 17, 2019


Click here for USD 234’s website.


Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
January 24 – Sharky’s Pub & Grub
January 31 – Southwind Extension District
February 7 – City State Bank
February 14 – Visage Skin Care

New Owners of Public Transportation

Jackie Sellers stands in front of the two vans that were purchased by Old Fort Transportation LLC to provide public transportation to the community. Sellers and her husband, James are the new owners of the business. Fort Scott National Historic Site is in the background. The business is located at the very north end of Main Street, housed in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.

Old Fort Transportation, LLC, owned by Jacqueline and James Sellers, took over public transportation from Pitt-Taxi on  Jan. 1, 2019.

Sellers is no stranger to public transportation in Fort Scott.

“In 2003, I started working as the coordinator for Bourbon County Senior Citizen,” Sellers said.  “One of my responsibilities was to work with transportation, so I did some of the dispatching and the driving.”

Through the years, Sellers got to know those that used the service.

“Little did I know how much happiness and sorrow was to come,” she said.” I got to meet many of my fellow citizens, and as I grew to know them, I celebrated with them and I have mourned with them. I have taken some to job interviews and then taken them to work. Then had to say ‘see you later’ as they bought their car and were able to drive themselves to work.”

During that period of time public transportation was providing over a thousand rides a month, she said.

“Then in 2014, SEK-CAP  (South East Kansas-Community Action Program) took over transportation,” Sellers said. “It was with a heavy heart I watched as many of my transportation family were suffering from the 24-hour notice (SEK-CAP requirement) for transportation and the ridership dwindled. Bourbon County Senior Citizens, then took an active look at better transportation for the city. Pitt-Taxi took over in 2016, and I was asked once again to manage transportation. I have been able to watch transportation grow again.”

In late 2018, the owners of Pitt-Taxi made a decision to retire.

“When the owners of Pitt-Taxi decided to retire, I had to make a decision, and with the support of my husband, James, we decided to take over the transportation here in Fort Scott,” Sellers said.  “Thanks to the help of Bourbon County Senior Citizens and the support of the City (of Fort Scott), Old Fort Transportation will continue to provide the needed transportation for our hometown families.”

The business primarily provides transportation in Fort Scott, and when possible, the surrounding areas, she said.

 

Old Fort Transportation LLC is located at 26 N. Main, in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.

Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center, 26 N. Main.

“You can’t miss the vehicles (two vans) parked on Old Fort Blvd., she said.

The phone number is still the same (620)249-1440.

Regular hours of operation are Mon. through Sat. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The full cost of a ride is $6.

“There is a discounted rate of $4 for senior citizens and those who have a commodity card or a Beacon card,” she said.

The public transportation business provides an average of 900 rides a month.

Sellers compiled a list of where she takes passengers:

Shopping – G &W Grocery Store, Walmart, Dollar General, Tractor Supply, Price Chopper Grocery Store, and downtown shops.

Medical appointments – Mercy, Urgent Care, Dr. Kellenburger, Baker Clinic, eye doctors, dentists, WIC, Mental Health clinic, and I Am Rehab.

Work – restaurants and fast food places, Walmart, G and W, Price Chopper, Extrusions, Peerless, Timken, First Source, Valu Merchandise, Nursing homes,  and individual homes.

Other- banks, post office, library, Fort Scott Community College, Bourbon County Court House, jail, Fort Scott City Hall, cable office, bill pay centers, automotive repair, nursing home to visit, restaurants and fast food places to eat.

 

Planning For Smart Food Choices

Kathy S. McEwan Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Foods & Nutrition, SNAP-Ed Coordinator Southwind Extension District – Iola Office P.O. Box 845, Iola KS 66749 620-365-2242 [email protected]

Fast Food or Healthy Food? You Can Do Both with Planning and Smart Choices

Many commit to healthy eating as a New Year’s resolution and halfway into the month of January, they may be finding it a challenge. Time to cook and busy schedules top the list of what make healthy eating hard. In the rush of daily life, eating at fast food restaurants is often the default choice for getting through the to-do list.

The concern, says K-State Research and Extension nutrition specialist Sandy Procter, is that many fast food choices can lead to unhealthy eating.

In October, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released results of a study from 2013 to 2016 concluding that more than one in three adults consume fast food on any given day.

“It’s not the fast food that’s the problem,” Procter said. “It’s the net result of portions that are too big and sometimes contain unhealthy ingredients.”

Convenience is the No. 1 reason why most people choose fast food. The relatively inexpensive cost, the fact that we like it and a lack of alternatives are other top reasons.

“I don’t think we are going to change the fact that many adults on many days of the week take fast food as an option, but I think if we look into it a little more deeply, we can all be better in control of what that means to our health and our diets in general,” Procter said.

She added that one key to avoiding unhealthy choices at fast food restaurants is to plan ahead. That could mean packing your lunch – or even part of the meal — the night before to avoid rushing out without food in the morning.

“When I say part of a lunch, that really helps,” Procter said. “If you do have to grab some fast food, you don’t have to accept what they offer as sides. You don’t have to get the full meal deal. You can order a small, single sandwich or wrap…and add those foods that you chose to bring along with you.”

Plus, planning ahead saves money and helps control the amount you eat.

“A lot of times, you can get those less expensive sandwiches,” Procter said. “They may cost less, and the portioning of those is going to be a lot healthier. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with fast food, but it becomes a problem when the portions are so large and the choices we make contain unhealthy aspects. We can do a lot about those just as wise consumers.”

Procter noted that consumers also can check out nutrition information online for many restaurant chains.

“So even if it’s not posted at the point of sale, you can find out about those choices that you automatically make,” she said, adding that knowing nutrition information could help you cut calories and eat more healthfully.

“It’s about taking control of the way I would like things to be, and finding a way to make it work for me. I think that is part of my job as a responsible consumer.”

Additional tips that Procter provided for avoiding unhealthy choices when eating on-the-go include:

  • Split meals with a family member or friend. Portion sizes are often too large for one, but just right for two.
  • Pack snacks or parts of a meal for traveling, especially when flying. You can supplement with small, healthy choices in the airport.
  • Choose water instead of sodas or other high-calorie drinks.
  • Consider purchasing a ‘Kids Meal,’ even if you have to pay a small up-charge.
  • Go light on the add-ons, such as dressing, cheese, macaroni salad, heavy sauces and other toppings.

For more ideas on healthy eating, contact Kathy at [email protected] or by phone at 620-365-2242. Check out the Southwind Extension District website at www.southwind.ksu.edu.

Obituary for F. Lorrene Henningsen

F. Lorrene Henningsen, age 87, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, January 14, 2019, at the Medicalodge of Ft. Scott.

She was born November 9, 1931, in Ft. Scott, the daughter of Clarence Barton Sackett and Mary Jane Crystal Sackett.

Lorene had made her home in California and in Springfield, Missouri prior to returning to Ft. Scott.

Survivors include two sisters, Bonnie Reid and Fran Brillhart, both of Topeka, Kansas and three brothers, Bill Sackett, of Rocky Ford, Colorado; Kenneth Sackett of Benton, Kansas and George Sackett, of Olathe. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Todd, Pansy Hill and Betty Sackett and a brother, LeRoy Sackett.

There was cremation.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Private burial will take place in the Large Cemetery south of Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to Mercy Hospice 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.

Martin Luther King Jr. Lunch and Learn: FSCC

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day observance at FSCC announced “Lunch and Learn”

Fort Scott, KS- Fort Scott Community College will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a “Lunch and Learn” presentation on Monday, January 21, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Ellis Fine Arts Center. The hour’s program will feature a panel discussion made up of members from the community. Moderator for the event will be the Rev. Dr. Jared Witt, pastor of the Fort Scott First Presbyterian church.

The Lunch and Learn is free and open to the public. Participants can bring their lunch with them and drinks. Desserts will be provided.

We’ll take a look at the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King in open discussion within our community along with celebrating the life of Dr. King,” said Kirk Sharp, director of the Gordon Parks Museum at FSCC.

 

For more information contact Kirk Sharp at 223-2700, ext. 5850.

Obituary of Jeffrey Hack

Jeffrey J. Hack, age 67, a resident of rural Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at his home.

He was born November 30, 1951, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Joseph C. Hack and Mary Kathryn Potts Hack.  He graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.

He later worked as a saw operator for Peerless Products for over thirty years.  Jeff enjoyed his music while in the garage or on a ride on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  Jeff loved his pets, Pepper and Lil’ S***, who were like his kids.

  He was a member of the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Misty Hack and Michelle Blankenship, both of Ft. Scott.  Also surviving are several grandchildren who he loved dearly.  They were all his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Hack and Mary Kay O’Brien.

The family would like to thank everyone for the support and prayers.  “Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Psalm 23:4”

Father Yancy Burgess will conduct Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 18th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s School 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.

Paws and Claws Needs New Facility

All photos courtesy of Front Door Real Estate. The current Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter property features numerous dog kennels, quarantine kennels, cat rooms, cat yard, dog play yards, reception area, office and restroom facilities on 19.8 Acres. Contact Jared Leek, Owner/Broker of Front Door Real Estate, Inc., for more information at (620) 224-9787.

The local animal shelter is seeking a new facility and selling the old one located southeast of Fort Scott.

The following is an interview with Treasurer Kathy Dancer and Corresponding Secretary Kate Sweetser, two members of the board of directors of Lee’s Paw and Claws Animal Shelter:

Why the move?

“The current shelter, which was built and then expanded thanks to a generous gift from Lee Weast, is fantastic but has presented two challenges.

One is that fundraising has not provided the income required to run a 4,000 square foot facility.

The other is that the location on a gravel road seven miles from town has made it harder to attract both volunteers and potential adopters.”

“Lee’s Paws and Claws Animal Shelter is owned and operated by the Shirley Yeager Animal Friends Foundation. The foundation’s board of directors has made the decision to transition to a more sustainable business model.”

“Part of this transition involves rightsizing to a smaller, more affordable facility located in the city. Our organization relies on adopters, volunteers, and donors. Being located in Fort Scott will help meet the needs of the humans involved. ”

“Another key part of the transition to a sustainable business model is the implementation of a foster care program for dogs. Dogs who have been in foster care are better socialized and therefore more easily adopted.

Our goal is to have a smaller facility that will serve as a cat shelter, an office, and an intake and adoption area.”

Who made the decision?

“The time and expense associated with maintaining our current facility has been an issue for several years. The current executive board has been exploring options for about a year now. The first decision to offer the current facility for sale was made a few months ago and the board agreed unanimously to sell the current building and acreage.

The second decision was to transition to a foster model and relocate closer to town while the current facility is on the market. Some board members wanted to stay at our current location until it sells and others wanted to transition as soon as possible. The decision was a difficult one and involved lengthy discussions and number-crunching, but in November of 2018, the board voted to begin the downsizing process and transition to a foster program in early 2019.”

“The current executive board consists of Randy Shannon, chair; Matt Messer, vice-chair; Kathy Dancer, treasurer; Rhonda Dunn, recording secretary; and Kate Emmett-Sweetser, corresponding secretary. The general board of directors includes the executive board members as well as Marianne Crane, Barb Ritter, and Rob Shaw. Ann Gillmore-Hoffman is board member emeritus.”

Where is the current facility located?

“We are currently located at 721 240thStreet, between Fort Scott and Garland. The 4,000 square foot facility  (which is for sale) is situated on 19.8 acres which includes a pond and a tornado shelter. “

What are you looking for in town?

“We are looking for 1000-1500 square feet which could house an office, intake room, adoption area, and a few cat suites.  We want a location which is affordable to maintain and easy for volunteers and potential adopters to access.  We have a few potential rental and purchase options which we will discuss at our next executive board session.”

Tell about the animal foster program.

“Our goal is to develop a network of foster homes for dogs waiting for adoption.  A foster home is a better temporary situation for dogs than a shelter because the animals live in a home where they receive more attention and are socialized with family members, both humans and other pets.

The state requires that we inspect and license all animal foster homes, so the process can take several weeks. Once a foster home is approved, they are licensed for a year. When placing a dog in foster care, our organization will have the dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated. The foster family will provide for the daily needs of the dog and coordinate with shelter personnel to give potential adopters opportunities to meet the foster dog. We plan to host adoption events on a regular basis at our new location. Foster applications are available on our website at www.LeesPawsAndClawsShelter.org/fostering.html.”

Bourbon County Local News