Bourbon County, COVID-19, Government

New COVID 19 Case: Bourbon County June 16

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SEK Multi-County Health Departments

Bourbon County, Kansas

PRESS RELEASE:

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

June 16, 2020;

A Bourbon County, KS positive COVID-19 test was confirmed this afternoon. The testing was confirmed through an out of state reference laboratory that was used on the symptomatic individual. This individual and family have been out of state near two weeks and will remain out of state until their isolation and quarantine time is complete. For this reason, we believe there is low risk of exposure for Bourbon County residents. The Bourbon County Public Health Department is working diligently to complete the investigation.

The Bourbon County Public Health Department urges the public to continue to take appropriate actions. Individuals should continue to practice social distancing, clean/disinfect any high touched surfaces, wash their hands with soap and water routinely, use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available and avoid touching your face (especially eyes, nose & mouth).

Please remember if you have the symptoms to:

Call before going to a Clinic, Hospital, ER, or Health Department

Close contact means: 6 foot or less for 10 minutes or more, with a positive case.

STAY HOME IF SICK!

If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, PLEASE CALL 911.

For more information you may call the SEK Multi-County Health Department: Bourbon: (620)223-4464 Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm OR the COVID-19 Hotline: (866)534-3463.You may also visit the COVID-19 Resource Center at: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/OR Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates.

Government, Kansas

Political signs not allowed on highway right of way

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It’s a sign of the season – campaigning to support your favorite political candidate. However, if your plans involve placing a political sign, the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) reminds you to make sure it’s not located on highway right of way.

 

By law, all right of way on state highways is to be used exclusively for public highway purposes. Only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs are allowed on the state highway system. KDOT has jurisdiction over all interstate, Kansas and U.S. routes on the state’s 9,500-mile system.

 

The public should be aware that all political campaign signs or billboards are prohibited on the state right of way.

 

When KDOT maintenance crews find political or business advertising on state right of way, the signs will be removed immediately without notice. All such signs will then be taken to the closest KDOT subarea office where they can be picked up by the owner with the agreement they will not be placed on state right of way again. All political campaign signs not picked up will be disposed of after the election.

 

Political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way. However, people erecting signs on private property must first obtain permission from the property owner.

Obituary

Obituary of Kevin Stancer

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Kevin Earl Stancer, age 71, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Monday, June 15, 2020, at his home.

He was born January 2, 1949, in Centralia, Washington, the son of Earl E. Stancer and Lorest P. LaBrue Stancer.

Kevin graduated from the Ft. Scott High School.

He later served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He later transferred to the Kansas Army National Guard 1st/127th FA Unit based out of Pleasanton, Kansas where he served as Staff Sargent for Communications.

Kevin married Carolyn Jean Cash on August 24, 1974, in Ft. Scott.

Kevin worked for several years doing highway maintenance for the Kansas Department of Transportation.

He was a faithful member of the Community of Christ Church.

A special thank you is extended to all the healthcare workers, family and friends who have helped with Kevin’s care over the years.

 

Survivors include his son, Terry Tarter, of Ft. Scott.

Kevin’s wife, Carolyn, preceded him in death on May 27, 2020.  He was also preceded in death by his parents.

 

Robert Clark will conduct a private graveside service on Friday, June 19th at the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Community of Christ Church 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.

Area News, Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott Community College

Gordon Parks Museum Adds Interactive Learning

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Submitted photos. Elijah Knight and Jax Armstrong use interactive technology at the Gordon Parks Museum.

A  July 2019 grant from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is helping to support interactive technology for youth and young adults, at the Gordon Parks Museum.

 

The museum is located on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton.

 

“The interactive technology tablet is up and running,” Museum Director Kirk Sharp said.

 

Submitted photos.

 

The museum purchased a tablet kiosk, a stand for the kiosk, and operational interactive software.

 

“It is designed to deliver content in an interactive setting for all of our visitors, especially younger audiences,” Sharp said. “This interactive software will not only provide information about Gordon Parks but will also allow the visitors to view photos, videos, interviews, review books, listen to music, create a drawing/painting, interactive trivia quiz game and much more.”

 

 

Submitted photos.

 

“It has been a goal of the museum board to offer an additional and more modern approach to learning, viewing and appreciating all of the collections and works of Gordon Parks,” Sharp said. “Providing interactive displays in different areas of the museum will benefit the viewer(s) by providing additional details and content to each supported exhibit. This tablet helps us achieve this goal.”

 

“This project helped to give us the ability to provide a more engaging way for the younger generation to learn more about our museum and keep visitors fully engaged,” Sharp said. “The interactive technology has helped make our museum more appealing to younger crowds and to encourage visitors return for future visits.”

 

 

“This project also supports our mission of using Gordon Parks’ remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role diversity plays in our lives,” Sharp said.

 

Submitted photos.. Caleb Clay uses interactive technology at the Gordon Parks Museum.

 

“When the museum teaches about creativity, cultural awareness and diversity, it needs to be able to reach our visitors in creative ways, and by providing interactive technology, this will help us deliver on that objective,” Sharp said.  “We want our visitors’ experience to be engaging, educational and interactive, especially for the youth so we can help to keep the Gordon Parks legacy alive for generations to come.”

 

 

Bourbon County, Schools

Graduation For FSCH Was June 5

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Submitted photos. Fort Scott Christian Heights 2020 graduates.

On Friday, June 5, the Class of 2020 graduated from Fort Scott Christian Heights.

The ceremony was held with immediate families of the graduates.

The five students in the graduating class were Kendra Bahr, Drake Garcia, Jessica Lancaster, Seth Lowery, and Marissa Meanor.

Kendra Bahr was the valedictorian; Drake Garcia, the salutatorian. Kendra Bahr was awarded Outstanding Senior.

Prayer was offered by Mr. Jeremy Budy.

Principal Terry Chance speaks at the Fort Scott Christian Heights 2020 Graduation. Submitted photo.

Principal Terry Chance delivered the address, and the graduation was finished in 19 minutes. This graduation also concluded Mr. Chance’s 32 years as principal of Fort Scott Christian Heights.

Government, Kansas

Caryn Tyson: Legislative Update Special Session June 2020

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A Senator commented to me, “I don’t know how you do it.  You keep working and working.”  I didn’t have to think twice about my response.  You, my constituents, are the reason I do it.

 

Legislators were called back to Topeka by the Governor for a special session because she vetoed the COVID-19 bill that passed by super majority in the House and Senate.  There wasn’t a chance for a veto override because the bill passed the last day of the 2020 session.  Everything starts over for a special session, including all the bills.  This special session was over before it began.

 

The Governor met with some House and Senate leaders to cut a deal for a COVID-19 bill.  It resulted in House Bill (HB) 2016.  The bill was fast-tracked to the point of shutting down debate in the Senate.  After passing the House and the Senate Judiciary Committee, the bill should have gone to the Senate Committee of the Whole for debate, when motions to amend would have been in order.  However, after the Majority Leader made a motion to send the bill directly to a final vote, he made another procedural motion to Call the Question.  If the Call the Question motion passes, it cuts off all debate and any opportunity to amend the bill.  The Call the Question is rarely used and considered a nuclear option.  The Call the Question motion passed on a vote of 19 Yes to 17 No.  I voted No because there should have been debate and an opportunity to amend the bill.  It was disappointing that a majority of senators would vote to shutdown debate.  It was also disappointing that the Governor threatened to veto the bill if there were any amendments. A handful of Senators from both parties rejected the threat in an attempt to get better legislation.  HB 2016 passed on a vote of 26 Yes to 12 No.  I voted No.

 

COVID-19 legislation, HB 2016 had some good and some not so good legislation.  Unfortunately, senators didn’t have an opportunity to amend the bill on the Senate floor.  HB 2016 gives protection to some from frivolous COVID-19 lawsuits, while others do not get the same protection.  For example, hospitals will have greater protection than nursing homes; universities will have greater protection than community colleges.  The bill gives the State School Board authority to decide if schools open but not the local school boards.  There are some counties that never had a case of COVID-19.  Why wouldn’t we let the local school boards decide?  The bill appears to protect privacy and restrict contact tracing, but then allows contact tracing by the Secretary of Kansas Health and Environment (KDHE) and local health officers.  Many of you have been concerned about the Governor’s overreach in shutting down churches or how businesses and activities were selected for ‘essential’. HB 2016 would extend the Governor’s authority to September 15, allowing for winners and losers to be picked.  Why September 15?  When this question was asked, there wasn’t an answer.  After September 15, the bill allows six of the State Finance Council members to extend the Governor’s authority until Jan 26th 2021.  Why not put this check in before Sept 15?  These are a few examples of items that could have been addressed.

 

Membership of the State Finance Council is defined in statute consisting of nine members: (1) the governor, (2) the president of the senate, (3) the speaker of the house, (4) the majority leader of the senate, (5) the minority leader of the senate, (6) the chairperson of the senate committee on ways and means, (7) the majority leader of the house, (8) the minority leader of the house, and (9) the chairperson of the house committee on appropriations. The governor shall be the chairperson and the secretary of administration shall be the secretary of the council but shall not be a voting member.

As you know, these are unique times.  Kansans are facing hardships and uncertainty.  The news is intense, unrelenting, and at times inconsistent.  Check your sources and lead by example because these are the times that define us.  It reminds me of a Dale Evens quote, “It’s the way you ride the trail that counts.”  Stay safe and Godspeed.

 

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn

COVID-19, Government, Kansas

Vital Statistics Services Expands to Will Call Pickup

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The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces that its Vital Statistics Office lobby, which has been closed due to COVID-19, will open for will call pick-ups only beginning June 15. The lobby continues to remain closed for walk-in services.

 

To order certificates eligible for Will Call pickup, visit our website www.kdheks.gov/vital. Select the type of certificate and then complete the ordering process under the Will Call section. You will be notified by email when your certificate is ready to be picked up.

 

Those customers using Will Call pickup are encouraged to wear a mask when entering Vital Statistics. 

 

For more information, including other ordering options, please visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov/vital.

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Commission Agenda for June 16

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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: June 16, 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 THE COMMISSION ROOM. MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

9:00 – 9:45 Jim Harris

9:45 – 10:00 Lora Holdridge, 2021 Budget Hearing

10:00 – 10:05 Susan Bancroft, Indian Rd for Fort Scott Municipal Airport

10:15 – 10:30 Clint Anderson, Purchase of a Vehicle

Obituary

Obituary of Yvette Nelson

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Yvette Nelson, age 89, was born May 13, 1931, to the late Albert P. and Bonnie Dale Wilson and went home to be with the Lord Saturday, June 13, 2020, at West Ridge Assisted Living.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bro. Gene Nelson; and brother, Albert “Sonny” Wilson.

She married Gene Nelson on March 20, 1951, in Arkansas. She worked for the Western Insurance Company and served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife at Bethel Community Church and then Xenia Baptist Church for 27 years.  She was a loving wife, devoted mother, faithful friend, and godly mentor who made a difference in every life she touched.

Survivors include three children, Richette Shireman and husband, Doug, Walnut, KS, Sandy Haas and husband, Ron, Birmingham, AL, and Rod Nelson and wife, Bev, Fort Scott, KS; 10 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and sisters, Bonita Holman and Anita Davis

Pastor Thad Endicott will conduct graveside services at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 at the Uniontown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Xenia Baptist Missions Fund 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 Robert Piotrowski

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Robert Paul “Pete” Piotrowski, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020, at the Country Place Senior Living Facility in Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was born August 8, 1930, in Ft. Scott, the son of George Francis Piotrowski and Margaret Chambers Piotrowski.

He attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School where he was taught by the nuns.  He went on to Ft. Scott High School.

It was here that one of his high school coaches decided “Piotrowski” was just too long of a name to yell and he was given the nickname “Pete”.  He graduated from Ft. Scott High School with the Class of 1948.

He joined the Army Reserve out of high school.  Pete graduated from Ft. Scott Junior College in 1950.  He received a teaching certificate and went on to teach at Hard Pan country school.  In 1953, he was called into active duty, and was stationed in Germany.  He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1955.

Following his service with the military, Pete married Lula Mae Groner on June 6, 1959, at St. Paul, Kansas.

Pete’s father, George, started the family business just before Pete joined the military.  While overseas, Pete would send his paychecks home to help with the investment known as Sunflower Supply.  Sunflower was a successful wholesale tobacco and candy company that was home to the Piotrowski family for over forty-five years.

In the 70’s, while still working the family business, Pete decided to take on a full-time rural mail carrier position.  He hauled the mail for over thirty years.  He was the mailman that always carried gum with him, kids on the route quickly learned this and would always meet him at the mailbox.

After retiring from hauling mail and selling the family business, Pete enjoyed his farm outside of town.  He had a garden, fruit trees, some ponds for fishing and a place for all his family to hang out and call home.  Pete and Lou turned into Wendy’s Restaurant and Donut Shop regulars where they would meet their good friends for many years.

Pete and Lou were active members of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered regularly.  Pete and Lou shared their Catholic faith with their family, and they loved to hear the St. Mary’s Children’s Choir sing at the masses.

 

Survivors include his three children, Patricia Lou West and husband, Terry, Robert Jason Piotrowski and wife, Julie and Mary Paula Younggren and husband, Mike, all of Ft. Scott; seven grandchildren, Chrystal West Cowan (Josh), Ashlee Piotrowski Ludwig (Taylor), Gregory Piotrowski, Kayla West Collins (JD), Heather Rickerson Chavis (Josh), Emilee Piotrowski (Zach), and Casey Rickerson Proctor (Travis); and twelve great-grandchildren, Emmah Ludwig, Raylee Cowan, Eli Ludwig, Laramee James, Jace Cowan, Cheyann Collins, Caroline Proctor, Hayes Collins, Jackson Proctor, Kaislee Brittain, Theodore Chavis, and Rother Collins with one more great-grandson on the way.

Pete’s wife, Lou, preceded him in death on January 22, 2018.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bernard Francis Piotrowski, and a half-brother, George Alan Pirie.

 

Father Yancey Burgess will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, June 18th at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church.

Burial with military honors will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. Wednesday evening at the Church.

Visitation will follow from 7:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Church.  Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church or the St. Mary’s Catholic 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.

Bourbon County Local News